Machine tool operation panel and tool management system

Abstract

It is necessary to stop the machine tool until a new tool is prepared after the tool used in the machine tool reaches the end of its life, and there is a possibility that the operation rate of the machine tool may decrease.SOLUTION: An operation panel for a machine tool includes an acquisition unit, an output unit, a first communication unit configured to communicate with an inventory management device configured to manage a stock of a plurality of tools, and an operation panel control unit, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to acquire first information including a machining program and a wear amount, the operation panel control unit is configured to determine a replacement time of a tool scheduled to be used when new first information is input, and determine a tool stock number at the replacement time based on second information including a tool stock number, a tool arrangement number, and a tool arrangement period, and the new first information, the second information including the tool stock number and the tool arrangement number of the tool scheduled to be used, and the new first information. In a case where at least a reference condition related to the replacement time is satisfied, a recommended arrangement time of the tool scheduled to be used, which is determined based on the tool arrangement period and the replacement time, is output to the output unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machine tool control panel and a tool management system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventional machine tool control panels are known that have a function of displaying a list of tools used in the machine tool to the operator, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6812646 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors have developed a machine tool control panel with a function for displaying tool life. With the machine tool control panel developed by the inventors, the operator of the machine tool control panel can check whether the tool being used has reached the end of its life from the information displayed on the machine tool control panel. This allows the operator to prevent the erroneous use of a tool that has reached the end of its life.

[0005] However, when a tool that has reached the end of its life needs to be replaced, there may be cases where the tool is not in stock, which means that the machine tool must be stopped until a new tool is procured after the tool reaches the end of its life, which may result in a decrease in the operating rate of the machine tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0007] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a machine tool operation panel used for operating a machine tool. The machine tool operation panel includes an acquisition unit capable of acquiring information, an output unit for outputting information and including a display unit, a first communication unit for communicating with an inventory management device that manages an inventory of a plurality of tools used in the machine tool, and an operation panel control unit for controlling the machine tool operation panel, wherein the acquisition unit is capable of acquiring first information including a replacement reference value based on a wear limit of each of the plurality of tools, a workpiece material, machining conditions, and a machining program, and wear amounts of one or more of the plurality of tools used to execute the machining program, and when new first information is input after the first information and the wear amounts, the operation panel control unit replaces the new first information of the plurality of tools based on the first information, the wear amounts, the new first information, and the replacement reference value. the replacement time for each of one or more planned-to-use tools used in the machining program included in the new first information, the replacement time being a time before the start of planned use time at which the planned-to-use tool will reach its life if the planned-to-use tool is used in accordance with the new first information; the tool inventory number at the replacement time is determined based on second information and the new first information, which are acquired from the first communication unit and include, for the planned-to-use tool, the tool arrangement number which is the number of the planned-to-use tools that have been arranged, and the tool arrangement period which is the period from arrangement to delivery; and if at least a reference condition for the replacement time is satisfied, a recommended arrangement time for the planned-to-use tool, which is determined based on the tool arrangement period and the replacement time, is output to the output unit. In this aspect, the replacement time for each tool that may occur due to execution of the next machining program included in the new first information is estimated based on the executed machining program included in the first information and the actual wear amount of each tool at that time. This allows the machine tool operation panel to accurately estimate the replacement time for each tool that reflects the actual progress of wear. Therefore, by arranging tools at the recommended procurement time based on the replacement time, it is less likely that tools will run out of stock or have excess inventory at the time of replacement. Therefore, the machine tool operation panel can suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the machine tool by arranging tools at the appropriate time. (2) In the machine tool control panel of the above aspect, the output unit may include a second communication unit that notifies an external device used to arrange for a tool of the recommended arrangement time. By adopting such an embodiment, the machine tool control panel can notify the external device used by the operator of the recommended tool arrangement time even when the operator who arranges the tools is away from the machine tool control panel. In other words, the machine tool control panel can make tool arrangements easily when the operator who operates the machine tool control panel and the operator who arranges the tools are different. (3) In the machine tool control panel of the above aspect, the acquisition unit may be able to acquire the amount of wear through an operation by an operator. In this embodiment, the wear amount of the tool is acquired by the operator using the first acquisition unit, and therefore the machine tool control panel can reduce the cost of the system required to acquire the wear amount compared to an embodiment in which the wear amount is acquired by a sensor. (4) In the machine tool control panel of the above aspect, the control panel control unit may display the recommended arrangement time on the display unit. By adopting such an embodiment, the recommended arrangement time is also displayed on the display unit of the machine tool control panel. Whether the operator who operates the machine tool control panel and the operator who arranges the tools are different depends on the environment in which the machine tool control panel is used. Therefore, the machine tool control panel makes it easy to arrange tools even when the operator who operates the machine tool control panel arranges the tools. Furthermore, when the operator who operates the machine tool control panel and the operator who arranges the tools are different, the machine tool control panel allows the operator who operates the machine tool control panel to check the recommended arrangement time, thereby preventing oversight of tool arrangement. (5) In the machine tool control panel of the above form, the plurality of tools may include a plurality of tools that are also used for other machine tools, and the number of tools in stock may not include the tools assigned to the tools scheduled to be used. In this type of system, tool inventory changes occur more quickly due to the use of tools by other machine tools. Therefore, in systems where a person determines the recommended procurement timing, it is difficult to respond to changes in tool inventory. However, the machine tool control panel can prevent a decrease in the machine tool's operating rate even when multiple tools are used by other machine tools. (6) In the machine tool control panel of the above aspect, the control panel control unit may display a predetermined message on the display unit when the recommended procurement time arrives, urging the operator to make arrangements for the tool scheduled to be used. By adopting such an embodiment, the machine tool control panel makes it difficult for the worker operating the machine tool control panel to overlook the existence of a tool scheduled for use that has reached the recommended procurement time. (7) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a tool management system comprising a machine tool, a machine tool operation panel used to operate the machine tool, and an inventory management device for managing an inventory of a plurality of tools used in the machine tool, the system comprising an acquisition unit capable of acquiring information, an output unit for outputting information and including a display unit, a first communication unit for communicating with the inventory management device for managing the inventory of the plurality of tools used in the machine tool, and an operation panel control unit for controlling the machine tool operation panel, wherein the acquisition unit is capable of acquiring first information including a replacement reference value based on a wear limit of each of the plurality of tools, a workpiece material, machining conditions, and a machining program, and wear amounts of one or more of the plurality of tools used to execute the machining program, and when new first information is input after the first information and the wear amounts have been input, the operation panel control unit updates the first information, the wear amounts, and the new first information. and a tool ordering period which is the period from ordering to delivery, based on second information and the new first information, the replacement time for each of the one or more planned-to-use tools among the plurality of tools that are used in the machining program included in the new first information, the replacement time being before the start of planned usage time at which the planned-to-use tool will reach its life if the planned-to-use tool is used in accordance with the new first information, the tool inventory number at the replacement time is determined based on the new first information and second information acquired from the first communication unit, the tool ordering number being the number of the planned-to-use tools that have been ordered, and the tool ordering period which is the period from ordering to delivery, and when at least a standard condition for the replacement time is satisfied, the recommended ordering time for the planned-to-use tool, which is determined based on the tool ordering period and the replacement time, is output to the output unit. In this aspect, the replacement time for each tool that may occur due to the execution of the next machining program included in the new first information is estimated based on the executed machining program included in the first information and the actual wear amount of each tool at that time. This allows the tool management system to accurately estimate the replacement time for each tool that reflects the actual progress of wear. Therefore, by procuring tools at the recommended procurement time based on the replacement time, it is less likely that tools will run out of stock or have excess inventory at the time of replacement. Therefore, by procuring tools at the appropriate time, the tool management system can prevent a decrease in the availability rate of machine tools. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a tool management system. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a machine tool control panel. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display of a recommended procurement time. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message display regarding a recommended procurement time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A. First embodiment: A-1. System configuration: 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a tool management system 10. The tool management system 10 manages a plurality of tools used in a machine tool 200. The tool management system 10 includes a machine tool operation panel 100, the machine tool 200, an inventory management device 300, an external device 400, and a repeater 500.

[0010] Machine tool 200 processes a workpiece. For example, machine tool 200 is a machining center. Machine tool 200 uses a plurality of tools. Each of the plurality of tools is a cutting tool such as a drill or a milling cutter. Machine tool 200 is connected to machine tool control panel 100. Machine tool 200 performs processing in accordance with commands from machine tool control panel 100. In the first embodiment, the plurality of tools are used by only one machine tool 200.

[0011] The machine tool control panel 100 is used to operate the machine tool 200. In other words, the machine tool control panel 100 controls the machine tool 200 by being operated by an operator. For this reason, the machine tool control panel 100 is provided near the machine tool 200. The machine tool control panel 100 includes a first acquisition unit 110, an output unit 120, a first communication unit 130, and a control panel control unit 140.

[0012] The first acquisition unit 110 can acquire information. The first acquisition unit 110 is, for example, a communication interface and a touch panel. The first acquisition unit 110 can acquire first information D1 (described later) from another device via the communication interface by the operator operating the touch panel. The other device may be, for example, a general-purpose computer or a server on a network. Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 110 can acquire the wear amount Dw by the operator operating the touch panel to input the wear amount Dw. The operator uses a measuring device to measure the wear amount Dw of the tool and input the measured amount Dw to the first acquisition unit 110. When the measurement is performed upon completion of a machining program, the tool wear amount Dw is obtained as the difference between the measured amount at that time and the previous measured amount. The first acquisition unit 110 inputs the acquired information to the operation panel control unit 140. Therefore, the machine tool operation panel 100 can reduce the system cost required to acquire the wear amount Dw compared to, for example, an embodiment in which the wear amount Dw is acquired by a sensor. In addition, when information is acquired only by a touch operation by the worker, the first acquisition unit 110 may be configured only with a touch panel. In this specification, the first acquisition unit 110 is also simply referred to as the acquisition unit 110.

[0013] The first information D1 is information including the workpiece material Dm1, machining conditions Dc1, and machining program Dp1. More specifically, the workpiece material Dm1 is information about materials such as iron and aluminum. The machining conditions Dc1 are information including the cutting speed, feed rate, and cutting depth. The machining program Dp1 is information including, for each of a plurality of tools, the planned tool use time Dpl and the tool use start time Dpt. The planned use time Dpl is the time during which the tool will be continuously used.

[0014] The wear amount Dw is information that indicates the degree of wear of a tool that was used to execute the machining program Dp1 among multiple tools. The wear amount Dw is, for example, the difference between the length of the tool before use and the length of the tool after use. The wear amount Dw of the tool may be the thickness of the cutting edge or the angle of the cutting edge as the difference between the length of the tool before and after use.

[0015] A replacement reference value Dws based on the limit value of the wear amount Dw is set in advance for each tool. A tool whose wear amount Dw reaches the replacement reference value Dws becomes unusable and is therefore subject to replacement. In this specification, "replacement of a tool" includes replacing a tool with a new tool and replacing a used tool with a tool that has been re-ground and made usable.

[0016] The output unit 120 outputs information received from the operation panel control unit 140. The output unit 120 includes a display unit 121 and a second communication unit 122.

[0017] Specifically, the display unit 121 is a touch panel that also functions as the first acquisition unit 110. The display unit 121 visually conveys information to the worker by displaying the information on the touch panel.

[0018] The second communication unit 122 connects the machine tool operation panel 100 to the Internet. More specifically, the second communication unit 122 communicates with an external device 400 connected via the Internet. The second communication unit 122 has, for example, an interface for connecting to a wired LAN (Local Area Network).

[0019] That is, the output unit 120 can transmit information to the worker by the display unit 121. Furthermore, the output unit 120 can transmit information by email, for example, by the second communication unit 122 to an external device 400 operated by a worker who is away from the machine tool operation panel 100.

[0020] First communication unit 130 communicates with inventory management device 300. First communication unit 130 is, for example, an interface for realizing wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication using WiFi (registered trademark). That is, first communication unit 130 communicates with inventory management device 300 via repeater 500, which is an access point device for WiFi (registered trademark).

[0021] The operation panel control unit 140 controls the machine tool operation panel 100. The operation panel control unit 140 includes a processor 141, a ROM 142, and a RAM 143. The processor 141 realizes the functions of each unit by executing various programs stored in the ROM 142. The processor 141 uses the RAM 143 to store information necessary for processing. The ROM 142 is a read-only semiconductor memory, and stores in advance a control program for controlling the machine tool operation panel 100. The RAM 143 includes a main memory, which is a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk or solid state drive. The RAM 143 stores information related to the machine tool operation panel 100. The functions of the operation panel control unit 140 will be explained in detail later.

[0022] The repeater 500 repeats communication between the machine tool operation panel 100 and the inventory management device 300. As described above, the repeater 500 is an access point device for Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0023] The external device 400 is used to arrange tools. The external device 400 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer including a mouse and keyboard. The external device 400 is connected to the Internet. That is, the external device 400 can communicate with the machine tool operation panel 100 via the second communication unit 122. The external device 400 arranges tools when operated by an operator. Furthermore, the external device 400 is connected to the inventory management control unit 310 of the inventory management device 300. The external device 400 sends a tool arrangement period Dpa2 and a tool arrangement quantity Dna2, which are determined when the tools are arranged, to the inventory management control unit 310. The tool arrangement period Dpa2 is information indicating the time of ordering the tools and the delivery date of the ordered tools.

[0024] Inventory management device 300 manages the inventory of a plurality of tools used in machine tool 200. Inventory management device 300 includes an inventory management control unit 310, a third communication unit 320, a tool storage 330, and a second acquisition unit 340.

[0025] The tool storage 330 stores a plurality of tools. The tool storage 330 is, for example, a cabinet that can store a plurality of tools.

[0026] The second acquisition unit 340 can acquire the tool inventory quantity Dns2. The tool inventory quantity Dns2 is the number of each tool stored in the tool storage 330. The second acquisition unit 340 is, for example, a keyboard. That is, the second acquisition unit 340 can acquire the tool inventory quantity Dns2 by inputting the number of tools to be taken out of the tool storage 330 or the number of tools to be put into the tool storage 330 through an operator's operation. Note that the second acquisition unit 340 may automatically detect the number of tools using a sensor or the like provided in the tool storage 330 and acquire the number of tools.

[0027] The third communication unit 320 communicates with the machine tool operation panel 100. That is, the third communication unit 320 has an interface for realizing wireless LAN communication similar to the first communication unit 130, and thereby communicates with the machine tool operation panel 100 via the repeater 500.

[0028] The inventory management control unit 310 includes a processor 311, a ROM 312, and a RAM 333. The processor 311 executes various programs stored in the ROM 312 to realize the functions of each unit. The processor 311 uses the RAM 333 to store information necessary for processing. The ROM 312 is a read-only semiconductor memory that pre-stores a control program for controlling the inventory management control unit 310. The RAM 333 includes a main memory, which is a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk or solid state drive.

[0029] The inventory management control unit 310 manages the inventory of multiple tools. More specifically, the inventory management control unit 310 stores second information D2 including the tool inventory quantity Dns2, the tool order quantity Dna2, and the tool order period Dpa2. As described above, the tool order quantity Dna2 and the tool order period Dpa2 are acquired from the external device 400. The tool order quantity Dna2 is the number of tools that have been ordered and are scheduled to be used. The tools scheduled to be used will be explained later. The tool order period Dpa2 is the period from ordering to delivery. In this specification, "time" and "period" refer to the period from a start period, which is a fixed point in time, to an end period, which is another fixed point in time.

[0030] A-2. Control method for machine tool operation panel: FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the machine tool operation panel 100. In step S10 of FIG. 2, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires first information D1. For example, the first acquisition unit 110 downloads the first information D1 from another device via a communication interface in response to an operator's operation of a touch panel. This allows the machine tool operation panel 100 to start machining of a workpiece by the machine tool 200 in accordance with the acquired machining program Dp1. The machine tool operation panel 100 starts machining, for example, in response to an operator's operation of a touch panel. In the following description, it is assumed that machining of a workpiece has already begun when the first acquisition unit 110 acquires the wear amount Dw in step S90. Note that information about the tools scheduled to be used in the machining program Dp1 is pre-registered in the operation panel control unit 140 before the start of this flowchart. The information about the tools scheduled to be used includes, for example, a number for distinguishing the tool, the tool name, and the replacement reference value Dws.

[0031] In step S20 of FIG. 2, the pendant control unit 140, upon input of the first information D1, determines whether the first information D1 is new first information D1n. The new first information D1n is first information D1 input after the first information D1 and the wear amount Dw were last input. Furthermore, the new first information D1n is first information D1 in which the tool for which the wear amount Dw was input is included in the machining program Dp1. If the acquired first information D1 is not new first information D1n, the pendant control unit 140 proceeds to step S90. If the acquired first information D1 is new first information D1n, the pendant control unit 140 proceeds to step S30.

[0032] 2, the operation panel control unit 140 determines a replacement time Dpc based on the first information D1, the wear amount Dw, the new first information D1n, and the replacement reference value Dws. The replacement time Dpc is the time when it is recommended to replace each of the multiple planned-to-use tools used in the machining program Dp1 included in the new first information D1n among the multiple tools. Furthermore, the replacement time Dpc is a time before the start of use Dpt of the planned use time Dpl at which the planned-to-use tool will reach the end of its life if used in accordance with the new first information D1n.

[0033] For example, the pendant control unit 140 determines a correlation between the tool usage time and the wear amount Dw for each combination of workpiece material Dm1, machining conditions Dc1, and tool based on the first information D1 and the wear amount Dw. This makes it possible to predict the wear amount per unit time of the tool used for each machining program based on the wear amount Dw at that time, the tool usage time, the workpiece material Dm1, and the machining conditions Dc1 (e.g., cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, etc.). Note that the number of times the tool is used may be used instead of the tool usage time. Furthermore, based on the combination of workpiece material Dm1, machining conditions Dc1, and the tool planned to be used, which is included in the new first information D1n, the pendant control unit 140 refers to the determined correlation to estimate the time when the tool planned to be used will reach the end of its life if the tool is used in accordance with the new first information D1n. If the new first information D1n includes a tool to be used that has no track record of workpiece material Dm1 and machining conditions Dc1, the operation panel control unit 140 may, for example, return the process to step S10. Alternatively, the operation panel control unit 140 may determine the time point at which the tool to be used will reach its lifespan based on part of the new first information D1n.

[0034] The operation panel control unit 140 estimates the time when the tool scheduled for use will reach the end of its life, and then determines the replacement time Dpc. For example, the operation panel control unit 140 first determines a necessary work time, with the end being the start time Dpt of the scheduled use time Dpl, which includes the time when the tool will reach the end of its life, and the start being a time going back to the work time required for tool replacement. Furthermore, the operation panel control unit 140 determines a replacement time Dpc, with the end being the start time of the necessary work time, and the start being a time going back to the replacement preparation time. The replacement preparation time is set, for example, depending on the workload of the worker and the frequency of tool replacement.

[0035] As a result, the replacement time Dpc of each tool that may occur when the next machining program Dp1 included in the new first information D1n is executed is estimated based on the executed machining program Dp1 included in the first information D1 and the actual wear amount Dw of each tool at that time. Therefore, the machine tool operation panel 100 can accurately estimate the replacement time Dpc for each tool that reflects the actual progress of wear.

[0036] In step S40 of FIG. 2, the operation panel control unit 140 acquires, from the first communication unit 130, second information D2 including the tool inventory quantity Dns2, the tool order quantity Dna2, and the tool order period Dpa2 for the tool scheduled to be used.

[0037] In step S50 of FIG. 2, the operation panel control unit 140 determines the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the replacement time for the tools scheduled for use based on the second information D2 and the new first information D1n. The tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the replacement time means the tool inventory quantity Dns2 at the start of the replacement time Dpc. The operation panel control unit 140 first determines the number of tools scheduled for use that are scheduled to be delivered by the start of the replacement time Dpc based on the tool order quantity Dna2 and the tool order period Dpa2. Furthermore, the operation panel control unit 140 determines the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the replacement time based on the number of tools scheduled for use that are scheduled to be delivered by the start of the replacement time Dpc, the current tool inventory quantity Dns2 based on the second information D2, and the number of tools scheduled for use that will be used by the start of the replacement time Dpc.

[0038] In step S60 of FIG. 2, the operation panel control unit 140 determines whether a predetermined standard condition is met. The standard condition is that the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement is 0. If the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement is other than 0, the operation panel control unit 140 determines that the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement does not meet the standard condition, and proceeds to step S90. If the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement is 0, the operation panel control unit 140 determines that the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement meets the standard condition, and proceeds to step S70.

[0039] In step S70 of FIG. 2, the operation panel control unit 140 determines a recommended procurement time Dpsa for the tool scheduled to be used, which is determined based on the tool procurement period Dpa2 and the replacement time Dpc. The recommended procurement time Dpsa ends at a point going back from the start of the replacement time Dpc by the length of the tool procurement period Dpa2, and starts at a point going back further to the procurement preparation time. If the procurement preparation time is set too long, tools may be procured too early, resulting in an overstock of tools. For this reason, the procurement preparation time is set so as to prevent an overstock of tools.

[0040] 2, the operation panel control unit 140 outputs the recommended arrangement time Dpsa to the output unit 120. More specifically, the operation panel control unit 140 displays the recommended arrangement time Dpsa on the display unit 121. Furthermore, the operation panel control unit 140 notifies the external device 400 of the recommended arrangement time Dpsa via the second communication unit 122.

[0041] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the recommended procurement time Dpsa. In FIG. 3, tool-related information including the tool number, tool name, and recommended procurement time Dpsa is divided into columns by type. Furthermore, the tool-related information is divided into rows by tool. The operation panel control unit 140 displays the recommended procurement time Dpsa for each tool. For example, the operation panel control unit 140 displays the start and end dates of the recommended procurement time Dpsa by month and day as the recommended procurement time Dpsa. For example, in FIG. 3, the recommended procurement time Dpsa for tool number 4 with the tool name "CUTTER" is displayed as "5 / 7-5 / 13." This indicates that the recommended procurement time Dpsa is from May 7th to May 13th. Note that the operation panel control unit 140 may display the recommended procurement time Dpsa including the year, or may display only the month.

[0042] 3, the operation panel control unit 140 may display the tool inventory quantity Dns2 on the display unit 121. By displaying the tool inventory quantity Dns2, the operator can easily predict when a tool will run out of stock even before the recommended procurement time Dpsa is displayed, and therefore the operation panel control unit 140 can prevent overlooking the procurement of tools.

[0043] To notify external device 400 of the recommended arrangement time Dpsa, the operation panel control unit 140 specifically transmits the recommended arrangement time Dpsa to external device 400 by email. In other words, the operation panel control unit 140 notifies the operator who operates external device 400 of the recommended arrangement time Dpsa. By adopting this mode, for example, even if the operator who arranges a tool is away from the machine tool operation panel 100, the machine tool operation panel 100 can notify external device 400 used by the operator of the recommended arrangement time Dpsa.

[0044] In step S90 of FIG. 2, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires the wear amount Dw. As described above, in step S90, machining of the workpiece has begun. Specifically, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires the wear amount Dw by inputting the wear amount Dw by the operator operating the touch panel during machining of the workpiece. For example, the operator measures the wear amount Dw of the used tool each time the planned use time Dpl has elapsed since the start of use Dpt. The operator operates the touch panel to cause the first acquisition unit 110 to acquire the measured wear amount Dw. This flow ends in step S90. However, this flow is repeatedly executed while the machine tool operation panel 100 is in operation. Therefore, the acquired wear amount Dw is stored in the operation panel control unit 140 and is used to determine the recommended arrangement time Dpsa, as in the above process.

[0045] In this aspect, the replacement time Dpc of each tool that may occur due to execution of the next machining program Dp1 included in the new first information D1n is estimated based on the executed machining program Dp1 included in the first information D1 and the actual wear amount Dw of each tool at that time. This allows the machine tool console 100 of this embodiment to accurately estimate the replacement time Dpc for each tool that reflects the actual progress of wear. Therefore, by arranging tools at the recommended arrangement time Dpsa based on the replacement time Dpc, it is less likely that tools will run out of stock or have an excess inventory at the replacement time Dpc. Therefore, the machine tool console 100 of this embodiment can suppress a decrease in the availability rate of the machine tool 200 by arranging tools at the appropriate time.

[0046] Furthermore, as described above, the machine tool operation panel 100 of this embodiment can notify the external device 400 used by the operator of the recommended arrangement time Dpsa even when the operator arranging the tool is away from the machine tool operation panel 100. In other words, the machine tool operation panel 100 of this embodiment can easily arrange for a tool when the operator operating the machine tool operation panel 100 is different from the operator arranging the tool.

[0047] Furthermore, the recommended arrangement time Dpsa is also displayed on the display unit 121 of the machine tool operation panel 100. Whether the operator operating the machine tool operation panel 100 and the operator arranging the tools differs depending on the environment in which the machine tool operation panel 100 is used. Therefore, the machine tool operation panel 100 of this embodiment can easily arrange for tools even when the operator operating the machine tool operation panel 100 arranges the tools. Furthermore, when the operator operating the machine tool operation panel 100 and the operator arranging the tools are different, the machine tool operation panel 100 of this embodiment allows the operator operating the machine tool operation panel 100 to check the recommended arrangement time Dpsa, thereby preventing oversight of tool arrangement. Furthermore, when arranging tools, the tool arrangement period is taken into consideration as the period during which arrangement is necessary. Tools can be obtained after the tool arrangement period. Therefore, tool arrangement can be made at the convenience of the operator making the arrangement (the operator operating the machine tool or the operator arranging the tools). However, tool arrangement may be made at predetermined intervals or when the operator is not working.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wear amount Dw of the tool is acquired by the operator's operation using the first acquisition unit 110. Therefore, the machine tool operation panel 100 of this embodiment can reduce the cost of the system required to acquire the wear amount Dw compared to an embodiment in which the wear amount Dw is acquired by a sensor.

[0049] B. Second embodiment: In the above embodiment, the multiple tools are used only by one machine tool 200. However, the multiple tools may include multiple tools that are also used by other machine tools 200. In other words, the multiple tools stored in the tool storage 330 may be shared by multiple machine tools 200. However, the tool inventory quantity Dns2 in the second embodiment does not include tools assigned to tools scheduled to be used.

[0050] In this embodiment, changes in the tool inventory quantity Dns2 occur more quickly due to the use of tools by other machine tools 200. For this reason, in an embodiment in which the recommended procurement time Dpsa is determined manually, it is difficult to respond to changes in the tool inventory quantity Dns2. However, the machine tool operation panel 100 of this embodiment can suppress a decrease in the availability rate of the machine tool 200 even when multiple tools are used by other machine tools 200.

[0051] C. Third embodiment: 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a message Ms regarding the recommended procurement time Dpsa. In the above embodiment, the operation panel control unit 140 may further display a predetermined message Ms on the display unit 121 when the recommended procurement time Dpsa is reached, urging the user to make arrangements for the tool scheduled to be used. For example, when the recommended procurement time Dpsa for "END MILL" of tool number 1 in FIG. 3 is reached, the operation panel control unit 140 displays a pop-up screen. On the pop-up screen, the operation panel control unit 140 displays a message Ms indicating that the recommended procurement time Dpsa has been reached, as shown in FIG.

[0052] By adopting such a configuration, the machine tool operation panel 100 of this embodiment makes it difficult for an operator operating the machine tool operation panel 100 to overlook the existence of a tool scheduled for use that has reached the recommended arrangement time Dpsa.

[0053] D. Other Embodiments: (1) In the above embodiment, the output unit 120 includes the display unit 121 and the second communication unit 122. However, the output unit 120 may include only the display unit 121 without including the second communication unit 122. Even in an embodiment in which the output unit 120 includes only the display unit 121, the machine tool operation panel 100 can prevent oversight of tool arrangement.

[0054] (2) In the above embodiment, the operation panel control unit 140 displays the recommended arrangement time Dpsa on the display unit 121. However, the operation panel control unit 140 may simply notify the external device 400 of the recommended arrangement time Dpsa via the second communication unit 122, without displaying the recommended arrangement time Dpsa on the display unit 121. Even in this mode, the machine tool operation panel 100 notifies the operator who arranges for a tool of the recommended arrangement time Dpsa, thereby preventing oversight of tool arrangement.

[0055] (3) In the above embodiment, the first acquisition unit 110 acquires the wear amount Dw through an operation by an operator. However, the first acquisition unit 110 may acquire the wear amount Dw by other methods. For example, the tool management system 10 may be provided with a sensor that measures the wear amount Dw, and the sensor may acquire the wear amount Dw.

[0056] (4) In the above embodiment, the first acquisition unit 110 includes a touch panel. However, the first acquisition unit 110 is not limited to a touch panel. The first acquisition unit 110 may be a device into which information is input by operating a button or dial, or may include a device into which information is input by voice operation.

[0057] (5) In the above embodiment, the external device 400 is connected to the Internet. However, the external device 400 does not have to be connected to the Internet. The external device 400 may receive information from the second communication unit 122 by being connected to a local network together with the second communication unit 122.

[0058] (6) In the above embodiment, the second acquisition unit 340 is a keyboard, but may be another device. For example, the second acquisition unit 340 may be a reader that reads a barcode attached to a tool, or a communication device that acquires information from an RF (Radio Frequency Identification) tag attached to a tool.

[0059] (7) In the above embodiment, the inventory management device 300 includes the second acquisition unit 340. However, the inventory management device 300 does not have to include the second acquisition unit 340. For example, by having the external device 400 function as the second acquisition unit 340, the inventory management device 300 does not need to include the second acquisition unit 340.

[0060] (8) In the above embodiment, the second communication unit 122 is connected to the Internet via a wired LAN. However, the second communication unit 122 may be connected to the Internet via a wireless LAN.

[0061] (9) In the above embodiment, the repeater 500 is a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access point device, but it may be another device. For example, the repeater 500 may be a higher-level computer connected via a wired LAN to manage the inventory management device 300 and the machine tool operation panel 100.

[0062] (10) In the above embodiment, the first information D1 includes the machining program Dp1 with one tool number. However, the first information D1 may include a machining schedule made up of a plurality of machining programs Dp1.

[0063] (11) In the above embodiment, the worker measures the wear amount Dw every time the planned use time Dpl elapses from the start time Dpt of use. Furthermore, the worker inputs the measured wear amount Dw to the operation panel control unit 140 via the first acquisition unit 110. However, the worker may measure the wear amount Dw for multiple used tools and input the measured wear amount Dw to the operation panel control unit 140 all at once. The worker only needs to measure the wear amount Dw of the used tool and input the measured wear amount Dw to the operation panel control unit 140 before the used tool is used again.

[0064] (12) In the above embodiment, the pendant control unit 140 determines the replacement time Dpc of each of the multiple tools scheduled to be used that are used in the machining program Dp1 included in the new first information D1n among the multiple tools. However, if the machining program Dp1 includes only one tool scheduled to be used, the pendant control unit 140 determines the replacement time Dpc of only the single tool scheduled to be used. In other words, the pendant control unit 140 only needs to determine the replacement time Dpc of each of the one or more tools scheduled to be used that are used in the machining program Dp1 included in the new first information D1n among the multiple tools.

[0065] (13) In the above embodiment, the reference condition is that the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement is 0. However, the reference condition may include the condition that the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement is 0. That is, in step S60 of FIG. 2, the operation panel control unit 140 may proceed to step S70 if at least the reference condition including the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement being 0 is satisfied. The reference condition may further include, for example, the condition that the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement is 1. In this way, by creating a surplus in the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement, the machine tool operation panel 100 can prevent a shortage of tools even if the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement fluctuates due to an unforeseen event.

[0066] (14) In the above embodiment, the operation panel control unit 140 notifies the external device 400 of the recommended arrangement time Dpsa by email. However, the operation panel control unit 140 may notify the external device 400 of the recommended arrangement time Dpsa by other methods. For example, the operation panel control unit 140 may communicate the recommended arrangement time Dpsa via chat, a workflow system, or the like.

[0067] (15) In the above embodiment, the case where the tool is measured when the machining program is completed has been described. However, the timing when the operator measures the tool may be irregular. The timing of the measurement may be, for example, at predetermined intervals or at the operator's convenience. A condition may be set, such as when the machine tool is operating or stopped, and the measurement may be performed when the condition is met. The measurement may also be performed when the operator is not working.

[0068] (16) In the above embodiment, the reference condition is that the tool inventory quantity Dns2c at the time of replacement is 0. However, the reference condition may be, for example, that the tool inventory quantity at the time of replacement is n. n can be an integer equal to or greater than 0. Furthermore, n can be a number determined according to the tool procurement period. The reference condition can be determined based on any parameter that can affect the tool replacement time.

[0069] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above problems or achieve some or all of the above effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10...Tool management system, 100...Machine tool operation panel, 110...First acquisition unit, 120...Output unit, 121...Display unit, 122...Second communication unit, 130...First communication unit, 140...Operation panel control unit, 141...Processor, 142...ROM, 143...RAM, 200...Machine tool, 300...Inventory management device, 310...Inventory management control unit, 311...Processor, 312...ROM, 320...Third communication unit, 330...Tool storage, 333...RAM, 340...Second acquisition unit, 400...External device, 500...Relay, D1...1st information, D1n...New 1st information, D2...2nd information, Dc1...Machining conditions, Dm1...Workpiece material, Dna2...Number of tools to be ordered, Dns2...Number of tools in stock, Dns2c...Number of tools in stock at the time of replacement, Dp1...Machining program, Dpa2...Tool ordering period, Dpc...Replacement time, Dpl...Planned use time, Dpsa...Recommended time to order, Dpt...Start of use, Dw...Wear amount, Dws...Replacement standard value, Ms...Message

Claims

1. A machine tool control panel used to operate a machine tool, an acquisition unit capable of acquiring information; an output unit that outputs information and includes a display unit; a first communication unit that communicates with an inventory management device that manages an inventory of a plurality of tools used in the machine tool; and an operation panel control unit that controls the machine tool operation panel, The acquisition unit First information including a replacement reference value based on a wear limit of each of the plurality of tools, a material of a workpiece, machining conditions, and a machining program; and the wear amount of each of one or more tools used in executing the machining program among the plurality of tools can be acquired; The operation panel control unit When new first information is input after the input of the first information and the wear amount, a replacement time for each of one or more planned-to-use tools to be used in the machining program included in the new first information among the plurality of tools is determined based on the first information, the wear amount, the new first information, and the replacement reference value, the replacement time being a time before the start of planned use time at which the planned-to-use tool will reach its life when the planned-to-use tool is used in accordance with the new first information; determining the number of tools in stock at the time of replacement based on second information and the new first information, the second information including the number of tools in stock, the number of tools ordered which is the number of the tools scheduled to be used that have already been ordered, and the tool ordering period which is the period from ordering to delivery, which are acquired from the first communication unit; When at least a reference condition regarding the replacement time is satisfied, a recommended procurement time for the tool scheduled to be used, which is determined based on the tool procurement period and the replacement time, is output to the output unit.

2. 2. The machine tool control panel according to claim 1, The output unit includes a second communication unit that notifies an external device used to arrange for a tool of the recommended arrangement time.

3. 3. The machine tool control panel according to claim 2, The acquisition unit is an operation panel for a machine tool, which can acquire the amount of wear by operation by an operator.

4. 4. The machine tool control panel according to claim 3, The operation panel control unit displays the recommended arrangement time on the display unit.

5. 5. The machine tool control panel according to claim 4, the plurality of tools includes a plurality of tools that are also used for other machine tools, A machine tool control panel in which the number of tools in stock does not include tools assigned to the tools scheduled for use.

6. 6. The machine tool control panel according to claim 5, The operation panel control unit displays a predetermined message on the display unit to prompt the user to make arrangements for the tool scheduled to be used when the recommended arrangement time arrives.

7. 1. A tool management system, comprising: a machine tool; a machine tool control panel used to operate the machine tool; and an inventory management device that manages an inventory of a plurality of tools used in the machine tool, an acquisition unit capable of acquiring information; an output unit that outputs information and includes a display unit; a first communication unit that communicates with an inventory management device that manages an inventory of a plurality of tools used in the machine tool; and an operation panel control unit that controls the machine tool operation panel, The acquisition unit First information including a replacement reference value based on a wear limit of each of the plurality of tools, a material of a workpiece, machining conditions, and a machining program; and the wear amount of each of one or more tools used in executing the machining program among the plurality of tools can be acquired; The operation panel control unit When new first information is input after the input of the first information and the wear amount, a replacement time for each of one or more planned-to-use tools to be used in the machining program included in the new first information among the plurality of tools is determined based on the first information, the wear amount, the new first information, and the replacement reference value, the replacement time being a time before the start of planned use time at which the planned-to-use tool will reach its life when the planned-to-use tool is used in accordance with the new first information; determining the number of tools in stock at the time of replacement based on second information and the new first information, the second information including the number of tools in stock, the number of tools ordered which is the number of the tools scheduled to be used that have already been ordered, and the tool ordering period which is the period from ordering to delivery, which are acquired from the first communication unit; When at least a reference condition regarding the replacement time is satisfied, a recommended procurement time for the tool scheduled to be used, which is determined based on the tool procurement period and the replacement time, is output to the output unit.

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