JPH01306143A - How to return the automatic tool changer to its original position - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate return of an automatic tool exchanging device to an original position, by a method wherein the stop position of the automatic tool exchanging device is confirmed by a detecting signal by means of which an automatic tool exchange motion point is detected and based on a detecting signal for each motion point, an optimum motion procedure of return to an original position is decided. CONSTITUTION:An ATC 10 is stopped, with a function key depressed, the position thereof is detected by an input part (a limit switch, e.g. LS) 14, and the signal is transmitted to an input control part 16 of a sequence control 11. A signal from the control part 16 is transmitted to an operation interface part 12. The signal is first transmitted to a state detecting part 18, and after the motion position of the ATC 10 is confirmed, a given optimum return procedure is computed by a return command computing part 19, and the return of the ATC 10 to an original position is commanded by a return command computing part 19. When the return command is transmitted to an NC device 13, an output control part 17 is controlled by the device 13, an output part 15 is controlled by the output control part, and the ATC 10 is returned to the original position through a given return motion.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a method for returning an automatic tool changer to its original position. More specifically, the present invention provides an automatic tool changer that returns to the original position in the shortest distance with a simple operation when a machining center or the like stops during an automatic tool change operation due to an emergency stop or reset 1. How to return to original position.

[Prior Art] Generally, when an automatic tool changer stops during an automatic tool change operation, the stop position is determined by checking input/output signals using a diagnostic nose. After determining this position, the automatic tool changer can be forcibly moved in steps.N
The C device is switched to maintenance mode (usually M code command) and returned to its original position. In order to return the automatic tool changer to its original position, it is operated in this maintenance mode or by forced manual operation of the solenoid valve of the cylinder for automatic tool change operation.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in these series of home position return methods, it is necessary to accurately determine which operating position the automatic tool changer is currently in. For this reason, only a skilled operator or other specialist can operate the machine, and the return operation takes time, resulting in a long machine stop time. As a result, there were problems such as a negative impact on the machine operating rate. This invention focuses on these problems and achieves the following objects.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for returning an automatic tool changer to its original position by a simple single key operation while checking the return state on a screen. It is in.

[Means to solve the problem] In order to solve the above problem, the following measures are taken.

In the home position return method for returning the automatic tool changer to the original position when the automatic tool changer that performs tool change by a continuous combination of single or multiple automatic tool change operations stops, the automatic tool changer is The stop position is confirmed by the detection signal that detects the automatic tool change operation point, and the optimal operation procedure to the home position is determined based on the detection signal at each of the above-mentioned operation points. This is a method for returning an automatic tool changer to its original position, which is characterized in that the automatic tool changer is operated to automatically return to its original position.

The home position return operation is performed by displaying the return operation on a CRT screen;
It is more effective to do this while checking on the screen.

[Function] According to the method for returning to the original position of an automatic tool changer according to the present invention, when the automatic tool changer stops during an automatic tool change operation, the stop position is confirmed by a detection signal, and the stop position is confirmed based on the detection signal of each operation point. The optimal order of movement to the original position can be determined. Moreover, these points are displayed on the screen-L together with the M code, and the automatic tool changer can be returned to its original position by a single key operation.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the method for returning an automatic exchange device to its original position according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of an automatic tool exchange operation, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the original position return operation of this automatic tool exchange operation. This example is
As shown in FIG. 1, this is an automatic tool changer (hereinafter referred to as ATC) installed in a vertical machining center. This vertical machining center operates as follows. Note that the numbers written in the figures indicate the order of operations.

That is, when the twin arm 4 is swung downward in operation 1-1, the twin arm 4 slides forward toward the main shaft side in operation 1-2. At this time, the tool inserted into the spindle 2 becomes unclamped in operation 1-3 (not shown). The twin arms 4 grip the used tool in the unclamped state with one gripping portion and the stone tool with the other gripping portion, and descend in operation 1-4.

When this lie> arm 4 descends to outside the interference area, it turns 180 degrees at the lowering end in operation 1-5, and rises again (operation 1-6>, and in this upper limit operation 1-6, it is inserted with a heavy tool. The replaced stone tool is inserted into the main shaft 2 and clamped to the main shaft in operation 1-7 (not shown).The heavy tool gripped by the twin arm 4 slides backward in action 1-8 and is removed from the main shaft 211m. Separate. In this state, the twin arm 4
It is undone by action 1-9.

Next, the heavy tool held by the twin arm 4 is moved toward the tool storage magazine 6 in operation 2-1 (to the left in the figure). At this time, the tool storage magazine 6 is rotated in operation 2-2 to call up an empty pot for storing heavy tools to a predetermined position, and is positioned in operation 2-3. Then twin arm 4
is retreated toward the tool storage magazine (hereinafter referred to as tool magazine) 6 by the arm slide 7 in operation 2-4. Next, the twin arm 4 moves toward the magazine 6 in operation 2-5, and inserts the heavy tool into the empty pocket. After that, the twin arm 4 moves by the arm slide 7.
-6, it moves forward and separates from the tool magazine 6.

Subsequently, the tool magazine 6 is rotated in operation 3-1 to call up the tool to be used next, and a new tool is positioned at v1 in operation 3-2. This positioned new tool moves the twin arm 4 backward to open the tool magazine 6 by the arm slide 7 in operation 3-3.Thereby, the new tool is moved by the movement 3-4 of the twin arm 1. Ryu escapes to magazine 6. Next, the twin arm 1, which gripped the new tool, moves forward by the arm slide 7 in operation 3-5, and then the twin arm 4 moves forward in operation 3.
-6 and returns to the original position, completing one ATC cycle.

Next, the return-to-home operation when the ATC is stopped during operation will be explained with reference to the explanatory diagram of the return-to-home operation shown in FIG. 2. The numbers in circles in the figure indicate each operation point of the ATC, and the arrows indicate maintenance modes. For example, ATC
10 is stopped at BOUND (), to return to the original position of points I to ■, use Ml 06 to return to points 1 to ■, and then use MIO5 to return to the origin position. For example,
If A, T C stops at point) - [phase], M1
47 and MIO6 to move from point 1 to OD, and further return to the original position by M2O3 (arm swing back).

Next, the control of the return to the original position will be explained based on the flowchart of the return to the original position shown in FIG. 3 and the block diagram of FIG. 4. That is, in FIG. 2, when the ATC is stopped, the home position return mode is selected by pressing the function key F8 (see FIG. 5), and then the stopped state of the ATCiQ is detected. Therefore, it is determined whether the stop position of ATC], 0 is the home position 9, and if the ATC is at the home position, the return operation is completed, but if not, it is determined whether or not to start the ATC return operation. If it is not suitable, it returns again and repeats the cycle, but if it is suitable, the shortest return bound is calculated by the return command calculation.

When the optimal return procedure is determined, the AT
C returns to the original position 7. At this time, when the ATC returns to the origin shown in No. 3 [4], the following signals are exchanged.

In other words, in Fig. 1, A'F in a stopped state
For C, the stop position is LS (limit) switch) etc. 1
1 and the signal is transmitted to the input control section 16 of the sequence controller 11. Subsequently, signals from the input control section 16 of the sequence controller 11 are sent to the operator interface section 12. This operator interface section 1-2 consists of a state detection section 18, one return command calculation section, and a return command command section 20,
The signal is first sent to the state detection unit 18 to confirm the operating position of the ATC, then a return command calculation unit calculates a predetermined optimal return procedure, and then the return command command unit 20 returns the ATC to its original position. commanded.

When this return command is sent to the NC device 13, the output control section 17 of the sequence controller 11 is controlled by the NC device 13, and as a result, the output section 15 of the ATC device 10, such as the solenoid, is i+ controlled and a predetermined return is performed. The operation allows the ATC 10 to return to the original position 7.

Figure 5 (a), (+)) shows the state display diagram on the CRT screen, and Figure 5 (a>) shows the state in which the return to original position is pressed. In this case, the arm rotation is performed from the left, and the arm Transfer main shaft 111M100, arm advancement M102 and tool clamp M105 are displayed, allowing the operator to check the ATC status.

Next, in FIG. 5(b), the state in which the ATC arm rotation is completed is displayed. In this case, arm transfer spindle lN1
M100, spindle orientation ~ 1119, arm rotation left M104, arm retraction M105, and tool clamp status are displayed sequentially each time the confirmation button is pressed and operated one after another, and the ATC operation "Go to spindle machining area" is displayed. Instructions are given, and the screen changes and displays each operation in sequence.

[Effect 4 of the Invention As is clear from the embodiments described above, according to the present invention, in the method for returning an automatic tool changer to its original position, the stop position of the automatic tool changer is determined by detecting the automatic tool change operation point 1-. The optimum operating procedure to return to the original position is determined based on the detection signal of each operating point, these points are displayed on the screen together with the M code, and the M code is sent to the NC device by a single key operation. can be commanded to return to the original position.

As a result, troubles during automatic tool exchange are reduced, and even an amateur can easily operate the I/M code commands for each operation point on the screen display, resulting in a
Many advantages can be obtained, such as improving the operating rate of i-machines.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the automatic tool change operation according to the present invention, and FIG.
The figure shows the original position 1M, an explanatory diagram of the return operation, Fig. 3 is a flowchart of returning to the original position, Fig. 4 is a block diagram, and Fig. 5 (a>, (
b) is an ATC status display diagram on a CRT screen. 2... Main shaft, 4... Double arm, 5... - Gripping section, 6... Tool storage magazine, 7... - Arm slide,
8...-Each movement bond, 9...Original position, 10...-
ATC device, 11...-Sequence controller) roller, 1
2.-Operator interface section, 13...NC
Device, 14... Input section, 15... Output section, 16...
Human power control unit, 17... Output control unit, 18--state detection unit, 19... Return command calculation unit, 20... Return command command unit

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Home position return for returning the automatic tool changer to its original position when the automatic tool changer that performs tool change by a continuous combination of single or multiple automatic tool change operations stops. In the method, the stop position of the automatic tool changer is confirmed by a detection signal that detects the automatic tool change operation points, the optimal operation procedure to the original position is determined based on the detection signals of each of the operation points, and the determination result is determined. 1. A method for returning an automatic tool changer to its original position, comprising: activating the automatic tool changer to automatically return to its original position. 2. In the description of paragraph 1, the return to home position operation is described as C.
A method for returning to the original position of an automatic tool changer, characterized in that the return to original position operation is performed while being displayed on an RT screen and confirmed on the screen.