Method for operating machine tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-assisted method for operating a machine tool (1), in which the machine tool (1) comprises at least two movable axes (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2), in which first data and second data are acquired for a predetermined period of time, in which * the first data represents the axis movement of the respective axes (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2) and the second data represents the axis movement of the respective axes (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2) on the basis of measurements within the machine tool (1). And * the second data comprises control commands for the respective axes (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2),-evaluating the first data and the second data in order to assign the control commands to axis movements for each axis (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2),-determining one or more types of axis movements for each axis (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2),-generating one or more signals, the one or more types of axis movements determined for each axis (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2) are visualized in the form of an aggregated graph (PA),-reporting, according to the aggregated graph (PA), which type of axis movement lasts for the longest time during operation of the machine tool within a predetermined time period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Regardless of the part of speech of the nouns used in this disclosure, they include various categories and parts of speech.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a computer-aided method for operating a machine tool, wherein the machine tool includes at least two movable axes.

[0003] Furthermore, a computing device is disclosed, which is designed for data transmission with the machine tool and is configured to cooperate with the machine tool to perform the above method.

[0004] Furthermore, a computer program is disclosed, which includes computer program code that enables the aforementioned computing device to perform the aforementioned method by cooperating with the aforementioned machine tool.

[0005] Finally, a computer-readable medium storing such a computer program is disclosed. Background Art

[0006] In the field of machine tools, in addition to workpiece quality, improving productivity, such as reducing the machining duration of workpieces, is a very important topic. However, it is not always clear where there is potential to increase the machining speed throughout the machining process.

[0007] So far, in order to reduce the machining duration, process optimization is usually carried out by observing individual processes separately, where there is potential to save machining time within an individual process. This is time-consuming, and usually, due to other processes being dominant, the process acceleration within a process step can hardly result in savings in the total machining time sometimes.

[0008] Computer-aided operating methods are known from the prior art, in which the movement speed of machine components can be adapted. Therefore, for example, the patent application with publication number WO 9709547 A1 discloses an operating method, in which a computer-aided design program can be configured to model the kinematic speed profile of points of a machine to be controlled. The graphical user interface on the computer enables the operator to select desired speed points for the motor drive that controls the movement of points on the machine. Curve fitting is applied to the speed points in order to achieve the desired speed profile for the motor drive and the points on the machine. Then, the desired speed profile is integrated and scaled to obtain a scaled speed profile, and the speed profile enables the point to achieve the actual or sought displacement according to the operation of the machine. By controlling the operation of the machine elements by means of the speed profile, the operator can visualize the coordinates of the points on the machine and the associated elements, where the operator selects speed points for each drive of the machine. Also disclosed is a method for implementing it.

[0009] It is thus desirable to be able to achieve a better reduction in the duration of a process carried out with a machine tool, which is preferably the duration of a manufacturing process, such as the duration of a workpiece machining process or an additive manufacturing process. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The above object can be achieved by a method of the above type, in which first data and second data are acquired within a predetermined time period. The first data represents the axis movements of the respective axes. Preferably, the first data is acquired for all axes of the machine tool. In addition, the first batch of data is based on measurements carried out by a sensing mechanism arranged in the machine tool.

[0011] The method preferably runs in real time, i.e., during the operation of the machine tool, such that corresponding corrections and changes can still be made during the operation.

[0012] The second data includes control commands for the respective axes. For example, this can be program commands (such as G-code) and / or PLC signals. PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller or in German Speicherprogrammierbarer Controller.

[0013] The first data and the second data are evaluated in order to preferably directly or indirectly assign the control commands to the axis movements for each axis. In particular, a cross-reference between the first data and the second data is created thereby, which cross-reference, for example, enables the axis movements to be referenced to the corresponding control commands, preferably to the corresponding part program segments.

[0014] In addition, one or more types of axis movements are determined for the axes, for example based on the associations carried out. It can also be considered: determining or deriving the type of axis movement directly from the first data. The type of axis movement can be different here. That is, within a predetermined time period, each axis can perform one or more types of axis movements, such as stopping, traveling at a constant speed, accelerating or decelerating. Thereby, for example, it can be determined whether and when the respective axis participates in a process carried out during the operation of the machine tool, in particular a manufacturing process.

[0015] In addition, the current line in the part program can be determined at the time point of an event, and the stop time can be associated with the corresponding subroutines and loops.

[0016] Then, one or more signals are generated in order to visualize, in the form of an aggregated graph, one or more types of axis movements determined for each axis.

[0017] For example, signals can be generated with the aid of the first data and / or the second data. Advantageously here: Data is collected from the first data and / or the second data according to a determined criterion. For example, data from the first data and / or the second data can be aggregated, and the data source can be associated with a specific type of axis movement, which is performed by all axes (participating in the machining process). That is, in the aggregation graph, it can be shown which types of axis movements are performed by all axes, and the relationship (in terms of time) between the individual (movement) types.

[0018] In other words, in the aggregation graph, the commonalities of the movements of the individual axes (axes participating in the machining process), in particular the commonalities of the movements of all axes, are summarized and shown.

[0019] Report according to the aggregation graph: Which type of axis movement lasts the longest during a predetermined period during the operation of the machine tool.

[0020] For example, with the aid of the aggregation graph, the corresponding shares and types of axis movements performed simultaneously by multiple axes and in particular by all axes during a predetermined period can be visualized. Thus, in the overall process, it is quickly visible which individual process or which individual movement has the greatest potential, for example, to reduce the process time. For example, the time when all axes are stopped can be used to perform possible communication tasks between control partners, such as between a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) and a PLC, and there may be savings potential there.

[0021] Therefore, an aggregation graph is generated by means of a signal that maps the information on the type of axis movement obtained from the first data (i.e., from the measurement data). Since the first data is associated with control commands as described above, the aggregation graph enables corresponding types of conclusions to be drawn regarding the control commands corresponding to the axis movements and in particular the part program segments. Through this reference, the user can immediately find the control commands and process them to optimize and in particular shorten the processing duration.

[0022] It goes without saying that the machine tool can be a computer numerical control machine tool, or can also be a robot or a robotic arm, because from a control perspective, a robot can be regarded as a machine tool with robot movements. Robots mainly have rotational axes.

[0023] The notification can be designed in different ways. For example, it can be proposed to display the axis movement type with the longest duration in a predefined color at the display mechanism. However, it can also be reported by means of text and / or audio notifications in order to improve the perceptibility of the notification in specific situations or among specific groups of people.

[0024] In one embodiment, it can be proposed to recommend one or more measures for reducing the duration at least for a determined type of axis movement.

[0025] Here, each measure can be from the following group, which includes: increasing the axis power, in particular increasing the jerk, acceleration, and speed; increasing the process speed; reducing non - production time, especially reducing the tool change time.

[0026] In one embodiment, it can be proposed that: this type of axis movement includes a dynamic share of the axis movement and the stop of the axis, i.e., a movement of a constant type over a time interval or a movement that is constant within a time interval.

[0027] For example, "stop" is a movement with a constant speed equal to zero.

[0028] Here it is advantageous that: each dynamic share of the axis movement is from the following group, which includes: axis movements (constant movements) with constant jerk, constant acceleration, and constant speed.

[0029] If the segments of a process that are executed over a predetermined time period are known, then, for example, it can be automatically determined when and how each axis participates in the overall process or is at a stop.

[0030] In one embodiment, it can be proposed that: the first data is high - frequency data.

[0031] Obtaining high - frequency data via an edge device, for example, can simplify the simultaneous recording of the axis movements of all axes (participating in the process).

[0032] In the scope of the present disclosure, the term "high - frequency" means: collecting / obtaining data at the (preferably typical) clock frequency of the control device of the machine tool or the drive of the corresponding axis. For example, here it can be the position data of the axis, and this position data is obtained with the position control loop of the control device or the drive.

[0033] In one embodiment, it can be proposed that: the predetermined time period corresponds to a manufacturing process segment, in particular to a machining process.

[0034] In one embodiment, it can be proposed that: the analysis depth of data evaluation can be adapted. For example, it is also feasible to evaluate the region with a constant speed in terms of the speed level in order to more specifically show, for example, whether the axis is traveling in a GO mode, i.e., moving quickly, or is restricted by the process speed.

[0035] This information can be particularly useful when comparing the machining of two or more machine tools. Thus, it can be confirmed whether the machine tool is or has been traveling at different process speeds. In addition, the process speed of the corresponding machine tool can be optimized.

[0036] This object can also be achieved by means of the computing device mentioned at the beginning.

[0037] In one embodiment, it can be proposed that the computing device includes one or more computing units that are interconnected and in data exchange with each other. The computing units can be spatially separated from each other.

[0038] It is to be understood that data transmission (or data transfer) in information technology is the exchange of digital data between two or more spatially separated senders and receivers via a cable or a radio connection.

[0039] In one embodiment, it can be proposed that the computing device and in particular the data acquisition system contained therein has a memory depth sufficient to enable data collection over the entire manufacturing / processing process. Description of the Drawings

[0040] The present invention and other advantageous design aspects of the present invention are explained in more detail based on the illustrated exemplary embodiments, in which it is shown that:

[0041] Figure 1 A machine tool with a computing device is shown,

[0042] Figure 2 A visualization and aggregation graph showing the type of axis movement of each axis is shown, and

[0043] Figure 3 A flowchart showing a computer-aided method is shown. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0044] Figure 1 A machine tool 1 with axes X1, Y1, and Z1 is shown. The machine tool 1 is in communication connection with a computing device 2. In particular, data transmission between the machine tool 1 and the computing device can be carried out according to one or more communication protocols.

[0045] The machine tool 2 is designed to machine a workpiece 4 with a tool 3.

[0046] The computing device 2 includes, for example, an NC (numerical control) controller 20 and a computer or a server 21, and the server or the computer can be connected to the controller 20 via a network 22. The network 22 can be a public network, such as the Internet, or a private network.

[0047] A plurality of sensors (not shown here) are installed at the machine tool 1. Preferably, physical and virtual sensors are present at the machine tool 1. The sensors provide data to the computing device 2 during the machining process.

[0048] The data includes first data that represents the axis movements of the respective axes X1, Y1, Z1 and X2, Z2 (not shown here) and is based on measurements by means of the sensors.

[0049] In addition, the computing device 2 has second data, which includes control commands for each axis.

[0050] The computing device 2 (preferably the server 21) is designed to evaluate the first data and the second data in order to assign control commands to the axis movements for each axis.

[0051] For example, during the association, the dynamic share of the axis movement can be associated with the corresponding section of the NC program code. For example, the dynamic share can be a constant jerk, a constant acceleration, or a constant speed.

[0052] Preferably, the association is performed for each axis. In this way, the current line in the part program can be determined at the time of the event, and the stops can be associated with the corresponding subroutines and loops.

[0053] The computing device 2 can also be configured to adapt or be able to adapt the evaluation depth of the data evaluation. Thus, for example, it is also possible to evaluate the regions with a constant speed in terms of the speed level in order to show in more detail whether the axis is traveling in a GO mode, i.e., moving quickly, or is limited by the process speed.

[0054] The computing device 2 is also configured to generate signals in order to visualize the dynamic share of the axis movement in an aggregated form for each axis individually and in particular for all axes participating in the machining process.

[0055] The visualization can be performed on the display mechanism of the NC controller 20 and / or the computer.

[0056] Figure 2 Shows a possible type of visualization. A pie chart or circular graph Px of each of the five axes X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2 of the machine tool 1 is shown in an aggregated form (aggregated graph) 1 , Py 1 , Pz 1 , Px 2 , Pz 2 and the pie chart P of all axes participating in the machining process A . It can be derived from each graph Px 1 , Py 1 , Pz 1 , Px 2 , fz 2 , P A that the most common types of movement are constant movement and stop. According to the observation of the aggregated graph P AIt can be confirmed that the constant movement dominates the machining process. This means that in the current example, all axes X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2 move simultaneously at a constant speed most of the time. The second most common case is that all axes X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2 stop (dark shaded area). The remaining time of the machining process is used to move all axes dynamically simultaneously, for example for acceleration or braking.

[0057] After confirming the dominant dynamic share during the machining process, a notification about it is made.

[0058] The notification can be designed in different ways. From Figure 2 It can be seen that the part associated with the longest-lasting dynamic share is highlighted in color and described with text in a circular graph.

[0059] The computing device 2 can be configured to suggest one or more measures for reducing the duration for the determined dynamic share of the axis movement.

[0060] For example, it can be recommended to increase the (here constant) speed to save time. The recommendation can be made on the display mechanism of the NC controller 20 or the server 21.

[0061] The visualization of individual processes of the entire machining process during component machining shows the share of individual processes, and thus enables a simple assessment of the costs and benefits of optimizing partial processes, for the purpose of, for example, reducing the total machining time.

[0062] Figure 3 Shows a flowchart of a computer-aided method for operating a machine tool (such as Figure 1 machine tool 1).

[0063] In step 100, data (i.e., first data and second data) is acquired. For example, the first data is real-time data based on sensor measurements. The second data includes, for example, component program code.

[0064] In step 101, the data is evaluated. Here, in particular, parts of the component program code are associated with specific axis movements.

[0065] In step 102, the dynamic share or the dynamic share of the axis movement is determined for each individual axis. The link between the dynamic share and the determined part of the component program code is already known from step 101.

[0066] In step 103, signals are generated for visualizing the dynamic share for each individual axis and the aggregated graph.

[0067] In step 104, the aggregated graph of the dynamic share is visualized.

[0068] In step 105, the dominant dynamic share during the obtained machining process is thus determined and reported.

[0069] The purpose of this specification is only to provide illustrative examples and to illustrate additional advantages and features of the present invention. Therefore, it cannot be construed as a limitation on the application field of the invention or on the patent rights claimed in the claims. In particular, the disclosed features in combination with the methods described herein can be reasonably used to improve the devices described herein, and vice versa.

Claims

1. A computer-aided method for operating a machine tool (1), wherein, the machine tool (1) includes at least two movable axes (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2), wherein, - acquiring first data and second data within a predetermined time period, wherein, * the first data represents the axis movements of the respective axes (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2) and the first data is based on measurements within the machine tool (1), and * the second data includes control commands for the respective axes (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2), - evaluating the first data and the second data to assign the control commands to the axis movements for each axis (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2), - determining, for each axis (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2), one or more types of axis movements from the first data, - Generate one or more signals to visualize one or more types of the axis motion determined for each axis (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2) in the form of an aggregated graph (P A ) - The aggregated graph (P A ) is used to report which type of axis movement lasts the longest during the predetermined time period while the machine tool is operating.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, at least for the determined types of axis movements, one or more measures for reducing the duration are recommended.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, each measure is from the following group, which includes: increasing the axis power, in particular increasing the jerk, acceleration, speed; increasing the process speed; reducing the non-productive time, in particular reducing the tool change time.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the types of axis movements include the dynamic share of the axis movements and the stops of the axes (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Z2).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, each dynamic share of the axis movements is from the following group, which includes: axis movements with constant jerk, constant acceleration, constant speed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the first data is high-frequency data.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the control commands include program commands and / or programmable logic controller signals.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the predetermined time period corresponds to a manufacturing process segment, in particular to a machining process.

9. A computing device (2) that is designed for data transmission with a machine tool (1) and is configured to cooperate with the machine tool (1) and perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 during a process.

10. A computer program, including commands that enable the computing device (2) according to claim 9 to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to claim 10 is stored.

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