MACHINE TOOL

Abstract

A machine tool according to one aspect of the present disclosure is capable of efficiently performing a setup task and comprises: a processing device that processes a workpiece using a tool; one or more label readers, each attached to an article that is removable and includes the tool, and reading a label that records unique identification information; and a control device that has a setup display unit that displays task information of the setup task to be performed by a worker according to the identification information read by the label reader.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, it has been proposed to use tags such as RFID to manage various manufacturing processes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a production management system that identifies the content of the work to be performed by an automated machine based on information read from an identification tag (tag) attached to an automated transport carriage or pallet that transports the objects to be processed. List of citationsPatent document

[0003] Patent Document 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Application, Publication No. H4-199304 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] Even if the content of the required work can be determined by identifying the object to be processed with the label, it is necessary to ensure that the automated machine is in a state where it can perform the required work. Specifically, intended processing cannot be performed accurately unless a suitable tool is mounted on a machine tool that performs the work. This means that setup work such as mounting a tool on a machine tool must be performed appropriately. Means to solve the problems

[0005] A machine tool according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a machining device configured to machine a workpiece with a tool, one or more tag readers configured to read tags attached to detachable articles containing the tool and recording unique identification information, and a control device including a setup display unit configured to display work information about setup work to be performed by a worker according to the identification information read by a tag reader of the one or more tag readers. Effects of the invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to conveniently perform setup work for a machine tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a machine tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. PREFERRED MODE OF OPERATION FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a machine tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] The machine tool 1 machines a workpiece W with a tool T. Labels for recording unique identification information may be attached to the workpiece W, the tool T, and items required for machining the workpiece W (for example, an adapter for mounting the tool), respectively. Furthermore, a label for storing identification information unique to a worker is further assigned to the worker using the machine tool 1, for example, by being attached to an ID card or the like. For example, an IC tag, a barcode, or the like may be used as the label.

[0009] The machine tool 1 includes one or more label readers 10 that read labels, a machining device 20 that machines the workpiece W by relatively moving the workpiece W and the tool T, a tool changer 30 that changes the tool T of the machining device 20, a control device 40 that controls the machining device 20 and the tool changer 30, and a manual pulse generator 50 connected to the control device 40.

[0010] The label reader 10 reads information recorded in the label. The label reader 10 used is one that corresponds to the label, and preferably a contactless reader is used. The label readers 10 can be provided in the machining device 20, the tool changer 30, the control device 40, and the manual pulse generator 50. Specifically, in the machining device 20 and the tool changer 30, the label readers 10 are preferably arranged so as to be capable of reading labels in a state where the respective items are arranged in a state where the workpiece W can be machined.

[0011] For machining the workpiece W with the tool T, the machining device 20 may include a table 21 that holds the workpiece W directly or via a clamping device J, a chuck 22 that holds the tool T, and a plurality of drive axes (including a spindle) A0 to A5 that relatively move the table 21 and the chuck 22. The clamping device J may also be labeled.

[0012] The tool changer 30 includes a plurality of tool holders 31, each holding a tool T and selectively positioned with respect to the chuck 22. As shown in Fig.1, in the tool changer 30, the label reader 10 is preferably arranged to read the label of the tool T held in the tool holder 31 positioned at a predetermined inspection position. Alternatively, although not shown, if the label reader 10 is provided for each of the plurality of tool holders 31 of the tool changer 30 and reads the label of the tool T held in the tool holder 31, the correspondence relationship between the tool holder 31 and the held tool T can be accurately checked. As a further alternative, each of the tool holders 31 may be labeled, and the label of the tool holder 31 and the label of the held tool T can be read sequentially by a portable label reader 10.

[0013] The control device 40 includes a machining control unit 41, a device work storage unit 42, a device display unit 43, a mode change unit 44, a use time recording unit 45, a lifetime notification unit 46, and a work log recording unit 47. The control device 40 can be implemented by one or more computer devices, each including a memory, a processor, an input / output interface, a monitor, etc., and executing appropriate control programs. In the present embodiment, the control device 40 is a so-called numerical control device. The above-mentioned components of the control device 40 are those categorized under functions of the control device.Control device 40 and do not need to be clearly distinguishable in terms of physical configuration or program configuration.

[0014] The machining control unit 41 controls the machining process on the workpiece W by the machining device 20 according to a machining program written, for example, in G code or the like. The machining control unit 41 can be configured in the same manner as a known numerical control device.

[0015] The setup work storage unit 42 is a database that stores work information about the setup work to be performed by the worker. The work information about the setup work includes information about the items to be used. Specifically, the work information includes the type or ID of the workpiece W to be held on the table 21, the type or ID of the clamping device J, the type or ID of the tool T to be mounted on the chuck 22 or the tool holder 31 of the tool changer 30, and the like. The setup work storage unit 42 can be configured to be capable of updating the work information about the setup work to be stored from an external server (not shown).

[0016] Since the machine tool 1 can be expected to perform different machining operations by different workers, the work information about the setup work can be stored in association with the worker's ID. Furthermore, the setup work storage unit 42 can include a separate database that associates the worker's ID with the setup work, such as a machining plan for each worker ID.

[0017] The setup display unit 43 displays the work information about the setup work to be performed by the worker according to the identification information read by the tag reader 10. The work information can be displayed on a monitor of the control device 40 or on a monitor of the manual pulse generator 50 or another external device. The setup display unit 43 is configured to obtain the work information about the corresponding setup work from the setup storage unit 42 or an external server based on the identification information read by the tag reader 10. Since the setup storage unit 42 or the setup display unit 43 is configured to obtain the work information from an external server, it is possible to easily change the setup work setting.

[0018] By identifying the tagged object based on the identification information read by the tag reader 10, the setup work required for that object can be identified. For example, when the identification information of a tool T is identified, the setup display unit 43 displays the number of tool holders 31 of the tool changer 30 to which the tool T should be attached, the type of adapter (not shown) required for attachment, and the like as the work information. It is preferable that the adapter is also tagged. This allows the worker to conveniently perform the setup work. When the required setup work includes a plurality of steps, the work information may be displayed sequentially for each step.

[0019] When the identification information identifies a worker, the setup display unit 43 is preferably configured to acquire work information associated with the identified worker. For example, it may be necessary to manufacture different products with the machine tool 1 for each worker at a small-batch production facility for many types of products. In such a case, the setup display unit 43 can identify the product to be manufactured using the worker's identifier as a search key. This makes it possible to accurately identify the content of the required setup work, so that production efficiency can be reliably improved. To acquire the worker's identification information, the control device 40 can be configured to request that the tag reader 10 read the worker's ID card.

[0020] The mode changing unit 44 changes the display mode of the work information when the label reader 10 reads the identification information of the items related to the work information displayed by the facility display unit 43, thereby indicating that the work is completed.

[0021] The usage time recording unit 45 records the usage time of the tool T for each piece of identification information. This makes it possible to manage the lifetimes of the tools T individually. That is, even when a plurality of tools T of the same type are used in parallel, the degree of wear of each tool T can be determined relatively accurately.

[0022] When the usage time of the tool T read by the tag reader 10 is equal to or longer than the upper limit, the lifetime notification unit 46 prompts the worker to replace the tool T. This can prevent machining defects due to the use of the tool T beyond the lifetime. Furthermore, the lifetime notification unit 46 may be configured to prompt the worker to replace the tool T not only when the tag reader 10 reads the tag, but also when the usage time of the attached tool T becomes equal to or longer than the upper limit due to the machining performed by the machining control unit 41.

[0023] The work log recording unit 47 records the time from the display of the work information by the facility display unit 43 to the reading of the identification information of the items displayed in the work information. This makes it possible to verify the work efficiency of the facility work. Furthermore, by recording the time until the reading of the identification information of the items for each worker identification, it is possible to objectively evaluate the accuracy and professionalism of each worker.

[0024] The manual pulse generator 50 is a known jog operation terminal that allows the worker to operate the machining device 20 by a desired drive amount. By providing a label reader 10 in a portable manual pulse generator 50, labels attached to objects such as the tool T can be read relatively easily. Furthermore, by configuring the manual pulse generator 50 to read the label of the object in a state attached to the machining device 20 or the tool changer 30, it is possible to ensure that appropriate objects are attached relatively accurately to appropriate positions while avoiding the need to dispose the label readers 10 in the machining device 20 and the tool changer 30.

[0025] Since the machine tool 1 according to the present disclosure includes the setup display unit 43 that displays the work information about the setup work to be performed by the worker according to the identification information read by the tag reader 10, appropriate setup work, that is, the attachment of items such as the appropriate tool T and jig J at the appropriate locations can be ensured.

[0026] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiments and modifications. (Supplementary Note 1)

[0027] A machine tool (1) includes a machining device (20) that machines a workpiece (W) with a tool (T), one or more label readers (10) that read labels attached to detachable objects (T, W, J) that contain the tool (T) and that record unique identification information, and a control device (40) that includes a setup display unit (43) that displays work information about setup work to be performed by a worker according to the identification information read by a label reader (10). (Supplementary Note 2)

[0028] When the identification information identifies the worker, the facility display unit (43) can obtain the work information associated with the worker. (Supplementary Note 3)

[0029] The facility display unit (43) can obtain the work information from an external server. (Supplementary Note 4)

[0030] The work information displayed by the facility display unit (43) may include information about the items (T, W, J) to be used. The control device (40) may further include a mode change unit (44) that changes the display mode of the work information when a label reader (10) reads the identification information of the items (T, W, J) related to the work information. (Supplementary Note 5)

[0031] The control device (40) may further include a work log recording unit (47) that records a time from the display of the work information by the facility display unit (43) to the reading of the identification information of the objects (T, W, J). (Supplementary Note 6)

[0032] A label reader (10) may be provided in a manual pulse generator (30). (Supplementary Note 7)

[0033] The machine tool (1) may further include a tool changer (30) including a plurality of tool holders (31), each holding the tool (T). A label reader (10) may be arranged to read a label of the tool (T) held in a tool holder (31) positioned at a predetermined inspection position. (Supplementary Note 8)

[0034] The machine tool (1) may further include a tool changer (30) including a plurality of tool holders, each of which holds the tool. The label readers (10) may be provided in each of the plurality of tool holders. (Supplementary Note 9)

[0035] The control device (40) may further include a usage time recording unit that records the usage time of the tool for each of the identification information.

[0036] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial omissions, and the like can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure, which is derived from the contents recited in the claims and the equivalents thereof. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are illustrated as examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0037] For example, in the machine tool according to the present disclosure, the tool changer and the manual pulse generator are not essential components. In the machine tool according to the present disclosure, the machining device can have any configuration. Furthermore, in the control device of the machine tool according to the present disclosure, the setup work storage unit, the mode change unit, the use time recording unit, the lifetime notification unit, and the work log recording unit are not essential components. List of reference symbols 1 machine tool 10 label readers 20 processing device 21 table 22 chucks 30 tool changers 31 tool holders 40 Control or regulation unit 41 Processing control or regulation unit 42 Setup memory unit 43 Facility display unit 44 Mode change unit 45 Usage time recording unit 46 Lifetime reporting unit 47 Work log recording unit 50 manual pulse generator A0 to A5 drive axles J Clamping device T tool W workpiece QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 4-199304

[0003]

Claims

[1] Machine tool, comprising: a machining device configured to machine a workpiece with a tool; one or more label readers configured to read labels attached to removable items containing the tool and to record unique identification information; and a control device including a facility display unit configured to display work information about facility work to be performed by a worker according to the identification information read by a tag reader of the one or more tag readers. [2] The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein when the identification information identifies the worker, the facility display unit acquires the work information associated with the worker. [3] The machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the facility display unit acquires the work information from an external server. [4] Machine tool according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the work information displayed by the facility display unit includes information of the items to be used, and wherein the control device further comprises a mode changing unit configured to change a display mode of the work information when a label reader of the one or more label readers reads the identification information of the items related to the work information. [5] The machine tool according to claim 4, wherein the control device further comprises a work log recording unit configured to record a time from a display of the work information by the facility display unit to a reading of the identification information of the objects. [6] A machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a label reader of the one or more label readers is provided in a manual pulse generator. [7] Machine tool according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a tool changer comprising a plurality of tool holders each configured to hold the tool, wherein a label reader of the one or more label readers is arranged to read a label of the tool held in a tool holder positioned at a predetermined inspection position. [8] Machine tool according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a tool changer comprising a plurality of tool holders each configured to hold the tool, wherein the label readers are each provided in the plurality of tool holders. [9] The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device further comprises a use time recording unit configured to record a use time of the tool for each of the identification information.

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