Machine tool system

Abstract

[Problem] To easily deliver a workpiece remaining in a machining device or the like to an unloading portion when a use state of a tool has reached a predetermined value. [Solution] A machine tool system 100 comprising: a processing unit 20 including a machining device 23 that machines a workpiece W with a tool T; a loading portion 10 on which the workpiece W to be processed in the processing unit 20 is placed; an unloading portion 30 on which the workpiece W processed in the processing unit 20 is placed; a loader device 40 that conveys the workpiece W between the processing unit 20, the loading portion 10, and the unloading portion 30; and a control unit 50 that controls the processing unit 20 and the loader device 30. The control unit 50, when a use state of the tool T has reached a predetermined value, carries out control to: stop loading of the workpiece W from the loading portion 10 to the processing unit 20 by the loader device 40; and deliver the workpiece W to the unloading portion 30 by the loader device 40 after causing the machining device 23 to perform machining of the workpiece W remaining in the processing unit 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool system.

Background Art

[0002] A processing device such as a lathe is provided with a tool for processing a workpiece. Since the cutting edge of this tool wears as the workpiece is processed, when the number of times the workpiece is processed or the total processing time of the workpiece (usage state) reaches a predetermined value (that is, when the tool life is reached), it is necessary to replace the tool. For example, even when the usage state of the tool reaches the above-mentioned predetermined value during the processing of the workpiece, it has been proposed to complete the processing of the workpiece being processed with that tool without stopping the processing device (see Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A loader device is used for loading and unloading workpieces to and from the processing device. The loader device transports the unprocessed workpiece at the loading section to the processing device or another device for processing the workpiece, and discharges the workpiece that has been processed or treated in each device to the unloading section. In this way, a machine tool system is formed by the loader device, the processing device, and other devices. In this machine tool system, as shown in Patent Document 1, when the tool reaches the end of its life, if the processing of the workpiece being processed by the processing device is only completed, the workpiece will remain in the processing device or the like. After tool change, generally trial machining of the workpiece is performed, but it is necessary to discharge the workpiece remaining in the processing device or the like to the unloading section. In this case, the operator manually checks the workpiece remaining in the processing device or the like and manually extends the remaining life of the tool by a predetermined amount so as to discharge all the workpieces to the unloading section according to the number of workpieces, which is a laborious task for the operator.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a machine tool system capable of easily discharging the workpiece remaining in the processing device or the like to the unloading section when the usage state of the tool reaches a predetermined value.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A machine tool system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a processing section including a processing device for processing a workpiece with a tool, a loading section for placing the workpiece to be processed in the processing section, an unloading section for placing the workpiece processed in the processing section, a loader device for transporting the workpiece between the processing section, the loading section, and the unloading section, and a control section for controlling the processing section and the loader device. When the usage state of the tool reaches a predetermined value, the control section stops the loading of the workpiece by the loader device from the loading section to the processing section, and Unprocessed workpiece after causing the processing device to perform processing on the workpiece remaining in the processing section, controls the loader device to discharge the workpiece to the unloading section to eliminate the workpiece remaining in the processing section.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the machine tool system according to the above aspect, when the usage state of the tool reaches a predetermined value, without loading a new workpiece, the processing by the processing device is continuously executed on the workpiece remaining in the processing unit, and further, the processed workpiece is discharged to the unloading unit by the loader device. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to manually set the remaining life of the tool by checking the number of workpieces remaining in the processing unit, and the burden on the operator can be reduced. Also, when the usage state of the tool reaches a predetermined value, the workpiece remaining in the processing unit is discharged, so after replacing the tool, trial processing of the workpiece can be quickly performed, and the machine tool system can be brought into an operable state at an early stage.

[0008] Further, in the machine tool system of the above aspect, the predetermined value may be set according to the life of the tool, based on the total number of times the tool processes the workpiece or the total processing time of the workpiece by the tool. According to this configuration, the workpiece remaining in the processing unit can be surely discharged at the tool replacement timing. Also, in the machine tool system of the above aspect, the control unit may determine whether there is a workpiece remaining in the processing unit by acquiring information regarding the processing unit processing the workpiece when the usage state of the tool reaches a predetermined value. According to this configuration, it is possible to accurately determine whether there is a workpiece remaining in the processing unit at the tool replacement timing.

[0009] Also, in the machine tool system of the above aspect, the processing unit may include, in addition to the processing device, at least one of a pre-processing cleaning device for cleaning the workpiece before processing by the processing device, a phase determination device for determining the phase of the workpiece before processing by the processing device, a post-processing cleaning device for cleaning the workpiece after processing by the processing device, and a measuring device for measuring the dimensions of the workpiece after processing by the processing device. According to this configuration, even for the workpieces remaining in the processing unit including the processing device, they can be surely discharged to the unloading unit at the tool change timing. Also, in the machine tool system of the above aspect, the control unit may include a notification unit for notifying that the usage state of the tool has reached a predetermined value, and an input unit for causing the processing unit to perform workpiece processing and the loader device to discharge the workpiece. According to this configuration, the operator can, after confirming the notification of the notification unit, instruct the input unit to start the processing and discharge of the workpieces remaining in the processing unit, so that the operator can set the start timing of the processing and discharge of the workpieces remaining in the processing unit to any timing desired by the operator.

[0010] Also, in the machine tool system of the above aspect, the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify that all the workpieces remaining in the processing unit have been discharged to the unloading unit. According to this configuration, the operator can easily grasp that all the workpieces remaining in the processing unit have been unloaded to the unloading unit. Also, in the machine tool system of the above aspect, the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify that tool replacement is necessary. According to this configuration, the operator can easily recognize that tool replacement is necessary by checking the notification content of the notification unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the content described below. Also, in the drawings, for the purpose of explaining the embodiments, the scale is appropriately changed such as enlarging or emphasizing a part, and the shape, dimensions, etc. may be different from the actual product. In each drawing, the directions in the figure are indicated using the XYZ coordinate system. In this XYZ coordinate system, a plane parallel to the horizontal plane is defined as the XY plane. One direction of this XY plane is denoted as the X direction, and a direction orthogonal to the X direction is denoted as the Y direction. Also, a direction perpendicular to the XY plane is denoted as the Z direction. Each of the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction will be described assuming that the direction pointed by the arrow in the figure is the + direction and the direction opposite to the direction pointed by the arrow is the - direction.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a machine tool system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the machine tool system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the machine tool system 100 includes a loading section 10, a processing section 20, an unloading section 30, a loader device 40, and a control section 50. The loading section 10 places the workpiece W to be processed in the processing section 20. The loading section 10 has a mounting table 11 for holding the workpiece W. The unprocessed workpiece W is placed on the mounting table 11.

[0014] The placement table 11 places the workpiece W so that the loader device 40 can grip the unprocessed workpiece W. Note that the loading unit 10 may be configured such that, for example, a plurality of unprocessed workpieces W are held side by side in the rotational direction of the rotating member, and the rotating member rotates to sequentially place the unprocessed workpieces W at the gripping positions by the loader device 40. The loading unit 10 may be provided with a conveyor extending in the Y direction, and the unprocessed workpiece W may be sequentially sent from the outside of the loading unit 10 to the placement table 11 by this conveyor.

[0015] The processing unit 20 performs various processes on the workpiece W. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 20 includes a pre-processing cleaning device 21, a phase determination device 22, a processing device 23, a post-processing cleaning device 24, and a measuring device 25. The pre-processing cleaning device 21 cleans the workpiece W before processing by the processing device 23. The pre-processing cleaning device 21 includes a workpiece storage unit 21a and a cleaning liquid discharge unit 21b. The workpiece storage unit 21a places and stores the workpiece W before processing. The workpiece storage unit 21a is provided with an open upper part so that the workpiece W before and after cleaning can be transferred between the loader device 40.

[0016] The cleaning liquid discharge unit 21b cleans the workpiece W accommodated in the workpiece storage unit 21a by discharging the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid discharge unit 21b to the workpiece W. Note that the pre-processing cleaning device 21 is not limited to the above-described form. The pre-processing cleaning device 21 may be configured to perform ultrasonic cleaning on the workpiece W, for example, or may be configured to clean the workpiece W by injecting gas. Whether or not to provide the pre-processing cleaning device 21 in the processing unit 20 is arbitrary. That is, the pre-processing cleaning device 21 may not be provided in the processing unit 20.

[0017] The phase determination device 22 determines the phase of the workpiece W before machining by the machining device 23. For example, when the workpiece W has been machined previously, it may be necessary to align the phase (position) of the workpiece W in order to align the previous machining position during machining by the machining device 23. In such a case, the phase determination device 22 determines the phase of the workpiece W by changing the position when the loader device 40 grips the workpiece W.

[0018] The phase determination device 22 includes a holding table 22a and a rotary table 22b. A drive mechanism (not shown) for rotating the rotary table 22b is provided on the holding table 22a. The rotary table 22b is rotatable about the Z-axis with the workpiece W before machining placed thereon. By rotating the workpiece W about the Z-axis by the rotary table 22b, the phase of the workpiece W is determined. At this time, the phase determination device 22 may determine the phase of the workpiece W by detecting a part of the workpiece W with a sensor while rotating the workpiece W by the rotary table 22b. The workpiece W whose phase has been determined by the rotary table 22b is gripped by the loader device 40. The loader device 40 conveys the workpiece W whose phase has been determined to the subsequent machining device 23. Note that whether or not to provide the phase determination device 22 in the processing unit 20 is optional. That is, the phase determination device 22 may not be provided in the processing unit 20.

[0019] The processing device 23 processes the workpiece W with the tool T. The processing device 23 is, for example, a lathe and performs turning on the workpiece W. In the present embodiment, a parallel two-axis lathe is used as the processing device 23. The processing device 23 has two spindles 13, 14 and two turrets 15, 16. The spindles 13, 14 extend in the Y direction and are arranged side by side in the X direction. The spindles 13, 14 are rotatably supported about an axis parallel to the Y direction by bearings (not shown) or the like, and are rotated by a rotation drive unit (not shown). Grasping claws 13a, 14a are provided at the -Y side ends of the spindles 13, 14, respectively. A plurality of the grasping claws 13a, 14a are arranged at predetermined intervals along the rotation directions of the spindles 13, 14. The grasping claws 13a, 14a can hold the workpiece W by moving in the radial direction of the spindles 13, 14 by a chuck drive unit (not shown). By moving the grasping claws 13a, 14a, the workpiece W can be transferred to and from the loader device 40.

[0020] The turrets 15, 16 are arranged offset from the axial directions of the spindles 13, 14. The turret 15 is arranged on the -X side of the spindle 13. The turret 16 is arranged on the +X side of the spindle 14. Each of the turrets 15, 16 is rotatable about an axis parallel to the Y direction by a rotation drive unit (not shown). The turrets 15, 16 are provided, for example, in a polygonal shape. A plurality of holding portions for holding the tool (cutting tool) T are provided on each flat surface portion of the peripheral surfaces of the turrets 15, 16. The tool T is held in all or part of these holding portions. By rotating the turrets 15, 16, a desired tool T for processing the workpiece W is selected. The tool T is replaceable with respect to each holding portion. As the tool T, in addition to a tool such as a tool bit for performing cutting on the workpiece W, a rotary tool such as a drill or an end mill may be used. Further, the turrets 15, 16 are movable in the X direction and the Y direction by a drive unit (not shown).

[0021] The processing device 23 includes a reversing device 19. The reversing device 19 reverses, for example, the Y-direction orientation of the workpiece W conveyed from the main shaft 13 to the main shaft 14. The reversing device 19 includes chucks 17 and 18 capable of holding the workpiece W. The chucks 17 and 18 are arranged side by side in the X direction on the +Y side (upper side) of the main shafts 13 and 14. Gripping claws 17a and 18a are provided at the -Y side ends of the chucks 17 and 18 respectively. The workpiece W can be held by closing the gripping claws 17a and 18a.

[0022] The reversing device 19 includes a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves one or both of the chucks 17 and 18 and moves them from the illustrated state to a state where they face each other. By making the chucks 17 and 18 face each other with this moving mechanism, passing the workpiece W held by the chuck 17 to the chuck 18, and then returning to the illustrated state, the Y-direction orientation of the workpiece W can be reversed. The loader device 40 can transfer the workpiece W to and from each of the chucks 17 and 18. Whether the processing device 23 includes the reversing device 19 is optional. That is, the processing device 23 may not have the reversing device 19.

[0023] The post-processing cleaning device 24 cleans the workpiece W after processing by the processing device 23. The post-processing cleaning device 24 has a workpiece storage part 24a and a cleaning liquid discharge part 24b. The workpiece storage part 24a places and stores the workpiece W after processing. The workpiece storage part 24a is provided with an open upper part so that the workpiece W before and after cleaning can be transferred between it and the loader device 40. The cleaning liquid discharge part 24b discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid discharge part 24b to the workpiece W stored in the workpiece storage part 24a, thereby removing cutting chips, processing oil, etc. adhering to the workpiece W. Note that the post-processing cleaning device 24 is not limited to the above-described form. The Rear cleaning device 2 4 may be configured to remove cutting chips and the like from the workpiece W by ultrasonic cleaning, for example, or may be configured to remove cutting chips and the like by injecting gas onto the workpiece W. Whether to provide the post-processing cleaning device 24 in the processing part 20 is optional. That is, the post-processing cleaning device 24 may not be provided in the processing part 20.

[0024] The measuring device 25 measures the processed workpiece W cleaned by the post-processing cleaning device 24. The measuring device 25 includes a mounting table 25a and a sensor 25b. The mounting table 25a has the processed workpiece W to be measured placed thereon. The mounting table 25a is configured to be able to transfer the workpiece W to and from the loader device 40. The sensor 25b measures dimensions and the like of the workpiece W placed on the mounting table 25a. The measuring device 25 measures the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W, for example, by irradiating the workpiece W with detection light from the sensor 25b and acquiring the reflected light. Note that whether or not to provide the measuring device 25 in the processing unit 20 is optional. That is, the measuring device 25 may not be provided in the processing unit 20.

[0025] The unloading unit 30 mounts the workpiece W processed by the processing unit 20. The unloading unit 30 has the processed workpiece W whose dimensions and the like have been measured by the measuring device 25 placed thereon. The unloading unit 30 has a mounting table 31 on which the workpiece W is placed. The mounting table 31 is configured to be able to receive the processed workpiece W conveyed by the loader device 40. Note that the unloading unit 30 may be provided with a conveyor extending in the Y direction, for example, and the workpiece W placed on the mounting table 31 may be sequentially sent outside the mounting table 31 by the conveyor.

[0026] The loader device 40 conveys the workpiece W among the loading unit 10, the processing unit 20, and the unloading unit 30. After the loader device 40 conveys the workpiece W from the loading unit 10 to the pre-processing cleaning device 21 of the processing unit 20, in the processing unit 20, the loader device 40 conveys the workpiece W from the pre-processing cleaning device 21 to the phase determination device 22. Next, after the loader device 40 conveys the workpiece W from the phase determination device 22 to the spindle 13 of the processing device 23, the loader device 40 conveys the workpiece W from the spindle 13 to the chuck 17 of the inversion device 19 and from the chuck 18 to the spindle 14. Next, after the loader device 40 conveys the workpiece W from the spindle 14 to the post-processing cleaning device 24 and from the post-processing cleaning device 24 to the measuring device 25, the loader device 40 conveys the workpiece W from the measuring device 25 to the unloading unit 30.

[0027] The loader device 40 includes a loader head 41 and a loader drive unit 42. The loader head 41 has a loader chuck 43. The loader chuck 43 can grip the workpiece W by opening and closing a plurality of gripping claws 43a. The loader head 41 is formed, as an example, by a so-called swivel joint so that the loader chuck 43 can be changed, for example, to a posture in which the workpiece W is gripped and directed in the -Z direction and a posture in which it is directed in the +Y direction (a posture in which the workpiece W is directed toward the spindles 13 and 14). Note that the loader head 41 is not limited to a form having a swivel joint, and any other arbitrary form can be applied.

[0028] The loader drive unit 42 includes an X drive unit 44, a Y drive unit 45, and a Z drive unit 46. The X drive unit 44 has an X moving body 44a and a guide rail 44b. The X moving body 44a is provided so as to be movable in the X direction along the guide rail 44b by a drive source (not shown). The Y drive unit 45 is formed on the X moving body 44a. The Y drive unit 45 has a Y moving body 45a. The Y moving body 45a is provided so as to be movable in the Y direction along a guide portion (not shown) by a drive source (not shown). The Z drive unit 46 is formed on the Y moving body 45a. The Z drive unit 46 has a Z moving body 46a. The Z moving body 46a is provided so as to be movable in the Z direction along a guide portion (not shown) by a drive source (not shown).

[0029] The loader head 41 is provided below the Z moving body 46a. The workpiece W gripped by the loader chuck 43 of the loader head 41 is conveyed in the X direction, Z direction, Y direction, or a direction synthesized from these by driving the X drive unit 44, Y drive unit 45, and Z drive unit 46, respectively.

[0030] The control unit 50 comprehensively controls the operations of the processing unit 20 and the loader device 40 based on a predetermined processing program. Note that a form in which a plurality of control units 50 that individually control the processing unit 20 and the loader device 40 may be provided. A communication unit (not shown) is provided in the control unit 50. In this communication unit, various information such as the processing status of the workpiece W in the processing unit 20 and the operation status of the loader device 40 is communicated. Based on the information acquired via the communication unit, the control unit 50 can recognize that the workpiece W remains in the processing unit 20, that the loader device 40 is transporting the workpiece W, and the like.

[0031] The control unit 50 determines whether or not the usage state of the tool T used in the processing device 23 has reached a predetermined value. The predetermined value is set in advance according to the life of the tool T, and is set, for example, by the total number of times the workpiece W is processed by the tool T or the total processing time of the workpiece W by the tool T. The predetermined value may be, for example, a value acquired from a higher-level control device, or a value input by an operator using an input unit 51 or the like described later. When the usage state of the tool T reaches the predetermined value, the control unit 50 acquires information regarding the fact that the processing unit 20 is processing the workpiece W from each processing unit 20. This information includes, for example, information that the workpiece W remains and information that the workpiece W is being processed. Note that when the usage state of the tool T reaches the predetermined value, the control unit 50 may cause the notification unit 52 described later to notify that the usage state of the tool T has reached the predetermined value.

[0032] Based on the information acquired from the processing unit 20, the control unit 50 determines whether or not there is any remaining work W in the processing unit 20. When the control unit 50 determines that there is no remaining work W in the processing unit 20, the notification unit 52 may be caused to notify, for example, that all the remaining work W in the processing unit 20 has been delivered to the unloading unit 30 and that it is necessary to replace the tool T. Further, when the control unit 50 determines that the usage state of the tool T has reached a predetermined value, the control unit 50 stops the loading of the work W by the loader device 40 from the loading unit 10 to the processing unit 20 and causes the unloading process of the work W to be performed. In the present embodiment, the unloading process is a process of causing the processing device 23 to perform processing on the work W remaining in the processing unit 20 and then causing the loader device 40 to unload (carry out) the work W to the unloading unit 30. After this unloading process is executed, all the remaining work W in the processing unit 20 is unloaded to the unloading unit 30, and the processing unit 20 is in an empty state without any work W. When the processing unit 20 is in an empty state, it becomes possible to smoothly restart the machine tool system 100 after replacing the tool T.

[0033] The control unit 50 includes an input unit 51 and a notification unit 52. As the input unit 51, for example, an operation panel, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, or the like is used. When the usage state of the tool T reaches a predetermined value, the input unit 51 can input information for executing the unloading process of the work W. The input unit 51 detects an input from an operator and transmits the input information to the control unit 50. Note that the input unit 51 may be used also as an operation panel of the machine tool system 100. The operation panel can input, by an operator's operation, processing conditions such as a processing program of the work W by the processing device 23, the material of the work W, and the type of the tool T to be used. Note that the processing conditions may be configured such that they are sent from a higher-level control device and the operator corrects and supplements the processing conditions by the operation panel.

[0034] The notification unit 52 notifies various types of information under the control of the control unit 50. The notification unit 52 is, for example, a display device such as a display or a touch panel, an audio output device such as a speaker or an alarm, and a computer or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. As described above, the notification unit 52 notifies that the usage state of the tool T has reached a predetermined value. Further, the notification unit 52 notifies that all the workpieces W remaining in the processing unit 20 have been dispensed to the unloading unit 30. The notification unit 52 can notify that it is necessary to replace the tool T. Through the notification of the notification unit 52, the operator can recognize that the usage state of the tool T has reached a predetermined value, that there are workpieces W remaining in the processing unit 20, that all the workpieces W remaining in the processing unit 20 have been dispensed to the unloading unit 30, and that it is necessary to replace the tool T.

[0035] Next, the operation of the machine tool system 100 configured as described above will be described. FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the machine tool system 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the loader device 40 holds the workpiece W in the loading unit 10. The operation of the machine tool system 100 is performed based on the control of the control unit 50. First, the loader device 40 arranges the loader head 41 above the mounting table 11 of the loading unit 10 (+Z side) and lowers the Z moving body 46a with the loader chuck 43 facing downward. Subsequently, the workpiece W previously arranged in the loading unit 10 is held by the gripping claws 43a of the loader head 41. Thereafter, the loader head 41 is raised by the Z drive unit 46.

[0036] Subsequently, the loader head 41 is moved in the +X direction to arrange the workpiece W above the pre-processing cleaning device 21. Subsequently, the Z moving body 46a is lowered to accommodate the workpiece W in the workpiece accommodating portion 21a of the pre-processing cleaning device 21. After placing the workpiece W in the workpiece accommodating portion 21a, the loader head 41 is raised. The pre-processing cleaning device 21 discharges the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid discharge portion 21b to clean the workpiece W in the workpiece accommodating portion 21a. After the workpiece W is cleaned, the loader head 41 descends to hold the cleaned workpiece W. After holding the workpiece W, the loader head 41 rises and then moves in the +X direction to arrange the workpiece W above the phase determination device 22.

[0037] Subsequently, as the loader head 41 descends, the workpiece W is placed on the rotary table 22b of the phase determination device 22. After placing the workpiece W on the rotary table 22b, the loader head 41 ascends. The phase determination device 22 rotates the rotary table 22b to determine the phase of the workpiece W. After determining the phase of the workpiece W, the loader head 41 descends, holds the phase-determined workpiece W, then ascends, moves in the +X direction, and positions the workpiece W above the spindle 13. Subsequently, the loader head 41 descends and positions the workpiece W on the -Y side of the spindle 13. Subsequently, the loader head 41 turns the orientation of the workpiece W from downward to the +Y direction. Subsequently, by moving in the +Y direction, the loader head 41 causes the workpiece W to be gripped by the gripping claws 13a of the spindle 13, and the workpiece W is transferred from the loader head 41 to the spindle 13.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the workpiece W is transferred to the spindle 13 of the processing device 23 by the loader device 40. After the workpiece W is held by the spindle 13, the loader head 41 moves in the -Y direction and then ascends, returning above the spindle 13. In the processing device 23, the turret 15 rotates to select a tool T for processing the workpiece W. The processing device 23 rotates the spindle 13 to rotate the workpiece W about an axis parallel to the Y direction, and while moving the tool T (turret 15) in the X direction and the Y direction, performs turning processing on the workpiece W. During the processing of the workpiece W by the processing device 23, the loader device 40 may convey a new unprocessed workpiece W from the loading section 10 to the pre-processing cleaning device 21.

[0039] After the workpiece W is processed in the processing device 23, the loader head 41 receives the workpiece W from the main shaft 13 and then transfers the workpiece W to the chuck 17 of the reversing device 19. The reversing device 19 reverses the workpiece W by transferring the workpiece W held by the chuck 17 to the chuck 18. The loader head 41 receives the workpiece W from the chuck 18 and then transfers the workpiece W to the main shaft 14 of the processing device 23. In the processing device 23, the turret 16 rotates to select a tool T for processing the workpiece W. The processing device 23 rotates the main shaft 14 to rotate the workpiece W about an axis parallel to the Y direction, and moves the tool T (turret 16) in the X and Y directions to perform turning on the workpiece W.

[0040] Subsequently, after receiving the workpiece W from the main shaft 14, the loader head 41 rises, moves in the +X direction, and positions the workpiece W above the post-processing cleaning device 24. Subsequently, the loader head 41 descends to accommodate the processed workpiece W in the workpiece accommodating portion 24a of the post-processing cleaning device 24. After accommodating the workpiece W in the workpiece accommodating portion 24a, the loader head 41 rises. The post-processing cleaning device 24 discharges a cleaning liquid onto the workpiece W from the cleaning liquid discharge portion 21b to clean the processed workpiece W. After cleaning the workpiece W, the loader head 41 descends to hold the cleaned workpiece W. Subsequently, after rising, the loader head 41 moves in the +X direction and positions the workpiece W above the measuring device 25. Subsequently, the loader head 41 descends to place the workpiece W on the mounting table 25a of the measuring device 25. After placing the workpiece W on the mounting table 25a, the loader head 41 rises. The measuring device 25 performs measurement on the workpiece W placed on the mounting table 25a by means of the sensor 25b.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the work W is placed on the carry-out unit 30 by the loader device 40. After the work W is measured by the measuring device 25, the loader head 41 descends to hold the measured work W. Subsequently, after the loader head 41 ascends, it moves in the +X direction to place the work W above the carry-out unit 30. Subsequently, the loader head 41 descends to place the measured work W on the mounting table 31 of the carry-out unit 30 as shown in FIG. 5. Through such a series of operations, the work W on the carry-in unit 10 is carried into the processing unit 20, processed by the processing unit 20, and then discharged to the carry-out unit 30.

[0042] In the above-described series of operations, the loader device 40 carries a plurality of works W from the carry-in unit 10 into the processing unit 20, and the works W are sequentially sent to the processing unit 20 and discharged to the carry-out unit 30. That is, in the processing unit 20, a plurality of works W are processed by one of the devices, and the loader device 40 appropriately conveys the works W. While such operations are being performed, the tool T used in the processing device 23 wears at the cutting edge as the work W is processed. Therefore, when the number of times the work W is processed or the total processing time (usage state) of the work W reaches a predetermined value (that is, when the tool life is reached), replacement is necessary. The predetermined value serving as an index for replacing the tool T is set, for example, as a value representing the number of times the work W can be processed. However, it is set with a margin so that even when the tool T reaches the predetermined value, the work W can be processed multiple times. When the tool T reaches the predetermined value, the life of the tool T can be extended by changing this predetermined value. The change in the predetermined value is performed by adding a value sufficient to process the work remaining in the processing unit 20 to the originally set predetermined value. Also, the originally set predetermined value is stored, it is notified that the tool has reached the end of its life, and it is replaced by an operator or the like after the work W is discharged.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the machine tool system 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the usage state of the tool T used in the processing device 23 has reached a predetermined value (step S01). The control unit 50 compares the total number of machining times or machining time of the tool T with a predetermined value of the tool T set in advance based on the information sent from the processing device 23, and determines whether or not the usage state of the tool T has reached the predetermined value. If the control unit 50 determines that the usage state of the tool T has not reached the predetermined value (NO in step S01), the control unit 50 repeats the process of step S01.

[0044] Subsequently, when the control unit 50 determines that the usage state of the tool T has reached the predetermined value (YES in step S01), the control unit 50 determines whether or not there is any remaining work W in the processing unit 20 (step S02). The control unit 50 obtains information regarding the processing of the work W from each device (for example, the processing Device 23 Etc. ) of the processing unit 20, and determines whether or not there is any remaining work W in the processing unit 20 based on the obtained information (step S02). The control unit 50 appropriately obtains information regarding, for example, that the work W is being processed or that the processing of the work W has been completed from each device of the processing unit 20, and determines whether or not there is any remaining work W in the processing unit 20 based on this information. In this case, the control unit 50 determines that there is remaining work W in the processing unit 20 even when the work W is being transported by the loader device 40 based on the information obtained from the loader device 40.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the workpiece W remains in the processing unit 20. As shown in FIG. 7, when the usage state of the tool T reaches a predetermined value, the processing unit 20 may have the workpiece W remaining in at least one of the pre-processing cleaning device 21 (workpiece W1), the phase determination device 22 (workpiece W2), the spindle 13 of the processing device 23 (workpiece W3), the chuck 17 (workpiece W4), the chuck 18 (workpiece W5), the spindle 14 (workpiece W6), the post-processing cleaning device 24 (workpiece W7), and the measuring device 25 (workpiece W8). Also, although not shown, the workpiece W being transported by the loader device 40 may also remain. The control unit 50 acquires information regarding whether the processing unit 20 is processing the workpieces W1 to W8, or holding them before processing, or holding them after processing, from each device of the processing unit 20, and further acquires that there is a workpiece W being transported by the loader device 40. Based on the acquired information, it determines whether the workpiece W remains in step S02.

[0046] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6, when the control unit 50 determines that the workpiece W remains in the processing unit 20 (YES in step S02), it stops the loader device 40 from loading the workpiece W from the loading unit 10 into the processing unit 20 (step S03). Note that when the control unit 50 determines that the workpiece W does not remain in the processing unit 20 (NO in step S02), it ends the series of processes. In step S03, the control unit 50 stops the loader device 40 from loading the workpiece W so that a new unprocessed workpiece W is not loaded into the processing unit 20 from the loading unit 10.

[0047] Subsequently, the control unit 50 causes the dispensing process of the workpiece W to be executed. When the control unit 50 determines in step S02 that the workpiece W remains in the processing unit 20, the control unit 50 determines the number of workpieces W remaining in the processing unit 20 and acquires information regarding in which device of the processing unit 20 each of the remaining workpieces W is and in what state. The control unit 50 causes the processing device 23 to perform processing on the workpiece W remaining in the processing unit 20 (step S04). Note that step S04 may be automatically executed by the control unit 50 based on preset instruction content, or may be executed by a manual input instruction from an operator. By executing this dispensing process, the life of the tool T is extended so that the processing of the workpiece W by the processing device 23 does not stop, and the subsequent steps can be executed. The extension of the life of the tool T may be a preset value or a value manually set by an operator.

[0048] The control unit 50 acquires the respective states of the remaining workpieces W and causes the processing executed in the processing unit 20 to be continuously executed based on the current situation. For example, for the workpiece W1 shown in FIG. 7, the processing by the pre-processing cleaning device 21 is continued. After the workpiece W1 is cleaned, it is sent to the subsequent phase determination device 22, and the subsequent processing is executed. Similarly, after the workpiece W2 is phase-determined by the phase determination device 22, it is sent to the spindle 13 of the subsequent processing device 23, and the subsequent processing is executed. After the workpiece W3 is processed by the tool T, it is sent from the spindle 13 to the chuck 17 of the reversing device 19, and the subsequent processing is executed. The workpiece W4 is transferred from the chuck 17 to the chuck 18, and the subsequent processing is executed. The workpiece W5 is sent from the chuck 18 to the spindle 14, and the subsequent processing is executed. After the workpiece W6 is processed by the tool T, it is sent from the spindle 14 to the subsequent post-processing cleaning device 24, and the subsequent processing is executed. After the workpiece W7 is cleaned by the post-processing cleaning device 24, it is sent to the subsequent measuring device 25, and the subsequent processing is executed. After the workpiece W8 is measured by the measuring device 25, it is dispensed from the processing unit 20 to the carry-out unit 30.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the workpiece W is delivered to the unloading unit 30 after the processing unit 20 executes the processing of the workpiece W. In step S04 described above, after continuously processing the workpiece W remaining in the processing unit 20, the control unit 50 causes the loader device 40 to deliver the workpiece W to the unloading unit 30 (step S05). The workpiece W remaining in the processing unit 20 is delivered to the unloading unit 30 by the loader device 40 after a series of processes by the processing unit 20 including the processing by the processing device 23 are completed. As shown in FIG. 8, workpieces W1, W2, W3, W4, W5 、W 6, W7, and W8 each continue to be processed in the processing unit 20 and are delivered to the unloading unit 30 by the loader device 40 after being measured by the measuring device 25. As described above, since the predetermined value regarding the usage state of the tool T is set with a margin sufficient to process a plurality of workpieces W, even when the usage state of the tool T reaches the predetermined value, the workpiece W remaining in the processing unit 20 can be processed with the tool T.

[0050] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 50 determines whether or not all the workpieces W have been delivered to the unloading unit 30 (step S06). The control unit 50 determines whether or not all the workpieces W remaining in the processing unit 20 have been delivered to the unloading unit 30. When the control unit 50 determines that all the workpieces W remaining in the processing unit 20 have been delivered to the unloading unit 30 (YES in step S06), the series of processes is terminated. Also, when the control unit 50 determines that not all the workpieces W have been delivered to the unloading unit 30 (NO in step S06), the processes after step S04 are repeated.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the machine tool system 100. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the processes from step S01 to step S06 are the same as the above-described processes, and thus the description thereof is omitted. After step S03, the control unit 50 causes the notification unit 52 (see FIG. 1) to notify that the usage state of the tool T has reached the predetermined value (step S11). The notification unit 52 notifies the operator, based on an instruction from the control unit 50, that the tool T in use has reached the predetermined value, either by screen display on the display or by voice from the speaker.

[0052] Subsequently, the operator recognizes from the notification by the notification unit 52 that it is necessary to replace the tool T. The operator inputs an instruction for causing the processing unit 20 to process the work W and the loader device 40 to deliver the work W to the input unit 51 (see FIG. 1) (step S12). In this way, by performing the delivery process of the work W remaining in the processing unit 20 according to the input instruction by the operator, the operator can execute the delivery timing of the work W at the timing desired by the operator. Subsequently, the control unit 50 receives the instruction input by the operator through the input unit 51, and as described above, executes the processing of the work W remaining in the processing unit 20 by the processing device 23 (step S04), and the delivery of the work W to the unloading unit 30 by the loader device 40 (step S05) until all the work W remaining in the processing unit 20 is delivered (step S06).

[0053] In step S06, when the control unit 50 determines that all the work W has been delivered to the unloading unit 30 (YES in step S06), it causes the notification unit 52 to notify that all the work W has been delivered to the unloading unit 30 (step S13). The notification unit 52 notifies the operator that all the work W has been delivered to the unloading unit 30 by means of a screen display on the display or voice from a speaker according to the instruction from the control unit 50. Subsequently, the control unit 50 causes the notification unit 52 to notify that it is necessary to replace the tool T (step S14). The notification unit 52 notifies the operator that it is necessary to replace the tool T by means of a screen display on the display or voice from a speaker according to the instruction from the control unit 50. The operator who recognizes this notification can start the work of replacing the tool T. When step S14 is completed, a series of processes is completed.

[0054] As described above, according to the machine tool system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the usage state of the tool T reaches a predetermined value, without loading a new workpiece W, the processing of the workpiece W remaining in the processing unit 20 is continuously executed by the processing device 23, and the processed workpiece W is discharged to the unloading unit 30 by the loader device 40. For this reason, the operator does not need to manually set the remaining life of the tool T, and the burden on the operator can be reduced. Further, when the usage state of the tool T reaches a predetermined value, the workpiece W remaining in the processing unit 20 is discharged. Therefore, after replacing the tool T, trial processing of the workpiece W can be quickly performed, and the machine tool system 100 can be brought into an operable state at an early stage.

[0055] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the above-described embodiments. Also, forms with such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. One or more of the requirements described in the above-described embodiments may be omitted. Also, the requirements described in the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate. Also, the execution order of each process shown in the present embodiment can be realized in any order as long as the result of the previous process is not used in the subsequent process. Also, regarding the operations in the above-described embodiments, even if they are described using "first", "next", "subsequently", etc. for convenience, it is not essential to perform them in this order. Also, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-156755, which is a Japanese patent application, and all the documents cited in the above-described embodiments and the like are incorporated by reference and made part of the description of the present text.

[0056] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the form using one loader device 40 having one loader head 41 has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this form. For example, the loader device 40 may be in a form in which two or more operate independently. Also, one loader device 40 may be provided with a plurality of loader heads 41.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0057] T... tool W, W1, W2, W3, W4, W5 、W 6, W7, W8... workpiece 10... loading section 13, 14... main shaft 15, 16... turret 19... reversing device 20... processing section 21... pre - processing cleaning device 22... phase - determining device 23... processing device 24... post - processing cleaning device 25... measuring device 30... unloading section 40... loader device 50... control section 51... input section 52... notification section 100... machine tool system

Claims

1. A processing unit including a processing device for processing a workpiece with a tool; A loading unit for placing the workpiece to be processed by the processing unit; An unloading unit for placing the workpiece processed by the processing unit; A loader device for conveying the workpiece between the processing unit, the loading unit, and the unloading unit; A control unit for controlling the processing unit and the loader device, the control unit when the usage state of the tool reaches a predetermined value, stops the loading of the workpiece by the loader device from the loading unit to the processing unit, and after performing processing on the unprocessed workpiece remaining in the processing unit by the processing device, controls to pay out the workpiece to the unloading unit by the loader device to eliminate the workpiece remaining in the processing unit. A machine tool system.

2. The processing unit executes a series of processes including a processing process for processing a workpiece with the tool, the control unit controls to sequentially execute the series of processes on each workpiece in the processing unit, and sequentially pay out the workpiece on which the series of processes have been completed to the unloading unit. When the usage state of the tool reaches a predetermined value, the control unit continues to execute the series of processes on each of the workpieces being processed and unprocessed remaining in the processing unit with the workpiece loading into the processing unit stopped, and after finishing these series of processes, pays out the workpieces to the unloading unit in sequence to control to eliminate the workpiece remaining in the processing unit. The machine tool system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, when the usage state of the tool reaches a predetermined value, determines whether there is a workpiece remaining in the processing unit by acquiring information regarding that the processing unit is processing a workpiece. The machine tool system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. In addition to the processing device, the processing unit includes at least one of a pre-processing cleaning device for cleaning the workpiece before processing by the processing device, a phase determination device for determining the phase of the workpiece before processing by the processing device, a post-processing cleaning device for cleaning the workpiece after processing by the processing device, and a measuring device for measuring the dimensions of the workpiece after processing by the processing device. The machine tool system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. ​ The control unit includes a notification unit that notifies that the usage state of the tool has reached a predetermined value, and an input unit for causing the processing unit to process the workpiece and the loader device to deliver the workpiece. The machine tool system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The control unit causes the notification unit to notify that all the workpieces remaining in the processing unit have been delivered to the unloading unit. The machine tool system according to claim 5.

7. The control unit causes the notification unit to notify that tool replacement is necessary. The machine tool system according to claim 5.

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