JP2007133787A - Working device and working method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a working device, in which operation of a machine tool by an NC program can be easily confirmed. <P>SOLUTION: The working device 10 comprises: a machine tool 22 for machining a workpiece 50, a control device 33 analyzing the program for machining the workpiece 50 and controlling operation of the machine tool 2; a storage device 35 storing three-dimensional shape data for the machine tool 22, the workpiece 50 and peripheral facilities; a simulator 34 reproducing, based on the detection result by the control device 33 and the program, operation of the machine tool 22 during machining using the three-dimensional shape data stored in the storage device 35; and a display means 32 displaying the operation of the machine tool 22 reproduced by the simulator 34. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a machining apparatus including a machine tool operated by a numerical control program, and a machining method using the machine tool.

  Some machine tools have their operations controlled by programmed numerical commands (NC programs). In such a machine tool, it is possible to cope with a change in a product to be processed by updating the NC program.

  When the NC program of the machine tool is updated, the worker first searches for a position where the machine tool may interfere or break during the work. Then, an instruction is given from the operation panel connected to the machine tool so that the machine tool moves more slowly than the NC program moves at the position, and the NC program is executed. The operator observes whether the machine tool interferes.

  However, the machine tool is arranged in a closed processing chamber, and a safety cover is tightened for safety. During machining, the safety cover cannot be opened to see inside the machining chamber. Although the safety cover is made of a transparent plastic material, it is contaminated with oil and chips on site, and a large amount of cutting oil is applied during processing. Therefore, in the present situation, the inside of the processing chamber is hardly seen through the safety cover.

  In this case, the operation of the machine tool by the updated NC program cannot be confirmed, and if the machine tool causes interference or the like, a great deal of damage occurs.

For such a problem, it is conceivable to perform a simulation using a computer and check the NC program (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-326319 A

  However, in order to perform simulation, operation knowledge of a computer and simulation software is separately required. For field workers, extra knowledge is required in addition to machine tool operation knowledge, which is very difficult to use. Even if the simulation can be performed, the machine tool may perform an operation that cannot be reproduced by the simulation. Therefore, it is still necessary to confirm the actual operation of the machine tool.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a machining apparatus and a machining method capable of easily confirming the operation of a machine tool by an NC program.

  The machining apparatus of the present invention comprises a machine tool for machining a workpiece, a control means for analyzing a program for machining the workpiece, and controlling the operation of the machine tool, the machine tool, the workpiece. Based on the storage means for storing the three-dimensional shape data about the workpiece and the peripheral equipment, the operation detection means for detecting the operation of the machine tool during processing, the detection result by the operation detection means and the program Reproducing means for reproducing the operation of the machine tool during machining using the three-dimensional shape data stored in the means, and display means for displaying the operation of the machine tool reproduced by the reproducing means .

  The machining method of the present invention includes a step in which the control means controls the operation of the machine tool in accordance with a program to machine the workpiece, and a process in which the action detection means detects the action of the machine tool during machining. Based on the detection result of the operation of the machine tool and the program, the means uses the three-dimensional shape data about the machine tool, the workpiece and peripheral equipment stored in the storage means, and A step of reproducing the operation, and a step of displaying the operation of the machine tool to be reproduced.

  According to the processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to reproduce the operation of the machine tool while actually processing the workpiece by the machine tool. That is, the operation of the machine tool being processed can be displayed on the display means almost in real time. Therefore, even without looking at the machine tool through the safety cover of the processing room, you can easily confirm the actual machine tool operation by referring to the machine tool operation of the three-dimensional shape data reproduced on the display means. it can. By checking the operation, it can be determined whether or not the program for moving the machine tool is appropriate.

  According to the machining method of the present invention, it is possible to reproduce the operation of the machine tool while actually machining the workpiece with the machine tool. That is, the operation of the machine tool being processed can be displayed on the display means almost in real time. Therefore, even without looking at the machine tool through the safety cover of the processing room, you can easily confirm the actual machine tool operation by referring to the machine tool operation of the three-dimensional shape data reproduced on the display means. it can. By checking the operation, it can be determined whether or not the program for moving the machine tool is appropriate.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of the processing apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the processing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a display unit of the processing apparatus.

  The processing apparatus 10 includes a processing chamber 20 in which processing of a workpiece (workpiece) is performed, and an operation unit 30 provided in the vicinity of the processing chamber 20.

  The machining chamber 20 houses a machine tool 22 for machining a workpiece. The machine tool 22 is an NC processing machine, and the movement destination is instructed by the NC program, is numerically controlled (NC), moves to an appropriate position, and processes the workpiece. The machine tool 22 includes a plurality of NC servo motors and a spindle connected to each NC servo motor. As each servo motor rotates according to the NC program, the spindle moves and the tool moves to an appropriate position to process the workpiece. The machine tool 22 is schematically shown as a spindle in FIG.

  The processing chamber 20 is provided with a safety cover 24 that can be freely opened and closed. By opening the safety cover 24, the workpiece can be placed in the processing chamber 20. While the machine tool 22 is machining a workpiece, the safety cover 24 is closed.

  The operation unit 30 includes an operation panel 31 and a display (display means) 32 as an interface for receiving instructions from the worker. The operation panel 31 is used for inputting an override value in order to change a setting when actually machining the workpiece 50 by the machine tool 22 and an operation speed of the machine tool 22 being machined.

  The display 32 accepts various inputs by touching displayed characters and graphics by a touch sensor method. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the display 32 displays (1) actual machining, (2) actual machining + virtual display, and (3) simulation characters. The operator can select the operation of the processing apparatus 10 by touching any character. Specific operations of these processing apparatuses 10 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 30 further includes a control device (control means) 33, a simulator (reproduction means) 34, and a storage device (storage means) 35.

  The control device 33 is connected to the operation panel 31, the display 32, the simulator 34, the storage device 35, and the machine tool 22, and comprehensively controls the entire processing machine. Moreover, the control apparatus 33 detects operation | movement of the machine tool 22 as an operation | movement detection means.

  The simulator 34 reproduces the operation in conjunction with the machine tool 22 being processed, or simulates the operation of the machine tool 22 without actual machining. The simulator 34 is provided in the processing apparatus 10 as hardware. Alternatively, the simulator 34 is introduced into the processing apparatus 10 as software. In this case, simulation software is installed in the storage device 35, and the function of the simulator 34 is substantially executed by the control device 33. Hereinafter, the simulator 34 will be described as being downloaded to the storage device 35 as software, and the function of the simulator 34 will be executed by the control device 33.

  The storage device 35 stores three-dimensional shape data about the machine tool 22, the workpiece 50, and other peripheral equipment in the processing chamber 20. The three-dimensional shape data is created in advance by another computer or the like and introduced into the storage device 35.

  The storage device 35 stores a cycle time approximate expression. The cycle time approximate expression is an arithmetic expression for calculating the time required for the machine tool 22 to move a certain distance. More specifically, the cycle time approximate expression is an arithmetic expression for calculating the number of rotations (movement distance) of the NC servo motor necessary for moving the machine tool 22 over a certain distance and the time required for the movement distance. is there. The cycle time approximate expression is provided from the manufacturer as the performance of the NC servo motor, for example. Alternatively, the cycle time approximate expression may be obtained approximately from coordinate data in which the moving distance and driving time of the NC servo motor sampled for each command statement of the NC program are associated.

  Note that the sampling of coordinate data of the NC servo motor moving distance and driving time during machining is continued and sequentially stored in the storage device 35. This is because the cycle time approximate expression is corrected in accordance with the fluctuation of the NC servo motor performance.

(Function)
Next, operation | movement of the processing apparatus 10 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation of the machining apparatus.

  First, the software of the simulator 34 is installed in the storage device 35 (step S1).

  Next, the first cycle time approximate expression is input to the storage device 35 (step S2). Here, the inputted cycle time approximate expression is obtained in advance.

  Three-dimensional shape data for the machine tool 22, the workpiece 50, and other peripheral equipment in the processing chamber 20 is input to the storage device 35 (step S3), and further, an NC program for processing the workpiece 50 is input. (Step S4). A plurality of three-dimensional shape data and NC programs are created in advance in another computer, for example.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the control device 33 displays the characters “(1) actual machining”, “(2) actual machining + virtual display”, and “(3) simulation” on the display 32. The operation is executed or an instruction from the worker is received (step S5). If no instruction is received from the worker (step S5: NO), the process waits until it is received.

  When receiving an instruction from the operator (step S5: YES), the control device 33 determines whether or not actual machining is instructed, that is, whether or not “(1) actual machining” on the display 32 is touched. (Step S6).

  When actual machining is instructed (step S6: YES), the control device 33 actually processes the workpiece 50 with the machine tool 22 (step S7). When the actual machining is finished, the control device 33 corrects the cycle time approximate expression based on the coordinate data of the movement distance and the drive time of the NC servo motor acquired during the actual machining (step S8). The operation of the machining apparatus 10 during actual machining will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, and the operation of the machining apparatus 10 during cycle time approximate expression correction will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When actual machining is not instructed (step S6: NO), the control device 33 determines whether “(2) actual machining + virtual display” is instructed (step S9).

  When “(2) actual machining + virtual display” is instructed (step S9: YES), the control device 33 actually processes the workpiece 50 by the machine tool 22 and also performs an operation of the machine tool 22 during the machining. The state is reproduced with the three-dimensional shape data (step S10). The operation of the machining apparatus 10 during actual machining + virtual display will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When “(2) actual machining + virtual display” is not instructed (step S9: NO), that is, when “(3) simulation” is instructed, the control device 33 calculates the operation of the machine tool 22 by calculation. A simulation operation for obtaining and displaying in a pseudo manner is executed (step S11).

(Actual processing)
The operation of the processing apparatus 10 during actual processing is as follows.

  5 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation of the machining apparatus during actual machining, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between time and voltage of each NC servo motor, and FIG. 7 is the movement distance of each NC servo motor stored in the storage device. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the coordinate data of driving time.

  When actual machining is selected, the control device 33 first analyzes the first command statement in the NC program (step S21), and sends the command to the machine tool 22 so that the machine tool 22 operates according to the analyzed command statement. 22 for output.

  The machine tool 22 operates according to a command from the control device 33 to process the workpiece 50 (step S22). At the same time, the time required for the machine tool 22 to move by this command, that is, the driving time of the NC servo motor is measured (step S23). Here, as shown in FIG. 6, since the supplied voltage value rises while the NC servo motor is driven, the NC servo motor drive is measured by measuring the time during which the voltage value is rising. Time can be measured.

  Then, the measured driving time and the movement distance commanded by the command are associated with each other and transmitted to the storage device 35 and stored as coordinate data (step S24). The movement distance and driving time of the NC servo motor are stored in the storage device 35 for each NC servo motor (axis) as shown in FIG.

  The control device 33 checks whether or not it has been executed up to the last line of the NC program (step S25). If it has not been executed up to the last line (step S25: NO), the process returns to step S21 to analyze the command statement on the next line. When the execution to the last line is completed (step S25: YES), the control device 33 ends the actual machining operation.

(Actual processing + virtual display)
The operations of the processing apparatus 10 during actual processing and virtual display are as follows.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation of the machining apparatus during actual machining and virtual display.

  First, the control device 33 analyzes the first command statement in the NC program (step S31), and outputs a command to the machine tool 22 so that the machine tool 22 operates according to the analyzed command statement.

  The machine tool 22 operates in accordance with a command from the control device 33 to machine the workpiece 50 (step S32). At the same time, the time required for the machine tool 22 to move by this command, that is, the driving time of the NC servo motor is measured (step S33).

  Then, the measured driving time and the movement distance commanded by the command are associated with each other and transmitted to the storage device 35 as coordinate data and stored (step S34). Steps S31 to 34 are the same as steps S21 to 24 of actual machining.

  During the operation of the machine tool 22 in step S32, the control device 33 measures the voltage of the NC servo motor (step S35). Here, the control device 33 detects the operation of the machine tool 22 from the change in the voltage of the servo motor as the operation detecting means. The voltage is actually measured by attaching a voltmeter to the power supply line to the NC servo motor. Alternatively, a voltage value determined by the control device 33 to be supplied to the NC servo motor based on a command statement of the NC program may be used as the measurement value.

  Then, the control device 33 converts the measured voltage value into the NC servo motor speed (step S36). The storage device 35 stores in advance a conversion formula for obtaining the speed at the voltage value based on the voltage value supplied to the NC servomotor. The control device 33 reads the conversion formula from the storage device 35 and obtains the speed of the NC servo motor.

  The control device 33 moves the three-dimensional shape data of the machine tool 22 stored in the storage device 35 according to the obtained NC servo motor speed, and displays it on the display 32 (step S37). Here, the three-dimensional shape data of the workpiece 50 and peripheral equipment are also displayed together with the three-dimensional shape of the machine tool 22, and the operation of the machine tool 22 during the machining operation is reproduced in almost real time.

  The control device 33 checks whether or not it has been executed up to the last line of the NC program (step S38). When the process has not been executed up to the last line (step S38: NO), the process returns to step S31 to analyze the command statement on the next line. When the execution to the last line is completed (step S38: YES), the control device 33 ends the actual machining and the virtual display operation.

(Simulation display)
The operation of the processing apparatus 10 during the simulation display is as follows.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations of the machining apparatus during simulation display.

  First, the control device 33 analyzes the first command statement in the NC program (step S41). And the control apparatus 33 substitutes the moving distance of each NC servomotor instruct | indicated by a command sentence in a cycle time approximate expression, and calculates the time required for the machine tool 22 to move to a designated place (step S42). .

  The control device 33 artificially moves the three-dimensional shape data of the machine tool 22 based on the analyzed command statement and the calculated movement time, and displays the three-dimensional shape data on the display 32 together with the three-dimensional shape data of the workpiece 50 and peripheral equipment ( Step S43).

  The control device 33 checks whether or not the machine tool 22 interferes with the workpiece 50 and peripheral equipment (step S44).

  When the interference occurs (step S44: NO), the control device 33 displays a display warning that the interference is present on the display 32 (step S45).

  If there is no interference (step S45: YES), the control device 33 checks whether or not it has been executed up to the last line of the NC program (step S46). When the process has not been executed up to the last line (step S46: NO), the process returns to step S41, and the command statement on the next line is analyzed. When the execution to the last line is completed (step S46: YES), the control device 33 ends the simulation display operation.

(Cycle time approximation correction)
The work of the processing apparatus 10 at the time of correcting the cycle time approximate expression is as follows.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the machining apparatus when correcting the cycle time approximate expression, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the movement distance and the movement time of the NC servo motor.

  First, the control device 33 compares the coordinate data stored as shown in FIG. 7 in the actual machining or the actual machining and the virtual display with the cycle time approximate expression in the storage device 35 (step S51). In this comparison, for example, the driving distance of the coordinate data is substituted into the cycle time approximate expression to compare whether the driving time of the coordinate data is met.

  Then, the control device 33 determines whether there is an error greater than or equal to a predetermined value between the cycle time approximate expression and the coordinate data (step S52). If there is no error (step S52: NO), there is no need to correct the cycle time approximate expression, and the cycle time approximate expression correction operation is terminated as it is.

  When there is an error (step S52: YES), the cycle time approximate expression is corrected based on the coordinate data in the storage device 35 (step S53). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the coordinate data accumulated so far is plotted in a coordinate system of driving time-moving distance, and an approximate expression is recreated by a well-known method to obtain a new cycle time approximate expression.

  According to the machining apparatus 10 of the present embodiment as described above, the operation of the machine tool 22 can be reproduced while actually machining the workpiece 50 by the machine tool 22 in the actual machining and the virtual display operation. That is, the operation of the machine tool 22 being processed can be displayed on the display 32 in substantially real time. Therefore, by referring to the operation of the machine tool 22 of the three-dimensional shape data reproduced on the display 32 without looking at the machine tool 22 inside through the safety cover 24 of the processing chamber 20, the actual machine tool 22 can be referred to. Operation can be easily confirmed. Therefore, the operator can easily determine whether the program for moving the machine tool 22 is appropriate.

  Further, a simulator 34 is introduced in the processing apparatus 10, and the operator can easily simulate the operation of the machine tool 22 by selecting the simulation execution on the display 32. Therefore, operation knowledge of a computer or the like other than the processing apparatus 10 is not required, which is convenient for the operator.

  Furthermore, the coordinate data of the movement distance and driving time of the NC servo motor is stored in the storage device 35, and the cycle time approximate expression is corrected as needed. Therefore, even if the performance of the NC servo motor changes due to repeated use, it is possible to always maintain a cycle time approximate expression that matches the change in performance. As a result, during the simulation operation, the operation of the machine tool 22 can be accurately simulated.

  In the processing apparatus 10, the characters “(1) actual processing”, “(2) actual processing + virtual display”, and “(3) simulation” are displayed on the display 32 and which operation is executed. The instruction from the worker is accepted. Therefore, for example, when introducing a new NC program, the operator can first select “(3) simulation” and confirm the operation of the machine tool 22. If there is no problem in the simulation, the operator can select “(2) actual machining + virtual display” and see the operation of the machine tool 22 of the three-dimensional shape data that is actually linked with the operation of the machine tool 22. . While looking at the display 32, the operator can determine whether there is actually interference by delaying the operation of the machine tool 22 using the operation panel 31. If there is no problem with this, the worker selects “(1) Actual machining” and causes the machining apparatus 10 to automatically create the workpiece 50. Thus, each operation can be selected step by step, and the quality of the NC program can be inspected safely and reliably. Even after confirming the safety of the NC program, if “(2) Actual machining + Virtual display” is selected, the operation of the machine tool can be confirmed on the display when a problem occurs. Useful for pursuit.

  In the virtual display, the voltage value supplied to the NC servo motor is detected, the voltage value is converted into the speed of the machine tool 22, and the operation of the machine tool 22 is detected. Therefore, the operation of the machine tool 22 can be detected by the function of the control device 33 without specially providing the operation detection means.

  In the above embodiment, the coordinate data of the NC servo motor moving distance and driving time during actual machining is stored only in its own storage device 35. However, it is not limited to this.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a server to which a plurality of processing devices are connected.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in a plurality of machining apparatuses 10, coordinate data of the obtained NC servo motor movement distance and drive time may be collected and stored in the server 60. Thereby, the coordinate data between the processing apparatuses 10 can be compared. For example, when an abnormal value of coordinate data different from that of another processing apparatus 10 is detected in one processing apparatus 10, it can be predicted and confirmed that a defect has occurred in the processing apparatus 10.

  Moreover, since the coordinate data of the other processing apparatus 10 can also be shared, a more accurate cycle time approximate expression can be obtained.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the processing apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a processing apparatus. It is an enlarged view of the display part of a processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of a processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the processing apparatus at the time of an actual process. It is a figure which shows the relationship between time and voltage of each NC servomotor. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the coordinate data of the movement distance and drive time of each NC servomotor memorize | stored in a memory | storage device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the processing apparatus at the time of an actual process and a virtual display. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the processing apparatus at the time of a simulation display. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the processing apparatus at the time of cycle time approximate expression correction | amendment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the movement distance of NC servo motor, and movement time. It is a figure which shows the server to which the some processing apparatus was connected.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Processing device,
20 ... processing room,
22 ... Machine tool,
24 ... Safety cover,
30 ... operation unit,
31 ... Control panel,
32 ... Display,
33 ... Control device,
34 ... Simulator,
35 ... Storage device,
50 ... Work,
60: Server.

Claims (14)

A machine tool for processing a workpiece;
A control means for analyzing a program for machining the workpiece and controlling the operation of the machine tool;
Storage means for storing three-dimensional shape data about the machine tool, the workpiece and peripheral equipment;
Motion detection means for detecting the motion of the machine tool during machining;
Based on the detection result by the motion detection means and the program, using the three-dimensional shape data stored in the storage means, reproduction means for reproducing the operation of the machine tool during machining,
Display means for displaying the operation of the machine tool reproduced by the reproduction means;
A processing apparatus having   The operation detection means detects a voltage value supplied to a motor that operates the machine tool, converts the voltage value into a speed of the machine tool, and detects an operation of the machine tool. Processing equipment. Storage means for storing a driving time required to reach the moving distance with respect to the moving distance of the motor;
The control means measures the driving time of the motor for each command statement of the program, and coordinates data associating the measured driving time of the motor with the moving distance of the motor indicated in the command statement. The processing apparatus according to claim 2, which is transmitted to the storage means.   The said control means correct | amends the approximate expression which shows the relationship between the drive time of the said motor previously stored in the said memory | storage means, and a movement distance based on the said coordinate data memorize | stored in the said memory | storage means. Processing equipment. The reproduction means simulates the operation of the tool based on the program and the three-dimensional shape data,
The said display means is a processing apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-4 which displays operation | movement of the said machine tool simulated by the said reproduction means.   The display means can selectively accept an instruction to reproduce the operation of the machine tool during the machining and the operation of the machine tool during the machining or an instruction to display a simulation of the operation of the machine tool by the touch sensor method. The processing apparatus according to claim 5.   The processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the display unit can selectively receive an instruction only for processing by the machine tool. A process in which the control means controls the operation of the machine tool according to the program and processes the workpiece;
A step of detecting an operation of the machine tool during processing by an operation detecting means;
Based on the detection result of the operation of the machine tool and the program, the reproduction unit uses the machine tool, the workpiece and the peripheral equipment stored in the storage unit to use the three-dimensional shape data. The process of reproducing the operation of
Displaying the operation of the machine tool to be reproduced by the display means;
A processing method comprising:   In the step of detecting the operation of the machine tool, a voltage value supplied to a motor that operates the machine tool is detected, the voltage value is converted into a speed of the machine tool, and the operation of the machine tool is detected. The processing method according to claim 8.   The control means measures the driving time of the motor for each command statement of the program, and coordinates data associating the measured driving time of the motor with the movement distance of the motor indicated in the command statement. The processing method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of transmitting to the storage means.   The control unit further includes a step of correcting an approximate expression indicating a relationship between the driving time and the movement distance of the motor stored in advance in the storage unit based on the coordinate data stored in the storage unit. The processing method according to claim 10. The reproducing means simulating the operation of the tool based on the program and the three-dimensional shape data;
The display means displaying the operation of the machine tool simulated by the reproduction means;
The processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising:   The display means selectively accepts an instruction for displaying the machining by the machine tool and a display of the operation of the machine tool during the machining or a display of a simulation of the operation of the machine tool by the touch sensor method. The processing method according to claim 12, wherein one of the two is displayed.   The processing method according to claim 13, wherein the display means further selectively receives an instruction only for processing by the machine tool and displays either one.

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