Machine tool

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

machine tools

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

[0002] For example, it has been proposed to use tags such as RFID to manage various manufacturing processes. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a production management system that specifies the work to be performed by an automated machine based on information read from ID plates (tags) attached to automated guided vehicles or pallets that transport objects to be processed.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-199304

[0004] Even if the required work can be determined by identifying the processing object with a tag, it is necessary to ensure that the automated machine is in a state where it can perform the required work. Specifically, if the machine tool performing the work is not equipped with the appropriate tools, it will not be able to accurately perform the intended processing. In other words, it is necessary to properly perform setup work, such as installing tools on the machine tool.

[0005] A machine tool according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a processing device that processes a workpiece using a tool, one or more tag readers that are attached to detachable items including the tool and that read tags that record unique ID information, and a control device having a setup display unit that displays work information for setup work that a worker should perform in accordance with the ID information read by the tag reader.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, setup work for machine tools can be performed appropriately.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a machine tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a machine tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] The machine tool 1 machines a workpiece W with a tool T. A tag recording unique ID information may be attached to the workpiece W, the tool T, and items required for machining the workpiece W (for example, an adapter for attaching the tool, etc.). In addition, a tag recording unique ID information for the worker who uses the machine tool 1 is also attached to, for example, an ID card or the like and distributed to the worker. For example, an IC tag, a barcode, etc. may be used as the tag.

[0010] The machine tool 1 comprises one or more tag readers 10 that read tags, a processing device 20 that processes the workpiece W by moving the workpiece W and the tool T relative to each other, a tool changer 30 that changes the tool T of the processing device 20, a control device 40 that controls 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 information recorded on the tag. The tag reader 10 used is one that corresponds to the tag, and a non-contact reader is preferably used. The tag reader 10 can be provided in the processing device 20, the tool changer 30, the control device 40, and the manual pulse generator 50. In particular, in the processing device 20 and the tool changer 30, the tag reader 10 is preferably arranged so as to be able to read the tag when each item is placed in a state where it can process the workpiece W.

[0012] The processing device 20 may be configured to include a table 21 that holds the workpiece W directly or via a jig J in order to process the workpiece W with a tool T, a chuck 22 that holds the tool T, and a plurality of drive axes (including a main axis) A0 to A5 that move the table 21 and the chuck 22 relatively. Note that a tag may also be attached to the jig J.

[0013] The tool changer 30 has a plurality of tool holders 31, each of which holds a tool T and which can be selectively positioned relative to the chuck 22. In the tool changer 30, the tag reader 10 is preferably arranged to read the tag of the tool T held in the tool holder 31 positioned at a predetermined confirmation position, as shown in FIG. 1 . As an alternative, although not shown, a tag reader 10 may be provided for each of the plurality of tool holders 31 of the tool changer 30, and the tag of the tool T held in the tool holder 31 may be read, thereby accurately confirming the correspondence between the tool holder 31 and the tool T held therein. As a further alternative, a tag may be attached to each tool holder 31, and the tag of the tool holder 31 and the tag of the tool T held therein may be successively read by the portable tag reader 10.

[0014] The control device 40 has a machining control unit 41, a setup work memory unit 42, a setup display unit 43, a mode change unit 44, a usage time recording unit 45, a lifespan notification unit 46, and a work log recording unit 47. The control device 40 can be realized by one or more computers that include a memory, a processor, an input / output interface, a monitor, etc. and execute appropriate control programs. In this embodiment, the control device 40 is a so-called numerical control device. The above-mentioned components of the control device 40 categorize 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 machining device 20 on the workpiece W in accordance with a machining program described in, for example, G-code or the like. The machining control unit 41 may be configured in the same manner as in a known numerical control device.

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

[0017] Since it is possible that different workers will perform different machining operations on the machine tool 1, the work information for the setup operations may be stored in association with the ID of the worker. Furthermore, the setup operation storage unit 42 may include another database that associates the IDs of workers with setup operations, such as a machining schedule for each worker ID.

[0018] The setup display unit 43 displays work information for the setup work that the worker should perform in accordance with the ID information read by the tag reader 10. The work information may be displayed on a monitor of the control device 40, or on a monitor of the manual pulse generator 50 or another external device. The setup display unit 43 is configured to acquire work information for the corresponding setup work from the setup work memory unit 42 or an external server based on the ID information read by the tag reader 10. By configuring the setup work memory unit 42 or the setup display unit 43 to acquire work information from an external server, it is possible to easily change the settings of the setup work.

[0019] By identifying the tagged item based on the ID information read by the tag reader 10, the setup work required for the item can be identified. For example, when the ID information of a 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, etc. It is preferable that a tag is also attached to the adapter. This allows the worker to perform the setup work appropriately. When the required setup work includes multiple steps, the work information may be displayed for each step in order.

[0020] When the ID information identifies a worker, the setup display unit 43 is preferably configured to acquire work information linked to the identified worker. For example, in a site where a wide variety of products are produced in small quantities, different workers may be required to manufacture different products using the machine tool 1. In such a case, the setup display unit 43 can identify the product to be manufactured by using the worker's ID as a search key. This allows the details of the required setup work to be accurately identified, thereby reliably improving production efficiency. To acquire the worker's ID information, the control device 40 may be configured to request the tag reader 10 to read the worker'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 43, the mode change unit 44 indicates that the work has been completed by changing the display mode of the work information.

[0022] The usage time recording unit 45 records the usage time of the tool T for each piece of ID information. This makes it possible to manage the lifespan of each individual tool T. In other words, even if multiple tools T of the same model are used in parallel, the degree of wear of each tool T can be grasped relatively accurately.

[0023] When the usage time of the tool T read by the tag reader 10 is equal to or exceeds the upper limit, the lifespan notification unit 46 prompts the worker to replace the tool T. This makes it possible to prevent machining defects caused by the use of a tool T that has exceeded its lifespan. The lifespan notification unit 46 may be configured to prompt the worker to replace the tool T not only when the tag reader 10 reads a tag, but also when the usage time of the attached tool T exceeds the upper limit as a result of machining performed by the machining control unit 41.

[0024] The work log recording unit 47 records the time from when the setup display unit 43 displays the work information to when the ID information of the item displayed in the work information is read. This makes it possible to check the work efficiency of the setup work. Furthermore, by recording the time until the ID information of the item is read for each worker ID, it becomes possible to objectively evaluate the accuracy and proficiency of each worker's work.

[0025] The manual pulse generator 50 is a well-known jog operation terminal that allows an operator to operate the processing device 20 by a desired drive amount. By providing the tag reader 10 to the portable manual pulse generator 50, it is possible to relatively easily read tags attached to items such as tools T. Furthermore, by using the manual pulse generator 50 to read the tags of items while they are attached to the processing device 20 or the tool changer 30, it is possible to omit providing the tag reader 10 to the processing device 20 and the tool changer 30, and to relatively accurately ensure that the appropriate items are attached to the appropriate positions.

[0026] The machine tool 1 according to the present disclosure has a setup display unit 43 that displays work information for the setup work that the worker should perform according to the ID information read by the tag reader 10, thereby ensuring that the appropriate setup work is performed, i.e., that the appropriate tools T, jigs J, and other items are installed in the appropriate locations.

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

[0028] (Additional Note 2) When the ID information identifies a worker, the setup display unit (43) may acquire work information linked to the worker.

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

[0030] (Appendix 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] (Supplementary Note 5) The control device (40) may further include a work log recording unit (47) that records the time from when the work information is displayed by the setup display unit (43) to when the ID information of the items (T, W, J) is read.

[0032] (Supplementary Note 6) The tag reader (10) may be provided with a manual pulse generator (30).

[0033] (Supplementary Note 7) The tool changer (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 tag of the tool (T) held in the tool holder (31) positioned at a predetermined verification position.

[0034] (Supplementary Note 8) The tool changer (30) may further include a plurality of tool holders each holding a tool, and the tag reader (10) may be provided in each of the plurality of tool holders.

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

[0036] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in the above-described embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the gist of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to these.

[0037] For example, in a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the tool changer and manual pulse generator are not essential components. Furthermore, in a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the configuration of the machining device is optional. Furthermore, in a machine tool control device according to the present disclosure, the setup operation memory unit, mode change unit, usage time recording unit, life notification unit, and operation log recording unit are not essential components.

[0038] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Machine tool 10 Tag reader 20 Machining device 21 Table 22 Chuck 30 Tool changer 31 Tool holder 40 Control device 41 Machining control unit 42 Setup work memory unit 43 Setup display unit 44 Mode change unit 45 Usage time recording unit 46 Life notification unit 47 Work log recording unit 50 Manual pulse generator A0 to A5 Drive J Jig T Tool W Work

Claims

1. A processing device that processes a workpiece using a tool; one or more tag readers for reading tags that are attached to removable articles, including the tools, and that record unique ID information; a control device having a setup display unit that displays work information of a setup work to be performed by a worker according to the ID information read by the tag reader; A machine tool comprising:

2. The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein the setup display unit acquires the work information linked to the worker when the ID information identifies the worker.

3. The machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setup display unit acquires the work information from an external server.

4. the work information displayed by the setup display unit includes information on the item to be used, 3. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the control device further comprises a manner changing unit that changes a display manner of the work information when the tag reader reads the ID information of the item related to the work information.

5. 5. The machine tool according to claim 4, wherein the control device further comprises a work log recording section which records the time from when the work information is displayed by the setup display section to when the ID information of the article is read.

6. 3. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the tag reader is provided in a manual pulse generator.

7. a tool changing device having a plurality of tool holders each for holding the tool; 3. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the tag reader is arranged to read the tag of the tool held in the tool holder positioned at a predetermined verification position.

8. a tool changing device having a plurality of tool holders each for holding the tool; The machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tag reader is provided in each of the plurality of tool holders.

9. 3. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the control device further comprises a usage time recording unit that records usage time of the tool for each of the ID information.