JP5101338B2 - Machine tool, unauthorized transfer notification device, and machine operation restriction method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a machine tool, an unauthorized transfer notification device, and a machine operation restriction method.

In view of the performance of machine tools used for manufacturing precision parts, relocation (for example, relocation to a third party or relocation outside the country) may be restricted or prohibited by law or contract.
As a technique for countering unauthorized transfer of the machine, a position detecting means for detecting the current position of the transfer restriction device using a GPS module, and the current position is out of a preset transfer allowable range, or in advance Transfer restriction device equipped with a means to prevent unauthorized transfer that makes it impossible to operate the transfer restriction device when it is outside the transfer allowance range or when it is outside the transfer allowance range. Is known (see Patent Document 1).

Also, vibration detection means for detecting vibration applied to the device, vibration history storage means for storing the presence / absence of vibration as vibration history, and activation of the device when the vibration history storage means stores vibration history There is known a vibration detecting device including a start prohibiting unit for prohibiting start and a start prohibition canceling unit for canceling the prohibition of starting by the start prohibiting unit under a preset condition (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2005-44162 A JP 2003-35595 A

  In the above document, the operation of the machine is disabled when the transfer or vibration of the machine is detected. However, if a machine is immediately made inoperable when a transfer or vibration is detected, there are many inconveniences for a legitimate user of the machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a user). For example, even when a device is relocated within a range that does not substantially cause a problem, such as relocation of a user to another factory or relocation within the factory, the relocation is detected and the use of the machine can be immediately disabled. In this case, the user needs to contact the machine manufacturer, etc., to issue a password for restarting the machine, or to request the manufacturer to dispatch a service person to restart the machine. is there.

  If the machine suddenly becomes inoperable due to the relocation of the machine in this way, the user cannot use the machine at all until the user obtains the password or calls a service person to restart the machine. There was a big hindrance to the work. In particular, when a machine owned by a user in an area with a time difference from the manufacturer becomes inoperable, more time is required until the machine is restarted, and the loss of the user due to interruption of work is large.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can provide a machine tool, an unauthorized transfer notification device, and a machine operation restriction method capable of achieving both an effect of preventing unauthorized transfer of a machine and prevention of a disadvantage of a machine user. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the machine tool of the present invention determines whether or not a predetermined time condition has been reached after the relocation detection means for detecting relocation of the machine tool and the relocation detection means detects the relocation. The operation of the machine tool is permitted until the predetermined time condition is reached by the determination means after the relocation detection is detected by the determination means and the relocation detection means, and the predetermined determination is performed by the determination means. The operation restriction means for restricting the operation of the machine tool when it is determined that the time condition has been reached.
According to the present invention, the operation of the machine tool is limited after a predetermined time condition has been reached after the relocation of the machine tool is detected. Therefore, the machine does not become inoperable immediately after the detection of the relocation of the machine tool, and it is possible to prevent the user's business from being hindered. On the other hand, after reaching the predetermined time condition, the operation of the machine tool is limited. For this reason, when a machine tool is illegally transferred to a third party or abroad, a person who has illegally received the machine tool cannot substantially use the machine tool.

When the machine tool receives a predetermined instruction from the outside between the time when the relocation detection means detects the relocation and the time when the determination means determines that the predetermined time condition has been reached, the machine tool A restriction prohibiting unit that prohibits the restriction of the operation when the predetermined instruction is accepted during a period in which the operation is restricted by the operation restricting unit. . According to this configuration, the user can restrict the operation of the machine tool thereafter by inputting the predetermined instruction to the machine tool after the detection of the transfer of the machine tool until the predetermined time condition is reached. You can continue to use the machine tool without being done. Further, even after the operation of the machine tool is restricted, the user can release the restriction of the operation of the machine tool by inputting the predetermined instruction to the machine tool.

The machine tool may include a warning unit that performs a predetermined warning to the outside from when the transfer is detected by the transfer detection unit to when the determination unit determines that the predetermined time condition has been reached. Good. According to this configuration, the user can input the predetermined instruction to the machine tool by recognizing the warning.

The determination means measures the energization time in the machine tool and reaches the predetermined time condition when the energization time after the relocation detection means detects the relocation is longer than a predetermined period. It may be judged. According to this configuration, the operation of the machine tool is not limited until at least the energization time of the machine tool after the relocation of the machine tool is detected exceeds the predetermined period.

The machine tool may include a numerical control device (NC device) that performs numerical control on the machine tool. The determination means determines whether or not the predetermined time condition has been reached independently of the numerical control device, and the operation restriction means prohibits the numerical control device from performing numerical control. May limit the operation of the machine tool. According to this configuration, since the determination unit is independent of the numerical control device, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time condition has been reached even if the numerical control unit is illegally operated or altered. It can be judged accurately. In addition, when it is determined by the determination means that the predetermined time condition has been reached, the operation control means prohibits the numerical control device from performing the numerical control, so that the operation of the machine tool can be reliably restricted. .

The technical idea according to the present invention can be realized as an apparatus different from the machine tool. For example, relocation detection means for detecting relocation of a monitored machine, determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined time condition has been reached after the relocation detection means detects the relocation, and relocation detection means for relocation. after being detected by the determination means outputs different signals between when it is determined to have reached the predetermined time condition by between and the determination means until it is judged to have reached the predetermined time condition, or A period from when the relocation detection means detects the relocation until the determination means determines that the predetermined time condition has been reached, and when the determination means determines that the predetermined time condition has been reached; It is possible to grasp the invention of the unauthorized transfer notification device provided with signal output means for outputting a predetermined signal to only one of the two. The unauthorized transfer notification device is mounted on a machine tool, for example, and outputs a signal to the machine tool as described above. It is also possible to grasp the invention of a system composed of an unauthorized transfer notification device and a machine tool.

Furthermore, a relocation detection step for detecting the relocation of the monitored machine, a determination step for determining whether or not a predetermined time condition has been reached after the relocation is detected in the relocation detection step, and a relocation in the relocation detection step. If the period from being detected until it is determined to have reached the predetermined time condition in the decision process will allow operation of the machine, it is determined to have reached the predetermined time condition in the judgment step An invention of a machine operation restriction method comprising the operation restriction step of restricting the operation of the machine to the machine can also be grasped. In addition, the invention of a method including a process corresponding to each unit included in the machine tool and the unauthorized transfer notification device described above, and a program for causing a computer to execute a function corresponding to each unit included in the machine tool and the unauthorized transfer notification device described above This invention can also be grasped.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
1. Outline of machine tool Processing by machine tool 2-1. Relocation determination process and start-up process 2-2. Release processing Other examples

1. Outline of Machine Tool FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a machine tool 30 according to this embodiment from the back side. FIG. 1B shows a part of the machine tool 30 in a vertical section.
The machine tool 30 is a lathe that manufactures and processes precision parts. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the machine tool 30 includes the main body 10 of the machine tool 30 inside the housing 31. The main body 10 includes an NC (Numerical Control) device 11 and a processing unit 12 which will be described later. The machine tool 30 includes an unauthorized transfer notification device 20. The unauthorized transfer notification device 20 is housed in a housing 28 that is separate from the main body 10. In the example of FIG. 1, the machine tool 30 has a housing 28 attached to the inner side of the back plate 31a. However, the installation position of the housing 28 in the machine tool 30 is not limited. The unauthorized transfer notification device 20 can be distributed as a single product as well as being mounted on the machine tool 30.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the machine tool 30.
The main body unit 10 includes an NC device 11, a processing unit 12, a power supply unit 13, a display unit 14, an input receiving unit 15, a bus 16 that connects the respective units so as to communicate with each other. The NC device 11 is a computer and includes a CPU 11a, a ROM 11c, a RAM 11b, an input / output unit I / O 11d, and the like. In the NC device 11, the CPU 11a executes an OS and various programs stored in advance in the ROM 11c while using the RAM 11b as a work area. When power is supplied to the NC device 11, the CPU 11a performs predetermined initial processing such as starting up an OS (Operating System). Then, the CPU 11a activates the machining program P in the RAM 11b in accordance with an instruction from the unauthorized transfer notification device 20, and performs numerical control according to the machining program P. The NC device 11 (CPU 11a) causes the machining unit 12 to repeatedly perform machining operations in units of one cycle by numerical control.

  The processing unit 12 is a generic name for mechanisms whose position and operation are numerically controlled by the NC device 11. The processing unit 12 includes, for example, a spindle that is rotatable while holding a material (workpiece) to be processed, a collet that grips the workpiece at the tip of the spindle, and a tool base that includes a tool that works on the workpiece to process the workpiece. Including various machines and actuators. The processing unit 12 repeatedly manufactures precision parts by repeating the above-described one cycle processing operation.

  The input reception unit 15 is a user interface of the NC device 11 and includes, for example, buttons that can be operated by the user, a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 14, and the like. The display unit 14 is a display that displays various numerical values and setting contents input by the user via the input receiving unit 15 and various information regarding the machine tool 30. The display content on the display unit 15 is controlled by the NC device 11.

  The power supply unit 13 is supplied with power from a power supply outside the machine tool 30. The power supply unit 13 includes a power switch 13 a for switching power on / off of the machine tool 30. When the power switch 13a is turned on by an external operation, the power supply unit 13 sends the supplied power to the NC device 11, the processing unit 12, the display unit 14, and the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 Etc., to each component of the machine tool 30.

  The unauthorized transfer notification device 20 connects a microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as a microcomputer) 21, a detection circuit 22, a non-volatile memory 23, a timer 24, an input / output unit I / O 25, a power input unit 26, and each unit so that they can communicate. A bus 27 and the like are provided. The microcomputer 21 includes a CPU 21a, a ROM 21b, and a RAM 21c. In the microcomputer 21, the CPU 21a executes a predetermined program stored in advance in the ROM 21b while using the RAM 21c as a work area, so that each function such as the transfer determination unit 21a1, the progress determination unit 21a2, the energization time measurement unit 21a3, and the like. To realize.

  The detection circuit 22 is a circuit for detecting information used by the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 to determine whether or not the monitored machine (machine tool 30) has been transferred. The detection circuit 22 is, for example, a magnetic field state detection circuit. In this case, the detection circuit 22 detects the magnetic field state at the installation location of the machine tool 30. The detection circuit 22 has a so-called triaxial geomagnetic sensor, and can detect magnetic flux densities Bx, By, Bz (μT) in predetermined triaxial directions (X, Y, Z directions) orthogonal to each other. These magnetic flux densities Bx, By, Bz are the magnetic field states to be detected. The detection circuit 22 normalizes the magnetic field state and converts it into a voltage value, and then converts the voltage value to the nonvolatile memory 23 and the microcomputer 21 via the bus 27. Can be output. Hereinafter, the voltage value output by the detection circuit 22 is appropriately referred to as a magnetic field state value. The magnetic field state to be detected may be only a part of the magnetic flux densities Bx, By, Bz, or the direction (magnetic field direction) obtained from two or more magnetic flux densities of Bx, By, Bz, and the strength of the magnetic field. H (A / m) may be used.

  In addition to the magnetic field state value obtained from the detection circuit 22, the nonvolatile memory 23 indicates the measurement result of the energization time (energization time Ts) by the energization time measurement unit 21 a 3 and the time when the transfer of the machine tool 30 is detected. Detection time Tm and the like are recorded. The magnetic field state value recorded in the non-volatile memory 23 is appropriately referred to as a reference value R. The timer 24 measures time by accumulating clock signals output from the CPU 21a, for example. The power input unit 26 is a circuit that supplies the power supplied from the power supply unit 13 to each unit of the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 including the microcomputer 21. The NC device 11 of the main body unit 10 and the microcomputer 21 of the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 can exchange signals via the input / output unit I / O 11d and the input / output unit I / O 25.

2. Processing by machine tool 2-1. Transfer Judgment Processing and Start-Up Processing Processing executed in this embodiment under the machine tool 30 configuration will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the determination process and activation process for moving the machine tool 30. In FIG. 3, the process executed by the NC device 11 is shown on the left side, and the process executed by the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 (microcomputer 21) is shown on the right side.

  In step S (hereinafter, step notation is omitted) 100, the NC device 11 instructs the microcomputer 21 to execute determination processing for moving the machine tool 30. When the power switch 13a is turned on and power supply from the power supply unit 13 is started, the NC device 11 performs the process of S100 prior to starting the machining program P. In S100, the NC device 11 generates a predetermined signal (transfer determination instruction signal) for instructing execution of the transfer determination process, and transmits the transfer determination instruction signal to the microcomputer 21 via the input / output unit I / O 11d. To do.

The microcomputer 21 receives the relocation determination instruction signal via the input / output unit I / O 25 in S200.
In S210, the microcomputer 21 executes a relocation determination process. Since the power supply from the power supply unit 13 to the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 is started when S100 is executed, the microcomputer 21 can execute the processes after S200. If the microcomputer 21 determines that the machine tool 30 has been transferred (when the transfer of the machine tool 30 is detected), the microcomputer 21 proceeds to S220, and if it determines that the machine tool 30 has not been transferred (transfers the machine tool 30). If not detected), the process proceeds to S240.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of details of S210. The process of S210 is mainly realized by the relocation determination unit 21a1.
In S211, the relocation determining unit 21a1 determines whether or not the detection time Tm is already recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23.
FIG. 5 shows a state in which a period in which the power of the machine tool 30 is on (ON) and a period in which the power is off (OFF) are repeated. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis is time t. At a time tp past (basically, a timing immediately after turning on the power in the past) from a current time tn (basically immediately after turning on the power) at which the processing of S210 is executed. In some cases, the relocation of the machine tool 30 may be detected. Then, after the time tp, when the release processing described later has not been performed so far, the time tp may still be recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23 as the detection time Tm.

If the detection time Tm is not recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23, the relocation determining unit 21a1 proceeds to S212.
In S212, the relocation determination unit 21a1 instructs the detection circuit 22 to detect the current magnetic field state, and acquires the magnetic field state value related to the detection result from the detection circuit 22.
In S <b> 213, the relocation determination unit 21 a 1 reads the reference value R recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23 from the nonvolatile memory 23. The reference value R is a magnetic field state value detected by the detection circuit 22 during a period when the machine tool 30 is in a power-on state in the past. The unauthorized transfer notification device 20 updates the reference value R as appropriate. A method for updating the reference value R will be described later.

  In S214, the relocation determining unit 21a1 compares the magnetic field state value acquired in S212 with the reference value R read in S213, and determines whether or not the difference between both values exceeds a predetermined threshold Th. . If the difference exceeds the threshold Th, the relocation determination unit 21a1 determines that the detection of relocation of the machine tool 30 has been successful, and the process proceeds to S215. That is, when there is a certain difference between the magnetic field state value when the power of the machine tool 30 is turned on and the magnetic field state value (reference value R) when the power is turned on in the past. It can be considered that the machine tool 30 has moved or rotated (has been moved).

In S215, the relocation determination unit 21a1 records the current time (≈tn) in the nonvolatile memory 23 as the detection time Tm. The time indicated by the timer 24 is used as the recording time.
After S215, the relocation determining unit 21a1 proceeds to S220 (FIG. 3). If it is determined in S211 that the detection time Tm is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23, the relocation determining unit 21a1 determines that the machine tool 30 has been relocated, skips S212 to S215, and proceeds to S220.
If it is determined in S214 that the difference does not exceed the threshold value Th, the relocation determining unit 21a1 determines that relocation of the machine tool 30 has not been detected, and the process proceeds to S240 (FIG. 3). It is assumed that the data of the threshold value Th is stored in advance in a predetermined memory provided in the unauthorized transfer notification device 20, such as the ROM 21b and the nonvolatile memory 23.
The relocation determination unit 21a1 and the detection circuit 22 correspond to an example of relocation detection means.

  In S220, the progress determination unit 21a2 of the microcomputer 21 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the detection time Tm recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23. Specifically, the progress determination unit 21a2 determines whether or not the energization time of the machine tool 30 (illegal transfer notification device 20) after the detection time Tm has exceeded a predetermined warning period Tw. Here, the energization time measurement unit 21a3 is the time during which power is supplied to the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 via the power input unit 26 (period during which the machine tool 30 (illegal transfer notification device 20) is energized). Is constantly measured based on the time indicated by the timer 24. In addition, the energization time measurement unit 21a3 writes the measurement result at each time in the nonvolatile memory 23 at any time in association with the time. The measurement result written in this way is the energization time Ts.

Therefore, in S220, the progress determination unit 21a2 refers to the nonvolatile memory 23 and calculates the difference between the latest energization time Ts and the energization time Ts corresponding to the detection time Tm. The difference is the energization time of the machine tool 30 (illegal transfer notification device 20) after the detection time Tm.
As shown in FIG. 6, assuming that the detection time Tm = tp and the current time = tn ′, the period during which the power supply of the machine tool 30 is on in the period from tp to tn ′ (hatched in FIG. 6) Period) corresponds to the difference. If the progress determination unit 21a2 determines that the difference does not exceed the warning period Tw, the process proceeds to S230. On the other hand, when the progress determination unit 21a2 determines that the difference exceeds the warning period Tw, the microcomputer 21 ends the flowchart of FIG.

  However, the energization time measurement unit 21a3 simply measures the time during which power is supplied to the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 after the detection time Tm, triggered by the detection time Tm being recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23. Also good. The energization time measurement unit 21a3 continues to measure the time during which power is supplied to the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 after the detection time Tm as described above, and overwrites and saves the measurement result as the energization time Ts as needed. It is good. As described above, when the energization time Ts is overwritten and saved in the nonvolatile memory 23 as necessary, the progress determination unit 21a2 directly calculates the energization time Ts and the warning period Tw stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 in S220. Compare. As yet another method, the energization time measurement unit 21a3 records the time when the power supply from the power input unit 26 is started (start time) and the time when the power supply is stopped (stop time) in the nonvolatile memory 23 one by one. It is good. And progress judgment part 21a2 grasps energization time of machine tool 30 (illegal transfer notification device 20) after detection time Tm based on the start time, stop time, detection time Tm, and current time. It is good. The progress determination unit 21a2 and the energization time measurement unit 21a3 correspond to an example of a determination unit.

  The warning period Tw means a period during which the user is allowed to use the machine tool 30 even after the relocation of the machine tool 30 is detected. The warning period Tw is a specific period such as several hours, several tens of hours, or several days. Data indicating the warning period Tw is also stored in advance in a predetermined memory included in the unauthorized transfer notification device 20, such as the ROM 21b and the nonvolatile memory 23, similarly to the data of the threshold value Th.

In S230, the progress determination unit 21a2 generates a predetermined instruction signal (second permission signal) indicating that the warning period Tw is in progress, and sends the second permission signal to the NC device 11 via the input / output unit I / O 25. Send to. After S230, the progress determination unit 21a2 repeats the determination of S220, and repeatedly outputs the second permission signal to the NC device 11 only during the warning period Tw (S230).
In S240, the progress determination unit 21a2 generates a predetermined instruction signal (first permission signal) indicating that the relocation of the machine tool 30 has not been detected, and the first permission signal is transmitted via the input / output unit I / O 25. To the NC device 11. After transmitting the first permission signal, the microcomputer 21 ends the flowchart of FIG.

  In S110, the NC device 11 determines the type of signal received from the microcomputer 21 via the input / output unit I / O 11d. The NC device 11 proceeds to S130 when the type of the received signal is the first permission signal, and proceeds to S140 when the type of the received signal is the second permission signal. The NC device 11 cannot receive a signal via the input / output unit I / O 11d after the processing of S100 (for example, for a certain period after the processing of S100), or the first through the input / output unit I / O 11d. When a signal other than the permission signal and the second permission signal is received, the processing program P is not started (S120), and the flowchart of FIG. That is, the operation of the machine tool 30 is limited.

  In S130, the NC device 11 starts the machining program P and ends the flowchart of FIG. That is, after S130, the NC device 11 performs numerical control on the machining unit 12 in accordance with the machining program P. As a result, precision parts are repeatedly manufactured for each cycle of the processing unit 12.

  In S140, the NC device 11 activates the machining program P. In S140, the NC device 11 gives a predetermined warning to the outside that the relocation has been detected. For example, the NC device 11 controls the display unit 14 to display a warning message on the display unit 14. As a warning message, for example, a message such as “Movement has been detected. The machine will be forcibly stopped after XX hours.” (The XX indicates the remaining time of the warning period Tw.) Or a message such as “Warning status. Please enter the password to cancel the warning status”. The NC device 11 and the display unit 14 correspond to an example of a warning unit in that a warning is performed. The NC device 11 may display the relocation detection ID together with the warning message on the display unit 14. The relocation detection ID is a unique ID generated by the NC device 11 when relocation of the machine tool 30 is detected. The user can use the relocation detection ID at the time of release processing described later.

  After S140, in S150, the NC device 11 monitors whether or not the second permission signal is continuously received via the input / output unit I / O 11d. When the second permission signal is continuously received (for example, at an interval of a predetermined number of seconds), the NC device 11 maintains the state after S140. On the other hand, when the reception of the second permission signal is interrupted (when the microcomputer 21 makes a “Yes” determination in S220), the NC device 11 forcibly ends the machining program P that has been started up to that point. (S160), the warning is terminated, and the flowchart of FIG. 3 is terminated. That is, after the warning period Tw has elapsed, the operation of the machine tool 30 is limited.

However, when the microcomputer 21 determines that the warning period Tw has passed (“Yes” in S220), the microcomputer 21 generates a predetermined instruction signal (operation restriction signal) indicating that the warning period Tw has passed, and outputs the operation restriction signal. Alternatively, the data may be transmitted to the NC device 11 via the input / output unit I / O 25. That is, the microcomputer 21 may output any one of the operation restriction signal, the first permission signal, and the second permission signal to the NC device 11 after receiving the relocation determination instruction signal from the NC device 11. In this case, when the NC device 11 determines in S110 that the type of the received signal is an operation restriction signal, the NC device 11 proceeds to S120. If the NC apparatus 11 determines in S150 that the signal received from the microcomputer 21 has changed from the second permission signal to the operation restriction signal, the process proceeds to S160. Further, the microcomputer 21 transmits the first permission signal until the warning period Tw is passed even when the relocation is detected, and continues the measurement of the energization time and transmits the operation restriction signal when the energization time exceeds the warning period Tw. You may do that. In this case, the NC device 11 monitors the signal from the microcomputer 21 via the input / output unit I / O 11d even after receiving the first permission signal, and determines the type of the received signal. And operation | movement of the machine tool 30 is restrict | limited according to reception of an operation | movement limitation signal.
In this way, a different signal is set to the NC device 11 depending on whether or not the warning period Tw has elapsed, or the warning period Tw has elapsed since the detection of the relocation of the machine tool 30 until the warning period Tw has elapsed. It can be said that the microcomputer 21 and the input / output unit I / O 25 correspond to an example of signal output means in that a predetermined signal (one of the second permission signal and the operation restriction signal) is transmitted only in one of the cases.

  Thus, the microcomputer 21 (progress determination unit 21a2) does not cause the NC device 11 to start the machining program P by not outputting the first permission signal and the second permission signal or by outputting the operation restriction signal. Further, the microcomputer 21 (progress determination unit 21a2) outputs an operation restriction signal by interrupting the output of the first permission signal or the second permission signal or by interrupting the output of the first permission signal or the second permission signal. As a result, the machining program P is terminated in the NC device 11. Therefore, the microcomputer 21 (progress determination unit 21a2) corresponds to an example of an operation limiting unit.

In the present embodiment, a state where the above warning is not issued and the machining program P is activated is referred to as a normal operating state of the machine tool 30. The state where the machining program P is activated together with the warning is referred to as a warning state of the machine tool 30. A state in which the machining program P is not started after the machine tool 30 is turned on (including a state in which the machining program P is forcibly terminated) is referred to as a locked state of the machine tool 30.
Even when the machine tool 30 is in the locked state, the NC apparatus 11 may cause the display unit 14 to display a predetermined message indicating that the machine tool 30 is in the locked state, or display the relocation detection ID. . Examples of messages indicating the lock status include a message such as "Movement has been detected. The machine has been stopped." Or "Lock status. Enter the password to release the lock status." Message is possible.

2-2. Release Process Next, a process for releasing the warning state or the locked state of the machine tool 30 and shifting to the normal operation state will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the warning state or lock state release processing. In FIG. 7, the process executed by the NC device 11 is shown on the left side, and the process executed by the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 (microcomputer 21) is shown on the right side.
In S300, the NC device 11 accepts an input of a password from the outside. That is, the user inputs a password to the NC device 11 via the input receiving unit 15, and the NC device 11 acquires the input password. The password is an example of a predetermined instruction in the claims.

  There are various ways for a user to obtain a password. For example, the user requests the manufacturer of the machine tool 30 or the like (referred to as a password issuer) to issue a password by communication using a predetermined communication device, and receives the password from the password issuer. When making the request to the password issuer, the user notifies, for example, the model name of the machine tool 30, the machine number of the machine tool 30, and the relocation detection ID. The password issuer generates a unique password based on the notified model name, machine number, and relocation detection ID, and transmits the generated password to the user (the communication device). As a result, the user can obtain the password.

  In S310, the NC device 11 determines whether or not the password accepted in S300 is a valid password. If the password is valid, the process proceeds to S320. There are various methods for determining a valid password. For example, the NC device 11 determines whether or not the password is valid, for example, based on whether or not the relocation detection ID generated by itself is included in the accepted password. . When determining that the password is not valid, the NC device 11 ends the flowchart of FIG. 7 while maintaining the state of the machine tool 30 at that time. Therefore, when an invalid password is input, the warning state and the locked state of the machine tool 30 are not released.

Note that even though the machine tool 30 is in a normal operating state, the user may input a password to the NC device 11. For this reason, if the NC device 11 is in a normal operation state when a password is input, in S310, the determination is “No” regardless of whether the password is valid or not, and the state of the machine tool 30 (normally) Maintain (operating state).
In S320, the NC device 11 generates a predetermined signal (release processing instruction signal) for instructing execution of the release process, and transmits the release process instruction signal to the microcomputer 21 via the input / output unit I / O 11d. .

The microcomputer 21 receives the release processing instruction signal via the input / output unit I / O 25 in S400.
In S410, the microcomputer 21 updates the reference value R currently recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23. In this case, the reference value R may be updated (overwritten) with the magnetic state value acquired from the detection circuit 22 in the latest S212 (FIG. 4). However, there is a possibility that the machine tool 30 has been relocated between the last processing of S212 and the present. For example, there may be a power-off period of the machine tool 30 between the last processing of S212 and the present, and there may be further relocation during the power-off period. Therefore, in S410, the microcomputer 21 instructs the detection circuit 22 to detect the current magnetic field state, and acquires the magnetic field state value related to the detection result from the detection circuit 22. Then, the reference value R is updated with the latest magnetic field state value acquired from the detection circuit 22 in this way.

  Further, in S410, the microcomputer 21 erases the data at the detection time Tm currently recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23. This is because if the detection time Tm remains recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23, it will be determined that the machine tool 30 has been relocated when the detection time Tm is recorded the next time when the relocation is determined. . Further, in S410, the microcomputer 21 may erase the data of the energization time Ts at each time currently recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23.

  In S420, the microcomputer 21 determines a predetermined signal (restriction prohibition / Called a release signal). Then, the microcomputer 21 transmits a restriction prohibition / cancellation signal to the NC device 11 via the input / output unit I / O 25. After transmitting the restriction prohibition / release signal, the microcomputer 21 ends the flowchart of FIG.

The NC apparatus 11 receives the restriction prohibition / cancellation signal via the input / output unit I / O 25 in S330.
When receiving the restriction prohibition / cancellation signal, the NC device 11 shifts to the normal operation state in S340. Specifically, if the warning state is reached when the restriction prohibition / cancellation signal is received, the NC device 11 ends the monitoring of the reception status of the second permission signal described above and continues to execute the machining program P as it is. To do. The NC device 11 also ends the warning when the warning is performed. As a result, the warning state is released and the transition to the normal operation state is completed. On the other hand, if the lock state is received when the restriction prohibition / release signal is received, the NC device 11 starts the machining program P. As a result, the release of the lock state and the transition to the normal operation state are completed. Note that when the warning state or the locked state is released, the NC device 11 may display a predetermined message on the display unit 14 that the warning state or the locked state is released. When the transition to the normal operation state is completed, the NC device 11 ends the flowchart of FIG. In this way, it can be said that the NC device 11 and the microcomputer 21 correspond to an example of a restriction prohibition unit in that the process of releasing the warning state or the lock state is executed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 detects the transfer of the machine tool 30, the NC device 11 executes the machining program P until the energization time after the detection time Tm exceeds the warning period Tw. Tolerated. Therefore, for example, when the user turns on the power of the machine tool 30 after moving the machine tool 30 in the factory, the machine tool 30 does not become inoperable immediately after the transfer is detected. If a valid password is input to the machine tool 30 within this warning period Tw and the alarm state is released, the machining operation of the machine tool 30 is interrupted once after the machine tool 30 is turned on. The production of precision parts continues. Therefore, the work of the user of the machine tool 30 is not hindered.

  Further, after detecting the relocation of the machine tool 30, the unauthorized relocation notification device 20 places the machine tool 30 in a locked state when the warning period Tw elapses. The locked state cannot be released unless a valid password is obtained from the password issuer. Therefore, when the machine tool 30 is illegally transferred to a foreign country or a third party, the machine tool 30 cannot be used substantially at the transfer destination. Therefore, the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 is a great deterrent against unauthorized transfer of the machine tool 30.

  Further, the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 measures the energization time of the machine tool 30 (illegal transfer notification device 20) and determines the passage of the warning period Tw in a state independent of the NC device 11 of the machine tool 30. Therefore, even if the tampering or the like of the timer or the clock oscillation circuit included in the NC device 11 as a computer is performed, the unauthorized relocation notification device 20 can accurately measure and warn the energization time without being affected by the tampering. It is possible to determine whether or not the period Tw has elapsed. Therefore, fraud such as extending the period of the alarm state can be prevented.

3. Other Embodiments FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transfer determination process and a start-up process for the machine tool 30, and shows an example different from FIG. Also in FIG. 8, the process executed by the NC device 11 is shown on the left side, and the process executed by the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 (microcomputer 21) is shown on the right side. S500, S600, S610, and S620 are the same as S100, S200, S210, and S240, respectively, and thus description thereof is omitted.
When the microcomputer 21 detects the relocation of the machine tool 30 in S610, the microcomputer 21 ends the flowchart of FIG. 8 as it is (or after the operation restriction signal is transmitted to the NC device 11 via the input / output unit I / O 25).

In S510, the NC device 11 determines whether or not a first permission signal has been received from the microcomputer 21 via the input / output unit I / O 11d. If the NC device 11 determines that the first permission signal has been received, the process proceeds to S520.
In S520, the NC device 11 activates the machining program P and ends the flowchart of FIG. After S520, the machine tool 30 is in a normal operation state.
The NC device 11 cannot receive a signal via the input / output unit I / O 11d after the processing of S500 (for example, for a certain period of time after the processing of S500), or first permits it via the input / output unit I / O 11d. If a signal other than the signal (operation restriction signal) is received, the process proceeds to S530.
In S530, the NC device 11 activates the machining program P and issues the above warning. That is, in S530, the NC device 11 determines that the machine tool 30 has been moved, and sets the machine tool 30 to a warning state.

In S540, the NC device 11 continuously monitors whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied with reference to the time when the warning state is set in S530. Specifically, the NC device 11 determines whether or not the energization time of the machine tool 30 after the warning state is set in S530 (the time when the power of the machine tool 30 is on) exceeds a predetermined period. The NC device 11 maintains the warning state when it is determined that the predetermined period has not elapsed. On the other hand, when determining that the predetermined period has elapsed, the NC device 11 forcibly ends the machining program P (S550), ends the warning, and ends the flowchart of FIG. The machine tool 30 is locked by S550. The NC device 11 measures the energization time based on, for example, a clock signal generated by the CPU 11a. The warning period Tw corresponds to the predetermined period used for the determination in S540. The NC device 11 stores data indicating the warning period Tw in a predetermined memory such as the ROM 11c in advance.
As described above, in the example of FIG. 8, the NC device 11 starts the machining program P for a predetermined period when the transfer of the machine tool 30 is detected by the unauthorized transfer notification device 20. Of course, even when the machine tool 30 enters an alarm state or a locked state in accordance with the process of FIG. 8, the alarm state or the locked state can be released by the release process described above.

  A predetermined number of cycles may be used as the predetermined condition used in S220 or S540. While the machining program P is running, one precision part is manufactured for each cycle. Therefore, if an operation for n cycles (n is a natural number of 1 or more) cycles is set in advance as the predetermined condition, at least n precision parts are manufactured after the transfer of the machine tool 30 is detected. be able to. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be that a predetermined time, day of the week, or date is reached. For example, it is conceivable that the data is stored in a predetermined memory in advance on the condition that the first day of every month (Sunday, 23:00) is reached. The time, day of the week, and date may be obtained from a clock signal output from the CPU 21a, or a radio wave representing the time may be received.

  In the above description, a magnetic field state detection circuit having a geomagnetic sensor is used as the detection circuit 22. However, the detection circuit 22 is anything that can detect information that can be used to determine whether or not the machine tool 30 has been moved. good. For example, the detection circuit 22 may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver that detects and outputs position information such as latitude and longitude, or a gyro capable of simply detecting the presence or absence of movement (including rotation and vibration). It may be a sensor or a vibration sensor. If the detection circuit 22 is a GPS receiver, the reference value R is position information detected by the GPS receiver. In S210 and 610 (FIGS. 3 and 8), the relocation determination unit 21a1 compares the current position information detected by the GPS receiver with the position information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23 as the reference value R. To determine if it has been relocated.

  If the detection circuit 22 is a sensor that can detect the presence or absence of movement, the detection circuit 22 stores information indicating movement (e.g., movement detection time) each time the movement is detected by the sensor. 23 is written. In S210 and 610, if information indicating that the movement has been recorded in the nonvolatile memory 23, the microcomputer 21 determines that the machine tool 30 has been transferred, and uses the time point when the transfer has been determined as a reference. In S220, the elapse determination of the warning period Tw is started. The relocation of the machine tool 30 is basically performed while the machine tool 30 is turned off. Therefore, when using the sensor for detecting the presence or absence of movement as the detection circuit 22, the unauthorized transfer notification device 20 has a separate power supply for the detection circuit 22 so that the detection can be performed even when the machine tool 30 is powered off. .

  So far, the case where the determination of the relocation of the machine tool 30 is performed before the machine program 30 is turned on and the machining program P is started has been described. However, the determination of the relocation of the machine tool 30 may be made periodically after the machine tool 30 is in a normal operation state. When the machine tool 30 is in a normal operation state, the NC device 11 may periodically output a move determination instruction signal to the microcomputer 21 so that the microcomputer 21 may periodically determine whether the machine tool 30 has been moved. The microcomputer 21 that has received the relocation determination instruction signal executes the processing shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. With such a configuration, even if the relocation is performed while the machine tool 30 is in operation, the relocation is detected, and the machine tool 30 is operated while warning the user that it is in a warning state for a predetermined period after the detection. Can be made.

1 is an example of a perspective view of an appearance of a machine tool and a vertical sectional view of a part of the machine tool. It is an example of the block diagram which showed the rough functional structure of the machine tool. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the judgment process and starting process of the transfer of a machine tool. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the detail of the judgment process of moving. It is the figure which showed an example of a mode that the power-on period and power-off period of a machine tool repeated. It is the figure which showed an example of a mode that the power-on period and power-off period of a machine tool repeated. It is an example of the flowchart which showed the cancellation | release process of the warning state or the lock state. It is the other example of the flowchart which showed the determination process and starting process of the transfer of a machine tool.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Main-body part, 11 ... NC apparatus, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... RAM, 11c ... ROM, 11d ... Input / output part I / O, 12 ... Processing part, 13 ... Power supply part, 13a ... Power switch, 14 ... Display 15, input receiving unit, 20, unauthorized transfer notification device, 21, microcomputer, 21 a, CPU, 21 b, ROM, 21 c, RAM, 21 a 1, transfer determination unit, 21 a 2, progress determination unit, 21 a 3, energization time measurement unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 ... Detection circuit, 23 ... Non-volatile memory, 24 ... Timer, 25 ... I / O part I / O, 26 ... Power supply input part, 28 ... Housing, 30 ... Machine tool, 31 ... Housing

Claims (7)

Relocation detection means for detecting relocation of a machine tool;
A judging means for judging whether or not a predetermined time condition has been reached after the relocation is detected by the relocation detecting means;
The operation of the machine tool is permitted until the predetermined time condition is reached by the determination means after the transfer detection is detected by the transfer detection means, and the predetermined time condition is set by the determination means. An operation restriction means for restricting the operation of the machine tool when it is determined that the machine tool has been reached. When a predetermined instruction is received from the outside between the time when the relocation detection means detects the relocation and the time when the determination means determines that the predetermined time condition has been reached, the operation by the operation restriction means And a restriction prohibiting means for releasing the restriction of the operation when the predetermined instruction is received during a period in which the operation is restricted by the action restricting means. The machine tool according to 1. A warning means for performing a predetermined warning to the outside from when the relocation detection means detects the relocation until the determination means determines that the predetermined time condition has been reached. The machine tool according to claim 1 or 2. The determination means measures the energization time in the machine tool and reaches the predetermined time condition when the energization time after the relocation detection means detects the relocation is longer than a predetermined period. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the machine tool is determined. The machine tool includes a numerical control device that performs numerical control on the machine tool,
The determining means determines whether or not the predetermined time condition has been reached independently of the numerical control device, and the operation restricting means prohibits the numerical control device from performing numerical control. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein operation of the machine tool is limited. Relocation detection means for detecting relocation of the monitored machine;
A judging means for judging whether or not a predetermined time condition has been reached after the relocation is detected by the relocation detecting means;
The period from when the relocation is detected by the relocation detection means until the determination means determines that the predetermined time condition has been reached, and when the determination means determines that the predetermined time condition has been reached. output different signals, or reaches to the predetermined time condition by between and the determination means from being detected transferred by the relocation detecting means until it is determined to have reached the predetermined time condition by the determining means An unauthorized transfer notification device comprising: signal output means for outputting a predetermined signal only in one of the cases determined to have been performed. A relocation detection process for detecting the relocation of monitored machines;
A determination step of determining whether or not a predetermined time condition has been reached after the relocation is detected in the relocation detection step;
During the time between the detected transferred in the relocation detection step until it is determined to have reached the predetermined time condition in the decision process will allow operation of the machine, reaches to the predetermined time condition in the judgment step A machine operation restriction method comprising: an operation restriction step for restricting the operation of the machine when it is determined that the machine has been operated.

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