Numerical control devices and machine tools

Abstract

A numerical control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which can form a two-dimensional code in a relatively short time, controls a processing mechanism that processes a workpiece by means of a plurality of tools, the numerical control device comprising: a configuration information storage unit which stores machine configuration information including information about the tools of the processing mechanism; a code data acquisition unit which acquires code data that identifies the shape of one or a plurality of two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; a concurrent process generation unit which generates a plurality of concurrent processes that are allocated to all valid tools one-by-one on the basis of the code data and the machine configuration information and cause all the valid tools to cooperate so that all the two-dimensional codes are formed by being concurrently executed; and a concurrent process execution unit which executes the plurality of concurrent processes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a numerical control device and a machine tool.

Background Art

[0002] A machine tool that forms a two-dimensional code on a workpiece by milling is known in the art.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Two-dimensional codes have complex configurations, and reading becomes difficult if they are not formed accurately. For this reason, forming a two-dimensional code by processing takes a relatively long time.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] A numerical control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a numerical control device that controls a processing mechanism that processes a workpiece with a plurality of tools, comprising: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information on the tools of the processing mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data specifying the shape of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on a surface of the workpiece; and a parallel process generation unit that generates a plurality of parallel processes, each of which is assigned one-to-one to all valid tools based on the code data and the machine configuration information, and causes all valid tools to operate cooperatively to form all of the two-dimensional codes by being executed in parallel; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel processes.

[0006] A numerical control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a numerical control device for controlling a machining mechanism that processes a workpiece with a tool, comprising: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information about the tool of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data that identifies the shapes of a plurality of two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; a parallel process generation unit that generates a parallel process that operates the tool to form all of the two-dimensional codes in parallel based on the code data and the machine configuration information; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel process.

[0007] A numerical control device according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a numerical control device for controlling a machining mechanism that processes a workpiece with one or more tools, comprising: a configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information about the tools of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit that acquires code data that identifies the shape of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; an integrated data generation unit that generates integrated data that identifies the shape of a single integrated pattern including all of the two-dimensional codes; a parallel process generation unit that generates a plurality of parallel processes that are assigned one to each of the valid tools and executed in parallel to cause all of the valid tools to cooperate in forming all of the two-dimensional codes, based on the integrated data and the machine configuration information; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel processes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, a two-dimensional code can be formed in a relatively short amount of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a machine tool according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a workpiece being machined by the machine tool shown. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an unfolded view of the workpiece. [Figure 4]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of the two-dimensional code formed on a workpiece in a machine tool. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tool path in a machine tool. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a different example of the tool path in a machine tool compared to Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the procedure for forming a two-dimensional code on a workpiece using a machine tool. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tool path in a modified example of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a machine tool 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] The machine tool 1 processes the workpiece W with one or more tools (first tool T1 and second tool T2 in the figure) and, as shown in Figure 2, forms one or more two-dimensional codes (first two-dimensional code C1 and second two-dimensional code C2 in the figure) on the surface of the workpiece W by cutting. In other words, the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are formed as a raised and recessed pattern represented by the presence or absence of cutting. The machine tool 1 includes a processing mechanism 10 that moves the tools T1 and T2 relative to the workpiece W, and a numerical control device 20 that controls the processing mechanism 10.

[0012] The configuration of the machining mechanism 10 is not particularly limited, but in the illustrated embodiment, the machining mechanism 10 is intended to be a lathe. The machining mechanism 10 of this embodiment includes a plurality of drive shafts for relative movement of tools T1, T2 and workpiece W. Specifically, the drive shafts include a spindle Ac for rotating the workpiece W, a first feed shaft Az1 and a first cutting shaft Ax1 for moving the first tool T1, and a second feed shaft Az2 and a second cutting shaft Ax2 for moving the second tool T2. The machining mechanism 10 of this embodiment is intended to machine the workpiece W using two tools T1 and T2, but the number of tools used is not particularly limited.

[0013] The numerical control device 20 can be implemented by one or more computer devices that include memory, a processor, a storage device, an input / output interface, etc., and execute an appropriate control program. The numerical control device 20 includes a machining control unit 21, a configuration information storage unit 22, a code data acquisition unit 23, an integrated data generation unit 24, a parallel process generation unit 25, and a parallel process execution unit 26. These components are classifications of the functions of the numerical control device 20 and do not necessarily have to be clearly distinguishable in terms of physical configuration and program configuration.

[0014] The machining control unit 21 controls the machining operation of the workpiece W by the machining mechanism 10 according to a machining program described, for example, by G-code. The machining control unit 21 may be configured in the same way as those in well-known numerical control devices.

[0015] The configuration information storage unit 22 stores machine configuration information, including information on the tools T1 and T2 of the machining mechanism 10. Preferably, the machine configuration information includes the number of valid tools T1 and T2. The number of valid tools T1 and T2 may be the maximum number (a fixed number) that the machining mechanism 10 can use in its machine configuration, assuming that the user attaches tools T1 and T2 that can be used for machining to the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2, or it may be a variable number, which is the actual number of tools T1 and T2 attached by the user. Preferably, the machine configuration information further includes the range of motion of each drive shaft, the origin position of each drive shaft, the maximum speed, the maximum acceleration, the maximum jerk, etc.

[0016] The code data acquisition unit 23 acquires code data that specifies the shapes of one or more two-dimensional codes C1, C2 to be formed on the surface of the workpiece W. The code data acquisition unit 23 may be configured to acquire code data from a storage device or an external server (not shown), or it may be configured to generate code data from text data.

[0017] The integrated data generation unit 24 generates integrated data that specifies the shape of a single integrated pattern P including all two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 to be formed on the surface of a workpiece W. FIG. 4 is a development view of the peripheral surface of the workpiece W illustrating the integrated pattern P. Note that the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 included in the integrated pattern P do not need to have the same shape. Further, the integrated data is preferably three-dimensional data representing a state where all two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are arranged on the surface of the workpiece W. Furthermore, in the integrated data, the shapes of the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are preferably shaped by projecting planar two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 onto the surface of the workpiece W in the radial direction of the workpiece W, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3, so that the shapes are not distorted when the workpiece W is observed. In addition, it is preferable that the depth of the cut portion of the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 is constant.

[0018] The parallel process generation unit 25 is assigned to each of all valid tools T1 and T2 one by one based on the integrated data and machine configuration information, and generates a plurality of parallel processes for cooperatively operating all valid tools T1 and T2 such that all two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are formed by being executed in parallel. Here, "parallel processes" refers to a series of operations including not only causing the tools T1 and T2 to act on the workpiece W, but also the movement of the tools T1 and T2 for that purpose. These parallel processes are executed at least partially simultaneously with other parallel processes. Note that the plurality of parallel processes do not need to be represented as separate pieces of information, and may be represented as a single data file including a plurality of words specifying operations for each of the tools T1 and T2, for example.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5, the parallel process generating unit 25 may divide the integrated pattern P into a plurality of divided regions R1 and R2 each having the same width in the feed direction of the tools T1 and T2, and generate a parallel process in which the divided regions R1 and R2 are sequentially allocated to the plurality of tools T1 and T2. In the figure, the outlines of the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are indicated by thin alternate long and short dash lines, and the relative movement paths (tool paths) L1 and L2 of the tools T1 and T2 with respect to the workpiece W are indicated by thick alternate long and short dash lines. Further, in the figure, the divided regions R1 and R2 are each shown surrounded by one envelope (alternate long and two short dash lines), but the divided regions R1 and R2 may each include a plurality of isolated regions where part or all of the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are present.

[0020] It is preferable that the parallel process generating unit 25 is configured to divide the integrated pattern P into a plurality of divided regions R1 and R2 by a dividing line D which is a straight line parallel to one side of the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2. By dividing the integrated pattern P in this manner, the integrated pattern P can be evenly divided relatively easily.

[0021] The parallel process generating unit 25 can generate a parallel process including a plurality of passes of tool paths for the divided regions R1 and R2, respectively. The one-pass tool path can be set so as to machine the same row inside the divided regions R1 and R2, and move one row outside the divided regions R1 and R2. It is preferable that the main moving direction of the tools T1 and T2 relative to the workpiece W is a direction parallel to the dividing line D that divides the integrated pattern P. As a result, the machinable distance in one pass of the tool path becomes longer, so that the acceleration and deceleration of the tools T1 and T2 can be reduced, and the machining time can be shortened.

[0022] The division areas R1 and R2 may be set by dividing the integrated pattern P with a predetermined width, but it is preferable to set them each time according to the shape of the integrated pattern P, the specifications of the tools T1 and T2, etc., in order to improve the utilization efficiency of all tools T1 and T2. The number of division areas R1 and R2 is preferably an integer multiple of the number of tools T1 and T2 so that an equal number of division areas R1 and R2 can be assigned to each tool T1 and T2, and it is more preferable that it be equal to the number of tools T1 and T2 in order to suppress the travel distance of the tools T1 and T2.

[0023] In Figure 5, the two two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are aligned in the direction of rotation of the spindle Ac, so each two-dimensional code C1 and C2 is divided into multiple partitioned regions R1 and R2, and formed by multiple tools T1 and T2. However, as shown in Figure 6, if the two two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are positioned offset in the feed direction of the tools T1 and T2, each two-dimensional code C1 and C2 can be formed by a single tool T1 or T2.

[0024] The parallel process execution unit 26 executes a number of parallel processes equal to the number of tools T1 and T2 generated by the parallel process generation unit 25. As a result, multiple two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are formed on the surface of the workpiece W. However, if there is only one valid tool, such as when only the first tool T1 is valid, the parallel process execution unit 26 will generate only one parallel process.

[0025] Figure 7 shows the procedure for forming two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 on a workpiece W using machine tool 1, that is, the procedure for forming two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 using machine tool 1.

[0026] The two-dimensional code formation method using machine tool 1 comprises the steps of acquiring code data (step S1), acquiring machine configuration information (step S2), generating integrated data (step S3), dividing the integrated data into partitioned areas (step S4), generating a one-pass tool path in each partitioned area (step S5), confirming whether the tool path has reached the end point of each partitioned area (step S6), and executing a parallel process (step S7). In this procedure, the step of repeating steps S5 and S6 is the step of generating a parallel process to be executed by the parallel process generation unit 25.

[0027] Machine tool 1 generates an integrated pattern P containing all two-dimensional codes C1 and C2, and then generates a parallel process in which the formation of this integrated pattern P is shared among all available tools T1 and T2. Therefore, machine tool 1 can efficiently form two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 in a relatively short time by suppressing the travel distance and waiting time of tools T1 and T2.

[0028] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiments and modifications. (Note 1) The numerical control device (20) controls a machining mechanism (10) that processes a workpiece (W) with multiple tools (T1, T2), and includes: a configuration information storage unit (22) that stores machine configuration information including information on the tools (T1, T2) of the machining mechanism (10); a code data acquisition unit (23) that acquires code data that identifies the shape of one or more two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) to be formed on the surface of the workpiece (W); a parallel process generation unit (25) that generates multiple parallel processes that are assigned one by one to all valid tools (T1, T2) and executed in parallel to cause all valid tools (T1, T2) to work in a coordinated manner to form all two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) based on the code data and machine configuration information; and a parallel process execution unit (26) that executes the parallel processes.

[0029] (Note 2) The numerical control device (20) controls a machining mechanism (10) that processes a workpiece (W) with a tool (T1), and includes a configuration information storage unit (22) that stores machine configuration information including information about the tool (T1) of the machining mechanism (10), a code data acquisition unit (23) that acquires code data that identifies the shapes of a plurality of two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) to be formed on the surface of the workpiece (W), a parallel process generation unit (25) that generates a parallel process that operates the tool (T1) to form all two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) in parallel based on the code data and machine configuration information, and a parallel process execution unit (26) that executes the parallel process.

[0030] (Note 3) The numerical control device (20) controls a machining mechanism (10) that processes a workpiece (W) with one or more tools (T1, T2), and includes: a configuration information storage unit (22) that stores machine configuration information including information on the tools (T1, T2) of the machining mechanism; a code data acquisition unit (23) that acquires code data that identifies the shapes of one or more two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) to be formed on the surface of the workpiece (W); an integrated data generation unit (24) that generates integrated data that identifies the shape of a single integrated pattern (P) that includes all two-dimensional codes (C1, C2); a parallel process generation unit (25) that generates a plurality of parallel processes that are assigned one to each of the valid tools (T1, T2) based on the integrated data and machine configuration information, and which are executed in parallel to cause all valid tools (T1, T2) to work in a coordinated manner to form all two-dimensional codes (C1, C2); and a parallel process execution unit (26) that executes the parallel processes.

[0031] (Note 4) The parallel process generation unit (25) may divide the integrated pattern (P) into a plurality of partitioned regions (R1, R2) having equal widths and generate a parallel process to sequentially assign the partitioned regions (R1, R2) to a plurality of tools (T1, T2).

[0032] (Note 5) The parallel process generation unit (25) may divide the integrated pattern (P) into multiple partitioned regions (R1, R2) using a straight line (D) parallel to one side of the two-dimensional code (C1, C2).

[0033] (Note 6) The parallel process generation unit (25) may generate a parallel process in which the primary direction of movement of the tools (T1, T2) relative to the workpiece (W) is parallel to the straight line (D) that divides the integrated pattern (P).

[0034] (Note 7) The machine configuration information may include the number of valid tools (T1, T2).

[0035] (Note 8) The machine tool (1) comprises a numerical control device (20) specified in any of the appendices 1 to 7, and a machining mechanism (10) controlled by the numerical control device (20).

[0036] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are shown as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above.

[0037] In the machine tool relating to this disclosure, the machining mechanism may perform machining other than turning, such as milling or laser machining. In the machine tool relating to this disclosure, the division direction of the integrated pattern can be appropriately selected according to the type of machining, the axial configuration of the machining mechanism, etc. For example, as illustrated in Figure 8, when scanning the surface of a workpiece while moving the tool back and forth, it is preferable to divide the integrated pattern into multiple divisional regions in the sub-scanning direction. In the case of a multi-tasking lathe capable of milling the surface of a workpiece that can be rotated and positioned by the spindle, the main scanning direction is the tool feed direction, and the movement of the tool in the sub-scanning direction relative to the workpiece can be achieved by the forward and backward rotation of the workpiece. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 1 Machine tools 10 Processing mechanism 20 Numerical control devices 21 Machining Control Unit 22 Configuration Information Storage Unit 23 Code Data Acquisition Unit 24 Integrated Data Generation Unit 25 Parallel Process Generation Unit 26 Parallel Process Execution Unit Ac, Ax1, Ax2, Az1, Az2 Drive shaft main shaft C1, C2 2D codes D dividing line L1, L2 tool paths P Integration Pattern R1,R2 segmented area T1,T2 Tool Double job

Claims

1. A numerical control device for controlling a machining mechanism that processes a workpiece using multiple tools, A configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information about the tool of the processing mechanism, A code data acquisition unit that acquires code data specifying the shape of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece, A parallel process generation unit generates a plurality of parallel processes that, based on the code data and the machine configuration information, are assigned one to each of the valid tools and executed in parallel to coordinate the operation of all the valid tools in order to form all of the two-dimensional codes. A parallel process execution unit that executes the aforementioned parallel process, A numerical control device comprising:

2. A numerical control device for controlling a machining mechanism that processes a workpiece with a tool, A configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information about the tool of the processing mechanism, A code data acquisition unit acquires code data that specifies the shapes of multiple two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece, A parallel process generation unit generates a parallel process that operates the tool to form all the two-dimensional codes in parallel, based on the code data and the machine configuration information. A parallel process execution unit that executes the aforementioned parallel process, A numerical control device comprising:

3. A numerical control device for controlling a machining mechanism that processes a workpiece with one or more tools, A configuration information storage unit that stores machine configuration information including information about the tool of the processing mechanism, A code data acquisition unit acquires code data that specifies the shapes of multiple two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece, An integrated data generation unit that generates integrated data that identifies the shape of a single integrated pattern including all the aforementioned two-dimensional codes, A parallel process generation unit generates a plurality of parallel processes that, based on the integrated data and the machine configuration information, are assigned one to each of the valid tools and executed in parallel to coordinate the operation of all the valid tools in order to form all of the two-dimensional codes. A parallel process execution unit that executes the aforementioned parallel process, A numerical control device comprising:

4. The numerical control device according to claim 3, wherein the parallel process generation unit divides the integrated pattern into a plurality of partitioned regions having equal widths and generates the parallel process so as to sequentially assign the partitioned regions to the plurality of tools.

5. The numerical control device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the parallel process generation unit divides the integrated pattern into a plurality of partitioned regions by a straight line parallel to one side of the two-dimensional code.

6. The numerical control device according to claim 5, wherein the parallel process generation unit generates the parallel process in which the direction parallel to the straight line that divides the integrated pattern is the main direction of movement of the tool relative to the workpiece.

7. The numerical control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the machine configuration information includes the number of valid tools.

8. A numerical control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A machining mechanism controlled by the aforementioned numerical control device, A machine tool equipped with the following features.

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