JP2010015316A - Numerical control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a numerical control apparatus for executing an NC by using the optimal latest control parameter by efficiently backing up the control parameter. <P>SOLUTION: A numerical control apparatus 1 is provided with: an end time storage device 9; a regular storage device 10; at least three non-volatile storage devices or battery-backup storage device of an arbitrary time storage device 11; a keyboard 12 for inputting a storage command to store a control parameter in the storage device; an end time storage means 4 for storing the control parameter in the end time storage device 9 when an NC ends; a regular storage means 5 for storing the control parameter in the regular storage device 10 with a preliminarily set time interval; an arbitrary time storage means 6 for making the arbitrary time storage device 11 store the control parameter according to the storage command of an input device; and a storage device selection means 3 for selecting the storage device in which the optimal latest control parameter of the control parameters stored in the plurality of storage devices is stored when the NC starts. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a numerical control device, and more particularly to a numerical control device including a non-volatile storage device that backs up control parameters necessary for execution of NC (Numerical Control).

  The numerical control device is used for NC machining, that is, a machining process in which the machine tool is controlled by the NC. Such control parameters, which are parameters necessary for the execution of the NC, are generally stored (backed up) in a hard disk (nonvolatile storage device) when the NC is terminated. Then, when the NC (numerical control device) is started, the control parameters stored in the hard disk are read and the NC is executed. For example, a CMOS memory and an EEPROM memory (Patent Document 1), an EEPROM memory (Patent Document 2), and a semiconductor memory means (Patent Document 3) may be used as a non-volatile memory device that backs up control parameters.

  Specifically, the numerical control device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a first memory that stores data such as system parameters (control parameters) and a second memory that backs up the data. Patent Document 1 discloses that the first memory is a battery-backed CMOS memory, and the second memory is an EEPROM memory. Further, in Patent Document 2, the numerical controller includes an EEPROM that stores data such as control parameters, a transfer RAM, and a save button for writing the contents of the transfer RAM into the EEPROM. The transfer RAM is a volatile memory, and it is disclosed that the changed data of the transfer RAM is written to the EEPROM when the save button is pressed. Further, in Patent Document 3, the numerical control device has a semiconductor memory means and a RAM that can keep holding information even when the power supply voltage is not applied, and before turning off the power supply. It is disclosed that if the contents of the RAM are copied to the flash ROM, which is the semiconductor storage device, information is not lost even if there is no battery.

  That is, the numerical control devices of Patent Documents 2 and 3 have one nonvolatile memory device. Therefore, when the storage to the nonvolatile storage device is not performed at the end of the previous NC or the like (for example, when the normal termination operation is not performed), the control parameter of the nonvolatile storage device is set at the end of the previous time. The NC was starting up using its control parameters. In addition, if the non-volatile storage device fails, the stored control parameters cannot be used, so after replacing with a normal non-volatile storage device, the initial control parameters are manually copied to the non-volatile storage device. Then, the NC was started using the control parameters in the initial state.

  On the other hand, the numerical control device of Patent Document 1 includes a battery-backed CMOS memory and an EEPROM memory. However, it is necessary to periodically replace the battery, and the data in the CMOS memory is erased when the battery is replaced. It is. Patent Document 1 discloses that the number of backups is limited from the viewpoint of the upper limit of the number of rewrites of the EEPROM memory, the data writing time, and the like, and when a long time has elapsed since the backup to the EEPROM memory. If the CMOS memory fails, the control parameters changed within that time will be lost.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-288208 JP-A 63-285607 JP-A-8-221110

  That is, according to the conventional numerical control apparatus, for example, if the storage to the hard disk or the like is not performed at the end of the previous NC, the NC is started with the parameters at the end of the previous time. It is necessary to manually set the changes that have been made, and recovery takes time.

  If the control parameters stored in the hard disk etc. cannot be used due to the failure of the hard disk etc., the NC will be started in the initial state. It needs to be manually set again, and it takes time to recover.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a numerical control apparatus capable of efficiently backing up control parameters and executing NC using optimum latest control parameters.

  A numerical control device according to the present invention includes a non-volatile storage device that stores a control parameter that is a parameter necessary for execution of the NC, and has an end-time storage unit that stores the control parameter in the non-volatile storage device when the NC ends. The numerical control device further includes second and third storage devices that store the control parameters even when the device is turned off, and stores the control parameters in the second and third storage devices at different timings, respectively. 2 and 3rd storage means, and a storage device selection means for selecting a storage device that stores the most recent latest control parameter among the control parameters stored in the plurality of storage devices when the NC is activated, It is characterized by starting by reading appropriate parameters.

  The storage device further includes an input device for inputting a storage command for storing the control parameter in the storage device from the outside of the device, and the second storage unit stores the control parameter in the second nonvolatile storage device according to the storage command of the input device. Preferably, the storage unit is an arbitrary storage unit, and the third storage unit is a constant storage unit that stores the control parameter in the third nonvolatile storage device at a preset time interval.

  The numerical control device according to the present invention includes the second and third storage devices that store the control parameters even when the device is turned off, and stores the control parameters in the second and third storage devices at different timings, respectively. Second and third storage means for selecting, and a storage device selection means for selecting a storage device storing the most recent control parameter optimum among the control parameters stored in the plurality of storage devices when the NC is activated. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently back up the control parameters and execute the NC using the most recent control parameters that are optimum. For example, when the nonvolatile storage device (storage device at the end) that stores the control parameters at the end of the NC fails, the control parameters are stored in the second and third storage devices that store the control parameters even when the device is turned off. Control parameters can be used. Since the control parameters stored in the second and third storage devices are stored at different timings, the storage device selection means can select and use one of the optimum latest control parameters. Become.

  For example, when the storage device selection means determines that the control parameter is not stored in the end storage device at the end of the previous NC, the control parameter stored in the second storage device or the third storage device is used. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually set data again. Since the most suitable control parameter can be selected from the stored control parameters and the numerical control device can be started with a newer control parameter, there is less data to be manually set, and the time required for recovery can be shortened.

  It can also be applied to the case where the parameters are in the initial state by exchanging the storage device that stores the control parameters, and since the numerical control device can be started with newer control parameters, the data to be manually set again There are few, and it can shorten the time which recovery takes.

  The invention according to claim 2 further comprises an input device, wherein the second storage means is an optional storage means for storing the control parameter in the second storage device (optional storage device) in accordance with the storage command of the input device, and the third storage If the means is a constant storage means for storing the control parameter in the third storage device (always storage device) at a preset time interval, the control parameter is changed when the control parameter is significantly changed by the input device. It is possible to reliably back up the controlled parameters. In addition, the control parameters can be automatically backed up automatically by the constant storage means.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the numerical control device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the numerical control device 1 performs at least three nonvolatile storage devices such as an end-time storage device 9, a constant-time storage device 10, and an arbitrary-time storage device 11 or a battery-backed storage device, and an NC. A keyboard 12 for inputting necessary control parameters (NC parameters) and the like is provided. The keyboard 12 is an input device for an operator to input control parameters and the like from the outside of the device, and inputs a storage command for storing the control parameters in a nonvolatile storage device, specifically, the storage device 11 at any time. Can do. Here, the non-volatile storage device is a storage device (memory) in which data is stored without supplying power, and a battery backup memory including a battery is a power source (independent of the power source of the numerical control device 1). A storage device in which data is stored even when the apparatus is powered off.

  The numerical control device 1 includes various programs (software) such as a CPU, a machining control program that defines a machining procedure, and a backup control program that defines a backup procedure for control parameters, in addition to the above-described nonvolatile storage device and input device, A device including a storage device for storing a program, an input / output port, and the like, and can be configured by a computer (microprocessor). The function of each storage means to be described later can be realized by executing software, and specifically, can be realized by executing a backup control program. That is, each storage means can be configured as each module (block) of the control program. Moreover, each storage means can also be comprised from separate hardware (CPU and computer).

  The numerical controller 1 includes a function generator 8 that generates (selects) a function for execution of the NC, an end-time storage unit 4 that stores a control parameter in the end-time storage device 9 when the NC ends, and a control parameter. A constant storage means 5 that always stores data in the storage device 10 at a predetermined interval, an optional storage means 6 that stores control parameters in the optional storage device 11 according to a request from the keyboard 12 or the like, and a control necessary for function generation A parameter storage memory 7 for storing parameters, a parameter reading means 2 for reading control parameters from the respective storage devices and copying them to the parameter storage memory 7, and an optimum latest parameter among the control parameters stored in the respective nonvolatile storage devices And storage device selection means 3 for selecting each of the nonvolatile storage devices for storing the control parameters. Control parameters necessary for the execution of NC are stored in the end-time storage device 9, the constant storage device 10, and the arbitrary-time storage device 11.

  As each of the above storage devices, a known nonvolatile storage device can be used, and there is no particular limitation on the configuration of the present invention. For example, the end-time storage device 9 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk, and the constant storage device 10 is a backup memory that is instantaneously written but requires a power source to hold data (a battery backup memory including a battery). ) The arbitrary storage device 11 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk, and is a separate device.

  The parameter storage memory 7 stores parameters (control parameters) necessary for the operation of the numerical control device 1. The function generation means 8 executes NC using the parameters in the parameter storage memory 7. When the control parameter is changed by executing NC, the value of the control parameter in the parameter storage memory 7 is changed. Parameters in the parameter storage memory 7 can be changed using an input device such as a keyboard 12.

  The constant storage unit 5 reads the control parameters from the parameter storage memory 7 at a preset time interval and stores them in the constant storage device 10. As the preset time interval, for example, every hour, an appropriate interval can be determined according to the processing conditions used. The arbitrary time storage means 6 receives a request from an input device such as a keyboard 12, reads parameters from the parameter storage memory 7, and stores them in the arbitrary time storage device 11. For example, when the operator changes the control parameter, by inputting a storage command for storing the control parameter, the optional storage unit 6 stores the manually updated control parameter in the optional storage device 11. The end-time storage unit 4 reads parameters from the parameter storage memory 7 when the numerical control device 1 ends (when the NC ends, when the numerical control device 1 is turned off), and stores the parameters in the end-time storage device 9. Here, each storage means simultaneously stores the time axis (date and time) on which the control parameters are stored in order to select the latest control parameters by the storage device selection means 3 described later.

  The storage device selection unit 3 has a function of automatically selecting an optimum storage device from the end-time storage device 9, the constant storage device 10, and the arbitrary-time storage device 11 when the numerical control device 1 is activated. That is, the storage device selection unit 3 accesses each storage device, selects the most recent latest control parameter from among the control parameters stored in each storage device, and stores the optimum latest control parameter. It has a function to specify a device. Then, the parameter reading means 2 reads the control parameter from the selected (identified) storage device and writes it in the parameter storage memory 7. Here, “optimal” means, for example, that the data of the control parameter is valid, and the storage device selection means 3 has data that is not normally stored even if the storage date is the latest control parameter. In many cases, it has a function of selecting a new control parameter next.

  The operation of the numerical controller 1 having the above configuration will be described in detail below. Normally, since the control parameter stored in the end storage device 9 is the latest data, the numerical control device 1 is activated using the control parameter of the end storage device 9 stored when the NC ends. When the previous NC is not normally terminated (for example, when the device is forcibly terminated) and it is determined that the control parameter is not saved in the storage device 9 at the time of termination, The numerical controller 1 is activated using the control parameters stored in the storage device 10. At this time, if the storage device selection unit 3 determines that the previous NC has not been normally terminated and the control parameter is not stored in the termination storage device 9, the storage device selection unit 3 and the storage device at any time are stored. The control parameters stored in the apparatus 11 can be compared to determine which is the latest data.

  The storage device selection means 3 determines that the parameters at the end of the previous NC are not stored in the storage device 9 at the end, and the parameters of the constant storage device 10 are also stored because the normal storage is not normally performed. When it is determined that the data cannot be used (for example, when the data is not valid), the parameters stored in the end-time storage device 9 (for example, parameters stored at the end of the previous NC) and the arbitrary-time storage device 11 are stored. It is determined which of the set parameters is newer, and the numerical control apparatus 1 is activated using the parameters on the new side.

  Further, when the end storage device 9 is replaced due to a failure or the like, it is determined that the parameters of the end storage device 9 are in the initial state, and the numerical control device 1 is always used by using the parameters stored in the storage device 10. Start up. At this time, if it is determined that the parameter stored in the constant storage device 10 cannot be used, the numerical control device 1 is activated using the parameter stored in the arbitrary storage device 11.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a numerical control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Numerical control apparatus, 2 Parameter reading means, 3 Storage device selection means, 4 Completion storage means, 5 Constant storage means, 6 Arbitrary storage means, 7 Parameter storage memory, 8 Function generation means, 9 Completion storage apparatus, 10 Always-on storage device, 11 Optional storage device, 12 Keyboard.

Claims (2)

A numerical control device comprising a non-volatile storage device that stores control parameters that are parameters necessary for the execution of NC, and having an end-time storage means for storing control parameters in the non-volatile storage device when the NC ends,
In addition, second and third storage devices that store control parameters even when the device is powered off,
Second and third storage means for storing the control parameters in the second and third storage devices at different timings;
A storage device selecting means for selecting a storage device storing the most recent control parameter among the control parameters stored in the plurality of storage devices when the NC is activated;
A numerical control device. The numerical control apparatus according to claim 1,
An input device for inputting a storage command for storing the control parameter in the storage device from the outside of the device;
The second storage means is an optional storage means for storing the control parameter in the second storage device in accordance with the storage command of the input device,
The third storage unit is a numerical controller that is a constant storage unit that stores the control parameter in the third storage device at a preset time interval.

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