Centering program creation system, centering program creation method, and centering program creation program

Abstract

A centering program creating system, a centering program creating method, and a centering program creating program for efficiently centering a workpiece in a machine tool are provided. [Solution] A centering program creation system comprising: a position detector 6 installed at a setup position 4 of a machine tool 1 and acquiring three-dimensional coordinates; a measurement position designation means 12 that operates the position detector 6 to designate the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions M on a workpiece W installed at the setup position 4; a route designation means 13 that operates the position detector 6 to designate three-dimensional coordinates on a movement route including an approach position A to the workpiece W; and a centering program creation means 15 that creates an NC program for driving the spindle 2 of the machine tool 1 equipped with a sensor to center the workpiece W installed in the machining area, based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated by the measurement position designation means 12 and the route designation means 13.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a centering program creating system, a centering program creating method, and a centering program creating program for efficiently centering a workpiece in a machine tool such as a machining center. [Background technology]

[0002] In machine tools that can automatically load and unload workpieces that have been set up externally into the machining area, in order to operate the machine unmanned and with high accuracy when machining the workpieces, it is often the case that an NC program for centering (centering program) is created and centering is automatically performed to match the position of the workpiece loaded into the machining area with the coordinate system of the machining program that machines the workpiece (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Conventionally, centering programs were created by attaching a contact sensor to the spindle of the machine tool and teaching it to match the shape of the workpiece brought into the machining area. However, this method required the machine to be stopped each time, and creating a centering program for each workpiece was an obstacle to automatic operation of the machine tool, especially when machining a small number of different types of workpieces.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a numerical control device with a centering function that performs centering by inputting data such as the centering pattern and dimensions required for centering through dialogue with the numerical control device, without the need to create a specific NC program for centering, thereby making it possible to efficiently perform manual setup work.

[0005] There is also a known workpiece installation support system that photographs a workpiece at the setup position of the machine tool, employs a system that recognizes the shape and posture of the workpiece from image data of the photographed workpiece, and links a centering program created based on the shape to the workpiece and transfers it to the machine tool (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-91351 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6736798 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The numerical control device with the centering function described in Patent Document 1 allows manual setup work to be carried out efficiently, but has the problem that it can only handle limited pattern shapes and cannot handle workpieces with complex shapes. Also, since the numerical control device with the centering function described in Patent Document 1 requires manual centering of workpieces in the machining area of ​​the machine tool, there has been a demand for machine tools that perform small-lot, high-mix machining to center workpieces in the machining area without manual intervention.

[0008] In addition, when creating a machining program for a workpiece using CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), by incorporating a centering program that corresponds to the 3D model of the workpiece, it is possible to center the workpiece within the machining area without human intervention, but if the workpiece is not set up as expected, there is a risk of interference between the contact sensor or spindle and the workpiece.In reality, since centering programs are often debugged using the actual workpiece, there is an issue of having to frequently stop the machine.

[0009] In addition, the workpiece installation support system described in Patent Document 2 requires multiple cameras to capture images of the shape and posture of the workpiece, and there was a problem in that the cost required to build a system for analyzing the images and recognizing the shape and posture of the workpiece was high.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides a centering program creating system, a centering program creating method, and a centering program creating program for efficiently centering a workpiece in a machine tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a centering program creation system comprising: a position detector installed at a setup position of a machine tool and acquiring three-dimensional coordinates; a measurement position designation means for operating the position detector to designate three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on a workpiece installed at the setup position; a route designation means for operating the position detector to designate three-dimensional coordinates on a movement path including an approach position to the workpiece; and a centering program creation means for creating an NC program for driving a spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor to center the workpiece installed in the machining area based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated by the measurement position designation means and the route designation means.

[0012] In the centering program creating system of the present invention, the path designating means further comprises a means for designating an escape position for the measurement position that does not interfere with the workpiece.

[0013] In addition, the centering program creation system of the present invention is equipped with a measurement position designation means which includes a shape designation means which designates the shape of the location on the workpiece where the three-dimensional coordinates are to be measured, and an axis designation means which designates the axial direction of the coordinate axes to be measured.

[0014] In addition, the centering program creation system of the present invention has a centering program creation means that is equipped with a model designation means for designating the manufacturer name or model name of the machine tool, and creates the NC program with a code corresponding to the designated model.

[0015] In addition, the centering program creation system of the present invention is equipped with a coordinate calibration means for matching the coordinates of the position detector with the coordinates of the machine tool using a reference block, reference hole or reference surface provided on a pallet on which the workpiece is placed.

[0016] In the centering program creation system of the present invention, the position detector is a multi-joint probe that drives a contact probe with a multi-joint arm.

[0017] The present invention also provides a centering program creation method comprising the steps of: a position detector installation step of installing a position detector that acquires three-dimensional coordinates at a setup position of a machine tool; a coordinate calibration step of matching the coordinates of the position detector with the coordinates of the machine tool using a reference block, reference hole or reference surface provided on a pallet on which a workpiece is placed; a measurement position designation step of operating the position detector that has undergone coordinate calibrating to designate the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on the workpiece installed at the setup position; and a centering program creation step of creating an NC program for driving a spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor to center the workpiece installed in the machining area, based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated in the measurement position designation step.

[0018] The centering program creation method of the present invention also includes a route designation step of operating the position detector that has undergone coordinate calibration to designate three-dimensional coordinates on a movement path including an approach position to the workpiece.

[0019] The present invention also provides a centering program creation program for operating a position detector installed at a setup position of a machine tool to obtain three-dimensional coordinates on a workpiece, and creating an NC program for driving a spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor to center the workpiece installed in a machining area, the centering program creation program causing a computer to function as: a measurement position designation means for operating the position detector to designate three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on the workpiece installed at the setup position; a route designation means for operating the position detector to designate three-dimensional coordinates on a movement route including an approach position to the workpiece; and a centering program creation means for creating an NC program for driving the spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor to center the workpiece installed in the machining area, based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated by the measurement position designation means and the route designation means.

[0020] In addition, the centering program creation program of the present invention is equipped with a coordinate calibration means for matching the coordinates of the position detector with the coordinates of the machine tool using a reference block, reference hole or reference surface provided on a pallet on which the workpiece is placed.

[0021] In addition, the centering program creation program of the present invention has a centering program creation means that is equipped with a model designation means for designating the manufacturer name or model name of the machine tool, and creates the NC program with a code corresponding to the designated model.

[0022] In the centering program creation program of the present invention, the centering program creation means includes a model designation means for designating a model of the machine tool, and the coordinate calibration means includes a means for storing coordinate calibration information of the designated model, and the centering program creation means executes a centering program for a plurality of machine tools using the stored coordinate calibration information. machine The NC program is created for the above.

[0023] The present invention also provides a storage medium for storing a centering program creation program for operating a position detector installed at a setup position of a machine tool to obtain three-dimensional coordinates on a workpiece and creating an NC program for driving a spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor to center the workpiece installed in a machining area, the storage medium for storing a centering program creation program that causes a computer to function as: a measurement position designation means that operates the position detector to designate three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on the workpiece installed at the setup position; a route designation means that operates the position detector to designate three-dimensional coordinates on a movement route including an approach position to the workpiece; and a centering program creation means that creates an NC program for driving a spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor to center the workpiece installed in the machining area based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated by the measurement position designation means and the route designation means. Effect of the Invention

[0024] The centering program creation system of the present invention comprises a position detector that is installed at a setup position of a machine tool and acquires three-dimensional coordinates, a measurement position designation means that operates the position detector to designate the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on a workpiece installed at the setup position, a route designation means that operates the position detector to designate three-dimensional coordinates on a movement route including an approach position to the workpiece, and a centering program creation means that creates an NC program for driving the main spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated by the measurement position designation means and the route designation means to center the workpiece installed in the machining area.Since the centering program is created using an actual set-up workpiece, it can also handle centering of workpieces with complex shapes, and has the effect of enabling efficient centering of workpieces in the machining area without human intervention.

[0025] In addition, the centering program creation system of the present invention has the advantage that the route designation means is equipped with a means for designating an escape position that does not interfere with the workpiece relative to the measurement position, thereby preventing interference between the contact sensor or spindle and the workpiece.

[0026] In addition, the centering program creation system of the present invention has the advantage that the measurement position designation means is equipped with a shape designation means for designating the shape of the location on the workpiece where the three-dimensional coordinates are to be measured, and an axis designation means for designating the axial direction of the coordinate axes to be measured, thereby making it possible to easily designate the measurement position.

[0027] Furthermore, the centering program creation system of the present invention has the effect that the centering program creation means includes a model designation means for designating the manufacturer name or model name of the machine tool, and by creating the NC program with a code corresponding to the designated model, it is possible to create centering programs compatible with machine tools of different manufacturers and various models. Furthermore, this system has the effect of being able to store / select coordinate calibration information for multiple models, making it possible to operate one position detector simultaneously with multiple machine tools.

[0028] In addition, the centering program creation system of the present invention is equipped with a coordinate calibration means for matching the coordinates of the position detector with the coordinates of the machine tool using a reference block, reference hole or reference surface provided on the pallet on which the workpiece is placed, making it easy to attach and detach the position detector, thereby having the effect of allowing one position detector to be shared by multiple machine tools.

[0029] In addition, the centering program creation system of the present invention has the advantage that the position detector is a multi-joint probe that drives a contact probe with a multi-joint arm, allowing the operator to reliably create a centering program while visually checking the position of the probe.

[0030] The centering program creation method of the present invention comprises a position detector installation step of installing a position detector which acquires three-dimensional coordinates at a setup position of the machine tool; a coordinate calibration step of matching the coordinates of the position detector with the coordinates of the machine tool using a reference block, reference hole or reference surface provided on a pallet on which the workpiece is placed; a measurement position designation step of operating the position detector which has been coordinate calibrated to designate the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on the workpiece installed at the setup position; and a centering program creation step of creating an NC program for driving the main spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated in the measurement position designation step to perform centering of the workpiece installed in the machining area.Since the centering program is created using a workpiece which has actually been set up, it can also handle centering of workpieces with complex shapes, and has the effect of efficiently centering the workpiece in the machining area without human intervention.

[0031] Furthermore, the centering program creating method of the present invention has the advantage that since the position detector can be easily attached and detached, one position detector can be shared by a plurality of machine tools.

[0032] In addition, the centering program creation method of the present invention includes a route designation step of operating the position detector that has been coordinate calibrated to designate three-dimensional coordinates on a movement path including the approach position to the workpiece, thereby having the effect of making it possible to create a centering program in which there is no interference between the contact sensor or spindle and the workpiece.

[0033] The centering program creation program of the present invention is a centering program creation program which operates a position detector installed at a setup position of a machine tool to obtain three-dimensional coordinates on a workpiece, and creates an NC program for driving the spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor to center the workpiece installed in a machining area. The centering program creation program of the present invention has a computer functioning as a measurement position designation means which operates the position detector to designate three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on the workpiece installed at the setup position, a route designation means which operates the position detector to designate three-dimensional coordinates on a movement route including an approach position to the workpiece, and a centering program creation means which creates an NC program for driving the spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor to center the workpiece installed in the machining area based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated by the measurement position designation means and the route designation means.Since the centering program is created using a workpiece that has actually been set up, it can also handle centering of workpieces with complex shapes, and has the effect of efficiently centering the workpiece in the machining area without human intervention.

[0034] In addition, the centering program creation program of the present invention is equipped with a coordinate calibration means for matching the coordinates of the position detector with the coordinates of the machine tool using a reference block, reference hole or reference surface provided on the pallet on which the workpiece is placed, making it easy to attach and detach the position detector, thereby having the effect of allowing one position detector to be shared by multiple machine tools.

[0035] In addition, the centering program creation program of the present invention has an advantage that the centering program creation means is equipped with a model designation means for designating the manufacturer name or model name of the machine tool, and by creating the NC program with a code corresponding to the designated model, it is possible to create centering programs compatible with machine tools of different manufacturers and various models.

[0036] In the centering program creation program of the present invention, the centering program creation means includes a model designation means for designating a model of the machine tool, and the coordinate calibration means includes a means for storing coordinate calibration information of the designated model, and the centering program creation means executes a centering program for a plurality of machine tools using the stored coordinate calibration information. machine By creating the NC program for the above, it is possible to store / select coordinate calibration information for a plurality of machine tools, and one position detector can be used simultaneously with a plurality of machine tools. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a centering program creation system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a machine tool to which the present invention is applied; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of approach position designation according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of measurement position designation according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of escape position designation of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a coordinate calibration means of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of creating a centering program according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the operation screen of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the operation screen of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the operation screen of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a position detector of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The centering program creation system 10 of the present invention comprises a position detector 6 installed at the setup position 4 of the machine tool 1 and acquiring three-dimensional coordinates, a measurement position designation means 12 which operates the position detector 6 to designate the three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions M on the workpiece W installed at the setup position 4, a route designation means 13 which operates the position detector 6 to designate three-dimensional coordinates on a movement route including an approach position A to the workpiece W, and a centering program creation means 14 which creates an NC program for driving the spindle 2 of the machine tool 1, which is equipped with a sensor, to center the workpiece W installed in the machining area, based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated by the measurement position designation means 12 and the route designation means 13.

[0039] A machine tool 1 equipped with a numerical control device such as a machining center places a workpiece W on a table 3, and drives a spindle 2 equipped with a tool relative to the workpiece W according to an NC program for machining, cutting the workpiece W into the desired shape. In order for the machine tool 1 to machine the workpiece W with high precision, it is necessary to match the coordinate system of the workpiece W placed on the table 3 (workpiece coordinate system) with the coordinate system (reference coordinate system) assumed in the NC program. The task of matching the workpiece coordinate system with the reference coordinate system is called centering.

[0040] For centering of the workpiece W, after the workpiece W is placed on the table 3 of the machine tool 1, a sensor such as a contact probe 2a is attached to the spindle 2, the tip of which is brought into contact with multiple points on the workpiece W, and correction is performed to match the work coordinate system with the reference coordinate system based on the detected three-dimensional coordinates. In the present invention, a position detector 6 capable of acquiring three-dimensional coordinates is installed at the setup position 4 of the machine tool 1, and a centering program created from the approach position A and measurement position M acquired using the workpiece W placed at the setup position 4 is associated with the workpiece W and transferred to the machine tool 1. This makes it possible to perform centering, which was previously performed by an operator in the machining area of ​​the machine tool 1, using the centering program created at the setup position 4 without stopping the automatic operation of the machine tool 1. EXAMPLES

[0041] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a centering program creating system according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a machine tool using the present invention.

[0042] In this embodiment, the machine tool 1 is a machining center, and has a table 3 on which a workpiece W is placed, and a spindle 2 on which a tool is attached and which is driven to rotate. The table 3 is driven in the X-axis and Y-axis directions perpendicular to the rotation axis of the spindle 2, and the spindle 2 is driven in the axial direction of the rotation axis (Z-axis direction). The machine tool 1 has a tool attached to the tip of the spindle 2, and while rotating the tool, moves it relative to the workpiece W in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions to machine the workpiece W into a desired shape. Although not shown, the machine tool 1 is also equipped with a control device that numerically controls the machining trajectory of the tool, an operation panel for inputting instructions such as machining conditions, tool replacement, and coordinate setting, and a monitor that displays machining information, position information, and the like. Note that the machine tool 1 is not limited to a machining center, as long as it can machine the workpiece W placed on the table 3 by attaching a tool to the spindle 2 and numerically controlling it.

[0043] Although not shown, the machine tool 1 is equipped with a loading / unloading device that can automatically load / unload a pallet 5 carrying a workpiece W at a setup position 4 outside the machining area onto / from the table 3. The setup position 4 is not limited to being adjacent to the machining area of ​​the machine tool 1, and may be provided at a location away from the machine tool 1 as long as the pallet 5 carrying the workpiece W can be loaded / unloaded between the setup position 4 and the machining area. The setup position 4 may also be for loading / unloading the pallet 5 carrying the workpiece W for a plurality of machine tools 1 of the same or different models. The machine tool 1 can automatically perform centering of the workpiece W loaded onto the table 3 by driving the contact probe 2a attached to the spindle 2 based on a centering program.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the position detector 6 is a multi-joint probe that drives a contact probe 6a with a multi-joint arm 6b, and is detachably installed at a setup position 4 where a workpiece W is placed on a pallet 5 that is brought in / out of a table 3 of the machine tool 1, outside the machining area of ​​the machine tool 1. The position detector 6 preferably includes a contact probe 6a similar to the contact probe 2a that is attached to the spindle 2 when centering the workpiece W in the machine tool 1. The position detector 6 is easily installed at the setup position 4 by driving the contact probe 6a with the multi-joint arm 6b, but various driving devices that can detect the position of a sensor such as the contact probe 6a can be used. In addition, the sensor used for the position detector 6 is not limited to a contact sensor such as the contact probe 6a, and a detector that wirelessly identifies a spatial position such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or a GPS (Global Positioning System) may be used.

[0045] The operation terminal 8 is composed of a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a notebook computer, and is connected to the position detector 6 wirelessly or by wire so as to be able to communicate with the position detector 6, and can acquire the three-dimensional coordinates detected by the position detector 6. For wireless communication, WiFi, Bluetooth, or the like can be used. The operation terminal 8 has a measurement position designation means 12 that operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to a measurement position M on the workpiece W installed at the setup position 4 and designates the three-dimensional coordinates of the measurement position M, a path designation means 13 that operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to an approach position A to the workpiece W and designates the three-dimensional coordinates of the approach position A that is the movement path, and a centering program creation means 14 that creates an NC program for driving the spindle 2 of the machine tool 1 to which the contact probe 2a is attached and centering the workpiece W installed on the table 3, which is the machining area, based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated by the measurement position designation means 12 and the path designation means 13. In this embodiment, the operation terminal 8 is a tablet terminal, and an operator can operate it by touching the screen of the terminal.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the measurement position designation means 12 includes a shape designation means for designating the shape (circle, width, end face) of the portion on the workpiece W where the three-dimensional coordinates are to be measured, and an axis designation means for designating the axial direction of the coordinate axes (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) to be measured. When a "circle" is designated as the shape of the workpiece W, the measurement position designation means 12 displays on the screen of the operation terminal 8 to designate the center position of the circle and the measurement position M on the circumference. When measuring the outer circle of the cylindrical workpiece W, the operator can move the contact probe 6a to the center position of the circle on the upper side of the workpiece W and the measurement position M on the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W, and designate each position. Similarly, when measuring the inner circle of a circular hole, the operator can move the contact probe 6a to the center position of the circle inside the workpiece W and the measurement position M on the inner peripheral surface of the workpiece W, and designate each position.

[0047] Furthermore, when "width" is specified as the shape of the workpiece W, the measurement position specifying means 12 displays on the screen of the operation terminal 8 to prompt the operator to specify the center position in the width direction of the workpiece W and the measurement position M on the side of the workpiece W. When measuring the outer width of a cubic or rectangular parallelepiped workpiece W, the operator can move the contact probe 6a to the center position in the width direction of the workpiece W on the upper side of the workpiece W and the measurement position M on the side of the workpiece W, and specify each position. Similarly, when measuring the inner width of a groove, the operator can move the contact probe 6a to the center position in the width direction of the groove inside the workpiece W and the measurement position M on the side of the groove of the workpiece W, and specify each position.

[0048] Furthermore, when "end face" is specified as the shape of the workpiece W, the measurement position designation means 12 displays on the screen of the operation terminal 8 to prompt the operator to designate an approach position A to the workpiece W and then a measurement position M of the end face of the workpiece W. When measuring the end face of the workpiece W, the operator can move the contact probe 6a to the approach position A to the workpiece W and the measurement position M of the end face of the workpiece W, and designate each position. Furthermore, the path designation means 13 includes a means for designating an escape position E that does not interfere with the workpiece W relative to the measurement position M, and the escape position E is designated as necessary.

[0049] The centering program creation means 14 includes a model designation means 15 for designating the manufacturer name or model name of the machine tool 1, and can create an NC program with a code corresponding to the designated model. The model designation means 15 stores a setting file in which each setting is recorded for each model, and displays the registered model name on the screen of the operation terminal 8 to allow the operator to select the model of the machine tool 1 to be used. The centering program creation means 14 calls up the setting file corresponding to the model name designated by the model designation means 15, and creates an NC program for centering. The operation terminal 8 is connected to the controller of the machine tool 1 wirelessly or by wire so as to be able to communicate with the controller, and can output the centering program created by the centering program creation means 14 to the numerical control device of the machine tool 1. The created centering program may be sent to the numerical control device of the machine tool 1 via a storage medium.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the operation terminal 8 is equipped with a coordinate calibration means 11 that uses a reference block 7 provided on a pallet 5 on which a workpiece W is placed to make the coordinates of the position detector 6 coincide with the coordinates of the machine tool 1. The coordinate construction means 11 uses the reference block 7 whose coordinates have been measured in advance by placing the pallet 5 on the table 3 of the machine tool 1, moves the contact probe 6a to the measurement position of the reference block 7 at the setup position 4, and inputs the coordinates measured by the machine tool 1. The coordinates are input using the numeric input keys displayed on the screen of the operation terminal 8, for example, "X=100, Y=0, Z=0". At least three coordinates need to be input to calibrate the coordinates, but the coordinate calibration means 11 of the embodiment is configured to input four coordinates. The coordinate construction means 11 may calibrate the coordinates of the position detector 6 using a reference hole or a reference surface of the pallet 5 to make the coordinates of the position detector 6 coincide with the coordinates of the machine tool 1. [Function of the centering program creation system]

[0051] Next, the operation of the centering program creating system 10 according to the present invention will be described below. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the centering program creating system according to the present invention.

[0052] An articulated probe (position detector 6) that drives a contact probe 6a with an articulated arm 6b is placed at the setup position 4 of the machine tool 1 (step S1).

[0053] As shown in Fig. 8, the operator starts the centering program creation program on the operation terminal 8, and selects the model of the machine tool 1 that will machine the workpiece W from a drop-down list on a model selection screen (step S2). If the coordinate calibration of the position detector 6 has not been performed for the selected model, the operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to the end face of the reference block 7 provided on the pallet 5, and gives the coordinates from the coordinate calibration means 11 of the operation terminal 8 (Fig. 6). These coordinates are measured in advance by placing the pallet 5 on the table 3 of the machine tool 1. The operator gives the coordinates of the four points of the reference block 7 from the coordinate calibration means 11, and calibrates the coordinates of the position detector 6 so that the coordinates of the position detector 6 and the coordinates of the machine tool 1 match (steps S3, S4).

[0054] When the coordinate calibration of the position detector 6 for the selected model is completed, the operator performs centering of the workpiece W placed at the setup position 4. The operator selects the shape (circle, width, end face) of the location on the workpiece W whose three-dimensional coordinates are to be measured, displayed on the screen of the operation terminal 8 (step S5). The measurement position designation means 12 may display the axial directions (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) to be measured in addition to the shape of the workpiece W on the screen of the operation terminal 8, and allow the operator to select them.

[0055] 9, the operator selects the work coordinate system to be used from among work coordinate systems such as G54 and G55 displayed on the screen of the operation terminal 8 (step S7). The measurement position designation means 12 may also allow the operator to select other necessary modes (inch / metric, etc.). When a work coordinate system has already been selected by repeated operations, the system skips step S7 (step S6).

[0056] Next, the operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to the approach position A for the workpiece W (Figure 3), and presses the "Decide" button on the screen to specify the three-dimensional coordinates displayed on the screen as the approach position A (step S8).

[0057] As shown in FIG. 10, the operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to a measurement position M on the workpiece W, and specifies the three-dimensional coordinates of that position as the measurement position M (step S9). FIGS. 9 to 11 show screen displays when measuring a circular workpiece W, such as a cylindrical or circular hole. First, the operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to the center position of a circle, presses the "Enter" button on the screen, and specifies the three-dimensional coordinates displayed on the screen as the center position of the circle. Next, the operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to a measurement position M on the circumference of the circle, and presses the "Enter" button on the screen to specify the three-dimensional coordinates displayed on the screen as the measurement position M.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 11, the operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to the escape position E as necessary, and presses the "Enter" button on the screen to specify the three-dimensional coordinates displayed on the screen as the escape position E (steps S10, S11). The operator repeats the operations from step S5 onwards until the measurement positions M of the locations required for centering are specified (step S12). When all of the measurement positions M of the locations required for centering have been specified, the operator enters a program number on the operation terminal 8 to execute the creation of a centering program (steps S13, S14).

[0059] The operator sends the created centering program to the numerical control device of the machine tool 1, and programs it, together with an NC program for machining the workpiece W, so that the centering and machining of the workpiece W can be performed automatically in the machine tool 1.

[0060] 12 to 14 show screen displays when measuring the end face of the workpiece W. Steps S1 to S7 are the same as in the case of a circle. The operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to the approach position A to the workpiece W, and presses the "Enter" button on the screen to specify the three-dimensional coordinates displayed on the screen as the approach position A (step S8).

[0061] As shown in Fig. 11, the operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to measurement position M on the workpiece W (Fig. 4), and designates the three-dimensional coordinates of that position as measurement position M (step S9). The operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to measurement position M on the end face of the workpiece W, presses the "Enter" button on the screen, and designates the three-dimensional coordinates displayed on the screen as measurement position M.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 14, the operator operates the articulated arm 6b to move the contact probe 6a to the escape position E (Fig. 5) as necessary, and presses the "Enter" button on the screen to specify the three-dimensional coordinates displayed on the screen as the escape position E (steps S10, S11). The operator repeats the operations from step S5 onwards until the measurement positions M of the locations required for centering are specified (step S12). When all of the measurement positions M of the locations required for centering have been specified, the operator enters a program number on the operation terminal 8 to execute the creation of the centering program (steps S13, S14). EXAMPLES

[0063] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the position detector 6 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the position detector 6 is a spatial position sensor 6c capable of acquiring three-dimensional coordinates that is held by an operator and moved through space. The position detector 6 acquires the three-dimensional position of the spatial position sensor 6c relative to the reference position of the base 6d by an RFID method, and the three-dimensional coordinates of the approach position A, the measurement position M, and the escape position E can be specified by the operation terminal 8. Other configurations of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. Note that the sensor used in the position detector 6 is not limited to the embodiment, and other detectors that wirelessly identify spatial positions, such as RFID and GPS, may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Machine tools 2 spindle 2a Contact Probe 3 Tables 4 Setup position 5 Palette 6 Position detector 6a Contact Probe 6b Articulated arm 6c Spatial position sensor 6d Base 7 Reference Blocks 8 Operation terminal 10 Centering program creation system 11 Coordinate calibration means 12. Measurement position designation means 13 Routing methods 14 Centering program creation method 15 Model specification means W Workpiece M Measurement position A Approach position

Claims

1. a position detector that is installed at a setup position outside the machining area of ​​the machine tool and acquires three-dimensional coordinates; a measurement position designation means for designating three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on the workpiece placed at the setup position by operating the position detector; a route designation means for designating three-dimensional coordinates on a movement route including an approach position to the workpiece by operating the position detector; a centering program creating means for detecting the three-dimensional coordinates of the workpiece placed in a machining area by driving a spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated by the measurement position designation means and the path designation means, and creating an NC program for centering the workpiece; A centering program creation system having the above structure.

2. 2. The centering program creating system according to claim 1, wherein said path designating means includes means for designating an escape position for said measurement position that does not interfere with said workpiece.

3. The centering program creation system according to claim 2, wherein the measurement position designation means comprises a shape designation means for designating the shape of the location on the workpiece where the three-dimensional coordinates are to be measured, and an axis designation means for designating the axial direction of the coordinate axes to be measured.

4. The centering program creation system according to claim 3, wherein the centering program creation means is provided with a model designation means for designating the manufacturer name or model name of the machine tool, and creates the NC program with a code corresponding to the designated model.

5. A centering program creation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a coordinate calibration means for matching the coordinates of the position detector with the coordinates of the machine tool using a reference block, reference hole or reference surface provided on a pallet on which the workpiece is placed.

6. 6. The centering program creation system according to claim 5, wherein the position detector is a multi-joint probe that drives a contact probe with a multi-joint arm.

7. a position detector installation step of installing a position detector for acquiring three-dimensional coordinates at a setup position outside a machining area of ​​the machine tool; a coordinate calibration step of matching the coordinates of the position detector with the coordinates of the machine tool using a reference block, a reference hole or a reference surface provided on a pallet on which a workpiece is placed; a measurement position designation step of designating three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on the workpiece placed at the setup position by operating the position detector that has undergone coordinate calibration; a centering program creating step of detecting the three-dimensional coordinates of the workpiece placed in a machining area by driving a spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor based on the three-dimensional coordinates designated in the measurement position designation step, and creating an NC program for centering the workpiece; A centering program creating method having the steps:

8. 8. The centering program creating method according to claim 7, further comprising a route designation step of designating three-dimensional coordinates on a movement route including an approach position to the workpiece by operating the position detector that has undergone coordinate calibration.

9. A centering program creation program for obtaining three-dimensional coordinates on a workpiece by operating a position detector installed at a setup position outside a machining area of ​​a machine tool, detecting the three-dimensional coordinates of the workpiece installed in the machining area by driving a spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor, and creating an NC program for centering the workpiece, Computer, a measurement position designation means for designating three-dimensional coordinates of at least two measurement positions on the workpiece placed at the setup position by operating the position detector; a route designation means for designating three-dimensional coordinates on a movement route including an approach position to the workpiece by operating the position detector; A centering program creation program that functions as a centering program creation means that drives the spindle of the machine tool equipped with a sensor to detect the three-dimensional coordinates of the workpiece placed in the machining area based on the three-dimensional coordinates specified by the measurement position designation means and the route designation means, and creates an NC program for centering the workpiece.

10. A computer comprising: The centering program creation program according to claim 9, which functions as a coordinate calibration means for matching the coordinates of the position detector with the coordinates of the machine tool using a reference block, reference hole or reference surface provided on a pallet on which the workpiece is placed.

11. The centering program creation program according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the centering program creation means includes a model designation means for designating the manufacturer name or model name of the machine tool, and creates the NC program with a code corresponding to the designated model.

12. The centering program creation program according to claim 10, wherein the centering program creation means includes a model designation means for designating the model of the machine tool, and the coordinate calibration means includes a means for storing coordinate calibration information for the designated model, and the centering program creation means creates the NC programs for a plurality of machine tools using the stored coordinate calibration information.

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