Numerical control device and machine tool

Abstract

A numerical control apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which can form a two-dimensional code in a relatively short time, controls a processing mechanism that processes a workpiece by means of a plurality of tools, the numerical control apparatus being...The control device comprises: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information about the tools of the processing mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data identifying the shape of one or a plurality of two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; a concurrent process generation unit that generates a plurality of concurrent processes assigned one-to-one to all valid tools based on the code data and the machine configuration information and causes all valid tools to cooperate so that all two-dimensional codes are formed by being executed simultaneously; and a concurrent process execution unit that executes the plurality of concurrent processes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to a numerical control device and a machine tool.BACKGROUND ARTMachine tools are known which form a two-dimensional code on an object (workpiece) to be machined by milling.List of InstructionsPatent DocumentPatent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2016-201075DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTIONProblems to be Solved by the InventionTwo-dimensional codes are complicated and may be difficult to read unless they are formed accurately. Thus, it takes a relatively long time to form a two-dimensional code by machining.Means for Solving the ProblemsA numerical control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure controls a machining mechanism for machining a workpiece using a plurality of tools, the numerical control device including: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information on the tools of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data for identifying the shape of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; a parallel process generation unit that generates a plurality of parallel processes based on the code data and the machine configuration information, the plurality of parallel processes being assigned to all valid one or more of the plurality of tools on a one-to-one basis and executed in parallel to cooperatively operate all valid one or more of the plurality of tools so as to form all two-dimensional codes; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel processes.A numerical control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure controls a machining mechanism for machining a workpiece using a tool, the numerical control device including: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information on the tool of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data for identifying the shape of a plurality of two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; a parallel process generation unit that generates a parallel process based on the code data and the machine configuration information, the parallel process being to operate the tool such that all the two-dimensional codes are formed in parallel; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel process.A numerical control device according to still another aspect of the present disclosure controls a machining mechanism for machining a workpiece using one or a plurality of tools, the numerical control device including: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information on the tools of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data for identifying the shape of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; an integrated data generation unit that generates integrated data for identifying the shape of a single integrated pattern including all the two-dimensional codes; and a parallel process generation unit that generates a plurality of parallel processes on the basis of the integrated data and the machine configuration information, wherein the plurality of parallel processes are assigned to all valid one or more of the one or more tools on a one-to-one basis and executed in parallel to cooperatively operate all valid one or more of the one or more tools so as to form all two-dimensional codes; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel processes.Effects of the InventionAccording to the present disclosure, a two-dimensional code can be formed in a relatively short time.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the configuration of a machine tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view for exemplarily illustrating a workpiece machined by the machine tool in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a developed view of the workpiece in FIG. 2 ; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the shape of two-dimensional codes formed on a workpiece by the machine tool in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of tool paths of the machine tool in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of tool paths of the machine tool in FIG. 1, the example being different from that in FIG. 5 ; FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for forming two-dimensional codes on a workpiece using the machine tool in FIG. 1 ; and FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of tool paths according to a variation of the present disclosure.PREFERRED MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTIONHereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the configuration of a machine tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.The machine tool 1 machines a workpiece W using one or more tools (refer to the figure, first tool T 1 and second tool T 2), and forms one or more two-dimensional codes (refer to the figure, first two-dimensional code C 1 and second two-dimensional code C 2) on the surface of the workpiece W by cutting as illustrated in FIG. 2. Specifically, the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 are formed as nonuniform patterns represented according to the presence / absence of cuts. The machine tool 1 includes a machining mechanism 10 that moves the tools T 1 and T 2 and the workpiece W relative to each other, and a numerical controller 20 that controls the machining mechanism 10.Although the configuration of the machining mechanism 10 is not particularly limited, in illustrated embodiments, a lathe is illustrated as the machining mechanism 10. The machining mechanism 10 according to the present embodiments is provided with a plurality of drive shafts for moving the tools T 1 and T 2 and the workpiece W relative to each other. Specifically, the drive shafts include a main shaft Ac for rotating the workpiece W, a first feed shaft Az 1 and a first cutting shaft Ax 1 for moving the first tool T 1, and a second feed shaft Az 2 and a second cutting shaft Ax 2 for moving the second tool T 2. Although the machining mechanism 10 according to the present embodiments is configured to machine the workpiece W using the two tools T 1 and T 2, the number of tools to be used is not particularly limited.The numerical control device 20 includes, for example, a memory, a processor, a storage device, and an input-output interface, and may be implemented by one or more computing devices that execute a suitable control program. The numerical controller 20 includes a machining control unit 21, a configuration information storage unit 22, a code data acquisition unit 23, an integrated data generation unit 24, a parallel process generation unit 25, and a parallel process execution unit 26.According to a machining program described using, for example, G code, the machining control unit 21 controls a machining operation performed by the machining mechanism 10 on the workpiece W. The machining control unit 21 may be configured analogously to those in known numerical control devices.The configuration information storage unit 22 stores machine configuration information including information on the tools T 1 and T 2 of the machining mechanism 10. The machine configuration information preferably includes the number of valid tools T 1 and T 2. Assuming that the user mounts on the machining mechanism 10 tools T 1 and T 2 that can be used to machine two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2, the number of valid tools T 1 and T 2 may be the largest number (constant number) of tools T 1 and T 2 that the machining mechanism 10 can use, the largest number being determined based on the machine configuration of the machining mechanism 10. Alternatively, the number of valid tools T 1 and T 2 may be a variable number that is the number of tools T 1 and T 2 that the user has actually mounted on the machining mechanism 10. On the other hand, the machine configuration information preferably further includes, for example, the movement range of each drive shaft, and the start position, the maximum speed, the maximum acceleration, and the maximum jerk of each drive shaft.The code data acquisition unit 23 acquires code data for identifying the shape of one or more two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 to be formed on the surface of the workpiece W. The code data acquisition unit 23 may be configured to acquire code data from, for example, a storage device or an external server (not illustrated), or may be configured to generate code data from text data.The integrated data generation unit 24 generates integrated data for identifying the shape of a single integrated pattern P including all the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 to be formed on the surface of the workpiece W. FIG. 4 is a developed view of the peripheral surface of the workpiece W, the developed view exemplarily illustrating the integrated pattern P. Note that the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 included in the integrated pattern P need not have the same shape. The integrated data is preferably three-dimensional data in which all the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 are arranged on the surface of the workpiece W. In the integrated data, the shape of the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 is preferably one assumed when planar two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 are projected on the surface of the workpiece W in the radial direction of the workpiece W as illustrated in FIG. 3 such that the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 are not distorted when the workpiece W is viewed. The depth of the cut portions of the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 is preferably constant.The parallel process generation unit 25 generates a plurality of parallel processes on the basis of integrated data and machine configuration information, the plurality of parallel processes being assigned to all valid tools T 1 and T 2 on a one-to-one basis and executed in parallel to cooperatively operate all valid tools T 1 and T 2 such that all two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 are formed. The "parallel processes" refer to a series of processes that include not only the process of causing the tools T 1 and T 2 to act on the workpiece W but also the process of moving the tools T 1 and T 2 for this process of causing. These parallel processes are carried out at least partially simultaneously with other parallel processes. The plurality of parallel processes need not be represented as separate individual information, but may be represented as, for example, a single data file including a plurality of words for identifying an operation for each of the tools T 1 and T 2.As illustrated in FIG. 5, the parallel process generation unit 25 may segment the integrated pattern P into a plurality of segment areas R 1 and R 2 having an equal width in the advancing direction of the tools T 1 and T 2, and generate parallel processes such that the segment areas R 1 and R 2 are sequentially assigned to the plurality of tools T 1 and T 2. Note that the figure depicts the outlines of the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 with thin alternate long and short dash lines, and depicts the relative moving paths (tool paths) L 1 and L 2 of the tools T 1 and T 2 with respect to the workpiece W with thick alternate long and short dash lines. In the figure, the segment areas R1 and R2 are each marked by being surrounded by an envelope (alternate long and two short dash lines). However, the segment regions R 1 and R 2 may each include a plurality of isolated regions in which portions or the entirety of the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 are present.The parallel process generation unit 25 is preferably configured to segment the integrated pattern P into a plurality of segment areas R 1 and R 2 according to a division line D formed by a straight line parallel to an edge of the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2. Segmenting the integrated pattern P in such a manner makes it possible to comparatively easily divide the integrated pattern P uniformly.For each of the segment areas R 1 and R 2, the parallel process generation unit 25 may generate a parallel process including a tool path corresponding to two or more passes. A tool path corresponding to one pass may be set such that: the same rows are machined in the segment areas R 1 and R 2; and a shift of a row is made outside the segment areas R 1 and R 2. A main moving direction of the tools T 1 and T 2 with respect to the workpiece W is preferably parallel to the dividing line D for segmenting the integrated pattern P. In this way, since a long machining distance can be obtained on the tool path corresponding to one pass, the number of times of acceleration / deceleration of the tools T 1 and T 2 is reduced, so that the machining time can be shortened.The segment areas R 1 and R 2 may be set by segmenting the integrated pattern P according to a preset width, but are preferably set on each occasion according to the shape of the integrated pattern P and the specifications of the tools T 1 and T 2, for example, in order to improve the efficiency of use of all the tools T 1 and T 2. The number of segment areas R 1 and R 2 is preferably an integer multiple of the number of tools T 1 and T 2, so that an equal number of segment areas R 1 and R 2 can be assigned to each of the tools T 1 and T 2, and is preferably equal to the number of tools T 1 and T 2 in order to restrict the movement distance of the tools T 1 and T 2.In FIG. 5, two two two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 are arranged in the rotational direction of the main shaft Ac, so that each of the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 is divided into a plurality of segment areas R 1 and R 2 and formed by a plurality of tools T 1 and T 2. However, when two two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 are offset in the advancing direction of the tools T 1 and T 2 as illustrated in FIG. 6, the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 may be each formed by a single tool T 1 / T 2.The parallel process execution unit 26 executes parallel processes generated by the parallel process generation unit 25 in parallel, the number of parallel processes being equal to the number of tools T 1 and T 2. As a result, a plurality of two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 are formed on the surface of the workpiece W. Note that when only one tool is valid, for example, when only the first tool T 1 is valid, the parallel process execution unit 26 generates only one parallel process.FIG. 7 illustrates a procedure in which the machine tool 1 forms two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 on a workpiece W, i.e., the procedure of a method used by the machine tool 1 to form two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2.The two-dimensional code forming method used by the machine tool 1 includes: an operation of acquiring code data (step S 1); an operation of acquiring machine configuration information (step S 2); an operation of generating integrated data (step S 3); an operation of segmenting the integrated data into segment areas (step S 4); an operation of generating a tool path of a pass for each of the segment areas (step S 5); an operation of checking whether the tool paths have reached the end points of the segment areas (step S 6); and an operation of executing parallel processes (step S 7). In this procedure, the process of repeating steps S 5 and S 6 is the process of generating parallel processes performed by the parallel process generation unit 25.The machine tool 1 generates an integrated pattern P including all the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2, and then generates parallel processes in which all the valid tools T 1 and T 2 share the load of forming the integrated pattern P. Thus, the machine tool 1 can restrain the moving distance and the standby time of the tools T 1 and T 2, thereby efficiently forming the two-dimensional codes C 1 and C 2 in a relatively short time.The following follow-ups are further disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiments and variations.(Follow-up 1)A numerical control device (20) for controlling a machining mechanism (10) for machining a workpiece (W) using a plurality of tools (T1, T2), the numerical control device including: a configuration information storage unit (22) that stores machine configuration information including information on the tools (T1, T2) of the machining mechanism (10); a code data acquisition unit (23) that acquires code data for identifying the shape of one or more two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) to be formed on the surface of the workpiece (W); a parallel process generation unit (25) that generates a plurality of parallel processes based on the code data and the machine configuration information, the plurality of parallel processes being assigned to all valid one or more (T 1, T 2) of the plurality of tools on a one-to-one basis and executed in parallel to cooperatively operate all valid one or more (T 1, T 2) of the plurality of tools so as to form all two-dimensional codes (C 1, C 2); and a parallel process execution unit (26) that executes the parallel processes.(Follow-up 2)A numerical control device (20) for controlling a machining mechanism (10) for machining a workpiece (W) using a tool (T1), the numerical control device including: a configuration information storage unit (22) that stores machine configuration information including information on the tool (T1) of the machining mechanism (10); a code data acquisition unit (23) that acquires code data for identifying the shape of a plurality of two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) to be formed on the surface of the workpiece (W); a parallel process generation unit (25) that generates a parallel process based on the code data and the machine configuration information, the parallel process being to operate the tool (T 1) such that all the two-dimensional codes (C 1, C 2) are formed in parallel; and a parallel process execution unit (26) that executes the parallel process.(Lecture 3)A numerical control device (20) for controlling a machining mechanism (10) for machining a workpiece (W) using one or a plurality of tools (T1, T2), the numerical control device comprising: a configuration information storage unit (22) that stores machine configuration information including information about the tools (T1, T2) of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit (23) that acquires code data for identifying the shape of one or more two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) to be formed on the surface of the workpiece (W); an integrated data generation unit (24) that generates integrated data for identifying the shape of a single integrated pattern (P) including all the two-dimensional codes (C1, C2); a parallel process generation unit (25) that generates a plurality of parallel processes on the basis of the integrated data and the machine configuration information, the plurality of parallel processes being assigned to all valid one or more (T1, T2) of the one or more tools on a one-to-one basis and executed in parallel to cooperatively operate all valid one or more (T1, T2) of the one or more tools so as to form all two-dimensional codes (C1, C2); and a parallel process execution unit (26) that executes the parallel processes.(Follow-up 4)The parallel process generation unit ( 25) may segment the integrated pattern (P) into a plurality of segment regions (R 1, R 2) having an equal width and generate parallel processes such that the segment regions (R 1 and R 2) are sequentially assigned to the plurality of tools (T 1, T 2).(After-Support 5)The parallel process generation unit ( 25) may segment the integrated pattern (P) into a plurality of segment regions (R 1, R 2) according to a straight line (D) parallel to an edge of the two-dimensional codes (C 1, C 2).(Follow-up 6)The parallel process generation unit ( 25) may generate parallel processes in which a direction parallel to the straight line (D) for segmenting the integrated pattern (P) is the main movement direction of the one or the plurality of tools (T 1, T 2) with respect to the workpiece (W).(Follow-up 7)The machine configuration information may include the number of valid one or more (T 1, T 2) of the tools.(Lecture 8)A machine tool (1) includes the numerical control device (20) according to any one of Items 1 to 7 and a machining mechanism (10) controlled by the numerical control device (20).Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments may have various features added thereto, may have various features replaced with those therein, may have various changes made therein, and may be subject to partial omissions without departing from the gist of the present disclosure, which is derived from the details and equivalents of the details set forth in the claims. These embodiments may also be implemented in combination with each other. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the orders in which operations or processes are performed are illustrated as examples, and the present invention is not limited to such orders. This also applies to any numerical values and numerical equations or expressions referred to with respect to the above-described embodiments.According to the machine tool of the present disclosure, the machining mechanism can perform types of machining, e.g., milling machining, laser machining, in addition to turning. According to the machine tool of the present disclosure, a division direction for the integrated pattern may be appropriately selected according to the type of machining and / or the axial configuration of the machining mechanism, for example. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 8, when the surface of the workpiece is scanned while the tool reciprocates, the integrated pattern is preferably segmented into a plurality of segment regions in the sub-scanning direction. In the case of a combined lathe capable of milling the surface of a workpiece that can be positioned by being rotated by a main shaft, the main scanning direction is the feeding direction of the tool, and the movement of the tool in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the workpiece can be achieved by rotating the workpiece forward or rearward.List of reference characters1 Machine tool 10 Machining mechanism 20 Numerical controller 21 Machining controller 22 Configuration information storage unit 23 Code data acquisition unit 24 Integrated data generation unit 25 Parallel process generation unit 26 Parallel process execution unit Ac, Ax 1, Ax 2, Az 1, Az 2 Drive shaft, Main shaft C 1, C 2 Two-dimensional code D Division line L 1, L 2 Tool path P Integrated pattern R 1, R 2 Segment region T 1, T 2 Tool W WorkpieceReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedJP 2016-201075

[0003]

Claims

A numerical control device for controlling a machining mechanism for machining a workpiece using a plurality of tools, the numerical control device comprising: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information on the plurality of tools of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data for identifying a shape of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on a surface of the workpiece; a parallel process generation unit that generates a plurality of parallel processes on a basis of the code data and the machine configuration information, the plurality of parallel processes being assigned to all valid one or more of the plurality of tools on a one-to-one basis and executed in parallel to cooperatively operate all valid one or more of the plurality of tools so as to form all two-dimensional codes; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel processes.A numerical control device for controlling a machining mechanism for machining a workpiece using a tool, the numerical control device comprising: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information about the tool of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data for identifying a shape of a plurality of two-dimensional codes to be formed on a surface of the workpiece; a parallel process generation unit that generates a parallel process on a basis of the code data and the machine configuration information, the parallel process being to operate the tool such that all the two-dimensional codes are formed in parallel; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel process.A numerical control device for controlling a machining mechanism for machining a workpiece using one or a plurality of tools, the numerical control device comprising: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information on the tools of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data for identifying a shape of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on a surface of the workpiece; an integrated data generation unit that generates integrated data for identifying a shape of a single integrated pattern including all the two-dimensional codes; a parallel process generation unit that generates a plurality of parallel processes on a basis of the integrated data and the machine configuration information, the plurality of parallel processes being assigned to all valid one or more of the one or more tools on a one-to-one basis and executed in parallel to cooperatively operate all valid one or more of the one or more tools so as to form all two-dimensional codes; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel processes.The numerical control device according to claim 3, wherein the parallel process generation unit segments the integrated pattern into a plurality of segment areas having an equal width, and generates the parallel processes such that the segment areas are sequentially assigned to the plurality of tools.The numerical control device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the parallel process generation unit segments the integrated pattern into a plurality of segment regions according to a straight line parallel to an edge of the two-dimensional codes.The numerical control device according to claim 5, wherein the parallel process generation unit generates the parallel processes in which a direction parallel to the integrated pattern segmentation straight line is a main movement direction of the one or the plurality of tools with respect to the workpiece.The numerical control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the machine configuration information includes a number of the valid one or more tools / s.A machine tool comprising: the numerical control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a machining mechanism controlled by the numerical control device.

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