Machine tool

Abstract

To provide a machine tool capable of properly supporting vibration countermeasures.SOLUTION: A machine tool includes a tool holding part for detachably holding a tool, and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 includes a simulation section 170 and a notification control section 156. Simulation unit 170 is configured to carry out simulation relating to vibration of the tool held by the tool holding portion by using the number of teeth. The notification control unit 156 is configured to execute notification control for guiding the user to input the number of blades of the tool held by the tool holding part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for assisting in countermeasures against vibrations that occur in machine tools. [Background technology]

[0002] In machine tools, chatter vibrations can lead to a deterioration in the quality of the machined surface of a workpiece. The two main types of chatter vibrations are regenerative chatter, which occurs when vibration-induced undulations on the machined surface cause fluctuations in the cutting depth of the tool, and forced chatter, which occurs due to resonance based on the natural frequency. Operators often deal with chatter vibrations based on their own experience. For example, operators listen to the sound of vibrations, observe the machined surface of the workpiece, predict the cause of chatter vibrations, and adjust machining conditions. If the chatter vibrations persist, they may change the workpiece fixing method or change the tool. These countermeasures are selected based on the operator's own experience and knowledge. However, there are limitations to measures based on the operator's own experience and knowledge. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-4510 (Patent Document 1) discloses a machine tool that determines recommended machining conditions for suppressing chatter vibrations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-4510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, tool information is stored in advance in the control unit of the machine tool. The machine tool then uses the tool information to determine recommended machining conditions and displays the recommended machining conditions to the user, thereby assisting with vibration countermeasures. However, if the control unit does not store the necessary tool information, there is a possibility that assistance with vibration countermeasures will not be performed or that the accuracy of calculation of the recommended machining conditions will be reduced.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a machine tool that can appropriately implement assistance for vibration countermeasures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a machine tool comprising a tool holding unit that detachably holds a tool, a simulation unit that uses the number of teeth to perform a simulation of the vibration of the tool held in the tool holding unit, and a notification control unit that performs notification control to guide a user to input the number of teeth of the tool held in the tool holding unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a machine tool that can appropriately provide assistance for vibration countermeasures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a general configuration of a machine tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a basic application in the machine tool according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the number of blades according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first setting screen. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing details of a vibration monitoring process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first message screen. [Figure 10]4 is a flowchart showing a vibration monitoring process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vibration monitoring screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tuning screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a status screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the status screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second setting screen. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing details of an adjustment process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to blade number setting management according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second message screen. [Figure 19] 18 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 20] 18 is a flowchart showing a second modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 21] 18 is a flowchart showing a third modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 22] 18 is a flowchart showing a fourth modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or equivalent components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a machine tool according to this embodiment. The machine tool 1 according to this embodiment is a horizontal machining center. The machine tool 1 includes a processing device 2, a control unit 4, a signal processing device 40, and a drive circuit 56. A control panel 54 is provided on the housing of the processing device 2. The control panel 54 has an input device 541, a display device 542, and a speaker 543. The control panel 54 according to this embodiment has a touch panel display that can be operated by an operator. This touch panel display functions as the input device 541 and the display device 542.

[0011] The machining device 2 is further provided with a camera 55 that photographs the tool T. The camera 55 is provided so as to be able to photograph the tool T being transported from a tool magazine (not shown) toward the spindle 18 for automatic tool change in the spindle 18. The camera 55 acquires image information indicating the state of the tool T and outputs it to the control unit 4.

[0012] The machining device 2 is further provided with a reader 19 capable of reading tool information from the tool T. The reader 19 is provided so as to be able to read tool information from the tool T that is transported from a tool magazine (not shown) toward the spindle 18 for automatic tool change in the spindle 18. Specifically, when an information presenting unit is provided on the tool T, the information presented by the information presenting unit is read by the reader 19. The information presenting unit may be a label that displays at least one of a predetermined code (e.g., a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or a color code), a character string, and a numeric string, or may be an IC (integrated circuit) chip that stores information in a manner readable by the reader 19. The tool information acquired by the reader 19 is output to the control unit 4.

[0013] The spindle 18 is also provided with a rotation sensor 18a that detects the rotation state (for example, the rotation speed) of the spindle 18, and a tool detection sensor 18b. The tool detection sensor 18b is configured to detect attachment and detachment of a tool to the spindle 18. Information obtained by each of the rotation sensor 18a and the tool detection sensor 18b is output to the control unit 4.

[0014] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the processing device 2 with the housing removed. In FIG. 2, the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front-rear direction when viewing the processing device 2 from the front are defined as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0015] The processing device 2 includes a bed 10, a column 12 erected on the bed 10, a spindle head 14, a table 16, a spindle 18, guide rails 22, 26, 32, and saddles 24, 34. The spindle head 14 has an axis in the Z-axis direction and supports the spindle 18 rotatably about that axis. The spindle head 14 is provided with a spindle motor for rotating the spindle 18. The spindle head 14 rotates the spindle 18 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 4. The spindle 18 removably holds a tool T. When the processing device 2 is in use, a holder portion 20 for the tool T is attached to the spindle 18 so that the tool T and the spindle 18 are coaxially arranged. This allows the tool T to be held by the spindle 18. The spindle 18 corresponds to an example of a "tool holding portion."

[0016] The spindle head 14 is movably mounted on the front side of the column 12. Specifically, a guide rail 22 is mounted on the front side of the column 12. The saddle 24 is supported on the guide rail 22 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. A guide rail 26 is mounted on the front side of the saddle 24. The spindle head 14 is supported on the guide rail 26 so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. The machining device 2 includes an XY drive device for moving (displacing) the saddle 24 and the spindle head 14, which includes, for example, a feed mechanism and a servo motor for driving the feed mechanism. The feed mechanism may be a screw feed mechanism using a ball screw. The XY drive device is controlled by a control unit 4. The spindle 18 is movable in the X- and Y-axis directions by driving the saddle 24 and the spindle head 14. An acceleration sensor 30 is built into the spindle head 14.

[0017] A workpiece W is fixed to the table 16 via a jig (not shown). The table 16 is movably mounted on the bed 10. Specifically, guide rails 32 are provided on the upper surface of the bed 10. A saddle 34 is supported by the guide rails 32 in a manner that allows it to move in the Z-axis direction. The table 16 is fixed on the saddle 34. The processing device 2 includes, as a Z-drive device for moving (displacing) the saddle 34, for example, a feed mechanism and a servo motor for driving the feed mechanism. The feed mechanism may be a screw feed mechanism using a ball screw. The Z-drive device is controlled by the control unit 4. The workpiece W is movable in the Z-axis direction by driving the saddle 34. The processing device 2 can adjust the relative position of the workpiece W and the tool T in three dimensions.

[0018] The control unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 detects chatter vibrations of the tool T held by the spindle 18 based on the output signal of the acceleration sensor 30 built into the spindle head 14. Specifically, the acceleration sensor 30 detects vibrations occurring in the tool T during machining of the workpiece W and outputs a signal corresponding to the vibrations. The acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor 30 is input to a signal processing device 40. The signal processing device 40 includes an A / D converter 42 and a frequency analyzer 44. The analog signal output from the acceleration sensor 30 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 42 and then input to the frequency analyzer 44. The frequency analyzer 44 performs FFT (fast Fourier transform) processing on the input digital signal. The vibration data subjected to FFT processing by the frequency analyzer 44 is input to the control unit 4.

[0019] The control unit 4 includes a control device 50 and a vibration processing device 52. The vibration processing device 52 acquires the vibration data from the signal processing device 40 (frequency analysis device 44). The vibration processing device 52 receives information indicating the control state from the control device 50 and sends a control command to the control device 50. The vibration processing device 52 executes predetermined processing regarding the vibration of the tool T held by the spindle 18 based on the signals received from the signal processing device 40 and the control device 50. For example, based on the signal input from the signal processing device 40, the vibration processing device 52 displays a screen (status screen) showing the vibration state of the spindle 18 and determines whether chatter vibration is present.

[0020] The control device 50 controls an actuator (e.g., a motor) in accordance with a machining program that is manually or automatically generated. The machining program is, for example, an NC (Numerical Control) program. For example, when performing a turning process on a workpiece W, the control device 50 may drive a servo motor via a drive circuit 56 to feed and drive the spindle head 14. The control device 50 may also rotate the spindle 18 by driving a spindle motor via the drive circuit 56.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 4. The control unit 4 includes a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a storage device, including, for example, a memory and storage. The storage device stores a computer program. In this embodiment, each component of the control unit 4 shown in FIG. 3 is realized by, for example, hardware, such as a processor, and a computer program (software) that supplies processing instructions to the processor. The computer program may include a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located at higher levels, and a library that provides common functions to these programs. Each part shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to a functional unit (functional block) rather than a hardware unit.

[0022] The control unit 4 includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) processing unit 110, a data processing unit 112, a data storage unit 114, and a detection unit 116. The HMI processing unit 110 is responsible for processing related to the user interface. The data processing unit 112 executes various processes based on information acquired by the HMI processing unit 110, information stored in the data storage unit 114, and information detected by the detection unit 116. The data processing unit 112 also functions as an interface for each of the HMI processing unit 110, the data storage unit 114, and the detection unit 116.

[0023] The HMI processing unit 110 includes an input unit 120. When a user operation is input to an input device 541 (FIG. 1), a signal corresponding to the user operation is output to the input unit 120. The input unit 120 acquires information based on the signal input from the input device 541. The input unit 120 includes a tool information receiving unit 122 and a condition receiving unit 124. The tool information receiving unit 122 receives tool information about a tool T (e.g., the type of tool, the tool diameter, and the number of teeth). The condition receiving unit 124 receives information about machining conditions such as the spindle rotation speed or the feed rate. In this embodiment, a touch panel display functions as the input device 541. However, the configuration of the input device 541 can be changed as appropriate. The input device 541 may be configured by a physical operation unit (e.g., a button, a handle, a dial, etc.).

[0024] Information about the tool T (e.g., identification information, model number, or other tool information about the tool T) read by the reader 19 (FIG. 1) is also input to the input unit 120. The information acquired by the input unit 120 is converted into a format that can be processed by the data processing unit 112, and then output to the data processing unit 112.

[0025] HMI processing unit 110 further includes output unit 128. Output unit 128 provides various types of information to the operator. Output unit 128 provides visible information (e.g., images) to the operator through display device 542 (FIG. 1). Output unit 128 also provides sound information (including voice) to the operator through speaker 543 (FIG. 1). Output unit 128 may cause display device 542 to display at least one of an information screen showing information related to machine tool 1 and an operation screen (e.g., a keyboard and machine operation panel) that accepts user operations. In this embodiment, a touch panel display functions as display device 542. However, display device 542 may include a lamp and / or a warning light.

[0026] The detection unit 116 includes a vibration detection unit 130 and a rotation speed detection unit 132. The vibration detection unit 130 detects vibrations of the spindle 18 (and thus vibrations of the tool T) based on the sensor output from the acceleration sensor 30 (FIG. 1). Specifically, the vibration detection unit 130 acquires vibration data output from the signal processing device 40. The rotation speed detection unit 132 detects the rotation speed of the spindle 18 (and thus the rotation speed of the tool T) based on the output of a rotation sensor 18a (FIG. 1) provided on the spindle 18. An example of the rotation sensor 18a is a rotary encoder.

[0027] The data storage unit 114 includes a program storage unit 140, a tool data storage unit 142, a display data storage unit 144, and a history data storage unit 146. The program storage unit 140 stores a machining program (e.g., an NC program). The tool data storage unit 142 stores information (tool information) about multiple types of tools usable by the machine tool 1 in association with tool identification information (tool ID). The tool information includes, for example, the type of tool, tool diameter, and number of teeth. The tool data storage unit 142 may manage the tool information by tool type. The tool information may also be distinguished by tool model number. The tool information may also include the range of machining conditions (hereinafter also referred to as the "adjustment range") that can be adjusted by the vibration processing device 52 (FIG. 1). The display data storage unit 144 stores screen data (e.g., softkeys and dialog boxes to be displayed on the screen) to be displayed on the display device 542.

[0028] The history data storage unit 146 stores time-series data of status information indicating the state of the machining device 2 (e.g., the control state and vibration state of the spindle 18). The status information includes, for example, at least one of the vibration level, the spindle rotation speed, the adjustment instruction timing, the program line (program block number) where chatter vibration occurred, and the peak frequency. Every time new data (status information) is acquired, the acquired data is associated with the acquisition time and stored in the history data storage unit 146. If the amount of accumulated data exceeds the storage capacity of the history data storage unit 146, the oldest data may be deleted.

[0029] The data processing unit 112 includes a numerical control unit 150, a notification control unit 156, a display control unit 158, a tool information management unit 160, and a simulation unit 170. The numerical control unit 150 is embodied as a function of, for example, the control device 50 (FIG. 1). The simulation unit 170 is embodied as a function of, for example, the vibration processing device 52 (FIG. 1). The configuration shown in FIG. 1 may be modified so that at least a part of the signal processing device 40 is included in the control unit 4. For example, the simulation unit 170 may have the function of the frequency analysis device 44.

[0030] The numerical control unit 150 controls the machining device 2 in accordance with the machining program stored in the program storage unit 140, for example, based on a command input from the input unit 120. The numerical control unit 150 may also control the machining device 2 in response to a request from the simulation unit 170. The numerical control unit 150 sequentially transmits information indicating the current control state (control information) to the simulation unit 170. The control information includes, for example, a control value for the spindle rotation speed.

[0031] The tool information management unit 160 sets information about the tool T held by the spindle 18. The tool information management unit 160 also stores the set information separately from other information. The tool information management unit 160 is configured to be able to acquire tool information from the HMI processing unit 110 (input unit 120). In this embodiment, the tool information management unit 160 includes a first setting unit 161, a second setting unit 162, and an estimation unit 163.

[0032] The first setting unit 161 uses information input by the user to set parameters (tool information) of the tool T held by the spindle 18. The first setting unit 161 sets, for example, the number of teeth input by the operator to the input device 541 as the number of teeth of the tool T.

[0033] The second setting unit 162 sets parameters (tool information) of the tool T held in the spindle 18 using information read by the reader 19 (FIG. 1). For example, during automatic tool replacement in the spindle 18, the second setting unit 162 sets the number of teeth of the tool T attached to the spindle 18 using information (for example, a tool ID) presented by an information presenting unit provided on the replaced tool T. The second setting unit 162 may obtain the number of teeth of the tool T from the tool information stored in the tool data storage unit 142 based on the tool ID of the tool T, and set the obtained number of teeth of the tool T.

[0034] The estimation unit 163 is configured to estimate the number of teeth of the tool T held by the spindle 18. The estimation unit 163 estimates the number of teeth of the tool T, for example, using at least one of information acquired by the acceleration sensor 30 and information acquired by the camera 55. Although details will be described later, the estimation unit 163 executes estimation of the number of teeth when predetermined estimation conditions are met, and sets the estimated number of teeth as the number of teeth of the tool T.

[0035] The simulation unit 170 executes a simulation regarding vibration of the tool T using the number of teeth of the tool T held by the spindle 18. Specifically, the simulation unit 170 includes a chatter detection unit 171, a recommended condition calculation unit 172, and a tuning management unit 173.

[0036] In the simulation, the frequency analyzer 44 shown in FIG. 1 receives signals continuously output from the acceleration sensor 30 and performs Fourier analysis (frequency analysis) on the signals at predetermined sampling intervals. The simulation unit 170 acquires vibration data that has been subjected to FFT processing from the frequency analyzer 44 and, based on the vibration data, acquires the frequency (vibration frequency) and magnitude (vibration level) of vibrations occurring in the tool T. The chatter detection unit 171 determines that chatter vibrations have occurred when the vibration level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The recommended condition calculation unit 172 calculates recommended machining conditions for the tool T by performing a simulation using the number of teeth of the tool T held in the spindle 18. More specifically, when chatter vibrations occur, the recommended condition calculation unit 172 calculates machining conditions (recommended machining conditions) that suppress the chatter vibrations. An example of the recommended machining conditions is a recommended value for the spindle rotation speed (hereinafter also referred to as the "recommended rotation speed").

[0037] When regenerative chatter is detected as chatter vibration, the recommended condition calculation unit 172 may calculate a recommended rotation speed SS (recommended value) from the vibration frequency ω0 (chatter frequency) at that time and the number of teeth n of the tool T according to the following formula (1). "k" in formula (1) is an integer equal to or greater than 1. "n" in formula (1) corresponds to the number of teeth of the tool (tool T) currently in use.

[0038] SS=(60×ω0) / (n×k) (1) The recommended condition calculation unit 172 calculates a recommended rotational speed SS according to Equation (1) using the number of teeth n of the set tool T. The recommended condition calculation unit 172 acquires the number of teeth n from the tool information management unit 160. The recommended rotational speed SS is a rotational speed corresponding to the kth-order stable pocket in the stability limit diagram. Such a recommended rotational speed SS corresponds to a spindle rotational speed at which chatter vibration is unlikely to occur. For example, if the spindle rotational speed when chatter vibration occurs is "S0" and the kth-order (e.g., second-order) recommended rotational speed SS obtained by Equation (1) is within the stable region, the control unit 4 can converge the chatter vibration by changing the spindle rotational speed from S0 to the recommended rotational speed SS. Note that the recommended machining conditions calculated by the recommended condition calculation unit 172 are not limited to the recommended rotational speed, and may be a recommended value of the feed rate.

[0039] The tuning management unit 173 sets the recommended machining conditions for the tool T, a vibration detection flag indicating whether chatter vibration is detected or not, an adjustment flag indicating whether the user is permitted to change (adjust) the machining conditions, and a notification flag indicating whether the notification control unit 156 (described later) is enabled or not. In the initial state, the vibration detection flag is set to "no detection (0)", the adjustment flag is set to "prohibited (0)", and the notification flag is set to "enabled (1)". However, the initial value of each flag can be set arbitrarily. The tuning management unit 173 stores the set information (hereinafter also referred to as "tuning information") separately from other information. The process of updating the tuning information will be described later.

[0040] The notification control unit 156 executes notification control to prompt a user operation (for example, an information input operation, a screen switching operation, or an application startup operation). In this embodiment, the notification control unit 156 prompts the operator to input the number of teeth of the tool T. The notification control unit 156 is configured to be able to control the display device 542 and the speaker 543 through the output unit 128. The notification control unit 156 may control the display device 542 and / or the speaker 543 so that the operation panel 54 issues a notification to prompt a user operation. Although details will be described later, the notification control unit 156 executes notification control to guide the operator to input the number of teeth of the tool T when a predetermined notification condition is met.

[0041] The display control unit 158 ​​is configured to execute display control for displaying information related to the machining device 2. The display control unit 158 ​​is configured to be able to control the display device 542 through the output unit 128. The display control unit 158 ​​may cause the display device 542 to display the recommended machining conditions calculated by the recommended condition calculation unit 172. As will be described in detail later, the display control unit 158 ​​may cause the display device 542 to display at least one of a status screen showing the control state of the machining device 2, a tuning screen for monitoring vibration, a program screen showing the control program of the machining device 2, a first setting screen for setting tool information, and a second setting screen for switching the setting of the notification control unit 156 between enabled and disabled, in response to a user operation.

[0042] For example, when a basic application for using the machine tool 1 is launched in response to a user operation, the display control unit 158 ​​causes a home screen to be displayed on the operation panel 54 (touch panel display). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen. The home screen Sc1 shown in FIG. 4 is an operation screen having a touch panel function, and displays a plurality of buttons (including buttons P1 and P2) that can be selected by the operator. For example, a plurality of buttons for launching various programs are displayed. Button P1 is a launch button for an application for managing tool T (hereinafter also referred to as a "tool management application"). Button P2 is a launch button for an application for suppressing chatter vibration (hereinafter also referred to as a "vibration control application").

[0043] When the basic application is started, the control unit 4 executes the processing flow F1 described below. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in the basic application. "S" in the flowchart indicates a step.

[0044] In the process flow F1 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 4 determines in S11 whether the number of teeth of the tool T held by the spindle 18 has been set. The control unit 4 determines whether the number of teeth of the tool T has been set, for example, based on whether the tool information management unit 160 manages the number of teeth of the tool T. If the number of teeth of the tool T has been set (YES in S11), the process proceeds to S12. The process of S12 will be described later. On the other hand, while the number of teeth of the tool T has not been set (NO in S11), the determination in S11 is repeated. Then, once the number of teeth of the tool T has been set, the process of S12 is executed. In S12, a vibration monitoring process (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, is executed.

[0045] The operator can set the number of blades of the tool T through the tool management app. The operator can start the tool management app by operating button P1 on the home screen Sc1 shown in Fig. 4. When a predetermined user operation (hereinafter also referred to as "first setting operation") is performed in the tool management app, the control unit 4 executes a processing flow F2 described below. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing processing related to setting the number of blades.

[0046] In the process flow F2 shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 4 (display control unit 158) displays a first setting screen on the operation panel 54 (touch panel display) in S21. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the first setting screen. The first setting operation is, for example, an operation of selecting the "Chatter Control" tab (see Fig. 7) in the tool management app.

[0047] 7 accepts input of information (tool information) related to the tool T. Specifically, the first setting screen Sc2 includes an input section P21 for accepting input of the number of blades, an input section P22 for accepting input of the lowest spindle override, an input section P23 for accepting input of the highest spindle override, and an input section P24 for accepting input of the tool diameter. However, the content displayed on the first setting screen can be changed as appropriate.

[0048] In S22 of FIG. 6, the control unit 4 (tool information receiving unit 122) determines whether the operator has input tool information to the first setting screen. While no tool information has been input to the first setting screen (NO in S22), the process skips S23 and proceeds to S24. On the other hand, when tool information has been input (YES in S22), the control unit 4 (tool information management unit 160) sets the input tool information in S23. The unset tool information is changed to "set" by the setting in S23. On the other hand, the value of the set tool information is updated by the new setting. The set tool information is managed by the tool information management unit 160. For example, when the number of teeth is input, the number of teeth is set. As a result, YES is determined in S11 of FIG. 5. When at least one of the minimum spindle override and the maximum spindle override is input, the adjustment range of the tool T is updated. When the tool diameter is input, the tool diameter is set. The set tool diameter may be used to calculate the peripheral speed.

[0049] When the setting in S23 is completed, the process proceeds to S24. In S24, the control unit 4 determines whether or not to terminate the display of the first setting screen. If neither the system nor the operator has requested that the display of the first setting screen be terminated, a NO determination is made in S24, and the process returns to the first step (S21). This allows the display of the first setting screen to continue. On the other hand, if, for example, the operator performs an operation to terminate the display, a YES determination is made in S24, and the process flow F2 ends. The operation to terminate the display of the first setting screen is, for example, an operation to select a tab other than the "Chatter Control" tab in the tool management app (such as the "General" tab shown in FIG. 7).

[0050] If the number of teeth of the tool T held by the spindle 18 has already been set, the vibration monitoring process is executed in S12 of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the vibration monitoring process in detail.

[0051] In process flow F3 shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 4 (detection unit 116) acquires vibration data and rotation speed of the spindle 18 in S31. Subsequently, in S32, the control unit 4 determines whether the processing device 2 is currently cutting based on the information acquired in S31. If the processing device 2 is not currently cutting (NO in S32), the process proceeds to S361. On the other hand, if the processing device 2 is currently cutting (YES in S32), the process proceeds to S33.

[0052] In S33, the control unit 4 acquires current status information, associates the acquired status information with the current time, and adds it to the history data storage unit 146. In the following S34, the control unit 4 determines whether chatter vibration is occurring in the tool T held by the spindle 18. Specifically, the simulation unit 170 acquires the frequency (vibration frequency) and magnitude (vibration level) of vibration occurring in the tool T based on the vibration data acquired in S31, and determines whether chatter vibration has been detected by the chatter detection unit 171. If chatter vibration is not detected (NO in S34), the process proceeds to S361. On the other hand, if chatter vibration is detected (YES in S34), the process proceeds to S35.

[0053] In S361, the control unit 4 updates the tuning information. Specifically, the tuning management section 173 sets the vibration detection flag to "no detection (0)" and the adjustment flag to "prohibited (0)." After that, the process proceeds to S39.

[0054] In S35, the control unit 4 calculates recommended cutting conditions for suppressing chatter vibrations that occur in the tool T held by the spindle 18. Specifically, the recommended condition calculation unit 172 calculates the recommended cutting conditions for the tool T by performing a simulation using the number of teeth of the tool T held by the spindle 18. The recommended condition calculation unit 172 may calculate the recommended rotation speed based on the above-mentioned formula (1). The recommended condition calculation unit 172 may calculate multiple recommended values. The recommended condition calculation unit 172 may calculate a first recommended value that is higher than the control value of the current spindle rotation speed and a second recommended value that is lower than the control value of the current spindle rotation speed.

[0055] Subsequently, the control unit 4 updates the tuning information in S362. Specifically, the tuning management unit 173 sets the recommended machining conditions for the tool T calculated by the recommended condition calculation unit 172. In addition, the tuning management unit 173 sets the vibration detection flag to "detected (1)."

[0056] In the following S371, the control unit 4 determines whether a vibration monitoring screen (see FIGS. 11 to 13), which will be described later, is being displayed. If the vibration monitoring screen is being displayed (YES in S371), the process proceeds to S39. On the other hand, if the vibration monitoring screen is not being displayed (NO in S371), the process proceeds to S372.

[0057] In S372, the control unit 4 determines whether the notification control unit 156 is enabled. Specifically, if the notification flag is set to "disabled (0)", a NO determination is made in S372 and the process proceeds to S39. On the other hand, if the notification flag is set to "enabled (1)", a YES determination is made in S372 and the process proceeds to S38.

[0058] In S38, the control unit 4 executes notification control to prompt the user to display a vibration monitoring screen. Specifically, the notification control unit 156 causes the operation panel 54 (display device 542) to display a first message screen including, for example, a message prompting the user to display the vibration monitoring screen. The first message screen may be displayed as a pop-up. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first message screen. The message screen Sc3 shown in FIG. 9 includes a message indicating that vibration has been detected by the simulation unit 170 (i.e., that chatter vibration has been detected), a message prompting the user to display the vibration monitoring screen ("Chatter Control" screen), and a message instructing the user how to disable the notification (the processing of S38). However, the content displayed on the first message screen can be changed as appropriate.

[0059] After the process of S38 is executed, the process proceeds to S39 while the first message screen remains displayed. The control unit 4 ends the display of the first message screen in response to a user operation. The operator can end the display of the first message screen at any time.

[0060] In S39, the control unit 4 determines whether or not to shut down the system of the machine tool 1. For example, when the operation of the machine tool 1 is stopped in accordance with an instruction from the system or an operator, it is determined that the system should be shut down (YES in S39), and process flow F3 ends. In this case, the control unit 4 executes system shutdown processing and shuts down the system. On the other hand, if it is determined not to shut down the system (NO in S39), the process returns to the first step (S31). Process flow F3 is repeatedly executed while the system is operating.

[0061] The control unit 4 executes display control to display a vibration monitoring screen in response to a predetermined user operation (hereinafter also referred to as a "vibration monitoring operation"). Specifically, the operator can activate a vibration control application by operating button P2 on the home screen Sc1 shown in FIG. 4. When the vibration control application is activated, the control unit 4 executes processing flow F4, which will be described below. In this embodiment, the user operation on button P2 corresponds to the vibration monitoring operation. Even during execution of processing flow F4, processing flow F1 shown in FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed in the background.

[0062] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing processing related to vibration monitoring. In processing flow F4, the control unit 4 (display control unit 158) displays a vibration monitoring screen on the operation panel 54 (touch panel display) in S41. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the vibration monitoring screen.

[0063] The vibration monitoring screen Sc4 includes an operation unit M1 and tabs M2 and M3. The operation unit M1 accepts a user operation to instruct the user to terminate the vibration control application. The tabs M2 and M3 accept a user operation to switch screens. Either the tab M2 or M3 is selected by the operator. On the vibration monitoring screen Sc4 shown in FIG. 11, the tab M2 is selected. The vibration monitoring screen Sc4 further includes a status screen Sc41, a tuning screen Sc42, and a program screen Sc43. The display control unit 158 ​​controls the display of the program screen Sc43 based on the program information stored in the program storage unit 140. The program screen Sc43 displays the machining program currently being executed.

[0064] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a tuning screen. Tuning screen Sc42 shown in Fig. 12 includes an override bar M20, data D21 to D24, a determination result D25, markers M21 to M23, and operation units M24 to M27. Display control unit 158 ​​controls the display of tuning screen Sc42 based on, for example, status information (including vibration levels) stored in history data storage unit 146 and tuning information (including recommended processing conditions and a vibration detection flag) managed by tuning management unit 173. The status information and tuning information are updated sequentially by process flow F3 shown in Fig. 8.

[0065] The override bar M20 is a scale object extending to the left and right of the screen, and provides an override scale. The override represents the rate of change of the control value of the spindle rotation speed relative to the program command value of the current spindle rotation speed. The program command value is the spindle rotation speed specified by the machining program. The program command value does not change unless a new value is specified in the program. The control value of the spindle rotation speed is a control command value for the spindle rotation speed received by the machining device 2, and may be, for example, a spindle rotation speed specified by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). If control is performed normally, the actual spindle rotation speed detected by the rotation sensor 18a will roughly match the control value of the spindle rotation speed.

[0066] In the override bar M20, the center position indicates 100% of the program command value, and the positions on both ends indicate the adjustment range of the spindle rotation speed. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the rightmost position indicates 150% of the program command value (change rate of "+50%)), and the leftmost position indicates 50% of the program command value (change rate of "-50%)). In other words, the adjustment range of the spindle rotation speed is set to a range of 50 to 150% of the program command value. This prevents the rotation speed (control state) of the spindle 18 from changing suddenly beyond the operator's expectations.

[0067] The data D21 and marker M21 indicate the current spindle speed control command value (for example, 2500 min -1 ) When the machining conditions (particularly, the spindle rotation speed) are not adjusted, the marker M21 is displayed at the 100% position, as shown in FIG. 12. In other words, the control value of the spindle rotation speed is equal to the program command value. On the other hand, when the machining conditions (particularly, the spindle rotation speed) are changed by the adjustment process (FIG. 16) described later, the display position of the marker M21 is changed according to the rate of change.

[0068] Of the one or more recommended values ​​(recommended machining conditions) calculated in S35 of FIG. 8, only those within the adjustment range are displayed on the tuning screen. Recommended values ​​outside the adjustment range are not displayed on the tuning screen. Furthermore, when chatter vibration is not occurring, the process of S35 of FIG. 8 is not executed, and therefore recommended machining conditions are not displayed on the tuning screen. In the tuning screen Sc42 shown in FIG. 12, data D22 and marker M22 indicate the first recommended value of the spindle rotation speed (for example, 2878 min) for the override bar M20. -1 ) The data D23 and marker M23 indicate the second recommended value of the spindle speed for the override bar M20 (for example, 2466 min -1 The operator can select one recommended value from the first recommended value and the second recommended value displayed on the tuning screen Sc42 by operating the operation unit M24 or M25.

[0069] Data D24 indicates the vibration state of the spindle 18. In the example shown in Fig. 12, data D24 indicates the vibration level (68 dB) and peak frequency (1152 Hz) currently detected. The peak frequency means the vibration frequency at which the vibration level is maximum.

[0070] The determination result D25 indicates whether or not vibration has been detected. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the determination result D25 indicates that chatter vibration is occurring (for example, the text "chatter vibration occurring"). This means that the vibration detection flag is set to "detected (1)." When the vibration detection flag is set to "not detected (0)," the display content of the determination result D25 changes. When the chatter vibration has been resolved by the adjustment process, a message indicating this (for example, the text "chatter vibration avoided") may be displayed as the determination result D25.

[0071] The operation unit M26 (for example, a "reset button") accepts a user operation (hereinafter also referred to as a "reset operation") that instructs an override reset process. When the operation unit M26 receives the reset operation, the control unit 4 returns the override to 100% (no change). However, if a reset prohibition condition is met, the operation unit M26 becomes inactive. The reset prohibition condition can be set arbitrarily. The operation unit M27 (for example, an "adjustment button") accepts a user operation (hereinafter also referred to as an "adjustment start operation") that instructs the start of an adjustment process to suppress chatter vibration. The operation unit M27 becomes active when the adjustment flag is set to "permit (1)" and becomes inactive when the adjustment flag is set to "prohibit (0)". User operations on an operation unit in an inactive state are invalid. An operation unit in an inactive state may be displayed grayed out.

[0072] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a status screen. The status screen Sc41 shown in Fig. 13 includes a marker M10, operation units M11 to M13, and data D11 and D12. The display control unit 158 ​​controls the display of the status screen Sc41 based on, for example, the status information (including the vibration level and the spindle rotation speed) stored in the history data storage unit 146. The status information is updated sequentially by the process flow F3 shown in Fig. 8.

[0073] Data D11 shows the transition of the vibration level (dB). Data D12 shows the transition of the spindle rotation speed (min -1 ) transitions. The operator can switch data collection between enabled (ON) and disabled (OFF) via the operation unit M11. When data collection is enabled, the display contents of the status screen Sc41 are updated with the latest data each time status information (including vibration level and spindle rotation speed) is calculated in S33 of FIG. 8. For example, data D11 and D12 display changes in vibration level and spindle rotation speed in real time. On the other hand, when data collection is disabled, the display contents of the status screen Sc41 are no longer updated. In addition, the operator can change the scale of the horizontal axis of the graph on which data D11 and D12 are displayed by operating the operation units M12 and M13.

[0074] The marker M10 indicates the adjustment instruction timing for the status information (data D11, D12) displayed on the status screen. The adjustment instruction timing is the timing when the operator instructs the adjustment process. In this embodiment, the adjustment instruction timing corresponds to the timing when the active operation unit M27 (FIG. 12) receives an adjustment start operation.

[0075] When data collection is disabled, for example, past data is displayed on the status screen. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second example of the status screen. When data collection is disabled, the display control unit 158 ​​may display a history data screen Sc44 on the operation panel 54 (touch panel display) in addition to the status screen Sc41. In the status screen Sc41 shown in FIG. 14, data D11 and D12 indicate past vibration levels and spindle rotation speeds. The history data screen Sc44 indicates adjustment history information related to the data D11 and D12. The adjustment history information includes, for example, the total number of adjustments, changes to the spindle rotation speed, changes to the feed rate, the program name, and the program line (block number). When the total number of adjustments is multiple, the adjustment history information is displayed for each adjustment number indicating the number of adjustments. The operator can select an adjustment number using the operation unit M40 to display the adjustment history information corresponding to the selected adjustment number on the history data screen Sc44. The display control unit 158 ​​may read out the status information (history data) for a period designated by the operator from the history data storage unit 146 and cause the display device 542 to display it.

[0076] In S42 of Fig. 10, the control unit 4 (condition receiving unit 124) determines whether or not the operator has selected one recommended value from the recommended processing conditions displayed on the tuning screen. If one recommended value has not been selected on the tuning screen (NO in S42), the process proceeds to S46. On the other hand, if, for example, either the first recommended value or the second recommended value has been selected by operation unit M24 or M25 on tuning screen Sc42 (Fig. 12), the determination in S42 is YES, and the process proceeds to S43.

[0077] In S43, the control unit 4 updates the tuning information. Specifically, the tuning management section 173 sets the adjustment flag to "Allowed (1)." This allows the operator to adjust (tune) the processing conditions by operating the operation section M27 (adjustment button) on the tuning screen Sc42 (FIG. 12). Next, in S44, the control unit 4 determines whether or not an adjustment start operation (for example, an operation of pressing the adjustment button) by the operator has been detected. If an adjustment start operation has not been detected (NO in S44), the process proceeds to S46.

[0078] In S46, the control unit 4 determines whether or not to terminate the vibration control application. If neither the system nor the operator has requested termination of the vibration control application, a NO determination is made in S46, and the process proceeds to S47. In S47, the control unit 4 determines whether or not a predetermined user operation (hereinafter also referred to as a "second setting operation") has been performed in the vibration control application. The second setting operation is, for example, an operation of selecting tab M3 on the vibration monitoring screen Sc4 (FIG. 11). If the second setting operation has not been received from the operator (NO in S47), the process returns to the first step (S41). On the other hand, if the second setting operation has been performed in the vibration control application (YES in S47), the control unit 4 (display control unit 158) displays a second setting screen on the operation panel 54 (touch panel display) instead of the tuning screen in S51. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the second setting screen.

[0079] The second setting screen Sc5 shown in Fig. 15 accepts a user operation for setting parameters related to the vibration control application. Specifically, the second setting screen Sc5 includes an operation unit P3 that accepts a user operation for switching notifications on and off. An operator can change the notification settings through the operation unit P3. In S52 of Fig. 10, the control unit 4 determines whether the notification settings have been changed by the operator.

[0080] If the notification setting has been changed (YES in S52), the control unit 4 (tuning management section 173) updates the notification flag in S53 in response to a user operation on the operation section P3. Specifically, if the notification setting has been changed from off to on, the notification flag is set to "enabled (1)" and notification by the notification control section 156 (for example, the processing of S38 in FIG. 8) will be performed. On the other hand, if the notification setting has been changed from on to off, the notification flag is set to "disabled (0)" and notification by the notification control section 156 will no longer be performed.

[0081] When the process of S53 is executed, the process proceeds to S54. On the other hand, if the notification setting has not been changed (NO in S52), the process skips S53 and proceeds to S54. In S54, the control unit 4 determines whether the user setting in the vibration control application has been completed. If the user setting has not been completed (NO in S54), the process returns to S51. As a result, the display of the second setting screen continues. On the other hand, if, for example, the operator performs a setting completion operation, YES is determined in S54, and the process returns to S41. As a result, the display of the second setting screen ends, and instead the tuning screen is displayed again. The setting completion operation is, for example, an operation of selecting tab M2 on the vibration monitoring screen Sc4 (FIG. 11).

[0082] In the vibration control application, a vibration monitoring screen is displayed (S41). Then, when the operation unit M27 in the active state receives an adjustment start operation on the tuning screen Sc42 (FIG. 12), a YES determination is made in S44, and the process proceeds to S45. In S45, the control unit 4 executes tuning processing (adjustment processing). FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the details of the tuning processing (adjustment processing).

[0083] In process flow F6 shown in Fig. 16, in S61, control unit 4 changes the machining conditions of machine tool 1 so as to approach the tuning information (recommended machining conditions). Specifically, simulation unit 170 outputs the recommended value selected by the operator (see S42 in Fig. 10) to numerical control unit 150. Then, numerical control unit 150 changes the control value of the spindle rotation speed to the recommended value (recommended rotation speed) and controls spindle 18.

[0084] In the next S62, the control unit 4 (display control unit 158) updates the status screen and tuning screen based on the latest status information and tuning information. The status information and tuning information are updated sequentially in S12 (processing flow F3) of processing flow F1 (FIG. 5), which is repeatedly executed in the background even during execution of processing flow F6.

[0085] In the next step S63, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the adjustment termination condition is met. In this embodiment, the adjustment termination condition is met when the chatter vibration has converged (i.e., when the determination in S34 of FIG. 8 is NO). However, the adjustment termination condition may also be met when the chatter vibration has become larger than before the start of the adjustment process, or when the type or frequency of the chatter vibration has changed. The adjustment termination condition can be set arbitrarily.

[0086] If the adjustment termination condition is not met (NO in S63), the control unit 4 determines in S64 whether the recommended value (e.g., recommended rotation speed) recalculated in S35 of FIG. 8 after the change in the machining conditions is within the adjustment range. If the recalculated recommended value is within the adjustment range (YES in S64), the process proceeds to S65. This allows the adjustment process of the machining conditions to continue. In S65, the control unit 4 changes the machining conditions (e.g., spindle rotation speed) of the machine tool 1 so as to approach the recalculated recommended value. Thereafter, the process returns to S62.

[0087] As long as the recalculated recommended value after the change in machining conditions is within the adjustment range (YES in S64) and the adjustment termination condition is not met (NO in S63), the machining condition adjustment process is continuously executed. On the other hand, if the adjustment termination condition is met (YES in S63) or if the recalculated recommended value is outside the adjustment range (NO in S64), the process proceeds to S66, whereby the adjustment process ends. In S66, the control unit 4 (tuning management section 173) sets the adjustment flag to "prohibited (0)." As a result, the operation section M27 (adjustment button) becomes inactive on the tuning screen Sc42 (FIG. 12). When the process of S66 is executed, the process flow F6 ends, and the process proceeds to S46 in FIG. 10.

[0088] If it is determined in S46 of Fig. 10 that the vibration control application should be terminated, the process flow F4 ends. For example, if the operator operates the operation unit M1 on the vibration monitoring screen Sc4 shown in Fig. 11, the determination in S46 is YES. In this case, the control unit 4 terminates the display of the vibration monitoring screen Sc4 and terminates the vibration control application.

[0089] In the machine tool 1 according to this embodiment, when the tool T held by the spindle 18 is replaced, if the number of teeth of the replaced tool T has not been set, the vibration monitoring process shown in FIG. 8 (S12 in FIG. 5) is not executed. In a situation where the vibration monitoring process is not executed, calculation of recommended machining conditions for suppressing chatter vibration is not executed. For this reason, the occurrence of chatter vibration during machining (cutting) is likely to degrade the quality of the machined surface of the workpiece.

[0090] Therefore, the control unit 4 (controller) according to this embodiment executes the process flow F7 described below to prevent the number of teeth from remaining unset after tool replacement. Process flow F7 makes it easier for the operator to set the number of teeth or for the system to automatically set the number of teeth based on its estimation at an early stage when replacing a tool.

[0091] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a process related to tool blade number setting management. Process flow F7 shown in FIG. 17 is started, for example, when a tool is replaced. In this embodiment, the control unit 4 executes a tool replacement process to replace a first tool (the tool T before replacement) held by the spindle 18 with a second tool (the tool T after replacement) in accordance with a tool replacement program stored in the program storage unit 140 (FIG. 3). Specifically, upon start of the tool replacement process, a tool transport device (not shown) transports the second tool from the tool magazine to a predetermined standby position. During this time, the reader 19 may read tool information from the second tool, or the camera 55 may photograph the second tool. Next, an automatic tool changer (not shown) replaces the first tool held by the spindle 18 with the second tool positioned at the standby position. This completes the tool replacement process. The control unit 4 starts process flow F7, which will be described below, simultaneously with the start of the tool replacement process, or during or immediately after the tool replacement process is completed.

[0092] In S71, the control unit 4 determines whether the number of teeth of the second tool has been set. For example, if the number of teeth of the second tool has been set based on the information of the second tool acquired by the reader 19 (i.e., information presented by the information presentation unit of the second tool), the determination in S71 is YES. For example, if the information acquired by the reader 19 from the information presentation unit of the second tool indicates the number of teeth of the second tool, the second setting unit 162 sets the number of teeth of the second tool. Also, if the information acquired by the reader 19 from the information presentation unit of the second tool includes identification information of the second tool and the tool information management unit 160 acquires the number of teeth of the second tool from the tool data storage unit 142 (FIG. 3) based on the identification information of the second tool, the second setting unit 162 sets the number of teeth of the second tool. However, this does not necessarily mean that the tool data storage unit 142 holds the number of teeth of the second tool. If the determination in S71 is YES, the process flow F7 ends without executing the processes from S72 onwards.

[0093] On the other hand, if the number of teeth of the second tool has not been set (NO in S71), the process proceeds to S72. In S72, the control unit 4 determines whether the second tool is a tool corresponding to the simulation unit 170 (hereinafter also referred to as a "vibration control compatible tool"). Information indicating the type of the vibration control compatible tool is stored in advance in the tool data storage unit 142 (FIG. 3). When the vibration monitoring process is executed for a tool that is not a vibration control compatible tool, a NO determination is always made in S34 of FIG. 8, and the simulation is not executed. In this embodiment, an end mill (e.g., a constant pitch end mill) is registered as a vibration control compatible tool. An end mill is suitable for vibration simulation. However, the type of the vibration control compatible tool can be set arbitrarily. The control unit 4 may determine whether the second tool is a vibration control compatible tool based on information (e.g., a tool ID or a model number) acquired by the reader 19 from the information presentation unit of the second tool.

[0094] If the second tool is not a vibration control compatible tool (NO in S72), the process flow F7 ends without executing the processes from S74 onwards. On the other hand, if the second tool is a vibration control compatible tool (YES in S72), the process proceeds to S74.

[0095] In S74, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the number of teeth estimation function is enabled. The machine tool 1 according to this embodiment has a first number of teeth estimation function and a second number of teeth estimation function, which will be described below.

[0096] The first number-of-teeth estimation function estimates the number of teeth of the second tool based on the appearance of the second tool. Specifically, the estimation unit 163 estimates the number of teeth of the second tool based on image information showing the appearance of the second tool acquired by the camera 55. The estimation unit 163 may estimate the number of teeth of the second tool based on one image, or may estimate the number of teeth of the second tool based on multiple images.

[0097] The second number-of-teeth estimation function estimates the number of teeth of the second tool based on the behavior of the second tool held by the spindle 18. Specifically, the estimation unit 163 estimates the cutting edge passing frequency of the second tool using vibration data of the second tool acquired by the acceleration sensor 30, and estimates the number of teeth of the second tool based on the estimated cutting edge passing frequency and the rotation speed of the spindle 18. The estimation unit 163 may calculate the number of teeth N of the second tool by the following formula (2).

[0098] N = F × 60 / n (2) In equation (2), "F" is the cutting edge passing frequency (Hz), and "n" is the spindle rotation speed (min -1 ) When the calculated value of "N" is not an integer, the estimation unit 163 may estimate an integer that is closest to the calculated value of "N" as the number of teeth of the second tool.

[0099] If at least one of the first and second number of teeth estimation functions is normal, a YES determination is made in S74. If an abnormality occurs in both the first and second number of teeth estimation functions, a NO determination is made in S74. It is not essential that a machine tool have multiple number of teeth estimation functions. For example, either the first number of teeth estimation function or the second number of teeth estimation function may be omitted. Furthermore, the control unit 4 according to this embodiment may be installed in a machine tool that does not have a number of teeth estimation function. In such a machine tool, a NO determination is always made in S74.

[0100] If the number of teeth estimation function is enabled (YES in S74), the control unit 4 estimates the number of teeth of the second tool using the enabled number of teeth estimation function in S75. If both the first and second number of teeth estimation functions are enabled, the control unit 4 (estimation unit 163) may estimate the number of teeth of the second tool using the simpler first number of teeth estimation function. When estimating the number of teeth of the second tool using the second number of teeth estimation function, the estimation unit 163 may wait until the machining device 2 to which the second tool is attached starts machining (cutting), and then estimate the number of teeth during machining.

[0101] When the estimation of the number of teeth (S75) is completed, the estimation unit 163 of the tool information management unit 160 sets the estimated number of teeth of the second tool in S76. Then, the process flow F7 ends. The estimation unit 163 may store the estimated number of teeth of the second tool in the tool data storage unit 142 (FIG. 3) in association with the identification information and type of the second tool.

[0102] On the other hand, if the blade number estimation function is not enabled (NO in S74), the control unit 4 determines in S77 whether the notification control unit 156 is enabled. Specifically, if the notification flag is set to "disabled (0)", a NO determination is made in S77, and the process flow F7 ends. On the other hand, if the notification flag is set to "enabled (1)", a YES determination is made in S77, and the process proceeds to S78.

[0103] In S78, the control unit 4 executes notification control to guide the user to input the number of teeth of the second tool. Specifically, the notification control unit 156 causes the operation panel 54 (display device 542) to display a second message screen including a message guiding the user to input (set) the number of teeth of the second tool. The second message screen may be displayed as a pop-up. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the second message screen. The message screen Sc6 shown in FIG. 18 includes identification information of the tool in use, a message indicating that the tool in use is compatible with the simulation function, a message guiding the operator to input the number of teeth of the second tool (for example, a message indicating that simulation is enabled by simulation-related settings), and a message instructing the operator how to disable the notification (processing of S78). However, the content displayed on the second message screen can be changed as appropriate.

[0104] The processing of S78 allows the operator to know the existence of the simulation unit 170. An operator who wants to use the simulation unit 170 is likely to follow the guidance of the second message screen and enter the number of teeth of the second tool in the tool management application (for example, the first setting screen Sc2 shown in FIG. 7). This allows the vibration control application (simulation unit 170) to be utilized. When the processing of S78 is executed, the processing flow F7 (FIG. 17) ends with the second message screen still displayed. The control unit 4 ends the display of the second message screen in response to a user operation. The operator can end the display of the second message screen at any timing. In this embodiment, the notification processing of S38 (FIG. 8) and the notification processing of S78 (FIG. 17) are enabled / disabled together using a common setting (see FIG. 15). However, each notification processing may be enabled / disabled separately using individual settings.

[0105] As described above, the machine tool 1 according to this embodiment includes a tool holder (spindle 18) that detachably holds a tool, and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 includes a simulation unit 170 (FIG. 3) that uses the number of teeth to perform a simulation of vibrations of the tool T held in the tool holder, and a notification control unit 156 (FIG. 3) that performs notification control to guide the user to input the number of teeth of the tool T held in the tool holder. A variety of tools can be used in the machine tool 1. Therefore, information on all tools usable in the machine tool 1 is not pre-stored in the tool data storage unit 142. However, by including the notification control unit 156, the machine tool 1 can easily obtain information on the tool T from a user (e.g., an operator). More specifically, the user is more likely to input the number of teeth of the tool T by following the guidance of the notification control unit 156. This makes it easier to perform the above-mentioned simulation using the number of teeth. Such simulations contribute to vibration countermeasure support.

[0106] Furthermore, when the number of teeth of the tool T held in the tool holding unit is set, the simulation unit 170 calculates recommended machining conditions for the tool T held in the tool holding unit by executing a simulation using the set number of teeth (see S11 and S12 in FIG. 5 and S35 in FIG. 8). When the machine tool 1 performs machining according to the recommended machining conditions calculated in this manner, machining defects such as chatter vibration are less likely to occur.

[0107] The control unit 4 also includes a display control unit 158 ​​(FIG. 3) that, in response to a user operation, executes display control to display a screen (see FIG. 7) that accepts input of the number of teeth from the user. The notification control unit 156 then executes notification control (S78 in FIG. 17) to display a screen (see FIG. 18) that notifies the user that inputting the number of teeth will enable simulation when the number of teeth has not been set for the tool T held in the tool holding unit. This configuration makes it possible to prompt the user to set the number of teeth when the number of teeth has not been set. This prevents the number of teeth from being left unset, and promotes the use of simulation.

[0108] When predetermined notification conditions are met, the notification control unit 156 according to the above embodiment executes notification control (S78 in FIG. 17) to guide the user to input the number of teeth of the tool T held in the tool holding unit. Specifically, the predetermined notification conditions include that the number of teeth of the replaced tool has not been set (first requirement: S71 in FIG. 17), that the replaced tool is a tool corresponding to the simulation unit 170 (second requirement: S72 in FIG. 17), that a function for estimating the number of teeth of the tool T held in the tool holding unit is not implemented in the machine tool 1 or is not enabled (third requirement: S74 in FIG. 17), and that the notification control unit 156 is enabled (fourth requirement: S77 in FIG. 17). This configuration makes it easier to issue necessary notifications at an appropriate frequency while suppressing unnecessary notifications.

[0109] However, the notification conditions can be changed as appropriate. For example, instead of the process flow F7 shown in Fig. 17, the process flows F7A to F7D shown in Fig. 19 to Fig. 22 may be adopted.

[0110] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the processing flow shown in Fig. 17. In a processing flow F7A according to the first modified example, S77 (fourth requirement) in Fig. 17 is omitted.

[0111] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the processing flow shown in Fig. 17. In the processing flow F7B according to the second modification, S72 (second requirement) of Fig. 17 is omitted.

[0112] Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing a third modified example of the processing flow shown in Fig. 17. In the processing flow F7C according to the third modified example, S72 and S77 (the second and fourth requirements) of Fig. 17 are omitted.

[0113] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a fourth modified example of the processing flow shown in FIG. 17. In processing flow F7D according to the fourth modified example, S72 and S74 to S77 of FIG. 17 are omitted. In processing flow F7D, estimation of the number of teeth is not performed. When the tool T held in the tool holding unit is replaced, if the number of teeth of the replaced tool T has not been set, the notification control unit 156 according to the fourth modified example performs notification control (S78 in FIG. 22) to guide the user to input the number of teeth of the replaced tool T. This configuration makes it easier for the user to input the number of teeth of the replaced tool T early when replacing the tool.

[0114] The execution timing (trigger) of the process flows F7 and F7A to F7D is not limited to when a tool is replaced, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, these process flows may be executed every time the machine tool system is started up.

[0115] In the above embodiment, a horizontal machining center has been exemplified as the machine tool 1. However, the type of machine tool is arbitrary, and it may be a vertical machining center, a turning center, or a multi-tasking machine equipped with the functions of both a machining center and a turning center.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the adjustment process (FIG. 16) is executed in response to a user operation (adjustment start operation). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the adjustment process (tuning process) of the machining conditions may be executed automatically when chatter vibration is detected. For example, when the simulation unit 170 detects chatter vibration, it may calculate recommended machining conditions using the number of teeth, and execute the adjustment process (FIG. 16) of the machining conditions based on the calculated recommended machining conditions.

[0117] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 machine tool, 2 machining device, 4 control unit, 18 spindle, 18a rotation sensor, 18b tool detection sensor, 19 reader, 30 acceleration sensor, 40 signal processing device, 50 control device, 52 vibration processing device, 54 operation panel, 55 camera, 110 HMI processing unit, 112 data processing unit, 114 data storage unit, 116 detection unit, 150 numerical control unit, 156 notification control unit, 158 display control unit, 160 tool information management unit, 161 first setting unit, 162 second setting unit, 163 estimation unit, 170 simulation unit, 171 detection unit, 172 recommended condition calculation unit, 173 tuning management unit, T tool, W workpiece.

Claims

1. a tool holding portion that detachably holds a tool; a simulation unit that uses the number of teeth to perform a simulation regarding vibration of the tool held by the tool holder; a notification control unit that performs notification control to guide a user to input the number of teeth of the tool held in the tool holding unit; A machine tool comprising:

2. 2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit is configured to execute notification control to guide a user to input the number of teeth of the replaced tool when the tool held in the tool holding unit is replaced and the number of teeth of the replaced tool has not been set.

3. the machine tool further includes a display control unit that executes display control to display a screen for accepting input of the number of teeth from a user in response to a user operation; 2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit is configured to execute notification control to display a screen notifying a user that the simulation will be possible by inputting a number of teeth when the number of teeth of the tool held in the tool holding unit has not been set.

4. the notification control unit is configured to execute notification control to guide a user to input the number of teeth of the tool held in the tool holding unit when a predetermined condition is met, The predetermined condition is: The number of teeth of the tool after replacement is not set, The replaced tool is a tool corresponding to the simulation unit; and A function for estimating the number of teeth of the tool held in the tool holding unit is not implemented or is not enabled in the machine tool; and The notification control unit is enabled; and The machine tool of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

5. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the simulation unit is configured to, when a number of flutes of a tool held in the tool holding unit is set, calculate recommended machining conditions for the tool held in the tool holding unit by executing the simulation using the set number of flutes.

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