Machine tool and method for controlling machine tool

Abstract

A machine tool that measures the size of an object to be cut by holding a measurement probe and bringing the measurement probe into contact with the object to be cut is characterized by comprising: a main shaft to which the object to be cut is mounted; a plurality of holding parts capable of holding the measurement probes; a receiver for receiving a signal transmitted after the measurement probe is in contact with the object to be cut; and a control unit that controls the operation of the plurality of holding units, the control unit moves one of the plurality of holding units, and when the receiver receives a signal from the measurement probe that is not associated with any of the plurality of holding units, the control unit controls the operation of the plurality of holding units on the basis of the signal received by the receiver. The moved holder is associated with a measurement probe that transmits a signal to a receiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool for performing measurements by means of a measuring probe. Background Art

[0002] In machine tools, dimensions of a cut object are measured inside the machine using a measuring probe such as a contact probe. A typical measuring probe for measuring inside a machine tool is a wireless communication type.

[0003] When using a wireless communication measuring probe to measure the dimensions of a cut object, it is necessary to pre-associate the measuring probe with a receiver that receives signals transmitted by the measuring probe, and to associate the measuring probe with a holder that holds the measuring probe. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which the user manually sets an identification code for identifying the measuring probe, thereby associating the measuring probe with the receiver.

[0004] (Prior art literature)

[0005] (Patent Document)

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-507240 Summary of the Invention

[0007] (Problems to be solved by the invention)

[0008] However, it is very tedious for the user to manually associate the measurement probe with the receiver and the holding unit. Furthermore, if the user makes an incorrect association, the wrong measurement probe may be called, resulting in problems such as damage to the measurement probe.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a machine tool capable of easily performing connection of a wireless communication type measuring probe.

[0010] (Measures taken to resolve the problem)

[0011] (Method 1)

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the machine tool involved in one embodiment of the present invention is a machine tool that holds a measuring probe and brings the measuring probe into contact with a cutting object, thereby measuring the size of the cutting object. The machine tool has a spindle for mounting the cutting object, multiple holding parts that can hold the measuring probe, a receiver that receives a signal sent after the measuring probe abuts against the cutting object, and a control part that controls the operation of the multiple holding parts. The control part moves one of the multiple holding parts, and when the receiver receives a signal from a measuring probe that is not associated with any of the multiple holding parts, the moved holding part is associated with the measuring probe that sent the signal to the receiver based on the signal received by the receiver.

[0013] (Method 2)

[0014] In the first aspect, the control unit may associate the moved holding unit with the measuring probe that sends a signal to the receiver when performing the measurement probe association operation.

[0015] (Method 3)

[0016] In the first aspect, the holding portion may be capable of holding a tool for cutting an object to be cut.

[0017] (Method 4)

[0018] In the first embodiment, the machine tool may further include a tool holder having a plurality of tool holding portions capable of holding tools for cutting an object, and a setting portion capable of setting any one of the plurality of tool holding portions as the holding portion for holding the measuring probe.

[0019] (Method 5)

[0020] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the control method of the machine tool involved in the sixth embodiment of the present invention is a control method of a machine tool for holding a measuring probe and bringing the measuring probe into contact with a cutting object, thereby measuring the size of the cutting object. The machine tool has a spindle for mounting the cutting object, multiple holding parts capable of holding the measuring probe, and a receiver for receiving a signal sent after the measuring probe contacts the cutting object. The control method of the machine tool includes a contact process of moving one of the multiple holding parts to bring the measuring probe held by the moved holding part into contact with the object, and an association process of associating the moved holding part with the measuring probe that sends a signal to the receiver based on the signal received by the receiver.

[0021] (Method 6)

[0022] In the fifth aspect, the object may be a cutting object held by the spindle.

[0023] (Method 7)

[0024] In the above-mentioned method five, the machine tool can have multiple tool holding parts, which can hold tools for cutting the cutting object. Before the abutment process, it also includes a setting process of setting any one of the multiple tool holding parts as the holding part for holding the measuring probe.

[0025] Furthermore, the structures of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined and adopted within a possible range.

[0026] (Effects of the Invention)

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a machine tool capable of easily performing association of wireless communication type measurement probes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a machine tool according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing a schematic internal structure of the machine tool according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is an illustration of a measurement probe.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the measurement probe association method according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing a schematic internal structure of a machine tool according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present invention based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in these embodiments should be appropriately modified depending on the structure and various conditions of the device to which the invention is applied. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0034] <First embodiment>

[0035] (Machine Tool 100)

[0036] First, a schematic configuration of a machine tool 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 (a) Figure 1 (b) is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the machine tool 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (a) shows the front side of the machine tool 100. Figure 1(b) shows the back side of the machine tool 100 .

[0037] The front side of machine tool 100 is equipped with a slidable cover 51 and an operating unit 53, which a user operates to instruct machine tool 100 on machining operations and the like. With cover 51 open, the user can access the interior of machine tool 100 and attach cutting tools, workpieces (objects to be cut), and measurement probes to machine tool 100. Furthermore, when closed during machining, cover 51 is locked to prevent foreign matter from entering machine tool 100 and chips generated during machining from being scattered outside.

[0038] The operating unit 53 is a user interface for the user to make various settings. The user can use the operating unit 53 to create machining programs and instruct the machine tool 100 to perform machining and measurement operations. The operating unit 53 also includes a display panel, which allows the user to view measurement results, error conditions, and other information.

[0039] Multiple receivers 43 are provided on the back side of machine tool 100. These receivers 43 receive signals transmitted from a measuring probe used for workpiece dimensional measurement, for example. When a measuring probe abuts a workpiece inside machine tool 100 and transmits a signal, the corresponding receiver 43 receives the signal. Upon detecting that a receiver 43 has received the signal, machine tool 100 stops moving the measuring probe and acquires and stores positional information about the contact area between the measuring probe and the workpiece. Machine tool 100 can then calculate the workpiece dimensions based on this information.

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 2 The internal structure of the machine tool 100 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of the interior of the machine tool 100. The machine tool 100 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of workpiece holding portions, a plurality of tool rests, and a control unit 31 for controlling the movements of the workpiece holding portions and the tool rests. Figure 2 These are diagrams for explaining the structure of the machine tool 100 and do not limit the arrangement positions and arrangement directions of the workpiece holding portions and tool holding portions.

[0041] The machine tool 100 includes a first workpiece holder 21 and a second workpiece holder 23 as workpiece holders for holding a workpiece via a spindle. The first workpiece holder 21 includes a guide sleeve 211 that supports the workpiece to reduce bending, and a first spindle 212 that holds the workpiece and rotates with it. The first spindle 212 is a front spindle, configured to be movable along the axis of rotation of the held workpiece. Meanwhile, the second workpiece holder 23 includes a second spindle 231 that holds the workpiece and rotates with it. The second spindle 231 is a rear spindle, configured to be movable in a horizontal direction, including the axis of rotation of the held workpiece.

[0042] The first spindle 212 and the second spindle 231 are arranged to face in opposite directions. With this structure, after machining one end face of a workpiece held by the first spindle 212, the workpiece can be cut off and the second spindle 231 can hold the workpiece and machine the other end face of the workpiece.

[0043] The machine tool 100 includes a comb-tooth-shaped first tool rest 11, a turret-shaped second tool rest 13, and a comb-tooth-shaped third tool rest 15. A plurality of tool holders capable of holding cutting tools are arranged in a row on the comb-tooth-shaped first tool rest 11 and the third tool rest 15. The turret-shaped second tool rest 13 is configured to rotate, and the plurality of tool holders are arranged in a circle centered on the rotation axis of the second tool rest 13. Each tool rest is configured to be movable relative to the first spindle 212 and the second spindle 231. The cutting tool held by the tool holder and the workpiece held by the workpiece holder move relative to each other, causing the cutting tool to cut the workpiece, thereby processing the workpiece into the desired shape.

[0044] The first tool holder 11 has tool holding parts 111, 112, 113, and is driven mainly when cutting the workpiece held by the first workpiece holding part 21 on the front side. The second tool holder 13 has tool holding parts 131, 132, 133, 134. The third tool holder 15 has tool holding parts 151, 152, 153, 154, and is driven mainly when cutting the workpiece held by the second workpiece holding part 23 on the back side. Each tool holding part can hold the same cutting tool and measuring probe. In addition, the number and configuration position of the tool holding parts provided on the tool holder are not limited to Figure 2 The contents shown can be modified in various ways.

[0045] As described above, the machine tool 100 includes the plurality of receivers 43 . The plurality of receivers 43 are configured to receive signals from different measurement probes 41 , respectively. Figure 2 FIG3 shows a state where three measuring probes 41 are installed on the machine tool 100. In the following, sub-suffixes are added after the symbols as needed to distinguish the three measuring probes 41 and the three receivers 43. Figure 2 In the illustrated configuration, a measuring probe 41a is mounted on the tool holder 111 of the first tool rest 11, a measuring probe 41b is mounted on the tool holder 131 of the second tool rest 13, and a measuring probe 41c is mounted on the tool holder 151 of the third tool rest 15. Furthermore, signals transmitted by the measuring probe 41a are received by a receiver 43a, signals transmitted by the measuring probe 41b are received by a receiver 43b, and signals transmitted by the measuring probe 41c are received by a receiver 43c.

[0046] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, one receiver is provided for one measurement probe, but only one receiver capable of recognizing and receiving signals from a plurality of measurement probes may be provided.

[0047] The control unit 31, serving as the control device for the machine tool 100, drives the first tool rest 11, second tool rest 13, third tool rest 15, first workpiece holder 21, and second workpiece holder 23 based on inputs to the operating unit 53, among other things, to execute machining and measurement operations. During workpiece measurement, upon detecting a signal from any of the receivers 43a to 43c, the control unit 31 acquires positional information about the contact area between the measurement probe 41 and the workpiece corresponding to the receiver 43 that received the signal. The control unit 31 then calculates the dimensions of the workpiece based on this information.

[0048] (Measuring probe)

[0049] Next, refer to Figure 3 The measurement probe 41 will be described in more detail. The measurement probe 41 is a wireless communication contact sensor probe. Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of the measuring probe 41, schematically showing the measuring probe 41 in contact with the workpiece 25 held by the first workpiece holding portion 21. The measuring probe 41 includes a spherical stylus 411, a transmitter 412 for transmitting signals, and a shank 413 that functions as an adapter for engaging with the tool holding portion.

[0050] The shank 413 is configured to engage with the tool holders provided on the first tool rest 11, the second tool rest 13, and the third tool rest 15. This allows the user to select the optimal tool holder from among multiple tool holders, based on the workpiece's machining shape and measurement dimensions, and then attach the measuring probe 41. This structure prevents interference between the measuring probe 41 and the workpiece, improving measurement efficiency. Furthermore, since a dedicated measuring probe holder is not required on the machine tool, the machine tool can be prevented from becoming larger and increasing manufacturing costs.

[0051] When the tool holder moves and the stylus 411 of the measurement probe 41 held by the tool holder's tool holder contacts the workpiece 25, the transmitter 412 transmits a skip signal Sk. When the receiver 43 receives the skip signal Sk, the control unit 31 stops the tool holder's movement and acquires positional information about the contact area between the stylus 411 and the workpiece 25. This positional information can be acquired based on the tool holder's positional information and the shape of the stylus 411.

[0052] For example, when measuring the outer diameter of a workpiece 25, the control unit 31 drives the tool holder so that the stylus 411 contacts one end and the other end of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 25. The outer diameter of the workpiece 25 is calculated based on the positional information of the one end and the other end of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece 25. When the measurement operation is completed, the measurement result is displayed on the display panel of the operation unit 53.

[0053] When performing a measurement operation, the control unit 31 drives the tool post based on association information that associates the measuring probe 41 with the tool holder holding it. Therefore, to properly measure the dimensions of a workpiece using the measuring probe 41, the control unit 31 must know in advance which tool holder the measuring probe 41 is mounted on. Furthermore, if the machine tool 100 is equipped with multiple measuring probes 41, the control unit 31 must distinguish between each measuring probe 41 and store the association information between the measuring probe 41 and the tool holder in order to properly drive the tool post and perform dimensional measurements. In other words, to perform a measurement operation, the measuring probe 41 mounted on the machine tool 100 must be assigned to a tool holder in advance.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the control unit 31 associates the address of the skip signal Sk transmitted by the measuring probe 41 with the tool holder and stores the address. Since the address of the skip signal Sk is set individually for each measuring probe 41, the control unit 31 can distinguish between multiple measuring probes 41 and store them in association with the tool holder.

[0055] For example, in Figure 2 In the illustrated configuration, the measuring probe 41a is associated with the tool holder 111 of the first tool post 11. Similarly, the measuring probe 41b is associated with the tool holder 131 of the second tool post 13, and the measuring probe 41c is associated with the tool holder 151 of the third tool post 15. By pre-setting these associations between the measuring probe 41 and the tool holders, the control unit 31 can accurately drive each tool post during measurement operations and obtain the required position information.

[0056] However, manually associating the measuring probe 41 with the tool holder is cumbersome. Furthermore, associating the measuring probe 41 with the wrong tool holder can cause interference with the workpiece, leading to damage. Especially when multiple measuring probes 41 are required, the complexity of the associating process increases, raising the possibility of incorrect associations.

[0057] Therefore, in the present invention, in order to reduce the complexity of the linking operation and prevent damage to the measuring probe, the machine tool 100 is configured to be able to substantially automatically link the measuring probe 41 with the tool holding portion. Figure 4 A method of associating the measurement probe 41 and the tool holding portion according to the present invention will be described.

[0058] (Association method)

[0059] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for associating the measurement probe 41 with the tool holding portion. Figure 4 The flowchart shown in Figure 2 In the first embodiment, the linking operation of the measuring probe 41 is performed with the workpiece and the measuring probe 41 mounted on the machine tool 100.

[0060] To associate the measurement probe 41 with the tool holder, the user first performs a setting process (step S01) to set the tool holder, where the measurement probe 41 is mounted, as the probe mounting position. In the first embodiment, the operating unit 53 serves as the probe mounting position setting unit. When setting the probe mounting position, the user can input the tool holder through the operating unit 53, or the display panel of the operating unit 53 can display multiple tool holders as predetermined candidate mounting positions, from which the user can select.

[0061] In this configuration example, during the setup process, the user sets the tool holder 111 of the first tool rest 11, the tool holder 131 of the second tool rest 13, and the tool holder 151 of the third tool rest 15 as probe mounting positions. In this case, there is no need to specify which of the multiple measurement probes 41 is mounted at each probe mounting position. In other words, the user does not distinguish between the measurement probes 41a, 41b, and 41c; they simply set the tool holders 111, 131, and 151 to the position where one of the measurement probes 41 is mounted.

[0062] After the probe mounting position is set, the associated operation of the measurement probe 41 begins (step S02). The control unit 31 then executes a contact process, moving the first tool rest 11 so that the measurement probe 41a contacts the workpiece. If the measurement probe 41a cannot contact the workpiece even after the first tool rest 11 moves, and the receiver 43a does not receive a signal (no in step S03), an error notification is sent to the user (step S04). Various methods can be used to notify the user, including light, sound, and a display on the display panel.

[0063] On the other hand, if the measuring probe 41a is in contact with the workpiece (YES in step S03), the transmitter 412 of the measuring probe 41a transmits a skip signal Sk. The receiver 43a then receives the skip signal Sk, and the control unit 31 detects that the receiver 43a has received the skip signal Sk (step S05).

[0064] Next, the control unit 31 associates and stores the address of the detected skip signal Sk with the tool holder 111, and executes an association process (step S06) to associate the measuring probe 41a with the tool holder 111. In this way, the association of the measuring probe 41a with the tool holder 111 is completed.

[0065] After that, the association action is performed in the same manner until the association action for all measuring probes is completed. In this structural example, since multiple tool holders are set as probe installation positions in step S01, the association of all measuring probes has not been completed at this point in time (No in step S07). Therefore, the association of measuring probes 41b and 41c with the tool holders is continued. And, by repeating and automatically executing steps S02 to S06, the association of measuring probe 41b with tool holder 131 and measuring probe 41c with tool holder 151 is performed respectively. Then, when the measuring probe 41 is associated with all tool holders set as probe installation positions in step S01 (Yes in step S07), the control unit 31 ends the association action.

[0066] Through the above association operation, the measurement probe 41 installed in the machine tool 100 is associated with the tool holder. Furthermore, when a measurement operation is executed according to the measurement program, the control unit 31 drives each tool post based on the association information obtained through the above association operation. Therefore, when associating the measurement probe 41 with the tool holder, the user does not need to separately attach multiple measurement probes 41 to the tool holder, nor does the user need to set the probe installation positions.

[0067] Furthermore, the associated operation of the measuring probe 41 only needs to be performed when the measuring probe 41 is reinstalled in the tool holder or the installation position of the measuring probe 41 is changed. In other words, as long as the installation position of the measuring probe 41 remains unchanged, the control unit 31 can execute multiple different machining programs and measurement programs based on the acquired associated information.

[0068] In summary, according to the structure and association method of the first embodiment, the user simply sets the tool holder where the measurement probe is mounted as the probe mounting position, and the association between the measurement probe and the tool holder is automatically executed. Specifically, when installing the measurement probe, the user does not need to know which receiver the measurement probe corresponds to, what the skip signal address of the measurement probe is, and so on. Therefore, the association between the measurement probe and the tool holder performed in the first embodiment is largely automated by the control unit 31, eliminating the need for the user to distinguish between individual measurement probes, making the process simple. Furthermore, when performing the association, the user simply selects the tool holder where the measurement probe is mounted, eliminating the possibility of incorrectly associating the measurement probe with the tool holder. Furthermore, interference with the workpiece and other components, which could damage the measurement probe, can be prevented.

[0069] <Second embodiment>

[0070] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tool holder that can be selected as the probe mounting location is limited. In the following description of the second embodiment, identical components to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. Only the characteristic components of the second embodiment will be described.

[0071] Reference Figure 5 The internal structure of the machine tool 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 5 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of the interior of the machine tool 100. The first tool post 11 has tool holding portions 111, 112, 113, and 114, the second tool post 13 has tool holding portions 131, 132, 133, and 134, and the third tool post 15 has tool holding portions 151, 152, 153, and 154. Figure 5 These are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the machine tool 100 according to the second embodiment, and do not limit the arrangement positions and arrangement directions of the workpiece holding portions and tool holding portions.

[0072] Figure 5 The tool holding portion shown is configured to be able to mount the same cutting tool and measuring probe 41. However, even if the tool holding portion is configured to be able to mount the measuring probe 41, there may be limitations on the mounting position of the measuring probe 41 in consideration of the positional relationship with other components. For example, depending on the mounting position of the measuring probe 41, the cutting tool mounted on the same tool holder may interfere with the workpiece during measurement. Therefore, the second embodiment is configured to be able to mount the measuring probe 41. Figure 4 When setting the probe mounting position (step S01 ) in the illustrated association method, the tool holding portion that can be selected as the probe mounting position is determined in advance.

[0073] In the second embodiment, Figure 5 The tool holding parts 111 and 114 of the first tool holder 11, the tool holding part 131 of the second tool holder 13, and the tool holding parts 151 and 154 of the third tool holder 15 shown in the hatched form are predetermined as candidates for the probe installation position. In addition, only the above five tool holding parts can be selected in setting the probe installation position. For example, Figure 5 As shown, when the measurement probe 41 is mounted on the tool holding portion 111 or 114 of the first tool post 11 , the user only needs to select the tool holding portion 111 or 114 from five options when setting the probe mounting position.

[0074] In summary, according to the structure and associated method of the second embodiment, since a tool holder suitable for the measurement operation is pre-determined as a candidate for the probe installation position, the measurement operation can be performed more efficiently than in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the possibility of interference between the cutting tool, the workpiece, and the tool holder during the measurement operation can be reduced.

[0075] <Other Examples>

[0076] The above embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in the above embodiment, the tool holder functions as a holder for holding the measurement probe, but a holder dedicated to the measurement probe may also be provided.

[0077] Furthermore, a process described as a task performed by a single device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as a task performed by different devices may be performed by a single device. In a computer system, it is possible to flexibly change the hardware structure used to implement each function.

[0078] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0079] 31: Control unit; 41: Measuring probe; 43: Receiver; 100: Machine tool; 111: Tool holding unit (Holding unit); 212: First spindle (Spindle).

Claims

1. A machine tool that holds a measuring probe and brings the measuring probe into contact with a cutting object, thereby measuring the dimensions of the cutting object, characterized in that: have: A spindle for mounting the object to be cut; a plurality of holding portions capable of holding measurement probes; a receiver for receiving a signal transmitted after the measuring probe contacts the object to be cut; as well as a control unit that controls the actions of the plurality of holding units; The control unit moves one of the plurality of holding units, and when the receiver receives a signal from a measurement probe that is not associated with any of the plurality of holding units, the control unit associates the moved holding unit with the measurement probe that sends a signal to the receiver based on the signal received by the receiver.

2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein: When performing the measurement probe association operation, the control unit associates the moved holding unit with the measurement probe that transmits a signal to the receiver.

3. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein: The holding portion can hold a tool for cutting an object to be cut.

4. The machine tool according to claim 3, characterized in that Also features: a tool holder having a plurality of tool holding portions capable of holding tools for cutting an object to be cut; and A setting portion is configured to set any one of the plurality of tool holding portions as the holding portion for holding a measurement probe.

5. A method for controlling a machine tool, wherein a measuring probe is held and brought into contact with an object to be cut, thereby measuring the size of the object to be cut, wherein: The machine tool comprises: a spindle on which a cutting object is mounted; a plurality of holding portions capable of holding measurement probes; and a receiver for receiving a signal sent by the measuring probe after it comes into contact with the object to be cut, The control method of the machine tool comprises: a contacting step of moving one of the plurality of holding portions to bring the measurement probe held by the moved holding portion into contact with an object; as well as an associating step of associating the moved holding portion with a measurement probe that transmits a signal to the receiver based on the signal received by the receiver.

6. The machine tool control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The object is a cutting object held by the spindle.

7. The machine tool control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The machine tool includes a plurality of tool holding portions capable of holding tools for cutting an object to be cut. Before the contacting step, the method further includes setting any one of the plurality of tool holding portions as the holding portion for holding a measurement probe.

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