Controller

Abstract

To provide a controller that is smaller in size and has a connection port for a portable memory device or that reduces exposure to lubricant mist, etc. generated by a machine tool.SOLUTION: The controller is used to control a measurement taken during the machining of a workpiece by a machine tool. The controller includes a recessed housing part having an opening part facing the surface of the housing in a first direction and a connection port arranged on the inner wall surface of the housing part so that a memory device can be inserted in a direction other than the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a controller used for controlling measurements performed when machining a workpiece by a machine tool. [Background technology]

[0002] In a system in which a workpiece is automatically machined by a machine tool, various measuring devices may be used to measure physical quantities such as distances, dimensions, and positions of the workpiece and tools before, during, and after machining. These are also called process measurements. In systems that include machine tools such as cylindrical grinders and honing machines, in-process measurement, where physical quantities are measured during operations such as machining and assembly and the machining is completed at a set dimension, and post-process measurement, where measurements are taken after machining is completed and the error is reflected in the next machining operation, are often performed under the control of a controller connected to a sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-161437 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-187522

[0004] A portable memory device may be used to output measurement data from the controller and input setting condition data to the controller. For this reason, the controller may be provided with a connection port for connecting the portable memory device (Patent Documents 1 and 2). A USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is often used as such a connection port.

[0005] This connection port may be located on the surface of the controller's housing. When the connection port is located on the surface of the housing, connecting the connector of the portable memory device to the connection port may cause the portable memory device to protrude from the housing, causing a disruption to the work environment. In addition, the environment in which the controller is installed may be subject to lubricant mist, sludge, and cutting chips generated by machine tools, and exposure of the portable memory device to these may cause malfunctions.

[0006] In contrast, a recessed storage section may be formed from the surface of the housing toward the inside in a direction perpendicular to the surface, and a connection port may be located at the back of the recessed storage section. In this case, the portable memory device is stored in the storage section, so exposure to mist and the like is improved. However, in order to avoid causing any disruption to the working environment, it was necessary to ensure the depth of the storage section so that the portable memory device does not protrude from the surface of the housing. Generally, portable memory devices are often stick-shaped, with a connector located at the tip and a main body extending to the rear end. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a depth according to the length of the main body, and since an operator needs to put his or her hand into the storage section to insert or remove the memory device, the storage section needs to have a space for that. For the above reasons, a storage section of a certain size (volume) or more is required, which is an obstacle to the arrangement of the boards and wiring inside the controller, and to the miniaturization of the controller. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The objective of the present disclosure is to at least one of miniaturizing a controller having a connection port for a portable memory device, or reducing exposure of the portable memory device to lubricant mist and the like generated by machine tools. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first embodiment of the controller is a controller used to control measurements performed when machining a workpiece by a machine tool, the controller comprising a recessed accommodating section having an opening that opens toward the surface of the housing in a first direction, and a connection port arranged on an inner wall surface of the accommodating section so that a memory device can be inserted in a direction other than the first direction. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure may have the effect of miniaturizing a controller having a connection port for a portable memory device, or reducing exposure of the portable memory device to lubricant mist generated by machine tools, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a controller for process measurement. [Figure 2A] FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the container with the lid removed. [Diagram 3] 4 is a plan cross-sectional view of the storage section as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 4A] This is a three-view diagram including a front view, a plan view, and a right side view of the lid. [Figure 4B] FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the housing part when a USB memory is not inserted. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the housing part with a USB memory inserted therein. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container in which an imaginary surface is colored to illustrate the position of the imaginary surface bounded by the edge of the opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A first embodiment of a controller disclosed in this specification is a controller used to control measurements performed when machining a workpiece by a machine tool, the controller comprising a recessed accommodating portion having an opening that opens toward the surface of a housing in a first direction, and a connection port arranged on an inner wall surface of the accommodating portion so that a memory device can be inserted in a direction other than the first direction. A controller used to control measurements performed when machining a workpiece with a machine tool, the controller comprising: a storage section formed in a recessed shape extending from an opening on the surface of a housing toward the inside; and a connection port arranged on the inner wall surface of the storage section for inserting a portable memory device to connect it to the controller, the connection port being arranged so that the portable memory device can be inserted in a direction approximately parallel to an imaginary plane including the edge of the opening that surrounds the opening.

[0012] Since the connection port is arranged so that the memory device can be inserted in a direction (a direction other than the first direction) different from the opening that opens toward the surface of the housing in the first direction, the above controller can have a smaller storage section than conventional controllers. In particular, the depth of the storage section can be made shallower (shorter) compared to conventional controllers in which the portable memory device is inserted along the first direction, which is the opening direction. In conventional controllers, in order to prevent the portable memory device from protruding from the housing (in other words, to accommodate the portable memory device in the storage section), it was necessary to ensure a depth of the length of the portable memory device in the storage section. However, in the above controller, the portable memory device can be inserted in a direction different from the opening direction, for example, perpendicular to the opening direction, so that the depth (length) of the storage section may be adjusted taking into account the "thickness" of the portable memory device, not the "length".

[0013] Furthermore, when a portable memory device (typically a stick-type USB memory) is inserted in a direction different from the first direction, the space required for inserting and removing the device may be narrower (smaller), for the following reasons. First, when inserting the portable memory device along the first direction, the operator must insert his / her hand into the receiving section while holding the portable memory device. This requires the receiving section to have a width and height that allows the operator's hand to fit comfortably in. In general, this width and height are often larger (wider and taller) than the length of the portable memory device. On the other hand, when inserting the portable memory device in a direction other than the first direction (typically a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction), there is no need to insert your hand into the housing while holding the portable memory device, because the connection port is provided closer to the opening. Typically, it is sufficient to hold the portable memory device with two fingers and insert only those fingers into the housing, so the width and height of the housing can naturally be made smaller.

[0014] As described above, by configuring the portable memory device to be inserted in a direction other than the first direction, the depth of the storage section can be made shallower than that of conventional controllers. Also, the width and height only need to be small enough to allow the portable memory device to be inserted, so they can be smaller than the conventional "hand-in size." The controller configured as described above can have a smaller housing than conventional controllers, and therefore can be made smaller overall. In addition, since the portable memory device fits into the housing, exposure of the portable memory device to mist and the like in the environment can be reduced.

[0015] A second embodiment of the controller disclosed in this specification is the controller of the first embodiment, further comprising a lid capable of water-tightly closing the opening.

[0016] By providing a lid that can close the opening watertightly, the exposure of the portable memory device to mist and the like in the environment can be further reduced. As described above, the work environment in which the controller is installed may contain mist from machine tools and very fine particles such as cutting chips, and by closing the opening watertightly, the exposure of the portable memory device to these particles can be reduced. As a result, malfunctions of the portable memory device can be suppressed.

[0017] A third embodiment of the controller disclosed in this specification is a controller of the second embodiment, in which a magnet is arranged on one of the lid and the storage portion, and a magnetic member is arranged on the other, and the opening is blocked by the magnetic force of the magnet and the magnetic member.

[0018] The lid is easy to handle as it is closed due to the magnetic force (attractive force) generated between the magnet and the magnetic member. It is easier to attach and remove compared to fastening methods that use only the elasticity of the material, such as snap fits. In addition, the magnetic force can be adjusted by the material of the magnet, so the fixing (closing) force can be easily adjusted. The fixing force can be easily adjusted without changing the material (elasticity) of the lid.

[0019] A fourth embodiment of the controller disclosed in this specification is the controller of the third embodiment, wherein the magnet is disposed on the lid, and the lid is configured to be removable from the controller.

[0020] Making the lid removable from the controller improves operability such as inserting, removing, and replacing the portable memory device. When inserting the portable memory device, it is preferable to remove the lid beforehand. Removing the lid improves operability, but there is a risk that the removed lid will be lost. In response to this, a magnet is disposed on the lid provided on the controller of this embodiment. Therefore, the lid can be temporarily fixed to a nearby magnetic member. The environment in which the controller is installed contains many machines, tools, storage facilities, etc. made of magnetic members (e.g., made of iron). The lid can be temporarily fixed to these. This also reduces the risk that the lid will be lost.

[0021] A fifth embodiment of the controller disclosed in this specification is the controller of the fourth embodiment, wherein a magnetic screw is arranged in the opening so as to face the magnet in the closed state.

[0022] The magnetic screw functions as a magnetic member. The magnetic screw is arranged on the opening side so as to face the magnet arranged on the lid, and the lid is fixed by magnetic force (attractive force). The magnetic screw can also be used for other purposes (such as fixing other members). The number of parts can be reduced by making the magnetic screw required for other purposes also function as a magnetic member facing the magnet. In addition, the magnetic member needs to be fixed to the housing in some way. Since the magnetic screw itself doubles as a fixing means, no separate fixing means is required, and the number of parts or the number of assembly steps is reduced. The structure of the controller can be further simplified.

[0023] A sixth embodiment of the controller disclosed in this specification is a controller of the fourth or fifth embodiment, in which one end of the edge of the lid and the corresponding edge of the opening are engaged by an engagement mechanism so as to be rotatable around the one end toward the outside of the storage section, and the magnet is disposed at the other end opposite to the one end.

[0024] Since one end of the lid is rotatably locked, the lid can be opened by pulling the lid outward against the magnetic force, with the engagement part as a fulcrum. This makes it easier to open the lid than when both ends of the lid are closed by magnetic force.

[0025] A seventh embodiment of the controller disclosed in this specification is a controller of the sixth embodiment, which further comprises an elastic member arranged along the edge portion, the elastic member being configured to have a thickness such that it protrudes from the surface of the housing in the first direction.

[0026] The provision of the elastic member improves watertightness when the opening is closed. Furthermore, because the elastic member protrudes outward from the surface, the elastic member is crushed (compressed) when the lid is closed, allowing for stronger adhesion to the lid and the edge of the opening. Although a greater force is required to close the lid while crushing the elastic member, the lid can be easily closed with a smaller force using the principle of a "lever" with the locking portion as a fulcrum.

[0027] An eighth embodiment of the controller disclosed in the present specification is a controller in which the connection port is disposed on the inner side of the center of the depth length of the storage unit in the first embodiment. Since the connection port of the eighth embodiment is disposed on the inner side, contamination of the connection port by mist (coolant splashes, cutting chips, etc.) is further reduced in an environment where the controller is often installed and where the mist is present. Furthermore, by placing the connection port at the back, space is more likely to be created within the housing on the front side of the controller, making it easier to place a board that handles other functions that should be placed on the front side (for example, a board that handles display functions). In addition, locating the connection port on the back side of the center of the depth of the housing can create space not only on the front side (front side) but also on the back side of the housing. In other words, since the connection port is closer to the back wall of the housing, space can also be created on the rear side of the housing. This rear space can also accommodate other boards and wiring, which has the effect of making it easier to assemble the controller (during manufacture). In addition, since the wall at the back of the housing is close to the connection port, there is a secondary effect that it is easy to find the connection port when searching for it by touch (or the connector part of the portable memory device). Depending on the location of the controller, it may be necessary to insert (connect) the portable memory device without being able to see the connection port directly, which is particularly useful in such cases.

[0028] An embodiment of the controller will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment will be described as an electronic device with a USB interface to which a USB memory can be connected, and applied to process measurement used as a control unit for in-process measurement and post-process measurement.

[0029] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a controller for process measurement. The controller for process measurement is used as a control unit for a sizing device for grinding and polishing machines such as a cylindrical grinding machine or a honing machine, and a machine control gauge, for example.

[0030] The controller 100 is connected to a sensor (not shown) for measuring the dimensions of the workpiece during and before and after machining, and has a function of controlling these. The controller 100 may also have a function of determining pass / fail of machining accuracy. The setting condition data and measurement data are configured to be stored in the USB memory 2. On the front surface of the housing 30, a storage section 10 with a lid 4 capable of storing the screen 20 and the entire USB memory 2 is arranged.

[0031] The screen 20 has an easy-to-read display using a touch panel and icons, and has simple operability like a smartphone, and displays a setup screen, a system menu screen, and judgment screens for in-process measurement and post-process measurement, etc. Generally, the controller 100 is positioned as a part of a modular system and is often installed adjacent to other modules (e.g., machine tools, etc.), so it is preferable that the housing 30 is made small. In terms of the front side, it is preferable that the ratio of the screen 20 to be occupied is increased from the viewpoint of operability of the screen 20, while the width (length in the W direction) and height (length in the H direction) of the housing 10 are made small. In addition, from the viewpoint of making the controller 100 as a whole small, it is preferable that the depth (length in the D direction) of the housing 10 is shallow. The W direction, the H direction, and the D direction intersect with each other. For example, the W direction, the H direction, and the D direction are perpendicular to each other. Hereinafter, the upper surface side of the controller 100 in the H direction may be referred to as the top, and the opposite side to the top in the H direction may be referred to as the bottom. In addition, the screen 20 side of the controller 100 in the D direction may be referred to as the front, and the opposite side to the front (the back side of the controller 100) may be referred to as the back.

[0032] Fig. 2A is a side cross-sectional view of the storage unit 10, and Fig. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the storage unit 10 with the lid removed. Fig. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of the storage unit 10 as viewed from above. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the storage unit with the USB memory 2 not inserted. Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the storage unit with the USB memory 2 inserted, and Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the storage unit with the imaginary surface colored to illustrate the position of the imaginary surface surrounded by the edge of the opening.

[0033] The accommodation section 10 is formed in a recessed shape having an opening that opens to the screen 20 side so that the entire outer shape of the USB memory 2 can be accommodated therein. The opening is closed by a lid 4. The height of the accommodation section 10 is, for example, longer than the length of the USB memory 2. The USB port 3 (connection port) in the accommodation section 10 is arranged so that the USB memory 2 is inserted into the USB port 3 vertically from above in the height direction (H) and connected to the controller 100. The direction in which the opening faces may be referred to as a first direction or a direction in which the imaginary plane 54 faces.

[0034] Specifically, the USB port 3 is disposed facing upward on the inner wall surface of the lower side of the housing portion 10. By disposing the USB port 3 in this manner, the USB memory 2 can be inserted in a direction substantially parallel to an imaginary plane 54 (FIG. 7B) including an edge portion 52 of the opening portion surrounding the opening portion 50, for example, in the H direction. In other words, the USB memory 2 can be inserted in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the lid 4.

[0035] The USB port 3 (connection port) may be disposed so that the USB memory 2 is accommodated in the accommodation section 10. Therefore, it is not limited to being disposed on the lower inner wall surface of the accommodation section 10, but may be disposed on the upper, left or right inner wall surface. The insertion direction may also be parallel to the height direction (H direction) or width direction (W direction), or may be at an angle thereto, so long as the USB memory 2 can be accommodated in the accommodation section 10. Among these, the embodiment in which the USB memory 2 is inserted from top to bottom substantially parallel to the height direction is preferable.

[0036] The lid 4 is closed and the magnets 5, 6 arranged on the back side of the lid 4 (the surface that faces the storage unit 10 when closed) are overlapped and fixed to the magnetic screws 7, 8 arranged in the storage unit 10, thereby sealing the storage unit 10. In other words, when the opening 50 is closed with the lid 4, the magnets 5, 6 and the magnetic screws 7, 8 face each other, and the lid 4 is fixed by the magnetic force (attractive force) generated between them. Note that any material other than the screws may be used as long as it is attracted to a magnet. In this embodiment, the magnets 5, 6 are provided, but one magnet may be provided on the lid 4 so as to face the screws 7, 8. Alternatively, a magnetic material may be provided on the lid 4, and a magnet may be provided on the storage unit 10 at a position facing the magnetic material of the lid 4.

[0037] The position of the USB port 3 in the depth direction (direction D) is located on the rear side in the depth direction relative to the center SL of the depth (length) DA of the housing part 10. For example, the depth length of the housing part 10 is shorter than the length of the USB memory 2. In FIG. 2, the distance DU from the front surface FL to the center line ML of the USB memory 2 inserted into the USB port 3 is greater than the distance DC from the front surface FL to the center SL of the depth (length) DA of the housing section 10.

[0038] When an operator hooks a finger, nail, etc. into the gap of the notch A in FIG. 1 and pulls the cover 4 toward himself / herself as indicated by arrow R in FIG. 2A, the cover 4 opens with the upper part as the center of rotation. 2A and 2B, a protrusion 41 is provided on the upper edge of the lid 4, and a groove 31 is provided on the edge 52 of the corresponding opening. As shown in Fig. 2A, the protrusion 41 and the groove 31 are fitted together, so that the lid 4 is engaged with the storage section 10 so as to be rotatable toward the outside (in the direction of arrow R).

[0039] When the lid 4 is closed, first, the operator fits the protrusion 41 of the lid 4 into the groove 31 provided on the edge 52 of the opening. Next, the lid 4 is closed in the direction opposite to the arrow R. When the lid 4 is closed, the magnets 5, 6 and the magnetic screws 7, 8 face each other, and the lid 4 is fixed by the attractive force (the opening 50 is closed by the lid 4). The container 10 is provided with a packing 32 (elastic member) along the edge 52 of the opening of the lid 4, further improving the waterproofing.

[0040] The magnetic force of the magnets 5, 6, for example, is large enough that the lid 4, pulled by the magnets 5, 6, presses the packing 32, reliably sealing and closing the lid. For example, the packing 32 of the storage section 10 is crushed by about 0.5 mm by the lid 4, pulled by the magnetic force of the magnets 5, 6, to seal the lid. In addition, since the removed lid 4 has the magnets 5, 6, it can be temporarily fixed to a nearby machine tool, reducing the risk of it being lost.

[0041] The protrusion 41 of the lid 4 fits into a groove 31 provided on an edge 52 of the opening at the top of the storage section 10. The opening 50 is closed by the force of this fitting, that is, the force due to the snap fit utilizing the elasticity of the materials of the lid 4 and the housing 30, and the magnetic force of the magnets 5 and 6 of the lid 4.

[0042] If the magnets 5, 6 of the lid 4 are neodymium magnets or the like having strong magnetic force (rare earth magnets whose main components are neodymium, iron, and boron, etc.), then the force of a snap fit will be almost unnecessary, and the engagement between the protrusion 41 of the lid 4 and the housing portion 10 may be an intermediate fit that leaves a small gap or interference. In this case, the lid 4 will only be pressed into the housing portion 10 by the magnetic force of the magnets 5, 6, preventing damage caused by repeated insertion of the lid 4. Also, the lid 4 will be easier to remove.

[0043] FIG. 4A is a three-view diagram including a front view, a plan view, and a right side view of the lid. FIG. 4B is a rear view of the lid. FIG. 5A is a perspective view (front side) of the lid, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view (rear side) of the lid. The rear side of the lid 4 is provided with a convex rib 42 that runs around the inside along the outer periphery. The protrusion 41 is formed in an L-shape protruding from the rib 42 on the upper side of the rear side of the lid 4. As shown in FIG. 4B, since the protrusion 41 is arranged on the top (and the magnets 5 and 6 are arranged on the lower side), the moment due to the weight of the lid 4 can be used to reliably close the lid. The protrusion 41 may extend in the width direction of the lid 4.

[0044] Meanwhile, the cutout A provided for an operator to remove the lid 4 is provided on the underside of the lid 4. As a result, since the lid 4 opens from bottom to top, the open lid 4 acts like an umbrella, preventing mist and the like from entering the storage section 10 when the lid 4 is opened or closed. Also, the magnets 5 and 6 are fixedly disposed at both ends of the lower part inside the rib 42 provided on the back side.

[0045] 6 is a perspective view of the housing section 10 without the USB memory 2 inserted therein. The USB port 3 is located on the lower side of the inner wall surface of the housing section 10, and a mark 33 indicating the insertion direction of the USB memory 2 is provided on the inner wall surface at the back side of the housing section 10 facing the direction in which the imaginary plane 54 faces.

[0046] The packing 32 is provided around the entire periphery of the edge 52 of the opening of the storage section 10 so as to fit with the rib 42 provided on the back side of the lid 4.

[0047] 7A is a perspective view of the accommodation section 10 with the USB memory 2 inserted therein. The USB port 3 is disposed so that the USB memory 2 is inserted in the center of the accommodation section 10 in the width direction. The width of the housing section 10 is determined taking into consideration the size of the operator's fingers relative to the width of the USB memory 2. Similarly, the height of the housing section 10 is determined taking into consideration the length of the USB memory 2 and an insertion allowance, so that the insertion operation of the USB memory 2 can be easily performed without any hindrance.

[0048] The USB memory 2 is inserted vertically into the USB port 3 in the height direction (H direction), and the dimension of the storage section 10 in the depth direction (D direction) is also reduced, and the USB port 3 is disposed on the lower side of the housing 30 near the front surface FL. The USB port 3 needs to be connected to a board (not shown) inside the housing 30 by a wire.

[0049] Conventionally, the USB memory 2 was inserted into the housing 30 in the direction (direction D) in which the imaginary plane 54 faces. Therefore, the USB port 3 was located away from the front surface FL and on the inner side of the housing 30, and had to be arranged so as to overlap with a circuit board (not shown) inside the housing 30.

[0050] In contrast, in this embodiment, the USB port 3 is disposed near the front surface FL, so that the USB port 3 is unlikely to overlap with the board (not shown). Also, the distance between the USB port 3 and the board (not shown) is short, so that wiring can be easily arranged, which contributes to miniaturization of the controller 100.

[0051] In addition, the housing 10 that houses the entire external shape of the USB memory 2 is provided on the front surface FL of the housing 30, which is the same as the screen 20 that displays the setup screen, the system menu screen, and the judgment screen for in-process measurement and post-process measurement, so that the ease of inserting and removing the USB memory 2 can be improved, and there is no need to increase the dimension in the width direction (W direction) of the housing 30. As a result, this contributes to the miniaturization of the controller 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 2: USB memory 3: USB port 4: Lid 5: Magnet 6: Magnet 7: Screw 8: Screw 10: Storage section 20: Screen 30: Housing 31: Groove 32: Packing 33: Mark 41: Protrusion 42: Rib 50: Opening 52: Edge 54 Virtual Surface 100: Controller A: Notch

Claims

1. A controller used to control a measurement performed when a workpiece is machined by a machine tool, The controller includes a recessed housing having an opening that opens toward a surface of a housing in a first direction; a connection port arranged on an inner wall surface of the accommodating portion so that a memory device can be inserted in a direction other than the first direction.

2. The controller according to claim 1 , further comprising a lid capable of closing the opening in a watertight manner.

3. 3. The controller according to claim 2, wherein a magnet is arranged on one of the lid and the storage portion, and a magnetic member is arranged on the other, and the opening is blocked by magnetic forces of the magnet and the magnetic member.

4. The controller according to claim 3 , wherein the magnet is disposed on the lid, and the lid is configured to be removable from the controller.

5. The controller according to claim 4 , wherein a magnetic screw is disposed in the opening so as to face the magnet in the closed state.

6. 6. The controller according to claim 4 or 5, wherein one end of the edge of the lid and a corresponding edge of the opening are engaged by an engagement mechanism so as to be rotatable around the one end as an axis toward the outside of the storage portion, and the magnet is disposed at the other end opposite to the one end.

7. An elastic member is provided along the edge portion, The controller according to claim 6 , wherein the elastic member is configured to have a thickness such that the elastic member protrudes from a surface of the housing in the first direction.

8. The controller according to claim 1 , wherein the connection port is disposed so as to be located on the inner side relative to a center of a depth length of the storage portion.

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