Operation support system

Abstract

To quickly and easily set machining conditions suitable for grinding with a grinding machine. [Solution] During machining of the workpiece W, the displacement of the rotating grinding wheel 11 in a first direction relative to the grinding wheel support 12 is defined as the first displacement, and the displacement of the rotating grinding wheel 11 in a second direction relative to the grinding wheel support 12 is defined as the second displacement. The operation support system comprises a data storage unit and a data output unit. The data storage unit stores multiple types of combination data, each with a different combination of the type of rotating grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W, associated with the first and second displacement amounts for each corresponding combination. The data output unit acquires the first and second displacement amounts for the combination to be supported. The data output unit extracts the combination data corresponding to the acquired first and second displacement amounts from the multiple types of combination data. The data output unit outputs the extracted combination data as support data for operation support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation support system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a grinding machine that performs grinding processing is known (see Patent Document 1). The grinding machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a rotating grindstone, a grindstone support part that rotatably supports the rotating grindstone, a table to which a workpiece is fixed, and a position changing device that changes the relative positions of the grindstone support part and the table. In this grinding machine, grinding of the workpiece by the rotating grindstone is executed through the operation of the position changing device based on predetermined processing conditions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, since the types of rotating grindstones and the materials of workpieces are diverse, the combinations of the type of rotating grindstone and the material of the workpiece are also diverse. When performing processing with a new combination that has no processing record among various combinations, it is necessary to newly define the processing conditions. In this case, the processing conditions can be defined as follows.

[0005] First, tentative processing conditions are defined, and grinding processing is performed by the grinding machine. Then, the processing conditions are corrected based on the processing result, and processing by the grinding machine is performed based on the same processing conditions. Thereafter, until a desired processing result is obtained, operations of performing processing by the grinding machine and correcting the processing conditions based on the result of the same processing are repeatedly executed.

[0006] Even when performing processing with a new combination of materials, it is possible to determine the processing conditions in this way. However, this process is cumbersome and undesirable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An operation support system for solving the above problems is applied to a grinding machine that processes the workpiece with the rotating grinding wheel through the change of the relative position by the position change device, and assists in the operation of the grinding machine, wherein the direction in which the rotating grinding wheel is pressed against the processing surface of the workpiece is defined as the first direction, the amount of displacement of the rotating grinding wheel relative to the grinding wheel support in the first direction is defined as the first displacement amount, the direction in which the relative position is changed is defined as the second direction, and the amount of displacement of the rotating grinding wheel relative to the grinding wheel support in the second direction is defined as the second displacement amount, and the rotation The system includes a data storage unit that stores combination data of a rotating grinding wheel type and a workpiece material, wherein multiple types of combination data of different rotating grinding wheel types and workpiece materials are stored in association with the first displacement amount and second displacement amount for each corresponding combination; and a data output unit that acquires the first displacement amount and second displacement amount for the combination of rotating grinding wheel type and workpiece material that is the target of operation support, extracts the combination data corresponding to the acquired first displacement amount and second displacement amount from the multiple types of combination data stored in the data storage unit, and outputs the extracted combination data as support data for operation support.

[0008] In the above configuration, the first and second displacements during workpiece machining will be different depending on the type of grinding wheel and the material of the workpiece. Therefore, in the above configuration, the first and second displacements can be used as indicator values ​​of the characteristics of machining for each combination of grinding wheel type and workpiece material (hereinafter referred to as combination C).

[0009] With the above configuration, based on the support data extracted and output based on the first and second displacement amounts, it is possible to determine which of the multiple combinations of combination C with a proven track record of processing the characteristics of the supported combination C are closest to. Then, based on these determined characteristics, it is possible to set the processing conditions for the supported combination C while minimizing the difference from the optimal processing conditions. Therefore, when performing processing on the supported combination C as a new processing method, it is possible to quickly set processing conditions suitable for that processing with minimal effort. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, processing conditions suitable for grinding can be quickly and easily set with minimal effort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of a grinding machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical circuit structure of the grinding machine. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the workpiece. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first distance sensor, the second distance sensor, and their surroundings. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first distance sensor, the second distance sensor, and their surroundings. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of vector data. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a table conceptually illustrating the data structure of the specified data. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating cluster data. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the relative positional relationship between the rotating grinding wheel and the workpiece during machining. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the execution procedure of the operation support processing. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the display unit in a state where information included in the support data is displayed. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the operation support system will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. As shown in Figure 1, the grinding machine 10 is a numerically controlled (NC) surface grinding apparatus that machines the surface of a workpiece W into a flat surface with a rotating grinding wheel 11. The operation support system of the present embodiment is applied to this grinding machine 10.

[0013] The rotating grinding wheel 11 is formed in a substantially disc shape. The rotating grinding wheel 11 is rotatably supported by a grinding wheel support portion 12. Specifically, the rotating grinding wheel 11 is connected to a rotating shaft 111. The rotating shaft 111 is rotatably supported by the grinding wheel support portion 12 via a hydrostatic bearing. The rotating shaft 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 extends in the horizontal direction, specifically the left-right direction in Figure 1 (hereinafter referred to as Z direction). In the present embodiment, the Z direction corresponds to the third direction.

[0014] The rotating grinding wheel 11 and the grinding wheel support portion 12 are movable relative to a base 13 in the vertical direction (hereinafter referred to as Y direction) and the horizontal direction (specifically, the Z direction). In the grinding machine 10, the surface of the workpiece W is ground by bringing the rotating grinding wheel 11 into contact with the workpiece W while driving the rotating grinding wheel 11 to rotate.

[0015] The grinding machine 10 has a table 14 serving as a fixing part to which the workpiece W is fixed. The table 14 is configured to be movable relative to the base 13 in a direction orthogonal to the Y direction and the Z direction, specifically, in the depth direction in Fig. 1 (hereinafter referred to as the X direction) among the horizontal directions. In the grinding machine 10, the workpiece W on the table 14 can be moved by moving the table 14 in the X direction. Thereby, the first relative position PA in the X direction between the rotating grindstone 11 and the workpiece W can be changed. In the present embodiment, the X direction corresponds to the second direction, which is the direction for changing the first relative position PA of the table 14 and the rotating grindstone 11 during machining of the workpiece W.

[0016] In the grinding machine 10, by moving the rotating grindstone 11 in the Y direction or the Z direction, or moving the table 14 in the X direction, the relative position in the X direction, the relative position in the Y direction, and the relative position in the Z direction between the rotating grindstone 11 and the workpiece W can be changed individually.

[0017] <Position changing device 20> As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the grinding machine 10 includes a position changing device 20 that changes the first relative position PA of the table 14 and the rotating grindstone 11. The position changing device 20 changes the first relative position PA of the rotating grindstone 11 and the table 14 by changing the second relative position PM of the grindstone support part 12 and the table 14. The position changing device 20 is composed of an X-axis drive part 21, a Y-axis drive part 22, and a Z-axis drive part 23.

[0018] The X-axis drive part 21 is a device for moving the table 14 in the X direction relative to the base 13. The X-axis drive part 21 has a ball screw mechanism, a servomotor, and the like. Through operation control of the X-axis drive part 21, the position of the table 14 in the X direction relative to the base 13 is controlled.

[0019] The Y-axis drive unit 22 is a device that moves the rotating grinding wheel 11 and the grinding wheel support unit 12 in the Y direction relative to the base 13. The Y-axis drive unit 22 has a ball screw mechanism, a servo motor, etc. The Y-direction position of the rotating grinding wheel 11 relative to the base 13 is controlled through the operation control of the Y-axis drive unit 22. In this embodiment, the Y direction corresponds to the first direction, which is the direction in which the rotating grinding wheel 11 is pressed against the machined surface of the workpiece W.

[0020] The Z-axis drive unit 23 is a device for moving the rotating grinding wheel 11 and the grinding wheel support unit 12 in the Z direction relative to the base 13. The Z-axis drive unit 23 includes a ball screw mechanism, a servo motor, etc. The Z-direction position of the rotating grinding wheel 11 relative to the base 13 is controlled through the operation control of the Z-axis drive unit 23.

[0021] The grinding machine 10 has a grinding wheel drive unit 24 for rotating the grinding wheel 11. The grinding wheel drive unit 24 has an electric motor 241 connected to the rotation shaft 111 of the grinding wheel 11. In the operation control of the grinding wheel drive unit 24 (more specifically, the electric motor 241), the grinding wheel 11 is basically rotated at a constant speed. The rotation speed of the grinding wheel 11 is set to a speed that matches the processing conditions input to the grinding machine 10.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the machined surface of the workpiece W is divided into multiple machining regions in the Z direction (in the example shown in the figure, four machining regions AR1 to AR4). The machined surface of the workpiece W is then machined (grinded) by changing the second relative position PM of the grinding wheel support 12 and the table 14 in the X direction. This process is performed sequentially for each of the multiple machining regions while changing the second relative position PM in the Z direction, thereby machining the entire surface of the workpiece W.

[0023] <Control Unit 30> As shown in Figure 2, the grinding machine 10 is equipped with a control unit 30. The control unit 30 performs various controls related to the operation of the grinding machine 10. A position change device 20 and a grinding wheel drive unit 24 are connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 has a processing unit (PU), ROM, RAM, a storage unit 31 for storing various programs and data, an operation input unit 32, and a display unit 33.

[0024] The memory unit 31 is composed of non-volatile memory that allows for on-demand writing and reading, such as a hard disk drive or solid-state drive. The memory unit 31 stores machining data, which is data used for machining the workpiece W, including setting values ​​for machining conditions and machining programs (so-called NC programs) that define the operating positions of the table 14 and the rotary grinding wheel 11 using coordinate values. Based on the machining data, the control unit 30 performs numerical control for the grinding process by the grinding machine 10, specifically, it controls the operation of each drive unit 21 to 24.

[0025] The operation input unit 32 is an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, or buttons. In the grinding machine 10, the processing conditions for processing the workpiece W are input to the control unit 30 through the operation of the operation input unit 32 by the operator. In this embodiment, the relationship between the input processing conditions and the control patterns of each drive unit 21 to 24 that are suitable for those processing conditions is determined in advance, and this relationship is stored in advance in the storage unit 31 of the control unit 30. In the grinding machine 10, based on the processing conditions input to the control unit 30 through the operation of the operation input unit 32, the control patterns of each drive unit 21 to 24 are set from the above relationship stored in the storage unit 31. This control pattern is stored in the storage unit 31 as processing operation information (processing program). The control unit 30 controls the operation of each drive unit 21 to 24 by operating each drive unit 21 to 24 based on this processing program.

[0026] The display unit 33 has a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 33 displays various information related to processing by the grinding machine 10, such as displaying support data S output from the data output unit 43, which will be described later.

[0027] The grinding machine 10 is equipped with various sensors for detecting its operating state. The detection signals from these sensors are received by the control unit 30. The sensors include a rotation phase sensor 34, a first distance sensor 35, and a second distance sensor 36.

[0028] The rotational phase sensor 34 is attached to the electric motor 241 (Figure 1) and detects the rotational phase of the rotation axis 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 (specifically, the output shaft of the electric motor 241). As shown in Figure 4, the first distance sensor 35 and the second distance sensor 36 are attached to the grinding wheel support 12. The first distance sensor 35 and the second distance sensor 36 are, for example, eddy current displacement sensors. The first distance sensor 35 and the second distance sensor 36 are installed to detect the gaps G1 and G2 between the inner surface of the bearing portion 121 of the grinding wheel support 12 and the outer surface of the rotation axis 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11. Note that in Figure 4, the gaps G1 and G2 are shown exaggerated compared to the actual gaps for ease of understanding.

[0029] The control unit 30 calculates and detects the amount of displacement of the rotating grinding wheel 11 relative to the grinding wheel support 12 in the first direction (hereinafter referred to as the first displacement amount D1) based on the gap G1 in the first direction (Y direction) detected by the first distance sensor 35. The first displacement amount D1 becomes larger as the position of the rotating grinding wheel 11 relative to the grinding wheel support 12 moves to a higher position. In this embodiment, the first distance sensor 35 corresponds to the first detection unit.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 30 calculates and detects the amount of displacement of the rotating grinding wheel 11 relative to the grinding wheel support 12 in the second direction (hereinafter referred to as the second displacement amount D2) based on the gap G2 in the second direction (X direction) detected by the second distance sensor 36. The second displacement amount D2 becomes larger as the position of the rotating grinding wheel 11 relative to the grinding wheel support 12 moves towards the rear in the direction of movement of the workpiece W. In this embodiment, the second distance sensor 36 corresponds to the second detection unit.

[0031] As described above, the rotating shaft 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 is supported in a rotatable state by the grinding wheel support part 12 by an oil hydrostatic bearing. Specifically, the rotating shaft 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 is substantially cylindrical and is inserted through a bearing part 121 formed in the grinding wheel support part 12.

[0032] Here, as shown in Figure 5 as an example, it is difficult to make the cross-sectional shape of the rotating shaft 111 a perfect circle. Therefore, the gap G1 in the first direction detected by the first distance sensor 35 and the rotation phase sensor 34 when no processing is taking place, i.e., when no force is being applied to the rotating grinding wheel 11 from the workpiece W, and the gap G1 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11, are not constant. This variation in gap G1 becomes an error factor in detecting the first displacement amount D1. Similarly, the gap G2 in the second direction detected by the second distance sensor 36 and the rotation phase sensor 34 when no processing is taking place, and the gap G2 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11, are also not constant. And this variation in gap G2 becomes an error factor in detecting the second displacement amount D2.

[0033] In this embodiment, a value that serves as a reference for detecting the first displacement amount D1 is defined as the first reference position BG1, corresponding to each rotational phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11, or more specifically, the rotating shaft 111 connected to the rotating grinding wheel 11. Specifically, the first reference position BG1 is defined as a value corresponding to the gap G1 when the first displacement amount D1 becomes "0". In addition, a value that serves as a reference for detecting the second displacement amount D2 (specifically, a value corresponding to the gap G2 when the second displacement amount D2 becomes "0") is defined as the second reference position BG2, corresponding to each rotational phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11. The first reference position BG1 and the second reference position BG2 are stored in the storage unit 31 of the control unit 30.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 30 includes a first reference position correction unit 41 and a second reference position correction unit 42 as functional units. <First reference position correction section 41> The first reference position correction unit 41 corrects the first reference position BG1 for detecting the first displacement amount D1 based on the gap G1 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11 detected by the first distance sensor 35 and the rotation phase sensor 34 when not processing. The first reference position BG1 is corrected as follows.

[0035] First, when the rotating grinding wheel 11 is being driven and not being machined, that is, when the rotating shaft 111 is not displaced in the first direction (Y direction) relative to the grinding wheel support 12, the first distance sensor 35 and the rotation phase sensor 34 detect the gap G1 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating shaft 111. Then, for each rotation phase, the detected gap G1 is stored as the first reference position BG1. In this way, the first reference position BG1 corresponding to each rotation phase is updated (corrected). This makes it possible to offset the first reference position BG1 corresponding to each rotation phase to match the shape of the rotating shaft 111. Therefore, by subtracting the first reference position BG1 corresponding to a given rotation phase from the gap G1 detected at that rotation phase, the first displacement amount D1 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0036] <Second reference position correction section 42> The second reference position correction unit 42 corrects the second reference position BG2 for detecting the second displacement amount D2 based on the gap G2 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11 detected by the second distance sensor 36 and the rotation phase sensor 34 when not processing. The second reference position BG2 is corrected as follows.

[0037] First, when the rotating grinding wheel 11 is being driven and not processing, that is, when the rotating shaft 111 is not displaced in the second direction (X direction) relative to the grinding wheel support 12, the second distance sensor 36 and the rotation phase sensor 34 detect the gap G2 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating shaft 111. Then, for each rotation phase, the detected gap G2 is stored as the second reference position BG2. In this way, the second reference position BG2 corresponding to each rotation phase is updated (corrected). This allows the second reference position BG2 corresponding to each rotation phase to be offset to match the shape of the rotating shaft 111. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, the second reference position BG2 corresponding to this rotation phase can be offset by the amount indicated by "ΔBG" in the figure. Therefore, by subtracting the second reference position BG2 corresponding to a given rotation phase from the gap G2 detected at that rotation phase, the second displacement amount D2 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0038] <Cluster Data> In this embodiment, the storage unit 31 of the control unit 30 corresponds to the data storage unit. Cluster data is stored in the storage unit 31. The cluster data is used to support the operation of the grinding machine 10. The cluster data is formed by the following procedure.

[0039] First, the grinding machine 10 performs machining on combination C (hereinafter referred to as combination C) of the type of rotary grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W, for which data acquisition is targeted, and the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 are detected during machining. At this time, the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 are detected in the machining area where the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 are stable, more specifically in the area corresponding to the center of the workpiece W in a plan view. For the detection of the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2, the grinding machine 10 that actually performs machining on combination C for which data acquisition is targeted may be used, or any other grinding machine 10 may be used.

[0040] Then, by associating the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 detected during machining with the combination data DC, which combines the type of rotating grinding wheel 11 to be acquired and the material of the workpiece W, "individual data DP" is created. The combination data DC is data that defines the combination C of the type of rotating grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W. As shown in Figure 6, when creating individual data DP, the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount associated with the combination data DC are first vector data in which the first displacement amount D1 is the first directional component and the second displacement amount D2 is the second directional component. In this embodiment, individual data DP is data in which the first vector data consisting of the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 detected during machining is associated with the combination data DC. Individual data DP includes data on the type of rotating grinding wheel 11, data on the material of the workpiece W, and first vector data consisting of the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2.

[0041] Individual data DP is acquired separately for each of the multiple combinations C described above, which differ in the combination of the type of rotating grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W. That is, multiple individual data DP are acquired by associating the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 (more specifically, the first vector data) for each of the multiple combination data DCs, which differ in the combination of the type of rotating grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W, with the corresponding combination C.

[0042] Subsequently, cluster data is created based on the multiple individual data points obtained in the dynamic programming (DP). Specifically, clustering is performed, where the first vector data corresponding to each of the multiple individual data points in the DP are grouped into a single cluster. The clustering algorithm used is, for example, the k-means method. The k-means method is a clustering algorithm that classifies data into a predetermined number of clusters. However, the clustering algorithm is not limited to the k-means method.

[0043] Clustering is performed to create cluster data, which is data that classifies multiple types of combination data DC based on the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 (more specifically, the first vector data described above). The cluster data includes multiple individual data DPs, each associated with the first vector data described above for the corresponding combination C, for multiple types of combination data DC with different combinations of the type of grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W.

[0044] Multiple individual data points (DPs) are composed of individual data points collected during processing in different combinations C. By performing the clustering described above, these multiple individual data points can be classified into clusters CR1 to CR4 of individual data points with similar characteristics. The number of clusters to be classified into can be arbitrarily set depending on the content of the analysis.

[0045] In this embodiment, along with the creation of cluster data, data defining the relationship between clusters CR1 to CR4 and individual data DP belonging to clusters CR1 to CR4 (hereinafter referred to as defined data DR) is created, as conceptually shown in Figure 7. This defined data DR is then stored in the storage unit 31. For the creation of cluster data and defined data DR, the grinding machine 10 and control unit 30 that actually perform machining on combination C, which is the target of operation support, may be used, or other equipment other than the grinding machine 10 and control unit 30 (for example, a personal computer) may be used.

[0046] Figure 8 conceptually illustrates an example of cluster data. In the example shown in Figure 8, four clusters CR1, CR2, CR3, and CR4 are shown in a two-dimensional coordinate system with the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 as explanatory variables. In the example shown in Figure 8, the centroids of each cluster CR1 to CR4 are indicated by "X" marks.

[0047] Cluster CR1 is a grouping of data points (DP11, DP12, DP13, etc.) where the first displacement D1 is larger than the second displacement D2. Cluster CR2 is a grouping of data points (DP21, DP22, DP23, etc.) where both the first and second displacement D1 and D2 are relatively large. Cluster CR3 is a grouping of data points (DP31, DP32, DP33, etc.) where the second displacement D2 is larger than the first displacement D1. Cluster CR4 is a grouping of data points (DP41, DP42, DP43, etc.) where both the first and second displacement D2 are relatively small.

[0048] Here, the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 of the workpiece W during machining will be different depending on the type of grinding wheel 11 (e.g., difference in cutting edge) and the material of the workpiece W (e.g., wear resistance, toughness). Therefore, the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 can be used as indicator values ​​of the characteristics of machining performed by combination C of the type of grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W.

[0049] Figure 9 shows an example of the relative positional relationship between the workpiece W fixed to the table 14 and the rotating grinding wheel 11. The solid line in Figure 9 shows the position of the rotating grinding wheel 11 when the third relative position PS between the rotating shaft 111 and the grinding wheel support part 12 is misaligned (first displacement D1 ≠ 0, second displacement D2 ≠ 0). The dashed line in Figure 9 shows the position of the rotating grinding wheel 11 when it is assumed that the third relative position PS between the rotating shaft 111 and the grinding wheel support part 12 is not misaligned (first displacement D1 = 0, and second displacement D2 = 0). Note that in Figure 9, the amount of misalignment of the third relative position PS is exaggerated compared to the actual amount of misalignment for ease of understanding.

[0050] For example, if the workpiece W is made of a highly wear-resistant material, the grinding wheel 11 is pressed upward by the machined surface of the workpiece W and displaced in the direction away from the workpiece W (Y direction), as shown by arrow P1 in Figure 9. Therefore, the first displacement amount D1, which is the displacement amount in the Y direction, is larger than the second displacement amount D2, which is the displacement amount in the X direction of the grinding wheel 11 (see range R1 in Figure 6). Consequently, in this case, the individual data DP belongs to cluster CR1 (Figure 8). From this, it can be seen that if the individual data DP belongs to cluster CR1, there is a possibility that the workpiece W corresponding to that individual data DP is made of a highly wear-resistant material.

[0051] Furthermore, if the workpiece W is made of a highly tough material, the grinding wheel 11 is pushed back by the machining point PR of the workpiece W and displaced to the rear (X direction) in the direction of movement of the workpiece W, as shown by arrow P2 in Figure 9. Therefore, the second displacement amount D2, which is the displacement amount in the X direction, is larger than the first displacement amount D1, which is the displacement amount in the Y direction of the grinding wheel 11 (see range R2 in Figure 6). Consequently, in this case, the individual data DP belongs to cluster CR3 (Figure 8). From this, it can be seen that if the individual data DP belongs to cluster CR3, there is a possibility that the workpiece W corresponding to that individual data DP is made of a highly tough material.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 30 includes a data output unit 43 as a functional unit. The data output unit 43 uses the above cluster data to output support data S for assisting the operation of the grinding machine 10. Specifically, the data output unit 43 performs acquisition processing, individual data creation processing, extraction processing, and output processing.

[0053] The following describes the processes for supporting the operation of the grinding machine 10, including the processes described above (operation support processes), with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 shows the execution procedure for the operation support processes. The series of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 are executed by the control unit 30 as processes at predetermined cycles.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, this process first executes the acquisition process (step S11). During the acquisition process, machining is performed by the grinding machine 10 using combination C, which is the target of the operation support, and the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 during machining are detected (acquired). During the acquisition process, the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 are detected in the machining area where the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 are stable, specifically in the area corresponding to the center of the workpiece W in a plan view.

[0055] Subsequently, the individual data creation process is executed (step S12). In the individual data creation process, first, a second vector data is formed based on the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 obtained in the acquisition process, with the first displacement D1 as the first directional component and the second displacement D2 as the second directional component. Then, by associating this second vector data with the combination data DC corresponding to the combination C of the operation support target, individual data DP is created.

[0056] Subsequently, the extraction process is performed (step S13). In the extraction process, the individual data DP created in the individual data creation process is compared with the cluster data to determine which of the clusters CR1 to CR4 the same individual data DP (more specifically, the second vector data contained in the individual data DP) belongs to. Specifically, in the two-dimensional coordinate system shown in Figure 8, the cluster to which the individual data DP belongs is identified as the cluster whose centroid is closest to the coordinate indicated by the second vector data of the individual data DP among the clusters CR1 to CR4.

[0057] Subsequently, in the extraction process, all individual data DPs belonging to the cluster identified in this process are extracted based on the aforementioned specified data DR (see Figure 7). For example, if cluster CR1 is identified in this process, individual data DP11, DP12, DP13, etc. belonging to cluster CR1 are extracted. As a result, individual data DPs are extracted from among the multiple individual data DPs included in the cluster data where the first vector data associated with that individual data DP matches or is similar to the second vector data associated with the individual data DP targeted for operation support.

[0058] Subsequently, output processing is performed (step S14). In the output process, the individual data DP extracted in the extraction process is output to the display unit 33 and the storage unit 31 as support data S for operation assistance. As shown in Figure 11, the display unit 33 displays information contained in the output support data S, specifically information regarding the combination C of the type of rotating grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W, and information regarding the position coordinates of the individual data DP in the two-dimensional coordinate system shown in Figure 8. Users of the operation assistance system can understand the information contained in the support data S by looking at the information displayed in the display unit 33. In addition, the support data S output to the storage unit 31 is stored in the storage unit 31. Users of the operation assistance system can understand the information contained in the support data S by checking the support data S stored in the storage unit 31.

[0059] <Operation and Effects of This Embodiment> The operation and effects of this embodiment will be described below. (1) The storage unit 31 stores multiple types of combination data DC, each associated with a first displacement amount D1 and a second displacement amount D2 in the corresponding combination C. The data output unit 43 acquires the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 in the combination C that is the target of operation support. The data output unit 43 extracts individual data DP (including combination data DC) corresponding to the acquired first displacement amount D1 and second displacement amount D2 from the multiple individual data DP stored in the storage unit 31. The data output unit 43 outputs the extracted individual data DP as support data S for operation support to the display unit 33 and the storage unit 31.

[0060] As mentioned above, the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 during machining of workpiece W can be used as indicator values ​​of the characteristics of machining with combination C. With the above configuration, the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 during machining of workpiece W can be used to extract individual data DP corresponding to the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 from among multiple individual data DP included in the cluster data. The extracted individual data DP can then be output as support data S. Therefore, based on this support data S, it is possible to determine which of the multiple types of combination C with a proven machining record the characteristics of machining with combination C are closest to those of machining with combination C.

[0061] Based on the characteristics described above, it is possible to set the machining conditions for combination C, which is the target of the operation support, while minimizing the difference from the optimal machining conditions. Therefore, when performing machining using combination C, which is the target of the operation support, suitable machining conditions can be set quickly with minimal effort.

[0062] (2) The data output unit 43 extracts individual data DPs from multiple individual data DPs included in the cluster data in which the displacement amounts D1 and D2 associated with the same individual data DP match or are similar to the displacement amounts D1 and D2 associated with the individual data DP that is the target of operation support.

[0063] According to the above configuration, based on the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 acquired in the acquisition process, a combination C (specifically, individual data DP) whose processing characteristics are similar to those of the combination C being supported can be extracted from among multiple combination C with a proven processing record. Then, based on the extracted combination C, it is possible to appropriately determine which of the multiple combination C with a proven processing record has processing characteristics that the processing characteristics of the combination C being supported are similar to.

[0064] (3) The storage unit 31 stores the combined data DC in association with first vector data in which the first displacement amount D1 is the first directional component and the second displacement amount D2 is the second directional component. The data output unit 43 extracts the combined data DC corresponding to the second vector data in which the first displacement amount D1 acquired in the acquisition process is the first directional component and the second displacement amount D2 acquired in the same acquisition process is the second directional component.

[0065] According to the above configuration, vector data can be used as the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 associated with the combination data DC, with the first displacement D1 being the component in the first direction and the second displacement D2 being the component in the second direction. This vector data, more specifically the first vector data and the second vector data, can be used as indicator values ​​of the characteristics of machining performed by combination C of the type of grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W. Therefore, multiple types of combination data DC can be stored while associated with the first vector data, and combination data DC corresponding to the second vector data can be extracted from multiple types of combination data DC.

[0066] (4) The cluster data stored in the memory unit 31 is data obtained by clustering multiple first vector data into a single cluster, thereby classifying multiple types of combination data DC based on the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2. The data output unit 43 identifies the cluster to which the second vector data, which has the first displacement amount D1 acquired in the acquisition process as the first directional component and the second displacement amount D2 acquired in the same acquisition process as the second directional component, belongs. The data output unit 43 extracts the combination data DC (specifically, the individual data DP including the combination data DC) corresponding to the second vector data belonging to the identified cluster.

[0067] According to the above configuration, clustering allows for the classification of multiple types of combination data DC according to the characteristics resulting from processing in combination C. Then, by comparing the cluster data with the second vector data consisting of the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 obtained in the acquisition process, it is possible to extract combination C whose processing characteristics are similar to those of the supported combination C.

[0068] (5) The operation support system includes a first distance sensor 35 provided on the grinding machine 10 for detecting a first displacement amount D1, and a second distance sensor 36 provided on the grinding machine 10 for detecting a second displacement amount D2. The data output unit 43 detects the first displacement amount D1 with the first distance sensor 35 and the second displacement amount D2 with the second distance sensor 36, thereby obtaining the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 for combination C that is the target of operation support.

[0069] According to the above configuration, the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 can be detected and acquired using the grinding machine 10 to which the operation support system is applied. (6) When the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is defined as the third direction (Z direction), the rotation axis 111 of the grinding wheel 11 extends in the third direction. The first distance sensor 35 is provided on the grinding wheel support 12 and detects the gap G1 between the rotation axis 111 and the grinding wheel support 12 in the first direction (Y direction) as the first displacement amount D1. The grinding machine 10 includes a rotation phase sensor 34 for detecting the rotation phase of the grinding wheel 11 and a first reference position correction unit 41. The first reference position correction unit 41 corrects the first reference position BG1 corresponding to each rotation phase of the grinding wheel 11 based on the gap G1 corresponding to each rotation phase of the grinding wheel 11 detected by the first distance sensor 35 and the rotation phase sensor 34 when not processing. The first reference position BG1 is a reference position for detecting the first displacement amount D1 and is a reference position determined in accordance with each rotation phase.

[0070] According to the above configuration, the first reference position BG1 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11 can be offset to match the shape of the rotating shaft 111. Therefore, the first distance sensor 35 can detect the first displacement amount D1 with high accuracy.

[0071] (7) The second distance sensor 36 is provided on the grinding wheel support 12 and detects the gap G2 in the second direction (X direction) between the rotating shaft 111 and the grinding wheel support 12 as the second displacement amount D2. The grinding machine 10 includes a rotation phase sensor 34 that detects the rotation phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11 and a second reference position correction unit 42. The second reference position correction unit 42 corrects the second reference position BG2 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11 based on the gap G2 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11 detected by the second distance sensor 36 and the rotation phase sensor 34 when not processing. The second reference position BG2 is the reference position for detecting the second displacement amount D2 and is the reference position corresponding to each rotation phase.

[0072] According to the above configuration, the second reference position BG2 corresponding to each rotation phase of the rotating grinding wheel 11 can be offset to match the shape of the rotating shaft 111. Therefore, the second displacement amount D2 can be detected with high accuracy by the second distance sensor 36.

[0073] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0074] The process of outputting the support data S to the display unit 33, and the process of outputting the support data S to the storage unit 31, may be omitted. • The first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 during machining may be detected at one machining point, or they may be detected at multiple machining points. In this case, individual data DP may be created separately for each of the multiple machining points, or individual data DP may be created by calculating the average values ​​of the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2, and associating these average values ​​with combined data DC.

[0075] Furthermore, the detection of the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 during machining is not limited to the machining area corresponding to the center of the workpiece W in a plan view, but can be performed at any arbitrary location. It is preferable, however, to perform the detection of the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 during machining at a machining area where the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 are stable among all machining areas.

[0076] The first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 associated with the combined data DC are not limited to using first vector data and second vector data; any data composed of the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 can be used. For example, the value obtained by dividing the first displacement D1 by the second displacement D2 (=D1 / D2) can be used, or the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 can be used as they are.

[0077] This configuration allows the memory unit 31 to store multiple types of combination data DC associated with the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2. Furthermore, the combination data DC corresponding to the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 can be extracted from among the multiple types of combination data DC.

[0078] Individual data DP may be created by associating the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 during machining with the combined data DC, as well as associating the rotational angular acceleration of the rotating shaft 111 during machining. For example, individual data DP can be created by creating three-dimensional vector data with the first displacement amount D1, the second displacement amount D2, and the rotational angular acceleration as the three dimensions, and associating this three-dimensional vector data with the combined data DC. The rotational angular acceleration of the rotating shaft 111 can be determined based on the rotational phase of the rotating shaft 111 detected by the rotational phase sensor 34.

[0079] Here, during the machining of the workpiece W, the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 111 fluctuates according to the load that the rotating grinding wheel 11 receives from the workpiece W. The rotational angular acceleration, which is the amount of such fluctuation in rotational speed, will be a different value depending on the type of rotating grinding wheel 11 (e.g., difference in cutting edge) and the material of the workpiece W (e.g., wear resistance, toughness). Therefore, the rotational angular acceleration can be used as an indicator of the characteristics of machining performed by combination C of the type of rotating grinding wheel 11 and the material of the workpiece W.

[0080] According to the above configuration, by performing clustering using multiple individual data points (DPs), it is possible to create cluster data, which is data classified based on three values: first displacement D1, second displacement D2, and rotational angular acceleration. This allows for finer classification of multiple individual data points into clusters of individual data points with similar characteristics, compared to creating cluster data classified based on two values: first displacement D1 and second displacement D2. Then, by comparing this cluster data with the individual data points created in the individual data creation process, it is possible to determine which of the multiple clusters a given individual data point belongs to.

[0081] When an individual data DP is created by the data output unit 43, the cluster data may be updated each time using the same individual data DP. Instead of outputting all individual data DP belonging to the identified cluster as support data S using the data output unit 43, it is also possible to output only a portion of the individual data DP belonging to the identified cluster as support data S.

[0082] In this case, for example, among all individual data DPs belonging to the identified cluster, the individual data DP whose vector data points to the coordinates closest to the same coordinates of the individual data DP created by the data output unit 43 can be output as support data S. In addition, it is also possible to output as support data S multiple individual data DPs among all individual data DPs belonging to the identified cluster whose vector data points to the coordinates close to the same coordinates of the individual data DP created by the data output unit 43. With this configuration, based on the support data S, it is possible to understand in more detail which of the multiple types of combination C with a proven track record of processing the characteristics obtained by processing in the target combination C are closest to the characteristics obtained by processing in the target combination C.

[0083] Instead of outputting individual data DP extracted by the extraction process as support data S, it is also possible to output only the combination data DC included in the same individual data DP. - Alternatively, one or more individual data DPs may be extracted from among multiple individual data DPs stored in the storage unit 31 without using cluster data. In this case, one or more individual data DPs should be extracted from among the multiple individual data DPs stored in the storage unit 31 whose coordinates indicated by the vector data are close to the same coordinates of the individual data DP created by the data output unit 43.

[0084] Instead of performing clustering, multiple regions corresponding to multiple clusters CR1 to CR4 can be defined by dividing a two-dimensional coordinate system (see Figure 8) with the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 as two axes at arbitrary positions. In this case, the two-dimensional coordinate system should be divided in such a way that it is possible to extract appropriate individual data DP as support data S based on the results of various experiments and simulations.

[0085] • A pre-trained machine learning model that has undergone supervised learning may be used to classify the individual data points (DP) to be supported by the operation. An example of such a machine learning model is one that, when the first displacement D1 and the second displacement D2 are input as target variables, is trained to output individual data points (DP) (specifically, combined data DC) whose characteristics due to processing match or are similar as the target variables.

[0086] The detection of the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 through the acquisition process may be performed using the grinding machine 10 that actually performs machining with combination C, or another grinding machine 10 may be used. If another grinding machine 10 is used, the first displacement D1 and second displacement D2 detected by the other grinding machine 10 should be input to the control unit 30 of the grinding machine 10 that actually performs machining with combination C, and stored in the storage unit 31.

[0087] The operation support system according to the above embodiment can be configured as an integral part of the grinding machine 10, or it can be configured separately from the grinding machine 10, for example, by being configured as a personal computer. In this case, the operation support system has a control unit separate from the control unit 30 of the grinding machine 10. In this configuration, multiple individual data DPs are input to and stored in the control unit of the operation support system, and cluster data is created by performing clustering based on the multiple individual data DPs using the control unit. Alternatively, cluster data may be created by a control unit separate from the control unit of the operation support system, and this cluster data may be input to and stored in the control unit of the operation support system. In the above configuration, the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 detected by the grinding machine 10 are input to and stored in the control unit of the operation support system. As a result, individual data DPs can be created through individual data creation processing, or support data S can be output through extraction processing and output processing, based on the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2 stored in the control unit of the operation support system.

[0088] The mounting positions of the first distance sensor 35 and the second distance sensor 36 in the grinding wheel support section 12 can be arbitrarily changed. Furthermore, the first distance sensor 35 and the second distance sensor 36 may be configured using sensors other than eddy current displacement sensors, such as proximity sensors. Essentially, it is sufficient that the first distance sensor 35 can detect the first displacement amount D1 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 relative to the grinding wheel support section 12 in a first direction, and that the second distance sensor 36 can detect the second displacement amount D2 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 relative to the grinding wheel support section 12 in a second direction.

[0089] The first distance sensor 35 and the second distance sensor 36 can be configured using pressure sensors. Here, the rotation axis 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 is supported by the grinding wheel support part 12 by an oil hydrostatic bearing. In this oil hydrostatic bearing, oil is filled in the gap between the outer surface of the rotation axis 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 and the inner surface of the bearing part 121 of the grinding wheel support part 12. Therefore, when the rotating grinding wheel 11 is displaced relative to the grinding wheel support part 12, the distance of the gap changes, and the hydraulic pressure in the part where the distance has changed changes. When the first distance sensor 35 and the second distance sensor 36 are configured using pressure sensors, the relationship between the distance of the gap and the hydraulic pressure can be obtained from the results of various experiments and simulations and stored in the memory unit 31 in advance. As a result, by detecting the hydraulic pressure with the pressure sensor, the distance of the gap, that is, the distance corresponding to the first displacement amount D1 and the second displacement amount D2, can be determined from the relationship based on the hydraulic pressure.

[0090] The timing for correcting the first reference position BG1 by the first reference position correction unit 41 and the timing for correcting the second reference position BG2 by the second reference position correction unit 42 can be set arbitrarily. For example, the correction by the first reference position correction unit 41 and the correction by the second reference position correction unit 42 can be performed only once when the grinding machine 10 is set up in the factory, or each time the workpiece W is processed.

[0091] • Correction of the first reference position BG1 may be performed by the first reference position correction unit 41, or by inputting the first reference position BG1 corresponding to each predetermined rotation phase through the operation of the operation input unit 32.

[0092] - The correction of the second reference position BG2 may be performed by the second reference position correction unit 42, or by inputting the second reference position BG2 corresponding to each predetermined rotation phase through the operation of the operation input unit 32.

[0093] - Either the first reference position correction unit 41 or the second reference position correction unit 42 can be omitted, or both can be omitted. The grinding machine 10 according to the above embodiment can also be applied to a grinding machine in which the rotation axis 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 extends in the Y direction.

[0094] The grinding machine 10 according to the above embodiment can also be applied to grinding machines in which the rotation axis 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 is supported by a fluid bearing other than an oil hydrostatic bearing, such as a grinding machine in which the rotation axis 111 of the rotating grinding wheel 11 is supported by an air hydrostatic bearing.

[0095] The grinding machine 10 according to the above embodiment is not limited to a surface grinding machine, but can also be applied to a grinding machine that grinds the workpiece surface W into a curved surface. <Note> The above embodiment includes the configuration described in the following appendix.

[0096] [Note 1] An operation support system is applied to a grinding machine that has a grinding wheel support section for rotatably supporting a rotating grinding wheel, a fixing section for fixing a workpiece, and a position changing device for changing the relative position of the grinding wheel support section and the fixing section, and which processes the workpiece with the rotating grinding wheel by changing the relative position by the position changing device, and which supports the operation of the grinding machine, wherein, during the processing of the workpiece, the direction in which the rotating grinding wheel is pressed against the processing surface of the workpiece is defined as the first direction, the amount of displacement of the rotating grinding wheel relative to the grinding wheel support section in the first direction is defined as the first displacement, the direction in which the relative position is changed is defined as the second direction, and the amount of displacement of the rotating grinding wheel relative to the grinding wheel support section in the second direction is defined as the second displacement, and the type of the rotating grinding wheel and the material of the workpiece An operation support system comprising: a data storage unit that stores combination data of a combination of the type of rotating grinding wheel and the material of the workpiece, wherein multiple types of combination data differ in that the combination of the type of rotating grinding wheel and the material of the workpiece is associated with the first displacement amount and the second displacement amount for the corresponding combination; and a data output unit that acquires the first displacement amount and the second displacement amount for the combination of the type of rotating grinding wheel and the material of the workpiece that is the target of operation support, extracts the combination data corresponding to the acquired first displacement amount and second displacement amount from the multiple types of combination data stored in the data storage unit, and outputs the extracted combination data as support data for operation support.

[0097] [Note 2] The operation support system described in [Appendix 1], wherein the data output unit extracts combination data from the plurality of combination data stored in the data storage unit in which the first displacement amount and the second displacement amount associated with the combination data match or are similar to the acquired first displacement amount and second displacement amount.

[0098] [Note 3] The operation support system described in [Note 1] or [Note 2], wherein the data storage unit stores the combination data in association with first vector data in which the first displacement amount in the corresponding combination is the first directional component and the second displacement amount in the corresponding combination is the second directional component, and the data output unit extracts the combination data corresponding to second vector data in which the acquired first displacement amount is the first directional component and the acquired second displacement amount is the second directional component.

[0099] [Note 4] The operation support system described in [Appendix 3] includes cluster data obtained by classifying the multiple types of combination data based on a first displacement and a second displacement by performing clustering, which groups the multiple first vector data into a single cluster, and the data output unit identifies the cluster to which the second vector data belongs and extracts the combination data corresponding to the second vector data belonging to the identified cluster.

[0100] [Note 5] The operation support system comprises a first detection unit provided on the grinding machine for detecting the first displacement amount, and a second detection unit provided on the grinding machine for detecting the second displacement amount, wherein the data output unit obtains the first displacement amount and the second displacement amount for the combination targeted for operation support by detecting the first displacement amount with the first detection unit and detecting the second displacement amount with the second detection unit, as described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 4].

[0101] [Note 6] When the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, the rotation axis of the grinding wheel extends in the third direction, the first detection unit is provided on the grinding wheel support unit and is a first distance sensor that detects the gap between the rotation axis and the grinding wheel support unit in the first direction as the first displacement amount, the operation support system comprises a phase sensor that detects the rotation phase of the grinding wheel, and a first reference position correction unit that is a first reference position for detecting the first displacement amount and corrects the first reference position corresponding to each rotation phase based on the gap corresponding to each rotation phase of the grinding wheel detected by the first distance sensor and the phase sensor when not processing, the operation support system as described in [Appendix 5].

[0102] [Note 7] When the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, the rotation axis of the grinding wheel extends in the third direction, the second detection unit is provided on the grinding wheel support and is a second distance sensor that detects the gap between the rotation axis and the grinding wheel support in the second direction as the second displacement amount, the operation support system comprises a phase sensor that detects the rotation phase of the grinding wheel, and a second reference position correction unit that is a second reference position for detecting the second displacement amount and corrects the second reference position corresponding to each rotation phase based on the gap corresponding to each rotation phase of the grinding wheel detected by the second distance sensor and the phase sensor when not processing, the operation support system according to [Appendix 5] or [Appendix 6]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] W...work D1...First displacement D2...Second displacement DP... Individual data DR…Standard Data 10… Grinding machine 11… Rotary grinding wheel 111... Rotation axis 12…Grinding wheel support section 121...Bearing part 13…Base 14... Table 20... Position change device 21...X-axis drive unit 22...Y-axis drive unit 23...Z-axis drive unit 24…Grinding wheel drive unit 241… Electric motor 30…Control Unit 31...Storage section 32... Operation input section 33…Display section 34…Rotational phase sensor 35…First distance sensor 36…Second distance sensor 41...First reference position correction section 42…Second reference position correction section 43...Data output section

Claims

1. An operation support system applied to a grinding machine that processes the workpiece with the grinding wheel through the change in the relative position by the position change device, comprising: a grinding wheel support section that rotatably supports a rotating grinding wheel; a fixing section for which a workpiece is fixed; and a position changing device for which the relative position of the grinding wheel and the fixing section are changed; and which assists in the operation of the grinding machine. During the machining of the workpiece, when the direction in which the rotating grinding wheel is pressed against the machining surface of the workpiece is defined as the first direction, the amount of displacement of the rotating grinding wheel relative to the grinding wheel support in the first direction is defined as the first displacement, the direction in which the relative position is changed is defined as the second direction, and the amount of displacement of the rotating grinding wheel relative to the grinding wheel support in the second direction is defined as the second displacement, A data storage unit that stores combination data of the type of rotating grinding wheel and the material of the workpiece, and stores multiple types of combination data of different types of the rotating grinding wheel and the material of the workpiece, each associated with the first displacement amount and the second displacement amount for the corresponding combination. An operation support system comprising: a data output unit that acquires the first displacement amount and the second displacement amount for a combination of the type of rotary grinding wheel to be supported and the material of the workpiece, extracts the combination data corresponding to the acquired first displacement amount and second displacement amount from the plurality of combination data stored in the data storage unit, and outputs the extracted combination data as support data for operation support.

2. The data output unit extracts from the multiple types of combination data stored in the data storage unit any combination data in which the first displacement amount and the second displacement amount associated with the combination data match or are similar to the acquired first displacement amount and second displacement amount. The operation support system according to claim 1.

3. The data storage unit stores the combination data in association with first vector data in which the first displacement amount in the corresponding combination is the first directional component and the second displacement amount in the corresponding combination is the second directional component. The data output unit extracts the combined data corresponding to the second vector data in which the acquired first displacement amount is the first directional component and the acquired second displacement amount is the second directional component. The operation support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The data stored in the data storage unit includes cluster data obtained by performing clustering, which groups a plurality of the first vector data into a single cluster, thereby classifying the plurality of types of combination data based on the first displacement and the second displacement. The data output unit identifies the cluster to which the second vector data belongs and extracts the combination data corresponding to the second vector data belonging to the identified cluster. The operation support system according to claim 3.

5. The operation support system comprises a first detection unit provided on the grinding machine for detecting the first displacement amount, and a second detection unit provided on the grinding machine for detecting the second displacement amount. The data output unit obtains the first and second displacement amounts for the combination targeted for operation support by detecting the first displacement amount with the first detection unit and detecting the second displacement amount with the second detection unit. The operation support system according to claim 1.

6. When the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, The rotation axis of the aforementioned grinding wheel extends in the third direction, The first detection unit is provided on the grinding wheel support unit and is a first distance sensor that detects the gap between the rotation axis and the grinding wheel support unit in a first direction as the first displacement amount. The aforementioned operation support system is: A phase sensor for detecting the rotational phase of the rotating grinding wheel, The system includes a first reference position correction unit that corrects the first reference position corresponding to each rotation phase of the grinding wheel, which is a first reference position for detecting the first displacement amount, based on the gap corresponding to each rotation phase detected by the first distance sensor and the phase sensor when not processing, The operation support system according to claim 5.

7. When the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, The rotation axis of the aforementioned grinding wheel extends in the third direction, The second detection unit is provided on the grinding wheel support unit and is a second distance sensor that detects the gap between the rotation axis and the grinding wheel support unit in the second direction as the second displacement amount. The aforementioned operation support system is: A phase sensor for detecting the rotational phase of the rotating grinding wheel, The system includes a second reference position correction unit that corrects the second reference position corresponding to each rotation phase of the grinding wheel, which is a second reference position for detecting the second displacement amount, based on the gap corresponding to each rotation phase detected by the second distance sensor and the phase sensor when not processing, The operation support system according to claim 5 or 6.

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