Numerical control device and machine tool

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

Numerical control devices and machine tools

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Machine tools that form two-dimensional codes on workpieces by milling are known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-201075

[0004] Two-dimensional codes are complex and difficult to read unless they are formed accurately. For this reason, forming two-dimensional codes by processing takes a relatively long time.

[0005] A numerical control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a numerical control device that controls a machining mechanism that machines a workpiece with multiple tools, and includes: 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 specifies the shapes of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; a parallel process generation unit that generates multiple parallel processes based on the code data and the machine configuration information, each assigned to one of the active tools, and executed in parallel to cause all of the active tools to operate cooperatively to form all of the two-dimensional codes; 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 that controls a machining mechanism that machines a workpiece with a tool, and includes: 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 shapes of multiple two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; a parallel process generation unit that generates parallel processes that operate the tools 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 processes.

[0007] A numerical control device according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a numerical control device that controls a machining mechanism that machines a workpiece with one or more tools, and includes: a configuration information memory 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 specifies 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 specifies the shape of a single integrated pattern that includes all of the two-dimensional codes; a parallel process generation unit that generates a plurality of parallel processes, one assigned to each of the valid tools based on the integrated data and the machine configuration information, and that are executed in parallel to cause all of the valid tools to operate cooperatively to form all of the two-dimensional codes; and a parallel process execution unit that executes the parallel processes.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a two-dimensional code can be formed in a relatively short time.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a machine tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a workpiece machined by the machine tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a development view of the workpiece of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram explaining the shape of a two-dimensional code formed on a workpiece by the machine tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tool path in the machine tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tool path in the machine tool of Fig. 1 that is different from Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for forming a two-dimensional code on a workpiece by the machine tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tool path in a modified example of the present disclosure.

[0010] 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 schematic diagram showing the configuration of a machine tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] The machine tool 1 machines a workpiece W with one or more tools (a first tool T1 and a second tool T2 in the figure), and as shown in Figure 2, forms one or more two-dimensional codes (a first two-dimensional code C1 and a second two-dimensional code C2 in the figure) by cutting into the surface of the workpiece W. In other words, the two-dimensional codes C1, C2 are formed as a concave-convex pattern that is expressed by the presence or absence of cutting. The machine tool 1 includes a machining mechanism 10 that moves the tools T1, T2 and the workpiece W relative to each other, and a numerical control device 20 that controls the machining 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 has multiple drive axes that move the tools T1, T2 and the workpiece W relative to each other. Specifically, the drive axes include a spindle Ac that rotates the workpiece W, a first feed axis Az1 and a first cutting axis Ax1 that move the first tool T1, and a second feed axis Az2 and a second cutting axis Ax2 that move the second tool T2. The machining mechanism 10 of this embodiment is intended to machine the workpiece W using two tools T1, T2, but the number of tools used is not particularly limited.

[0013] The numerical control device 20 can be realized by one or more computer devices that include a 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. Note that these components categorize 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 machining mechanism 10 on the workpiece W in accordance with a machining program described in, for example, G-code or the like. The machining control unit 21 may be configured in the same manner as in a known numerical control device.

[0015] The configuration information storage unit 22 stores machine configuration information including information on the tools T1 and T2 of the machining mechanism 10. The machine configuration information preferably includes the number of active tools T1 and T2. The number of active tools T1 and T2 may be the maximum number (a fixed number) that the machining mechanism 10 can use in its mechanical 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 that is the number of tools T1 and T2 actually attached by the user. In addition, the machine configuration information preferably further includes the movable range of each drive axis, the origin position of each drive axis, 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 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 that includes all two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 to be formed on the surface of the workpiece W. FIG. 4 is a development view of the circumferential 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. Furthermore, the integrated data is preferably three-dimensional data in which 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 formed by projecting the planar two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 onto the surface of the workpiece W in the radial direction of the workpiece W, as shown in FIG. 3, so that the shapes are not distorted when the workpiece W is observed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the depth of the cut portions of the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 be constant.

[0018] Based on the integrated data and machine configuration information, the parallel process generation unit 25 generates multiple parallel processes, each assigned to each active tool T1, T2, for cooperative operation of all active tools T1, T2 to form all two-dimensional codes C1, C2 by executing them in parallel. Here, "parallel process" refers not only to the actuation of the tools T1, T2 on the workpiece W but also to a series of operations including the movement of the tools T1, T2 for that purpose. These parallel processes are at least partially executed simultaneously with other parallel processes. Note that the multiple parallel processes do not need to be represented as separate pieces of information, and may be represented, for example, as a single data file including multiple words specifying the operations for each tool T1, T2.

[0019] 5, the parallel process generation unit 25 may generate parallel processes by dividing the integrated pattern P into multiple segmented regions R1, R2 having equal widths in the feed direction of the tools T1, T2, and sequentially assigning the segmented regions R1, R2 to the multiple tools T1, T2. In the figure, the outlines of the two-dimensional codes C1, C2 are indicated by thin dashed lines, and the relative movement paths (tool paths) L1, L2 of the tools T1, T2 relative to the workpiece W are indicated by thick dashed lines. In the figure, the segmented regions R1, R2 are each enclosed by a single envelope (two-dot chain line), but the segmented regions R1, R2 may each include multiple isolated regions in which part or all of the two-dimensional codes C1, C2 are present.

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

[0021] The parallel process generation unit 25 can generate parallel processes including multiple-path tool paths for each of the divided regions R1 and R2. A single-path tool path can be set to machine the same row within the divided regions R1 and R2 and move one row outside the divided regions R1 and R2. The main movement direction of the tools T1 and T2 relative to the workpiece W is preferably set to a direction parallel to the division line D that divides the integrated pattern P. This increases the distance that can be machined with a single-path tool path, reducing the acceleration and deceleration of the tools T1 and T2 and shortening the machining time.

[0022] The segmented regions R1, R2 may be set by dividing the integrated pattern P by a predetermined width, but are preferably set each time depending on the shape of the integrated pattern P, the specifications of the tools T1, T2, etc., in order to improve the utilization efficiency of all the tools T1, T2. The number of segmented regions R1, R2 is preferably an integer multiple of the number of tools T1, T2 so that an equal number of segmented regions R1, R2 can be assigned to each tool T1, T2, and is more preferably equal to the number of tools T1, T2 in order to reduce the movement distance of the tools T1, T2.

[0023] In Fig. 5, two two-dimensional codes C1, C2 are aligned in the rotation direction of the spindle Ac, and therefore each of the two-dimensional codes C1, C2 is divided into a plurality of segmented regions R1, R2 and formed by a plurality of tools T1, T2. However, as shown in Fig. 6, when the two two-dimensional codes C1, C2 are arranged offset in the feed direction of the tools T1, T2, each of the two-dimensional codes C1, C2 can be formed by a single tool T1, T2.

[0024] The parallel process execution unit 26 executes in parallel the same number of parallel processes as the number of tools T1 and T2 generated by the parallel process generation unit 25. As a result, a plurality of two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 are formed on the surface of the workpiece W. Note that when the number of valid tools is one, for example, when only the first tool T1 is valid, the number of parallel processes generated by the parallel process execution unit 26 is only one.

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

[0026] The method for forming a two-dimensional code using the machine tool 1 includes 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-path tool path for each partitioned area (step S5), checking 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 parallel processes to be executed by the parallel process generation unit 25.

[0027] The machine tool 1 generates an integrated pattern P that includes all of the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2, and then generates a parallel process in which all of the active tools T1 and T2 share the task of forming this integrated pattern P. As a result, the machine tool 1 can reduce the travel distance and standby time of the tools T1 and T2, and efficiently form the two-dimensional codes C1 and C2 in a relatively short time.

[0028] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment and modified examples. (Supplementary Note 1) A numerical control device (20) controls a machining mechanism (10) that machines a workpiece (W) with a plurality of tools (T1, T2), and includes: a configuration information storage unit (22) that stores machine configuration information including information about the tools (T1, T2) of the machining mechanism (10); a code data acquisition unit (23) that 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); a parallel process generation unit (25) that generates a plurality of parallel processes, one for each active tool (T1, T2) based on the code data and the machine configuration information, and that cause all active tools (T1, T2) to cooperate to form all of the two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) by being executed in parallel; and a parallel process execution unit (26) that executes the parallel processes.

[0029] (Supplementary Note 2) The numerical control device (20) is a numerical control device (20) that controls a machining mechanism (10) that machines a workpiece (W) with a tool (T1), and includes: a configuration information storage unit (22) that stores machine configuration information including information on the tool (T1) of the machining mechanism (10); a code data acquisition unit (23) that acquires code data that specifies 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 parallel processes that operate the tool (T1) to form all of the two-dimensional codes (C1, C2) in parallel based on the code data and the machine configuration information; and a parallel process execution unit (26) that executes the parallel processes.

[0030] (Supplementary Note 3) The numerical control device (20) is a numerical control device (20) that controls a machining mechanism (10) that machines 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 specifies 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 specifies the shape of a single integrated pattern (P) that includes all the two-dimensional codes (C1, C2); a parallel process generation unit (25) that generates a plurality of parallel processes, one for each of the effective tools (T1, T2) based on the integrated data and the machine configuration information, and that are executed in parallel to cause all the effective tools (T1, T2) to cooperate to form all the two-dimensional codes (C1, C2); and a parallel process execution unit (26) that executes the parallel processes.

[0031] (Supplementary 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 assign the partitioned regions (R1, R2) to a plurality of tools (T1, T2) in order.

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

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

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

[0035] (Supplementary Note 8) A machine tool (1) includes a numerical control device (20) according to any one of Supplementary Notes 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, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0037] In the machine tool according to the present disclosure, the machining mechanism may perform machining types other than lathe machining, such as milling, laser machining, etc. In the machine tool according to the present disclosure, the division direction of the integrated pattern may be selected as appropriate depending on the machining type, the axis configuration of the machining mechanism, etc. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , when scanning the surface of a workpiece while reciprocating the tool, it is preferable to divide the integrated pattern into multiple partitioned areas in the sub-scanning direction. Note that in the case of a combined lathe capable of milling the surface of a workpiece that can be rotationally positioned by a spindle, the main scanning direction is the feed direction of the tool, and movement of the tool in the sub-scanning direction relative to the workpiece may be achieved by rotating the workpiece back and forth.

[0038] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Machine tool 10 Machining mechanism 20 Numerical control device 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 axis spindle C1, C2 Two-dimensional code D Partition line L1, L2 Tool path P Integrated pattern R1, R2 Partition area T1, T2 Tool W Workpiece

Claims

1. A numerical control device that controls a machining mechanism that machines a workpiece with a plurality of tools, 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 that identifies the shapes of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; a parallel process generation unit that generates a plurality of parallel processes, each of which is assigned to each of the valid tools based on the code data and the machine configuration information, and which are executed in parallel to cause all of the valid tools to cooperate with each other to form all of the two-dimensional codes; a parallel process execution unit for executing the parallel processes; A numerical control device comprising:

2. A numerical control device that controls a machining mechanism that machines a workpiece with a tool, 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 that identifies the shapes of the multiple two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; a parallel process generation unit that generates a parallel process for operating the tools so as to form all of the two-dimensional codes in parallel based on the code data and the machine configuration information; a parallel process execution unit for executing the parallel processes; A numerical control device comprising:

3. A numerical control device that controls a machining mechanism that machines a workpiece with one or more tools, 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 that identifies the shapes of one or more two-dimensional codes to be formed on the surface of the workpiece; an integrated data generating unit that generates integrated data specifying a 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, each of which is assigned to each of the valid tools based on the integrated data and the machine configuration information, and which are executed in parallel to cause all of the valid tools to cooperate in forming all of the two-dimensional codes; a parallel process execution unit for executing the parallel processes; 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 processes to sequentially assign the partitioned regions to the plurality of tools.

5. The numerical control device according to claim 3 , wherein the parallel process generation unit divides the integrated pattern into a plurality of divided regions by straight lines 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 having a main moving direction of the tool relative to the workpiece that is parallel to the straight line that divides the integrated pattern.

7. The numerical control device according to claim 1 , 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 numerical control device; A machine tool comprising: