WO1997004371A1

WO1997004371A1 - Management system of numerical controller by information processor equipped with software processing function

Info

Publication number: WO1997004371A1
Application number: PCT/JP1996/001970
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hideaki Inoue; Tetsuya Inoue; Yujiro Honda
Original assignee: Fanuc Ltd
Priority date: 1995-07-14
Filing date: 1996-07-15
Publication date: 1997-02-06
Also published as: JPH0934531A

Abstract

A management system in which centralized control of a plurality of numerical controllers is performed by one information processor, such as a personal computer, having software for communication with a plurality of numerical controllers. The function of communication allows the transfer of numerical information such as NC programs, PMC data and coordinate data from numerical controllers to the information processor as well as the transfer of modified programs and various data from the information processor to the numerical controllers, so that the machining programs of a plurality of numerical controllers and various data are concentrically managed by one information processor.

Description

Specification

Management system for numerical control devices using information processing devices with software-user processing functions

Technical field

The present invention relates to a management system for a plurality of numerical control devices, and more particularly, to a computer system, a computer (FA) computer, and a computer (FA) computer. The present invention relates to a management system for a numerical control device using an information processing device having a software processing function such as an intelligent terminal.

Background technology

Generally, when operating a numerical control device, the operator performs an operation while referring to a dedicated operation screen provided in the numerical control device. Therefore, when managing a plurality of computer control numerical control units (CNCs), each numerical control unit must be dedicated to an operator or managed by a single operator. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, an operator moves between a plurality of numerical controllers 5-1 to 5-1 n to perform an operation.

In such a conventional management system, there is a problem that a plurality of numerical control devices need to be individually managed. This problem can lead to an increase in the operator's workload, or an increase in the number of operators overnight.

There is also known a system in which a plurality of numerical control devices are managed by a single controller using a remote controller. Figure 7 shows the numerical system using this cell controller. It is an explanatory view showing management of a control device. The compound numerical controller 7 includes n numerical controllers from the first numerical controller 7 — 1 to the nth numerical controller 7 — n, and a series of related numerical controllers are used by the plurality of numerical controllers. Perform the machining that was done. The cell controller 6 performs only the schedule management of the first CNC force and the nth CNC.

The centralized control by the sensor controller is suitable for a certain set of machining control by schedule operation, but it is suitable for machining in which schedule operation is not possible. In contrast, operators need to manage individual numerical controllers.

Disclosure of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a management system of a numerical control device that can manage a plurality of numerical control devices by one information processing device.

A management system for a numerical control device according to the present invention includes: an information processing device that executes a communication function of communicating with a plurality of numerical control devices and transferring data by software processing; Display means for displaying data transferred by the communication function of the information processing apparatus, and communication line means for communicating the information processing apparatus with the plurality of numerical control apparatuses. Prepare.

An information processing device having a software-processing function is used as a means for managing a plurality of numerical control devices. For example, the information processing device can be used to control a plurality of numerical control devices. Automated computer—Intelligent terminal Etc. can be used.

The numerical control device is a programmable machine controller (PMC) for controlling the sequence operation of NC programs and machine tools connected to the numerical control device. Holds various data related to numerical control. The information processing device uses the communication function to transfer various data held by these numerical control devices to the information processing device side and transfer various data changed by the information processing device to the numerical control device. Better. As a result, the data held by a plurality of numerical controllers can be centrally managed by one information processing device.

In addition, the communication function includes a function of monitoring a communication state between the information processing device and the numerical control device, and this function is not affected by a failure of another numerical control device, a power cut, or the like. In addition, individual numerical control devices can be managed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the personal computer view in the management system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display function in a display mode of the management system of the present invention,

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a function of switching between a display mode and an edit mode in the control system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a power on / off function of the numerical controller in the control system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a personal computer view for implementing the present invention. A block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration over night,

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional control system for a plurality of numerical controllers,

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the management of the numerical controller by the cell controller.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the following description, an example in which a personal computer is used as an information processing device having a software processing function will be described. Not only computers but also FA consoles and intelligent terminals can be used.

In FIG. 1, a display device 2 and an input device 3 are connected to one personal computer 1, and a plurality of computer control numerical control devices (CNCs) are connected via communication line means 5. 4 1 1 4 1 n are connected.

A plurality of CNC 4 — 1 to 4−1 n can perform numerical control processing independently of each other. Each CNC 4-14-n has an internal NC program, PMC data for controlling the sequence operation of machine tools connected to each CNC 4-14-n, and various setting parameters. And data such as coordinate position data, which are used to perform individual numerically controlled machining.

The display device 2 is a well-known display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display device that can be connected to a personal computer, and divides a display screen into a plurality of data stored in a plurality of CNCs. Display the data. The input device 3 is a well-known input means such as a mouse, a trackball, and a keyboard which can be connected to a personal computer, and is used for changing program data. Used for input.

In addition, the personal computer display 1 has an application 11 that realizes various functions such as a display function, a program change function, a data and parameter change function, and a communication function. And a communication board 13 for connecting the communication device driver 12 for realizing the communication and the communication line means 5. The device driver 12 is set by software so that it can be treated as one function even in the personal computer evening 1. be able to.

The communication line means 5 can be composed of a high-speed network, a local bus, or a plurality of communication lines connectable to a personal computer. The form of the signal transmitted by this can be either a parallel signal or a serial signal.

One personal computer 1 manages a plurality of CNCs 4-1 to 4-1 n via the communication line means 5. In the display mode, NC programs, PMC data, various setting parameters, and coordinate position data for each CNC 4-1 to 41 n to the computer 1 The data necessary for display is transferred (see the long broken line on the communication line means 5 in FIG. 1), and the personal computer 1 sends the data to the display device 2 based on the transferred data. , Simultaneous _C to display the control status of multiple CNCs 4 — l to 4 — n. In the edit mode, each CNC 4 —:! Instruct 4 to n on the display device 2 to make changes on the display device 2 or transfer the changed NC program (see the short dashed line on the communication line means 5 in FIG. 1). 1 to 4 — Updates n data and NC programs.

The operation of the management system in the display mode will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Fig. 2 shows the operation of the device driver 12 that displays each CNC 4-1 to 41-n data on the display device 2 shown in Fig. 1 in the display mode. This is shown in the chart, and each CNC 4-1 to 41 n force, NC program, PMC data, various parameters and coordinate position for personal computer 1 The figure shows the case where data is transferred and displayed.

First of all, the NC program for each CNC 4-1 to 4-n, such as the de-no-is-no-dry, the power of the 1-song nano-computer overnight. Is transmitted. In FIG. 2, a thin vertical line indicates a transfer request signal to each of the CNCs 4-1 to 41-n. For example, the transfer request signals to the CNCs 4-1 to 41-n are sequentially transmitted. Each of the CNCs 4-1 to 4-1 n receives this transfer request signal and transfers the NC program to the personal computer 1 _c. 4 The NC program transfer signal is sent from the personal computer 1 according to the transfer request signal. It is sent to the device driver 12 via the communication line means 5 and the communication board 13 with an interval that can be distinguished by the following.

The device driver 12 temporarily stores the transferred NC program in a buffer memory for display, and displays the NC program on the display device 2 by application. The number of CNCs that divide the display screen and display them on the display device 2 can be set by application 11 (Figure 1 shows an example of displaying four CNC NC programs). Is shown). The number of lines of the NC program to be displayed can also be set by application 11.

Next, the device driver 12 of the first nano-combiner 1 sends a transfer request signal requesting the transfer of PMC data and various parameters to each CNC 4-14 1 n. Then, each of the CNCs 4-1 to 4-1 n transfers PMC data and parameters to the personal computer 1 in response to the transfer request signal. Further, the personal computer 1 causes the display 2 to display the transferred PMC data and parameters. This transfer and display can be performed in the same manner as in the NC program. Also, the coordinate position data in each CNC 4 is performed in the same procedure as the NC program, PMC data and parameters. In FIG. 2, a thin vertical line indicates a transfer request signal to each of the CNCs 4-14-n. For example, it is assumed that a transfer request signal from the CNC 4-1 to the CNC 4-1 n is transmitted in order. Each of the CNCs 4-1 to 41-n receives this transfer request signal and transfers the PMC data, various parameters and the coordinate position data to the personal computer 1. each

The data transmission and parameter transmission signals of the CNCs 41 to 41 have a distance that can be distinguished by the personal computer 1 according to the transmission request signal, and the communication line means 5 And via the communication board 13 to the device driver 12.

The transfer of NC programs, PMC data, various parameters and coordinate position data is regarded as one cycle, and the display on the display device 2 is constantly updated by repeating this cycle. can do.

Note that the transfer order of the NC program, the PMC data, the various parameters, and the coordinate position data is not limited to this order, but may be any other order. Generally, in display mode, PMC data, various parameters, and coordinate position data are changed more frequently in each CNC 4-1 to 41 n than in the NC program. It is appropriate to set a large number of transfer times for these data and parameters.

In the edit mode, the NC program, various data and the data are read by the abbreviated section 11 while confirming the display contents of the display device 2 on the personal computer 1. After making the change over time, the changed NC program, various data and parameters are transmitted by the device driver 12 through the communication board 13 and the communication line means 5 to each CNC. 4 — forwards 1 to 4n. Each CNC 4 — l to 4 — n is Update based on the transferred NC program, various data and parameters.

Next, the function of switching between the display mode and the edit mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the operation of the device driver 12 of the personal computer 1 in switching between the display mode and the edit mode. In this timing chart, a transfer request signal and a transfer signal transmitted to each CNC 4-1 to 4-1 n from one console are displayed, and a display mode-an edit mode. Mode → Display mode is changed.

First, in the display mode, a transfer request signal is transferred from one personal computer 1 to each CNC. The transfer request signal shown in FIG. 3 is abbreviated to the transfer request signal in FIG. In this display mode, if the mode is switched to the edit mode by the application 11 on the personal computer 1 side, the device driver 12 transmits the transfer request. The signal transmission is stopped, and the transfer signal from the application 11 is sent to each of the CNCs 4-1 to 4-1 n.

In the edit mode, the abbreviated section 11 selects a CNC to be edited based on a signal from the input device 3 and the like, and selects an NC program, various data and parameters. Perform the editing process. The application 11 causes the device driver 12 to transfer the edited contents to the corresponding CNC 4 — 1 to 4 — n, and the CNC 4 — 1 to 4 — n transfers the edited contents to the corresponding device 4. To change the stored contents. After the end of the edit mode, the abbreviated 11 returns to the display mode again, and transmits the transfer request signal by the device driver 12 and receives the transfer signal from the CNC. Is performed.

In the display mode and the edit mode described above, the control status of multiple numerical controllers can be displayed and the NC programs, various data and parameters can be changed in one personal computer. Can be performed.

Next, a function for controlling the ON / OFF of the power supply of the CNC will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a case of three CNCs as an example of a plurality of CNCs.

The function block of the personal computer view 1 shown in Fig. 4 is almost the same as that shown in Fig. 1, but the communication board 13 corresponds to each CNC 4-1 to 4-13. The communication board for CNC 4 — 1 13 — 1 to communication board for CNC 4 — 3 is divided into three and displayed, and each communication board is individually connected to each CNC 4 — 1 to 4 13 An example is shown. Also, the communication board 13 for this CNC 4-1 within this communication board 13-1 to the CNC 4-3 The communication board 13-3 for the division, and the CNC of those communication boards The individual connections to 4-1 to 4-13 are shown for convenience of explanation of the function, and do not necessarily indicate the configuration in the communication board.

Communication board 1 3 — 1 to CNC 4 — 3 for each CNC 4 — 1 Communication board 1 3 — 3 is a register R 1 that indicates the status with the communication partner CNC 4 — 1 to 4 13 3 — 1 to R 1 3-3 For example, it indicates ON when in a communication state and OFF when in a non-communication state. This communication state changes to off due to various factors such as when the power of the communication partner CNC is off, or when the failure of the communication partner CNC has occurred.

In FIG. 4, the case where the communication state changes from off to on with respect to the combination of the communication boards 13-1 for CNC4-1 and CNC4-1 will be described. If the communication between the CNC 4-1 and the personal computer 1 is in a non-communication state due to the power failure or failure of the CNC 4-1, the communication board 13 for the CNC 41 — 1 register R 1 3 — 1 indicates off state. At this time, if the non-communication state with the CNC 41 is canceled by turning on the power of the CNC 4-1 and recovering from a failure, the register R13-1 is reset. Turns on.

The device driver 12 constantly monitors the register of the communication board 13 (see the arrow a in FIG. 4), and when the register R13-11 changes from off to on. Is detected (see the arrow b in FIG. 4), the data window for initializing the various data and parameters of the CNC 4-1 with respect to the CNC 4-1 is initialized. Request to perform the communication (see the arrow in Fig. 4), and the communication with CNC 4_1 for application 11 becomes the oven and communication status. Send a message (see dashed line d in Fig. 4). As a result, communication between the CNC and the personal computer is established. As a result, control of CNC 4-1 by Sonar Combi 1 is enabled.

Next, a case will be described in which the communication state changes from on to off with respect to the combination of the communication boards 13 and 13 for CNC 4-3 and CNC 4-3. When the communication between the CNC 4 — 3 and the personal computer 1 is in communication, the registers R 1 3 — 3 of the communication board 13 — 3 for the CNC 4 — 3 are on. Indicates the status. At this time, if the communication with the CNC 43 is interrupted due to the power failure or failure of the CNC 4-3 and the communication becomes non-communication, the register R13-3 is turned off. From off to off.

The device driver 12 constantly monitors the register of the communication board 13 (see the arrow A in FIG. 4), and the register R13 changes from on to off. When this is detected (see arrow B in FIG. 4), communication with CNC 413 for application 11 is closed, and communication is stopped. Send this message (see dashed line D in Fig. 4). As a result, one computer 4 stops communication only with the CNC 4-3, and continues to control the other CNCs 4-1, 2. Only the management of 3 can be stopped.

Next, an example of a configuration of a personal computer and its peripheral devices for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. _5c . The configuration shown in FIG. Only the necessary parts are shown. In FIG. 5, the portion surrounded by a broken line is the configuration of the personal computer view 1, and the display device 2, the input device 3, and the CNC 4-1 to 4-1 n are connected. The CPU 14 in the personal computer 1 is connected to the memory 15 and the communication board 13 via a node 16, and the communication board 13 is connected to the communication board 13 via a communication line means 5. And CNC 4 — 1 to 4 1 n are connected. The display device 2 and the input device 3 are connected to the bus 16 via an interface if necessary.

In the memory 15, in addition to a normal program for controlling the computer 1, an area for storing a program and data required to carry out the present invention is set. . In this area, for example, an application program for realizing a display function, a program change function, various data and parameter change functions, and a communication board 13 are driven. Device driver program for realizing the communication function by the computer, NC program display data for displaying the NC program of each CNC on the display device 2, various data and parameters of each CNC Stores data and parameters for displaying data. The NC program display data and the PMC data and parameters are individually stored in correspondence with each of CNC 41 to 41-η.

The application program and the device driver program are read and executed by the CPU 14 to realize each function. In this embodiment, the device driver is used. The communication status is monitored by the function of the device driver 12 realized by executing the program, but the communication program is monitored in the application program. A program can be prepared and the communication status can be monitored using the function of application 11. Further, the sub CPU provided on the communication board 13 can execute a program for monitoring the communication function to monitor the communication state.

The area for storing the NC program display data, the PMC data and the parameters is a buffer area for displaying on the display device 2. It can be updated by a change by a shot or a data change from CNC.

To display switches (emergency stop buttons, etc.) required for CNC machine tools on the display device, and to prepare a program that can control these switches. Therefore, the control by software on the side of the personal computer can be performed.

NC programs for multiple numerical controllers can be centrally managed on the personal computer side. Also, a plurality of numerical controllers can be managed in one place by a single operator, and the operation is performed by the same operation on the same screen as the dedicated screen of the numerical controller. You can do that. In addition, the user interface can be improved by setting the operation location to one personal computer. In addition, it is possible to prevent the failure of one of the numerical control units or the power interruption due to the inspection from affecting the other numerical control units, so that the power supply can be controlled independently of each other. Wear.

Note that, in the above description, it is assumed that a personal computer is used as an information processing device having a software processing function, such as an FA computer or an intelligent computer. Etc. can also be used.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A management system for managing a plurality of numerical controllers,

A single information processing device that executes a communication function for communicating data with the plurality of numerical control devices by software-based processing;

A display unit connected to the information processing device, for displaying data transferred by the communication function of the information processing device;

A management system for a numerical control device, comprising: a communication line unit that connects the information processing device and the plurality of numerical control devices.

2. The management system for a numerical control device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device shares data held by the plurality of numerical control devices by the communication function.

3. The information processing apparatus further includes an input unit connected to the information processing apparatus and configured to input various data, wherein the information processing apparatus includes at least one of the plurality of numerical control apparatuses using the input unit and the communication function. 2. The numerical control device management system according to claim 1, wherein the data held by one of the numerical control devices is changed, and the changed data is transferred to at least one numerical control device.

4. The management system for a numerical control device according to claim 1, wherein said communication function includes a function of monitoring a communication state between said information processing device and said plurality of numerical control devices.