Machine tool system and computer program

Abstract

To provide a machine tool system and a computer program that are able to maintain a machine tool or a conveying device without being connected to a dedicated information processor.SOLUTION: A machine tool system 100 including a machine tool 1 and a conveying device 20 connected by a first communication path 200, comprises an input / output terminal 14 provided in at least one of the machine tool 1 and the conveying device 20. Data is acquired from outside via the input / output terminal 14, and first data of at least one of the machine tool 1 and the transfer device 20 is updated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool system including a machine tool and a transfer device, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a machine tool including a spindle head having a spindle, a work holding unit, a control device, and a reception unit. In Patent Document 1, the control device controls the driving of the spindle head and the work holding unit, and the reception unit has a switch, a button, or the like and receives an operation by an operator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a machine tool system in which a machine tool has a transfer device for transferring a work. Maintenance of the transfer device of the machine tool system is performed by connecting a dedicated information processing device to the transfer device and operating from the information processing device side. Therefore, it is always necessary to bring a dedicated information processing device into the workplace for maintenance of the transfer device. For example, if the information processing device cannot be brought in for security reasons, the transfer device cannot be maintained. However, the machine tool of Patent Document 1 does not consider such problems and cannot cope with them.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a machine tool system and a computer program capable of maintaining a machine tool or a transfer device without connecting to a dedicated information processing device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The machine tool system according to the present invention is a machine tool system including a machine tool and a transfer device connected by a first communication path, and includes input / output terminals provided on at least one of the machine tool and the transfer device. Data is acquired from the outside via the input / output terminals, and first data of at least one of the machine tool and the transfer device is updated.

[0007] In the present invention, data is acquired from the outside via an input / output terminal provided on a machine tool or a transfer device, and first data of at least one of the machine tool and the transfer device is updated using the acquired data. Therefore, when updating the machine tool or the transfer device, a dedicated information processing device is not required, and workability is improved.

[0008] In the machine tool system according to the present invention, the machine tool and the transfer device are connected by a second communication path having a larger communication capacity than the first communication path, and the first data is updated via the second communication path.

[0009] In the present invention, the updating device uses a second communication path having a large communication capacity when updating a machine tool or a transfer device. Therefore, it is possible to handle a large amount of data communication such as firmware update.

[0010] In the machine tool system according to the present invention, the first data includes a program or a variable related to the control of the machine tool or the transfer device.

[0011] In the present invention, the updating device updates first data such as a program and a variable related to the control of the machine tool or the transfer device.

[0012] In the machine tool system according to the present invention, the input / output terminal outputs second data from at least one of the machine tool and the transfer device to the outside.

[0013] In the present invention, the input / output terminal outputs second data different from the first data of the machine tool and the transfer device to the outside.

[0014] The machine tool system according to the present invention includes a servo amplifier for driving the feed axis of the machine tool, and updates a program or variable related to the control of the servo amplifier via the second communication path.

[0015] In the present invention, data is acquired from the outside via input / output terminals provided in a machine tool or a conveying device, and a program or variable related to the control of the servo amplifier is updated using the acquired data.

[0016] The computer program according to the present invention causes a computer of a machine tool system including a machine tool and a conveying device connected by a communication path to acquire data from the outside via an input / output terminal provided in at least one of the machine tool and the conveying device, and executes a process of updating data possessed by at least one of the machine tool and the conveying device.

[0017] In the present invention, data is acquired from the outside via input / output terminals provided in a machine tool or a conveying device, and first data of at least one of the machine tool and the conveying device is updated using the acquired data.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a machine tool system and a computer program that can maintain a machine tool or a conveying device without connecting to a dedicated information processing device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 9

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Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, a machine tool system and a computer program according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a machine tool system 100. In the following description, the up-down, front-back, left-right directions of the figure are used. As shown in FIG. 1, the machine tool system 100 includes a machine tool 1 and a transfer device 20. The machine tool 1 includes a base 2 and a column 3 provided on the base 2. The column 3 supports a spindle head (not shown) so as to be movable up and down. A spindle motor 5 is provided at the upper end of the spindle head. The column 3 supports a turret-type tool magazine 6. The tool magazine 6 is arranged on the front side of the spindle head. A plurality of tools 7 are held around the tool magazine 6.

[0022] The front side, rear side, right side, and left side of the machine tool 1 are covered by a cover 8. A door 9 is provided at a substantially central portion on the front surface of the cover 8, and an operation unit 11 for receiving an operator's operation and a display unit 12 for displaying an image are provided on the right side of the door 9. The display unit 12 is composed of, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel. A touch panel may be provided on the display screen of the display unit 12. An input / output terminal 14 is provided on the operation unit 11. The input / output terminal 14 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. A control device 10 is provided on the rear side of the cover 8. The control device 10 controls the operation of the machine tool 1.

[0023] A side door 13 is provided on the right surface of the cover 8. A transfer device 20 is arranged on the right side of the side door 13. The transfer device 20 includes a support portion 30, a first arm 31, a second arm 32, and a hand 33.

[0024] At the upper end of the support portion 30, a first speed reducer 31a connected to a first motor (not shown) is provided. The output shaft of the first speed reducer 31a has the front-rear direction as the rotation axis direction and protrudes rearward. One end of the first arm 31 is connected to the output shaft of the first speed reducer 31a. At the other end of the first arm 31, a second speed reducer 32a connected to a second motor (not shown) is provided. The output shaft of the second speed reducer 32a has the front-rear direction as the rotation axis direction and protrudes rearward. One end of the second arm 32 is connected to the output shaft of the second speed reducer 32a. By driving the first motor, the first arm 31 rotates around the rotation axis of the first speed reducer 31a, and by driving the second motor, the second arm 32 rotates around the rotation axis of the second speed reducer 32a. At the other end of the second arm 32, a third speed reducer 33a connected to a third motor (not shown) is provided, and the hand 33 is connected to the output shaft of the third speed reducer 33a.

[0025] The transfer device 20 includes a drive system 40 having a saddle 41 that drives in the front-rear direction. The drive system 40 supports the support portion 30. The base 2 is connected to the drive system 40 and supports the drive system 40. The drive system 40 has a linear guide and a ball screw (not shown), and is configured such that the transfer device 20 moves linearly in the front-rear direction.

[0026] The side door 13 is interlocked with the transfer device 20. When the transfer device 20 is driven forward, the side door 13 opens, and the first arm 31, the second arm 32, and the hand 33 can enter the machine tool 1. When the transfer device 20 is driven backward, the side door 13 closes.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the main configurations of the machine tool 1 and the transfer device 20. The machine tool 1 and the transfer device 20 are connected by a first communication path 200 and a second communication path 300. The second communication path 300 has a larger communication capacity than the first communication path 200. The second communication path 300 uses, for example, Ethernet and is mainly used for data transmission and reception between the machine tool 1 and the transfer device 20. The first communication path 200 uses, for example, EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) and is used for synchronization between the machine tool 1 and the transfer device 20.

[0028] Furthermore, the transfer device 20 is connected to the servo amplifiers 400 of each axis (feed axis) motor (main spindle motor 5, first motor, second motor, third motor) via the first communication path 200, and is connected to the teaching pendant 500 and the PC 600 via the second communication path 300. For the sake of convenience, only one servo amplifier 400 is shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] The operation unit 11, display unit 12, and input / output terminals 14 of the machine tool 1 are electrically connected to the control device 10. The control device 10 includes a CPU 101, a storage unit 102, and a RAM 103. The storage unit 102 is a rewritable memory, such as an EPROM, EEPROM, etc., and stores firmware (first data) for controlling workpiece machining, variables (first data) necessary for executing the firmware, log data (second data) such as history, etc. The RAM 103 temporarily stores, for example, a program read from the storage unit 102, various data generated by executing the program, parameters that appropriately change during the execution, etc. Further, the RAM 103 stores data read via the input / output terminals 14 and data received from the transfer device 20. The CPU 101 controls each hardware of the machine tool 1 by loading a program pre-stored in the storage unit 102 onto the RAM 103 and executing it.

[0030] The transfer device 20 includes a CPU 201, a storage unit 202, and a RAM 203. The storage unit 202 is a rewritable memory, such as an EPROM, EEPROM, etc. The storage unit 202 stores firmware (first data) for controlling workpiece exchange, variables (first data) necessary for executing the firmware, log data (second data) such as history, etc. The CPU 201 controls the transfer device 20 based on a program pre-stored in the storage unit 202. The CPU 201 controls the driving of the first arm 31, second arm 32, and hand 33. The CPU 201 controls the opening and closing of the side door 13 according to the forward and backward movement of the transfer device 20.

[0031] A USB memory 15 is connected to the input / output terminal 14 of the machine tool 1. The USB memory 15 stores, for example, at least one of the firmware of the machine tool 1 and the transfer device 20, a new version of variables, etc., and an execution file for executing a version update of the firmware, variables, etc. The USB memory 15 is detachable.

[0032] The machine tool system 100 updates at least one of the firmware of the machine tool 1 and the transfer device 20 and variables using the USB memory 15. The USB memory 15 stores an execution program used for updating the firmware, variables, etc., a new version of the firmware, variables, etc. Hereinafter, a case where the USB memory 15 is connected to the input / output terminal 14 of the machine tool 1 to perform a version update of the firmware, variables, etc. of the transfer device 20 will be described.

[0033] When the USB memory 15 is connected to the input / output terminal 14 of the machine tool 1, the display unit 12 of the machine tool 1 displays a maintenance menu screen for receiving maintenance instructions such as firmware version update, servo amplifier version update of each axis motor, inspection data output, all data output, all data input, etc. Here, the inspection data output, all data output, and all data input input / output the programs, variables, log data, etc. of the machine tool 1 or the transfer device 20 according to the user's needs. Table 1 lists the data to be input / output during the inspection data output, all data output, and all data input. In Table 1, a ○ mark indicates that it is a target, and a × mark indicates that it is not a target.

[0034]

Table 1

[0035] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a maintenance menu screen displayed on the display unit 12 of the machine tool 1. The maintenance menu screen displays soft keys such as all data output, all data input, all data bank output, investigation data output, firmware version upgrade, servo amplifier version upgrade, etc. The user can select any soft key by operating the operation unit 11 or by touching the screen.

[0036] The case where the user selects a firmware version upgrade will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0037] For example, when the user touches the soft key for firmware version upgrade on the maintenance menu screen, the control device 10 of the machine tool 1 accepts the selection of firmware version upgrade (step S101).

[0038] For example, by issuing a PING command, the control device 10 determines whether the communication status of the first communication path 200 and the second communication path 300 is normal (step S102). When the control device 10 determines that the communication status is not normal in either the first communication path 200 or the second communication path 300 (step S102: NO), the process ends. When the control device 10 determines that the communication status of both the first communication path 200 and the second communication path 300 is normal (step S102: YES), the display unit 12 displays a soft key for accepting the selection of firmware version upgrade of the transport device 20 and the current version of the firmware of the transport device 20 (step S103). Hereinafter, the firmware version upgrade of the transport device 20 is referred to as the firmware update of the transport device 20.

[0039] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the display by the display unit 12. As shown in FIG. 6, a key for receiving a selection of "update (or not update) the loader version" is displayed at the lower part of the display screen of the display unit 12, and the current version of the firmware of the transport device 20 is displayed at the upper part. The control device 10 receives an instruction to "update the loader version" with a single operation of the key, and receives an instruction to "not update the loader version" with another operation.

[0040] The control device 10 determines whether a file for updating the firmware of the transport device 20 is stored in the connected USB memory 15 (step S104). When the control device 10 determines that there is no file for updating the firmware of the transport device 20 (step S104: NO), the process ends. When the control device 10 determines that there is a file for updating the firmware of the transport device 20 (step S104: YES), the display unit 12 displays the version of the firmware included in the USB memory 15 (step S105).

[0041] The control device 10 monitors the key on the display screen of the display unit 12 and determines whether a selection to update the firmware of the transport device 20 has been received (step S106). When the control device 10 determines that a selection to update the firmware of the transport device 20 has not been received (step S106: NO), the process ends. When the control device 10 determines that a selection to update the firmware of the transport device 20 has been received (step S106: YES), the control device 10 monitors an "update" key provided on the display screen of the display unit 12 (see FIG. 6) and determines whether an instruction to start updating the firmware of the transport device 20 has been received (step S107). When the control device 10 determines that an instruction to start updating the firmware of the transport device 20 has not been received (step S107: NO), the control device 10 repeats this determination. When the control device 10 determines that an instruction to start updating the firmware of the transport device 20 has been received (step S107: YES), the control device 10 requests the transport device 20 for execution condition information representing the conditions for executing the firmware update of the transport device 20 (hereinafter referred to as execution conditions).

[0042] The execution conditions are that the operation mode of the transfer device 20 is the manual mode, and neither device (teaching pendant 500, PC 600) has acquired the operation authority of the transfer device 20. The transfer device 20 transmits execution condition information indicating its own operation mode and operation authority to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S201). The control device 10 determines whether the execution conditions are satisfied based on the received execution condition information (step S108).

[0043] When the control device 10 determines that the execution conditions are not satisfied (step S108: NO), the display unit 12 notifies the user to that effect (step S116). When the control device 10 determines that the execution conditions are satisfied (step S108: YES), it requests the operation authority from the transfer device 20 via the second communication path 300 (step S109). The transfer device 20 that has received the request for operation authority from the machine tool 1 grants the operation authority to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S202). Specifically, the transfer device 20 stores a value indicating that the machine tool 1 owns the operation authority in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 202. Thereby, the control device 10 acquires the operation authority of the transfer device 20 (step S110). Specifically, the control device 10 stores a value indicating that the machine tool 1 owns the operation authority in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 102.

[0044] The transfer device 20 transmits data files such as programs and variables used for itself to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S203). The control device 10 transfers the data file received from the transfer device 20 to the USB memory 15 through the input / output terminal 14 (step S111).

[0045] The control device 10 reads the firmware update file of the transfer device 20 from the USB memory 15 (step S112) and transfers it to the transfer device 20 via the second communication path 300 (step S113). The display unit 12 displays the transfer status.

[0046] The transfer device 20 receives the firmware update file from the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S204), loads it into the RAM 203, and starts the firmware update (step S205).

[0047] The transfer device 20 determines whether the firmware update has been completed (step S206). When the transfer device 20 determines that the firmware update has not been completed (step S206: NO), it periodically makes this determination until the firmware update is completed. When the transfer device 20 determines that the firmware update has been completed (step S206: YES), it transmits a completion notice indicating that the firmware update has been completed to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S207). Before the above transmission, the transfer device 20 may perform self-diagnosis.

[0048] The control device 10 of the machine tool 1 that has received the completion notice from the transfer device 20 requests the transfer device 20 to release the operation authority that the self-device currently has via the second communication path 300 (step S114). In response to the request for release of the operation authority from the machine tool 1, the transfer device 20 performs a process of releasing the operation authority granted to the machine tool 1 (step S208). Specifically, values indicating that the operation authority has been released are stored in predetermined storage areas of the storage unit 202 and the storage unit 102 described above. By the above process, since the firmware update of the transfer device 20 is completed, the display unit 12 displays the completion of the firmware update of the transfer device 20 (step S115).

[0049] Next, a case where the user selects the version upgrade of the servo amplifier 400 from the maintenance menu screen of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Since the process of S102 is the same process, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] For example, when the user touches the soft key for version upgrade of the servo amplifier 400 on the maintenance menu screen, the control device 10 of the machine tool 1 accepts the selection of the version upgrade of the servo amplifier 400 (step S301).

[0051] When the control device 10 determines that the communication status of both the first communication path 200 and the second communication path 300 is normal (step S102: YES), the display unit 12 displays a soft key for accepting the selection of version upgrade of the servo amplifier 400 of each axis motor, and displays the current version of the servo amplifier 400 of each axis motor (step S303).

[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, keys for accepting the selection of version upgrade of the servo amplifier 400 of each axis (J1 - J3 axes, TR axis) motor are displayed at the lower part of the display screen of the display unit 12, and the current version of the servo amplifier 400 of each axis motor is displayed in the central part of the display screen. The control device 10 accepts an instruction to "upgrade the version" with a single operation of each key, and accepts an instruction to "not upgrade the version" with another operation. Hereinafter, the version upgrade of the servo amplifier 400 is referred to as the update of the servo amplifier.

[0053] The control device 10 determines whether a file for updating the servo amplifier of the transfer device 20 is stored in the connected USB memory 15 (step S304). When the control device 10 determines that the file for updating the servo amplifier of the transfer device 20 does not exist (step S304: NO), the process ends. When the control device 10 determines that the file for updating the servo amplifier of the transfer device 20 exists (step S304: YES), the display unit 12 displays the version of the servo amplifier 400 of each axis motor possessed by the USB memory 15 (step S305).

[0054] The control device 10 determines whether it has received a selection for servo amplifier update of any axis motor by monitoring the keys on the display screen of the display unit 12 (step S306). When the control device 10 determines that no selection for servo amplifier update of any axis motor has been received (step S306: NO), that is, when the user does not wish to update the servo amplifiers of all axis motors, the process ends. When it is determined that a selection for servo amplifier update of any one or more axis motors has been received (step S306: YES), the control device 10 monitors the "version update" key (see FIG. 9) provided on the display screen of the display unit 12 to determine whether an instruction to start the selected servo amplifier update (hereinafter referred to as the selected servo amplifier update) has been received (step S307). When it is determined that an instruction to start the selected servo amplifier update has not been received (step S307: NO), the control device 10 repeats this determination. When it is determined that an instruction to start the selected servo amplifier update has been received (step S307: YES), the control device 10 requests the transport device 20 for execution condition information representing the conditions (execution conditions) for executing the selected servo amplifier update. The execution conditions have already been described.

[0055] The transport device 20 transmits the execution condition information representing its own operation mode and operation authority to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S401). The control device 10 determines whether the execution conditions are satisfied based on the received execution condition information (step S308).

[0056] When the control device 10 determines that the execution conditions are not satisfied (step S308: NO), the display unit 12 notifies the user to that effect (step S317). When the control device 10 determines that the execution conditions are satisfied (step S308: YES), it requests the transport device 20 for operation authority via the second communication path 300 (step S309). The transport device 20 that has received the request for operation authority from the machine tool 1 grants the operation authority to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S402). As a result, the control device 10 acquires the operation authority of the transport device 20 (step S310).

[0057] The transfer device 20 transmits data files such as programs and variables used by the device itself to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S403). The control device 10 transfers the data file received from the transfer device 20 to the USB memory 15 via the input / output terminal 14 (step S311).

[0058] The control device 10 reads the selected servo amplifier update file from the USB memory 15 (step S312) and transfers it to the transfer device 20 via the second communication path 300 (step S313). The display unit 12 displays the transfer status.

[0059] The transfer device 20 receives the selected servo amplifier update file from the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 and transfers it to the servo amplifier 400 of the corresponding axis motor (step S404). The servo amplifier 400 of the corresponding axis motor receives the servo amplifier update file (step S01). The transfer device 20 notifies the machine tool 1 of the transfer status via the second communication path 300 (step S405). The machine tool 1 receives the notification of the transfer status from the transfer device 20, and the display unit 12 displays the transfer status (step S314).

[0060] The servo amplifier 400 that has received the servo amplifier update file from the transfer device 20 performs the update (step S02). When the update is completed, the servo amplifier 400 transmits a completion notification indicating that the update has been completed to the transfer device 20 via the second communication path 300 (step S03). When the transfer device 20 receives the completion notification from the servo amplifier 400, it transmits a completion notification indicating that the update of the servo amplifier 400 has been completed to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S406).

[0061] Upon receiving the completion notice from the transfer device 20, the control device 10 of the machine tool 1 requests the transfer device 20 to release the operation authority currently held by itself via the second communication path 300 (step S315). In response to the request for releasing the operation authority from the machine tool 1, the transfer device 20 performs a process of releasing the operation authority granted to the machine tool 1 (step S407). Through the above processes, since the update of the servo amplifier 400 is completed, the display unit 12 displays the completion of the servo amplifier update (step S316).

[0062] Next, a case where the user selects the output of the investigation data from the maintenance menu screen in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Since the process of S102 is the same process, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] For example, when the user touches the soft key for outputting the investigation data on the maintenance menu screen, the control device 10 of the machine tool 1 accepts the selection of the output of the investigation data (step S501).

[0064] When the control device 10 determines that the communication status of both the first communication path 200 and the second communication path 300 is normal (step S102: YES), the display unit 12 displays a soft key for accepting the selection of the output of the investigation data (step S503).

[0065] FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the display by the display unit 12. As shown in FIG. 12, at the lower part of the display screen of the display unit 12, a key "Loader output (not output)" for accepting the selection of outputting (or not outputting) the investigation data is displayed. The control device 10 accepts the instruction of "outputting the investigation data" with one operation of the key and accepts the instruction of "not outputting the investigation data" with another operation.

[0066] The control device 10 monitors the keys on the display screen of the display unit 12 and determines whether it has received a selection to "output the investigation data of the transfer device 20" (step S504). When the control device 10 determines that it has not received a selection to "output the investigation data of the transfer device 20" (step S504: NO), the process ends. When it is determined that a selection to "output the investigation data of the transfer device 20" has been received (step S504: YES), the control device 10 monitors the "Output" key (see FIG. 12) provided on the display screen of the display unit 12 and determines whether it has received an instruction to output the investigation data of the transfer device 20 (step S505). When it is determined that an instruction to output the investigation data of the transfer device 20 has not been received (step S505: NO), the control device 10 repeats this determination. When it is determined that an instruction to output the investigation data of the transfer device 20 has been received (step S505: YES), the control device 10 requests the transfer device 20 for execution condition information representing the conditions (execution conditions) for executing the output of the investigation data of the transfer device 20.

[0067] Here, the execution conditions are that the operation mode of the transfer device 20 is the manual mode, neither device (teaching pendant 500, PC600) has acquired the operation authority of the transfer device 20, and a USB memory 15 is connected to the input / output terminal 14 of the machine tool 1. The transfer device 20 transmits the execution condition information representing its own operation mode and operation authority to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S601). The control device 10 checks the connection of the USB memory 15 and determines whether the execution conditions are satisfied based on the received execution condition information (step S506).

[0068] When it is determined that the control device 10 does not satisfy the execution conditions (step S506: NO), the display unit 12 notifies the user to that effect (step S513), and the process ends. When it is determined that the execution conditions are satisfied (step S506: YES), the control device 10 requests the transfer device 20 for the operation authority via the second communication path 300 (step S507). The transfer device 20 that has received the request for the operation authority from the machine tool 1 grants the operation authority to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S602). As a result, the control device 10 acquires the operation authority of the transfer device 20 (step S508).

[0069] The transfer device 20 transmits the target file to be the investigation data to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S603). The target file includes programs, various parameters, notifications, histories, logs, etc. (see Table 1). The control device 10 transfers the target file received from the transfer device 20 to the USB memory 15 through the input / output terminal 14 (step S509). The display unit 12 displays the transfer status.

[0070] The control device 10 determines whether the transfer of the target file to the USB memory 15 has been completed (step S510). When it is determined that the transfer of the target file to the USB memory 15 has not been completed (step S510: NO), the control device 10 periodically makes this determination until the transfer of the target file is completed. When it is determined that the transfer of the target file to the USB memory 15 has been completed (step S510: YES), the control device 10 requests the transfer device 20 to release the operation authority that the device currently has via the second communication path 300 (step S511). In response to the request for releasing the operation authority from the machine tool 1, the transfer device 20 performs a process of releasing the operation authority granted to the machine tool 1 (step S604). Through the above processes, the output of the investigation data of the transfer device 20 is completed, so the display unit 12 displays the completion of the output of the investigation data of the transfer device 20 (step S512).

[0071] In the above, the case where the user selects the output of the investigation data from the maintenance menu screen in FIG. 3 has been described. However, when the user selects the output of all data, since the machine tool system 100 performs the same processing, the description thereof is omitted.

[0072] Next, a case where the user selects the input of all data from the maintenance menu screen in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. Note that since the processing of S102 is the same processing, the description thereof is omitted.

[0073] For example, when the user touches the soft key for inputting all data on the maintenance menu screen, the control device 10 of the machine tool 1 accepts the selection of inputting all data (step S701).

[0074] When the control device 10 determines that the communication status of both the first communication path 200 and the second communication path 300 is normal (step S102: YES), the display unit 12 displays a soft key for accepting the selection of inputting all data (step S703).

[0075] FIG. 15 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of the display by the display unit 12. As shown in FIG. 15, at the lower part of the display screen of the display unit 12, a key "Loader input (do not input)" for accepting the selection of inputting (or not inputting) all data is displayed. The control device 10 accepts an instruction to "input all data" with one operation of the key, and accepts an instruction to "do not input all data" with another operation.

[0076] The control device 10 monitors the keys on the display screen of the display unit 12 and determines whether or not a selection to "input all data into the transfer device 20" has been received (step S704). When the control device 10 determines that a selection to "input all data into the transfer device 20" has not been received (step S704: NO), the process ends. When it is determined that a selection to "input all data into the transfer device 20" has been received (step S704: YES), the control device 10 monitors an "input" key (see FIG. 15) provided on the display screen of the display unit 12 and determines whether or not an instruction to input all data into the transfer device 20 has been received (step S705). When it is determined that an instruction to input all data into the transfer device 20 has not been received (step S705: NO), the control device 10 repeats this determination. When it is determined that an instruction to input all data into the transfer device 20 has been received (step S705: YES), the control device 10 requests the transfer device 20 for conditions (execution conditions) for executing the input of all data into the transfer device 20.

[0077] Here, the execution conditions are that the operation mode of the transfer device 20 is the manual mode, neither device (teaching pendant 500, PC600) has acquired the operation authority of the transfer device 20, and a file (hereinafter referred to as the input target file) that is the target of the input process of all data is stored in the USB memory 15 connected to the input / output terminal 14 of the machine tool 1. The transfer device 20 transmits execution condition information indicating its own operation mode and operation authority to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S801). The control device 10 checks the inside of the USB memory 15 and determines whether or not the execution conditions are satisfied based on the received execution condition information (step S706).

[0078] When it is determined that the control device 10 does not satisfy the execution conditions (step S706: NO), the display unit 12 notifies the user to that effect (step S713), and the process ends. When it is determined that the execution conditions are satisfied (step S706: YES), the control device 10 requests the transfer device 20 for the operation authority via the second communication path 300 (step S707). The transfer device 20 that has received the request for the operation authority from the machine tool 1 grants the operation authority to the machine tool 1 via the second communication path 300 (step S802). As a result, the control device 10 acquires the operation authority of the transfer device 20 (step S708).

[0079] The control device 10 reads the input target file from the USB memory 15 (step S709). The control device 10 transfers the read input target file to the transfer device 20 via the second communication path 300 (step S710), and the transfer device 20 receives the input target file from the control device 10 (step S803) and stores it in, for example, the RAM 203. The display unit 12 displays the transfer status. The input target file includes programs, various parameters, notifications, histories, logs, etc. (see Table 1).

[0080] The transfer device 20 that has received the input target file from the control device 10 updates the corresponding file that the device itself has using the input target file (step S804). When the update is completed, the transfer device 20 transmits an update completion notification indicating that the update is completed to the control device 10 via the second communication path 300 (step S805).

[0081] When the control device 10 receives the update completion notification from the transfer device 20, it requests the transfer device 20 to release the operation authority that the device itself currently has via the second communication path 300 (step S711). In response to the request to release the operation authority from the machine tool 1, the transfer device 20 performs a process of releasing the operation authority granted to the machine tool 1 (step S806). Through the above processes, the input of all data to the transfer device 20 is completed, so the display unit 12 displays the completion of the input of all data to the transfer device 20 (step S712).

[0082] In the above description, the case where the USB memory 15 is connected to the input / output terminal 14 of the machine tool 1 to perform version updates of firmware, variables, etc. in the transfer device 20, version updates of the servo amplifier, output of investigation data (all data), and input of all data has been described, but it is not limited thereto. It is also possible to connect the USB memory 15 to the input / output terminal 14 of the machine tool 1 to perform version updates of the firmware, variables, etc. of the machine tool 1.

[0083] In the above description, the case where the machine tool 1 has the input / output terminal 14 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. The machine tool 1 and the transfer device 20 may have the input / output terminal 14. Also, only the transfer device 20 may have the input / output terminal 14. In this case, the USB memory 15 is connected to the input / output terminal 14 of the transfer device 20, and by operating the display unit 12 of the machine tool 1, at least one of the firmware, variables, etc. of the machine tool 1 and the transfer device 20 can be updated.

[0084] In the above description, the case where the USB memory 15 stores the execution program used for updating the firmware, variables, etc. has been described, but the storage unit 102 of the machine tool 1 may store it.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1 Machine tool 14 Input / output terminal 15 USB memory 20 Transfer device 100 Machine tool system 200 First communication path 300 Second communication path

Claims

1. A machine tool system comprising a machine tool and a transfer device connected by a first communication path, comprising input / output terminals provided on either the machine tool or the transfer device, wherein the machine tool and the transfer device are connected by a second communication path having a larger communication capacity than the first communication path, acquiring data from the outside via the input / output terminals, and updating first data of the one of the machine tool and the transfer device where the input / output terminals are not provided via the second communication path Machine tool system.

2. The first data includes a program or variable related to the control of the machine tool or the transfer device The machine tool system according to claim 1.

3. The input / output terminals output second data from the one of the machine tool and the transfer device where the input / output terminals are not provided to the outside The machine tool system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. comprising a servo amplifier for driving the feed axis of the machine tool, updating a program or variable related to the control of the servo amplifier via the second communication path The machine tool system according to claim 1.

5. A computer of a machine tool system comprising a machine tool and a transfer device connected by a first communication path and a second communication path having a larger communication capacity than the first communication path, acquiring data from the outside via input / output terminals provided on either the machine tool or the transfer device, A computer program for causing the computer to execute a process of updating data possessed by the one of the machine tool and the transfer device where the input / output terminals are not provided via the second communication path.

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