JP3040263B2 - Numerical control device and numerical control method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a numerical control device and a numerical control method for controlling a machine tool, and more particularly to a numerical control device and a numerical control method for controlling a machine tool for processing a prototype or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The technological development of a numerically controlled machine tool is remarkable, and it is possible to process a workpiece having a complicated shape at high speed and with high accuracy. At present, a workpiece having a complicated shape cannot be machined without a numerically controlled machine tool.

[0003] Further, in order to create a machining program for machining, an interactive numerical controller having an interactive program creation function added to a numerical controller, or automatic programming for easily creating a complicated machining program. Devices and the like are widely used.

Of course, in order to use these numerical control devices, it is necessary to precisely define machine coordinates, machine origins, program coordinates, machining origins, etc., and to create strict machining programs. When machining a large number of workpieces, these interactive numerical control devices and automatic programming devices can be used.However, in some processes for creating prototypes or molds, attaching / detaching workpieces, attaching tools, and machining A general-purpose milling machine, a general-purpose lathe, and the like that use less time for setting up a program or the like are used.

[0005] However, the number of operators who can use these general-purpose machine tools is decreasing. Also,
Although there is no problem with straight-line machining or the like, machining with diagonal straight-line machining, arc machining, or the like is difficult with these general-purpose machine tools.

Conversely, when a general numerically controlled machine tool is used, it is necessary to accurately define machine coordinates, machine origin, program coordinates, machining origin, etc. It takes too much programming to process a part.

In order to solve such a problem, the applicant of the present invention has proposed a numerical controller capable of performing simple processing of a prototype or the like using a general-purpose machine tool, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. Hei.
No. 6 has been filed.

[0008]

However, when a simple processing of a prototype or the like is performed, generally, a manual pulse generator or a jog feed button is operated to perform the processing while sequentially checking the processing steps. For this reason, even if a manual pulse generator or a jog feed button can be operated to move in a direction parallel to any one of the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis, it is possible to move a diagonal straight line or an arc. As described above, it is difficult to simultaneously move two or more axes.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and in order to easily perform a simple processing of a prototype or the like using a general-purpose machine tool, a parallel or vertical direction to a designated shape is required. It is an object to provide a numerical control device and a numerical control method that can be moved to a computer.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a numerical controller for controlling a machine tool having at least two axes or more, wherein the finger includes an oblique straight line or an arc.
A figure storage means for storing a fixed shape; and a process along the specified shape while maintaining a distance between the current position of the tool and the specified shape.
From the tool movement or the current position of the tool, the normal direction of the specified shape
Switching means for outputting a switching signal for selecting any one of the tool movements along the axis, command means for outputting a pulse signal for interpolation according to a manual operation , and an interpolation pulse receiving the switching signal and the pulse signal. And a tool that follows the specified shape based on the switching signal.
Movement and tool movement along the normal direction of the specified shape.
A numerical control device is provided which can be selectively performed .

In a numerical control method for controlling a machine tool having at least two axes, a designated shape such as an oblique straight line and an arc inputted interactively based on guidance information is stored, and at least one of the at least two axes is controlled. When receiving an axis signal for instructing whether or not, and a pulse signal for instructing the movement of the tool, output an interpolation pulse according to the axis signal, and move while maintaining the distance between the current position of the tool and the specified shape. And a pulse signal for commanding the movement of the tool from the current position of the tool to the specified shape. In such a case, a numerical control method is provided in which an interpolation pulse is output according to the switching signal and the pulse signal.

[0012]

In the numerical controller, when a designated shape such as a diagonal straight line or an arc is interactively input from a keyboard or the like in accordance with the guidance information displayed on the display device, the figure storage means stores the designated shape. The switching means is either a parallel movement that moves while maintaining the distance between the current position of the tool and the specified shape or a vertical movement that moves back and forth in a direction indicated by a normal line segment from the current position of the tool to the specified shape. A switching signal for instructing whether or not is output. Further, the movement command means outputs a pulse signal for commanding the movement of the tool. The interpolation means receives the switching signal from the switching means and the pulse signal from the movement command means and outputs an interpolation pulse.

In the numerical control method, a designated shape such as an oblique straight line and an arc inputted interactively from a keyboard or the like is stored according to the guidance information displayed on the display device. Thereafter, when receiving an axis signal for instructing at least one of the two or more control axes and a pulse signal for instructing the movement of the tool, an interpolation pulse is output according to the axis signal.
On the other hand, either a parallel movement that moves while maintaining the distance between the current position of the tool and the specified shape or a vertical movement that moves back and forth in a direction indicated by a normal line segment from the current position of the tool to the specified shape is commanded When receiving a switching signal to perform the movement of the tool and a pulse signal for instructing the movement of the tool, an interpolation pulse is output according to the switching signal and the pulse signal from the movement instruction means.

This makes it possible to move a part of the prototype or the like in parallel or perpendicularly to the designated shape in order to easily carry out simple processing.

[0015]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a numerical control device of the present invention. The switching means corresponds to a switch or the like provided on the machine operation panel 40 for outputting a switching signal for instructing either the parallel movement or the vertical movement, and the movement instruction means outputs a pulse signal for instructing the movement of the tool. Manual pulse generator 41
Is equivalent to Here, “parallel movement” means moving while maintaining the distance between the current position of the tool and a specified shape such as an oblique straight line and an arc. "Vertical movement" means a forward or backward movement from the current position of the tool to the specified shape in a direction indicated by a normal line segment.

The graphic storage means 1 displays the guidance information on the display device 16 via the graphic control circuit 15.
Further, the figure storage means 1 stores the keyboard 17
To store designated shapes such as diagonal straight lines and arcs interactively input. The stored designated shape is displayed on the display device 1 via the graphic control circuit 15 as necessary.
6 is displayed.

When the interpolation means 2 detects a pulse signal HP from a movement command means such as the manual pulse generator 41, a switching signal H / V for commanding either a parallel movement or a vertical movement.
Enter Then, the interpolation means 2 outputs an interpolation pulse CP in accordance with the designated shape and the switching signal H / V stored in the figure storage means 1 and sends it to the axis control circuit 18. The axis control circuit 18 actually has three axes. The axis control circuit 18 receives the interpolation pulse CP output from the interpolation means 2, generates a speed command for each axis, and sends it to the servo amplifier 19. The servo amplifier 19 controls the machine tool 20 by driving a servo motor attached to the machine tool 20.

The figure storage means 1 and the interpolation means 2
Is executed by software as described later.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the numerical controller according to the present invention.

The processor 11 controls the entire numerical controller according to a system program stored in the ROM 12. The graphic storage unit 1 and the interpolation unit 2 shown in FIG. As the ROM 12, an EPROM or an EEPROM is used. RA
An SRAM or the like is used for M13, and temporary data such as input / output signals is stored. The CM backed up by a battery (not shown) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 14.
OS is used. The nonvolatile memory 14 stores various data such as parameters to be held even after the power is turned off, a machining program, and the like.

The graphic control circuit 15 converts the guidance information and the input designated shape and the like into a signal that can be displayed, and gives the signal to the display device 16. As the display device 16, a CRT or a liquid crystal display device is used. Axis control circuit 18 (3
The axis) receives the axis movement command including the interpolation pulse CP from the processor 11 and sends the axis movement command to the servo amplifier 19.
(For three axes). The servo amplifier 19 receives the movement command and drives a servo motor (not shown) of the machine tool 20. The machine tool 20 is provided with a machine operation panel 40 operated to issue a movement command, in addition to the servomotor, which will be described later. These components are connected to each other by a bus 30.

A PMC (programmable machine controller) 22 receives a T function signal (tool selection command) via the bus 30 when executing a machining program. Then, this signal is processed by a sequence program, a signal is output as an operation command, and the machine tool 20 is controlled.
The interactive numerical controller receives a state signal from the machine tool 20, performs a sequence process, and transfers a necessary input signal to the processor 11 via the bus 30.

The bus 30 is further connected to a software key 23 whose function changes according to a system program or the like. The software key 23 is used together with the display device 16 and the keyboard 17 together with the CRT / MDI.
It is provided on the panel 25.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a machine operation panel 40 provided in the machine tool 20. Machine operation panel 4 shown in the figure
0, the manual pulse generator 41, the selection switch 41b,
A jog feed button 42, a setting switch 42a, and a changeover switch 43 are provided.

When the handle 41a is rotated left or right, the manual pulse generator 41 generates a pulse signal in accordance with the rotation. This pulse signal is a two-phase pulse for determining the rotation direction, and is sent to the processor 11 via the bus 30 to move the tool. Selection switch 41
b indicates that the pulse signal generated by the manual pulse generator 41 is any one of the X-axis direction (X), the Y-axis direction (Y), the Z-axis direction (Z), and the direction (G) corresponding to the specified shape. Is a switch for selecting the pulse signal.

The jog feed button 42 has "+ X", "-
X, + Y, -Y, + Z, and -Z, plus and minus feed buttons for each axis, and + G
A total of eight buttons are provided, such as plus and minus feed buttons, corresponding to the designated shapes of "J" and "-GJ".

The setting switch 42a is a jog feed button 42
The number of pulses generated within a certain period of time when the operator presses. Specifically, the setting switch 42a inputs a pulse obtained by dividing a pulse from a crystal oscillator (not shown) and outputs a pulse at a dividing ratio according to a scale set by an operator.

The changeover switch 43 is a parallel movement (H) that moves while maintaining the distance between the current position of the tool and the specified shape, or a direction indicated by a normal line segment from the current position of the tool to the specified shape. , And outputs a switching signal H / V according to the switching side.

Therefore, the operator can manually move the tool by first setting the selection switch 41b and the changeover switch 43 to desired movement directions and then rotating the handle 41a.
When the tool is moved by jog feed, the feed speed is set by the setting switch 42a, and then the jog feed button 4 is set.
By pressing a button in a desired movement direction among the two.

Next, in the machine operation panel 40, the selection switch 41b is set in the direction (G) corresponding to the designated shape and the handle 41a is rotated, or the jog feed button 42 corresponds to the designated shape. Next, the moving direction of the tool when the plus and minus feed buttons “+ GJ” and “−GJ” are pressed will be described. Hereinafter, the same operation is performed when the handle 41a is rotated and when the jog feed button 42 is pressed.
The case where 1a is rotated will be described.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the moving direction of the tool. FIG. 4 shows a case where a straight line is defined as a designated shape, and FIG. 5 shows a case where an arc is defined as a designated shape. .

In FIG. 4, a straight line 110 is defined as a designated shape on the XY coordinate axis plane. This straight line 1
10 is input by the figure storage means 1 shown in FIG.
This is a stored figure (designated shape). Also, the tool 111
Is at the position P1, and the center of the tool 113 is at the position P3.

At this time, when the selection switch 41b in FIG. 3 is set to the "G" side and the changeover switch 43 is set to the "H (parallel movement)" side, and the handle 41a is rotated to the left, the tool rotates It moves in the direction 111a in parallel with the straight line 110 according to the angle. Conversely, when the handle 41a is rotated to the right, the tool moves in the direction 111b in parallel with the straight line 110 according to the rotation angle.

When the changeover switch 43 is set to the "V (vertical movement)" side and the handle 41a is rotated to the left, the tool moves in a direction 113a in a direction normal to the straight line 110 in accordance with the rotation angle. Moving. Conversely, handle 41a
Is rotated to the right, the tool moves in a direction 113b in a direction normal to the straight line 110 according to the rotation angle.

The moving direction of the tool in accordance with the right or left rotation of the handle 41a can be designated in any direction by the operator inputting according to parameters or guidance information. For example, when the handle 41a is rotated to the right in the vertical movement of the tool, it is possible to specify whether to move in the direction 113a or 113b in accordance with the parameter or the guidance information. Thereby, operability is improved.

The movement of the tool using the handle 41a may be configured so that the output of the interpolation pulse from the interpolation means 2 shown in FIG. 1 is stopped at a predetermined coordinate value.
For example, if the predetermined coordinate value is set to “0” of the X coordinate,
Even if the handle 41a is rotated to the left, it stops at the position P2 where the tool 112 is located, and does not move in the direction 111a any more. Here, as is clear from the figure, the position P2 where the tool 112 is located is a position where the X coordinate is not “0” but is interpolated by the tool radius (radius) in the X-axis plus direction.

Similarly, if the predetermined coordinate value is set to "0" of the Y coordinate, even if the handle 41a is rotated to the right, it stops at the position P4 where the tool 114 is located, and is no longer in the first direction.
Do not move to 13b. In addition, the position P4 where the tool 114 is located also has a Y coordinate of “0” instead of “0”.
This is the position interpolated in the axis plus direction.

By providing such a limit coordinate value indicated by the predetermined coordinate value, it is possible to prevent the tool from being moved to an inappropriate position even when the operator performs an inappropriate operation on the machine operation panel 40.

In FIG. 5, an arc 120 is defined as a designated shape on the XY coordinate axis plane. This arc 1
20 is input by the figure storage means 1 shown in FIG.
This is a stored figure (designated shape). Also, the tool 121
Has its center at position P5, and tool 122 has its center at position P6.

At this time, when the selection switch 41b in FIG. 3 is set to the "G" side and the changeover switch 43 is set to the "H (parallel movement)" side, and the handle 41a is rotated to the left, the tool rotates It moves in the direction 121a while keeping a certain distance from the arc 120 according to the angle. Conversely, handle 4
When the tool 1a is rotated to the right, the tool moves in the direction 121b while keeping a constant distance from the arc 120 according to the rotation angle. The constant interval in this case is determined by the position of the tool 12.
It is a normal segment between 1 and the arc 120.

When the changeover switch 43 is set to the "V (vertical movement)" side and the handle 41a is rotated to the left, the tool moves in the direction 122a in the direction normal to the arc 120 in accordance with the rotation angle. Moving. Conversely, handle 41a
Is rotated to the right, the tool moves in a direction 122b in a direction normal to the arc 120 according to the rotation angle.

In this way, by operating the manual pulse generator and the jog feed button, it is possible to simultaneously move two or more axes, such as an oblique straight line or an arc. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of the numerical control method of the present invention, and is a diagram showing an example of a procedure in which an operator actually performs machining. In the figure, a straight line 130 is defined as a designated shape for processing the lower right part of the work 200. This straight line 130 corresponds to FIG.
Is a figure (designated shape) input and stored by the figure storage means 1 shown in FIG. The center of the tool 131 is initially at the position P7.

First, the operator operates the selection switch 4 shown in FIG.
1b is set to the “Y” side, and the handle 41a is rotated to the right to perform the approach operation. At this time, the tool 131 moves in the direction 132. Next, the operator sets the selection switch 41b to the “G” side, rotates the handle 41a to the right, moves the tool 131 in the direction 133, and performs the first machining.

Then, the operator again operates the selection switch 4
1b is set to the “Y” side, and the handle 41a is rotated to the right to perform the next machining.
Move to Then, the operator selects the selection switch 4
1b is set to the “G” side, the handle 41a is rotated to the left to move the tool 131 in the direction 135, and the second machining is performed. Thereafter, the operator sets the selection switch 41b to the “X” side, and sets the handle 41 to perform the next processing.
By rotating a to the left, the tool 131 moves in the direction 136.

By repeating such an operation,
Finally, the tool 131 is moved to the position P8, and the work 2
Process the lower right of 00. Therefore, by repeatedly performing the cutting operation (movement parallel to the processing axis) and the cutting operation (parallel movement with respect to the specified shape), it is possible to process a prototype or the like in a more complicated procedure.

Next, the operator operates the manual pulse generator 41.
The processing procedure when the tool is moved by operating is described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the present invention. This flowchart corresponds to the graphic storage unit 1 shown in FIG.
And a processing procedure performed by the interpolation means 2. Step S1 is executed by the graphic storage unit 1, and the other steps are executed by the interpolation unit 2. In the figure, the number following S indicates a step number. [S1] A graphic input process is performed. More specifically, the operator operates the operator keyboard 17 to store interactively input designated shapes such as oblique straight lines and circular arcs. [S2] A manual pulse is input. That is, the pulse signal HP from the manual pulse generator 41 of FIG. 1 is detected. [S3] A switching signal is input. That is, a switching signal H / V from a switch or the like provided on the machine operation panel 40 of FIG.
Enter [S4] It is determined whether or not the switching signal H / V input in step S3 is a parallel movement (H). If parallel movement (YE
If S), the process proceeds to step S5, and if vertical movement (NO), the process proceeds to step S6. [S5] The parallel movement (H) is interpolated. Specifically, a position parallel to the designated shape input in step S1 is interpolated according to the pulse number and the rotation direction of the manual pulse input in step S2, and output as an interpolation pulse CP. [S6] The vertical movement (V) is interpolated. Specifically, the position in the normal direction is interpolated with respect to the designated shape input in step S1 according to the pulse number and the rotation direction of the manual pulse input in step S2, and output as an interpolation pulse CP. [S7] It is determined whether or not the movement processing has been completed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a manual pulse has been input in step S2. If a manual pulse is input (YE
If S), the process returns to step S2, and if there is no input of a manual pulse (NO), the processing procedure ends.

Although the description of the feed speed has been omitted in the above description, a feed speed F item is provided on each processing guidance screen when the designated shape is input by the graphic storage means 1 and designated. be able to. Alternatively, an override switch of the numerical control device can be used.

In the above description, the interpolation means 2 receives the pulse signal from one movement command means and the switching signal from the switching means and outputs the interpolation pulse CP. Output the parallel movement signal
And a second movement command means for outputting a vertical movement signal for instructing a vertical movement. The interpolation means 2 receives and combines the parallel movement signal and the vertical movement signal, and generates an interpolation pulse CP. You may comprise so that it may output. By doing so, when the cutting operation and the cutting operation are repeated for the designated shape as shown in FIG. 6, it is not necessary to switch the switching signal by the switching means for each operation, and the first movement command means and the second movement command means are not required. Can be simultaneously operated with both hands, thereby improving the processing efficiency.

Further, although only a part of the processing guidance function has been described in the above description, it can be easily understood that other processing guidance functions can be similarly realized.

In this way, by inputting a designated shape on the guidance screen and operating the machine operation panel 40, the operator can simultaneously move two or more axes, such as a diagonal straight line or an arc, to produce a prototype. Part of processing and the like can be easily realized.

Although the above description has been made on the assumption of a milling machine, the present invention can be applied to a lathe or the like. Further, such a guidance function can be incorporated in a normal numerical controller, or can be configured as a specially inexpensive numerical controller.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, the figure storage means stores the designated shapes such as the oblique straight line and the circular arc inputted by the operator, and the interpolation means outputs the switching signal from the switching means and the signal from the movement command means. Since it is configured to output an interpolation pulse according to the specified shape in response to the pulse signal, it is easy to use a general-purpose machine tool to easily process prototypes etc. It can be moved in parallel or vertically.

Also, when a designated shape such as a diagonal straight line and a circular arc input by the operator is stored and an axis signal and a pulse signal from the movement command means are received, an interpolation pulse is output in accordance with the axis signal, and switching is performed. When receiving a signal and a pulse signal from the movement command means, an interpolation pulse that moves in parallel or vertically with respect to the specified shape is output, so that a prototype or the like can be processed in a more complicated procedure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a numerical control device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a numerical control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a machine operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a moving direction of a tool.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a moving direction of a tool.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of a numerical control method of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing procedure of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Graphic storage means 2 Interpolation means 15 Graphic control circuit 16 Display device 17 Keyboard 18 Axis control circuit 19 Servo amplifier 20 Machine tool 40 Machine operation panel 41 Manual pulse generator

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Koji Yamamuro 3580 Kobaba, Oshino-za, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture Inside FANUC CORPORATION (56) References JP-A-63-85805 (JP, A) JP-A-63 -221405 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G05B 19/4097 G05B 19/404 G05B 19/4103

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for controlling a machine tool having at least two axes.
Numerical control device,Graphic memory that stores specified shapes including diagonal straight lines or arcs
Step and The distance between the current position of the tool and the specified shapeWhile maintaining
Tool movement along specified shapeOr from the current position of the tool
Specified shapeOne of the tool movements along the normal direction of the
ForSwitching means for outputting a switching signal;Finger that outputs pulse signal for interpolation according to manual operation
Command means,  Receiving the switching signal and the pulse signal,Interpolation pulse
Output means for interpolationAnd Tool movement along the specified shape based on the switching signal
And tool movement along the normal direction of the specified shape
Made it possible A numerical controller characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The numerical control device according to claim 1, wherein said movement command means has a manual pulse generator. 3. The numerical control device according to claim 1, wherein said movement command means has a jog feed button. 4. The numerical controller according to claim 1, wherein said interpolation means is configured to stop outputting said interpolation pulse when a predetermined coordinate value is reached. 5. A numerical control method for controlling a machine tool having at least two axes, wherein a designated shape such as an oblique line and an arc inputted interactively based on guidance information is stored, and at least one of the control axes having at least two axes is controlled. When receiving an axis signal for instructing the tool and a pulse signal for commanding the movement of the tool, an interpolation pulse is output according to the axis signal, and the tool moves while maintaining the distance between the current position of the tool and the specified shape. And a pulse signal for commanding the movement of the tool from the current position of the tool to the specified shape. And outputting an interpolation pulse according to the switching signal and the pulse signal.