Automatic programming apparatus for plural-spindle numerically controlled machine
AssigneeMitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
InventorTakahashi Yoshikatsu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process permitting a work to be machined alternately using two different spindles of a multi-spindle lathe is disclosed. A transfer process by which the work is transferred between spindles is further added to the automatic programming scheme. The automatic programming apparatus accepts the instructions and allows implementation through interpretation of the instructions and processing of data in the instruction and field and/or in a separate storage. Therefore, machining the work using two spindles and transferring the work enabled with a straightforward input that can be easily understood and through the use of a single program. Conventional machining can be effected without the programmer having to be constantly conscious of which head or spindle is being employed.
Claims5
In a numerically controlled lathe having plural spindles, an automatic programming system for outputting a machining program for controlling the operation of the spindles and the path of a tool through a numerical control unit on the basis of a supplied program, the improvement comprising:
- means for implementing the machining of a workpiece using said spindles as specified by a single user program, and
- means for implementing the transfer of a workpiece from one spindle to another in response to a transfer instruction contained in said single user program.
In a numerically controlled lathe having plural spindles, an automatic programming system for outputting a machining program for controlling the operation of the spindles and the path of a tool through a numerical control unit on the basis of a supplied program, the improvement comprising:
- means for implementing the machining of a workpiece using said spindles as specified by a single user program, including means for effecting a transformation of coordinates for said program when a workpiece is transferred from one spindle to another;
- and
- means for implementing the transfer of a workpiece from one spindle to another in response to a transfer instruction contained in said user program.
In a numerically controlled machine tool having plural spindles, an automatic programming system for outputting a machining program for controlling the operation of the spindles and the path of a cutting tool through a numerical control unit on the basis of a supplied program, the improvement comprising:
- means for implementing the machining of a workpiece using said spindles as specified by a single user program, including means for effecting a transformation of coordinates for said user program when a workpiece is transferred from one spindle to another;
- and
- means for implementing the transfer of a workpiece from one spindle to another in response to a transfer instruction contained in said user program, said instruction including a pointer to pre-stored parameters to be used in effecting said transfer and in initiating machining at the transferee spindle.
In a numerically controlled lathe having plural spindles, an automatic programming system for outputting a machining program for controlling the operation of the spindles and the path of a tool through a numerical control unit on the basis of a supplied program, the improvement comprising:
- means for implementing the machining of a workpiece using said spindles as specified by a single user program including a program step instructing a change of spindle, including means for effecting a transformation of coordinates for said program when a workpiece is transferred from one spindle to another;
- and
- means for implementing the transfer of a workpiece from one spindle to another in response to a transfer instruction contained in said program.
In a numerically controlled machine tool having plural spindles, an automatic programming system for outputting a machining program for controlling the operation of the spindles and the path of a cutting tool through a numerical control unit on the basis of a supplied program, the improvement comprising:
- means for implementing the machining of a workpiece using said spindles as specified by a single user program, including means for effecting a transformation of coordinates for said program when a workpiece is transferred from one spindle to another;
- and
- means for implementing one of the transfer of a workpiece from one spindle to another and a repositioning of the location of the workpiece with respect to a chuck of at least one spindle, in response to a transfer instruction contained in said program, said instruction including a pointer to pre-stored parameters to be used in effecting said transfer and in initiating machining at the transferee spindle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.