JP4882666B2 - Numerical controller - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a numerical controller configured to execute a machining operation by transferring an operating NC program from a storage device such as a hard disk to an operation buffer.

  In recent numerical control devices, a storage device such as a hard disk is provided, and a number of NC programs are stored in the storage device. However, in the system in which the NC program is executed by accessing the hard disk, the time required for access becomes long, and time loss is large. Therefore, measures to minimize access to the hard disk have been considered. As one of the measures, an NC program to be executed in a RAM (hereinafter referred to as an operation buffer) that can be accessed at high speed during operation is provided. All are transferred, and the NC program is read from the operation buffer for each block (one control command) to control the machine tool and peripheral devices. Such an operation method is called “internal memory operation”.

Also, if the NC program size is larger than the operation buffer, use the operation buffer like a ring buffer, transfer the NC program as much as possible from the beginning, and the operation will end as the operation proceeds A method has been realized in which the program part is erased and the program part of the part that could not be transferred is sequentially written (transferred). Such an operation method is called “tape operation”. The reason why it is called in this way is that when there is no large-capacity RAM like the present when the NC program stored in the paper tape is operated while being input to the numerical controller via communication, the same operation method is used. This is because of adopting The above two operation methods are described in, for example, Patent Document 1.
JP-A-8-249040

  In the above-mentioned internal memory operation, when the NC program is transferred to the operation buffer in advance, the NC program is analyzed and the subprogram (child program) called from the operating program (parent program) or subprogram (child program) All further subprograms (grandchild programs) called from are transferred to the operation buffer in advance. Further, the head address on the operation buffer of each of the NC programs (parent, child, grandchild program) is stored in the program management data provided on the RAM. As a result, even if there is a subroutine call to the sub program on the NC program, the call destination exists in the operation buffer, and the jump destination address is also temporally referenced by referring to the program management data. The next reading address can be determined without delay.

  However, as a result of analysis, that is, when the total capacity of the NC program including the called subprogram exceeds the operation buffer, all or part of the operation buffer is erased during operation as in tape operation. The operation is executed while overwriting. In this case, it is necessary to access the hard disk during operation.

For this reason, the capacity of the operation buffer, that is, the RAM is increased so that the internal memory operation can be executed as much as possible.
However, when the capacity of the operation buffer is increased, there is a problem that the time required for the analysis processing of the subprogram and the transfer processing to the operation buffer becomes considerably long. In particular, when the operating NC program changes frequently, there is a problem in that it takes a considerably long time to switch the operating NC program, resulting in a large time loss.

  In addition, as a case where the NC program to be operated frequently changes, for example, in a rotary table machine, when the NC programs of both pallets are different, the size obtained by adding both NC programs may exceed the operation buffer. In this case, the NC program to be operated is transferred (loaded) to the operation buffer every time the operation is started (when the pallet is turned). In addition, even when machining contents such as key production differ in one machining operation, the NC program selection uses the external program selection, and the NC program that is operated at the time of activation is transferred to the operation buffer. In the case of the two machining operations described above, it took a considerable time to transfer the NC program.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a numerical control device that can reduce the time required to transfer an NC program to an operation buffer when switching the NC program to be operated.

  The numerical control device of the present invention is configured to execute a machining operation by transferring an NC program operated by a machine tool from a storage device such as a hard disk to an operation buffer, and inputs an NC program number to be operated next. The input means, a completion signal detection means for detecting that the input of the NC program number has been completed by the input means, a free capacity calculation means for calculating the free capacity of the operation buffer, and the completion signal detection means. When the completion of the input of the NC program number to be operated is detected, it is calculated by the program capacity calculating means for calculating the capacity of the NC program to be operated next in parallel with the machining currently being executed, and the free capacity calculating means. NC program calculated by the program capacity calculation means rather than the free capacity of the operation buffer When the capacity of the NC program is large, the first transfer means for transferring the empty capacity of the operation buffer from the beginning of the NC program to the operation buffer and the last address of the NC program transferred by the transfer means or the transfer The address storage means for storing the first address that did not exist, and the NC program to be operated next when the operation of the NC program currently being executed ends in the operation buffer based on the address stored in the address storage means. It is characterized in that it is provided with a second transfer means for transferring.

  Further, in the case of the above configuration, the NC program is composed of a main program and a subprogram called from the main program, and the program capacity calculation means is configured such that the capacity of the main program and the capacity of the subprogram It is preferable that the sum is calculated.

  Furthermore, when the NC program is transferred to the operation buffer by the first transfer means, the storage means for storing the program number and the subprogram number of the NC program, and the head of the subprogram number It is a more preferable configuration that includes program management data creating means for storing program management data associated with an address in the storage means.

  Another numerical control device according to the present invention is configured to execute a machining operation by transferring an NC program to be operated from a storage device such as a hard disk to an operation buffer, and performs a pallet turning operation and a tool changing operation in parallel. The input means for inputting the NC program number of the next pallet, the completion signal detecting means for detecting the completion of the input of the NC program number by the input means, the operation buffer When the completion of the input of the NC program number to be operated next is detected by the free capacity calculating means for calculating the free capacity and the completion signal detecting means, the next operation is performed in parallel with the processing of the machining pallet currently being executed. Program capacity calculating means for calculating the capacity of the NC program to be performed, and the free capacity calculating means When the capacity of the NC program calculated by the program capacity calculation means is larger than the free capacity of the transfer buffer, first transfer means for transferring the free capacity of the operation buffer from the head of the NC program to the operation buffer And determining whether or not the address storage means for storing the last address of the NC program transferred by the transfer means or the first address not transferred and the NC program corresponding to the first tool change operation have been transferred. When the transfer judgment means and the NC program corresponding to the first tool change operation have been transferred, the pallet turning operation and the first tool change operation can be performed in parallel when the machining of the current machining pallet is completed. Execution means to be executed and when the current machining pallet has been machined, it corresponds to the first tool change operation. When the NC program is transferred, the NC program to be operated next is transferred to the operation buffer based on the address stored in the address storage means in parallel operation with the pallet turning operation and the first tool change operation. And a second transfer means.

  In the present invention, when the completion of the input of the NC program number to be operated next is detected by the completion signal detecting means, the capacity of the NC program to be operated next is executed by the program capacity calculating means in parallel operation with the machining currently being executed. When the capacity of the NC program calculated by the program capacity calculation means is larger than the free capacity of the operation buffer calculated by the free capacity calculation means, the first transfer means starts from the head of the NC program. Since it is configured to transfer to the operation buffer for the free capacity of the operation buffer, when switching the NC program to be operated, the time required to transfer the NC program to the operation buffer can be shortened. .

  Hereinafter, a numerical control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A numerical control device (NC device) 1 according to this embodiment is connected to a machine tool 2 shown in FIG. 2 and numerically controls the machine tool 2. The machine tool 2 processes a workpiece attached to a pallet with a tool 4 such as a drill or a tap attached to a main shaft 3.

  The machine tool 2 includes an XY axis moving device 5, a Z axis moving device 6, a spindle rotating device 7, a tool changing device 8, a pallet changing device 9, and the like. The XY-axis moving device 5 uses the X-axis motor 10 and the Y-axis motor 11 as drive sources, respectively, and the tool 4 is in the direction of the main axis with respect to the workpiece (hereinafter referred to as the Z-axis direction. Are relatively moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis moving device 6 uses the Z-axis motor 12 as a drive source and moves the tool 4 relative to the workpiece in the Z-axis direction.

  The main spindle rotating device 7 rotates the main spindle 3 by using the main spindle motor 13 as a drive source, and thereby rotates the tool 4. The tool changer 8 includes a tool magazine 15 that is rotated by a magazine motor 14, and stores and holds a large number of tools 4 in a plurality of tool pots of the tool magazine 15, and one of the tools 4 is held in the spindle 3. The tool is indexed to the position where the tool can be changed. Further, the tool changer 8 removes the tool 4 from the spindle 3 and returns it to the tool magazine 15, and then attaches the indexed tool 4 to the spindle 3.

  The pallet exchanging device 9 rotates a horizontal table 17 intermittently around an axis parallel to the Z axis by using a pallet exchanging motor (hereinafter simply referred to as a C-axis motor) 16 as a drive source. By rotating the table 17 at a time, the first pallet (processing pallet) 18 which is the left part in FIG. 2 and the second pallet (processing pallet) which is the right part of FIG. Each position with 19 is exchanged alternately.

  In the state shown in FIG. 2, the first pallet 18 is in an attachment / detachment position where the worker attaches / detaches the workpiece via the door 20 that can be opened and closed by the operator (hereinafter, the pallet in the attachment / detachment position is referred to as an outer pallet). The second pallet 19 is at a processing position where the workpiece is processed by the tool 4 (hereinafter, the pallet at the processing position is referred to as an inner pallet). In this state, when the table 17 is rotated by 180 degrees, the first pallet 18 is moved to the machining position and the second pallet 19 is moved to the attachment / detachment position.

In the case of the above configuration, the pallet exchanging device 9 may be referred to as a work exchanging device, and a portion of the machine tool 2 excluding the pallet exchanging device 9 may be referred to as a work processing device.
Now, the numerical controller 1 is attached to the rear part of the machine tool 2 as shown in FIG. The numerical controller 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The numerical control apparatus 1 is mainly configured by a computer, and includes a plurality of CPUs, that is, a first CPU 21 and a second CPU 22, as shown in FIG.

  The first CPU 21 executes control for managing numerically controlled NC programs, and a RAM 23, a nonvolatile memory 24, a RAM 25, and a removable disk 26 are connected to the first CPU 21. . The RAM 23 holds (stores) intermediate data for temporary calculations. The nonvolatile memory 24 is a storage device configured by a flash memory or the like, and stores (holds) a control program (control code) of the first CPU 21 and a large number of NC programs.

  The removable disk 26 is a detachable hard disk and constitutes a storage device, which can store a large amount of NC programs newly created by the user. The user's NC program in the removable disk 26 is transferred to the nonvolatile memory 24 by the transfer process of the first CPU 21.

  The RAM 25 is a readable / writable RAM from both the first CPU 21 and the second CPU 22, and the RAM 25 is used for data exchange between the first CPU 21 and the second CPU 22. In particular, in the RAM 25, an area for transferring and storing the NC program to be operated, that is, an area for an operation buffer is secured. The RAM 25 constitutes storage means and address storage means.

  The first CPU 21 has a function of selecting an NC program to be operated from the NC programs in the nonvolatile memory 24 and transferring it to the operation buffer in the RAM 25. The first CPU 21 has functions as free capacity calculation means, program capacity calculation means, first transfer means, and second transfer means.

  On the other hand, the second CPU 22 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the numerical controller 1, and executes control to analyze the NC program in the operation buffer of the RAM 25, convert it to a power system signal, and output it. . The second CPU 22 has functions as transfer determination means and execution means. In addition to the RAM 25, the second CPU 22 is connected to a RAM 27, a ROM 28, a power system IF 29, and an external input / output IF 30.

  The RAM 27 stores (holds) intermediate data for temporary calculation, and the ROM 28 stores a control program (control code) for the second CPU 22. Connected to the power system IF 29 are the motors 10, 11, 12 of the XYZ axes, the spindle motor 13, the magazine motor 14 for tool change, the pallet change motor 16, and the like (FIG. 1 shows these motors). Is not shown).

  A work exchanging mechanism 35 and an NC program schedule device 36 are connected to the external input / output IF 30. The external input / output IF 30 includes an outer activation switch 31, a next program number input terminal 32, a next program ready terminal 33, and a next program request terminal 34. The external input / output IF 30 has functions as input means and completion signal detection means.

  The outer start switch 31 is turned on, for example, to indicate that when the work exchanging mechanism 35 finishes the work of removing the processed work and the work of attaching a new work on the outer pallet. The workpiece exchange mechanism 35 is configured by an operator or a robot.

  The next program number input terminal 32 is configured so that data indicating the NC program number of the NC program to be operated next (data of the number of bits capable of inputting the NC program number) can be input from the NC program schedule device 36. ing. The next program ready terminal 33, when the input to the next program number input terminal 32 of the data indicating the NC program number of the NC program to be operated next from the NC program schedule device 36 is completed, For example, it is turned ON (ON signal is input).

  The next program request terminal 34 requests the NC program schedule device 36 to input the next program number to be operated next to the next program number input terminal 32 and to set (ON) the next program ready terminal 33. For example, it is configured to be turned on (output an ON signal). The NC program schedule device 36 may be configured by an external device such as a sequencer, or may be configured to be provided inside the numerical control device 1.

Next, the operation of the numerical control apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
The flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 show the control contents of the operation of the second CPU 22. First, control is performed regarding acquisition of the operating NC program and acquisition of the operating NC program number.

  First, in step S201 of FIG. 3, in order to obtain an NC program to be operated first, a control operation of FIG. 5 described later (in the control of the second CPU 22, ““ Next program request ”in FIGS. After the occurrence of “output”, the control for parallel processing) is started (operated). This step S201 is only executed before the first operation after turning on the power.

Thereafter, the process waits until the “program number acquisition” flag is turned ON (see step S308 in FIG. 5) (step S202).
If the “program number acquisition” flag is ON (YES in step S202), only when the “program transfer completion” flag is OFF (NO in step S202), together with the NC program number to be operated, “program transfer” The fact that the flag is turned on is transmitted to the first CPU 21 via the RAM 25 (step S204).

  Thereafter, the process waits until the outer start switch 31 is turned on (step S205). In a normal processing cycle (processing is performed continuously), while the inner pallet is being processed, the workpiece is replaced by the workpiece replacement mechanism 35, and the process is executed so that the outer start switch 31 is turned on. So there is no waiting time here.

  Next, if the outer activation switch 31 is ON (YES in step S205), it is determined whether a parallel operation command (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-313719) is set (step S206). If no parallel operation command is set (NO in step S206), the rotation request of the pallet changer 9 is changed to a control operation of a pallet (not shown) in order to move the prepared outer pallet to the processing device. Output (step S213).

  On the other hand, when a parallel operation instruction is set (YES in step S206), the “parallel operation transfer completion” flag is ON (see step S306 in FIG. 5, step S507 in FIG. 7, and step S906 in FIG. 11). It is waited for (step S207). The parallel operation command is a command in the NC program for simultaneous operation with the turning of the pallet exchanging device 9, and is registered in the numerical control device 1 in advance. In many cases, the tool change command (“M6” code on the NC program) that is first performed from the beginning of the NC program is often registered.

  When the “parallel operation transfer completion” flag is turned on, one block of the NC program is read, and the <read position> of the NC program on the operation buffer is set to the next address at the end of the read block (step S208).

  The <reading position> is the head address of the block to be read when the second CPU 22 reads one block from the operation buffer (see step S208 in FIG. 3 and step S218 in FIG. 4). When reading the first block after starting execution of step S205, the address of the parent program of the NC program at the top of the program management data shown in FIG. 12 (A0 (A column 0 line 0) in FIG. 12) is used. This is the initial <read position>. The program management data is provided in the RAM 25 and is configured as shown in FIG.

  In the column A of the program management data, the NC program number to be operated is entered. The top row (0th row) contains the parent program of the NC program to be operated, and the B column contains the address of the absolute position of the parent program in the operation buffer. In the second and subsequent rows, the subprogram of the NC program to be operated is entered. The subprogram number is entered in the A column, and the subprogram is viewed in the B column from the top of the parent program in the operation buffer. The relative address of is entered. Further, the A column of the last row (T row) contains the total number of characters of all NC programs including subprograms, and the B column contains the head address of the block having the first parallel operation instruction.

  Next, it waits until the operation completion of the previous block is obtained (the operation of S211 ends, but S205 is started and the first operation is completed) (step S209). When the operation of the previous block is completed (YES in step S209), it is determined whether or not the block read in step S208 is a parallel operation command (step S210). If the instruction is not a parallel operation instruction (NO in step S210), the start of the operation in accordance with the block instruction, that is, the execution of each control operation (not shown) is instructed (step S211).

  On the other hand, if the block read in step S208 is a parallel operation command (YES in step S210), the start of turning of the pallet changer 9 and the start of the parallel operation command are instructed, that is, each control operation is performed. Execution is instructed (step S212).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S214 in FIG. 4, and the “program transfer completion” flag, which is a completion signal of the “program transfer” request requested in step S204, is ON (step S306 in FIG. 5, step S507 in FIG. 7, FIG. 11). Step S908). That is, while the second CPU 22 is performing the processing from step S203 to step S212, the first CPU 21 executes processing that responds to the “program transfer” request.

  Then, the “parallel operation transfer complete” flag, the “program number acquisition” flag, and the “program transfer complete” flag are all turned OFF, and the NC program for the next pallet (the outer pallet carried out outside in steps S212 and S213) The acquisition state is initialized (step S215).

Subsequently, in order to obtain an NC program to be operated when the outer pallet is moved to the machining position and the workpiece is machined, a control operation of FIG. 5 described later is started (step S216).
Then, it is determined whether or not the next <read position> of the NC program is in the operation buffer (step S217). If the next <read position> is in the operation buffer (YES in step S217), one block of NC program is read and <read position> is set to the next address at the end of the block (step S218). When the first block is read after executing step S205 to step S213, the address of the parent program at the top of the program management data (see FIG. 12) is referred to. <Reading position>.

  Next, the process waits until the previous block (the instructed control operation immediately before, the operation instructed in S213, S212 to S221) is completed (operation end) (step S219). When the operation of the previous block is completed (YES in step S219), it is determined whether or not the block read in step S218 is a program end instruction (step S220). Here, in the case of a program end command (YES in step S220), the operation of the next pallet is started, that is, the process returns to step S202 in FIG. 3 (transitions).

  If the block instruction read in step S218 is other than the program end instruction (NO in step S220), the control operation is instructed to start the operation according to the block instruction, and the workpiece is processed. (Step S221). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the NC program currently being operated is a tape operation. If the NC program is not a tape operation (NO in step S222), the process returns to step S217 and the process is repeatedly executed.

  In step S220, if the block instruction read in step S218 is a transition instruction to a subprogram, the address (column B in FIG. 12) corresponding to the program number on the program management data is read and the parent program <Read position> is updated to the position (position including the ring buffer) added from the address (value of row 0, column A in FIG. 12).

  In the case of a transition instruction to a subprogram, the original <read position> is stacked on the RAM 25, and then, in the case of a command to return to the parent program, the stacked one is returned to <read position>. Here, if the subprogram is not in the program management data, it is assumed that <reading position> is not in the area, and when returning to step S217, <reading position> is not in the operation buffer (in step S217). NO).

  If there is no block to be read in the operation buffer (NO in step S217) and tape operation (YES in step S222), the process proceeds to step S223, the “program area” flag is turned on, and the first In the case of a subprogram request, the subprogram number to be transferred is transmitted through the RAM 25 together with the subprogram request in the case of a tape operation. Along with the transfer request, the area of the operation buffer that can be released is transmitted via the RAM 25.

  Next, the flowchart of FIG. 5 shows the content of control that is operated in parallel (processed) by the second CPU 22 separately from the control of FIG. 3 and FIG. The parallel processing here may be realized by dividing the processing resources of the second CPU 22 by the real-time OS or the like by dividing the control of FIGS. 3 and 4 and the processing of FIG. 5 at short time intervals. The control in FIG. 5 is started and executed with step S201 in FIG. 3 and step S216 in FIG. 4 as start triggers.

  That is, immediately after being started from step S201 in FIG. 3 and step S216 in FIG. 4, the next program request terminal 34 is turned on for the NC program schedule device 36 (step S301). Subsequently, the process waits until the “next program ready” terminal 33 is turned on (there is an ON signal) (step S302). On the other hand, the NC program schedule device 36 receives the ON of the next program request terminal 34, outputs the NC program number of the NC program to be operated next to the next program number input terminal 32, and also receives the next program ready terminal. Turn ON 33.

  Then, the second CPU 22 receives ON of the next program ready terminal 33, proceeds to YES in step S302, reads the next program number input terminal 32 (step S303), and turns off the next program request terminal 34. (Step S304). In response to this, the NC program schedule device 36 turns OFF the next program ready terminal 33 in response to the OFF of the next program request terminal 34.

  Thereafter, the second CPU 22 determines whether or not the program number obtained in step S303 is already registered (transferred) in the operation buffer as a parent program (step S305). Here, there are as many program management data as the number of palettes (two) on the RAM 25, and when the NC program registered in the program management data in the operation buffer is overwritten except in the case of tape operation, Data is also initialized by the first CPU 21. Therefore, whether or not the NC program exists in the operation buffer can be determined by referring to the program management data. For example, if the NC programs for both pallets are all contained in the operation buffer, they will remain registered in the operation buffer unless the NC program number for each pallet changes.

  If the NC program to be operated next is already in the operation buffer (YES in step S305), the "parallel operation transfer completion" flag and the "program transfer completion" flag are turned ON (step S306).

  On the other hand, if it is not registered in the operation buffer (NO in step S305), the “parallel operation transfer completion” flag and the “program transfer completion” flag are turned off, the “next program preparation” flag is turned on, and step Along with the program number obtained in S303, ON of the “next program preparation” flag is transmitted to the first CPU 21 via the RAM 25 (step S307). Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S308, and finally, the “program number acquisition flag” is turned on to end the control of FIG. 5 (step S308).

  The flowchart of FIG. 6 shows the contents of the control of the first CPU 21, and in particular, from the second CPU 22, the “program transfer” flag in step S204 is turned ON, and the “program area” flag in step S223. ON, and the “next program preparation” flag in step S307 ON, that is, “program transfer”, “program area”, and “next program preparation” requests are transmitted to the first CPU 21 via the RAM 25. It shows the control that constantly monitors whether it has been done and operates to meet the demand.

  First, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the “program transfer” flag is ON. If the “program transfer” flag is ON, that is, if there is a “program transfer” request (YES in step S401), a subroutine shown in FIG. 7 described later is executed (step S404). When the execution of the subroutine of FIG. 7 is completed, the process returns to step S401.

  Subsequently, if the “program transfer” flag is not ON (NO in step S401), it is determined whether or not the “program area” flag is ON (step S402). If the “program area” flag is ON, that is, if there is a “program area” request (YES in step S402), the subroutine of FIG. 8 is executed (step S405). When the execution of the subroutine of FIG. 8 is completed, the process returns to step S401.

  If the “program area” flag is not ON (NO in step S402), it is determined whether or not the “next program preparation” flag is ON (step S403). If the “next program preparation” flag is ON, that is, if there is a “next program preparation” request (YES in step S403), the subroutine of FIG. 9 is executed (step S406). When the execution of the subroutine of FIG. 9 is completed, the process returns to step S401.

Next, the subroutine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, that is, the control of the first CPU 21 in response to the “program transfer” request from the second CPU 22 will be described.
First, in step S501 of FIG. 7, the NC program number (parent program number) set in step S204 is obtained from the RAM 25. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the <analysis end> flag corresponding to the parent program number obtained in step S501 is OFF (step S502).

  If the <analysis end> flag is OFF (YES in step S502), the program is analyzed, that is, a subroutine shown in FIG. 10 described later is executed (step S511). The <analysis end> flag is held (reserved) for each parent program number. The parent program whose <analysis end> flag is ON holds (creates) corresponding program management data in any of the RAM 23, RAM 25, and nonvolatile memory 24. Once the control of FIG. 10 is executed, the <analysis end> flag is turned ON (see step S811 of FIG. 10), and the program management data on the RAM 25 used by the second CPU 22 is created. Copy to backup data. Although not shown, when one of the NC programs on the corresponding program management data is changed, or when the corresponding program management data is initialized, the <analysis end> flag is turned off. The backup data of the corresponding program management data is also deleted.

  On the other hand, if the <analysis end> flag corresponding to the parent program number obtained in step S501 is ON in step S502 (NO in step S502), the current <transfer position> is obtained (step S503). Here, <transfer position> is an address indicating the position of the operation buffer to which the first CPU 21 next transfers the NC program.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S504, and it is determined whether or not all NC programs including the subprogram have been transferred to the operation buffer. In this case, the number of characters of the NC program already transferred is compared with the total number of characters of all the NC programs on the program management data. If the numbers are the same, it is determined that all the NC programs have been transferred to the operation buffer.

  Then, after analyzing the program in step S511 (after executing the subroutine of FIG. 10), or when the transfer of all NC programs is not completed (YES in step S504), the process proceeds to step S505, and from <transfer position> As much as possible (up to one before the address of the program management data), the subsequent NC program is transferred to the operation buffer. In addition, when all cannot be transferred here, it is only at the time of tape operation.

Subsequently, the <transfer position> is updated to be the address next to the last address transferred to the operation buffer in step S505 (step S506).
Then, the “program transfer” flag and the “program area” flag are turned OFF, the “program transfer completion” flag and the “parallel operation transfer completion” flag are turned ON, and the completion of the “program transfer” process is transmitted to the second CPU 22. (Step S507). As a result, the subroutine of FIG. 7 is terminated and the process returns to the calling step.

In step S504, if all the NC programs have been transferred (NO in step S504), the process proceeds to step S507.
Next, the subroutine (NC program analysis process) of FIG. 10 will be described. The subroutine shown in FIG. 10 is control for determining whether the NC program to be operated next is a tape operation or an internal memory operation and creating corresponding program management data (control of the first CPU 21).

  First, in step S801, the size of the parent program is compared with the operation buffer. If the operation buffer is larger than the size of the parent program (YES in step S801), the process proceeds to step S802, where the NC program is analyzed, and all the subprogram numbers described in the NC program are extracted.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the subprogram code (M98) in the NC program is searched, and the corresponding NC program number (number after P) is extracted as a subprogram. Similarly, the extracted subprogram is also configured to search for a subprogram code (M98) inside and extract a grandchild program.

  In step S803, the NC buffer capacity (total program capacity) including all extracted subprograms is compared with the operation buffer. Here, if the operation buffer is smaller than the total program capacity (NO in step S803), and if the operation buffer is smaller than the size of the parent program (NO in step S801), the process proceeds to step S807, and the program only for the parent program Management data is created on the RAM 25, only the parent program number is registered in the program management data, and copied to any of the RAM 23, RAM 25, and nonvolatile memory 24 as backup data of the program management data. The NC program is set to tape operation (step S808).

  On the other hand, if all the extracted NC programs enter the operation buffer (YES in step S803), all NC program numbers and the difference between the head address of each NC program from the parent program in the form of connecting files The total number of characters of all NC programs is registered in the program management data on the RAM 25, and is copied to any of the RAM 23, RAM 25, and nonvolatile memory 24 as backup data of the program management data (step S805). The NC program is set to the internal memory operation (step S806).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a parallel operation instruction is set (step S809). If a parallel operation instruction is set (YES in step S809), the first parallel operation instruction is searched from the top of the parent program, and its position is set to the address of the last frame of the program management data. The difference position from the beginning is registered (step S810). At this time, the program management data is also registered on the backup data side. Then, the analysis end flag is turned on (step S811). This terminates the subroutine of FIG. 10 and returns to the calling step.

Next, the subroutine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, that is, the control of the first CPU 21 in response to the “program area” request from the second CPU 22 will be described.
First, in step S601 of FIG. 8, the request information is obtained. Specifically, the subprogram number and the open area that are desired to be transferred set in step S223 are read from the RAM 25 and acquired, and step S506 ( Alternatively, the <transfer position> set in step S607) is obtained.

  Then, it progresses to step S602 and it is judged whether a request | requirement is a tape driving | operation update. Here, in cases other than the tape operation update, that is, in the case of subprogram update (NO in step S602), the requested subprogram is transferred to the exception area of the operation buffer (step S605).

  The exceptional area is an area reserved in advance as another area in the operation buffer (see FIG. 14), and the amount can be set by a parameter or the like. Normally, when a subprogram number is dynamically determined in the internal memory operation or a subprogram transition instruction is issued in the tape operation, the subprogram is transferred to this area.

  On the other hand, if the request is a tape operation update, that is, if a program following the tape operation is requested (YES in step S602), the process proceeds to step S603, where all transfers are completed (there is no data to send). Judgment)

  If all the transfers have not been completed (NO in step S603), the NC program (continuation of the NC program) is written from the <transfer position> to the open area (step S606). After executing step S605 or step S606, <transfer position> is updated, that is, <transfer position> is set as the next address of the last address transferred in step S605 or step S606 (step S607).

  On the other hand, if all the transfers are completed in step S603 (YES in step S603), the subroutine shown in FIG. 11 is executed to transfer the NC program for the next pallet (step S611). Then, the “program area” flag is turned OFF (step S608). As a result, the subroutine is terminated and the process returns to the calling step.

  Next, the subroutine (program transfer process) of FIG. 11 will be described. The subroutine of FIG. 11 is control (control of the first CPU 21) for transferring the NC program of the next pallet to the operation buffer.

  First, in step S901, <transfer position> is read and obtained. Subsequently, the available capacity of the operation buffer is calculated so that the NC program currently being operated does not disappear (step S902). Then, the next program is transferred to the free capacity of the operation buffer as much as possible (step S903), and the last next position of the free capacity is stored as <transfer position> (step S904). At this time, if there is no program management data corresponding to the NC program to be transferred to the RAM 25, the backup data of the program management data in the RAM 23, RAM 25, and nonvolatile memory 24 is copied to the program management data in the RAM 25. If the address of the parent program corresponding to the NC program to be transferred (A0 (A column 0 row 0) in FIG. 12) is not registered in the program management data in the RAM 25, the <transfer position> at which transfer is started is set. The program management data is written to the parent program address (A0 (A column 0 row 0) in FIG. 12).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S905, and it is determined whether or not a parallel operation instruction is set. If a parallel operation instruction is set (YES in step S905), it is determined in the transfer process in step S903 whether or not the parallel operation instruction has been transferred. The “transfer complete” flag is turned on (step S906).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S907, and it is determined whether or not all NC programs have been transferred. If all NC programs have been transferred (YES in step S907), the “program transfer complete” flag is turned ON (step S908). This completes the subroutine of FIG. 11 and returns to the calling step.

Next, the subroutine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, that is, the control of the first CPU 21 in response to the “next program preparation” request from the second CPU 22 will be described.
First, in step S701 in FIG. 9, the parent program number of the next pallet set in step S305 is read from the RAM 25. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the <analysis end> flag corresponding to the parent program number obtained in step S701 is OFF (step S702). If the <analysis end> flag is OFF (YES in step S702), the program is analyzed, that is, the above-described subroutine of FIG. 10 is executed (step S711).

  Then, the process proceeds to step S703 to determine whether or not the current operation is a tape operation. If the current operation is an internal memory operation (NO in step S703), the NC program for the next pallet is transferred, that is, the subroutine shown in FIG. 11 is executed (step S712).

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S704, and the “next program preparation” flag is turned OFF. This terminates the subroutine and returns to the calling step.
Next, the flow of the configuration of the operation buffer will be described with reference to FIG. An NC program having a form as shown in the left part of FIG. 14 enters the current operation buffer as shown in the central part of FIG. When the “next program preparation” flag is turned on in step S307 in FIG. 5, the first CPU 21 writes the head of the next operation buffer (the head of the NC program to be operated next).

  When the operation is completed, the next operation buffer becomes the current operation buffer. Subsequently, when “program transfer” is turned ON in step S203 of FIG. 3, the right part in FIG. As shown in Fig. 5, the continuation of the current operation buffer is set (the remaining NC program is transferred).

  Similarly, when the “next program preparation” flag is turned ON again in the next portion of the operation buffer, the head portion of the next operation buffer (the head portion of the NC program to be operated next) is written. Thereafter, the same operation is repeated.

  Next, in FIG. 15, in the case of executing the internal memory operation, the turning operation of the pallet (tool changing operation as a parallel operation command) and the operation of the main operation by the second CPU 22 (the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4). Control), parallel operation by the second CPU 22 (control of the flowchart of FIG. 5), operation of the first CPU 21 (control of the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 11), and NC program schedule device A time-series relationship between the 36 operations is shown.

  From FIG. 15, when the machining currently being executed (steps S219 and S217 to 223 by the second CPU 22 and times T1 to T2) and the capacity of the NC program to be operated next are larger than the free capacity of the operation buffer, Processing for transferring to the operation buffer from the beginning of the NC program to the operation buffer (S701 to 702, S810 to 811, S703 to 704, S901 to 908, times t1 to t2 by the first CPU 21) is performed in parallel. You can see that it is running in action. Note that the times T1, T2, t1, and t2 are T1 <t1 <t2 <T2 when arranged in time series.

  Further, when the operation of the NC program currently being executed is finished (steps S202, S203 to 206, time T3 by the second CPU 22), the NC program to be operated next is set to the last address of the transferred NC program or When the parallel operation transfer has been completed between the process of transferring to the operation buffer based on the first address not transferred (S501 to S507 by the first CPU 21, times t3 to t4) and the times t1 to t2. Processing from the beginning of the program to the parallel operation command and the pallet turning operation (S208 to S212 by the second CPU 22 and the actual operation by the start of the parallel operation and the pallet turning operation, times T3 to T4) are executed in parallel operation. I understand that. Since the time between t3 and t4 is shorter than the pallet turning time, the times T3, T4, t3, and t4 are T3 ≦ t3 <t4 <T4 when arranged in time series.

  On the other hand, in the case of executing the tape operation in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the pallet turning operation (tool changing operation as a parallel operation command) and the main operation operation by the second CPU 22 (each of FIGS. 3 and 4). (Control of flowchart), operation of parallel operation by the second CPU 22 (control of flowchart of FIG. 5), operation of operation by the first CPU 21 (control of flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 11), NC program schedule A time series relationship between the operation of the device 36 is shown.

  From the above-mentioned FIG. 16A, processing (steps S219 and S217 to 223 by the second CPU 22 and times T′1 to T′2 by the second CPU 22) and processing to analyze the NC program to be operated next (by the first CPU 21). S701-702, S810-811, S703-704, time t'1-t'2) are understood to be executed in parallel operation.

  Furthermore, when all the NC programs to be operated during the tape operation are transferred and an open portion is generated in the operation buffer (step S223 by the second CPU 22, times T′11, T′12, T′13), Processing for transferring the NC program to be operated next to the open portion of the operation buffer (S601 to 603, S901 to 908, S608 by the first CPU 21, times t'11 to t'12, t'13 to t'14, t It can be seen that '15 to t'16) are executed in parallel operation. When the above times are arranged in time series, T′1 <t′1 <t′2 <T′11 <t′11 <t′12 <T′12 <t′13 <t′14 <T '13 <t'15 <t'16 <T'2.

  When the operation of the NC program currently being executed is finished (steps S202 and S203 to 206 by the second CPU 22, time T'3), the NC program to be operated next is the last of the transferred NC programs. A process of transferring to the operation buffer based on the address or the first address that has not been transferred (S501 to S507 by the first CPU 21, times t′3 to t′4) is executed. When the above times are arranged in time series, T′3 ≦ t′3 <t′4.

  According to this embodiment having such a configuration, when the completion of the input of the NC program number to be operated next is detected, the capacity of the NC program to be operated next is calculated in parallel operation with the currently executing machining. Since, when the capacity of the NC program is larger than the free capacity of the operation buffer, the operation buffer is transferred to the operation buffer from the beginning of the NC program, so the NC program to be operated is switched. Sometimes the time required to transfer the NC program to the operation buffer can be shortened as much as possible, and productivity can be increased.

  In the case of the above embodiment, the NC program is composed of a main program and a subprogram called from the main program, and when calculating the program capacity, the sum of the main program capacity and the subprogram capacity is calculated. Therefore, when selecting either the internal memory operation or the tape operation, the selection can be made accurately.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, storage means for storing the program number and subprogram number of the NC program is provided, and when the NC program is transferred to the operation buffer, the program number of the subprogram and the head of the subprogram number are stored. Since the program management data creating means for storing the program management data associated with the address in the storage means is provided, when the subprogram is called from the main program, the program management data is referred to, so that there is no time delay. The next reading address can be determined.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the pallet turning operation and the first tool change operation which is a parallel operation command are executed in parallel operation, and it is detected that the input of the NC program number of the next pallet is completed. Next, the capacity of the NC program to be operated next is calculated in parallel operation with the machining pallet currently being executed, and when the capacity of the NC program is larger than the free capacity of the operation buffer, the head of the NC program is calculated. When the NC program to be operated is switched (when the pallet is exchanged) in the rotary table machine, the NC program is transferred to the operation buffer. Can be shortened.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the NC program corresponding to the first tool change operation is transferred, the pallet turning operation and the first tool change operation are performed in parallel when the machining of the current machining pallet is completed. In addition to the pallet swiveling operation as well as the first tool change operation, the next NC program to be operated is based on the last address of the transferred NC program or the first address not transferred Since it is configured to transfer to the operation buffer, the time required for transferring the NC program to the operation buffer can be further reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first CPU 21 and the second CPU 22 are connected via the RAM 25. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first CPU 21 and the second CPU 22 are connected to each other. The CPUs 22 are connected by communication means, the RAM 25 is connected to the second CPU 22, and data is transferred by the communication means so that the first CPU 21 indirectly reads and writes via the second CPU 22. It may be configured.

1 is a block diagram of a numerical control apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. Side view of machine tool Flow chart of control of main operation of second CPU (Part 1) Flow chart of control of main operation of second CPU (part 2) Flow chart of control of parallel operation of second CPU Flowchart of operation control of the first CPU Flowchart of first CPU subroutine Flowchart of another subroutine of the first CPU Flowchart of another subroutine of the first CPU Flowchart of another subroutine of the first CPU Flowchart of another subroutine of the first CPU Diagram explaining program management data Diagram explaining the relationship between the parent program, child program, and grandchild program of the NC program Diagram explaining the operation when transferring NC program to the operation buffer Time chart showing the time-series relationship of each operation of the pallet, first CPU, second CPU, etc. (in the case of internal memory operation) Time chart showing the time-series relationship of each operation of the pallet, the first CPU, the second CPU, etc. (in the case of tape operation (1)) Time chart showing the time-series relationship of each operation of the pallet, the first CPU, the second CPU, etc. (in the case of tape operation (part 2))

Explanation of symbols

  In the drawings, 1 is a numerical controller, 2 is a machine tool, 3 is a spindle, 4 is a tool, 8 is a tool changer, 9 is a pallet changer, 15 is a tool magazine, 16 is a pallet changer motor, 17 is a table, 18 Is a first pallet (processing pallet), 19 is a second pallet (processing pallet), 21 is a first CPU, 22 is a second CPU, 23 is a RAM, 24 is a non-volatile memory, 25 is a RAM (storage means), 26 is a removable disk, 27 is a RAM, 28 is a ROM, 29 is a power system IF, 30 is an external input / output IF, 31 is an external start switch, 32 is a next program number input terminal, 33 is a next program ready terminal, and 34 is a next program ready terminal. A program request terminal, 35 is a workpiece exchange mechanism, and 36 is an NC program schedule device.

Claims (4)

In a numerical controller configured to execute a machining operation by transferring an NC program operated by a machine tool from a storage device such as a hard disk to an operation buffer,
Input means for inputting the NC program number to be operated next;
A completion signal detecting means for detecting that the input of the NC program number has been completed by the input means;
Free capacity calculating means for calculating the free capacity of the operation buffer;
A program capacity calculating means for calculating the capacity of the NC program to be operated next in parallel with the machining currently being executed when the completion signal detecting means detects the completion of the input of the NC program number to be operated next;
When the capacity of the NC program calculated by the program capacity calculation means is larger than the free capacity of the operation buffer calculated by the free capacity calculation means, the free capacity of the operation buffer from the head of the NC program, First transfer means for transferring to the operation buffer;
Address storage means for storing the last address of the NC program transferred by the transfer means or the first address not transferred;
And a second transfer means for transferring the NC program to be operated next to the operation buffer based on the address stored in the address storage means when the operation of the NC program currently being executed is completed. Numerical control device.   The NC program is composed of a main program and a subprogram called from the main program, and the program capacity calculating means calculates the sum of the capacity of the main program and the capacity of the subprogram. The numerical control apparatus according to claim 1.   Storage means for storing the program number and subprogram number of the NC program, and when the NC program is transferred to the operation buffer by the first transfer means, the program number of the subprogram and the start address of the subprogram number are 3. The numerical control apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising program management data creating means for storing the associated program management data in the storage means. Numerical control configured to transfer the NC program to be operated from a storage device such as a hard disk to the operation buffer and execute the machining operation, and to execute the pallet turning operation and the tool change operation in parallel operation In the device
Input means for inputting the NC program number of the next pallet;
A completion signal detecting means for detecting that the input of the NC program number has been completed by the input means;
Free capacity calculating means for calculating the free capacity of the operation buffer;
Program capacity calculation for calculating the capacity of the next NC program to be operated in parallel operation with the machining pallet currently being executed when the completion signal detection means detects the completion of the input of the NC program number to be operated next. Means,
When the capacity of the NC program calculated by the program capacity calculation means is larger than the free capacity of the operation buffer calculated by the free capacity calculation means, the free capacity of the operation buffer from the head of the NC program, First transfer means for transferring to the operation buffer;
Address storage means for storing the last address of the NC program transferred by the transfer means or the first address not transferred;
Transfer determination means for determining whether or not the NC program corresponding to the first tool change operation has been transferred;
When the NC program corresponding to the first tool change operation is transferred, execution means for executing the pallet turning operation and the first tool change operation in parallel operation when the machining of the current machining pallet is completed. ,
When machining of the current machining pallet is completed, if the NC program corresponding to the first tool change operation is transferred, the pallet turning operation and the first tool change operation are performed in parallel with the next operation. And a second transfer means for transferring the NC program to the operation buffer based on an address stored in the address storage means.

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