Information processing device, machine tool control device, and computer program

Abstract

The present invention provides a technique for reducing the workload of a machine tool user selecting one specific shaft to oscillate during processing. Provided is a machine tool control device 1, the machine tool performing oscillating cutting by oscillating only one specific shaft, said machine tool control device 1 comprising: an oscillation shaft selection unit 13 for selecting one specific shaft from among a plurality of feed shafts as an oscillation shaft when performing oscillating cutting by oscillating only one specific shaft, or not selecting any shaft as a shaft to be oscillated, on the basis of tool shape data whereby a tool shape can be recognized, positional relationship data of the relative positional relationship between a workpiece and a tool, or used tool data whereby a tool to be used can be specified, and movement data for moving the workpiece and the tool relative to each other; and an oscillation operation control unit 14 for performing control so as to oscillate the one specific shaft selected by the oscillation shaft selection unit, or performing control so as not to oscillate any feed shaft, on the basis of a processing condition and the selection result from the oscillation shaft selection unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control device for a machine tool, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been known that when cutting a workpiece using a cutting tool, chips that are continuously generated can become entangled in the cutting tool, causing machining defects and machine tool failures. In response to this, swing cutting has been proposed, in which the cutting tool and the workpiece are swung relative to each other while cutting, thereby shredding the chips. In swing cutting, the cutting tool and the workpiece are typically swung relative to each other in a direction along the machining path.

[0003] For example, if the workpiece has a tapered or arcuate shape, multiple feed axes (e.g., Z-axis and X-axis) are required to feed the cutting tool or workpiece in the direction along the machining path. In this case, the load on the machine tool increases because multiple axes are oscillated simultaneously. Therefore, a technology has been proposed that can reduce the load on the machine tool while still achieving chip shredding by changing the oscillation direction from the direction along the machining path to a direction different from that at the tapered portion of the workpiece (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of conventional oscillating cutting. In this example, cutting is performed by moving a tool T by a feed axis in a feed direction along the generatrix of the outer peripheral surface of a workpiece W rotated by a spindle S. When cutting a tapered portion W1 of the workpiece W with the tool T as shown in FIG. 32, the oscillation direction of a current pass relative to a previous pass is changed from a direction along the machining path to a direction different from this. For example, the oscillation direction is changed from the direction along the machining path indicated by the black arrow in FIG. 32 to a different oscillation direction indicated by the white arrow, in which the oscillation component in the Z-axis direction increases while the vibration component in the X-axis direction decreases.

[0005] However, in the example shown in Fig. 32, the swing component in the Z-axis direction increases while the swing component in the X-axis direction decreases due to the change in swing direction, and the load on the machine tool can be sufficiently reduced only when the inertia of the machine tool in the X-axis direction is much greater than the inertia in the Z-axis direction. In other words, with the above-mentioned conventional swing cutting, the effect of reducing the load on the machine tool depends on the configuration of the machine tool.

[0006] In response to this, a technology has been proposed that oscillates only one specific axis, rather than oscillating multiple feed axes. Since oscillating only one specific axis in this way is easy to control, it is said that it can reduce the load on the machine tool and keep control costs down. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6763917 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, when only one specific axis is oscillated, whether chip shredding is possible or not depends on which axis is oscillated. However, in conventional technology, the axis to be oscillated is determined empirically by the machine tool user during machining, which places a heavy workload on the user.

[0009] Therefore, a technology is desired that can reduce the workload during machining for machine tool users who select a specific axis to oscillate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device including: an oscillation axis selection unit that selects a specific axis from among a plurality of feed axes as an oscillation axis when performing oscillation cutting by oscillating only one specific axis, or selects no axis as the axis to be oscillated, based on tool shape data that allows the tool shape to be recognized, relative positional relationship data between a workpiece and a tool, or tool-use data that allows the tool to be specified, and movement data that moves the workpiece and the tool relatively; and an output unit that outputs the selection result of the oscillation axis selection unit.

[0011] Furthermore, a second aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a machine tool that performs swing cutting by swinging only one specific axis, the control device for a machine tool comprising: an swing axis selection unit that selects one specific axis from multiple feed axes as the swing axis when performing swing cutting by swinging only one specific axis based on tool shape data that can recognize the tool shape, data on the relative positional relationship between the workpiece and the tool, or tool use data that can identify the tool to be used, and movement data that moves the workpiece and the tool relatively; and an swing operation control unit that controls the one specific axis selected by the swing axis selection unit to swing, or controls neither feed axis to swing, based on machining conditions and the selection result of the swing axis selection unit.

[0012] Furthermore, a third aspect of the present disclosure is a computer program for causing a computer to execute an oscillation axis selection step of selecting a specific axis from among a plurality of feed axes as an oscillation axis when performing oscillation cutting by oscillating only one specific axis, or selecting no axis as the axis to be oscillated, based on tool shape data that allows the tool shape to be recognized, data on the relative positional relationship between the workpiece and the tool, or tool-use data that allows the tool to be specified, and movement data that moves the workpiece and the tool relatively. An output step of outputting the selection result of the oscillation axis selection step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the workload during machining on a machine tool user who selects a specific axis to oscillate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a control device for a machine tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing movement directions 1 to 8 of a tool. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing cutting edge directions A to H of a tool. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the tool in cutting edge direction C. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the tool in the cutting edge direction H. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing relative positional relationship data between a workpiece and a tool. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the outer diameter machining of a workpiece. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing inner diameter machining of a workpiece. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing cutting processing in the case of tool movement direction 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing cutting processing in the case of tool movement direction 3. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing cutting processing in the case of a cutting edge direction C of a tool and a movement direction 2. FIG. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation in the cutting process of FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram showing cutting processing in the case of a cutting edge direction H of a tool and a movement direction 3. FIG. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are diagrams showing Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation in the cutting process of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a swing axis capable of cutting chips is selected based on the cutting edge direction and movement direction of the tool. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram showing how swinging is stopped when there is no swing axis capable of shredding chips based on the cutting edge direction and movement direction of the tool. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing outer diameter machining when the tool shape is unknown. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing inner diameter machining when the tool shape is unknown. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram showing outer diameter machining in the case of tool movement direction 2. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing inner diameter machining in the case of tool movement direction 3. [Figure 21] 10 is a diagram showing Z-axis swing or X-axis swing when the tool cutting edge direction is D in the case where the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining in the tool movement direction 2. FIG. [Figure 22] 10 is a diagram showing Z-axis swing or X-axis swing when the tool cutting edge direction is H in the case where the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining in the tool movement direction 2. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a diagram showing Z-axis swing or X-axis swing when the tool cutting edge direction is B in the case where the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining in the tool movement direction 2. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a diagram showing Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation in the case where the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining in the tool movement direction 2 and the tool cutting edge direction is G. FIG. [Figure 25] 10 is a diagram showing Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation in the case of tool cutting edge direction C when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining in tool movement direction 2. FIG. [Figure 26] 10 is a diagram showing Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation in the case of tool cutting edge direction C when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining in tool movement direction 3. FIG. [Figure 27] 10 is a diagram showing Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation in the case where the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining in the tool movement direction 3 and the tool cutting edge direction is G. FIG. [Figure 28] 10 is a diagram showing Z-axis swing or X-axis swing when the tool tip direction is B in the case where the tool shape (tip direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining in the tool movement direction 3. FIG. [Figure 29] 10 is a diagram showing Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation in the case where the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining in the tool movement direction 3 and the tool cutting edge direction is F. FIG. [Figure 30]10 is a diagram showing Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation when the tool cutting edge direction is A in the case where the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining in the tool movement direction 3. FIG. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each tool with tool numbers 1 to 3. [Figure 32] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of conventional swing cutting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a machine tool control device 1 according to this embodiment. The machine tool control device 1 according to this embodiment cuts a workpiece using a cutting tool (hereinafter referred to as the tool) by operating at least one spindle that rotates the tool and the workpiece relative to each other, and at least one feed axis that moves the tool relative to the workpiece. For convenience, only a motor 3 that drives one feed axis is shown in Figure 1.

[0017] The machine tool control device 1 according to this embodiment performs oscillating cutting by operating the spindle and feed axis. That is, the machine tool control device 1 performs cutting while rotating the tool and workpiece relative to each other and oscillating the tool and workpiece relative to each other. The tool path, which is the trajectory of the tool, is set so that the current path partially overlaps the previous path, and the portion already machined on the previous path is included in the current path. This causes an air cut, in which the cutting edge of the tool separates from the surface of the workpiece, ensuring that chips continuously produced by cutting are shredded.

[0018] The shape of the workpiece is not limited in the swing cutting performed in this embodiment. That is, it can be applied to cases where the workpiece has a tapered or arc-shaped portion on the machining surface, requiring multiple feed axes (Z-axis and X-axis), or to cases where the workpiece is columnar or cylindrical and only one specific feed axis (Z-axis) is sufficient.

[0019] The machine tool control device 1 is configured using a computer that includes, for example, memories such as a ROM (read only memory) and a RAM (random access memory), a CPU (control processing unit), and a communication control unit, all connected via a bus. As shown in Fig. 1, the machine tool control device 1 includes a setting input unit 11, a holding unit 12, a swing axis selection unit 13, a swing operation control unit 14, and a storage unit 15, and the functions and operations of these units can be achieved by cooperation between the CPU and memory installed in the computer and a control program stored in the memory.

[0020] Furthermore, a host computer (not shown), such as a CNC (Computer Numerical Controller) or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), is connected to the machine tool control device 1. From these host computers, machining conditions such as rotation speed and feed rate, and oscillation conditions such as oscillation amplitude and oscillation frequency, as well as machining programs, are input to the machine tool control device 1.

[0021] The setting input unit 11 sets and inputs the result of a determination made in advance, in accordance with each combination of the tool shape data, the positional relationship data, or the tool-in-use data and the movement data, whether to select a specific axis from among a plurality of feed axes as an oscillating axis when performing oscillating cutting, or whether to select no axis as an oscillating axis. The setting input unit 11 sets and inputs the result of the determination, for example, in response to a user operation.

[0022] The storage unit 12 stores the determination results obtained by determining in advance whether to select a specific axis from among a plurality of feed axes as an oscillation axis when performing oscillation cutting by oscillating only one specific axis, or whether to select no axis as an axis to be oscillated, in accordance with each combination of tool shape data, positional relationship data, or tool use data, and movement data. That is, the storage unit 12 stores the determination results set and input by the setting input unit 11.

[0023] Next, each of the movement data, tool shape data, positional relationship data, and tool use data will be described in detail.

[0024] The movement data is data for moving the workpiece and the tool relative to one another. Specifically, the movement data can be acquired from the machining program input from the host computer. However, the source from which the movement data is acquired is not limited to the machining program, and any data from which movement data such as machining conditions input to the control device 1 of the machine tool can be acquired can be used. The movement direction of the tool can be acquired from this movement data.

[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in each of the drawings from FIG. 7 onwards, cutting is performed by moving a tool T by a feed axis relative to a workpiece W rotated by a spindle S. The central axis of the workpiece W is defined as the Z axis, and the direction perpendicular to the Z axis is defined as the X axis. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and cutting may be performed by moving the workpiece W in the feed direction relative to the tool T while the tool T rotates around the central axis of the workpiece W.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing movement directions 1 to 8 of the tool T. As shown in FIG. 2, there are eight movement directions of the tool T. Specifically, the movement direction of the tool T is divided into eight movement directions 1 to 8 based on a combination of an increase or decrease in the X-axis coordinate value and an increase or decrease in the Z-axis coordinate value. Movement direction 1 is a direction in which both the X-axis coordinate value and the Z-axis coordinate value increase. Movement direction 2 is a direction in which the X-axis coordinate value increases and the Z-axis coordinate value decreases. Movement direction 3 is a direction in which both the X-axis coordinate value and the Z-axis coordinate value decrease. Movement direction 4 is a direction in which the X-axis coordinate value decreases and the Z-axis coordinate value increases. Furthermore, movement direction 5 is a direction in which the X-axis coordinate value remains constant (stationary) and the Z-axis coordinate value increases. Movement direction 6 is a direction in which the X-axis coordinate value increases and the Z-axis coordinate value remains constant (stationary). Movement direction 7 is a direction in which the X-axis coordinate value remains constant (stationary) and the Z-axis coordinate value decreases. Movement direction 8 is a direction in which the X-axis coordinate value decreases and the Z-axis coordinate value remains constant (stationary). In this way, the tool T moves in any one of the movement directions 1 to 8.

[0027] Tool shape data is data that allows the tool shape to be recognized. Specifically, the tool shape data can be acquired, for example, from a machining program input from the above-mentioned host computer. The tool shape data includes at least information on the cutting edge direction of the tool T, such as the cutting edge angle of the tool T. The cutting edge angle of the tool T is the angle from the Z-axis direction, which is the central axis direction of the workpiece W, to the flank face of the tool T, and the flank face refers to the surface of the cutting edge of the tool T that faces the workpiece W and is also the surface in the machining direction. This cutting edge angle is set to a desired angle in advance for each of the multiple tools T.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing cutting edge directions A to H of tool T. As shown in FIG. 3, there are eight different cutting edge directions of tool T. Specifically, cutting edge directions A to H of tool T correspond to the above-mentioned moving directions 1 to 8 of tool T. That is, cutting edge direction A of tool T corresponds to moving direction 1, cutting edge direction B corresponds to moving direction 2, cutting edge direction C corresponds to moving direction 3, and cutting edge direction D corresponds to moving direction 4. Furthermore, cutting edge direction E of tool T corresponds to moving direction 5, cutting edge direction F corresponds to moving direction 6, cutting edge direction G corresponds to moving direction 7, and cutting edge direction H corresponds to moving direction 8. In this way, the cutting edge of tool T faces in any of cutting edge directions A to H.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing tool T with cutting edge direction C. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing tool T with cutting edge direction H. As shown in these figures, tool T can be set to any of the eight cutting edge directions described above, and the cutting edge direction of tool T has a significant effect on whether chips can be shredded during oscillating cutting. Therefore, the cutting edge direction of tool T is used to determine whether chips can be shredded.

[0030] The positional relationship data indicates the relative positional relationship between the workpiece W and the tool T. Specifically, the positional relationship data can be obtained, for example, from a machining program input from the above-mentioned host computer. From this positional relationship data, information on whether the machining is for outer diameter machining or inner diameter machining can be obtained.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing relative positional relationship data between the workpiece W and the tool T. G40, G41, and G42 shown in FIG. 6 are all G codes related to cutter radius compensation, and the relative positional relationship between the workpiece W and the tool T can be obtained from these G codes. Specifically, G40 is a G code for cutter radius compensation cancellation, and in this case, the tool T moves along the programmed path. In contrast, G41 is a G code for cutter radius compensation left. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, it can be seen that the tool T is offset by a command value from the programmed path to the side where the workpiece W is not located, and moves to the left in the direction of travel, and the workpiece W is positioned to the right in the direction of travel. Furthermore, G42 is a G code for cutter radius compensation right. In this case, it can be seen that the tool T is offset by a command value from the programmed path to the side where the workpiece W is not located, and moves to the right in the direction of travel, and the workpiece W is positioned to the left in the direction of travel.

[0032] Therefore, for example, it is possible to obtain relative positional relationship data between the workpiece W and the tool T from the G code in the machining program input to the control device 1 of the machine tool. Specifically, when the G code is G41, the positional relationship data for inner diameter machining shown in Fig. 8 is obtained as the relative positional relationship between the workpiece W and the tool T. Also, when the G code is G42, the positional relationship data for outer diameter machining shown in Fig. 7 is obtained as the relative positional relationship between the workpiece W and the tool T.

[0033] The tool-usage data is data that can identify the tool to be used. Specifically, the tool-usage data is, for example, data that indicates the tool number of the tool to be used. The tool-usage data can be obtained, for example, from the machining program input from the above-mentioned host computer.

[0034] Next, the above-mentioned determination results that are inputted into the setting input unit 11 and stored in the storage unit 12 will be described in detail.

[0035] The above judgment result is a judgment result as to whether to select a specific axis as the swing axis when swinging only one specific axis among the multiple feed axes to perform swing cutting, or whether to select no axis as the swing axis. This judgment result is obtained by making a judgment in advance for each combination of the above-mentioned tool shape data, positional relationship data, or tool-in-use data and movement data.

[0036] The above-mentioned judgment result is based on whether or not continuously generated chips can be shredded. That is, the above-mentioned judgment result is a judgment result in which whether or not chip shredding is possible is determined in advance for each combination of tool shape data, positional relationship data, or tool use data, and movement data, and based on the judgment result, when performing swing cutting by swinging only one specific axis among multiple feed axes, the specific axis is selected as the swing axis, or no axis is selected as the swing axis.

[0037] Here, the determination of whether chip shredding is possible is affected by oscillation conditions such as oscillation amplitude and oscillation frequency. Therefore, in the determination of whether chip shredding is possible, when a specific axis is oscillated, it is determined whether chip shredding is possible when the oscillation amplitude is, for example, of an arbitrary size. In other words, if chip shredding is possible by using an arbitrary oscillation amplitude, it is determined that chip shredding is possible, but if an oscillation amplitude that allows chip shredding cannot be found even when the oscillation amplitude is changed, it is determined that chip shredding is impossible.

[0038] The above-mentioned judgment results are set and input by the setting and input unit 11 as, for example, table data, and are stored by the storage unit 12. That is, the table data includes table data of judgment results corresponding to each combination of tool shape data and movement data (see Table 1 described later), table data of judgment results corresponding to each combination of positional relationship data and movement data (see Table 2 described later), and table data of judgment results corresponding to each combination of tool use data and movement data (see Table 3 described later). However, the judgment results are not limited to table data, and any data format is possible.

[0039] Returning to Fig. 1, the oscillation axis selection unit 13 selects one specific axis as the oscillation axis, or does not select any axis as the axis to be oscillated, based on the above-mentioned determination result held in the holding unit 12. In other words, the oscillation axis selection unit 13 can automatically select one specific axis to be oscillated, or can automatically not select any axis as the axis to be oscillated, based on the above-mentioned determination result held in the holding unit 12.

[0040] This allows the swing axis selector 13 to select, for example, a specific axis that has the highest possibility of shredding the chips as the swing axis. The highest possibility of shredding the chips does not necessarily mean that the probability of shredding is 100%, but also includes cases where the probability is less than 100%. Alternatively, if there is no axis that can shred the chips, or if the possibility of shredding the chips is not 100%, the swing axis selector 13 can select no axis as the axis to swing. The selection of the swing axis by the swing axis selector 13 will be described in detail later.

[0041] The memory unit 15 stores machining conditions for the workpiece W, etc. The machining conditions for the workpiece W include the relative rotational speed of the workpiece W and the tool T about the central axis of the workpiece W, the relative feed speed of the tool T and the workpiece W, and a position command for the feed axis. The memory unit 15 may be configured to store a machining program to be executed by the machine tool, and the CPU in the control device 1 of the machine tool reads out the rotational speed and feed speed from the machining program as machining conditions and outputs them to the swing motion control unit 14. Furthermore, the memory unit 15 and a position command creation unit in the swing motion control unit 14, which will be described later, etc., may be provided in the above-mentioned higher-level computer.

[0042] The swing operation control unit 14 controls the specific axis selected by the swing axis selection unit 13 to swing, or controls so that none of the feed axes swing, based on the machining conditions and the selection result of the swing axis selection unit 13. The swing operation control unit 14 includes various functional units (none of which are shown) such as a position command generation unit, a swing command generation unit, a superimposed command generation unit, a learning control unit, and a position and speed control unit in order to control the swing operation.

[0043] The position command generation unit reads out the machining conditions stored in the memory unit 15, and generates a position command as a movement command for the motor 3 based on the machining conditions. Specifically, the position command creation unit generates a position command (movement command) for each feed axis based on the relative rotation speed of the workpiece W and the tool T around the central axis of the workpiece W and the relative feed speed of the tool T and the workpiece W.

[0044] The swing command generating unit generates a swing command. The swing command generating unit may generate the swing command from the swing conditions, i.e., the swing amplitude magnification and the swing frequency magnification, and the machining conditions, or may generate the swing command from the swing conditions, i.e., the swing amplitude and the swing frequency. Specifically, the swing command generating unit generates the swing command based on the swing conditions, such as the swing amplitude and the swing frequency, input from a host computer and stored in the memory unit 15, for example.

[0045] The superimposed command generator calculates a position deviation, which is the difference between the position command and the position feedback based on the position detection by the encoder of the feed axis motor 3, and generates a superimposed command by superimposing the swing command generated by the swing command generator on the calculated position deviation. Alternatively, the swing command may be superimposed on the position command instead of the position deviation.

[0046] The learning control unit calculates a correction amount for the superimposition command based on the superimposition command and corrects the superimposition command by adding the calculated correction amount to the superimposition command. The learning control unit has a memory and correlates the oscillation phase and the correction amount within one or multiple oscillation periods and stores them in the memory. The learning control unit reads the superimposition command stored in the memory at a timing that allows compensation for the phase delay of the oscillation operation according to the responsiveness of the motor 3 and outputs the correction amount. If the oscillation phase for which a correction amount is output does not exist in the oscillation phases stored in the memory, the correction amount to be output may be calculated from a correction amount with a closer oscillation phase. Generally, the higher the oscillation frequency, the greater the position deviation from the oscillation command. Therefore, by performing this correction by the learning control unit, it is possible to improve the followability to the periodic oscillation command.

[0047] The position and speed control unit generates a torque command for the motor 3 that drives the feed axis based on the superimposed command after adding the correction amount, and controls the motor 3 using the generated torque command. As a result, machining is performed while the tool T and the workpiece W are oscillated relative to each other.

[0048] Next, the selection of the oscillation axis by the oscillation axis selection unit 13 will be described in detail.

[0049] First, a case where a swing axis is selected based on a result of a determination made in advance on the basis of tool shape data and movement data will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 9 to 16. As specific examples, an example of cutting processing in the case of movement direction 2 of the tool T shown in Fig. 9 and an example of movement direction 3 of the tool T shown in Fig. 10 will be described. Note that Figs. 9 and 10 also show the machining program in each example in addition to the movement direction of the tool T (the same applies to Figs. 19 and 20 described later).

[0050] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing cutting processing in the case of cutting edge direction C of tool T and movement direction 2. That is, in cutting processing in the case of movement direction 2 shown in Fig. 9, the cutting edge direction of tool T is set to C. Also, the enlarged view shown in Fig. 11 shows the previous pass and the current pass of tool T when not swinging.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation in the cutting process of FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, in cutting process in the case of cutting edge direction C and movement direction 2, when oscillating in the Z-axis direction, the current pass of the cutting edge of tool T is included in the previous pass, and the cutting edge of tool T can be moved to a position away from the surface of the workpiece W, so air cutting occurs and the chips can be shredded. In contrast, when oscillating in the X-axis direction, the current pass of the cutting edge of tool T is not included in the previous pass, and the cutting edge of tool T can only be moved within the workpiece W, so air cutting does not occur and the chips cannot be shredded.

[0052] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing cutting processing in the case of the cutting edge direction H of the tool T and the movement direction 3. That is, in cutting processing in the case of the movement direction 3 shown in Fig. 10, the cutting edge direction of the tool T is set to H. Also, the enlarged view shown in Fig. 13 shows the previous pass and the current pass of the tool T when it is not swinging.

[0053] Figure 14 is a diagram showing Z-axis or X-axis oscillation in the cutting process of Figure 13. As shown in Figure 14, in cutting process with cutting edge direction H and movement direction 3, when oscillating in the Z-axis direction, the current pass of the cutting edge of tool T is not included in the previous pass, and the cutting edge of tool T can only move within the workpiece W, so air cutting does not occur and chips cannot be shredded. In contrast, when oscillating in the X-axis direction, the current pass of the cutting edge of tool T is included in the previous pass, and the cutting edge of tool T can be moved to a position away from the surface of the workpiece W, so air cutting occurs and chips can be shredded.

[0054] Therefore, in the case of cutting edge direction C and movement direction 2, chip shredding is possible by swinging in the Z-axis direction, so the swing axis selection unit 13 selects the Z-axis as the swing axis based on the result of a judgment that has been made in advance to select the Z-axis as the swing axis. On the other hand, in the case of cutting edge direction H and movement direction 3, chip shredding is possible by swinging in the X-axis direction, so the swing axis selection unit 13 selects the X-axis as the swing axis based on the result of a judgment that has been made in advance to select the X-axis as the swing axis. Figure 15 is a diagram showing how a swing axis that can shred chips is selected based on the cutting edge direction and movement direction of the tool T.

[0055] 16 is a diagram showing how swinging is stopped when it is determined that there is no swing axis capable of shredding chips based on the cutting edge direction and movement direction of the tool T. As shown in FIG. 16, in the case of the cutting edge direction C and movement direction 3 of the tool T, chips cannot be shredded when swinging in either the Z-axis direction or the X-axis direction. Therefore, based on the result of the determination that no axis should be selected as the axis to swing, the swing axis selection unit 13 does not select any axis as the swing axis, and as a result, the swing operation is stopped.

[0056] The judgment results obtained as described above are set and input by the setting and input unit 11 as table data of judgment results obtained by making a judgment in advance according to each combination of tool shape data and movement data, for example, as shown in Table 1, and are stored in the storage unit 12. Therefore, the oscillation axis selection unit 13 executes a process of selecting a specific axis as an oscillation axis when performing oscillation cutting by oscillating only one specific axis out of a plurality of feed axes, based on the table data of judgment results as shown in Table 1, or selecting no axis as an axis to be oscillated.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] In Table 1, 1 to 8 represent the movement directions 1 to 8 of the tool T shown in Fig. 2, and A to H represent the cutting edge directions A to H of the tool T shown in Fig. 3. In addition, "-" in Table 1 is omitted for convenience, and actually, the judgment results of the swing axis and no swing are entered. This also applies to Tables 2 and 3 described later.

[0059] Next, a case where a swing axis is selected based on a result of a predetermined determination made based on the relative positional relationship between the workpiece W and the tool T, i.e., data on whether external diameter machining or internal diameter machining is being performed, and movement data, will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 17 to Fig. 30. As specific examples, an example will be given in which the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown for external diameter machining as shown in Fig. 17, and the movement direction of the tool T is 2 as shown in Fig. 19, and an example in which the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown for internal diameter machining as shown in Fig. 18, and the movement direction of the tool T is 3 as shown in Fig. 20.

[0060] Here, in external diameter machining in the moving direction 2 of the tool T, the possible patterns of the cutting edge direction of the tool T are five patterns of cutting edge directions D, H, B, G, and C among cutting edge directions A to H. In other words, in external diameter machining in the moving direction 2 of the tool T, from the viewpoint of interference between the workpiece W and the tool T, the three patterns of cutting edge directions A, E, and F of the tool T are not possible.

[0061] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing Z-axis or X-axis oscillation when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining with tool T moving in direction 2, and the tool cutting edge direction is D. In this case, as shown in Fig. 21, chips can be shredded with either Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation.

[0062] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing Z-axis or X-axis oscillation when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining with the tool T moving in the direction 2 and the tool cutting edge direction is H. In this case, as shown in Fig. 22, chips can be shredded with either Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation.

[0063] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing Z-axis swing or X-axis swing when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining with the tool T moving in the direction 2, and the tool cutting edge direction is B. In this case, as shown in Fig. 23, neither Z-axis swing nor X-axis swing can shred the chips.

[0064] Fig. 24 is a diagram showing Z-axis swing or X-axis swing when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining with the tool T moving in the direction 2, and the tool cutting edge direction is G. In this case, as shown in Fig. 24, the Z-axis swing can shred the chips, while the X-axis swing cannot shred the chips.

[0065] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing Z-axis swing or X-axis swing when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during external diameter machining with tool T moving in direction 2 and the tool cutting edge direction is C. In this case, as shown in Fig. 25, Z-axis swing can shred the chips, while X-axis swing cannot shred the chips.

[0066] 21 to 25, it can be seen that in external diameter machining in the movement direction 2 of the tool T, if the cutting edge direction of the tool T is unknown, if the chips can be shredded by swinging along the X axis, then the chips can also be shredded by swinging along the Z axis. In other words, in this case, it can be seen that swinging along the Z axis has a higher possibility (probability) of being able to shred the chips than swinging along the X axis. Therefore, when the cutting edge direction of the tool T is unknown in external diameter machining in the movement direction 2 of the tool T, a judgment is made in advance to select the Z axis, which has a high possibility of chip shredding, as the swing axis, and based on the judgment result, the swing axis selection unit 13 selects the Z axis as the swing axis.

[0067] Furthermore, in internal diameter machining in the moving direction 3 of the tool T, the possible patterns of the cutting edge direction of the tool T are five patterns of cutting edge directions C, G, B, F, and A among cutting edge directions A to H. In other words, in internal diameter machining in the moving direction 3 of the tool T, from the viewpoint of interference between the workpiece W and the tool T, the three patterns of cutting edge directions D, E, and H of the tool T are not possible.

[0068] Fig. 26 is a diagram showing Z-axis or X-axis oscillation when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining with the tool T moving in the direction 3, and the tool cutting edge direction is C. In this case, as shown in Fig. 26, neither Z-axis oscillation nor X-axis oscillation can shred the chips.

[0069] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing Z-axis swing or X-axis swing when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining in the movement direction 3 of the tool T and the tool cutting edge direction is G. In this case, as shown in Fig. 27, Z-axis swing can shred the chips, while X-axis swing cannot shred the chips.

[0070] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing Z-axis swing or X-axis swing when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining with tool T moving in direction 3 and the tool cutting edge direction is B. In this case, as shown in Fig. 28, Z-axis swing can shred the chips, while X-axis swing cannot shred the chips.

[0071] Fig. 29 is a diagram showing Z-axis or X-axis oscillation when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining with the tool T moving in the direction 3, and the tool cutting edge direction is F. In this case, as shown in Fig. 29, chips can be shredded with either Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation.

[0072] Fig. 30 is a diagram showing Z-axis or X-axis oscillation when the tool shape (cutting edge direction) is unknown during internal diameter machining with the tool T moving in the direction 3, and the tool cutting edge direction is A. In this case, as shown in Fig. 30, chips can be shredded with either Z-axis oscillation or X-axis oscillation.

[0073] 26 to 30, it can be seen that in internal diameter machining in the movement direction 3 of the tool T, if the cutting edge direction of the tool T is unknown, if the chips can be shredded by swinging along the X axis, then the chips can also be shredded by swinging along the Z axis. In other words, in this case, it can be seen that swinging along the Z axis has a higher possibility (probability) of shredding the chips than swinging along the X axis. Therefore, when the cutting edge direction of the tool T is unknown in internal diameter machining in the movement direction 3 of the tool T, a judgment is made in advance to select the Z axis, which has a high possibility of chip shredding, as the swing axis, and based on the judgment result, the swing axis selection unit 13 selects the Z axis as the swing axis.

[0074] In this way, in the oscillating cutting of this embodiment, if the positional relationship between the tool T and the workpiece W and the movement direction of the tool T are known, it is possible to select one axis to oscillate in the same way in either pattern.

[0075] However, as is clear from the chip shredding determination results shown in Figures 21 to 30, when the shape of the workpiece W is tapered or arc-shaped, and the movement direction of the tool T is in multiple axial directions (Z-axis and X-axis), the probability of chip shredding by oscillation in either the Z-axis or X-axis direction is high but less than 100%, while the probability of chip shredding by oscillation in the other axial direction is low and less than 100%. In other words, because oscillation in the Z-axis or X-axis direction does not guarantee 100% chip shredding, a determination is made in advance not to select any oscillation axis, and based on this determination, the oscillation axis selector 13 can be configured to include a selection stop unit that stops the oscillation operation without selecting any oscillation axis. Therefore, in this case, a user who wants to actively attempt chip shredding can use a predetermined operating means to have the oscillation axis selector 13 select either the Z-axis or the X-axis direction that has a high probability of chip shredding, even though there is no guarantee that chip shredding will be possible. On the other hand, if the user wishes to refrain from swinging unless the chips have been shredded 100%, the user can operate the swing axis selector 13 by a predetermined operating means so that the swing axis is not selected.

[0076] In addition, if the shape of the workpiece W is columnar or cylindrical, and the movement direction of the tool T is in one axial direction (Z-axis or X-axis direction), the possibility of chipping by oscillation in either the Z-axis or X-axis direction is 100%, and the possibility of chipping by oscillation in the other axial direction is less than 100%. Therefore, in this case, the oscillation axis selection unit 13 selects an axis in the same direction as the movement direction of the tool T as the oscillation axis. Specifically, by selecting an axis in the same direction as the movement direction as the oscillation axis, the possibility of chipping is 100%.

[0077] The judgment results obtained as described above are set and input by the setting input unit 11 as table data of judgment results obtained by making a judgment in advance according to each combination of positional relationship data and movement data, as shown in Table 2, for example, and are stored in the storage unit 12. Therefore, the oscillation axis selection unit 13 executes a process of selecting a specific axis as the oscillation axis when performing oscillation cutting by oscillating only one specific axis out of multiple feed axes, or selecting no axis as the axis to be oscillated, based on the table data of judgment results as shown in Table 2.

[0078] [Table 2]

[0079] In Table 2, 1 to 8 represent the movement directions 1 to 8 of the tool T shown in Figure 2 above, and G40 to G42 represent G codes related to tool diameter correction shown in Figure 6 above, which can obtain the relative positional relationship between the workpiece W and the tool T.

[0080] Next, a case where a swing axis is selected based on a result of a determination made in advance based on tool use data and movement data will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 31. Fig. 31 is a diagram showing each of the tools with tool numbers 1 to 3. In the example shown in Fig. 31, each of the tools with tool numbers 1 to 3 has a different cutting edge direction.

[0081] The method for determining whether chip shredding is possible based on the tool data and movement data, and the method for determining whether to select a specific axis as the swing axis when swinging only one specific axis out of multiple feed axes to perform swing cutting based on the judgment result, or whether to select no axis as the swing axis, are the same as those based on the tool shape data and movement data described above.

[0082] Therefore, the judgment results based on the tool-used data and movement data are set and input by the setting and input unit 11 as table data of judgment results obtained by making a judgment in advance according to each combination of tool-used data and movement data, for example, as shown in Table 3, and are stored in the storage unit 12. Therefore, the swing axis selection unit 13 executes processing to select a specific axis as the swing axis when swinging only one specific axis out of multiple feed axes to perform swing cutting, or to select no axis as the swing axis, based on the table data of judgment results such as shown in Table 3.

[0083] [Table 3]

[0084] In Table 3, 1 to 8 represent the movement directions 1 to 8 of the tool T shown in FIG. 2, and No. 1 to No. 3 represent the tool numbers of the tools used.

[0085] The determination based on the tool shape data and movement data described above requires a setting for each tool tip direction, whereas the determination based on the tool-in-use data and movement data requires a setting for each tool-in-use. Therefore, for example, if there are 100 tools, the former requires only 8 settings, whereas the latter requires 100 settings.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0087] In this embodiment, in the control device 1 of a machine tool that performs swing cutting by swinging only one specific axis, a swing axis selection unit 13 is provided that selects a specific axis from multiple feed axes as the swing axis when swinging only one specific axis of multiple feed axes to perform swing cutting, or selects no axis as the swing axis, based on tool shape data (cutting edge direction of tool T) that can recognize the tool shape, relative positional relationship data between the workpiece W and tool T, or tool use data that can identify the tool to be used, and movement data that moves the workpiece W and tool T relatively.

[0088] As a result, according to this embodiment, the swing axis selection unit 13 can automatically select a specific axis as the swing axis, or select no axis as the swing axis, based on the tool data (tool cutting edge direction) and movement data, the relative positional relationship data and movement data between the workpiece W and the tool T, or the tool used data and movement data. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the workload during machining on the machine tool user who selects a specific axis to swing can be reduced.

[0089] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present disclosure.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the control device 1 of a machine tool, but is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to the above-mentioned host computer, etc. That is, the present invention can also provide an information processing device including a setting input unit 11, a holding unit 12, an oscillating axis selection unit 13, and an output unit that outputs the selection result of the oscillating axis selection unit 13. In this case, in addition to achieving the same effects as the above embodiment, the oscillating axis selection result can be output and notified to the user. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a computer program that causes a computer to execute the oscillating axis selection step by the oscillating axis selection unit 13 and the output step by the output unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Machine tool control device 11 Setting input section 12 Holding part 13 Oscillation axis selection section 14 Swing operation control section 15 Storage section 3 motors S spindle T-tool double work

Claims

1. an oscillation axis selection unit that selects a specific axis as an oscillation axis when performing oscillation cutting by oscillating only one specific axis among a plurality of feed axes, or selects no axis as an oscillation axis, based on tool shape data that can recognize the tool shape, relative positional relationship data between the workpiece and the tool, or tool use data that can identify the tool to be used, and movement data that moves the workpiece and the tool relatively; an output unit that outputs the selection result of the oscillation axis selection unit; a storage unit that stores a result of a determination made in advance to select a specific axis from among a plurality of feed axes as an oscillating axis when performing oscillating cutting, in accordance with each combination of the tool shape data, the positional relationship data, or the tool-in-use data and the movement data, or to select no axis as an oscillating axis; The swing axis selection unit selects a specific axis as a swing axis when swinging only one specific axis among a plurality of feed axes to perform swing cutting based on the judgment result held in the holding unit, or does not select any axis as an axis to be swung, The information processing device is a judgment result that has been determined in advance based on a judgment result in which it has been determined in advance whether chip shredding is possible for each combination of the tool shape data, the positional relationship data, or the tool use data and the movement data, and that when performing swing cutting by swinging only one specific axis out of multiple feed axes, a specific axis will be selected as the swing axis, or that no axis will be selected as the swing axis.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a setting input unit for inputting and setting the determination result.

3. A control device for a machine tool that performs swing cutting by swinging only one specific axis, an oscillation axis selection unit that selects a specific axis as an oscillation axis when performing oscillation cutting by oscillating only one specific axis among a plurality of feed axes, or selects no axis as an oscillation axis, based on tool shape data that can recognize the tool shape, relative positional relationship data between the workpiece and the tool, or tool use data that can identify the tool to be used, and movement data that moves the workpiece and the tool relatively; a swing operation control unit that controls a specific axis selected by the swing axis selection unit to swing, or controls none of the feed axes to swing, based on the machining conditions and the selection result of the swing axis selection unit; and a storage unit that stores a result of a determination made in advance to select a specific axis from among a plurality of feed axes as an oscillating axis when performing oscillating cutting, in accordance with each combination of the tool shape data, the positional relationship data, or the tool-in-use data and the movement data, or to select no axis as an oscillating axis; The swing axis selection unit selects a specific axis as a swing axis when swinging only one specific axis among a plurality of feed axes to perform swing cutting based on the judgment result held in the holding unit, or does not select any axis as an axis to be swung, A control device for a machine tool, wherein the judgment result is a judgment result in which it is determined in advance whether chip shredding is possible for each combination of the tool shape data, the positional relationship data, or the tool use data and the movement data, and when performing swing cutting by swinging only one specific axis out of multiple feed axes, a specific axis is selected as the swing axis, or no axis is selected as the axis to be swung.

4. The control device for a machine tool according to claim 3 , further comprising a setting input unit for setting and inputting the determination result.

5. an oscillation axis selection step of selecting a specific axis as an oscillation axis when performing oscillation cutting by oscillating only one specific axis among a plurality of feed axes, or selecting no axis as an oscillation axis, based on tool shape data that allows the tool shape to be recognized, relative positional relationship data between the workpiece and the tool, or tool use data that allows the tool to be specified, and movement data that moves the workpiece and the tool relatively; a holding step of holding a determination result obtained by determining in advance whether to select a specific axis from among a plurality of feed axes as an oscillating axis when performing oscillating cutting by oscillating only one specific axis from among a plurality of feed axes, or whether to select no axis as an oscillating axis, in accordance with each combination of the tool shape data, the positional relationship data, or the tool-in-use data and the movement data; In the swing axis selection step, based on the determination result held in the holding step, a specific axis is selected as a swing axis when swinging only one specific axis among a plurality of feed axes to perform swing cutting, or none of the axes is selected as an axis to be swung, The computer program is a computer program in which the judgment result is a judgment result in which it is previously determined whether chip shredding is possible for each combination of the tool shape data, the positional relationship data, or the tool use data and the movement data, and the computer program selects a specific axis from among multiple feed axes as the swing axis when swinging only one specific axis to perform swing cutting, or determines that no axis will be selected as the swing axis.

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