Machine tool

Abstract

A machine tool (10) is provided with: a feed shaft device (16) that moves a workpiece and a tool relative to each other; an NC device (12) for feeding the shaft device; and an input / output controller (42) interposed between a plurality of devices (26, 28, 30) that output signals and the NC device in order to connect the devices and the NC device, the input / output controller being provided with: an input unit (32) that connects the devices, acquires the signals from the devices as current information, and converts the current information into stored information; and a storage unit (34) that is connected to the input unit, receives the storage information from the input unit, and stores the storage information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool capable of acquiring information output from devices such as sensors and switches and changing the set value of the device as needed. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device is controlled based on signals from various sensors and switches. For example, Patent Document 1 describes the following hydraulic clamping device: For an electronic control type arithmetic processing device including a microcomputer, a signal (measurement data) representing the pressure of the working oil in the working fluid chamber is input from a pressure sensor of the hydraulic clamping device, and a signal (measurement data) representing the rotation amount of the working bolt is input from a rotation angle sensor. By the rotational drive of the motor, the workpiece gripping start point is detected based on the pressure change of the working oil in the working fluid chamber with respect to the rotation amount of the working bolt.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 044215 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In order to connect a device to a control device of a machine or apparatus and acquire, convert detailed information of the device, or change a set value, there is a problem as follows: Since there is no standard output form for signals (voltage values, current values, etc.) output from the device, it is necessary to develop the interface specifications for each device to be connected.

[0008] The present invention takes solving such problems of the prior art as a technical problem, and its object is to automatically acquire signals from a device on the machine tool side regardless of what device is connected to the machine tool.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, there is provided a machine tool including: a feed axis device that relatively moves a workpiece and a tool; an NC device for the feed axis device; and an input / output controller that is interposed between the device and the NC device in order to connect a plurality of devices that output signals to the NC device.

[0011] The input / output controller includes: an input unit that connects to the device, acquires a signal from the device as current information, and converts the current information into stored information; and a storage unit that is connected to the input unit, receives the stored information from the input unit, and stores it.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, signals (such as voltage values, current values, etc.) of a device can be obtained through an input unit and stored in a storage unit. Any device can be connected to a machine tool to obtain signals, and there is no longer a need to perform conversions corresponding to the signals of each device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a machine tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a machine tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a machine tool according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a machine tool according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a machine tool according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0020] Refer to Figure 1 , as an example, the machine tool 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can include: a spindle (not shown) having a rotary tool (not shown) mounted at its front end; a worktable (not shown) for fixing a workpiece (not shown) facing the front end of the spindle; and a feed axis device (not shown) for relatively moving the spindle and the worktable. The feed axis device can be an orthogonal three-axis linear feed axis device of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. In addition to the linear feed axis device, the feed axis device can also include rotary feed axes of the A-axis, B-axis, and / or C-axis. Further, the machine tool 10 can also include peripheral devices such as a tool magazine (not shown), an automatic tool changer (not shown), and a coolant supply device (not shown).

[0021] The machine tool 10 further includes an NC device 12 for controlling the spindle and the feed axis, and a machine control device 18 for controlling the above-mentioned peripheral devices. As an example, the NC device 12 controls a spindle drive motor 14 for rotationally driving the spindle and a feed axis drive motor 16 for driving the feed axis device. The machine control device 18 controls, for example, a drive motor (tool magazine drive motor) 20 of a conveying device (not shown) for conveying tools in the tool magazine, an ATC drive motor 22 for driving a replacement arm (not shown) of the automatic tool changer, and a coolant supply pump 23 of the coolant supply device.

[0022] Furthermore, the machine tool 10 is provided with a display device 24. The display device 24 can be configured, for example, as a touch panel that enables operation of functions corresponding to icons by touching or tapping on the icons displayed on a display (not shown) of a control panel (not shown) installed in the machine tool 10. In the present embodiment, the machine control device 18 is provided with a display controller (not shown) that controls the content displayed on the display device 24.

[0023] Furthermore, the machine tool 10 is provided with an input / output controller 42. In the present embodiment, the input / output controller 42 includes an input unit 32, a storage unit 34, and an output unit 36. The input unit 32, the storage unit 34, and the output unit 36 can be constituted by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive), input / output ports, and a bidirectional bus connecting them, along with related software. The input / output controller 42 can also be constituted in software as a part of the NC device 12 or the machine control device 18.

[0024] A plurality of devices 26, 28, 30 can be connected to the input unit 32. The input unit 32 has analog and / or digital connection ports suitable for connecting the devices 26, 28, 30. The devices 26, 28, 30 can be configured as sensors, switches. The sensors can be, for example, a gap sensor (not shown), an optical distance sensor using laser or infrared rays (not shown), a hydraulic sensor (not shown), an acceleration sensor (not shown), a force sensor (not shown). The switches can be, for example, a microswitch (not shown), a photoelectric switch (not shown). The above-mentioned devices can also be capable of outputting self-diagnostic signals. The input unit 32 acquires the signals of the devices 26, 28, 30 as current information.

[0025] For example, the gap sensor can be used to acquire the seating state of the workpiece relative to the fixture mounted on the worktable of the machine tool 10 during the clamping operation or other operations during machining, the differences in workpiece types, the presence or absence of the workpiece as the presence or absence of physical contact, or to acquire the cylinder stroke position as a minute flow rate. In the case of the gap sensor, its own state diagnosis can also be performed through flow monitoring.

[0026] The optical distance sensor can be used to confirm the differences in workpiece types and the presence or absence of the workpiece. The hydraulic sensor can be used to confirm the clamping pressure applied to a clamping device (not shown) for fixing the workpiece to the fixture during other operations during machining of the workpiece.

[0027] The acceleration sensor can confirm whether the balance of the cutting tool is maintained or the occurrence of chatter during machining by acquiring or detecting vibrations during other operations during machining. A sound microphone can also be used instead of the acceleration sensor.

[0028] The force measuring sensor can be used to obtain the clamping load applied to the fixture during the fixation of the workpiece, the load applied to the seating surface of the fixture from the workpiece, thereby confirming whether the clamping load is a specified value or the error of the clamping load, or calculating the machining load. Thereby, it is possible to confirm whether the machining load increases due to the wear of the cutting edge of the tool, or in the case where the workpiece material is cast iron, it is possible to confirm whether there is a sudden deviation in the casting.

[0029] The microswitch or the optical switch can be obtained as the presence or absence of physical contact or as the presence or absence of the light quantity in order to confirm the difference in the types of workpieces or the presence or absence of workpieces.

[0030] For the input unit 32, not only can the devices 26, 28, 30 be connected, but also other machines such as a three-dimensional measuring machine and a server managed by the manufacturer of the machine tool can be connected via a communication network such as a LAN or the Internet, thereby receiving the measurement data of the workpiece, the information related to the models of the devices 26, 28, 30, and the conversion method described later.

[0031] The storage unit 34 stores the signals (voltage values, current values, etc.) of the devices 26, 28, 30 obtained by the input unit 32 as storage information. The storage information stored in the storage unit 34 is output to the NC device 12 connected to the output unit 36. As shown in the figure, the mechanical control device 18 can also be connected to the output unit 36, and the storage information is also output to the mechanical control device 18. The output unit 36 has a connection port (not shown) suitable for connecting the NC device 12 and the mechanical control device 18, and preferably has a digital connection port.

[0032] Next, with reference to Figure 2 , the machine tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Figure 2 , the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description is omitted.

[0033] In the second embodiment, the input / output controller 42 includes a change unit 38. Change programs 40 corresponding to the devices 26, 28, 30 are stored in the change unit 38. The storage information stored in the storage unit 34 is changed by the change programs 40, and the changed information is output from the change unit 38 to the devices 26, 28, 30 respectively or to other devices related to the devices 26, 28, 30 respectively. As an example, when the device is a pressure sensor and the other device is a regulator related to the pressure sensor, the changed information is input as the set value inside the regulator by rewriting the memory that can be read and written at any time through the change program. In this way, the set value of the regulator can be changed.

[0034] Next, with reference to Figure 3 , the machine tool according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Figure 3 , components that are the same as those of the Figure 1 , 2 embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

[0035] In the third embodiment, the change unit 38 includes an operation unit 44. The operation unit 44 can be composed of a touch panel, a keyboard, a microphone, etc. When the display device 24 is formed by a touch panel, the touch panel can also be used as the operation unit 44. For example, when the device is a pressure sensor for a clamping device on a fixture, the information of the signal of the pressure of the clamping device detected by the pressure sensor, such as a voltage value and a current value, is always displayed on the display device 24. The information of the signal can be acquired again at a required cycle, and the display of the display device 24 can be updated according to the re-acquisition. When the operator wants to increase the clamping pressure, after confirming the change method through the catalog, manual, etc. of the pressure sensor, an appropriate value is input to the operation unit 44 to change the setting of the pressure sensor, thereby increasing the clamping pressure. The change unit 38 performs the processing required for input to the devices 26, 28, 30 on the input value through the change program 40.

[0036] In addition, it can also be that the input unit converts the signal from the device into bit information and outputs it to the storage unit, and the change unit converts the stored information from the storage unit into a form that the device can receive and outputs it.

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 4 , the machine tool according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Figure 4 , components that are the same as those of the Figure 1 , 2 , and 3 embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

[0038] In the fourth embodiment, the input / output controller 42 includes a parallel processing unit 46. Generally, a machine tool can only acquire instantaneous data instantaneously, but in this embodiment, the parallel processing unit 46 can sequentially record and process the stored information in parallel (simultaneously) with the operation of the machine tool 10. For example, the parallel processing unit 46 can monitor the state of the clamping pressure of the fixture during machining at regular intervals based on the stored information of the pressure sensors of the devices 26, 28, 30 connected to the input unit 32, and record it in time series. By comparing the recorded state with the time series of the machining program used in this machining, it is possible to confirm how the clamping pressure changes at which machining timing.

[0039] The parallel processing unit 46 can also send change information to the change unit 38 through a preset monitoring program. For example, when the clamping pressure of a certain specific processing jig decreases, the parallel processing unit 46 can determine that the clamping pressure is inappropriate through the monitoring program and instruct the change unit 38 to change the clamping pressure of the jig.

[0040] The storage unit 34 can also allocate a program library storage section 34a in a part of the storage area, and store and save a plurality of change programs in the program library storage section 34a. Generally, different change programs are required for different devices. For example, when changing the clamping force of a hydraulic clamping member, a change program for inputting change information to a regulator related to the pressure sensor of the hydraulic clamping member is required. As another example, in order to obtain vibration information of the vibration sensor of the spindle through an accelerometer, calculate the processing conditions for stabilizing the vibration, that is, the rotational speed of the spindle, the feed speed of the feed axis, etc., and input them to the NC program as change information, a change program may also be required.

[0041] The program library storage section 34a can save the change programs generated corresponding to the models and change contents of the devices 26, 28, and 30 in association with, for example, the models. When a new device is connected to the input section 32, the input / output controller 42 obtains the model information from the new device, and retrieves whether there is a change program corresponding to a similar model in the program library storage section 34a. If there is such a change program, it displays on the display device 24 the possibility that the change program can be applied to the new device.

[0042] In addition, for the change programs saved in the program library storage section 34a, in addition to the model information of the device, manufacturer information, series information, category information, etc. related to the device can also be associated. When a new device is connected to the input section 32, the input / output controller 42 can also obtain the manufacturer information, series information, category information, etc. instead of the model information of the device, and retrieve whether there is a change program corresponding to these information in the program library storage section 34a, that is, a change program that can be applied to the new device. If there is such a change program, it displays on the display device 24 the possibility that the change program can be applied to the new device. The corresponding change program can also be retrieved according to multiple pieces of information related to the device, such as the manufacturer information and category information of the device. And for the program library storage section 34a, when displaying the possibility of applying the change program on the display device 24, the basis for determining the existence of the possibility of application can be displayed simultaneously, or the application possibility of how likely it is to be applicable can also be displayed simultaneously.

[0043] The operator can confirm the change program displayed on the display device 24. When it is determined that the change program can be applied to the new device, the application of the change program is input to the change unit 38 via the operation unit 44. In this way, reuse can be achieved without newly generating a change program. When applying to a new device, it may be necessary to modify the change program, but even in this case, man-hours can be reduced compared to the case of newly generating a change program. In addition, when the search result is that no change program corresponding to a similar model can be found in the program library storage unit 34a, this meaning can also be displayed on the display device 24.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figure 5 , the machine tool according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Figure 5 , components that are the same as those in the Figure 1 , 2 , and the third and fourth embodiments are labeled with the same reference numerals, and the following repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0045] When the signal output from the device is an analog value such as voltage, the input / output controller can store and output the signal as an analog value, but as in the third embodiment described above, it is necessary to process after the operator confirms the conversion method one by one. To solve this problem, when the signals of the devices 26, 28, and 30 acquired by the input unit 32 are stored as storage information in the storage unit 34, the signal can be converted into a conversion value that the operator can use in practice by an appropriate conversion method (the first conversion method). In addition, when inputting change information from the change unit 38 to the devices 26, 28, and 30, the change information can be converted from the conversion value that the operator can use in practice into a conversion value suitable for input to the device (or related devices) by an appropriate conversion method (the second conversion method).

[0046] In the fifth embodiment, the input / output controller 42 includes a conversion method extraction unit 48 and a device database 50. The conversion method extraction unit 48 retrieves the device database 50 based on the model information output from the devices 26, 28, and 30, confirms the first conversion method and the second conversion method, sends the first conversion method to the input unit 32, and sends the second conversion method to the change unit 38. The input unit 32 converts the signals from the devices 26, 28, and 30 into a first conversion value (which can be practically used by the operator) by the first conversion method, outputs it as stored information to the storage unit 34, and displays it on the display device 24. In addition, the change unit 38 converts the change information input from the operation unit 44 into a second conversion value (suitable for input to the devices 26, 28, and 30) and outputs it to the devices 26, 28, and 30. As described in the fourth embodiment, manufacturer information, series information, category information, etc. can be used instead of the model information of the device, or multiple pieces of information can be combined and used.

[0047] In this embodiment, it is possible to automatically change the signal into a conversion value (MPa for pressure, mm for strain, etc.) that can be practically used by the operator according to the model information of the devices 26, 28, and 30. In addition, it is possible to convert the change information into a second conversion value and output it to the devices 26, 28, and 30. Therefore, the operator does not need to confirm the conversion method one by one. When there are multiple signals that can be output from the devices 26, 28, and 30, multiple conversion methods can also be stored in the device database 50.

[0048] In addition, the machine tool can also be connected to other machines or servers via a communication network such as a LAN or the Internet. For example, in Figure 5 the device database 50 is illustrated as being directly connected to the conversion method extraction unit 48, but it can also be constructed in a server managed by the manufacturer of the machine tool and connected to the conversion method extraction unit 48 via the input unit 32. The device database 50 is always kept up-to-date by the manufacturer of the machine tool. In addition, the machine tool can also be connected to a three-dimensional measuring device that measures the workpiece machined by the machine tool via a network. In addition to the comparison of the time-series information of the clamping pressure state of the fixture during machining recorded by the parallel processing unit 46 and the time-series information of the machining program used during this machining as described in the fourth embodiment, the workpiece measurement information of the three-dimensional measuring device is further added, so that more detailed analysis of the machining information can be performed. It is also possible to use these information as training data for machine learning and utilize it to derive machining conditions with higher production efficiency and machining accuracy.

[0049] In any of the embodiments, it is also possible to input to the change unit from the input / output controller via the NC device and the machine control device. It is possible to perform fine device control according to the operator's intention via functions and programs such as custom macros.

[0050] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0051] 10 Machine Tool

[0052] 12 NC Device

[0053] 14 Spindle Drive Motor

[0054] 16 Feed Axis Drive Motor

[0055] 18 Mechanical Control Device

[0056] 20 Tool Magazine Drive Motor

[0057] 22 ATC Drive Motor

[0058] 23 Coolant Supply Pump

[0059] 24 Display Device

[0060] 26 Equipment

[0061] 28 Equipment

[0062] 30 Equipment

[0063] 32 Input Unit

[0064] 34 Storage Unit

[0065] 34a Program Library Storage Unit

[0066] 36 Output Unit

[0067] 38 Modification Unit

[0068] 40 Modification Program

[0069] 42 Input / Output Controller

[0070] 44 Operation Unit

[0071] 46 Parallel Processing Unit

[0072] 48 Conversion Method Extraction Unit

[0073] 50 Equipment Database

Claims

1. A machine tool, wherein, The machine tool includes: A feed axis device that relatively moves a workpiece and a tool; An NC device for the feed axis device; and An input / output controller that is interposed between the devices and the NC device in order to connect a plurality of devices that output signals to the NC device, The input / output controller includes: An input unit that connects to the devices and acquires signals from the devices as current information, and converts the current information into stored information; and A storage unit that is connected to the input unit, receives the stored information from the input unit, and stores it.

2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein The input / output controller further includes a change unit that is connected to the storage unit and receives stored information from the storage unit, The change unit changes the stored information received from the storage unit based on a change program corresponding to each of the devices connected to the input unit, and outputs it to the device or other devices related to the device among the plurality of devices.

3. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein The change unit includes an operation unit for an operator to operate and input change information to the change unit.

4. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein The input unit converts the current information from the devices into bit information and outputs it to the storage unit, and the change unit converts the stored information from the storage unit into a form that the devices can receive and outputs it.

5. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein The input / output controller further includes a parallel processing unit that sequentially receives stored information from the storage unit, and holds and records it in time series.

6. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein The input / output controller further includes a program library storage unit that stores the change programs corresponding to each of the devices in association with the model number of the device or information related to the model number.

7. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein The input / output controller further includes: A device database that stores the model numbers of the devices or related devices different from the devices in association with the conversion methods for the devices or related devices; and A conversion method extraction unit that is connected to the device database, retrieves the device database based on the model numbers of the devices or related devices, and extracts the conversion methods suitable for the devices or related devices.

8. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The machine tool is connected to other machines or servers via a communication network.

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