JP7384119B2 - Turret management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a turret management system used in a turret lathe.

Conventionally, a turret lathe is known that rotates a turret to which a plurality of cutting tools are attached radially, and performs a series of machining operations on a workpiece using the plurality of cutting tools. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a turning control system that prevents collisions with a lathe body or a workpiece when a turret turns. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a tool holder that allows tools to be attached to all stations of a turret tool post while ensuring the rigidity of the tools.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-284847 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-119790

Conventionally, in a system where multiple turrets are installed by changing setups on a single turret lathe, if an operator installs the wrong turret, machining will be performed using an unintended cutting tool, resulting in damage to the cutting tool or defective machining of the workpiece. There was a risk that this would occur.

Furthermore, when the turret was attached to the turret lathe, the operator had to manually input an attachment position correction value into the operation panel according to the attachment position measured for each cutting tool. At this time, there was a risk that the operator would input data incorrectly. In addition, the input work took a long time, and the management efficiency of cutting tool information was poor. In addition, regarding the notation in this specification, the formal kana for "attachment position" is omitted, and it is written as "attachment position." As a general rule, write the okurikana for other words.

The present invention was created in view of these points, and its purpose is to provide a turret management system that prevents erroneous data input by an operator and efficiently manages cutting tool information.

The present invention is a turret management system that includes a turret (30, 40), an ID tag (37, 47), an ID reader/writer for a measuring device (58), and an ID reader/writer for a lathe (68). . The turret radially holds a plurality of cutting tools (31-36) used for machining a workpiece with a turret lathe (60).

The ID tag is attached to the turret, and management information for each turret is registered. The measuring device ID reader/writer is installed in a cutting tool mounting position measuring device (50) that measures the mounting position of each cutting tool on the turret, and includes "writing of a mounting position correction value according to the mounting position of each cutting tool". "Reading and writing of ID tag registration information" is possible. The lathe ID reader/writer is installed in a turret lathe, and is capable of "reading and writing registered information of ID tags."

At least the identification information of the turret and the attachment position correction value of each cutting tool are written in the ID tag. When a turret is attached to a turret lathe, the lathe ID reader/writer reads the registration information of the ID tag, determines whether the attached turret is correct based on the turret identification information, and corrects the attachment position of each cutting tool. Process the workpiece based on the value. The lathe ID reader/writer writes the number of times the cutting tool is used in the ID tag for each process using the cutting tool of the turret. Then, the turret management system manages the lifespan of each cutting tool in the turret using the ID tag, without the operator having to reset the number of times the cutting tool has been used.

With the turret management system of the present invention, it is possible to detect when the wrong turret is attached to the turret lathe, so it is possible to prevent processing defects of the workpiece. Further, it is possible to prevent erroneous input when the operator inputs the correction value of the mounting position of each cutting tool into the turret lathe, reduce input work time, and efficiently manage the cutting tool information.

Each cutting tool in the turret has a different lifespan depending on the characteristics of the cutting tool itself, processing load, frequency of use, etc., so individual lifespan management is required. In the present invention, by individually managing the lifespan of each cutting tool using an ID tag, cutting tool information can be managed more efficiently.

In particular, in a turret management system in which a turret lathe is used as a dedicated machine for mass production, it is preferable to include a plurality of turrets with the same specification and holding a plurality of cutting tools of the same type. In this system, when the number of uses of any cutting tool written in the ID tag of the first turret attached to the turret lathe reaches a predetermined number of times, the first turret is removed from the turret lathe. Then, while a second turret having the same specifications as the first turret is attached to the turret lathe and a workpiece is being processed, the cutting tool of the first turret is replaced. Thereby, the turret lathe can be prevented from stopping its operation during cutter replacement setup, and the equipment operating rate can be improved.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a turret is installed in a cutting tool correction value confirmation device in the turret management system of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a turret attached to a turret lathe in the turret management system of one embodiment. 3 is a diagram showing a correction value display screen of the operation panel of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a state in which a turret is installed in a cutting tool correction value confirmation device in a system of a comparative example. A schematic diagram of a turret attached to a turret lathe in a system of a comparative example. 6 is a diagram showing a correction value input screen of the operation panel of FIG. 5. FIG. Flowchart of turret lathe processing according to (a) one embodiment and (b) comparative example. (a) A flowchart of cutter replacement setup according to one embodiment and (b) a comparative example. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a method of operating a turret management system including a plurality of turrets with the same specifications.

(One embodiment)
Hereinafter, a turret management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The turret management system of this embodiment is a system that uses ID tags to manage turret identification information, tool attachment position correction values of each tool held in the turret, information on the number of times of use, etc. for a turret used in a turret lathe. It is.

The turret is equipped with multiple cutting tools of different types radially attached depending on the processing location of the workpiece, the material of the processing section, the processing content, etc., and a turret lathe can perform a series of multiple processing operations with one piece of equipment. can. In particular, turret lathes, which are used as specialized machines for mass production, basically have the same turret attached, and the turret is rotated and the cutting tools are switched depending on the process, and machining is repeated in automatic operation.

However, when the number of uses of any of the cutting tools reaches a predetermined number of times (lifetime threshold), the turret is removed in order to replace the cutting tool. When exchanging the blade, an error occurs in the attachment position, so each time the blade is replaced, the attachment position of the blade is measured by the blade attachment position measuring device, and a blade attachment position correction value is derived according to the attachment position. Then, when attaching the turret after the cutter has been replaced to the turret lathe, the operator needs to input data of the cutter attachment position correction value into the turret lathe. Furthermore, each cutting tool of the turret has a different lifespan depending on the characteristics of the cutting tool itself, processing load, frequency of use, etc., so individual lifespan management is required. Therefore, there is a need for a turret management system that efficiently manages the mounting position correction values and individual lifespans of each cutting tool in the turret.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show the configuration of a turret management system according to an embodiment. Furthermore, as comparative examples, FIGS. 4 to 6 show corresponding configurations of conventional systems that do not use ID tags. 1 and 4 show a state in which the turret 30 is installed on the cutting tool attachment position measuring device 50. 2 and 5 show the turret 30 attached to the turret lathe 60, and FIGS. 3 and 6 show the screens of the operation panel 64 of the turret lathe 60. Substantially the same configurations in the embodiment and the comparative example are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

The turret management system of one embodiment includes a turret 30, an ID tag 37, a measuring device ID reader/writer 58, and a lathe ID reader/writer 68. Note that the cutting tool attachment position measuring device 50 and the turret lathe 60 are not components of the turret management system, but are interpreted as target equipment for which the turret management system is used.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the turret 30 has a plurality of (for example, six) cutting tools 31-36 used for processing a workpiece, which are radially attached to a central platform 300. There is. For convenience, each of the cutting tools 31 to 36 is illustrated as a cutting tool of the same shape, but in reality, the types and shapes of the cutting tools may be different.

In one embodiment, an ID tag 37 is attached to a side surface of the base 300 of the turret 30 that does not interfere with the cutting tools 31-36. On the other hand, there is no ID tag 37 in the comparative example. The following management information for each turret is registered in the ID tag 37.
[1] Turret identification information. Correction values specific to the turret, number of times the turret is used, etc.
[2] Installation position correction value for each cutting tool.
[3] Life management information for each cutting tool. Specifically, the number of times it has been used at the moment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the cutting tool mounting position measuring device 50 has a measuring device 51 and a controller 52, and measures the mounting position of each cutting tool 31-36 on the turret 30. Specifically, the blade edge attachment position in the X-axis direction (feed direction) and Z-axis direction (spindle direction) of the turret lathe 60 is measured, and the controller 52 derives a correction value according to the attachment position.

Here, unless a new turret 30 is manufactured or all the cutting tools 31-36 are replaced at once, the installation position is usually measured only for one or several cutting tools that have reached the end of their service life and have been replaced. , a correction value is derived. For blades that have not been replaced, the correction value from the previous measurement may be maintained. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm the information about the correction value for which cutting tool in the current measurement. Furthermore, for blades that have been replaced with new ones, the number of times they have been used must be reset to zero.

In the comparative example shown in FIG. 4, the operator confirms the derived blade attachment position correction value and records the blade number and correction value in a memo or the like. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a measuring device ID reader/writer 58 is installed in the cutting tool attachment position measuring device 50. The measuring device ID reader/writer 58 is capable of "reading and writing the registered information of the ID tag 37" including "writing the mounting position correction value according to the mounting position of each blade 31-36".

Specifically, the data of the controller 52 of the cutting tool attachment position measuring device 50 is transferred to the measuring device ID reader/writer 58, and written to the ID tag 37 from the measuring device ID reader/writer 58. Therefore, accurate data is stored on the ID tag 37 integrally associated with the turret 30 without relying on operator notes. In the operation of the turret 30 in which the cutting tools are replaced one by one depending on the lifespan, managing the cutting tool information becomes especially complicated, so it is effective to manage the information using the ID tag 37.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, in the embodiment and the comparative example, the turret lathe 60 includes a PLC 62, a HUB 63, an operation panel 64, and the like. In one embodiment, the ID input slot 61 is further connected to the PLC 62 . Note that illustrations and explanations of the configurations of portions unrelated to the features of the present invention will be omitted.

In the comparative example shown in FIG. 5, the turret that the operator recognizes as the "correct turret" is attached to the turret lathe 60. Even if a worker attaches the wrong turret, there is a possibility that machining will continue if the worker does not notice. In that case, machining may be performed using an unintended cutting tool, which may result in damage to the cutting tool or defective machining of the workpiece.

Thereafter, the operator manually inputs the X-axis and Z-axis data of the blade attachment position correction value on the correction value input screen (FIG. 6) of the operation panel 64. Although a five-digit number is shown in FIG. 6 as an image, this number has no meaning at all. Note that the last two digits of the numerical value of the correction data on the right side are randomly changed with respect to the registration data on the left side. This merely indicates that correction data different from the registered data is input. In addition, on another screen, the operator resets the number of times the recently replaced blade was used to zero.

When inputting such a correction value for the blade attachment position and the number of times the blade is used, there is a risk that the operator may input the data incorrectly. In other words, it is up to the operator to ensure that the input data is correct. In addition, since there are many items to be entered manually, it takes time to input them. In this way, after the operator inputs the data, the turret lathe 60 processes the workpiece based on the correction data. If there is an error in the data entered by the operator, damage to the cutting tool or defective machining of the workpiece may occur.

On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lathe ID reader/writer 68 installed in the turret lathe 60 is capable of "reading and writing registered information of the ID tag 37." When the turret 30 is attached to the turret lathe 60, the lathe ID reader/writer 68 reads the registration information of the ID tag 37 and determines whether the attached turret is correct based on the identification information of the turret. If the wrong turret is installed, the operator will immediately notice the mistake, for example by displaying an alarm.

Further, the data of the ID tag 37 read by the lathe ID reader/writer 68 is communicated to the PLC 62 via the ID input slot 61. Then, a screen similar to the correction value input screen (FIG. 6) of the comparative example is instantly displayed on the correction value display screen (FIG. 3) of the operation panel 64 from the PLC 62 via the HUB 63, and the operator can check the ID tag 37. You can check the data. The turret lathe 60 then processes the workpiece based on the accurate cutting tool attachment position correction value registered in the ID tag 37.

Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8, the flow of turret lathe machining and cutter exchange setup in one embodiment and a comparative example will be explained while being compared. In the description of the flowchart, the symbol "S" means a step. Step numbers common to the embodiment and the comparative example are indicated by numbers only. Steps unique to one embodiment are marked with "A" after the step number, and steps unique to the comparative example are similarly marked with "B". In addition, during the explanation of the flowchart, the description of the reference numerals of the cutting tools will be omitted.

FIG. 7(a) shows a flow of turret lathe machining in one embodiment, and FIG. 7(b) shows a flow of turret lathe machining in a comparative example. In common step S10, the turret 30 after the cutting tool has been replaced is attached to the turret lathe 60. Next, in S11B of the comparative example, the operator inputs the blade attachment position correction value into the operation panel 64 (see FIG. 6). The operator also performs an operation to reset the number of uses of the replaced blade. When all blades are replaced or a new turret is installed for the first time, the number of uses for all blades is reset.

In the comparative example, the fact that the correct turret was attached, that the correct blade attachment position correction value was input, that the number of uses of the replaced blade was correctly reset, etc. all depend on the operator's attentiveness. On the other hand, in S11A of one embodiment, the lathe ID reader/writer 68 reads the registration information of the ID tag 37 and notifies the turret lathe 60 of the information. The turret lathe 60 determines whether the attached turret is normal in S12A.

If NO in S12A, an installation turret abnormality is displayed in S13B, and the start of machining is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent workpiece machining defects due to incorrect attachment of the turret. In this case, when the operator removes the wrong turret and reinstalls the correct turret 30 on the turret lathe 60, the steps from S10 are re-executed.

Subsequently, in common S14, processing of the workpiece by automatic operation of the turret lathe 60 is started. In S15, the number of times the cutting tool is used is counted by the turret lathe for each step of machining using the cutting tool of the turret. In the comparative example, the worker checks the number of times it has been used. In S16A of one embodiment, the counted number of times the cutting tool is used is written in the ID tag 37 by the lathe ID reader/writer 68. Processing is completed in common S17.

In common S18, it is determined whether the number of times each cutting tool has been used is less than a predetermined number of times. If YES in S18, the process returns to before S14 and the next cycle of machining is started. In the case of NO in S18, the turret 30 is removed by the operator in S19, and the cutter replacement setup is performed in S20.

Next, FIG. 8(a) shows a flow of cutter replacement setup in one embodiment, and FIG. 8(b) shows a flow of cutter replacement setup in a comparative example. The steps at the beginning and end of the flow overlap with those in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b). After the turret 30 is removed from the turret lathe 60 in S19, the operator replaces the cutting tool that has been used a predetermined number of times in S21. In S22, the mounting position of each cutting tool on the turret 30 is measured by the cutting tool mounting position measuring device 50, and a cutting tool mounting position correction value corresponding to the mounting position is derived.

In S23B of the comparative example, the operator confirms the blade attachment position correction value and records it in a memo or the like. Then, in S11B after attaching the turret 30 to the turret lathe 60, the operator inputs the recorded cutting tool attachment position correction value into the operation panel 64. In other words, the operator may make a reading, recording, or input mistake twice: when recording the blade attachment position correction value and once when inputting it. Also, recording and inputting work takes time.

On the other hand, in S23A of one embodiment, the blade attachment position correction value derived according to the attachment position of each blade is automatically written to the ID tag 37 by the measuring device ID reader/writer 58. Furthermore, the new number of times the blade has been used is written in the ID tag 37 for the replaced blade. Note that for blades that have not been replaced, the number of times the blade has been used that was written during the previous machining is maintained.

After S10 in which the turret 30 is attached to the turret lathe 60, S11B in the comparative example and S11A in the embodiment are as described with reference to FIG. In S11A of one embodiment, the registration information written in the ID tag 37 is read by the lathe ID reader/writer 68, thereby eliminating the need for recording and input by the operator. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous inputs, reduce the time required for inputting, etc., and efficiently manage the blade information.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a method of operating a turret management system in which a turret lathe is used as a dedicated machine for mass production will be described. This system includes a plurality of turrets 30, 40 having the same specifications and holding a plurality of cutting tools of the same type. At the stage shown in the upper part of the figure, the first turret 30 is attached to the turret lathe 60 and a workpiece is being processed. At this time, the second turret 40 is stored as a spare with an ID tag 47 on which turret identification information, cutting tool attachment position correction values, etc. are written.

For the first turret 30, when the number of uses of any of the cutting tools written in the ID tag 37 reaches a predetermined number, the first turret 30 is removed from the turret lathe 60. In the stage shown at the bottom of the figure, the cutting tool of the first turret 30 is replaced while the second turret 40 is attached to the turret lathe 60 and a workpiece is being processed. Thereby, the turret lathe 60 can be prevented from stopping its operation during cutter replacement setup, and the equipment operating rate can be improved.

(Other embodiments)
(a) For example, in a system where one turret lathe is used as a general-purpose machine for high-mix, low-volume production, it is possible to process another product using a turret for another product while changing the cutting tool of the turret for one product. Equipment operation rate can be improved. Therefore, in a turret management system or the like applied to high-mix, low-volume production, it is not necessary to have multiple turrets with the same specifications.

(b) For tool life management, it is not enough to simply count the number of times it is used, but for example, if the machining conditions such as the cutting amount and hardness of the workpiece are not constant, applied management such as integrating the value multiplied by the tool wear coefficient You may do so. In addition, if the tool life management based on the number of uses is not actually effective or unnecessary, it is not necessary to manage the tool life using ID tags, and at least the turret identification information and the mounting position correction value of each tool should be managed. Bye.

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof.

30, 40... Turret, 31-36... Cutting tool, 37, 47... ID tag,
50... cutter mounting position measuring device,
58... ID reader/writer for measuring device,
60...turret lathe,
68... ID reader/writer for lathe.

Claims (2)

a turret (30, 40) in which a plurality of cutting tools (31-36) used for machining a workpiece in a turret lathe (60) are held radially;
an ID tag (37, 47) attached to the turret and in which management information for each turret is registered;
Reading and writing registered information of the ID tag, which is installed in a cutting tool mounting position measuring device (50) that measures the mounting position of each cutting tool on the turret, and includes writing of a mounting position correction value according to the mounting position of each cutting tool. An ID reader/writer (58) for measuring devices capable of
a lathe ID reader/writer (68) installed in the turret lathe and capable of reading and writing registered information of the ID tag;
A turret management system comprising:
At least the identification information of the turret and the mounting position correction value of each cutting tool are written in the ID tag,
When the turret is attached to the turret lathe, the lathe ID reader/writer reads registration information of the ID tag, and based on the identification information of the turret, determines whether the attached turret is correct, and Machining the workpiece based on the installation position correction value of each cutting tool ,
The lathe ID reader/writer writes the number of times the cutting tool is used for each process using the cutting tool of the turret in the ID tag,
A turret management system that manages the lifespan of each cutting tool in the turret using the ID tag without requiring an operator to reset the number of times the cutting tool has been used. comprising a plurality of turrets of the same specification holding a plurality of cutting tools of the same type,
Regarding the first turret attached to the turret lathe, when the number of uses of any of the cutting tools written in the ID tag reaches a predetermined number, the first turret is removed from the turret lathe by an operator. removed,
1. While a second turret having the same specifications as the first turret is attached to the turret lathe and a workpiece is being processed, the cutting tool of the first turret is replaced by an operator . The turret management system described in.

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