Control device

Abstract

Provided is a control device that makes it possible to reduce time and effort required for an operator to perform setting related to a measurement function. The control device controls a machine tool that performs processing on a workpiece using a tool. The control device comprises: a measurement function unit that controls, on the basis of measurement information, a measurement function for measuring the tool or the workpiece; an association storage unit that stores workpiece identification information and one or more pieces of measurement information in association with each other, the workpiece identification information representing information for identifying the workpiece, the one or more pieces of measurement information being a measurement type related to the measurement function and a setting necessary for a measurement operation; a workpiece information acquisition unit that acquires processed workpiece information representing information for identifying a workpiece to be processed; an association information search unit that searches the association storage unit for workpiece identification information corresponding to the processed workpiece information acquired by the workpiece information acquisition unit; and a measurement information setting unit that sets the measurement information associated with the workpiece identification information corresponding to the processed workpiece information in the measurement function unit on the basis of the result of the search by the association information search unit.

Description

Control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device.

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for measuring a workpiece to be machined or a tool of a machine tool have been known for purposes such as machining performed by a machine tool. For example, when measuring a workpiece, the workpiece to be machined is measured using a measurement method employing a touch sensor (touch probe) or a laser sensor (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-111770

[0004] However, in the measurement method disclosed in Patent Document 1, when setting a measurement type for a workpiece, it takes time and effort to select from a plurality of measurement types. Additionally, manually inputting set values related to the measurement function is also time-consuming.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a control device that can reduce the time and effort required for an operator to perform settings related to a measurement function.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a machine tool that machines a workpiece using a tool, the control device comprising: a measurement function unit that controls a measurement function for measuring the tool or the workpiece based on measurement information; an association storage unit that stores workpiece identification information indicating information for identifying a workpiece in association with one or more pieces of the measurement information, which are settings necessary for a measurement type and a measurement operation related to the measurement function; a workpiece information acquisition unit that acquires machined workpiece information indicating information for identifying the workpiece to be machined; an association information search unit that searches whether the workpiece identification information corresponding to the machined workpiece information acquired by the workpiece information acquisition unit exists in the association storage unit; and a measurement information setting unit that sets, based on a search result of the association information search unit, the measurement information associated with the workpiece identification information corresponding to the machined workpiece information in the measurement function unit.

[0007] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control device according to Embodiment 1. This diagram illustrates an example of measurement information set in the measurement function unit. This diagram illustrates another example of a table stored in the association storage unit. This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for setting measurement information for the control device according to Embodiment 1. This diagram illustrates automatic selection of measurement types. This diagram illustrates automatic input of settings necessary for measurement operations. This diagram illustrates the measurement operation when measuring the midpoint coordinates between two points on a workpiece. This diagram illustrates the measurement operation when measuring the midpoint coordinates between two points on a workpiece. This diagram illustrates the measurement operation when measuring the midpoint coordinates between two points on a workpiece. This diagram illustrates the measurement operation when measuring the center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of a hole formed in a workpiece. This diagram illustrates the measurement operation when measuring the center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of a hole formed in a workpiece. This diagram illustrates the measurement operation when measuring the center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of a hole formed in a workpiece. This diagram illustrates the measurement operation when measuring the center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of a hole formed in a workpiece. This diagram illustrates the measurement operation when measuring the center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of a hole formed in a workpiece. This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control device according to Embodiment 2. This is a diagram illustrating an example of association processing by the association processing unit. This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control device according to Embodiment 3. This is a diagram illustrating an example of association processing by the association processing unit. This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control device according to Embodiment 4. This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control device according to Embodiment 5.

[0008] Hereinafter, one embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] An example of a control device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a control device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of measurement information set in the measurement function unit 50.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the control device 1 controls the machine tool 100. The machine tool 100 includes a tool 110 and a measuring device 120. The tool 110 is, for example, a cutting tool, a turning tool, or a grinding tool. The measuring device 120 measures the position (machine coordinates) of the workpiece W. For example, the measuring device 120 measures the coordinates of the origin of the workpiece W after setting up the workpiece W. Alternatively, the measuring device 120 measures the dimensions of the workpiece W after machining. For example, the measuring device 120 measures the length of the tool 110 after setting up the tool 110. The measuring device 120 is, for example, a touch probe. If the measuring device 120 is a touch probe, the measuring device 120 measures the position (machine coordinates) of the workpiece W by contacting the workpiece W. Furthermore, when measuring the length of the tool 110, for example, the tool 110 is attached to the spindle (not shown in the figure) of the machine tool 100 and brought into contact with the measuring device 120 to measure the length of the tool 110. The machine tool 100 performs machining on the workpiece W using the tool 110. More specifically, the machine tool 100 processes the workpiece W into a predetermined shape, for example, under the control of the control device 1. The machine tool 100 is, for example, a lathe, a drilling machine, a milling machine, a grinding machine, and a laser processing machine.

[0011] The control device 1 is comprised of a computer equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage device such as a hard disk drive, and a communication control device.

[0012] The control device 1 comprises an association storage unit 10, a work information acquisition unit 20, an association information search unit 30, a measurement information setting unit 40, a measurement function unit 50, and a display unit 52.

[0013] The association storage unit 10 stores workpiece identification information in association with one or more pieces of measurement information. Workpiece identification information indicates information that identifies the workpiece W. Workpiece identification information is, for example, the workpiece name or the machining program name. Measurement information is the measurement type and the settings necessary for the measurement operation. Measurement types are, for example, end face measurement, outer diameter measurement, inner diameter measurement or outer width measurement, and tool length measurement. Referring to Figure 2, the table TB1 stored by the association storage unit 10 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the association storage unit 10 stores, for example, the table TB1. The table TB1 includes workpiece identification information A and measurement information B. Measurement information B includes measurement type B1 and settings B2 necessary for the measurement operation. In the example shown in Figure 2, the workpiece name is stored in the table TB1 as workpiece identification information A. In the example shown in Figure 2, the measurement type is stored in the table TB1 as measurement type B1, associated with the workpiece identification information. In the example shown in Figure 2, table TB1 stores setting values ​​related to the measurement operation as setting B2, which is necessary for the measurement operation. As shown in Figure 2, there may be multiple setting values ​​or just one.

[0014] The work information acquisition unit 20 acquires work information for processing. The work information for processing indicates information that identifies the work to be processed. More specifically, the work information for processing indicates information that identifies the work W to be processed. In the example shown in Figure 2, work 2 is specified as the work information for processing by the operator specifying work 2.

[0015] The association information search unit 30 searches whether work identification information corresponding to the processed work information exists in the association storage unit 10. The processed work information is information acquired by the work information acquisition unit 20. In the example shown in Figure 2, the association information search unit 30 determines that work 2 exists in work identification information A1.

[0016] The measurement information setting unit 40 sets the measurement information B associated with the work identification information A corresponding to the workpiece information to the measurement function unit 50 based on the search results of the association information search unit 30. In the example shown in Figure 2, since workpiece 2 is specified as the workpiece information, the association information search unit 30 sets "Measurement A," which is the measurement type associated with workpiece 2, and "[Setting 1]: 80, [Setting 2]: 80," which are the settings necessary for the measurement operation, to the measurement function unit 50.

[0017] The measurement function unit 50 controls the measurement function based on the measurement information B. The measurement function is a function for measuring the tool 110 or the workpiece W. More specifically, the measurement function unit 50 measures the length of the tool 110 by controlling the measuring machine 120 of the machine tool 100 based on the measurement information B. More specifically, the measurement function unit 50 measures the position and length of the workpiece W by controlling the measuring machine 120 of the machine tool 100 based on the measurement information B. More specifically, the measurement function unit 50 measures the position of the end face of the workpiece W, the outer diameter of the workpiece W, the inner diameter of the workpiece W, or the outer width of the workpiece W based on the measurement information B.

[0018] The display unit 52 displays an operation screen. The operation screen is used for operating the control device 1. The display unit 52 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operator can, for example, specify the workpiece W to be processed using the operation screen. Alternatively, the operator can, for example, input workpiece identification information A and measurement information B using the operation screen. When the operator inputs the workpiece identification information and measurement information, the association storage unit 10 stores the input workpiece identification information A and the input measurement information B in association with each other.

[0019] Referring to Figure 3, another example of a table stored by the association storage unit 10 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram of another example of a table stored by the association storage unit 10.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, table TB2 includes workpiece identification information A and measurement information B. In the example shown in Figure 3, as in the example shown in Figure 2, the association storage unit 10 stores the workpiece identification information A and the measurement information B (measurement type B1 and settings B2 necessary for measurement operation) in association.

[0021] Referring to Figures 4 to 5B, the method for setting measurement information for the control device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the method for setting measurement information for the control device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5A is a diagram illustrating automatic selection of measurement type. Figure 5B is a diagram illustrating automatic input of settings necessary for measurement operation. The measurement information is set by executing the processes from step S102 to step S110 shown in Figure 4.

[0022] In step S102, the association storage unit 10 stores the "work identification information" and "measurement information" in association. The process then proceeds to step S104.

[0023] In step S104, the workpiece information acquisition unit 20 acquires the workpiece information to be processed. The process then proceeds to step S106.

[0024] In step S106, the association information search unit 30 searches the association storage unit 10 for the processed work information acquired by the work information acquisition unit 20. The process then proceeds to step S108.

[0025] In step S108, the association information search unit 30 determines whether or not work identification information A corresponding to the processed work information acquired by the work information acquisition unit 20 exists in the association storage unit 10. If the association information search unit 30 determines that work identification information A corresponding to the processed work information acquired by the work information acquisition unit 20 exists in the association storage unit 10 (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. If the association information search unit 30 determines that work identification information A corresponding to the processed work information acquired by the work information acquisition unit 20 does not exist in the association storage unit 10 (step S108: No), the process ends.

[0026] In step S110, the measurement information setting unit 40 sets the "measurement information" based on the "workpiece identification information". Based on the search results of the association information search unit 30, the measurement information setting unit 40 sets the measurement information B associated with the workpiece identification information A corresponding to the processed workpiece information to the measurement function unit 50. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5A, the measurement information setting unit 40 automatically selects "6. Measurement A" and "8. Measurement C" as workpiece types based on the "workpiece identification information". Also, as shown in Figure 5B, the measurement information setting unit 40 automatically inputs the settings necessary for the measurement operation based on the "workpiece identification information". The process is then completed.

[0027] Referring to Figures 6A to 6C, the measurement operation when measuring the midpoint coordinates between two points on a workpiece W will be explained. Figures 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating the measurement operation when measuring the midpoint coordinates between two points on a workpiece W.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6A, when performing a measurement operation, the operator first manually moves the touch probe (measuring device 120) to a position P1 close to the workpiece W. Then, the operator presses, for example, a measurement start button, and the machine tool 100 starts the measurement operation.

[0029] As described above, the measurement information setting unit 40 sets the measurement information B associated with the workpiece identification information A corresponding to the workpiece information to the measurement function unit 50 based on the search results of the association information search unit 30. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6B, the measurement function unit 50 sets the setting items for the measurement operation and the setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items for the measurement operation. Therefore, the measurement function unit 50 controls the measurement function to measure the workpiece W based on the set measurement information. Specifically, the measurement function unit 50 controls the touch probe (measuring device 120) so that it moves based on the measurement direction of the touch probe (measuring device 120) "X-axis direction", the amount of movement of the touch probe (measuring device 120) "100 mm", and the amount of movement of the touch probe (measuring device 120) in the Z direction "40 mm", which are set as measurement information. More specifically, the measurement function unit 50 controls the touch probe (measuring device 120) to move from position P1 to position P2, and then move it in the positive direction of the X-axis, thereby storing the coordinates of contact of the touch probe (measuring device 120) in the association storage unit 10. Similarly, the measurement function unit 50 controls the touch probe (measuring device 120) to move from position P2 to position P4, and then move it in the negative direction of the X-axis, thereby storing the coordinates of contact of contact of the touch probe (measuring device 120) in the association storage unit 10.

[0030] The measurement function unit 50 calculates the midpoint of the X coordinate based on the coordinates of two points measured by the touch probe (measuring device 120). The calculated midpoint of the X coordinate is stored in the "X" of work coordinate number "G55", as shown in Figure 6C, based on the work coordinate number "G55" which is set as measurement information for setting the measurement result. In this way, the midpoint coordinate between two points on the workpiece W can be measured.

[0031] Referring to Figures 7A to 8C, the measurement operation for measuring the center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of a hole H formed in a workpiece W will be explained. Figures 7A to 8C are diagrams illustrating the measurement operation for measuring the center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of a hole H formed in a workpiece W.

[0032] As shown in Figure 7A, when performing a measurement operation, the operator first manually moves the touch probe (measuring device 120) to a position P4 above the center of the hole H formed in the workpiece W. Then, the operator presses, for example, a measurement start button, and the machine tool 100 starts the measurement operation.

[0033] As described above, the measurement information setting unit 40 sets the measurement information B associated with the workpiece identification information A corresponding to the workpiece information to the measurement function unit 50 based on the search results of the association information search unit 30. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8A, the measurement function unit 50 sets the setting items for the measurement operation and the setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items for the measurement operation. Therefore, the measurement function unit 50 controls the measurement function to measure the workpiece W based on the set measurement information B. Specifically, the measurement function unit 50 controls the touch probe (measuring device 120) so that it moves based on the number of measurement points "3" and the amount of movement from near the center to the measurement point, which are set as measurement information B. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7A, the measurement function unit 50 controls the touch probe (measuring device 120) to move from position P4 to position P5 where the hole H is formed. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 7B, the measurement function unit 50 controls the touch probe (measuring device 120) to move in the order of position P6, position P7, and position P8 until it contacts the side wall forming the hole H, thereby storing the coordinates of the three points that the touch probe (measuring device 120) has contacted in the association storage unit 10.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8B, the measurement function unit 50 calculates the center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of the hole H based on the coordinates of three points measured by the touch probe (measuring device 120). The calculated center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of the hole H are stored in the "X" and "Y" of work coordinate number "G55", as shown in Figure 8C, based on the work coordinate number "G56", which is set as measurement information B for setting the measurement result. In this way, the center coordinates of the inner diameter circle of the hole H formed in the workpiece W can be measured.

[0035] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8C, the control device 1 comprises a measurement function unit 50, an association storage unit 10, a work information acquisition unit 20, an association information search unit 30, and a measurement information setting unit 40. The association storage unit 10 stores one or more measurement information in association with work identification information. Work identification information A indicates information that identifies the work W. Measurement information B is the measurement type B1 related to the measurement function and the settings B2 necessary for the measurement operation. The work information acquisition unit 20 acquires processing work information. Processing work information indicates information that identifies the work W to be processed. The association information search unit 30 searches whether work identification information corresponding to the processing work information acquired by the work information acquisition unit 20 exists in the association storage unit 10. Based on the search results of the association information search unit 30, the measurement information setting unit 40 sets the measurement information B associated with the work identification information A corresponding to the processing work information to the measurement function unit 50. Therefore, when an operator specifies processing work information, the settings related to the measurement function are automatically performed. As a result, the operator can avoid the hassle of configuring the measurement functions.

[0036] [Embodiment 2] An example of a control device 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a control device 1 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of association processing by the association processing unit 70. The control device 1 according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration as the control device 1 according to Embodiment 1, except that it further comprises an association information acquisition unit 60 and an association processing unit 70, so the explanation of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, the control device 1 includes an association storage unit 10, a work information acquisition unit 20, an association information search unit 30, a measurement information setting unit 40, a measurement function unit 50, and a display unit 52, as well as an association information acquisition unit 60 and an association processing unit 70.

[0038] The association information acquisition unit 60 acquires workpiece identification information A and measurement information B. Specifically, the association information acquisition unit 60 acquires workpiece identification information A and measurement information B by reading text data in the order of input, for example, as shown in Figure 10.

[0039] The association processing unit 70 performs a process to associate the workpiece identification information A and the measurement information B acquired by the association information acquisition unit 60. More specifically, the association processing unit 70 stores a table TB3, which associates the workpiece identification information A and the measurement information B, in the association storage unit 10. When the association processing unit 70 acquires workpiece identification information A, it performs a process to associate the acquired measurement information B with the workpiece identification information. More specifically, each time workpiece identification information A is acquired, the association storage unit 10 stores a table TB3, which associates the workpiece identification information A and the measurement information B, in the association storage unit 10.

[0040] As explained above with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the association information acquisition unit 60 acquires workpiece identification information A and measurement information B. The association processing unit 70 performs the process of associating the workpiece identification information A and measurement information B acquired by the association information acquisition unit 60. Therefore, by inputting data indicating the workpiece identification information A and measurement information B from the association information acquisition unit 60, the workpiece identification information A and measurement information B can be automatically associated and stored in the association storage unit 10. As a result, the operator is saved the trouble of associating the workpiece identification information A and measurement information B.

[0041] Furthermore, when the association processing unit 70 acquires workpiece identification information A, it performs a process to associate the acquired measurement information B with the workpiece identification information. Therefore, each time workpiece identification information A is acquired, the association storage unit 10 stores a table TB3 in which workpiece identification information A and measurement information B are associated. As a result, each time workpiece identification information A is acquired, the process of automatically associating workpiece identification information A and measurement information B can be performed.

[0042] [Embodiment 3] With reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, an example of the control device 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the control device 1 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the association process performed by the association processing unit 70. The control device 1 according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration as the control device 1 according to Embodiment 2 except that it further includes an identifier assigning unit 80, and thus descriptions of overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11, the control device 1 includes an association storage unit 10, a workpiece information acquisition unit 20, an association information search unit 30, a measurement information setting unit 40, a measurement function unit 50, a display unit 52, an association information acquisition unit 60, and an association processing unit 70, and further includes an identifier assigning unit 80 in addition thereto.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 12, the identifier assigning unit 80 pre-assigns an identifier C related to workpiece specifying information A to measurement information B. The association processing unit 70 performs a process of associating the measurement information with the workpiece specifying information A based on the identifier C. Specifically, a table TB4 in which the measurement information B associated with the identifier C is associated with the workpiece specifying information A that matches the identifier C is stored in the association storage unit 10.

[0045] As described above with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the identifier assigning unit 80 pre-assigns an identifier C related to workpiece specifying information A to measurement information B. The association processing unit 70 performs a process of associating the measurement information with the workpiece specifying information A based on the identifier C. Therefore, the workpiece specifying information A and the measurement information B can be easily associated with each other.

[0046] [Embodiment 4] With reference to FIG. 13, an example of the control device 1 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the control device 1 according to Embodiment 4. The control device 1 according to Embodiment 4 has the same configuration as the control device 1 according to Embodiment 1 except that it further includes a measurement type selection unit 90, and thus descriptions of overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 13, the control device 1 further includes a measurement type selection unit 90, in addition to an association storage unit 10, a workpiece information acquisition unit 20, an association information search unit 30, a measurement information setting unit 40, a measurement function unit 50, a display unit 52, an association information acquisition unit 60, and an association processing unit 70.

[0048] When there are a plurality of pieces of measurement information B associated with workpiece specifying information A corresponding to the machining workpiece information searched by the association information search unit 30, the measurement type selection unit 90 enables selection of at least one piece of measurement information B from among the plurality of pieces of measurement information B. Specifically, for example, when there are a plurality of pieces of measurement information B associated with workpiece specifying information A corresponding to the machining workpiece information searched by the association information search unit 30, the measurement type selection unit 90 causes the display unit 52 to display a selection screen for selecting from the plurality of pieces of measurement information B. Accordingly, an operator can easily select the measurement information B for the workpiece W to be machined.

[0049] [Embodiment 5] An example of the control device 1 according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the control device 1 according to Embodiment 5. The control device 1 according to Embodiment 5 has the same configuration as the control device 1 according to Embodiment 1 except that it further includes a measurement information change detection unit 54, and thus descriptions of overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 14, the control device 1 further includes a measurement information change detection unit 54, in addition to an association storage unit 10, a workpiece information acquisition unit 20, an association information search unit 30, a measurement information setting unit 40, a measurement function unit 50, a display unit 52, an association information acquisition unit 60, and an association processing unit 70.

[0051] The measurement information change detection unit 54 detects when the measurement information B set by the measurement information setting unit 40 is changed by the operator's operation and displays a warning image on the display unit 52. Specifically, the measurement information change detection unit 54 displays an image on the display unit 52 warning whether or not it is permissible to change the measurement information B. Therefore, even if the operator accidentally changes the measurement information B, the operator will be notified. As a result, it is possible to prevent the setting of incorrect values.

[0052] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 14, the control device 1 according to this embodiment is a control device 1 that controls a machine tool 100 that performs machining on a workpiece W using a tool 110. The control device 1 comprises a measurement function unit 50, an association storage unit 10, a workpiece information acquisition unit 20, an association information search unit 30, and a measurement information setting unit 40. The measurement function unit 50 controls a measurement function that measures the tool 110 or workpiece W based on measurement information B. The association storage unit 10 stores workpiece identification information A and one or more pieces of measurement information B in association. Workpiece identification information A indicates information that identifies the workpiece W. Measurement information B is the measurement type B1 related to the measurement function and the settings B2 necessary for the measurement operation. The workpiece information acquisition unit 20 acquires machining workpiece information, which indicates information that identifies the workpiece W to be machined. The association information search unit 30 searches whether workpiece identification information A corresponding to the machining workpiece information acquired by the workpiece information acquisition unit 20 exists in the association storage unit 10. The measurement information setting unit 40 sets the measurement information B associated with the workpiece identification information A corresponding to the workpiece information to the measurement function unit 50 based on the search results of the association information search unit 30. Therefore, when the operator specifies the workpiece information, the settings related to the measurement function are performed automatically. As a result, the operator can avoid the trouble of setting up the measurement function manually.

[0053] Furthermore, the control device 1 further comprises an association information acquisition unit 60 and an association processing unit 70. The association information acquisition unit 60 acquires workpiece identification information A and measurement information B. The association processing unit 70 performs a process to associate the workpiece identification information A and measurement information B acquired by the association information acquisition unit 60. Therefore, by inputting data indicating the workpiece identification information A and measurement information B from the association information acquisition unit 60, the workpiece identification information A and measurement information B can be automatically associated and stored in the association storage unit 10. As a result, the operator is saved the trouble of associating the identification information A and measurement information B.

[0054] The association processing unit 70 performs a process to associate the acquired measurement information B with the workpiece identification information A when it acquires the workpiece identification information A. Therefore, each time workpiece identification information A is acquired, the association storage unit 10 stores a table TB3 in which workpiece identification information A and measurement information B are associated. As a result, each time workpiece identification information A is acquired, the process of automatically associating workpiece identification information A and measurement information B can be performed.

[0055] The control device 1 further includes an identifier assignment unit 80. The identifier assignment unit 80 assigns an identifier C related to the workpiece identification information A to the measurement information B in advance. The association processing unit 70 performs a process to associate the measurement information with the workpiece identification information A based on the identifier C. Therefore, the workpiece identification information A and the measurement information B can be easily associated.

[0056] The control device 1 further includes a measurement type selection unit 90. When there are multiple measurement information B associated with work identification information A corresponding to the workpiece information searched by the association information search unit 30, the measurement type selection unit 90 allows the selection of at least one of the multiple measurement information B. Specifically, for example, when there are multiple measurement information B associated with work identification information A corresponding to the workpiece information searched by the association information search unit 30, the measurement type selection unit 90 displays a selection screen for selecting from multiple measurement information B on the display unit 52. Therefore, the operator can easily select the measurement information B for the workpiece W to be processed.

[0057] The measurement type selection unit 90 allows the operator to select at least one of the measurement information B if there are multiple measurement information B associated with the workpiece identification information A corresponding to the workpiece information searched by the association information search unit 30. Specifically, if there are multiple measurement information B associated with the workpiece identification information A corresponding to the workpiece information searched by the association information search unit 30, the measurement type selection unit 90 displays a selection screen for selecting from the multiple measurement information B on the display unit 52. Therefore, the operator can easily select the measurement information B for the workpiece W to be processed.

[0058] The control device 1 further includes a measurement information change detection unit 54. The measurement information change detection unit 54 detects when the measurement information B set by the measurement information setting unit 40 has been changed by the operator's operation, and more specifically, the measurement information change detection unit 54 displays an image on the display unit 52 warning whether or not it is permissible to change the measurement information B. Therefore, even if the operator has mistakenly changed the measurement information B, the operator can be notified. As a result, it is possible to suppress the setting of incorrect settings. The control device 1 further includes a measurement information change detection unit 54.

[0059] The above-described control device can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, implementation by software means that it is implemented by a computer loading and executing a program.

[0060] Programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitor computer-readable media. Non-transitor computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitor computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (random access memory)).

[0061] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above.

[0062] With respect to the above embodiments and modifications, the following additional notes are disclosed. (Addendum 1) A control device for controlling a machine tool (100) that processes a workpiece (W) using a tool (110), comprising: a measurement function unit (50) that controls a measurement function for measuring the tool (110) or the workpiece (W) based on measurement information (B); an association storage unit (10) that stores in association the workpiece identification information (A) indicating information that identifies the workpiece (W) and one or more pieces of measurement information (B) which are the measurement type (B1) and settings (B2) necessary for the measurement operation related to the measurement function; a workpiece information acquisition unit (20) that acquires processing workpiece information indicating information that identifies the workpiece (W) to be processed; and an association information search unit (30) that searches whether the workpiece identification information (A) corresponding to the processing workpiece information acquired by the workpiece information acquisition unit (20) exists in the association storage unit (10), A control device (1) comprising: a measurement information setting unit (40) that sets the measurement information (B) associated with the workpiece identification information (A) corresponding to the workpiece information to the measurement function unit (50) based on the search results of the association information search unit (30).

[0063] (Note 2) The control device (1) according to Note 1, further comprising: an association information acquisition unit (60) that acquires the workpiece identification information (A) and the measurement information (B); and an association processing unit (70) that performs an association processing on the workpiece identification information (A) and the measurement information (B) acquired by the association information acquisition unit (60).

[0064] (Note 3) The association processing unit (70) is the control device (1) described in Note 2, which, when it acquires the workpiece identification information (A), performs a process to associate the acquired measurement information (B) with the workpiece identification information (A).

[0065] (Note 4) The control device (1) according to Note 2 or Note 3, further comprising an identifier assignment unit (80) that assigns an identifier (C) related to the workpiece identification information (A) to the measurement information (B) in advance, and the association processing unit (70) performs a process of associating the measurement information (B) with the workpiece identification information (A) based on the identifier (C).

[0066] (Note 5) The control device (1) according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a measurement type selection unit (90) that allows selection of at least one of the measurement information (B) from among the multiple measurement information (B) if there are multiple measurement information (B) associated with the workpiece identification information (A) that corresponds to the workpiece information searched by the association information search unit (30).

[0067] (Note 6) The control device (1) according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, comprising: a display unit (52) that displays an operation screen for operating the control device (1); and a measurement information change detection unit (54) that detects when the measurement information (B) set by the measurement information setting unit (40) has been changed by an operator's operation and displays a warning image on the display unit (52).

[0068] 1 Control device 10 Association storage unit 20 Work information acquisition unit 30 Association information search unit 40 Measurement information setting unit 50 Measurement function unit 52 Display unit 54 Measurement information change detection unit 60 Association information acquisition unit 70 Association processing unit 80 Identifier assignment unit 90 Measurement type selection unit 100 Machine tool 110 Tool

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a machine tool that processes a workpiece using a tool, comprising: a measurement function unit that controls a measurement function for measuring the tool or the workpiece based on measurement information; an association storage unit that stores, in association with workpiece identification information indicating information that identifies a workpiece and one or more pieces of measurement information that are the measurement type and settings necessary for the measurement operation related to the measurement function; a workpiece information acquisition unit that acquires processing workpiece information indicating information that identifies the workpiece to be processed; an association information search unit that searches whether the workpiece identification information corresponding to the processing workpiece information acquired by the workpiece information acquisition unit exists in the association storage unit; and a measurement information setting unit that sets the measurement information associated with the workpiece identification information corresponding to the processing workpiece information for the measurement function unit based on the search result of the association information search unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: an association information acquisition unit that acquires the workpiece identification information and the measurement information; and an association processing unit that performs an association process between the workpiece identification information and the measurement information acquired by the association information acquisition unit.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the association processing unit performs a process to associate the acquired measurement information with the workpiece identification information when the workpiece identification information is acquired.

4. The control device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising an identifier assignment unit that assigns an identifier relating to the workpiece identification information to the measurement information in advance, wherein the association processing unit performs a process of associating the measurement information with the workpiece identification information based on the identifier.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a measurement type selection unit that allows selection of at least one of the measurement information if there are multiple measurement information items associated with the workpiece identification information corresponding to the workpiece information searched by the association information search unit.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a display unit that displays an operation screen for operating the control device; and a measurement information change detection unit that detects when the measurement information set by the measurement information setting unit is changed by an operator's operation and causes an image indicating a warning to be displayed on the display unit.

Images