NUMERICAL CONTROL

Abstract

Numerical control (1) capable of determining whether an operator's input numerical value is within a range of a limit value (Th1-1, Th2-1, Th3-1) or not, wherein the numerical control (1) comprises: an input / receiver unit (101) that receives various operator operations and input of numerical values ​​for input quantities; an input numeric value limiting unit (102) that determines whether the input numeric value lies within the range of the limit (Th1-1, Th2-1, Th3-1) or not; and a limit change unit (103) that changes the limit (Th1-1, Th2-1, Th3-1) when the input-receive unit (101) receives a specific operation; characterized by the fact that the numerical control (1) additionally includes: a limit value restoration unit (104) that restores a changed limit value (Th1-2, Th2-2, Th3-2) to the limit value (Th1-1, Th2-1, Th3-1) before the change when the specific operation is completed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a numerical control, in particular a numerical control that differentiates an operator's operating mode and changes an input limit value according to the operating mode. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] If a numerical value (e.g., a tool offset amount, a workpiece origin offset amount, a numerical value part of a machining program, and the like) is entered into a numerical control by an operator, and if a value that differs significantly from an original input value is entered due to an input error, this can lead to serious accidents, such as the breakage of tools and workpieces.

[0003] Therefore, a conventional numerical control has the function of limiting an input value or a change in the input value so that the value cannot be changed drastically all at once. For example, if a change amount limit is 1.0, it is not permissible to change an existing input value of 10.0 to 12.0. If an input value exceeding a predetermined limit is entered into a numerical control with such a limiting function, an operation, such as issuing a warning to the operator (e.g., by displaying a warning message), will be prevented. Fig. 1 shown, or similarly executed.

[0004] JP 2012 - 081 562 A also discloses a configuration in which only a rotational speed within a range of an upper limit and a lower limit is adopted into a control which can input a permissible rotational speed via an input device.

[0005] However, some operations performed by an operator require significant changes to numerical values ​​compared to ordinary operations. For example, during setup operations such as installing a new tool, setting a new workpiece coordinate system, or loading a new machining program, it is necessary to enter a large value for a basic setting or to significantly modify an existing input value. If, in such cases, a limit value for an input value or a change in the input value is set, a problem arises, as the operation is disrupted or work efficiency is significantly reduced. Therefore, prior art required countermeasures, such as a setting adjustment to mitigate the limit value beforehand, when performing a setup operation.

[0006] Such a prior art method has problems, such as the complicated workload required to loosen the limit each time, or the fact that the loosened limit is forgotten and returned to its original value.

[0007] JP 2008 197 859 A discloses the state of the art per se. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and it intends to provide a numerical control that differentiates an operator's operating mode and changes an input limit value according to the operating mode.

[0009] A numerical control according to the present invention is disclosed in claim 1, and a numerical control capable of determining whether an operator-inputted numerical value lies within a range of a limit value or not, wherein the numerical control comprises: an input-receiver unit that receives various operator operations and input numerical values ​​for input quantities; an input numerical value limiting unit that determines whether the input numerical value lies within the range of the limit value or not; a limit value change unit that changes the limit value when the input-receiver unit receives a specific operation; and a limit value restoration unit that restores a changed limit value to the limit value prior to the change when the specific operation is completed.

[0010] In the numerical control according to an embodiment of the present invention, the input-receiver unit determines, based on a displayed window name, whether the specific operation has been received or not.

[0011] In the numerical control according to an embodiment of the present invention, the limit change unit changes the limit value of a tool offset amount when the input / receive unit receives a tool addition operation.

[0012] In the numerical control according to an embodiment of the present invention, the limit value change unit changes the limit value of a workpiece origin offset amount when the input / receive unit receives a setting operation of the workpiece coordinate system.

[0013] In the numerical control according to an embodiment of the present invention, the limit value change unit changes the limit value of a numerical value part of an editing program when the input / receive unit receives a load operation of the editing program.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a numerical control that differentiates an operator's operating mode and changes an input limit value according to the operating mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Of these drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram that illustrates an example of an input limit in a state-of-the-art numerical control system; Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram representing a hardware configuration of a numerical controller; Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram representing a functional configuration of the numerical control; Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart representing a numerical control operation; and Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram that illustrates an example of the memory contents of a storage unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0016] A configuration of a numerical control 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic hardware configuration diagram of the main parts of the numerical control 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] A CPU 11, which is part of the numerical control 1, is a processor that controls the entire numerical control 1. The CPU 11 loads a program stored in a non-volatile memory 14 via a bus 20 and controls the entire numerical control 1 according to the program.

[0019] The non-volatile memory 14 is configured as a memory that is maintained in a memory state even when the power supply to the numerical control 1 is switched off, for example by means of a battery backup (not shown). The program and the data stored in the non-volatile memory 14 can be developed in a volatile memory 13 at the time of use. In addition to the program and the data developed from the non-volatile memory 14, the volatile memory 13 also stores temporary calculation data and display data, data entered via an input device 71, and the like.

[0020] A display / MDI unit 70 is a data input / output device with a display, a keyboard, and the like. Commands and data inputs from the keyboard of the display / MDI unit 70 are forwarded to the CPU 11 via an interface 15. Furthermore, the display data output by the CPU 11 is shown on the display of the display / MDI unit 70 via interface 15.

[0021] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram representing a schematic functional configuration of the numerical control 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The numerical control 1 comprises an input-receiving unit 101, an input numeric value limiting unit 102, a limit change unit 103, a limit restore unit 104 and a storage unit 105.

[0023] The input / receiver unit 101 receives an operator command and executes a process to specify the type of operation. This operation could include, for example, adding a tool, setting a workpiece coordinate system, loading a machining program, closing an input window, starting machining, and the like. Furthermore, a process is performed to receive a numerical input value entered by the user via a keyboard or similar device.

[0024] The input numeric value limiting unit 102 determines whether the input numeric value received by the input / receiver unit 101 lies within a predefined limit range. If it lies within the limit range, the input numeric value is passed on to further processing. If, however, it lies outside the limit range, the input numeric value is not passed on to further processing. In this case, it is possible to display a warning and prompt the operator to re-enter the value.

[0025] The limit value change unit 103 performs a process to change a limit value, which is used when the input numeric value limit unit 102 performs the aforementioned determination when the input receiver unit 101 detects a specific type of operation. This specific type of operation is, for example, an operation to open a specific window required for performing the aforementioned adjustments.

[0026] After the limit change unit 103 has changed the limit, the limit restore unit 104 performs a process in which the limit is reset to a state prior to the change if a predetermined condition is met. This predetermined condition could be, for example, performing an operation to close an input window, starting an edit, and the like.

[0027] The memory unit 105 correlates and stores names of input quantities, normal (i.e., when no change is made) limits, operator operations, and modified limits to be applied when performing the corresponding operation. Fig. Figure 5 presents an example of the contents of memory unit 105. In this example, the input value limit for the tool correction amount is normally set to Th1-1. Th1-1 could be, for example, an upper limit, a lower limit, or a limit for a change amount. However, if a tool addition operation is detected, the input value limit for the tool correction amount is changed to Th1-2.

[0028] Then, under a predetermined condition, the limit value of the input value of the tool correction amount is reset to Th1-1.

[0029] The operating mode of the numerical control 1 is described using a flowchart in Fig. 4 described. In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the limit value is changed when operations for adding a tool, setting a workpiece coordinate system, and loading a machining program are detected, which are typical setup operations.

[0030] S10: The operator initiates an operation at the input / receiver unit 101 of the numerical control 1. The input / receiver unit 101 determines the type of operation the operator will perform. Typically, it receives the name of an input window open on the control panel, which allows the input unit 101 to specify the type of operation the operator will perform. For example, if a window for adding a tool opens, it can indicate that the operator will perform a tool re-addition operation. If the workpiece coordinate system window opens, it can indicate that a workpiece coordinate system setup operation will be performed. If a machining program loading window opens, it can indicate that the operator will perform a machining program loading operation.

[0031] When the tool addition operation is detected, the process continues to S101. When the workpiece coordinate system setting operation is detected, the process continues to S201. When the machining program loading operation is detected, the process continues to S301.

[0032] S101: With reference to the storage unit 105, the limit change unit 103 records the name of the input quantity requesting the change of the limit at the time of the tool addition operation and the changed limit.

[0033] According to the storage unit 105 of Fig. 5. The input size name = tool offset amount and limit value = Th1-2, which are assigned to the tool addition operation, are recorded.

[0034] The input / receiver unit 101 receives an input of the tool offset amount. At this point, the input value limiting unit 102 determines whether the input value received by the input / receiver unit 101 lies within a range of the changed limit value Th1-2 recorded in S101. If it is within the range of limit value Th1-2, the input value is passed on to subsequent processing. If, on the other hand, it is not within the range of limit value Th1-2, the input value is not passed on to subsequent processing, and a process is carried out in which, for example, the operator is prompted to re-enter the value by displaying a warning.

[0035] S102: When the limit value recovery unit 104 detects that the tool addition window is closed or machining has started, it determines that the tool addition operation is complete. At this point, the limit value recovery unit 104 references the memory unit 105 and captures the name of the input quantity affected by the limit value change due to the tool addition, and a normal limit value for the corresponding input quantity. According to the memory unit 105 in Fig. 5. The input size name = tool offset amount and limit value = Th1-1, which are assigned to the tool addition operation, are recorded.

[0036] S103: Subsequently, when the input / receiver unit 101 receives the input of the tool offset amount, the input numeric value limiting unit 102 determines whether the input numeric value received by the input / receiver unit 101 lies within the range of the modified limit value Th1-1 recorded in S102. If it lies within the range of the limit value Th1-1, the input numeric value is passed on to subsequent processing. If, on the other hand, it lies outside the range of the limit value Th1-1, the input numeric value is not passed on to subsequent processing, and a process is carried out in which, for example, the operator is prompted to re-enter the data by displaying a warning.

[0037] S201: The limit value change unit 103 refers to the storage unit 105 and records the name of the input quantity requesting the limit value change and the changed limit value at the time of the workpiece coordinate system setting operation. According to storage unit 105 of Fig. 5. The name of the input quantity = a workpiece origin offset amount and the limit value = Th2-2, which are assigned to the setting operation of the workpiece coordinate system, are recorded.

[0038] The input / receiver unit 101 receives the input of the workpiece origin offset amount. At this point, the input numeric value limiting unit 102 determines whether the input numeric value received by the input / receiver unit 101 lies within the range of the changed limit value Th2-2 recorded in S201. If it lies within the range of the limit value Th2-2, the input numeric value is passed on to the subsequent processing. If, on the other hand, it does not lie within the range of the limit value Th2-2, the input numeric value is not passed on to the subsequent processing, and a process is carried out in which the operator is prompted to re-enter the value, for example, by the display of a warning.

[0039] S202: When the limit value recovery unit 104 detects that the workpiece coordinate system setting window is closed or that machining has started, the limit value recovery unit 104 determines that the workpiece coordinate system setting operation is complete. At this point, the limit value recovery unit 104 refers to the memory unit 105 and records the name of the input quantity affected by the limit value change due to the workpiece coordinate system setting operation, and a normal limit value for the corresponding input quantity. According to the memory unit 105 of Fig. 5. The name of the input quantity = the workpiece origin offset amount and the limit value = Th2-1, which are assigned to the setting operation of the workpiece coordinate system, are recorded.

[0040] S203: Subsequently, when the input / receiver unit 101 receives the input of the workpiece origin offset amount, the input numeric value limiting unit 102 determines whether the input numeric value received by the input / receiver unit 101 lies within the range of the modified limit value Th2-1 recorded in S202. If it lies within the range of limit value Th2-1, the input numeric value is passed on to subsequent processing. If, on the other hand, it does not lie within the range of limit value Th2-1, the input numeric value is not passed on to subsequent processing, and processing is carried out in which the operator is prompted to re-enter the value, for example, by the display of a warning.

[0041] S301: The limit change unit 103 refers to the storage unit 105 and records the name of the input quantity that requests the limit to be changed at the time of the processing program's loading operation, and the changed limit. According to storage unit 105 of Fig. 5. The name of the input variable = a numerical value part of the program, and the limit value = Th3-2, which are assigned to the loading operation of the processing program, are recorded.

[0042] The input / receiver unit 101 receives an input from the numerical value section of the program. At this point, the input numerical value limiting unit 102 determines whether the input numerical value received by the input / receiver unit 101 lies within the range of the modified limit value Th3-2 recorded in S301. If it lies within the range of limit value Th3-2, the input numerical value is passed to the subsequent processing. If, on the other hand, it lies outside the range of limit value Th3-2, the input numerical value is not passed to the subsequent processing, and processing is carried out in which the operator is prompted to re-enter the value, for example, by displaying a warning.

[0043] S302: When the limit recovery unit 104 detects that the editing program loading window is closed or that editing has started, the limit recovery unit 104 determines that the editing program loading operation is complete. At this point, the limit recovery unit 104 refers to the memory unit 105 and captures the name of the input quantity affected by the limit change caused by the editing program loading operation and a normal limit value for the corresponding input quantity. According to the memory unit 105 in Fig. 5. The name of the input variable = the numerical value part of the program and the limit value = Th3-1, which are assigned to the loading operation of the processing program, are recorded.

[0044] S303: Subsequently, when the input / receiver unit 101 receives the input of the numerical value part of the program, the input limiting unit 102 determines whether the input numerical value received by the input / receiver unit 101 lies within the range of the modified limit Th3-1 recorded in S302. If it lies within the range of limit Th3-1, the input numerical value is passed to the subsequent processing. If, on the other hand, it lies outside the range of limit Th3-1, the input numerical value is not passed to the subsequent processing, and processing is carried out in which the operator is prompted to re-enter the value, for example, by displaying a warning.

[0045] According to the present embodiment, the numerical control 1 automatically changes the limit value of the input numerical value corresponding to the operation upon receiving a specific operating mode. Furthermore, it recognizes when the operation is complete and automatically resets the limit value to its original value. Thus, it is extremely easy to perform a step to loosen the limit value. It is also possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where the loosened limit value was not reset to its original value.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, but can be implemented in various ways by making suitable modifications. For example, in the aforementioned embodiments, the addition of the tool, the setting of the workpiece coordinate system, and the loading of the machining program are shown as examples of the operations that trigger the change of the limit value, although the present invention is not limited to this. The operation that triggers the change of the limit value can be freely configured by defining the operation in the storage unit 105.

[0047] Furthermore, closing the input window and starting the processing operation are shown as examples of triggers for restoring the limit value to its original value, although the present invention is not limited to these. The user is enabled to use any other trigger, such as a trigger that can determine that the operation requesting the change to the limit value has been completed.

[0048] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the examples of the aforementioned embodiments, but other modes of operation can be realized by making suitable modifications.

Claims

[1] Numerical control (1) capable of determining whether an operator’s input numerical value is within a range of a limit value (Th1-1, Th2-1, Th3-1) or not, wherein the numerical control (1) comprises: an input / receiver unit (101) that receives various operator operations and input of numerical values ​​for input quantities; an input numeric value limiting unit (102) that determines whether the input numeric value lies within the range of the limit (Th1-1, Th2-1, Th3-1) or not; and a limit change unit (103) that changes the limit (Th1-1, Th2-1, Th3-1) when the input-receive unit (101) receives a specific operation; characterized by , that the numerical control (1) additionally includes: a limit value restoration unit (104) that restores a changed limit value (Th1-2, Th2-2, Th3-2) to the limit value (Th1-1, Th2-1, Th3-1) before the change when the specific operation is completed. [2] Numerical control (1) according to claim 1, wherein the input-receiving unit (101) determines whether the specific operation has been received or not based on a displayed window name. [3] Numerical control (1) according to claim 1, wherein the limit change unit (103) changes the limit (Th1-1) of a tool offset amount when the input receive unit (101) receives a tool addition operation. [4] Numerical control (1) according to claim 1, wherein the limit change unit (103) changes the limit (Th2-1) of a workpiece origin offset amount when the input receive unit (101) receives a setting operation of the workpiece coordinate system. [5] Numerical control (1) according to claim 1, wherein the limit change unit (103) changes the limit (Th3-1) of a numerical value part of an editing program when the input-receive unit (101) receives a load operation of the editing program.

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