processing machine

Abstract

A processing machine (10) is provided which can accurately evaluate the results of periodic inspection. This processing machine, for processing a workpiece (W), is provided with: an information storage unit (80) which, as reference information (97A), stores information that includes multiple pieces of in-process information (85A-85H), which indicate the processing state when the workpiece was subjected to inspection processing, and processing result information (87A-87C), which has been obtained by measuring the product obtained by the inspection processing; an acquisition unit (60) which acquires comparison information (97B), which includes the processing result information and the multiple pieces of in-process information in inspection processing that was carried out after the inspection processing for which the reference information was acquired; a comparison unit (62) which compares the comparison information and the reference information; and a display control unit (66) which displays on a display unit (68) the results of comparison by the comparison unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing machine that processes a workpiece. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 3856603 discloses a wire electric discharge machine that applies a pulse voltage between a wire electrode and a workpiece to machine a workpiece. When a machine such as a wire electric discharge machine is installed in a factory or the like, the machine may be adjusted (on-site adjustment). After the on-site adjustment, the machine may be inspected periodically whenever the inspection is due. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in the past, it was not always possible to accurately evaluate the results of periodic inspections, etc.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a processing machine that can accurately evaluate the results of periodic inspections and the like.

[0005] A processing machine according to one aspect of the present invention is a processing machine that processes a workpiece, and is equipped with an information storage unit that stores information including a plurality of pieces of in-process information indicating the processing state when inspection processing is performed on the workpiece, and processing result information obtained by measuring the processed product obtained by the inspection processing, as reference information, an acquisition unit that acquires comparison information including a plurality of pieces of in-process information and the processing result information in the inspection processing performed after the inspection processing from which the reference information was acquired, a comparison unit that compares the comparison information with the reference information, and a display control unit that displays the comparison results by the comparison unit on a display unit.

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a processing machine that can accurately evaluate the results of periodic inspections and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a processing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of a processing machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information storage unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the comparison results. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing examples of radar charts. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the similarity. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the table. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processing machine according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a processing machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] [One embodiment] A processing machine according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the processing machine according to this embodiment. Here, the processing machine 10 will be described as a wire electric discharge machine, but the processing machine 10 is not limited to a wire electric discharge machine.

[0010] The machining device 10, i.e., the wire electric discharge machine, is a machine tool that performs electric discharge machining on a workpiece W (see FIG. 1) by applying a voltage to the workpiece W and a wire electrode 12 in machining fluid to generate an electric discharge between the workpiece W and the wire electrode 12. The machining device 10 is equipped with a machine body 14, a machining fluid treatment device 16, and a control device 18.

[0011] The wire electrode 12 is made of a metal material such as tungsten, copper alloy, brass, etc. On the other hand, the workpiece W is made of a metal material such as an iron-based material or a superhard material.

[0012] The machining body 14 is equipped with a supply system 20a that supplies a wire electrode (electrode) 12 toward the workpiece (workpiece, object to be machined) W, and a recovery system 20b that recovers the wire electrode 12 that has passed through the workpiece W.

[0013] The supply system 20a is equipped with a wire bobbin 22, a torque motor 24, and a brake shoe 26. An unused wire electrode 12 is wound around the wire bobbin 22. The torque motor 24 applies torque to the wire bobbin 22. The brake shoe 26 applies frictional braking force to the wire electrode 12. The supply system 20a is further equipped with a brake motor 28 and a wire guide (upper wire guide) 32. The brake motor 28 applies braking torque to the brake shoe 26. The wire guide 32 guides the wire electrode 12 above the workpiece W. The torque motor 24 and the brake motor 28 are equipped with encoders EC1 and EC2 that detect the rotational position or rotational speed. The control device 18 can feedback-control the torque motor 24 and the brake motor 28 based on detection signals detected by the encoders EC1 and EC2 so that the rotational speeds of the torque motor 24 and the brake motor 28 become predetermined rotational speeds. The supply system 20a may further include a tension detector 30 that detects the magnitude of the tension of the wire electrode 12.

[0014] The recovery system 20b is equipped with a wire guide (lower wire guide) 34, a pinch roller 36, and a feed roller 38. The wire guide 34 guides the wire electrode 12 below the workpiece W. The pinch roller 36 and the feed roller 38 are capable of clamping the wire electrode 12. The recovery system 20b is further equipped with a torque motor 40 that applies torque to the feed roller 38. The recovery system 20b is further equipped with a recovery box 42. The recovery box 42 recovers the used wire electrode 12 transported by the pinch roller 36 and the feed roller 38. The torque motor 40 is equipped with an encoder EC3 that detects the rotational position or rotational speed. The control device 18 can feedback-control the torque motor 40 based on the detection signal detected by the encoder EC3 so that the rotational speed of the torque motor 40 becomes a predetermined rotational speed.

[0015] The machine body 14 is provided with a machining tank 46. The machining tank 46 can store machining fluid such as deionized water or oil used during electrical discharge machining. The machining tank 46 is placed on a base 48. Wire guides 32 and 34 are arranged within the machining tank 46. A workpiece W is provided between the wire guide 32 and the wire guide 34. The wire guides 32 and 34 are provided with die guides 32a and 34a, respectively, that support the wire electrode 12. The wire guide 34 is further provided with a guide roller 34b. The guide roller 34b guides the wire electrode 12 to the pinch roller 36 and the feed roller 38 while changing the direction of the wire electrode 12.

[0016] The wire guide 32 sprays clean machining fluid that does not contain machining debris (sludge) toward the gap formed between the wire electrode 12 and the workpiece W. This allows the gap to be filled with clean machining fluid suitable for electrical discharge machining. As a result, it is possible to prevent the accuracy of electrical discharge machining from being reduced by sludge generated by electrical discharge machining. The wire guide 34 may also spray clean machining fluid that does not contain sludge toward the gap.

[0017] The workpiece W is supported by a processing table (not shown) that is movable in the X and Y directions. The wire guides 32, 34, the workpiece W, and the processing table are immersed in a processing fluid stored in a processing tank 46.

[0018] When a start hole or machining groove, which serves as the starting point for electrical discharge machining, is formed in the workpiece W, the wire electrode 12 is inserted into the start hole or machining groove and connected. In this case, the gap between the start hole or machining groove in the workpiece W and the wire electrode 12 becomes the inter-electrode gap. After the wire electrode 12 is inserted into the start hole or machining groove in the workpiece W and connected, the machining machine 10 moves the machining table (workpiece W) on a plane parallel to the XY plane while feeding the wire electrode 12 downward (in the -Z direction) toward the workpiece W. This causes the workpiece W to be machined. Connecting the wire electrode 12 means passing the wire electrode 12 wound around the wire bobbin 22 through the wire guide 32, the workpiece W, and the wire guide 34 and clamping it between the pinch roller 36 and the feed roller 38. When the wire electrode 12 is connected, a predetermined tension is applied to the wire electrode 12. The X and Y directions are perpendicular to each other, and the direction perpendicular to the XY plane (horizontal plane) is defined as the Z direction. A start hole or machining groove, which serves as the starting point for electric discharge machining, is not necessarily formed in the workpiece W. For example, machining (cutting) may start from the end face of the workpiece W. In such cases, machining may start from the end face of the workpiece W without inserting the wire electrode 12 into the start hole or machining groove.

[0019] The machining fluid treatment device 16 is a device that removes machining debris generated in the machining tank 46 and controls the quality of the machining fluid by adjusting the resistivity (electrical resistivity), temperature, etc. The machining fluid whose quality has been controlled by the machining fluid treatment device 16 is returned to the machining tank 46. At least a portion of the machining fluid returned to the machining tank 46 is sprayed from the wire guide 32 and returned to the machining tank 46. The control device 18 can control the machining machine main body 14 and the machining fluid treatment device 16.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the processing machine according to this embodiment.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the processing machine body 14 (see Figure 1) is equipped with a motor 50. The motor 50 is used to move the wire electrode 12 and the workpiece W relative to each other. The motor 50 may be, for example, a servo motor, but is not limited to this. Although multiple motors 50 are equipped in the processing machine body 14, for the sake of simplicity, only one motor 50 is shown in Figure 2.

[0022] The processing machine body 14 is further provided with a power supply unit 52. The power supply unit 52 repeatedly applies voltage pulses to the workpiece W and the wire electrode 12 based on control signals supplied from the control device 18. Note that the processing machine body 14 is also provided with components other than those mentioned above, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, but FIG. 2 shows only some of the components.

[0023] The processing machine 10 is further provided with a voltage sensor 54A. The voltage sensor 54A can detect the voltage between the machining gap (machine gap voltage). Information indicating the machine gap voltage detected by the voltage sensor 54A can be supplied to the control device 18.

[0024] The processing machine 10 is further provided with a current sensor 54B. The current sensor 54B can detect the current flowing between the workpieces. Information indicating the current detected by the current sensor 54B can be supplied to the control device 18.

[0025] The processing machine 10 is further provided with an encoder 54C. The encoder 54C is provided on the motor 50. The encoder 54C may be an absolute encoder or an incremental encoder. Information detected by the encoder 54C may be supplied to the control device 18.

[0026] The processing machine 10 is further provided with a temperature sensor 54D. The temperature sensor 54D can detect the temperature of the processing fluid. Information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 54D can be supplied to the control device 18.

[0027] The processing machine 10 is further provided with a pressure sensor 54E. The pressure sensor 54E can detect the hydraulic pressure of the processing fluid. Information indicating the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 54E can be supplied to the control device 18.

[0028] The processing machine 10 is further provided with a resistivity sensor 54F. The resistivity sensor 54F can detect the resistivity of the processing fluid. Information indicating the resistivity detected by the resistivity sensor 54F can be supplied to the control device 18.

[0029] In this way, a plurality of types of sensors 54A to 54F are provided in the processing machine 10. When describing sensors in general, the reference numeral 54 will be used, and when describing individual sensors, the reference numerals 54A to 54F will be used.

[0030] The control device 18 is responsible for overall control of the processing machine 10. The control device 18 is equipped with a calculation unit 56, a storage unit 58, and a communication unit 86. The calculation unit 56 may be configured, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The storage unit 58 is equipped, for example, with a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). Examples of the non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. Programs, data, etc. can be stored in the storage unit 58. The communication unit 86 is used to communicate with an information management device 88, an external device 90, etc., which will be described later.

[0031] The calculation unit 56 includes a processing control unit 59, an acquisition unit 60, a comparison unit 62, a determination unit 64, and a display control unit 66. When the calculation unit 56 executes a program stored in the storage unit 58, the processing control unit 59, the acquisition unit 60, the comparison unit 62, the determination unit 64, and the display control unit 66 can be realized.

[0032] The storage unit 58 includes an information storage unit 80, a table 82, and a procedure manual storage unit 84.

[0033] The information storage unit 80 can store setup information 79A to 79G (see FIG. 3) described later. When describing setup information in general, reference numeral 79 will be used, and when describing individual pieces of setup information, reference numerals 79A to 79G will be used. The information storage unit 80 can also store in-process machining information 85A to 85H (see FIG. 3) described later. When describing in-process machining information in general, reference numeral 85 will be used, and when describing individual pieces of in-process machining information, reference numerals 85A to 85H will be used. The information storage unit 80 can also store machining result information 87A to 87C (see FIG. 3) described later. When describing machining result information in general, reference numeral 87 will be used, and when describing individual pieces of machining result information, reference numerals 87A to 87C will be used.

[0034] In the table 82, as will be described later, the parts requiring maintenance or confirmation are determined according to the differences between the reference information 97A (see FIG. 6) and the comparison information 97B (see FIG. 6).

[0035] The procedure manual storage unit 84 electronically stores the procedure manual used when carrying out inspection processing.

[0036] The processing machine 10 is further provided with a display unit (display device) 68. The display unit 68 may be configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display or the like, but is not limited to this. The display unit 68 is provided with a display screen 72. The display on the display unit 68 may be controlled by the display control unit 66.

[0037] The processing machine 10 is further provided with an operation unit 70. The operation unit 70 may be configured with, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. (not shown). The touch panel may be provided on a display screen 72 of the display unit 68. The operator can give instructions to the control device 18 by operating the operation unit 70. The operator can select selection buttons, icons, etc. by operating, for example, the touch panel, the mouse, etc.

[0038] The machining control unit 59 performs electric discharge machining on the workpiece W by appropriately controlling the motor 50, power supply unit 52, etc. based on preset machining conditions, the machining program, and various information fed back by the sensor 54.

[0039] When performing inspection machining, the operator inputs setup information 79, which is information related to the setup for inspection machining. The operator inputs the setup information 79 while an operation screen for inputting the setup information 79 is displayed on the display unit 68. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen. As shown in FIG. 3, an input box (text box) 77 for inputting the setup information 79 may be displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. The operator can input the setup information 79 into the input box 77 by operating the operation unit 70. Note that, although an example in which the input box 77 is displayed is shown here, a pull-down list may also be displayed. Note that, at the stage of inputting the setup information 79, the in-process machining information 85 and the machining result information 87 have not been acquired. Therefore, at the stage of inputting the setup information 79, the in-process machining information 85 and the machining result information 87 are blank.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3 , the setup information 79 includes, for example, information 79A and 79B about the wire electrode 12 used for inspection machining. The setup information 79 also includes, for example, information 79C and 79D about the workpiece W. The setup information 79 also includes, for example, information 79E indicating a machining program used for inspection machining. The setup information 79 also includes, for example, information 79F indicating machining conditions for performing inspection machining. The setup information 79 also includes, for example, information 79G indicating a person in charge of inspection machining. The information 79A about the wire electrode 12 includes, for example, information 79A about the material of the wire electrode 12. The information 79B about the wire electrode 12 includes, for example, information 79B about the diameter of the wire electrode 12. The information 79C about the workpiece W includes, for example, information 79C about the material of the workpiece W. The information 79D about the workpiece W includes, for example, information 79D about the thickness of the workpiece W. The setup information 79 is not limited to these. As described above, the procedure manual storage unit 84 electronically stores the procedure manuals used when performing inspection processing. The operator can input the setup information 79 while referring to the procedure manuals as needed. The acquisition unit 60 can acquire the setup information 79 thus input. After completing the input of the setup information 79, the operator presses the save button 89. When the save button 89 is pressed, the acquisition unit 60 stores the acquired setup information 79 in the information storage unit 80.

[0041] On-site adjustment is performed when the processing machine 10 is installed in a factory or the like. The installation of the processing machine 10 in a factory or the like is usually performed by someone from the manufacturer of the processing machine 10. Therefore, the operator who performs the inspection work performed during on-site work is someone from the manufacturer. On the other hand, regular inspections are usually performed by the user of the processing machine 10, and no one from the manufacturer of the processing machine 10 is present.

[0042] Setups are required for both inspection and processing performed during on-site adjustments, etc. and for inspection and processing performed during regular inspections, etc. If the setup contents for regular inspections, etc. differ from the setup contents for on-site adjustments, etc., there is a risk of differences in the processing state during inspection and processing, which may ultimately affect the processed product obtained by the inspection and processing. Therefore, in order to accurately evaluate the results of regular inspections, etc., it is preferable that the setup contents for inspection and processing performed during on-site adjustments, etc. and the setup contents for inspection and processing performed during regular inspections, etc. are the same. However, differences may arise between the setup contents for inspection and processing performed during on-site adjustments, etc. and the setup contents for inspection and processing performed during regular inspections, etc.

[0043] After the setup for inspection machining is completed, inspection machining is performed. During inspection machining, the acquisition unit 60 acquires in-machining information 85. The in-machining information 85 is information indicating the machining state when inspection machining is performed on the workpiece W. The in-machining information 85 can be automatically acquired by the acquisition unit 60 based on information supplied from the various sensors 54. As shown in FIG. 3 , the in-machining information 85 includes, for example, information 85A regarding the machining voltage. The in-machining information 85 also includes, for example, information 85B regarding the machining current. The in-machining information 85 also includes, for example, information 85C regarding the machining speed. The in-machining information 85 also includes, for example, information 85D regarding the machining temperature. The in-machining information 85 also includes, for example, information 85E regarding the machining fluid pressure. The in-machining information 85 also includes, for example, information 85F regarding the resistivity. The in-machining information 85 also includes, for example, information 85G regarding the machining time. The in-machining information 85 also includes, for example, information 85H regarding the machining date and time.

[0044] The machining voltage is a voltage applied between the workpiece W and the wire electrode 12. The machining voltage can be acquired by the acquiring unit 60 based on information supplied from the voltage sensor 54A. For example, the acquiring unit 60 can acquire as the machining voltage an average voltage within a unit time when a predetermined location of the workpiece W is machined.

[0045] The machining current is a current that flows when a discharge occurs between the workpiece W and the wire electrode 12. The machining current can be acquired by the acquiring unit 60 based on information supplied from the current sensor 54B. For example, the acquiring unit 60 can acquire as the machining current an average current within a unit time when a predetermined location of the workpiece W is machined.

[0046] The machining speed is the machining speed when inspecting and machining the workpiece W. The machining speed can be acquired by the acquisition unit 60 based on information supplied from the encoder 54C. For example, the acquisition unit 60 can acquire the machining speed when machining a predetermined location of the workpiece W.

[0047] The machining temperature is the temperature of the machining liquid. The machining temperature can be acquired by the acquisition unit 60 based on information supplied from the temperature sensor 54D. For example, the acquisition unit 60 can acquire the average value of the machining temperature from the start to the end of inspection machining of the workpiece W as the machining temperature, but this is not limited to this.

[0048] The machining fluid pressure is the hydraulic pressure of the machining fluid. The machining fluid pressure can be acquired by the acquisition unit 60 based on information supplied from the pressure sensor 54E. For example, the acquisition unit 60 can acquire the average value of the machining fluid pressure from the start to the end of inspection machining of the workpiece W as the machining fluid pressure, but is not limited to this.

[0049] The resistivity is the resistivity of the machining fluid. Based on information supplied from the resistivity sensor 54F, the resistivity can be acquired by the acquiring unit 60. For example, the average value of the resistivity of the machining fluid from the start to the end of inspection machining of the workpiece W can be acquired by the acquiring unit 60 as the resistivity, but is not limited to this.

[0050] The processing time is the time required for the inspection processing of the workpiece W. The processing date and time is the date and time when the inspection processing of the workpiece W was performed. Note that the processing in progress information 85 is not limited to these. After the inspection processing is completed, the operator presses the save button 89. When the save button 89 is pressed, the acquisition unit 60 stores the acquired processing in progress information 85 in the information storage unit 80.

[0051] After the inspection processing is performed, the operator inputs processing result information 87, which is information obtained by measuring the processed product obtained by the inspection processing. The processing result information 87 is obtained by measuring the processed product obtained by the inspection processing using a measuring device. The operator inputs the processing result information 87 in a state where an operation screen for inputting the processing result information 87 is displayed on the display unit 68. As shown in FIG. 3 , an input box (text box) 95 for inputting the processing result information 87 may be displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. The operator can input the processing result information 87 into the input box 95 by operating the operation unit 70.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3 , the machining result information 87 includes information 87A related to dimensions. The machining result information 87 also includes information 87B related to straightness. The machining result information 87 also includes information 87C related to surface roughness. However, the machining result information 87 is not limited to this. Straightness is the degree of deviation of a linear object from a geometrically correct straight line. The dimensions of the workpiece can be measured using, for example, a micrometer, a non-contact three-dimensional measuring device, a contact three-dimensional measuring device (CMM: Coordinate Measuring Machine), a microscope, etc. The straightness of the workpiece can be measured using, for example, a micrometer, a non-contact three-dimensional measuring device, a contact three-dimensional measuring device, etc. The surface roughness of the workpiece can be measured using, for example, a surface roughness measuring device, etc. Here, the case where the machining result information 87 is input by the operator has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The machining result information 87 automatically supplied from a measuring device may also be acquired by the acquisition unit 60. Further, although the case where a plurality of pieces of processing result information 87 are acquired by the acquisition unit 60 has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one piece of processing result information 87 may be acquired by the acquisition unit 60. The acquisition unit 60 can acquire the processing result information 87 input in this manner. After completing the input of the processing result information 87, the operator presses the save button 89. When the save button 89 is pressed, the acquisition unit 60 stores the acquired processing result information 87 in the information storage unit 80.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information storage unit. As shown in Fig. 4, the information storage unit 80 is provided with a plurality of storage areas 81A to 81H. Fig. 4 shows an example in which eight storage areas 81A to 81H are provided. When describing the storage areas in general, reference numeral 81 is used, and when describing individual storage areas, reference numerals 81A to 81H are used. The storage area names of the storage areas 81A to 81H are, for example, memory #0 to memory #7.

[0054] The setup information 79, the in-process information 85, and the processing result information 87 acquired by the acquisition unit 60 during on-site adjustment can be stored in any one of the multiple storage areas 81 as reference information 97A (see FIG. 6).

[0055] Here, the case where information acquired during inspection processing performed in on-site adjustment is used as the reference information 97A will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use a plurality of pieces of in-process information 85 and processing result information 87 during inspection processing performed after on-site adjustment as the reference information 97A.

[0056] After the on-site adjustment, a regular inspection can be performed whenever a predetermined regular inspection time arrives. The setup information 79, the in-process information 85, and the processing result information 87 acquired by the acquisition unit 60 during the regular inspection can be stored as comparison information (comparison target information) 97B (see FIG. 6) in one of the multiple storage areas 81.

[0057] The comparison unit 62 can compare the reference information 97A with the comparison information 97B. As described above, the reference information 97A includes a plurality of pieces of setup information 79, a plurality of pieces of in-process processing information 85, and processing result information 87. Similarly to the reference information 97A, the comparison information 97B also includes a plurality of pieces of setup information 79, a plurality of pieces of in-process processing information 85, and processing result information 87. That is, the reference information 97A includes a plurality of items. Furthermore, the comparison information 97B includes a plurality of items corresponding to the plurality of items included in the reference information 97A. The comparison unit 62 can compare the content of each item of the reference information 97A with the content of each item of the comparison information 97B for each item.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display unit. As shown in FIG. 5, the display control unit 66 can display a plurality of selection buttons 92A-92H and a comparison button 94 on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. When describing the selection buttons in general, reference numeral 92 will be used, and when describing each individual selection button, reference numerals 92A-92H will be used. The selection buttons 92A-92H are used to select information stored in the memory areas 81A-81H, respectively. The memory areas 81A-81H have memory #0-memory #7 as their respective storage area names. Therefore, for example, memory #0-memory #7 may be displayed on the selection buttons 92A-92H, respectively.

[0059] The operator can select information stored in the storage area 81A by pressing the selection button 92A. Here, a case where the above-described reference information 97A is stored in the storage area 81A will be described as an example. When the selection button 92A is pressed, information for identifying the information stored in the storage area 81A, specifically, the date and time when the information was acquired, etc., can be displayed on the display screen 72. Furthermore, the operator can select information stored in the storage area 81B by pressing the selection button 92B. Here, a case where the above-described comparison information 97B is stored in the storage area 81B will be described as an example. When the selection button 92B is pressed, information for identifying the information stored in the storage area 81B, specifically, the date and time when the information was acquired, etc., can be displayed on the display screen 72. When the selection button 92 is pressed, the display control unit 66 highlights the pressed selection button 92. After pressing multiple selection buttons 92, the operator presses the comparison button 94. When the comparison button 94 is pressed, the information stored in each of the selected storage areas 81 is compared by the comparison unit 62. Here, as described above, storage area 81A and storage area 81B are selected. Therefore, the comparison unit 62 compares the information stored in storage area 81A with the information stored in storage area 81B.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the comparison results. As shown in FIG. 6, the display control unit 66 can display the comparison results obtained by the comparison unit 62 on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. FIG. 6 shows an example of a case in which the comparison results between the reference information 97A stored in the storage area 81A and the comparison information 97B stored in the storage area 81B are displayed. As described above, the storage area name of the storage area 81A in which the reference information 97A is stored is memory #0. Therefore, the storage area name 96A corresponding to the storage area 81A, memory #0, is displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. The reference information 97A stored in the storage area 81A is displayed below the storage area name 96A (memory #0). As described above, the storage area name of the storage area 81B in which the comparison information 97B is stored is memory #1. Therefore, the storage area name 96B corresponding to the storage area 81B, memory #1, is displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. Below the memory area name 96B (memory #1), the comparison information 97B stored in the memory area 81B is displayed. In this manner, the display control unit 66 can display the reference information 97A together with the comparison information 97B on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68.

[0061] The display control unit 66 can identifiably display, on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68, information in the comparison information 97B for which there is a difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B equal to or greater than the difference threshold. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the information in the comparison information 97B for which there is a difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B equal to or greater than the difference threshold is information 79C regarding the material of the workpiece W, information 79G indicating the person in charge, information 85B regarding the machining current, information 85C regarding the machining speed, information 85H regarding the machining date and time, information 87A regarding dimensions, and information 87C regarding surface roughness. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 6 , these pieces of information in the comparison information 97B are identifiably displayed. While FIG. 6 shows an example in which the information is identifiably displayed using outline characters, this is not limiting. The information may be identifiably displayed by using different colors for the characters. The information may also be identifiably displayed by flashing the characters, for example.

[0062] Note that, here, an example has been described in which information of the comparison information 97B for which there is a difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B that is equal to or greater than the difference threshold is identifiably displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68, but this is not limiting. Only information for which there is a difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B that is equal to or greater than the difference threshold may be displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. In other words, information for which there is no difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B that is equal to or greater than the difference threshold may not be displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68, and only information for which there is a difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B that is equal to or greater than the difference threshold may be displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. In this case, only information for which there is a difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B that is equal to or greater than the difference threshold is displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68, so identifiably displaying it is not necessary.

[0063] The display control unit 66 can display a radar chart showing fluctuations in the comparison information 97B relative to the reference information 97A on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing examples of radar charts. FIG. 7A shows a radar chart 96 in which each of the items p1 to p10 is 100%. The radar chart 96 corresponds to the contents of the reference information 97A. FIG. 7B shows an example of the radar chart 96 showing fluctuations in the comparison information 97B relative to the reference information 97A. p1 to p7 correspond to each item of the in-machining information 85. Specifically, p1 corresponds to, for example, the machining voltage. p2 corresponds to, for example, the machining current. p3 corresponds to, for example, the machining speed. p4 corresponds to, for example, the machining temperature. p5 corresponds to, for example, the machining fluid pressure. p6 corresponds to, for example, the resistivity. p7 corresponds to, for example, the machining time. p8 to p10 correspond to each item of the machining result information 87. Specifically, p8 corresponds to, for example, the dimension, p9 corresponds to, for example, the straightness, and p10 corresponds to the surface roughness.

[0064] For example, if the fluctuation in the machining voltage is less than ±1%, p1 is not reduced. That is, if the fluctuation in the machining voltage is less than ±1%, p1 is set to 100%. If the fluctuation in the machining voltage is greater than ±1% but less than ±2%, p1 is reduced by, for example, A1% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in the machining voltage is greater than ±2% but less than ±3%, p1 is reduced by, for example, A2% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in the machining voltage is greater than ±3% but less than ±4%, p1 is reduced by, for example, A3% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in the machining voltage is greater than ±4%, p1 is reduced by, for example, A4% relative to 100%. A2 is greater than A1, A3 is greater than A2, and A4 is greater than A3.

[0065] For example, if the fluctuation in the machining current is, for example, less than ±1%, p2 is not reduced. If the fluctuation in the machining current is, for example, ±1% or more but less than ±2%, p2 is reduced by, for example, B1% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in the machining current is, for example, ±3% or more but less than ±3%, p2 is reduced by, for example, B2% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in the machining current is, for example, ±3% or more but less than ±4%, p2 is reduced by, for example, B3% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in the machining current is, for example, ±4% or more, p2 is reduced by, for example, B4% relative to 100%. B2 is greater than B1, B3 is greater than B2, and B4 is greater than B3.

[0066] For example, if the fluctuation in the processing speed is less than ±2%, p3 is not reduced. If the fluctuation in the processing speed is, for example, ±2% or more but less than ±4%, p3 is reduced by, for example, C1% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in the processing speed is, for example, ±4% or more but less than ±6%, p3 is reduced by, for example, C2% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in the processing speed is, for example, ±6% or more but less than ±8%, p3 is reduced by, for example, C3% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in the processing speed is, for example, ±8% or more, p3 is reduced by, for example, C4% relative to 100%. C2 is greater than C1, C3 is greater than C2, and C4 is greater than C3.

[0067] For example, if the fluctuation in processing temperature is, for example, less than ±1%, p4 is not reduced. If the fluctuation in processing temperature is, for example, ±1% or more and less than ±2%, p4 is reduced by, for example, D1% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in processing temperature is, for example, ±2% or more and less than ±3%, p4 is reduced by, for example, D2% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in processing temperature is, for example, ±3% or more and less than ±4%, p4 is reduced by, for example, D3% relative to 100%. Processing warm If the degree of variation is, for example, ±4% or more, p4 is reduced by, for example, D4% relative to 100%. D2 is greater than D1, D3 is greater than D2, and D4 is greater than D3.

[0068] For example, if the fluctuation in machining fluid pressure is less than ±2%, p5 is not reduced. If the fluctuation in machining fluid pressure is, for example, ±2% or more but less than ±4%, p5 is reduced by, for example, E1% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in machining fluid pressure is, for example, ±4% or more but less than ±6%, p5 is reduced by, for example, E2% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in machining fluid pressure is, for example, ±6% or more but less than ±8%, p5 is reduced by, for example, E3% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in machining fluid pressure is, for example, ±8% or more, p5 is reduced by, for example, E4% relative to 100%. E2 is greater than E1, E3 is greater than E2, and E4 is greater than E3.

[0069] For example, if the fluctuation in resistivity of the machining fluid is less than ±3%, p6 is not reduced. If the fluctuation in resistivity of the machining fluid is, for example, ±3% or more but less than ±6%, p6 is reduced by, for example, F1% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in resistivity of the machining fluid is, for example, ±6% or more but less than ±9%, p6 is reduced by, for example, F2% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in resistivity of the machining fluid is, for example, ±9% or more but less than ±12%, p6 is reduced by, for example, F3% relative to 100%. If the fluctuation in resistivity of the machining fluid is, for example, ±12% or more, p6 is reduced by, for example, F4% relative to 100%. F2 is greater than F1, F3 is greater than F2, and F4 is greater than F3.

[0070] For example, if the variation in processing time is less than ±1%, p7 is not reduced. If the variation in processing time is, for example, ±1% or more but less than ±2%, p7 is reduced by, for example, G1% relative to 100%. If the variation in processing time is, for example, ±2% or more but less than ±3%, p7 is reduced by, for example, G2% relative to 100%. If the variation in processing time is, for example, ±3% or more but less than ±4%, p7 is reduced by, for example, G3% relative to 100%. If the variation in processing time is, for example, ±4% or more, p7 is reduced by, for example, G4% relative to 100%. G2 is greater than G1, G3 is greater than G2, and G4 is greater than G3.

[0071] For example, if the dimensional variation is less than ±1%, p8 is not reduced. If the dimensional variation is, for example, ±1% or more but less than ±2%, p8 is reduced by, for example, H1% relative to 100%. If the dimensional variation is, for example, ±2% or more but less than ±3%, p8 is reduced by, for example, H2% relative to 100%. If the dimensional variation is, for example, ±3% or more but less than ±4%, p8 is reduced by, for example, H3% relative to 100%. If the dimensional variation is, for example, ±4% or more, p8 is reduced by, for example, H4% relative to 100%. H2 is greater than H1, H3 is greater than H2, and H4 is greater than H3.

[0072] For example, if the variation in straightness is less than ±1%, p9 is not reduced. If the variation in straightness is, for example, ±1% or more and less than ±2%, p9 is reduced by, for example, I1% relative to 100%. If the variation in straightness is, for example, ±2% or more and less than ±3%, p9 is reduced by, for example, I2% relative to 100%. If the variation in straightness is, for example, ±3% or more and less than ±4%, p9 is reduced by, for example, I3% relative to 100%. If the variation in straightness is, for example, ±4% or more, p9 is reduced by, for example, I4% relative to 100%. I2 is greater than I1, I3 is greater than I2, and I4 is greater than I3.

[0073] For example, if the variation in surface roughness is less than ±1%, p10 is not reduced. If the variation in surface roughness is, for example, ±1% or more but less than ±2%, p10 is reduced by, for example, J1% relative to 100%. If the variation in surface roughness is, for example, ±2% or more but less than ±3%, p10 is reduced by, for example, J2% relative to 100%. If the variation in surface roughness is, for example, ±3% or more but less than ±4%, p10 is reduced by, for example, J3% relative to 100%. If the variation in surface roughness is, for example, ±4% or more, p10 is reduced by, for example, J4% relative to 100%. J2 is greater than J1, J3 is greater than J2, and J4 is greater than J3.

[0074] It is possible to grasp which items have substantial differences based on the radar chart 96. Furthermore, it is possible to grasp the degree of difference that has occurred in each item based on the radar chart 96.

[0075] In the above, when the fluctuation of the value of a certain item is within a certain range, p1 to p10 are reduced by a predetermined amount relative to the range, but the present invention is not limited to this. The fluctuation of the value of each item may be expressed as it is in a radar chart.

[0076] The comparison unit 62 can calculate the similarity based on the comparison between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B. The similarity Y can be calculated, for example, by the following formula (1).

[0077] Y[%]=100-(A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H+I+J) ···(1)

[0078] A corresponds to the decrease in p1 described above. B corresponds to the decrease in p2 described above. C corresponds to the decrease in p3 described above. D corresponds to the decrease in p4 described above. E corresponds to the decrease in p5 described above. F corresponds to the decrease in p6 described above. G corresponds to the decrease in p7 described above. H corresponds to the decrease in p8 described above. I corresponds to the decrease in p9 described above. J corresponds to the decrease in p10 described above. Note that if A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H+I+J≧100, then Y=0.

[0079] The display control unit 66 can display the similarity calculated by the comparison unit 62 as described above on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of how the similarity is displayed. FIG. 8 shows an example where the similarity is 95%. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the similarity is displayed on a pop-up screen 98. A close button 100 can be displayed on the pop-up screen 98. When the close button 100 is pressed, the display control unit 66 terminates the display of the pop-up screen 98.

[0080] As described above, the storage unit 58 includes the table 82. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the table. The table 82 identifies areas requiring maintenance or inspection based on the differences between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B. The determination unit 64 can determine the areas requiring maintenance or inspection based on the differences between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B and the table 82. The display control unit 66 can display information indicating the areas requiring maintenance or inspection on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68 based on the determination result by the determination unit 64. For example, if the difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B is a machining current, there is a possibility that the wiring has deteriorated. Therefore, if the difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B is a current, the table 82 lists, for example, wiring as the area requiring maintenance or inspection. If the difference between the reference information 97A and the comparison information 97B is, for example, a machining current, the table 82 identifies, for example, wiring as the area requiring maintenance or inspection, which can facilitate maintenance, etc.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 2 , the control device 18 can communicate with an information management device 88 via a communication unit 86. The information management device 88 manages information supplied from multiple processing machines 10. Information indicating the comparison results, etc. can be transmitted to an external device 90 via the communication unit 86 and the information management device 88. Communication between the information management device 88 and the external device 90 can be performed via a network 93 such as the Internet. The external device 90 is, for example, a device of a company that provides maintenance services for the processing machine 10. In other words, the external device 90 is, for example, a device of a support destination 91. Examples of the external device 90 include, but are not limited to, a server, a mobile terminal, a personal computer, etc. Examples of the mobile terminal include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0082] Next, the operation of the processing machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processing machine according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 shows the operation during inspection processing that is performed after inspection processing in which reference information 97A was acquired. The reference information 97A has already been stored in the information storage unit 80.

[0083] In step S1, setup for inspection machining is performed. During setup, setup information 79 is input by the operator. The acquisition unit 60 acquires the setup information 79 input by the operator and stores the acquired setup information 79 in the information storage unit 80. After this, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0084] In step S2, inspection processing is performed. The inspection processing can be started by the operator pressing a start switch or the like (not shown). A plurality of pieces of in-process processing information 85 indicating the processing state when inspection processing is performed on the workpiece W are acquired by the acquisition unit 60. The acquisition unit 60 stores the acquired in-process processing information 85 in the information storage unit 80. After this, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0085] In step S3, the workpiece obtained by inspection processing is measured using a measuring device. Processing result information 87 obtained by measuring the workpiece is input by the operator. The acquisition unit 60 acquires the processing result information 87 input by the operator and stores the acquired processing result information 87 in the information storage unit 80. In this way, the setup information 79, the in-process processing information 85, and the processing result information 87 are stored in the information storage unit 80 as comparison information 97B. After this, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0086] In step S4, the comparison unit 62 compares the comparison information 97B with the reference information 97A, and then the process proceeds to step S5.

[0087] In step S5, the display control unit 66 displays the comparison result by the comparison unit 62 on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. In this way, the processing shown in FIG.

[0088] As described above, according to the present embodiment, information including a plurality of pieces of in-process information 85 indicating the processing state when inspection processing is performed on the workpiece W, and processing result information 87 obtained by measuring the workpiece obtained by inspection processing, is stored as reference information 97A in the storage unit 58. Then, comparison information 97B including a plurality of pieces of in-process information 85 and processing result information 87 in inspection processing performed after the inspection processing from which the reference information 97A was obtained is acquired by the acquisition unit 60. Then, the comparison result between the comparison information 97B and the reference information 97A is displayed on the display screen 72 of the display unit 68. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the results of periodic inspections, etc. can be accurately evaluated.

[0089] [Modified embodiment] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0090] For example, in the above embodiment, the processing machine 10 is described as a wire electric discharge machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any processing machine 10. For example, the processing machine 10 may be a cutting machine or the like.

[0091] The above embodiment can be summarized as follows.

[0092] The processing machine (10) is a processing machine that processes a workpiece (W) and includes an information storage unit (80) that stores, as reference information (97A), information including a plurality of in-process information (85A-85H) indicating the processing state when inspection processing is performed on the workpiece and processing result information (87A-87C) obtained by measuring the workpiece obtained by the inspection processing, an acquisition unit (60) that acquires comparison information (97B) including a plurality of in-process information and processing result information in the inspection processing performed after the inspection processing for which the reference information was acquired, a comparison unit (62) that compares the comparison information with the reference information, and a display control unit (66) that displays the comparison result by the comparison unit on a display unit (68). This configuration allows the results of periodic inspections, etc. to be accurately evaluated.

[0093] The display control unit may display at least information in which a difference between the reference information and the comparison information is equal to or greater than a difference threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to easily grasp a significant difference between information acquired during on-site adjustment or the like and information acquired during periodic inspection or the like.

[0094] The display control unit may display the comparison information and distinguishably display information among the comparison information in which a difference between the reference information and the comparison information is equal to or greater than a difference threshold. With this configuration, since the distinguishable display is performed, it is possible to more easily grasp a significant difference between information acquired during on-site adjustment or the like and information acquired during periodic inspection or the like.

[0095] The display control unit may display the reference information together with the comparison information. With this configuration, it is possible to easily understand information acquired during on-site adjustment or the like and information acquired during periodic inspection or the like.

[0096] The display control unit may display a radar chart (96) showing the fluctuation of the comparison information relative to the reference information. With this configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the fluctuation of information acquired during periodic inspections or the like relative to information acquired during on-site adjustments or the like.

[0097] The comparison unit may calculate a similarity based on a comparison between the reference information and the comparison information, and the display control unit may display the similarity calculated by the comparison unit. With this configuration, it is possible to grasp, in numerical form, the degree of similarity between information acquired during on-site adjustment or the like and information acquired during periodic inspection or the like.

[0098] The device may further include a table (82) that determines locations requiring maintenance or checkup according to differences between the reference information and the comparison information, and a determination unit (64) that determines locations requiring maintenance or checkup based on the differences between the reference information and the comparison information and the table, and the display control unit may display information indicating the locations requiring maintenance or checkup based on the determination result by the determination unit. With this configuration, it is possible to easily identify locations requiring maintenance or checkup.

[0099] The reference information may be information acquired during on-site adjustment, and the comparison information may be information acquired during regular inspection.

[0100] The information during machining may include at least one of information regarding machining voltage (85A), information regarding machining current (85B), information regarding machining speed (85C), information regarding machining temperature (85D), information regarding machining fluid pressure (85E), information regarding resistivity (85F), information regarding machining time (85G), and information regarding machining date and time (85H).

[0101] The processing result information may include at least one of information about dimensions (87A), information about straightness (87B), and information about surface roughness (87C).

[0102] The reference information and the comparison information may each include setup information (79A to 79G) that is information related to the setup for the inspection processing. With this configuration, it is possible to clearly understand the difference between the setup for on-site adjustment and the setup for regular inspection.

[0103] The setup information may include at least one of information (79A, 79B) regarding the wire electrode (12) used for the inspection processing, information (79C, 79D) regarding the workpiece, information (79E) indicating the processing program used for the inspection processing, information (79F) indicating the processing conditions when performing the inspection processing, and information (79G) indicating the person in charge of the inspection processing.

[0104] The system may further include a communication unit 86 that transmits the comparison results to the information management device 88 or the device 90 of the support destination 91. With this configuration, the comparison results can be easily understood in the information management device or the device of the support destination.

[0105] The machine may further include a procedure manual storage unit (84) for electronically storing a procedure manual to be used when carrying out the inspection processing. With this configuration, the inspection processing setup can be carried out while easily referring to the procedure manual.

[0106] The machine may be a wire electric discharge machine.

Claims

1. A processing machine that processes an object to be processed, an information storage unit that stores, as reference information, information including a plurality of pieces of in-process information indicating a processing state when inspection processing is performed on the processing object and processing result information obtained by measuring the processed object obtained by the inspection processing; an acquisition unit that acquires comparison information including a plurality of pieces of in-process information and processing result information in the inspection processing performed after the inspection processing from which the reference information was acquired; a comparison unit that compares the comparison information with the reference information; a display control unit that displays the comparison result by the comparison unit on a display unit; Equipped with The reference information is acquired during the inspection and processing performed during on-site adjustment, or during the inspection and processing performed after the on-site adjustment, The comparison information is acquired during the inspection process performed during a periodic inspection, The comparison unit compares the in-process information included in the comparison information with the in-process information included in the reference information, or compares the processing result information included in the comparison information with the processing result information included in the reference information, The display control unit displays the comparison information and distinguishes and displays information among the comparison information in which a difference between the reference information and the comparison information is equal to or greater than a difference threshold.

2. The processing machine according to claim 1, The display control unit displays at least information in which a difference equal to or greater than the difference threshold occurs between the reference information and the comparison information.

3. The processing machine according to claim 1, The display control unit displays the reference information together with the comparison information.

4. The processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The display control unit displays a radar chart showing fluctuations of the comparison information relative to the reference information.

5. The processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the comparison unit calculates a similarity based on a comparison between the reference information and the comparison information; The display control unit displays the similarity calculated by the comparison unit.

6. The processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a table that determines locations requiring maintenance or confirmation according to differences between the reference information and the comparison information; a determination unit that determines the location requiring maintenance or confirmation based on a difference between the reference information and the comparison information and the table; The display control unit displays information indicating the location requiring maintenance or confirmation based on the determination result by the determination unit.

7. The processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The processing information includes at least one of information related to processing voltage, information related to processing current, information related to processing speed, information related to processing temperature, information related to processing fluid pressure, information related to resistivity, information related to processing time, and information related to processing date and time.

8. The processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The processing machine, wherein the processing result information includes at least one of information regarding dimensions, information regarding straightness, and information regarding surface roughness.

9. The processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The processing machine, wherein the reference information and the comparison information each include setup information that is information regarding setup for the inspection processing.

10. 10. The processing machine according to claim 9, The setup information includes at least one of information regarding the wire electrode used for the inspection processing, information regarding the object to be processed, information indicating the processing program used for the inspection processing, information indicating the processing conditions when performing the inspection processing, and information indicating the person in charge of the inspection processing.

11. The processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The processing machine further comprises a communication unit that transmits the comparison result to an information management device or a device at a support destination.

12. The processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The processing machine further comprises a procedure manual storage unit that electronically stores a procedure manual used when performing the inspection processing.

13. The processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The machine is a wire electric discharge machine.

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