OPERATING DEVICE FOR AN NC MACHINE TOOL

Abstract

Operating device (10) which is connected to an operating control unit (6) of an NC machine tool (1) for inputting an operating signal into the operating control unit (6), comprising: a touch panel (21) comprising a display unit (22) for displaying a screen and an input unit (23) which is arranged in a state of being overlapped on the display unit (22) for entering data relating to a position touched by a machine operator, wherein the display unit (22) is visually recognizable from the outside; a storage unit (15) for data of a display screen, which stores data relating to display screens to be displayed on the display unit (22) of the touch panel (21), wherein the storage unit (15) for data of a display screen stores at least data relating to a screen for changing the operating mode to select one from a plurality of operating modes, and stores data relating to a plurality of operating screens for entering operations according to each of the operating modes; a storage unit (16) for operating information, which stores operating information defined according to a position on the display screen for each of the display screens; a storage unit (17) for attribute information which stores attribute information which is defined for at least some of the operating screens, which is defined for each of the operating modes, and which defines a relationship between each of the operating screens and its corresponding operating mode; a display control unit (12) which defines at least two display areas of a display area (26) of the screen for changing the operating mode and a display area of ​​the operating screen in relation to the display unit (22) of the touch panel (21), reads the data of the display screen which is stored in the memory unit (15) for display screen data, and displays the screen for changing the operating mode and the operating screens in the display area (26) of the screen for changing the operating mode and the display area of ​​the operating screen, respectively; and a processing unit (13) for an input signal, which processes the receipt of a signal input from the input unit (23) of the touch panel (21), which relates to the operating information stored in the storage unit (16) for operating information, based on the received signal, generates an operating signal according to the received signal, and transmits the generated operating signal to the operating control unit (6), and if it is necessary to change the display screen, then processes the generation of a change signal of the display screen and transmits the generated change signal of the display screen to the display control unit (12), wherein the display control unit (12) is also configured to receive the change signal of the display screen from the processing unit (13) for an input signal, and to change the display screen which is displayed on the display unit (22) of the touch panel (21) in response to the signal, wherein The operating device (10) also has a switching unit (14) for automatic operating mode, which monitors the display of the operating screens by the display control unit (12) and determines whether the attribute information for the displayed operating screens is set or not by referring to the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage unit (17), and in a case where the attribute information for the displayed operating screens is set, generates a switching signal for the operating mode to switch to a corresponding operating mode, and outputs the generated switching signal for the operating mode to the operating control unit (6).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device which is connected to an operating control unit of an NC machine tool, for inputting an operating signal to the operating control unit. Description of the associated technology

[0002] An NC machine tool generally comprises a machining mechanism that performs operations to machine a workpiece, and an operating control unit that controls the operations of the machining mechanism. For example, in the case of a lathe, the machining mechanism comprises a spindle that holds and rotates the workpiece, a drive mechanism for the spindle, a tool rest that holds a tool, a feed mechanism that moves the tool rest in a predetermined axial direction, and other components. In the case of a machining center, the machining mechanism comprises a table that supports the workpiece, a spindle that holds a tool, a drive mechanism for the spindle, a feed mechanism that moves the table and spindle relative to each other in predetermined axial directions, and other components.Furthermore, the operating control unit has a numerical control unit for numerically controlling the machining mechanism.

[0003] Furthermore, the NC machine tool is normally equipped with an operator panel (a so-called "control panel") that allows a machine operator to input an operating signal into the control unit to operate the machining mechanism or similar functions. This operator panel generally has a display unit for showing the status of the machining mechanism and various machining information on a screen, and a control unit with buttons for inputting an operating signal to the control unit. In recent years, some such operator panels have been configured in which the display unit includes a touch panel, which serves as a human-machine interface.(man-machine interface) has the operating buttons displayed as softkeys on this touch panel, and when the operating buttons are pressed by the machine operator, the corresponding operating signals are entered into the operating control unit.

[0004] As an example of such an operator panel, which uses a touch panel as its display unit, there was a conventional operator panel as disclosed in the publication of unexamined Japanese patent application No. 2002-166335. This operator panel has a configuration in which: a button for switching to an MDI (Multiple Document Interface) mode is displayed on the touch panel; when this button is pressed to switch to MDI mode, buttons for tool selection for a tool change are displayed on the touch panel; and when the machine operator presses a desired tool selection button and also presses a start button, a signal to change the tool to the selected tool is transmitted to the operator control unit.

[0005] According to this operating device, the machine operator can easily change the tool to their intended tool by pressing a desired button for tool selection, based on information displayed on the touch panel after switching to MDI mode, thus eliminating the need to perform tool change operations such as checking a tool position (tool position of a tool magazine) to which the target tool is attached and entering an NC program for the tool change, thereby improving usability.

[0006] Incidentally, the operating device described above, which uses a touch panel, normally has at least two defined areas in its display area: one area in which a screen for changing the operating mode is displayed to switch between an automatic operating mode and a manual operating mode, and one area in which an operating screen for performing operations in each of the operating modes is displayed.

[0007] Furthermore, the automatic operating mode is subdivided into a variety of operating modes, such as a memory operating mode (operating mode using an NC program stored in a memory), an MDI operating mode (operating mode executed by manually entering an NC program), and the like, and the manual operating mode is also subdivided into a variety of operating modes, such as an operating mode with jog feed, an operating mode for zeroing, and the like.In addition, the screen for changing the operating mode, which has selection buttons for selecting the operating modes arranged therein, is displayed in the display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode, and the operating screen, which has operating buttons that are defined for each of the operating modes arranged therein, is displayed in the display area of ​​the operating screen.

[0008] For each of the operating modes described above, one or more operating screens are defined, and an initial operating screen (departure screen) is defined, which is to be displayed initially when the operating mode is selected. When a suitable operating mode is selected on the screen for changing the operating mode, and the operating mode is switched to that mode, then the initial operating screen of the corresponding operating mode is displayed in the display area of ​​the operating screen.

[0009] Furthermore, the screen displayed in the operating display area can be switched in a suitable manner, for example, by pressing a toggle button for a page or by performing a so-called flick operation (the machine operator swipes their finger across the screen to change or move the displayed screen). Additionally, there is also an operating device that has a configuration in which, regardless of the selected operating mode, an operating screen for a different operating mode can be displayed using the operations described above.

[0010] JP 2009 - 193 568 A relates to a numerical control device for machine tools, in particular one with an operator display panel connected to the numerical control device and a display panel that can be detachably connected to it.

[0011] US Patent 6,317,646 B1 relates to a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine that has an interactive control of a corner tolerance programmed to change with the corner angle.

[0012] US 2010 / 0305758A1 concerns a robot controller that controls a robot, wherein the robot controller is connected to a portable programming handheld device used to operate the robot controller and is further connected to the machine tool controller via a communication network. List of cited documents Patent literature [Patent literature 1] JP 2002 - 166 335 A [Patent literature 2] JP 2009 - 193 568 A [Patent Literature 3] US 6,317,646 B1 [Patent literature 4] US 2010 / 0 305 758 A1 Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0013] However, the operating device with the configuration described above has a problem in that the operating mode operations can only be performed once the process of switching the operating mode has been carried out, i.e., a suitable operating mode has been selected on the screen for changing the operating mode, which is displayed in the display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode, and the corresponding initial operating screen is displayed in the display area of ​​the operating screen.

[0014] Therefore, even if a required operating screen is displayed during the switching of the operating screen, by performing an operation within the display area of ​​the operating screen, if the displayed operating screen is a screen that requires the operation to be performed for switching the operating mode, then the machine operator cannot perform an operation on the operating screen if the operation for switching the operating mode is not specifically performed on the screen for changing the operating mode.

[0015] When the operator's screen display is being used, the machine operator focuses their attention on that display area. Therefore, focusing their attention on the screen display area for changing operating modes, which is a different area at that time, disrupts the consistency of operations, leading to reduced productivity and potentially causing operator errors.

[0016] On the other hand, the increasing skill level of the machine operator allows them to correctly identify which operating screen corresponds to which operating mode. Therefore, if the operating device is configured such that, while the machine operator is navigating the display area of ​​the operating screen, displaying a desired operating screen within that area causes the operating mode to switch automatically to the corresponding mode, then it is not necessary to perform the operating mode switching process on the screen itself, further improving usability for the machine operator.

[0017] Furthermore, if an operation is performed simultaneously in the display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode and another operation is performed in the display area of ​​the control screen, it is impossible to determine in which operating mode each operation is being performed. This can lead to an unintended operation by the machine operator, potentially causing a serious accident. Additionally, if a selection button for the operating mode is pressed while switching the control screen, and the initial screen of the selected operating mode is displayed, the machine operator may make an incorrect operation because the control screen displayed is not the one they intended.

[0018] The control device is normally operated by a single machine operator, and therefore the possibility of simultaneous operation across a wide range of areas is not very high. However, the simultaneous operations described above can occur due to operator error, intervention by a third party other than the machine operator, or a disruptive factor in the environment where the control device is located, such as coolant adhering to the touch panel.

[0019] The present invention arose in view of the relationships explained above, and one object of the invention is to provide an operating device which can further improve the ease of use for the machine operator and which is able to perform suitable input processing, even in the case where operations are carried out simultaneously in a large number of display areas in multiple time zones. Solution to the problem

[0020] The present invention, for achieving the above-described problem, relates to an operating device which is connected to an operating control unit of an NC machine tool for inputting an operating signal into the operating control unit, comprising: a touch panel comprising a display unit for showing a screen and an input unit which is arranged in a state of overlapping on the display unit for entering data relating to a point which has been touched by a machine operator, wherein the display unit is visually discernible from the outside; a storage unit for display screen data, which stores data relating to display screens to be shown on the display unit of the touch panel, wherein the storage unit for display screen data stores at least data relating to a screen for changing the operating mode to select one from a plurality of operating modes, and stores data relating to a plurality of operating screens for entering operations according to each of the operating modes; a storage unit for operating information, which stores operating information defined according to a location on the display screen for each of the display screens; a storage unit for attribute information which stores attribute information that is defined for at least some of the operating screens, that is defined for each of the operating modes, and that defines a relationship between each of the operating screens and its corresponding operating mode; a display control unit which defines at least two display areas of a display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode and a display area of ​​the operating screen in relation to the display unit of the touch panel, reads the data of the display screen which is stored in the memory unit for data of a display screen, and displays the screen for changing the operating mode and the operating screens in the display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode and the display area of ​​the operating screen respectively; and a processing unit for an input signal, which processes the receipt of a signal input from the input unit of the touch panel, which relates to the operating information stored in the operating information memory unit, based on the received signal, the generation of an operating signal according to the received signal, and the transmission of the generated operating signal to the operating control unit, and if it is necessary to change the display screen, then processes the generation of a change signal of the display screen and the transmission of the generated change signal of the display screen to the display control unit, wherein the display control unit is also configured to receive the change signal of the display screen from the processing unit for an input signal, and to change the display screen which is shown on the display unit of the touch panel in response to the signal, wherein The operating device also has a switching unit for automatic operating mode, which monitors the display of the operating screens by the display control unit and determines whether the attribute information for the displayed operating screens is set or not by referring to the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage unit, and in a case where the attribute information for the displayed operating screens is set, generates a switching signal for the operating mode to switch to a corresponding operating mode, and outputs the generated switching signal for the operating mode to the operating control unit.

[0021] According to this operating device, the display control unit first displays the screen for changing the operating mode, which is defined as an initial display screen after startup, in the display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode, and similarly, an operating screen, which is defined as an initial display screen after startup, is displayed in the display area of ​​the operating screen.Regarding the screen for changing the operating mode, an example could be a screen where the operating mode buttons are arranged according to the operating modes, and regarding the operating screen, an example could be a screen where the operating buttons are arranged according to work processes, such as forward and reverse rotation of a spindle, speed correction, jog feed for a variety of feed axes, feed rate correction, and the like.

[0022] Furthermore, when the machine operator touches the touch panel, a position signal is input from the touch panel's input unit, and this signal is received by the input signal processing unit. Based on the received position signal, the input signal processing unit accesses the operating information stored in the operating information memory unit, and if the received position signal corresponds to a position that defines a workflow on the display screen (for example, a position where one of the aforementioned buttons is located), it then generates an operating signal representing the workflow and transmits the generated signal to the operating control unit.For example, in a case where the machine operator presses any of the operating mode buttons on the operating mode change screen, which is displayed in the display area of ​​the operating mode change screen, the input signal processing unit accesses the operating information stored in the operating signal memory unit, recognizes that the corresponding operating mode has been selected, generates a selection signal to select the corresponding operating mode, and transmits the generated signal to the operating control unit.Similarly, in a case where the machine operator presses any of the operating buttons on the operating screen, which is displayed in the display area of ​​the operating screen, the processing unit for an input signal accesses the operating information which is stored in the memory unit for an operating signal, recognizes the operation sequence according to the operating button, and generates an operating signal according to the operation sequence, and transmits the generated signal to the operating control unit.

[0023] Furthermore, in a case where the received position signal is a signal that requires the display screen to change, the input signal processing unit transmits a display screen change signal to the display control unit, and the display control unit displays a screen corresponding to the received signal on the touch panel's display unit. For example, in a case where the machine operator presses an operating mode button on the screen to change the operating mode, the input signal processing unit transmits a signal relating to the corresponding operating mode as the display screen change signal to the display control unit, and the display control unit displays the initial operating mode screen according to the received signal on the display unit.Furthermore, for example, in a case where the machine operator presses a button to change the page of the operating screen to another one (for example, a 'previous page' button, a 'next page' button, or the like), which is defined in the operating screen, the processing unit for an input signal transmits the page change signal as the display screen change signal to the display control unit, and the display control unit displays an operating screen according to the received signal at the display unit.In addition, an operating mode can be specified as an example in which, when the machine operator presses a button on the display screen, the processing unit for an input signal transmits a signal to highlight this button as the change signal of the display screen to the display control unit, and the display control unit displays the display screen with the appropriately highlighted button on the display unit.

[0024] Furthermore, the switching unit to automatic operating mode monitors the operating screen displayed on the display unit via the display control unit and determines whether the attribute information for the displayed operating screen has been set or not by accessing the attribute information stored in the attribute information memory unit, and in the case where the attribute information has been set, generates a switching signal for the operating mode to switch to the corresponding operating mode, and outputs the generated signal to the operating control unit.It should be noted that, as explained above, the attribute information defines a relationship between the user interface screen and the operating mode accordingly, and information where a user interface screen code and an operating mode code are related is given as an example, and a data table containing this is given as an example of a data format of the same.

[0025] In this way, in accordance with the present invention, the operating screen displayed on the display unit is monitored by the switching unit in automatic operating mode, and when the attribute information for the displayed operating screen is set, a switching signal for the operating mode is transmitted to the control unit to change to the corresponding operating mode. Therefore, the machine operator is permitted to automatically switch to their desired operating mode from their desired operating mode simply by performing a process to display an operating screen on the display area of ​​the operating screen, without having to specifically select an operating mode on the screen.

[0026] As previously described, when an operation is performed on the display area of ​​the control screen, the machine operator focuses their attention on this display area. Focusing their attention on the display area for changing the operating mode, which is a different area at that time, disrupts the consistency of operations, leading to reduced productivity and potentially causing operator errors. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate these disadvantages and further improve usability for the machine operator.

[0027] It should be noted that in the present invention, the display control unit can be configured to divide the display area of ​​the operating screen into a plurality of display areas and to display an operating screen in each of the divided display areas, and the switching unit to automatic operating mode can be configured to determine for the operating screens displayed in all of the divided display areas whether the attribute information is set or not, and in a case where the attribute information is set for all of the operating screens and all of the operating screens correspond to the same operating mode, to generate a switching signal for the operating mode to switch to the corresponding operating mode, and to output the generated signal to the operating control unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the processing unit for an input signal can be configured to receive a signal that is entered by the input unit of the touch panel, and which is entered by an area corresponding to each of the display areas, and if the received signal is a swipe control signal for moving the display screen of the corresponding display area, to transmit the swipe control signal to the display control unit, and The display control unit can be configured, upon receiving the swipe control signal from the processing unit for an input signal, in a state where a predetermined display screen is connected to the back of the display screen, which is currently shown in the corresponding display area in the displacement direction, to shift the display screens in accordance with the swipe control signal in order to display the predetermined display screen in the display area.

[0029] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferred that the processing unit for an input signal is configured to override subsequent input signals in a case where signals from a plurality of areas of the input unit corresponding to the display areas in the same time zone are entered.

[0030] As explained above, for example, if an operation is performed simultaneously in the display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode and another operation is performed in the display area of ​​the control screen, it is impossible to distinguish which operating mode is being used. This can lead to an unintended workflow by the machine operator and potentially cause a serious accident. Furthermore, if a button for selecting the operating mode is pressed while changing the control screen, and the initial screen of the selected operating mode is displayed, the machine operator may make an error because the displayed screen is not the one they intended.However, the occurrence of such a disadvantage can be prevented by overriding the subsequent input signals, as discussed above.

[0031] It should be noted that, as a more specific and preferred mode of operation, it is preferred that the processing unit be configured for an input signal to: In a case where a swipe control signal is entered from an area of ​​the input unit corresponding to the display area of ​​the control screen, while a signal for selecting the operating mode is entered from an area of ​​the input unit corresponding to the display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode, override the swipe control signal; and In a case where a signal for selecting the operating mode is entered from an area of ​​the input unit corresponding to the display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode, while a swipe control signal is entered from an area of ​​the input unit corresponding to the display area of ​​the control screen, the signal for selecting the operating mode is overridden.

[0032] Furthermore, the attribute information for an initial operating screen, which is to be displayed by each operating mode, can be defined for each of the display areas. In this case, displaying the initial operating screen in each of the display areas automatically switches the operating mode to automatic mode via the switching unit. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0033] As explained in detail above, according to the operating device of the present invention, since the operating mode can be changed automatically to a desired operating mode without the machine operator having to specifically select the operating mode on the screen, the operability for the machine operator can be made more convenient simply by performing an operation to display an operating screen of the desired operating mode in the display area of ​​the operating screen.

[0034] Furthermore, even if operations are performed simultaneously in a large number of display areas across multiple time zones, appropriate input processing can be carried out. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an operating device and other components in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing processing in a processing unit for an input signal of the embodiment; Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing processing in a switching unit into the automatic operating mode of the embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory illustration showing a display screen in the embodiment; Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory illustration showing another display screen in the embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory illustration which shows another display screen in the embodiment; Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory illustration which shows another display screen in the embodiment; Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory illustration which shows another display screen in the embodiment; Fig. Figure 9 is an explanatory illustration which shows another display screen in the embodiment; Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory illustration showing yet another display screen in the embodiment; and Fig. Figure 11 is an explanatory illustration which shows another display screen in the embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0035] In the following, a specific embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, an operating device 10 according to this embodiment forms part of a machine tool 1 and has a display and input control unit 11, a storage unit 15 for data of a display screen, a storage unit 16 for operating information, and a storage unit 17 for information of the initial operating screen, which are installed in a control unit 5 of the machine tool 1, as well as a touch panel 21, which is included in an operating panel 20, and the display and input control unit 11 has a display control unit 12, a processing unit 13 for an input signal, and a switching unit 14 to the automatic operating mode.

[0037] It should be noted that, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows that the machine tool 1 comprises a machining mechanism 2, which machine a workpiece, an operating control unit 6, which controls the work processes of the machining mechanism 2, etc., as further components of the same. For example, in the case of a lathe, the machining mechanism 2 comprises a spindle, which holds and rotates the workpiece, a drive mechanism for the spindle, a tool rest, which holds a tool, a feed mechanism, which moves the tool rest in a predetermined axial direction, etc. In the case of a machining center, the machining mechanism 2 comprises a table, which supports the workpiece, a spindle, which holds a tool, a drive mechanism for the spindle, a feed mechanism, which moves the table and the spindle relative to each other in predetermined axial directions, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, the operating control unit 6 has a numerical control unit for numerically controlling the machining mechanism 2 and is provided in the control unit 5. Although not explicitly shown, the operating panel 20 also has a start button for activating the control unit 5, and a hand crank for operating the feed mechanism of the machining mechanism 2, which is provided thereon in addition to the touch panel 21, and input signals from the start button and the hand crank are to be transmitted to the control unit 5.

[0039] The touch panel 21 has a display unit 22, on which a screen is displayed, and an input unit 23, which is arranged in a state of overlapping the display unit 22 for entering data relating to a point which is touched by a finger of a machine operator or the like, and the display unit 22 can be visually detected from outside by the input unit 23.

[0040] The storage unit 15 for display screen data is a functional unit for storing data relating to display screens to be shown on the display unit 22 of the touch panel 21, and based on the display screen data stored in the storage unit 15 for display screen data, the display screens are shown on the display unit 22 under the control of the display control unit 12. Fig. Figures 4 to 11 show examples of the display screens shown on display unit 22. The display screens shown in Fig. As 4 to 11 are shown, the display unit 22 is divided into eleven display areas 24 to 34, and data relating to the display screens to be shown in the display areas 24 to 34 are stored in the storage unit 15 for display screen data.

[0041] Display area 24 is an area for displaying a three-dimensional model of the machining mechanism 2, and display area 25 is an area for displaying a screen which relates to a current load state of a drive motor of the spindle, the currently set correction of the cutting feed and the rapid traverse correction for a feed mechanism and the like.

[0042] Furthermore, display areas 26 to 34 are areas for displaying control buttons used by the machine operator to input operating signals. Display area 26 is an area for displaying a screen for changing the operating mode, in which operating mode buttons are arranged for selecting one of a variety of operating modes, and in the following description this area is referred to as the "display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode". In the Fig. The four examples shown in display area 26 of the screen represent operating mode buttons corresponding to a memory mode (MEMORY), an MDI mode (MDI), a DNC (Distributed Numerical Control) mode (DNC), an editing mode (EDIT), a jog feed mode (JIP), and a zero return mode (NULL). It should be noted that the memory mode, the MDI mode, the DNC mode, and the editing mode are classified as automatic modes, while the jog feed mode and the zero return mode are classified as manual modes.

[0043] Furthermore, display areas 27 and 28 each serve as an area for displaying an operating screen containing control buttons assigned to each operating mode. A number of operating screens (pages) are provided for each operating mode. In the following description, display area 27 is referred to as the "first display area of ​​the operating screen," and display area 28 is referred to as the "second display area of ​​the operating screen."

[0044] It should be noted that the operating screens of the first display area 27 of the operating screen and the second display area 28 of the operating screen, which are in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are shown, operating screens for the memory operating mode are shown, and two pages are prepared for the operating screen of the first display area 27 of the operating screen, and the one in Fig. The operating screen shown in section 4 is a first page, and the one in Fig. The operating screen shown in section 5 is a second page.

[0045] Furthermore, the operating screens of the first display area 27 of the operating screen and the second display area 28 of the operating screen, which are in Fig. Figures 6 to 8 show operating screens for the jog feed mode, and the operating screen, which is to be displayed in the first display area 27 of the operating screen, comprises three pages, and the one in Fig. The operating screen shown in section 6 is a first page, which is in Fig. The operating screen shown in step 7 is a second page, and the one in Fig. The operating screen shown in section 8 is a third page. Although the operating screen, which is to be displayed in the second display area 28 of the operating screen, has two pages, all of the Fig. 6 to 8, the first page of the user interface screen.

[0046] Furthermore, the operating screens of the first display area 27 of the operating screen and the second display area 28 of the operating screen, which are in Fig. Figures 9 to 11 show operating screens for the zero-position operating mode, and the operating screen, which is to be displayed in the first display area 27 of the operating screen, comprises three pages, and the one in Fig. The operating screen shown in 9 is a first page, which is in Fig. The operating screen shown in step 10 is a second page, and the one in Fig. The operating screen shown in section 11 is a third page. Although the operating screen, which is to be displayed in the second display area 28 of the operating screen, has two pages, all of the Fig. 9 to 11 a second page of the operating screen.

[0047] Additionally, display area 29 is a display area for a reset button, display area 30 is a display area for a button to operate ON / OFF of a coolant, display area 31 is an area to display a release button for a door, display area 32 is a display area for a button to operate ON / OFF of the lighting in the machine tool, display area 33 is a display area for a button to operate ON / OFF of the blow-off, and display area 34 is a display area for a button to operate a chip conveyor.

[0048] The storage unit 16 for operating information is a functional unit for storing operating information, in which, with regard to the screen for changing the operating mode and the operating screens on which the operating buttons are displayed, the positions of the operating buttons and their operating contents are related to each other, and the operating information is stored for each of the screens.

[0049] The storage unit 17 for initial operating screen information is a functional unit for storing information relating to operating screens that are to be displayed initially when changing the operating mode (so-called initial screens, and hereinafter referred to as "initial operating screens") below the operating screens prepared for each of the operating modes (for example, information relating to an address defined for each of the operating screens and the corresponding operating mode). For example, for each of the operating modes, the first pages of the operating screens to be displayed on the first display area 27 and the second display area 28 of the operating screen are defined as the initial operating screens.It should be noted that in this example, the information relating to the initial user screens corresponds to attribute information. In this sense, storage unit 17 for information of the initial user screen can be referred to as storage unit 17 for attribute information.

[0050] The display control unit 12 is a processing unit that defines the eleven areas, i.e., display areas 24 to 34, in relation to the display unit 22 of the touch panel 21, reads the data from the display screen which is stored in the memory unit 15 for display screen data, and displays the screens in display areas 24 to 34. As soon as the control unit 5 is in operation, the predetermined initial screens are displayed first in their respective display areas 24 to 34.

[0051] Subsequently, upon receiving a change signal from the processing unit 13 for an input signal, the display control unit 12 performs processing to change the display screens in display areas 24 to 34 in response to the change signal. For example, if the processing unit 13 receives a page-change signal for an input signal, which will be explained later, then the display control unit 12 changes the page of the corresponding display area 24 to 34 in response, thus displaying a different page.When a swipe signal is received, the display control unit 12 shifts the display screen currently shown in the corresponding display area in accordance with the swipe signal to a subsequent display screen (the previous page or the next page of the display screen) which is connected to the back of the currently displayed display screen in the direction of shift, thus displaying the subsequent display screen.

[0052] Furthermore, upon receiving a signal for highlighting, which will be explained later, from the processing unit 13 for an input signal, the display control unit 12 then highlights the corresponding operating button (for example, displaying the corresponding operating button in a display color that is different from that of the other operating buttons, making the profile of the corresponding operating button thicker, or the like).Similarly, upon receiving a display signal for the initial screen, which will be explained later, from the processing unit for an input signal 13, the display control unit 12 accesses the information stored in the memory unit 17 for information of the initial operating screen and displays the initial operating screens of the corresponding operating mode in the first display area 27 of the operating screen and the second display area 28 of the operating screen.

[0053] The processing unit 13 for an input signal is a processing unit that receives a position signal input by the input unit 22 of the touch panel 21, accesses the operating information stored in the memory unit 16 for operating information based on the received signal, generates an operating signal according to the received signal, and transmits the generated operating signal to the operating control unit 6. Furthermore, if the received signal is a signal that requires the display screen to be changed, the processing unit 13 for an input signal also generates a change signal for the display screen and transmits the generated signal to the display control unit 12. Specifically, the processing unit 13 for an input signal performs the processing of steps S1 to S11, which are described in Fig. 2 are shown.

[0054] This means that, first, in steps S1 to S3, the processing unit 13 waits for an input signal until a position signal is entered into it by the input unit 22, and as soon as a position signal has been entered into it by the input unit 22, it checks whether signals from a multitude of different areas of the display areas 24 to 34 have been entered or not, and in the case where a multitude of signals have been entered, it considers only the first input signal as valid, and overrides those signals which were entered after the first input signal.

[0055] Subsequently, in step S4, the processing unit 13 determines whether the input position signal is a screen change signal or an operating signal. Specifically, the processing unit 13 receives information from the display control unit 12 relating to the display screen shown in the display area corresponding to the position signal. Based on the position signal and the received information regarding the display screen, the processing unit accesses the operating information stored in the operating information memory unit 16 and determines whether the position signal corresponds to any of the operating buttons on the display screen.In the case where the position signal does not correspond to any of the control buttons, it determines that the position signal is an input signal for changing the display screen, i.e., a swipe control signal, and then determines whether the swipe control signal is a signal to display the previous page or the next page (which corresponds to a case where the input position signal changes in a short time and is referred to as a "page change signal") or a signal to change the control screen (which corresponds to a case where the input position signal changes slowly and is referred to as a "swipe signal"), and transmits a screen change signal according to the determination (a page change signal or a swipe signal) to the display control unit 12 (step S5).

[0056] On the other hand, if the input position signal corresponds to one of the operating buttons, the processing unit 13 recognizes this signal as an operating signal and also recognizes the corresponding operating button (step S6). It then transmits a command to highlight the image of the corresponding operating button to the display control unit 12 (step S7) and then determines whether the operating button is a selection button for choosing the operating mode, according to the input signal (step S8).In the case where it is not a selection button for choosing the operating mode, processing continues to step S10, while in the case where it is a selection button for choosing the operating mode, a command to display the initial operating screens according to the button (initial operating screen display signal) is transmitted to the display control unit 12 (step S9), and then processing continues to step S8.

[0057] Furthermore, in step S9, the processing unit 13 generates an operating signal for an input signal according to the operating button and transmits the generated operating signal to the operating control unit 6. The processing described above is then repeated until the control unit 5 is switched off, thereby ending the processing (step S11).

[0058] The switching unit 14 to automatic operating mode is a processing unit which receives the display information from the display control unit 12 and monitors the display of the operating screens on the first display area 27 of the operating screen and the second display area 28 of the operating screen by the display control unit 12, and also accesses the information which is stored in the memory unit 17 for information of the initial operating screen, and determines whether each of the operating screens displayed thereon corresponds to one of the initial operating screens of the jog feed operating mode and the zeroing operating mode, which are manual operating modes, or not, and generates, in the case where they correspond to one of these,a switching signal for the operating mode to switch to the corresponding operating mode and outputs the generated signal to the operating control unit 6. In other words, the processing in the switching unit 14 to the automatic operating mode is a process of determining whether the displayed operating screens are operating screens for which attribute information is defined (that is, whether the operating screens are defined as the initial screens or not) or not, and of performing the switching of the operating mode in the case where attribute information has been defined for the operating screens (that is, in the case where the operating screens are also operating screens which have been defined as the initial screens), and , Fig. Figure 3 shows this processing in more detail.

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the switching unit 14, in steps S20 and S21, first determines whether the initial operating screens for the inching feed mode displayed on the first display area 27 and the second display area 28 of the operating screen have been set. If the initial operating screens for the inching feed mode are displayed, the switching unit 14, in automatic operating mode, checks whether the current operating mode is the inching feed mode (step S22).In the case where it is the inching feed operating mode, processing continues to step S28, while in the case where it is not the inching feed operating mode, the switching unit 14 generates a selection signal for the inching feed operating mode and transmits the generated signal to the operating control unit 6 (step S23), and then processing continues to step S28.

[0060] On the other hand, if the first display area 27 and the second display area 28 of the operating screen have not been set to their respective initial operating screens for the jog feed mode displayed therein, the switching unit 14 in automatic operating mode determines whether the initial operating screens set for the zeroing mode are displayed on the first display area 27 and the second display area 28 of the operating screen (steps S24, S25). If the initial operating screens for the zeroing mode are displayed therein, the switching unit 14 in automatic operating mode 14 checks whether the current operating mode is the zeroing mode or not (step S26).If it is the zero-position operating mode, processing continues to step S28. If it is not the zero-position operating mode, it generates a selection signal for the zero-position operating mode and transmits the generated signal to the operating control unit 6 (step S27), and then processing continues to step S28. Furthermore, if the initial operating screens for the zero-position operating mode are not displayed on the first display area 27 and the second display area 28 of the operating screen, processing continues similarly to step S28.

[0061] Afterwards, the switching unit 14 repeatedly performs the processing described above in automatic operating mode until the control unit 5 is switched off, thereby ending the processing (step S28).

[0062] According to the operating device 10 of this embodiment with the configuration described above, once the control unit 5 is in operation, those display screens which are defined as the initial display screens are shown after startup in the display areas 24 to 34 by the display control unit 12.

[0063] Then, as soon as the machine operator touches the input unit 23 of the touch panel 21 with his finger, a position signal relating to the position touched by the machine operator is input from the input unit 23 to the processing unit 13 for an input signal, and based on the received position signal, the processing unit 13 for an input signal executes the following: Fig. 2. Processing shown.

[0064] This means that first, it is checked whether a multitude of signals from a multitude of different areas within display areas 24 to 34 have been input. If a multitude of signals have been input, only the first input signal is considered valid, and those signals input after the first are overridden. Next, it is checked whether the input signal is a screen-changing signal (swipe control signal) or an operating signal. If it is a swipe control signal, a page-changing signal or a swipe signal in accordance with the swipe operation is transmitted to the display control unit 12.Furthermore, in response to the received signal to change the screen (page change signal or swipe signal), the display control unit 12 changes the display screen of the corresponding display area 24 to 34, that is, in the case of a page change signal, a different page is displayed by changing, while in the case of a swipe signal, a different page is displayed by moving.

[0065] On the other hand, if the input signal is a signal corresponding to a control button, the input signal processing unit 13 recognizes this signal as a control signal and generates a control signal corresponding to the control button. It then transmits the generated signal to the control unit 6 and also transmits a command to highlight the image of the corresponding control button (highlight signal) to the display control unit 12. The input signal processing unit 13 then determines whether the control button is a selection button for choosing the operating mode or not. If it is a selection button for choosing the operating mode, it transmits a display command for the initial operating screen (initial screen display signal) corresponding to the selection button to the display control unit 12.Upon receiving the signal to highlight the display, the display control unit 12 highlights the corresponding operating button, and upon receiving a display signal for the initial screen, it displays the initial operating screens of the corresponding operating mode in the first display area 27 of the operating screen and the second display area 28 of the operating screen.

[0066] According to the operating instructions described above, the display screen shown on the display unit 22 is changed by the machine operator, who inputs a position signal from the input unit 23 of the touch panel 22, and when an operating button is pressed, the corresponding operating signal is entered into the operating control unit 6.

[0067] On the other hand, the switching unit 14 monitors the operating screens displayed by the display control unit 12 on the first display area 27 and the second display area 28 of the operating screen in automatic operating mode, and in the case where the operating screens displayed on the first display area 27 and the second display area 28 of the operating screen are operating screens for which attribute information is defined relating to the jog feed operating mode or the zeroing operating mode, that is, in this example, in the case where they are the initial operating screens defined for the jog feed operating mode or the initial operating screen for the zeroing operating mode,Then a switching signal for the operating mode to select the corresponding operating mode (inching feed mode or zeroing mode) is transmitted to the operating control unit 6.

[0068] According to the operating device 10 of this embodiment, the operating screens displayed on the first display area 27 and the second display area 28 of the operating screen are monitored by the switching unit 14 in automatic operating mode, and in the case where the operating screens displayed on the first display area 27 and the second display area 28 of the operating screen are operating screens for which attribute information is defined relating to the operating mode of the jog feed or the operating mode for zeroing (that is, the initial operating screens of the same), then a switching signal for the operating mode to select the corresponding operating mode is transmitted to the operating control unit 6.Therefore, the machine operator is permitted to automatically switch the operating mode to the desired operating mode without having to specifically select an operating mode on the screen to change the operating mode, simply by performing a process to display the initial operating screens of the desired operating mode on the first display area 27 of the operating screen and the second display area 28 of the operating screen.

[0069] When operations are performed on the display area of ​​the operating screens 27 to 34, the machine operator focuses their attention on this area. Focusing their attention on display area 25 of the screen for changing the operating mode—a different area in this situation—impairs the consistency of operations, leading to reduced productivity and potentially causing operator error. However, according to the operating device 10 of this embodiment, these disadvantages can be eliminated, and the operability for the machine operator can be further improved, thus ensuring comfortable operation.

[0070] Moreover, in the case where a large number of signals are entered into the processing unit 13 at the same time for an input signal from a large number of different areas from the display areas 24 to 34, since only the first input signal is considered valid, it is possible to carry out appropriate input processing, and furthermore, the machine operator is prevented from making an incorrect operation.

[0071] In this way, one particular embodiment of the present invention has been explained. However, the embodiment that can be applied to the present invention is not limited to this.

[0072] For example, although the embodiment described above has a configuration in which, in the case where a plurality of signals are entered simultaneously from a plurality of different areas from display areas 24 to 34, only the first input signal is considered valid, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration can be used in which the input from display area 26 of the operating mode change screen and the input from the first display area 27 of the control screen and the second display area 28 of the control screen are monitored, and in the case where, while a signal for selecting the operating mode is entered from display area 26 of the operating mode change screen,If a swipe control signal is entered from the first display area 27 of the operating screen or the second display area 28 of the operating screen, then the swipe control signal is overridden; whereas in the case where, while a swipe control signal is entered from either the first display area 27 of the operating screen or the second display area 28 of the operating screen, a signal for selecting the operating mode is entered from display area 26 of the operating mode change screen, or an operating signal is entered from either the first display area 27 of the operating screen or the second display area 28 of the operating screen, then the signal for selecting the operating mode or the operating signal is overridden.

[0073] Furthermore, although in the above embodiment information relating to the initial screens is defined as the attribute information, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration can be used in which an operating screen, which serves as a trigger for performing the operating mode change, is freely selectable, and information relating to the operating screen and the operating mode is used as the attribute information. In this case, when the operating screen for which the attribute information is defined is displayed in the corresponding display area, this is detected by the switching unit 14 in automatic operating mode, and the operating mode is automatically switched to the corresponding operating mode.Furthermore, there is no limit to the number of operating screens for which the attribute information is defined, and the attribute information can be defined for all of the operating screens that are defined for each of the operating modes.

[0074] Furthermore, the in Fig. The display screens shown in Figures 4 to 11 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these. List of reference symbols 1 machine tool 2. Processing mechanism 5 Control unit 6 Operating control unit 10 Control unit 11 Display and input control unit 12 Display control unit 13 Processing unit for one input signal 14 Switching unit to automatic operating mode 15 Storage unit for data from a display screen 16 storage units for operating information 17 Storage unit for information from the initial operating screen (storage unit for attribute information) 20 Control Panel 21 Touch panel 22 Display unit 23 Input unit 26 Display area of ​​the screen for changing the operating mode (display area) 27 First display area of ​​the operating screen (display area) 28 Second display area of ​​the operating screen (display area)

Claims

[1] Operating device (10) which is connected to an operating control unit (6) of an NC machine tool (1) for inputting an operating signal into the operating control unit (6), comprising: a touch panel (21) comprising a display unit (22) for displaying a screen and an input unit (23) which is arranged in a state of being overlapped on the display unit (22) for entering data relating to a position touched by a machine operator, wherein the display unit (22) is visually recognizable from the outside; a storage unit (15) for data of a display screen, which stores data relating to display screens to be displayed on the display unit (22) of the touch panel (21), wherein the storage unit (15) for data of a display screen stores at least data relating to a screen for changing the operating mode to select one from a plurality of operating modes, and stores data relating to a plurality of operating screens for entering operations according to each of the operating modes; a storage unit (16) for operating information, which stores operating information defined according to a position on the display screen for each of the display screens; a storage unit (17) for attribute information which stores attribute information which is defined for at least some of the operating screens, which is defined for each of the operating modes, and which defines a relationship between each of the operating screens and its corresponding operating mode; a display control unit (12) which defines at least two display areas of a display area (26) of the screen for changing the operating mode and a display area of ​​the operating screen in relation to the display unit (22) of the touch panel (21), reads the display screen data which is stored in the memory unit (15) for display screen data, and displays the screen for changing the operating mode and the operating screens in the display area (26) of the screen for changing the operating mode and the display area of ​​the operating screen, respectively; and a processing unit (13) for an input signal, which processes the receipt of a signal input from the input unit (23) of the touch panel (21), which relates to the operating information stored in the storage unit (16) for operating information, based on the received signal, generates an operating signal according to the received signal, and transmits the generated operating signal to the operating control unit (6), and if it is necessary to change the display screen, then processes the generation of a change signal of the display screen and transmits the generated change signal of the display screen to the display control unit (12), wherein the display control unit (12) is also configured to receive the change signal of the display screen from the processing unit (13) for an input signal, and to change the display screen which is displayed on the display unit (22) of the touch panel (21) in response to the signal, wherein The operating device (10) also has a switching unit (14) for automatic operating mode, which monitors the display of the operating screens by the display control unit (12) and determines whether the attribute information for the displayed operating screens is set or not by referring to the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage unit (17), and in a case where the attribute information for the displayed operating screens is set, generates a switching signal for the operating mode to switch to a corresponding operating mode, and outputs the generated switching signal for the operating mode to the operating control unit (6). [2] Control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit (12) divides the display area of ​​the operating screen into a plurality of display areas, and displays the operating screens on the divided display areas, and The switching unit (14) determines, with regard to the operating screens which are displayed in all of the subdivided display areas, whether the attribute information is set or not, and in a case where the attribute information is set for all of the operating screens and all of the operating screens refer to the same operating mode, generates a switching signal for the operating mode to switch to the corresponding operating mode, and outputs the generated signal to the operating control unit (6). [3] Control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit (13) is configured to receive signals input from the input unit (23) of the touch panel (21) and input from areas corresponding to the display areas, and if a received signal is a swipe control signal for moving the display screen of a corresponding display area, it transmits the swipe control signal to the display control unit (12), and Upon receiving the swipe control signal from the processing unit (13) for an input signal, the display control unit (12) shifts the display screen currently shown in the corresponding display area in accordance with the swipe control signal, in a state where a predetermined display screen is connected to the back of the display screen currently shown in the corresponding display area in the direction of shift, and thus displays the predetermined display screen in the corresponding display area. [4] Operating device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a case where signals from a plurality of areas of the input unit (23) corresponding to the display areas are entered in the same time zone, the processing unit (13) for an input signal overrides subsequent input signals. [5] Control device (10) according to claim 3, wherein In a case where a swipe control signal is entered from an area of ​​the input unit (23) corresponding to the display area of ​​the operating screen, while a signal for selecting the operating mode is entered from an area of ​​the input unit (23) corresponding to the display area (26) of the screen for changing the operating mode, the processing unit (13) for an input signal overrides the swipe control signal; and In a case where a signal for selecting the operating mode is entered from an area of ​​the input unit (23) corresponding to the display area (26) of the screen for changing the operating mode, while a swipe control signal is entered from an area of ​​the input unit (23) corresponding to the display area of ​​the control screen, the processing unit (13) for an input signal overrides the signal for selecting the operating mode. [6] Operating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the attribute information for an operating screen, which is to be displayed initially in each of the operating modes, is defined with respect to each of the display areas.

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