Working machinery

Abstract

A machine tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure is capable of appropriately performing a setup task and comprises: a processing device that processes a workpiece by using a tool; one or a plurality of tag readers that are each attached to an article, which is removable and includes the tool, and read a tag that records unique ID information; and a control device which has a setup display unit that displays task information of the setup task to be performed by a worker in accordance with the ID information read by the tag reader.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, it has been proposed to use tags such as RFID for the management of various manufacturing processes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a production management system that identifies the content of work to be executed by an automatic machine based on information read from an ID plate (tag) attached to an automatic transport cart or pallet that transports a processing object.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Even if the content of work required can be grasped by identifying a processing object with a tag, it must be ensured that the automatic machine is in a state where it can perform the required work. Specifically, if an appropriate tool is not attached to the machine tool that executes the work, the intended processing cannot be accurately executed. That is, it is required to appropriately perform setup work such as attaching a tool to the machine tool.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A machine tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a processing device that processes a workpiece with a tool, one or more tag readers that read a tag attached to a detachable article including the tool and record unique ID information, and a control device having a setup display unit that displays work information of setup work to be performed by an operator according to the ID information read by the tag reader.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to this disclosure, machine tool setup operations can be performed appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a machine tool according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a machine tool 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Machine tool 1 processes workpiece W using tool T. Workpiece W, tool T, and items necessary for processing workpiece W (e.g., adapters for attaching the tool) may each be tagged with unique ID information. Furthermore, operators using machine tool 1 are also provided with tags that store their own unique ID information, such as those attached to ID cards. Examples of tags that can be used include IC tags and barcodes.

[0010] The machine tool 1 comprises one or more tag readers 10 for reading tags, a processing device 20 for processing the workpiece W by moving the workpiece W and tool T relative to each other, a tool changer 30 for changing the tool T of the processing device 20, a control device 40 for controlling the processing device 20 and the tool changer 30, and a manual pulse generator 50 connected to the control device 40.

[0011] The tag reader 10 reads the information recorded on the tag. While a tag reader 10 that corresponds to the tag is used, a non-contact reader is preferably used. The tag reader 10 may be installed in the processing apparatus 20, the tool changer 30, the control device 40, and the manual pulse generator 50. In particular, in the processing apparatus 20 and the tool changer 30, it is preferable that the tag reader 10 is positioned so that it can read the tag when each item is in a state where it can be processed by the workpiece W.

[0012] The processing apparatus 20 may be configured to include a table 21 that holds the workpiece W directly or via a jig J for processing the workpiece W with a tool T, a chuck 22 that holds the tool T, and a plurality of drive axes (including the main spindle) A0 to A5 that move the table 21 and the chuck 22 relative to each other. A tag may also be attached to the jig J.

[0013] The tool changer 30 has a plurality of tool holders 31, each holding a tool T and selectively positioned relative to the chuck 22. In the tool changer 30, it is preferable that the tag reader 10 is positioned to read the tags of the tools T held in the tool holders 31 positioned at predetermined confirmation positions, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, although not shown, a tag reader 10 can be provided for each of the plurality of tool holders 31 of the tool changer 30, and the tags of the tools T held in the tool holders 31 can be read, thereby accurately confirming the correspondence between the tool holders 31 and the tools T held. As a further alternative, tags may be attached to each tool holder 31, and a portable tag reader 10 may be used to read the tags of the tool holders 31 and the tags of the tools T held in succession.

[0014] The control device 40 includes a machining control unit 41, a setup work storage unit 42, a setup display unit 43, a mode change unit 44, a usage time recording unit 45, a life notification unit 46, and a work log recording unit 47. The control device 40 can be implemented by one or more computer devices equipped with memory, a processor, an input / output interface, a monitor, etc., and executing an appropriate control program. In this embodiment, the control device 40 is a so-called numerical control device. The above-mentioned components of the control device 40 are classifications of the functions of the control device 40 and do not necessarily have to be clearly distinguishable in terms of physical configuration and program configuration.

[0015] The machining control unit 41 controls the machining operation of the workpiece W by the machining device 20 according to a machining program described, for example, by G-code. The machining control unit 41 can be configured in the same way as those in well-known numerical control devices.

[0016] The setup work storage unit 42 is a database that stores work information for setup tasks that an operator must perform. The work information for setup tasks includes information on the items to be used. Specifically, the work information includes the type or ID of the workpiece W to be held in the table 21, the type or ID of the jig J, the type or ID of the tool T to be mounted in the chuck 22 or the tool holder 31 of the tool changer 30, etc. The setup work storage unit 42 may be configured to allow the stored setup work information to be updated from an external server (not shown).

[0017] Since different machining operations may be performed by each operator in machine tool 1, the setup work information may be stored linked to the operator's ID. Furthermore, the setup work storage unit 42 may include a separate database that links operator IDs with setup operations, such as machining schedules for each operator ID.

[0018] The setup display unit 43 displays work information for the setup tasks that the operator should perform, according to the ID information read by the tag reader 10. The work information may be displayed on the monitor of the control device 40, or on the monitor of the manual pulse generator 50 or other external device. The setup display unit 43 is configured to acquire work information for the corresponding setup tasks from the setup task storage unit 42 or an external server based on the ID information read by the tag reader 10. By configuring the setup task storage unit 42 or the setup display unit 43 to acquire work information from an external server, the setup task settings can be easily changed.

[0019] By identifying an item tagged based on the ID information read by the tag reader 10, the setup work required for the item can be identified. As an example, when the ID information of the tool T is identified, the setup display unit 43 displays, as work information, the number of the tool holder 31 of the tool changer 30 to which the tool T should be attached, the type of adapter (not shown) required for attachment, and the like. It is preferable that the adapter is also tagged. Thereby, the operator can perform the setup work appropriately. When the required setup work includes a plurality of steps, the work information may be displayed in order for each step.

[0020] The setup display unit 43 is preferably configured to acquire work information linked to the identified operator when the ID information identifies the operator. For example, in a site of multi-variety small-batch production, it may be required to manufacture different products for each operator using the machine tool 1. In such a case, the setup display unit 43 can identify the product to be manufactured by using the operator's ID as a search key. Thereby, since the content of the required setup work can be accurately identified, the production efficiency can be surely improved. To acquire the operator's ID information, the control device 40 may be configured to request the tag reader 10 to read the operator's ID card.

[0021] When the tag reader 10 reads the ID information of the item related to the work information displayed by the setup display unit 44, the mode change unit 44 changes the display mode of the work information to indicate that the work has been completed.

[0022] The usage time recording unit 45 records the usage time of the tool T for each ID information. Thereby, the life of the tool T can be managed for each individual. That is, even when a plurality of tools T of the same type are used in parallel, the degree of wear of each individual tool T can be grasped relatively accurately.

[0023] When the usage time of the tool T read by the tag reader 10 is at or above the upper limit, the lifespan notification unit 46 prompts the operator to replace the tool T. Thereby, it is possible to prevent defective processing caused by using a tool T that has exceeded its lifespan. Further, the lifespan notification unit 46 may be configured to prompt the operator to replace the tool T not only when the tag reader 10 reads a tag, but also when the usage time of the tool T attached due to processing by the processing control unit 41 reaches or exceeds the upper limit.

[0024] The work log recording unit 47 records the time from the display of work information by the setup display unit 43 to the reading of the ID information of the article presented in the work information. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the work efficiency of the setup work. Also, if the time until the reading of the ID information of the article is recorded for each operator ID, it becomes possible to objectively evaluate the accuracy and proficiency of the work of each operator.

[0025] The manual pulse generator 50 is a well-known jog operation terminal for an operator to operate the processing device 20 by a desired driving amount. By providing the tag reader 10 on the portable manual pulse generator 50, it is possible to relatively easily read the tag attached to an article such as the tool T. Further, by enabling the reading of the tag of the article while the manual pulse generator 50 is attached to the processing device 20 or the tool changer 30, it is possible to omit the arrangement of the tag reader 10 on the processing device 20 and the tool changer 30, while relatively accurately ensuring the attachment of the appropriate article to the appropriate position.

[0026] Since the machine tool 1 according to the present disclosure has a setup display unit 43 that displays the work information of the setup work to be performed by the operator according to the ID information read by the tag reader 10, it is possible to ensure appropriate setup work, that is, the attachment of appropriate articles such as the appropriate tool T and the jig J to the appropriate place.

[0027] Regarding the above-described embodiments and modifications, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed. (Supplementary Note 1) The machine tool (1) comprises a processing device (20) that processes a workpiece (W) with a tool (T), one or more tag readers (10) that read tags attached to detachable articles (T, W, J) including the tool (T) and that record unique ID information, and a control device (40) having a setup display unit (43) that displays work information for setup tasks that the operator should perform according to the ID information read by the tag readers (10).

[0028] (Note 2) The setup display unit (43) may acquire work information associated with a worker if the ID information identifies the worker.

[0029] (Note 3) The setup display unit (43) may acquire work information from an external server.

[0030] (Note 4) The work information displayed by the setup display unit (43) includes information on the items (T, W, J) to be used, and the control device (40) may further have a mode change unit (44) that changes the display mode of the work information when the tag reader (10) reads the ID information of the items (T, W, J) related to the work information.

[0031] (Note 5) The control device (40) may further include a work log recording unit (47) that records the time from the display of work information by the setup display unit (43) to the reading of the ID information of the items (T, W, J).

[0032] (Note 6) The tag reader (10) may be provided on the manual pulse generator (30).

[0033] (Note 7) The tool changing device (30) may further include a plurality of tool holders (31) each holding a tool (T), and the tag reader (10) may be arranged to read the tags of the tools (T) held in the tool holders (31) positioned at predetermined confirmation positions.

[0034] (Note 8) The system further comprises a tool changing device (30) having multiple tool holders, each holding a tool, and a tag reader (10) may be provided on each of the multiple tool holders.

[0035] (Note 9) The control device (40) may further include a usage time recording unit that records the usage time of each tool for each ID piece of information.

[0036] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments described above can be modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are shown as examples only and are not limited thereto.

[0037] For example, in the machine tool relating to this disclosure, the tool changer and manual pulse generator are not essential components. Also, the configuration of the machining equipment in the machine tool relating to this disclosure is optional. Furthermore, in the control device of the machine tool relating to this disclosure, the setup work storage unit, mode change unit, usage time recording unit, life notification unit, and work log recording unit are not essential components. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 1 Machine tools 10 Tag Reader 20 Processing equipment 21 Tables 22 Chuck 30 Tool changer 31 Tool holder 40 Control device 41 Machining Control Unit 42 Setup Operation Memory Unit 43 Setup display section 44 Modification section 45. Usage Time Recording Section 46 Lifespan Notification Unit 47 Work Log Recording Section 50 Manual pulse generators A0~A5 drive J Jig T-tool Double job

Claims

1. A machining device that processes a workpiece using a tool, One or more tag readers that read tags attached to detachable articles including the aforementioned tools and that record unique ID information, A control device having a setup display unit that displays work information for setup tasks to be performed by an operator in accordance with the ID information read by the tag reader, Equipped with, The setup display unit is a machine tool that, when the ID information identifies the operator, acquires the work information associated with the operator.

2. A machining device that processes a workpiece using a tool, One or more tag readers that read tags attached to detachable articles including the aforementioned tools and that record unique ID information, A control device having a setup display unit that displays work information for setup tasks to be performed by an operator in accordance with the ID information read by the tag reader, Equipped with, The aforementioned setup display unit is a machine tool that acquires the aforementioned work information from an external server.

3. A machining device that processes a workpiece using a tool, One or more tag readers that read tags attached to detachable articles including the aforementioned tools and that record unique ID information, A control device having a setup display unit that displays work information for setup tasks to be performed by an operator in accordance with the ID information read by the tag reader, Equipped with, The work information displayed by the setup display unit includes information on the items to be used. The control device further includes a mode changing unit that changes the display mode of the work information when the tag reader reads the ID information of the article relating to the work information, a machine tool.

4. The machine tool according to claim 3, wherein the control device further includes a work log recording unit that records the time from the display of the work information by the setup display unit to the reading of the ID information of the article.

5. A machining device that processes a workpiece using a tool, One or more tag readers that read tags attached to detachable articles including the aforementioned tools and that record unique ID information, A control device having a setup display unit that displays work information for setup tasks to be performed by an operator in accordance with the ID information read by the tag reader, Equipped with, The tag reader is a machine tool that is installed in a manual pulse generator.

6. A machining device that processes a workpiece using a tool, One or more tag readers that read tags attached to detachable articles including the aforementioned tools and that record unique ID information, A control device having a setup display unit that displays work information for setup tasks to be performed by an operator in accordance with the ID information read by the tag reader, A tool changing device having a plurality of tool holders, each holding the aforementioned tool, Equipped with, The tag reader is provided on each of the plurality of tool holders of the machine tool.

7. The tool changing device further comprises a plurality of tool holders, each of which holds the aforementioned tool, The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tag reader is arranged to read the tag of the tool held in the tool holder positioned at a predetermined confirmation position.

8. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device further comprises a usage time recording unit that records the usage time of the tool for each ID piece of information.

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