Automatic operation system for machining center

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic operation system that can selectively control the automatic operation of multiple pre-registered cutting machines via a cloud server and a remotely located terminal device. The automated operation system of a cutting machine includes: a cloud-based control unit, which is installed on a cloud server connected to the CNC devices of each cutting machine via communication lines. This unit uses an automated machining instruction generation unit to generate machining instructions for each machine tool and sends them to the corresponding CNC devices. It also includes one or more terminal devices that transmit the input 3D CAD design data of the intended machined product to the cloud-based control unit via communication lines and display the information transmitted from the cloud-based control unit on a display unit. The cloud-based control unit includes a cloud-based memory unit, which stores a register of all cutting machines driven by the controlled machine, and each... The automatic machining instruction generation unit of the machine tool information and the learned model applies the feature information and tool information extracted from the 3D CAD design data to the corresponding learned model. It automatically sets the machining conditions required for cutting each feature and the machining steps including the tool path based on the machining conditions. It also sets a series of machining instructions corresponding to all machining steps based on the aforementioned learned model and the determined execution program. It also has the following function: before applying the aforementioned tool information to the aforementioned learned model, it updates the tool information by referring to the latest tool information stored in the memory of the corresponding CNC device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic operation system for cutting machines, which can selectively control the automatic operation of multiple pre-registered cutting machines via a cloud server and a terminal device located at a remote location. More specifically, it relates to a system for generating machining instructions for selected cutting machines based on 3D CAD design data of the machined product input from the terminal device, using a dedicated learned model on the cloud side, and automatically driving and controlling the machining steps in the machine tool to follow the machining instructions. Prior Technology

[0002] Currently, many machine tools are equipped with automatic tool changing functions and numerical control devices, also known as NC (Numerical Control) devices or CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) devices, which control and drive them as cutting machines. That is, the machine tool uses numerical control devices to automatically execute various cutting steps according to a pre-determined NC machining program to form the desired product.

[0003] NC machining programs are created based on numerical control information that includes machining conditions and machining steps, such as the numerical data (NC data) of the machining conditions, including the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes used in machining with that tool, or the simultaneous movement and speed of the five axes (X, Y, Z, A, C) of a high-speed machine tool. Furthermore, in CNC devices, automation is advanced by using a built-in computer to automatically calculate tool diameter corrections or interpolation, speed control, and other functions.

[0004] Therefore, a machine tool executes an NC machining program for cutting to obtain the desired product, and the machining conditions and machining steps are pre-set. Each machining step is determined by the machining method used to cut out the various features of the product, such as the step difference between concave and convex surfaces, the curved surface shape, or holes, recesses, grooves, etc. Suitable tools for forming these features can be appropriately selected from various tools, such as various milling cutters, various drills, various end mills, etc. For each selected tool, machining conditions including cutting conditions are set, and the tool path is determined based on these machining conditions. Then, based on such tool selection, a machining step sequence including tool change and execution of the tool path is set, and an NC machining program corresponding to that machining step sequence is created.

[0005] Typically, NC machining programs, which define the machining steps for shaping various features, are created by technicians using NC languages ​​such as G-code or M-code, based on CAD (Computer-aided Design) drawings of the product to be machined. However, there are increasingly more complex control requirements, such as simultaneous 5-axis machining in high-performance machine tools, where multiple axes can be smoothly and automatically performed without interference. In these cases, NC machining programs are created using CAM (Computer-aided Manufacturing) systems based on 3D CAD drawings.

[0006] While CAM operation eliminates the need for direct manual code input, complex machining programs require time to be created by skilled operators who simultaneously research machining methods, select tools, and determine machining conditions. Therefore, research continues on various devices capable of automating machining program creation.

[0007] Among them, the inventors have developed an automatic operating device for a cutting machine that utilizes CAD data: Once the three-dimensional CAD design data of the product to be processed is obtained, no specialized knowledge is required; processing instructions can be automatically generated and the processing steps executed immediately on-site (see Patent Document 1). This automatic operating device is as follows: If the three-dimensional (hereinafter also referred to as 3D) CAD design data of the target product is obtained, the device immediately displays the 3D model, selectively suggests possible installation directions, and extracts the product's features. If the optimal installation direction is selected and determined, based on the determined installation direction, the extracted features are applied to the learned model, and processing instructions are automatically generated within a short time, enabling the machine tool to execute all the processing steps required to obtain the product. [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6719790 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-71407 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-12542 Summary of the Invention

[0009] [The problem that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] However, in recent years, the required processing products have become increasingly complex, accompanied by a surge in the volume of 3D design data. Consequently, the data from the constantly updated learned models, resulting in such complex processing steps, has also increased significantly. Therefore, in various cutting machines, the control devices mounted on the machine tools face not only capacity issues but also the need for high-performance data processing capabilities, thus increasing the burden on the machine side and consequently raising costs. Furthermore, since the creation and execution of processing instructions are largely automated, the necessary operations are limited to simple tasks such as inputting the initial 3D CAD design data and selecting and determining the installation direction, which are performed quickly. However, these operations are performed by the operator using the CNC control panel on the machine side, making it impossible to avoid constraints imposed by the work environment.

[0011] On the other hand, machine tools that reduce the burden by sharing some functions of the control device with a cloud server are also considered. For example, a machine tool is configured to separate the numerical control device into a host computer (cloud) side on the network and a machine tool side. On the cloud side, software for CNC control or display control is used, while on the machine tool side, software for servo control and spindle control for mechanical movement is used. By managing and maintaining the software and hardware on the cloud side, the maintenance and repair costs of the machine tool can be reduced (see Patent Document 2).

[0012] Furthermore, a management computer is also considered, which aims to support the elimination of the decline in machining accuracy that occurs over time with each machine tool. It measures the rigidity of the components such as the spindle or tool of the machine tool at the manufacturing side of the machined product and sends the measurement information to a cloud server. Based on the rigidity measurement information and machining basic data received at the cloud server, it creates a machining program and sends the rigidity measurement information to the machine tool manufacturer's computer or the tool manufacturer's computer (see Patent Document 3).

[0013] However, as mentioned above, the main purpose of using cloud servers is to manage multiple machine tools, but not to perform the following remotely and easily via cloud servers: without using a CAM system, based on the 3D CAD design data of the product to be machined, extract its features, and automatically generate machining instructions for obtaining each feature by applying the learned model with the suggested and selected optimal mounting direction until any cutting machine executes the machining instructions.

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic operation system for cutting machines, which, in view of the above-mentioned problems, can automatically generate machining instructions for multiple cutting machines based on the three-dimensional CAD design data of the product to be machined, and make the machine tool execute the machining instructions, without requiring the machine tool-side control device to have large data storage capacity and high-performance data processing capabilities, and the operator is not restricted by the machine tool side. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, the automatic operation system of the cutting machine of the present invention selectively performs automatic operation control on multiple cutting machines equipped with CNC devices that perform numerical control of each machine tool and automatic tool changing device. It includes: a cloud-based control unit, which is installed on a cloud server connected to the aforementioned CNC devices of each cutting machine via communication lines, generates machining instructions for each machine tool and sends the aforementioned machining instructions to the corresponding CNC devices; and one or more terminal devices, which input 3D CAD design data of the intended machined product, send the 3D CAD design data to the aforementioned cloud-based control unit via communication lines, and display the information sent from the aforementioned cloud-based control unit on a display unit; Each CNC unit includes: The CNC machine's control unit, following pre-determined machining instructions, drives and controls the machining section of the aforementioned machine tool and the aforementioned automatic tool changer. Corresponding to each machining step in the aforementioned machining instructions, it changes and mounts the tool onto the rotary spindle of the aforementioned machining section, and performs cutting operations on the workpiece. The CNC device's side memory unit stores the following tool information, which includes: identification information of multiple tools that can be interchangeably stored on the aforementioned rotary spindle via the aforementioned automatic tool changer, storage location information of each tool, and the material and shape of each tool corresponding to the aforementioned identification information; The aforementioned cloud-side control unit includes: The automatic machining instruction generation unit, based on the aforementioned 3D CAD design data sent from the terminal device, automatically generates machining instructions that instruct a pre-selected cutting machine to execute all the necessary machining steps to cut the material to the desired product; and The cloud-side memory unit stores a login list containing the drive control objects, i.e., all cutting machines, along with their model information; The aforementioned cloud-side memory stores: tool information for each machine tool; and a learned model generated by learning from machining data including tool trajectories and execution programs, based on the machining conditions of various cutting machining characteristics and the tools and cutting conditions used when performing the cutting machining. The aforementioned automatic processing instruction generation unit has the following functions: The feature extraction function extracts the cutting features from the 3D CAD design data of the aforementioned processed product, based on the shape of the aforementioned processed material. The automatic machining sequence setting function, by using the learned model corresponding to the aforementioned selected cutting machine, applies not only the corresponding tool information but also the features captured by the aforementioned feature extraction function, and automatically determines the machining conditions required for the cutting of each feature. Based on these machining conditions, it automatically sets the machining sequence including the tool path. All processing step setting functions determine the execution of all processing steps for the features captured by the aforementioned feature acquisition function, and set all processing steps required to complete the aforementioned processed product; and The machining instruction generation function, based on the aforementioned learned model, generates machining instructions that cause the aforementioned machine tool to execute all the previously set machining steps; and sends the generated machining instructions to the corresponding control unit of the aforementioned CNC device. The aforementioned automatic processing instruction generation department's automatic processing step setting function includes: The tool information update function updates the tool information, which, together with the aforementioned features, is applied to the aforementioned learned model, before its application, by referring to the latest tool information stored in the CNC device memory of the selected cutting machine; and Based on the aforementioned 3D CAD design data, a 3D model of the product to be processed is created and displayed on the display screen of the aforementioned terminal device. The device selects one or more possible different mounting directions for the product to the machining section of the aforementioned machine tool, and allows the 3D model to be selectively displayed on the display screen of the aforementioned terminal device in each selected mounting direction. Furthermore, based on the mounting direction selected by the aforementioned terminal device, the device automatically sets the machining sequence for cutting each feature using the latest updated tool information. The aforementioned terminal device has the following functions: after the aforementioned machining instruction is generated by the aforementioned machining instruction automatic generation unit and sent to the aforementioned CNC device-side control unit, it sends a start machining instruction signal to the aforementioned cloud-side control unit at any time sequence set by the operator or at a preset time point; The aforementioned cloud-side control unit further includes a start machining instruction indicator unit. When the start machining instruction indicator unit receives the aforementioned start machining instruction signal from the aforementioned terminal device, it sends a start machining instruction instruction signal to the aforementioned CNC device-side control unit, so that the aforementioned machine tool begins to execute cutting operations in accordance with the aforementioned machining instruction.

[0016] The machining conditions of this invention are the same as those set in a conventional machine tool, and are the conditions required to determine the machining sequence. These mainly include: the type, shape, diameter, and material of the tool; cutting conditions such as spindle speed, feed rate, cutting width, and depth of cut (Z-direction); the material of the material being machined; and the method, position, and direction of securing the machining fixture. Based on these machining conditions, the tool path, or tool trajectory, used to obtain the desired machining features is determined.

[0017] In this invention, which possesses the above-described configuration, via a cloud server, an operator uses a terminal device within their daily office building or firm to select a suitable cutting machine from a pre-registered pool of cutting machines based on 3D CAD design data of the intended product. Even if the selected cutting machine is located in a remote factory or other facility, processing instructions can be generated for that machine, and the machine can be operated automatically remotely using these instructions. Thus, the operator does not need to travel to the facility where the intended cutting machine is located, and consequently, the intended product can be manufactured easily and quickly.

[0018] Furthermore, because the cloud-side memory not only stores a registration list containing model information for each registered cutting machine, but also tool information for each cutting machine and pre-learned models generated by learning from machining data including tool trajectories and execution programs, based on the characteristics of various cutting processes, there is no need to store pre-learned models for automatically generating machining instructions applicable to the target machine tool on the CNC unit side. Moreover, the creation of 3D models in each mounting direction is also performed on the cloud-side control unit, thus eliminating the burden of large-capacity data processing and high-performance data processing capabilities on the CNC unit side. This also avoids the increased costs associated with large-capacity and high-performance cutting machines and CNC units.

[0019] Furthermore, in this invention, by further incorporating a tool information update function within the automatic machining sequence setting function of the automatic machining instruction generation unit, the tool information applicable to the learned model along with each feature is updated by referring to the latest tool information stored in the CNC device-side memory of the selected cutting machine in order to automatically set the machining sequence. It is envisioned that each cutting machine uses the tool information and NC program stored in the CNC device's memory on-site for various machining sequences. Therefore, when attempting to generate new machining instructions using the automatic machining instruction generation unit of the cloud-side control unit of this invention for a new machining sequence, the tool information pre-stored in the cloud-side memory may differ from the tool information used in previous machining sequences. Therefore, by updating the tool information by referring to the latest tool information stored in the target CNC device-side memory when generating new machining instructions using this invention, the risk of generating and executing machining instructions using tool information different from the actual tool information can be avoided, thus enabling safer and more accurate machining instructions.

[0020] In this invention, the communication line connecting the cloud server on the Internet with the terminal device and the CNC machine of each cutting machine utilizes currently available high-speed, high-capacity wired and wireless communication technologies, such as optical fiber or 5G mobile communication systems. This allows for near-instantaneous and simultaneous data transmission and reception between multiple machines, enabling smooth remote automatic operation control of each cutting machine from the terminal device via the cloud server. The terminal device can be a personal computer (PC) or tablet, or a PC monitor or touch panel display with a display unit. Furthermore, as long as the terminal device and the CNC machine are equipped with a 5G-compatible communication device / module, the operator can connect to the Internet via the communication line for operation.

[0021] For example, if the terminal device sends the input 3D CAD design data of the target product to the cloud-based control unit, the automatic machining instruction generation unit of the cloud-based control unit immediately generates a 3D model of the product based on the 3D CAD design data using the automatic machining sequence setting function. Next, one or more possible mounting orientations of the product to the machining section of the target machine tool are selected. In each selected mounting orientation, the 3D model can be selectively displayed on the terminal device's display. If the operator selects the optimal 3D model from the displayed mounting orientations, the decision signal is immediately sent to the cloud-based control unit. In the automatic machining instruction generation unit of the cloud-based control unit, based on the selected mounting orientation, the automatic setting of the machining sequence for cutting each feature required to achieve the target product is performed. When the target product has a complex shape and the 3D CAD design data is relatively large, the data processing of the 3D model is carried out on the cloud side in a short time, and the data of the 3D model is sent to the terminal device without interruption and smoothly.

[0022] The installation direction of the machined product selected and determined here is the final orientation of the machined product upon completion. With this final orientation as the target, the cutting direction of each feature is determined. Then, based on this cutting direction, the machining conditions and tool path used to set the machining sequence are determined. Therefore, the installation direction of the machined product is selected and determined from more than one different installation directions automatically suggested and displayed on the terminal device's display, ultimately yielding the most efficient machining sequence.

[0023] The automatic suggestion of one or more different mounting orientations can be based on 3D CAD design data obtained from the terminal device, which can be used to set the mounting orientation of the processed product. For example, if the central axis is set according to the external shape of the processed product, a mounting orientation that changes the orientation of the central axis can be selected. Specifically, a mounting orientation in which the central axis is vertical and a mounting orientation in which the central axis is horizontal can be selected first. In addition, a mounting orientation in which the central axis is inclined can also be selected according to the external shape of the processed product. Then, if the larger surface that can be used as the mounting surface is selected in each direction of the central axis, each possible mounting orientation can also be determined. Therefore, it only takes a very short time to select possible mounting orientations of the processed product on the cloud side based on the aforementioned 3D CAD design data, and to create 3D models of multiple selected mounting orientations and display them on the display of the terminal device. The optimal mounting orientation is selected from these automatically displayed mounting orientations as described above.

[0024] Processed products typically have at least one surface without any processing features. In practice, when a surface lacks such a feature (i.e., has a surface that doesn't require processing), that surface is used as the mounting surface. Therefore, by checking the 3D model of one or more proposed mounting orientations on the terminal device's display, the operator can instantly select the optimal mounting orientation for the surface that doesn't require processing. Furthermore, when a surface has one or more features that cannot be used as a mounting surface, based on the shape of the fixture, the processed product, and the processing material, complex calculations performed by a computer are unnecessary; the operator can easily and quickly determine the optimal orientation based on factors such as stability during installation.

[0025] Furthermore, the input of 3D CAD design data into the terminal device can be done not only by obtaining data stored on a USB or other memory medium from the input port set on the terminal device, but also by using general data input methods such as obtaining data through network communication from other computers via a computer network.

[0026] Furthermore, as for the model information of various cutting machines, firstly, one can cite the following: whether it is a horizontal or vertical type, and the amount of movement of the stage, column, and head related to each axis, as well as the stage rotation angle; the cutting area; the maximum size of the workpiece; the various traverse speeds (rapid traverse speeds); the spindle end shape; the spindle speed range; the spindle electric power output; the stage working surface area; the maximum load capacity; the changing method of the automatic tool changer (ATC); or the type of tool magazine and the maximum number of tools that can be stored; and the maximum tool weight. Furthermore, among various cutting machines, there are cases where, in order to further achieve automation and labor savings, an automatic conveyor system is installed to automatically transport the workpiece to a specific location in the machining section. In the case of cutting machines equipped with such an automatic conveyor system that cooperates with the machine tool, the model information can also include information about the automatic conveyor system. Examples of automated conveying devices include those that load workpieces (processing materials) stored in workpiece storage containers onto pallets fixed to the processing section using loading systems including multi-axis robotic arms or automatic workpiece changers, or pallet changers or multi-pallet systems that allow pallets carrying processing materials to be interchangeably moved to specific positions in the processing section of a machine tool.

[0027] In this invention, the automatic manufacturing unit of the cloud-based control unit, as described above, creates a 3D model based on the 3D CAD design data of the product to be processed, sent from the terminal device. This model is then displayed on the terminal device's display unit in various installation orientations, from which the optimal installation orientation is determined. In addition to this sequence of steps from 3D model creation to determining the installation orientation, based on the 3D CAD design data, the feature portions to be formed by cutting are extracted according to the shape of the processing material.

[0028] The acquired features, based on the installation orientation selected on the terminal device, along with the machine tool information from the login list and the corresponding cutting machine tool information stored in the cloud memory, are applied to the corresponding learned model. This automatically determines the machining conditions for each feature, and based on these conditions, determines the tool and toolpath to be used, automatically setting the machining sequence, including tool assignment and change, and execution of the toolpath. Furthermore, it determines the procedure for executing the machining steps for all features, thus setting a series of all machining steps. Then, based on the learned model, machining instructions are automatically generated to cause the machine tool to execute all the set machining steps.

[0029] In the cloud-side control unit, if a machining instruction is automatically generated using the machining instruction generation unit as described above, the machining instruction is sent to the CNC device-side control unit, and a notification indicating that the machining instruction has been generated and sent to the CNC device is sent to the terminal device. Subsequently, in the terminal device, at any time specified by the operator or at a preset time, a start machining instruction signal is sent from the terminal device to the cloud-side control unit. In the cloud-side control unit, when the start machining instruction indication unit receives the start machining instruction signal from the terminal device, a start machining instruction indication signal is sent to the CNC device-side control unit, causing the machine tool to perform cutting operations following the previously sent machining instructions.

[0030] Furthermore, the learned model of this invention refers to the learning of a vast amount of past cutting data pre-accumulated for each type of cutting machine. This data includes the machining conditions for each feature, the tools used, and the cutting conditions, as well as the machining data including the tool path and its execution program—in other words, all the data required for the cutting of each feature. Therefore, based on this learned model, the machining conditions required for cutting the feature used to manufacture a new product and the machining sequence including the tool path based on those conditions are automatically determined and set in a short time, thereby immediately and automatically generating machining instructions for the machine tool to execute those machining steps. Furthermore, in the cloud-side memory of this invention, each learned model is continuously updated by learning data related to the newly generated machining instruction each time a new machining instruction is created. In this way, each learned model is always up-to-date, contributing to the high precision of setting machining sequences with interference-free paths associated with further speed and higher safety when creating the next new machining instruction.

[0031] As described above, according to the present invention, the operator does not need to pre-create NC programs. Instead, by inputting 3D CAD design data into a terminal device located remotely from the actual machine, and selecting the optimal mounting orientation from one or more 3D models displayed on the screen as a result, machining instructions for manufacturing products using the object cutting machine can be automatically generated. Then, after the machining instructions are generated, by simply sending a start machining instruction signal to the cloud, the cutting machine can remotely begin a cycle that substantially follows the machining sequence of the instructions. Furthermore, in this invention, the operator can arbitrarily select and remotely control not only a specific cutting machine but also multiple registered cutting machines. Moreover, if the machines are of the same model, the same machined products can be manufactured from multiple cutting machines using the same machining instructions through automatic operation.

[0032] Furthermore, the execution of machining steps in a machine tool is essentially achieved through the execution of a specified tool path. This tool path is executed by the relative linear or rotary movement of the tool side and workpiece side stage, driven by motors on each axis. In other words, the tool path is executed by controlling the drive of the motors on each axis. More specifically, in a typical NC program, the read NC data is converted into pulse signals by an information processing circuit, which drive the motors. The pulse signals command the actual tool movement amount through the motor rotation angle corresponding to the number of pulses, i.e., through position control, and command the actual tool movement speed through the motor speed control corresponding to the pulse frequency. Therefore, even without an NC program, the execution of the tool path can be achieved by directly commanding the motors using corresponding pulse signals.

[0033] Therefore, in this invention, the machining instructions used to cause the machine tool to execute the set machining sequence can be NC programs, just as before, but are not limited to programs using NC languages ​​such as G-code. They can be configured as described above to include instruction signals that directly drive and control each motor. For example, by combining tool specification and tool change instruction signals into pulse signals that control the motor drive of each axis corresponding to the tool path, the execution of a series of machining steps can be instructed. The pulse signals themselves can be easily created based on pulse signals that correspond to various tool paths contained in the machining data learned during the creation of the pre-learned model. Thus, regarding machining instructions, if they are executable machining sequences, other machining programs or instruction signals that can directly drive and control the machine tool can be used.

[0034] In particular, as machining instructions, when direct instruction signals are generated without going through the NC program, the machining time can be shortened and the machining accuracy improved by omitting the numerous interpolation functions used in previous NC programs created with G-code or M-code. Furthermore, by using automatically set actual values ​​for positioning instead of feedback control, thermal displacement is eliminated, and real-time control that eliminates the delay between servo control and instructions is achieved. Therefore, it can respond instantly to load changes, resulting in a significant reduction in machining time and high accuracy.

[0035] Furthermore, the automatic machining instruction generation unit of the present invention is expected to further include: a simulation function, which automatically verifies whether the tool trajectory of the set machining steps is interference-free and can be executed smoothly; and an interference detection function. The simulation function displays the tool trajectory of the specified tool in the set machining steps as a 3D computer graphic animation, such as an anime, on the display of the terminal device. The interference detection function stops the animation displayed on the terminal device and displays an interference warning when interference occurs between the tool and a non-machined area of ​​the machining material or a component surrounding the machining part during the animation display, based on the interference detection result. The operator can check the animation while simultaneously checking the tool trajectory of a specific tool for interference; when an interference warning is displayed, it is easy to know that the machining instruction generated based on that tool trajectory needs to be changed.

[0036] Furthermore, if the automatic machining instruction generation unit is further equipped with a machining instruction improvement function that changes the tool causing the interference to another tool during interference detection and automatically generates machining instructions again, the automatically generated machining instructions can be perfectly corrected into safe machining instructions. This machining instruction improvement function re-determines the machining conditions and the tool path based on those conditions in accordance with the changed tool, automatically sets the improved machining sequence, and then automatically generates improved machining instructions corresponding to the improved machining sequence. Then, this process of tool change, machining instruction improvement, and simulated steps under the improved machining instructions is repeated until there is no interference. In this way, machining sequences and machining instructions with interference-free tool paths can be automatically generated without the need for time-consuming verification by skilled operators. Therefore, operators can easily obtain good machining instructions in a short time and confidently perform product processing.

[0037] Furthermore, in the cloud-side control unit of the present invention, by having a machining instruction improvement function in the machining instruction automatic generation unit as described above, after generating a good machining instruction that does not cause interference through simulation steps, the good machining instruction is sent to the CNC device-side control unit. Then, when the start machining instruction indication unit receives the start machining instruction signal from the terminal device, it sends a start machining instruction indication signal to the CNC device-side control unit, and the cutting operation in the machine tool begins to follow the previously sent good machining instruction.

[0038] Furthermore, the start-of-processing command signal is sent from the terminal device at any time set by the operator, or if a pre-set start time is available. Regardless of the timing, the execution of cutting operations following the processing command is contingent upon the material being transported to a specific location in the machining section prior to that time. Therefore, the start-of-processing command signal is sent from the terminal device after confirmation that the material has been successfully transported to the machine tool's machining section. The actual material transport can be completed by an operator on-site before the start-of-processing command is generated, or it can be automated remotely.

[0039] Many cutting machines are equipped with specific automatic material handling devices. Furthermore, the material handling program used to drive and control this device is typically stored in the CNC machine's memory and is utilized in a way that coordinates with the machine tool's automatic operation. Therefore, in this invention, if the terminal device is connected to the CNC machine via a communication line, it can remotely utilize its dedicated handling program to pre-determine the material handling at any time.

[0040] Therefore, if the terminal device of the present invention has the following function: via a communication line, it sends a material handling instruction signal to the CNC device-side control unit of the object cutting machine, following the material handling program stored in the CNC device-side memory unit, to drive and control the automatic material handling device, then the operator located at a remote location from the actual machine can not only control the automatic operation of the cutting machine, but also control the automatic material handling.

[0041] Furthermore, the terminal device is configured to have the following function: after the generated machining command is sent to the corresponding CNC machine control unit, if it is confirmed that the automatic transfer of the machining material to the machine tool machining unit is completed, a start machining command signal is sent to the start machining command indicator unit of the cloud-based control unit. Regarding the confirmation of the completion of the machining material transfer, if the execution of the machining material transfer program is determined to have ended by, for example, receiving a code indicating the end of the program, then the process is essentially complete. Therefore, after receiving the end code, a start machining command signal can be sent at any time.

[0042] Furthermore, the completion confirmation mechanism can be configured not only to confirm program execution completion via a termination signal from the CNC machine as described above, but also to allow direct visual confirmation. In this case, it would be more reliable and ideal if the monitoring function of the terminal device could be used to confirm the completion of material transfer to a specific location in the machining section using the monitor image displayed on the display. In cutting machines, it is common to have a camera such as a CCD camera mounted in the machine tool, which captures an image of the area surrounding the machining section and displays it on the CNC machine's display, allowing for visual confirmation of that area. Therefore, in this invention, to confirm whether the transfer of material to the machining section of the machine tool is complete, image data captured by such a camera device installed in each machine tool can be used.

[0043] In this scenario, the terminal device acquires image data of the area surrounding the machining section where the workpiece is located, obtained from one or more camera devices installed on each machine tool via a communication line from the CNC machine tool. The operator can directly confirm whether the material handling has been successfully completed by referring to the monitor image of the area surrounding the machining section displayed on the display unit. Then, if the completion of the handling is confirmed, a start machining command signal is sent from the terminal device to the start machining command indicator unit on the cloud-side control unit at any time. The start machining command indicator unit can receive the start machining command signal from the terminal device and send a start machining command indicator signal to the CNC machine-side control unit to initiate the machining command.

[0044] Furthermore, in this invention, it is envisioned that the automatic processing instruction generation unit of the cloud-based control unit includes a cutting machine determination unit, which determines the cutting machine to be used for cutting the product from the cutting machines registered in the registration list. Also, there are cases where the operator can quickly select a suitable cutting machine for the processing based on their experience and the size or weight of the product to be processed.

[0045] Therefore, if the cutting machine selection unit is configured to display any cutting machine from the selectable list stored in the cloud-side memory on the terminal device's display, the operator can select a cutting machine deemed suitable for the intended machining process from the displayed list. In this case, the cutting machine selection unit only needs to receive a selection command signal indicating the cutting machine selected by the operator on the terminal device and determine the cutting machine to be used. Furthermore, the terminal device can also be configured to allow authorized operators to update the cutting machine, such as adding or removing cutting operations, on the displayed list.

[0046] Furthermore, in order to be independent of the operator's choice, the cutting machine determination unit can select the cutting machine suitable for the cutting of the product based on the design information of the dimensions and weight of the product to be processed, obtained from the 3D model produced by the automatic production unit of the processing instructions, and the model information of each cutting machine included in the registration list, and automatically determine the cutting machine to be used.

[0047] Furthermore, when there are multiple terminal devices, it is ideal for the cutting machine determination unit to have the function of preventing multiple terminal devices from selecting the same cutting machine. For example, it is possible to simply set the cutting machine that has been selected by other terminal devices and is in use to be unselectable in the registration list displayed on the terminal device's display.

[0048] Furthermore, for security reasons, access to the cloud server from the terminal device is restricted to operators whose access permissions are pre-granted and controlled by the automatic operation of the cutting machine, and is only permitted after the user's confirmation. Confirmation methods can include multi-factor authentication (combining a personal identification code or password with a pre-registered email address) or facial recognition, provided they are appropriately configured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0049] As described above, this invention, via a cloud server connected to a CNC machine tool and a terminal device via a communication line, obtains only the 3D CAD data of the intended machined product from the terminal device. Based on this data, a 3D model for determining the installation orientation can be generated. Furthermore, it can be adapted to pre-registered learning models stored in the cloud-side memory corresponding to each pre-registered machine tool. This allows for the immediate creation of machining instructions to execute the machining steps required to form all the features of the machined product based on the data. Therefore, the following advantages are achieved: because it eliminates the need for the CNC machine tool to be configured for high-capacity and high-performance processing of large amounts of data, the operator can easily execute machining steps while manufacturing products on multiple remote machine tools from the terminal device.

[0050] Furthermore, the operator's actual operation involves manufacturing through the cutting of novel processed products. After accessing the cloud server from the terminal device, the operator performs only 5-6 simple operations on the terminal device: selecting the cutting machine from the login list, inputting the 3D CAD design data of the target processed product, immediately selecting the appropriate installation direction from the 3D model displayed on the terminal device with various installation direction prompts, then creating appropriate machining instructions on the cloud side based on the selected installation direction, sending an automatic material transfer instruction signal to the CNC device, and confirming the completion of the transfer on the monitor image, sending a start machining instruction signal to the cloud side at any time. This allows for the immediate and smooth execution of machining instructions from the remotely located specific cutting machine for manufacturing the target processed product to the machining instructions in the machine tool. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0051] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the main parts of an "automatic operation system for a cutting machine" according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main parts of the "Automatic Operation System of Cutting Machine" in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram that mainly shows the part of the automatic material handling sequence that is different from that in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the screen when the 3D model of the processed product created in the processing instruction creation sequence of Figure 2 is displayed on the PC terminal monitor of Figure 1. (a) is the screen of the 3D model created after the 3D CAD design data has just been imported. (b) is the screen of the 3D model when one of the proposed different installation directions is selected. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the animation displayed on the PC terminal monitor during the simulation of the tool trajectory in Figure 2. (a) is the display screen at the beginning of the simulation, (b) is the display screen during the simulation, and (c) is the display screen at the end of the simulation. Figure 6 is a schematic front view showing an example of the basic structure of the control panel of each CNC device. Implementation

[0052] The following describes one embodiment of the automatic operation system for a cutting machine according to the present invention. Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates a case of remote control between facilities located in a 5G area. Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the main components of the automatic operation system for a cutting machine according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the objects of automatic operation control, i.e., multiple cutting machines (M1, M2, M3, ..., Mn), may be installed in the same facility, or separately installed in different facilities, or a mixture of both.

[0053] In this embodiment, multiple cutting machines (M1, M2, M3, ..., Mn) are automatically controlled, and the tool machines (MT1, MT2, MT3, ..., MTn) of each cutting machine are connected to a CNC device (C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn) and are numerically controlled in conjunction with an automatic tool changer (ATC).

[0054] That is, the automatic operation system 1 of the cutting machine in this embodiment is mainly constructed as follows: a cloud server 20 on the Internet; a PC terminal 10 as a terminal device, which is connected to the cloud-side control unit 21 of the automatic operation system of the cutting machine set on the cloud server 20 via a communication line; and a plurality of cutting machines (M1, M2, M3, ..., Mn), and their respective CNC devices (C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn) are connected to the cloud-side control unit 21 via communication lines. Moreover, in this embodiment, the PC terminal 10 and each CNC device are equipped with 5G-compatible communication devices / modules, and through the communication connection with the cloud server 20 via the 5G Internet, the data transmission and reception between them can be performed in real time with virtually no delay.

[0055] Each CNC unit (C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn) does not require special specifications for storing large amounts of data, such as learned models, or for high-performance data processing; its basic configuration can be common to previous CNC units. As a general configuration, firstly, as shown in Figure 6, the front surface of the main body serves as an operation panel, on which a touch panel display 30 is provided. This touch panel display 30 displays a menu screen with icons I representing various operating modes of the machine tool pre-set in the CNC unit. Around the display 30, a USB port P is provided for various data input and output. Below the display 30, a keyboard 32, including a mouse pad 33 and mouse buttons 34, is provided as an input section 31. Furthermore, below the keyboard 32, an operation panel 35 with switches or buttons associated with various operations of the machine tool is provided.

[0056] Furthermore, each CNC unit (C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn) is controlled by the CNC unit-side control unit 40, following specific machining instructions Mc, to drive and control the machining sections of the machine tools (MT1, MT2, MT3, ..., MTn) and the automatic tool changer (ATC). Corresponding to each machining step, the tools are sequentially changed and mounted on the rotary spindle to perform cutting operations on the workpiece. The CNC unit-side control unit 40 has a CNC unit-side memory unit 41, which stores tool information, various machining programs, and the APC program for the automatic operation of the automated workpiece transporter (APC).

[0057] The tool information stored in the memory of each CNC unit includes identification information corresponding to numerous tools stored in the tool library of each machine tool, as well as the type, shape, and material of each associated tool. Each tool is managed by identification information. During the automatic operation of the machine tools (MT1, MT2, MT3, ..., MTn) under specific machining instructions, the appropriate tool to be used is specified based on the identification information, and the automatic tool changer (ATC) performs the replacement and installation between the rotary spindle of the machining unit and the tool library at specific times.

[0058] Each cutting machine (M1, M2, M3, ..., Mn) can perform various machining steps by operating the CNC device (C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn) in the normal field. Each time, it is updated with the latest tool information (t1', t2', t3', ..., tn').

[0059] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the cloud-side memory unit 24, located in the cloud-side control unit 21, stores a registration list 25 containing pre-registered cutting machines (M1, M2, M3, ..., Mn) that are objects of automatic operation control. This registration list 25 also stores machine model information (m1, m2, m3, ..., mn) for the objects of automatic operation control. Furthermore, the cloud-side memory unit 24 also includes: a tool information storage unit 26, which stores tool information (t1, t2, t3, ..., tn) related to tools stored in the tool libraries of the machine tools (MT1, MT2, MT3, ..., MTn) for each cutting machine (M1, M2, M3, ..., Mn); and a learned model storage unit 27, which stores corresponding learned models (L1, L2, L3, ..., Ln).

[0060] These learned models (L1, L2, L3, ..., Ln) are generated in advance for each machine tool based on a large amount of previous cutting data. They correspond to the machining data, which includes the tool and cutting conditions, the machining steps containing the tool trajectory, and the machining program that executes the machining steps, for each feature of the surface of various cutting processes, such as concavity, eccentricity, hole, recess, and groove.

[0061] Furthermore, the cloud-based control unit 21 includes an automatic machining instruction generation unit 22, which has: an automatic machining sequence setting function, which applies the feature parts of the newly manufactured machined product to the learned model of the selected cutting machine, and automatically sets the machining sequence for forming the feature parts; and a machining instruction generation function, which automatically generates machining instructions Mc for the machine tool to execute the machining sequence. Additionally, the automatic machining instruction generation unit 22 has a feature part extraction function, which extracts each feature part of the machined product based on the acquired 3D CAD design data of the machined product. That is, the feature parts of the machined product applicable to the learned model during machining sequence setting and machining instruction generation are obtained from the 3D CAD design data of the target machined product through this feature part extraction function.

[0062] The actual machining instruction creation steps of the automatic machining instruction creation unit 22 begin when the 3D CAD design data of the target product is obtained. This 3D CAD design data is then obtained via data transmission from a terminal device, specifically from the PC terminal 10 in this embodiment. Furthermore, the automatic machining instruction creation unit 22 includes a cutting machine determination unit 23, which determines the cutting machine to be used in the manufacture of the new product from the cutting machines (M1, M2, M3, ..., Mn) registered in the registration list 25. This determination of the cutting machine to be used is performed before obtaining the 3D CAD design data of the target product.

[0063] In this embodiment, the cutting machine determination unit 23 displays the login list 25 stored in the cloud-side memory unit 24, allowing the LCD display 11 of the PC terminal 10 to select any cutting machine from the list. The operator O, on the PC terminal 10, can select a suitable cutting machine from the login list 25 based on the size or weight of the product to be processed. Therefore, if a selection command signal for the cutting machine selected by the operator O is sent from the PC terminal 10 to the cloud-side control unit 21, the cutting machine determination unit 23 determines the cutting machine to be used from the login list 25. Simultaneously, the tool information and learned model used for creating the current processing command are assigned corresponding values ​​from the tool information storage unit 26 and the learned model storage unit 27, respectively.

[0064] Therefore, the automatic machining instruction generation unit 22 reads the machine type information and tool information of the cutting machine determined for manufacturing the product to be machined, and applies the learned model to generate the machining instruction. Furthermore, the automatic machining sequence setting function of the automatic machining instruction generation unit 22 also includes a tool information update function. The tool information specified when the cutting machine to be used is updated to the latest tool information stored in the memory of the CNC device through this tool information update function.

[0065] Furthermore, the automatic processing step setting function of the automatic processing instruction generation unit 22 includes the following functions: after capturing each feature of the processed product based on the 3D CAD design data of the processed product using the aforementioned feature capture function, a 3D model of the processed product is formed, and the image data is sent and displayed on the LCD screen 11 of the PC terminal 10. In addition, it also includes the following functions: next, one or more possible mounting orientations of the processed product are selected, 3D models of each selected mounting orientation are created, and the image data is selectively displayed on the LCD screen 11 of the PC terminal 10. The operator O can propose and select the best mounting orientation from the LCD screen 11. Then, by sending a decision command signal indicating the mounting orientation determined in the PC terminal 10 to the cloud-side control unit 21, the automatic processing step setting is advanced in the automatic processing instruction generation unit 22 based on the determined mounting orientation.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the automatic machining instruction generation unit 22 further includes: a simulation function that displays the automatically generated machining step sequence tool trajectory as a 3D computer graphic, such as an animation, on the LCD screen 11 of the PC terminal 10; and an interference detection function that stops the animation and displays an interference warning when interference occurs between the tool and the non-machined area of ​​the machining material or the peripheral components of the machining part during the animation display. Additionally, it also includes a machining instruction improvement function that, during interference detection, changes the tool causing the interference to another tool and regenerates the machining instruction. Therefore, by automatically repeating the above simulation steps and machining instruction improvement until interference is eliminated for all tool trajectories, a perfect tool trajectory machining instruction can be easily obtained in a short time without the need for time-consuming verification by a skilled user.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, before executing the manufacturing and sending of machining instructions to the CNC device, the machining material is automatically transported to a specific location in the machining section. That is, as shown in the block diagram of Figure 3, the PC terminal 10 utilizes a different system for automatically transporting machining materials than the automatic manufacturing process via machining instructions Mc from the cloud server 20 in Figure 1. Each cutting machine tool can be equipped with an automatic material transport device suitable for that machine model.

[0068] For example, when a cutting machine is equipped with an APC that can work with a machine tool, the APC uses a robot to replaceably load the workpiece onto the pallet. The workpiece is positioned in the workpiece by moving and controlling the pallet loaded with the workpiece to a specific position in the workpiece. In normal use, the CNC device side control unit 40 automatically controls the APC by executing the APC program 42 stored in the CNC device side memory unit 41.

[0069] Therefore, in this embodiment, a machining instruction MC corresponding to the cutting process for manufacturing the machined product is generated in the cloud server 20. On the other hand, the PC terminal 10 directly sends an automatic material transfer instruction signal 14 to the CNC device via a communication line, so that the CNC device control unit 40 performs drive control of the pallet changer APC using the APC application 42, thereby causing the pallet carrying the machining material to move automatically and complete the transfer of the machining material to the machine tool machining section.

[0070] After confirming that the machining material has been transported to a specific position in the machining section of the machine tool and positioned, the start machining instruction instruction unit 28 of the cloud-side control unit 21 sends a start machining instruction instruction signal to the CNC device-side control unit 40 in order to execute the previously sent machining instruction. Here, the method by which the start machining instruction instruction unit 28 confirms the completion status of the machining material transport can also be performed by the ATC program termination code from the CNC device side. In this embodiment, since the drive control of the automatic machining material transport device APC is started by the PC terminal 10, the start machining instruction instruction signal is sent to the CNC device-side control unit 40 after the PC terminal 10 confirms the completion of the transport and sends the start machining instruction signal 15 from the PC terminal 10. At this time, the sending of the start machining instruction signal 15 can be performed immediately by the operator O, or a specific time can be set for the machine tool MT1 to actually execute the machining steps realized by the machining instruction Mc, and the start machining instruction instruction signal is sent at the time when the set time is reached.

[0071] In the PC terminal 10, if the code indicating the end of the ATC program can be obtained from the CNC device, the completion of the material transfer can be confirmed. However, visual inspection can also provide more reliable confirmation of the transfer completion. The machine tool is equipped with at least one camera device 50, such as a CCD camera, that captures images of the area surrounding the machining section. The images are displayed on the CNC device's display 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, the PC terminal 10 directly obtains image data 51 of the area surrounding the machining section from the CNC device via a communication line and displays it on the LCD 11, thereby monitoring the material transfer status of the machining section.

[0072] Therefore, the operator O can reliably confirm the completion of the transfer of the processing material to a specific position in the processing unit by viewing the monitor image 13 of the area surrounding the processing unit displayed on the LCD screen 11 of the PC terminal 10. Afterwards, the operator can send a start processing command signal 15 to the start processing command instruction unit 28 of the cloud-side control unit 21. The start processing command instruction unit 28 receives the start processing command signal 15 from the PC terminal 10 and sends it to the CNC machine-side control unit 40. The CNC machine-side control unit 40 receives the start processing command instruction signal from the start processing command instruction unit 28 and begins the cycle of executing the previously sent processing command.

[0073] The following describes the sequence of steps in the automatic operation system 1 of the cutting machine of this embodiment, which has the above-described configuration, from the selection of the cutting machine M1 used for manufacturing products, to the automatic generation of machining instructions corresponding to the necessary cutting steps and their execution in the cutting machine M1, according to the flowchart in Figure 2. Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the screens displayed on the LCD 11 of the PC terminal 10 during each process of the automatic machining step setting sequence.

[0074] First, on the PC terminal 10, operator O selects an application equivalent to the "automatic operation of the cutting machine" mode from the various application menus displayed on the LCD screen 11 and starts the automatic operation mode of the cutting machine (step 100). Here, after operator O is authenticated by entering his / her pre-registered personal identification code and password, or facial image and other authentication information, into the cloud server 20, he / she accesses the cloud-side control unit 21 for automatic operation of the cutting machine (step 200).

[0075] In the cloud-side control unit 21, the automatic machining instruction generation unit 22 sends data from the registration list 25 of cutting machines (M1, M2, M3, ..., Mn) stored in the cloud-side memory unit 24 to the accessible PC terminal 10, and displays the registration list 25 on the LCD display 11 (step 101). In the PC terminal 10, the operator selects a cutting machine suitable for producing the machining product intended for this purpose from the registration list 25 displayed on the LCD display 11 (step 102). In this embodiment, cutting machine M1 is selected.

[0076] The PC terminal 10 sends a selection command signal indicating that the cutting machine M1 has been selected to the machining command automatic generation unit 22. Based on this selection command signal, the cutting machine determination unit 23 determines the cutting machine M1 to be used this time, and simultaneously specifies the machine type information m1, tool information t1, and learned model L1 (step 201). Next, for the specified tool information t1, the latest tool information t1' stored in the CNC device side memory unit 41 of the corresponding CNC device C1 is read, and the tool information t1 is updated (step 202).

[0077] On the other hand, in the PC terminal 10, after the operator O selects the cutting machine M1 to be used, he obtains the 3D CAD design data of the product to be processed from the data acquisition unit 12 and sends it to the automatic processing instruction generation unit 22, thus completing the input of the 3D CAD design data (step 103). When the 3D CAD design data is stored in a USB, the data is obtained through the USB port of the data acquisition unit 12, but there are also cases where it is read from other computers via a computer network.

[0078] When the automatic manufacturing unit 22 imports the 3D CAD design data (step 203), it creates a 3D model of the product to be manufactured based on the 3D CAD design data (step 204). Then, it selects one or more possible installation orientations for the product to be manufactured, sends the image data of the 3D model in each selected installation orientation to the PC terminal 10, and captures all features (step 205).

[0079] In the PC terminal 10, the 3D model of the target processed product in various mounting orientations is displayed on the liquid crystal display 11 (step 104). Here, the 3D model of different mounting orientations can be selected for display. As shown in Figure 4, taking the case where the processed product has a pentagonal pyramid shape (a pentagonal pyramid shape is combined on the upper surface of the pentagonal prism) as an example, the mounting direction with the central axis of the pentagonal pyramid along the vertical direction and the mounting direction with the central axis along the horizontal direction are selected. However, in the case of the mounting direction along the horizontal direction, any side of the pentagonal prism can be used as the mounting surface.

[0080] Operator O determines the installation direction by selecting the 3D model with the best installation direction from the different 3D models displayed on the LCD 11 (step 105). In the case of the pentagonal pyramid prism described above, since the bottom surface of the pentagonal prism is an unnecessary machined surface without feature parts, it can be immediately determined that the direction in which the bottom surface becomes the installation surface, that is, the installation direction in which the central axis is perpendicular to the direction mentioned above, is actually the best.

[0081] When operator O selects the optimal mounting orientation for the processed product, PC terminal 10 sends a decision signal indicating the selected mounting orientation of the 3D model to cloud-based control unit 21. In cloud-based control unit 21, the automatic processing instruction generation unit 22 begins setting the actual processing sequence based on the mounting orientation indicated by the sent decision signal (step 206).

[0082] That is, the previously acquired features are applied to the learned model L1, and tools suitable for machining each feature are selected from the updated tool information t1. Various cutting conditions and machining conditions are determined, and the tool path is determined based on these machining conditions. Then, a machining sequence including the tool path is set according to the specification and replacement of the tools required for the cutting of each feature. Then, when there are multiple features, an efficient procedure for the machining sequence corresponding to all features is determined, and a series of machining steps required for machining the product for manufacturing purposes is set. Afterwards, machining instructions for the machine tool to execute all the set machining steps are immediately generated (step 207).

[0083] Upon completion of the machining sequence setting and machining instruction creation as described above, the simulation of the tool path for the set machining sequence immediately begins (step 208). The machining instruction automatic generation unit 22 sends the 3D animation data created in the simulation sequence to the PC terminal 10. On the PC terminal 10, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the animation is displayed on the monitor 11 using 3D animation (step 106). In this simulation, along the tool path, the interference of non-machining areas of the tool and machining material or peripheral components of the machining part of the machine tool is detected (step 209). When no interference occurs, as shown in Figure 5(c), the simulation animation of the tool path continues to the end without stopping. Thus, when no interference occurs and the interference detection is denied, the machining sequence and machining instruction Mc set and created based on the tool path are considered by the machine tool MT1 to be perfect machining sequence and machining instruction Mc that can be executed without interference without worry.

[0084] On the other hand, when interference occurs in the simulation sequence and the interference detection is confirmed, a warning signal is sent to the PC terminal 10, and the simulation animation is stopped and the interference warning is displayed on the monitor 11 (step 107). Then, when the interference detection is confirmed, the machining instruction automatic generation unit 22 selects the second-best tool that caused the interference based on the learned model L1 and performs tool change (step 211), re-determines the machining conditions and machining trajectory under the changed tool, and re-sets the machining sequence (step 206). Then, corresponding to the improved machining sequence, the machining instruction is generated again (step 207). Since the procedure from tool change to machining instruction change is repeated until the interference in the simulation is eliminated, the improved machining instruction implemented by the perfect tool and tool trajectory can be easily generated in a short time.

[0085] As described above, when it is determined that a perfect machining instruction Mc has been created and can be executed without interference, the machining instruction Mc is sent to the CNC device, and the control unit 40 on the CNC device side receives the machining instruction Mc (step 220). At the same time, a signal indicating that the machining instruction Mc has been created is sent to the PC terminal 10. The PC terminal 10 receives the signal, confirms the completion of the machining instruction (step 108), and sends a signal for the material transfer instruction to the CNC device C1 directly via the communication line (step 109).

[0086] The CNC machine side control unit 40 receives a material transfer command from the PC terminal 10 and uses the APC program 42 pre-stored in the CNC machine side memory unit 41 to drive and control the pallet changer, which is an automatic material transfer device (APC), to transfer the material to a specific position in the machining section of the machine tool MT1. At this time, the area around the machining section is photographed by a camera device 50, such as a CCD camera, mounted on the machine tool MT1, and the image data 51 is sent to the CNC machine side control unit 40.

[0087] PC terminal 10 directly obtains the image data 51 from CNC device C1 and displays the monitor image 13 on display 11. Therefore, by visually viewing the monitor image 13 of the area surrounding the machining section on display 11 and receiving the execution completion code of APC application 42 from CNC device C1, operator O can reliably confirm that the machining material has been moved to a specific position in the machining section. In PC terminal 10, when confirming the movement of machining material (step 110), operator O can send a start machining command signal 15 to the start machining command instruction unit 28 of cloud-side control unit 21 (step 111).

[0088] The start processing instruction unit 28 determines that the material has been transferred successfully based on the start processing instruction signal 15 from the PC terminal 10, and sends a start processing instruction instruction signal to the CNC device control unit 40 (step 212). That is, before receiving the start processing instruction signal 15 from the PC terminal 10, the start processing instruction instruction unit 28 considers that the material transfer is not complete and sets it to a standby state. The device control unit 40 receives the start processing instruction instruction signal and starts the automatic operation of the machine tool MT1 in accordance with the previously received processing instruction Mc, starting the cycle (step 221).

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, during the manufacturing process using cutting of novel processed products, after accessing the cloud server from the PC terminal 10, the operator performs only 5 to 6 simple operations on the PC terminal 10: selecting the cutting machine from the login list 25, inputting the 3D CAD design data of the target processed product, selecting the appropriate installation direction from the 3D model displayed on the monitor 11 with various installation direction prompts, then creating appropriate processing instructions on the cloud side based on the selected installation direction, sending the automatic material transfer instruction signal 14 to the CNC device, and confirming the completion of the transfer in the monitor image 13, sending the start processing instruction signal 15 to the cloud side at any time sequence. Thus, the entire process, from creating processing instructions for manufacturing the target processed product on the remote cutting machine to execution in the machine tool, can be performed instantly and smoothly.

[0090] Furthermore, in the automatic operation system of the cutting machine according to this embodiment, when there are multiple operators allowed to use the system and multiple terminal devices that can be used by these operators, the following situation may occur: when the first operator selects a cutting machine from the registration list 25 in the first terminal device, it may have already been selected by the second operator in another second terminal device and used in the machining sequence. In this case, the registration list 25 displays a state that the cutting machine cannot be selected on the display of the first terminal device. Therefore, the first operator can select other alternative cutting machines. Alternatively, the first operator can also reselect and use the cutting machine after the second operator has finished using it, once it becomes selectable in the registration list 25.

[0091] 1: Automatic operation system of cutting machine 10: PC terminal 11: Monitor 12: Data Acquisition Department 13: Monitor image 14: Automatic material handling command signal 15: Start processing command signal 20: Cloud Server 21: Cloud-based control unit 22: Automatic Production Department of Processing Instructions 23: Cutting Machine Decision Department 24: Cloud-based memory department 25: Login List 26: Tools and Information Storage Department 27: Learned Model Storage Department 28: Start Processing Instruction Section 30: (CNC device) Touch panel display 31: Input Section 32: Keyboard 33: Mouse Pad 34: Mouse Key 35: Control Panel 40: CNC device side control unit 41: CNC device side memory unit 42: APC application 50: Camera device 51: Image Data 100~111, 200~212, 220, 221: Steps APC: Automatic Material Handling Device ATC: Automated Tool Changer (Panel Changer) C1, C2, C3, ..., Cn: CNC device L1, L2, L3, ..., Ln: Learned models m1, m2, m3, ..., mn: Model information M1, M2, M3, ..., Mn: Cutting machine Mc: Processing instructions MT1, MT2, MT3, ..., MTn: Machine Tools O: Operator P: USB port t1, t2, t3, ..., tn: Tools and Information t1',t2',t3',…,tn': (CNC device side) Tool information

Claims

1. An automatic operation system for a cutting machine, characterized in that it selectively performs automatic operation control on a plurality of cutting machines equipped with CNC devices for numerical control of each machine tool and an automatic tool changer, and comprises: a cloud-based control unit, which is installed on a cloud server connected to a network of the aforementioned CNC devices of each cutting machine via communication lines, generates machining instructions for each machine tool and sends the aforementioned machining instructions to the corresponding CNC devices; and one or more terminal devices, which input three-dimensional CAD design data of the intended machined product, send the three-dimensional CAD design data to the aforementioned cloud-based control unit via communication lines, and display the information sent from the aforementioned cloud-based control unit on a display unit; and each CNC device comprises: The CNC machine-side control unit, following pre-determined machining instructions, drives and controls the machining section of the aforementioned machine tool and the aforementioned automatic tool changer, changing and mounting tools onto the rotary spindle of the aforementioned machining section according to each machining step sequence contained in the aforementioned machining instructions, and performing cutting operations on the workpiece; and the CNC machine-side memory unit, which stores the following tool information, including: identification information of multiple tools that can be replaced and mounted on the aforementioned rotary spindle via the aforementioned automatic tool changer, storage position information of each tool, and material and shape of each tool corresponding to the aforementioned identification information; the aforementioned cloud-side control unit includes: The automatic machining instruction generation unit automatically generates machining instructions based on the aforementioned 3D CAD design data sent from the aforementioned terminal device, enabling a pre-selected cutting machine to execute all machining steps required to cut the material to the desired product. A cloud-based memory unit stores a login list of all driving control objects, i.e., all cutting machines, along with their model information. This cloud-based memory unit stores: tool information for each machine tool; and a learned model generated by learning from machining data containing tool trajectories and execution programs, which includes machining conditions (including the tools and cutting conditions used when performing various cutting features) and machining data. The automatic machining instruction generation unit has the following function: a feature extraction function, which extracts the cutting features from the 3D CAD design data of the product being processed, based on the shape of the material being processed. The automatic machining sequence setting function, by using the learned model corresponding to the aforementioned selected cutting machine, applies not only the corresponding tool information but also the features captured by the aforementioned feature extraction function. It automatically determines the machining conditions required for cutting each feature and automatically sets the machining sequence including the tool path based on these machining conditions. The all-machining-sequence setting function determines the procedure for executing all machining steps of the features captured by the aforementioned feature extraction function and sets all the machining steps required to complete the aforementioned machined product.The automatic machining instruction generation function, based on the aforementioned learned model, generates machining instructions that enable the aforementioned machine tool to execute all the previously set machining steps; and sends the generated machining instructions to the corresponding CNC device-side control unit; the automatic machining instruction generation unit's automatic machining step setting function includes: a tool information update function, which applies the aforementioned tool information of the aforementioned learned model together with the aforementioned feature units, and updates it by referring to the latest tool information stored in the CNC device-side memory of the aforementioned selected cutting machine before its application; and based on the aforementioned 3D CAD design data, generates a 3D model of the machined product and displays the aforementioned 3D model on the display screen of the aforementioned terminal device, and selects one or more possible different mounting directions of the aforementioned machined product to the machining unit of the aforementioned machine tool, and selectively displays the aforementioned 3D model on the display screen of the aforementioned terminal device in each selected mounting direction; and automatically sets the machining steps for cutting each feature unit using the updated latest tool information based on the mounting direction selected by the aforementioned terminal device. The aforementioned terminal device has the following functions: after the aforementioned machining instruction is generated by the aforementioned machining instruction automatic generation unit and sent to the aforementioned CNC device-side control unit, it sends a start machining instruction signal to the aforementioned cloud-side control unit at any time sequence set by the operator or at a preset time point; the aforementioned cloud-side control unit further includes a start machining instruction indicator unit, which sends a start machining instruction indicator signal to the aforementioned CNC device-side control unit at the time point of receiving the aforementioned start machining instruction signal from the aforementioned terminal device, so that the aforementioned machine tool begins to execute cutting machining according to the aforementioned machining instruction; and the aforementioned terminal device is connected to the CNC devices of each cutting machine via a communication line to send and receive various signals, and the memory unit of each CNC device stores a machining material conveying program for driving and controlling an automatic machining material conveying device for automatically conveying machining materials to the machining section of the machine tool; the aforementioned terminal device further has the following functions: After sending the aforementioned machining command from the cloud-side control unit to the CNC machine-side control unit, a machining material transport command signal is sent to the CNC machine-side control unit via the aforementioned communication line, instructing the automatic machining material transport device to drive and control the material transport according to the aforementioned machining material transport program; and after confirming that the material transport to the machining section of the machine tool is completed, a start machining command signal is sent to the start machining command indication unit.

2. The automatic operation system of the cutting machine as described in claim 1, wherein the aforementioned automatic machining instruction generation unit further comprises the following functions: a simulation function, which displays the tool trajectory of the set machining sequence as a 3D computer graphic animation on the display unit of the aforementioned terminal device; an interference detection function, which, during the display of the aforementioned animation, stops the aforementioned animation and displays an interference warning at the point when interference occurs between the tool and a non-machined area of ​​the machining material or a peripheral component of the machining unit; and a machining instruction improvement function, which, during interference detection, changes the tool that causes the interference to another tool, determines the trajectory of the other tool based on the machining conditions corresponding to the changed tool, resets the other machining sequence, and generates an improved machining instruction.

3. The automatic operation system of the cutting machine as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned terminal device has the following functions: a monitoring function, which confirms by the operator's visual inspection whether the transfer of the aforementioned workpiece material to the machining section of the aforementioned machine tool is completed; and after visually confirming that the transfer of the workpiece material is completed, sends the aforementioned start machining command signal to the aforementioned start machining command instruction unit; the aforementioned monitoring function includes the following functions: obtaining image data from the aforementioned CNC device via the aforementioned communication line, including image data of the area surrounding the machining section where the workpiece material is placed, obtained by one or more camera devices installed on each machine tool, and displaying the monitor image of the area surrounding the machining section on the display unit of the aforementioned terminal device.

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