Mold changing support device

Abstract

To automatically calculate and display the replacement sequence for multiple molds that make up a mold set. [Solution] The storage unit 622 of the support control device 62 stores relation data that separately defines whether each of the multiple molds constituting the same mold set is in a first positional relationship or a second positional relationship, and a specific exchange order that matches the said relation data, and a relation R. Specification data that specifies the mold set to be exchanged is input through the operation input unit 611 of the display device 61. The positional relationship acquisition unit 623 of the mold exchange support device 60 acquires the relative positional relationship for each of the multiple molds constituting the mold set to be exchanged. The exchange order output unit 624 of the mold exchange support device 60 calculates a specific exchange order from the relation R in the storage unit 622 based on the acquired relative positional relationships, and outputs the calculated specific exchange order to the display unit 612 of the display device 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mold replacement support device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, press working machines for performing press working on workpieces (so-called workpieces) have been widely used (for example, see Patent Document 1). A press working machine has a mold, and the workpiece is press-worked using the mold. Also, as a press working machine, there is one having a plurality (for example, four) of press machines that sequentially apply press working to the same workpiece. Molds are separately attached to the plurality of press machines. In this press working machine, press working is performed on the workpiece in the order of the first press machine, the second press machine, the third press machine, and the fourth press machine.

[0003] With such a press working machine, by replacing a mold set composed of a plurality of molds separately attached to the plurality of press machines, it becomes possible to manufacture a plurality of types of workpieces (products) using the plurality of press machines. In this case, in the factory where the press working machine is installed, there are provided a mold storage for storing mold sets not used in the press working machine, a crane device for transporting the mold to be replaced when replacing the mold set, and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Normally, in the mold storage, the mold sets are stored in a flat state or stacked in two layers so as not to overlap with the molds constituting other mold sets under a predetermined storage rule. Here, it is conceivable that in the mold storage area, multiple molds constituting a mold set be stored separately in a two-tiered arrangement, allowing them to overlap vertically with molds constituting other mold sets. This allows for efficient use of the upper storage space in the mold storage area, thereby increasing the space efficiency for mold storage in that area.

[0006] However, in this case, the arrangement of multiple molds constituting the same mold set in the mold storage area may not be consistent. Therefore, depending on the order in which multiple molds are exchanged, extra work may be required, such as operating the crane in an idle state without transporting any molds, or having to move obstructing molds in the mold storage area, in order to return the storage state of multiple molds to the predetermined state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A die change support device for solving the above problems is a die change support device for a factory having a press machine that has a plurality of press machines that sequentially apply press working to the same workpiece, and a die storage area that stores the plurality of dies separately in a flat state or stacked in two layers, allowing dies included in different die sets to overlap in the vertical direction, and the die change support device assists in the work of changing the die set provided in the press machine to the die set to be changed stored in the die storage area, wherein the exchange sequence is defined as the exchange sequence in which the plurality of dies constituting the same die set are exchanged, the exchange sequence is such that the movement of each of the plurality of dies can be completed in a single movement, and the storage state of the plurality of dies in the die storage area can be set to a predetermined storage state, and the die storage area In a mold exchange support device, the relative positional relationship between each of the plurality of molds and other molds is such that the relative positional relationship in which no other molds are stored vertically above is defined as the first positional relationship, and the relative positional relationship in which a predetermined mold is stored vertically above is defined as the second positional relationship. The mold exchange support device includes: a relationship storage unit that stores, as a calculation relationship, the relationship between relationship data that separately defines whether each of the plurality of molds constituting the same mold set is in the first positional relationship or the second positional relationship, and the specific exchange order that corresponds to the relationship data; an exchange target input unit that inputs specification data that specifies the mold set to be exchanged; a positional relationship acquisition unit that acquires the relative positional relationship for each of the plurality of molds constituting the mold set to be exchanged; and an exchange order output unit that calculates the specific exchange order from the calculation relationship based on the acquired relative positional relationship and outputs the calculated specific exchange order to a notification device.

[0008] In the above configuration, each mold is stored in the mold storage area either in a flat stack or in a two-tiered stack. Therefore, a mold in the first positional relationship, i.e., a mold that is not stored vertically above by other molds constituting the same mold set, can be moved and replaced without moving the other molds. On the other hand, a mold in the second positional relationship, i.e., a mold that is stored vertically above by other molds constituting the same mold set, can be moved and replaced by moving the other molds. Thus, the replacement order of multiple molds constituting the same mold set is restricted by whether each of the multiple molds is in the first or second positional relationship.

[0009] According to the above configuration, a relationship (the calculation relationship) is defined and stored for calculating a specific replacement sequence suitable for replacing a mold set, based on information regarding whether each of the multiple molds constituting the same mold set is in a first positional relationship or a second positional relationship. Therefore, by using this calculation relationship, a specific replacement sequence for the mold set corresponding to the specified data, i.e., the mold set to be replaced, can be obtained and output to the notification device.

[0010] Therefore, with the above configuration, a specific exchange sequence suitable for exchanging the mold set to be replaced can be automatically calculated and presented to the operator by a notification device, with only a few steps, such as inputting specification data to specify the mold set to be replaced. The operator can then exchange the mold set in order by following the specific exchange sequence notified by the notification device, so that the storage state of the multiple molds in the mold storage area reaches a predetermined state through only one movement of each mold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the replacement sequence of multiple molds constituting a mold set can be automatically calculated and presented. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a factory to which a mold change support device of one embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a table showing the various molds that make up the two types of mold sets. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a mold change support device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the procedure for replacing the mold set. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a table showing an example of the replacement sequence for multiple molds that make up a mold set. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of various screens displayed on the display unit of a display device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the default storage conditions in the mold storage area. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a table showing the processing details of judgment processes 1 to 10. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a table showing the processing details of judgment processes 11 to 19. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] An embodiment of the mold change support device will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. <Pressing machine 20> As shown in Figure 1, the factory 10 is equipped with a press machine 20. The press machine 20 has four presses 21 to 24 that sequentially apply press processing to the same workpiece (hereinafter referred to as workpiece W). Specifically, the press machine 20 has a first press 21 that applies press processing first, a second press 22 that applies press processing second, a third press 23 that applies press processing third, and a fourth press 24 that applies press processing fourth. The press machine 20 is equipped with a total of four dies 31 to 34, one for each of the four presses 21 to 24. The press machine 20 manufactures multiple types of workpieces by changing the die set 30 consisting of the four dies 31 to 34.

[0014] <Die set 30> The die set 30 is composed of a first die 31 attached to the first press 21, a second die 32 attached to the second press 22, a third die 33 attached to the third press 23, and a fourth die 34 attached to the fourth press 24.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, two types of the die sets 30 are prepared. Hereinafter, among the dies 31 to 34 constituting the die set 30, the type of die that actually performs press working on the workpiece W is referred to as a "processing die". Also, the type of die that does not actually perform press working on the workpiece W, that is, the type of die that passes through the presses 21 to 24 without pressing the workpiece W is referred to as a "non-processing die".

[0016] In the first type of die set 30, all four dies 31 to 34 are constituted by processing dies. In the second type of die set 30, the four dies 31 to 34 are constituted by three processing dies and one non-processing die (so-called through-pass). In the present embodiment, a plurality of sets of the first type of die set 30 and the second type of die set 30 are provided respectively.

[0017] In the second type of die set 30, the non-processing die is defined as the second die 32. And the second die 32 which is the non-processing die is shared among a plurality of second type of die sets 30. Specifically, only one shared non-processing die is prepared. And when performing press working using the second type of die set 30, the shared non-processing die is attached to the second press 22 regardless of which of the plurality of second type of die sets 30 is used.

[0018] <First loading / unloading section 25, second loading / unloading section 26> As shown in Figure 1, the press machine 20 has a first loading / unloading section 25 and a second loading / unloading section 26 for loading and unloading the four dies 31 to 34 that make up the die set 30. When replacing the die set 30, the four dies 31 to 34 that make up the die set 30 are selectively loaded or unloaded into either the first loading / unloading section 25 or the second loading / unloading section 26.

[0019] The first loading / unloading section 25 is composed of four moving bolsters 251, 252, 253, and 254. The second loading / unloading section 26 is composed of four moving bolsters 261, 262, 263, and 264.

[0020] The first mold 31 is loaded into or unloaded from the moving bolsters 251 and 261. By moving the moving bolsters 251 and 261 into the first press machine 21 with the first mold 31 on it, the first mold 31 can be attached to the first press machine 21. Conversely, by removing the moving bolsters 251 and 261 from the first press machine 21 with the first mold 31 on it, the first mold 31 can be removed from the first press machine 21.

[0021] The second mold 32 is loaded into or unloaded from the moving bolsters 252 and 262. By moving the moving bolsters 252 and 262 into the second press machine 22 with the second mold 32 on it, the second mold 32 can be attached to the second press machine 22. Conversely, by removing the moving bolsters 252 and 262 from the second press machine 22 with the second mold 32 on it, the second mold 32 can be removed from the second press machine 22.

[0022] The third die 33 is loaded into or unloaded from the moving bolsters 253 and 263. By moving the moving bolsters 253 and 263 into the third press machine 23 with the third die 33 on it, the third die 33 can be attached to the third press machine 23. Conversely, by removing the moving bolsters 253 and 263 from the third press machine 23 with the third die 33 on it, the third die 33 can be removed from the third press machine 23.

[0023] The fourth die 34 is loaded into or unloaded from the moving bolsters 254 and 264. By moving the moving bolsters 254 and 264 into the fourth press machine 24 with the fourth die 34 on it, the fourth die 34 can be attached to the fourth press machine 24. Conversely, by removing the moving bolsters 254 and 264 from the fourth press machine 24 with the fourth die 34 on it, the fourth die 34 can be removed from the fourth press machine 24.

[0024] <Mold storage area 40> A mold storage area 40 is provided in the factory 10. The mold storage area 40 stores mold sets 30 that are not used in the press machine 20. The mold storage area 40 is designated as a first space 41 for storing processing molds and a second space 42 for storing non-processing molds.

[0025] In the first space 41, the processing dies (specifically, the four dies 31-34 that make up the first type of die set 30, and the first die 31, third die 33, and fourth die 34 that make up the second type of die set 30) are stored separately, either lying flat or stacked in two layers. When storing the dies 31-34 in the first space 41, it is permissible to stack dies 31-34 from different die sets 30 vertically. For example, as shown in Figure 1, it is permissible for the third die 33 of the first die set 30 (labeled "A4" in Figure 1) and the first die 31 of the second die set 30 (labeled "B1" in Figure 1) to be stacked vertically.

[0026] The second space 42 stores non-processing molds (specifically, the second mold 32 which constitutes the second type mold set 30). More specifically, the second space 42 stores the second mold 32, which is a non-processing mold, when the second type mold set 30 is not loaded into either the first loading / unloading section 25 or the second loading / unloading section 26 of the press machine 20.

[0027] <Crane device 50> Factory 10 is equipped with a crane device 50. The crane device 50 comprises a crane body 51, a trolley 52, a hoist 53, a crane control device 54, an operating switch unit 55, and a wireless communication device 56.

[0028] The crane body 51 is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction along the travel rail (X direction). The crane body 51 is connected to an X-direction moving device 511 for moving the crane body 51 in the X direction. The X-direction moving device 511 includes, for example, an electric motor and an inverter as a motor drive device.

[0029] The trolley 52 is attached to the crane body 51. The trolley 52 is configured to be movable horizontally relative to the crane body 51 in a direction perpendicular to the X direction (Y direction). The trolley 52 is connected to a Y-direction moving device 521 for moving the trolley 52 in the Y direction relative to the crane body 51. The Y-direction moving device 521 includes, for example, an electric motor and an inverter.

[0030] The hoist 53 suspends the molds 31-34 to be replaced. The hoist 53 is fixed to the trolley 52. ​​By operating the hoist 53, the suspended molds 31-34 can be moved vertically (Z direction). The hoist 53 is equipped with a Z-direction moving device 531 for performing hoisting or lowering. The Z-direction moving device 531 includes, for example, an electric motor and an inverter.

[0031] The crane control device 54 includes a control unit 541 consisting of one or more processors, and a storage unit 542 that stores various data for performing operational control of the crane device 50. The storage unit 542 stores a program that causes the control unit 541 to execute processes related to the operational control of the crane device 50. The control unit 541 reads this program and executes various processes related to the operational control of the crane device 50.

[0032] The operation switch unit 55 is an operation switch operated by the operator when operating the crane device 50. The operation switch unit 55 is a so-called wireless remote control. In this embodiment, the operation signal from the operation switch unit 55 is input to the crane control device 54 via wireless communication between the wireless communication unit built into the operation switch unit 55 and the wireless communication device 56. The crane control device 54 is also connected to an X-direction movement device 511, a Y-direction movement device 521, and a Z-direction movement device 531.

[0033] The crane control device 54 performs various controls on the operation of the crane device 50, such as controlling the operation of the X-direction moving device 511, the Y-direction moving device 521, and the Z-direction moving device 531, in response to the operation of the operation switch unit 55 by the operator. As a result, the molds 31 to 34 suspended from the crane device 50 can be moved in the X, Y, and Z directions and transported to the desired position.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when replacing the mold set 30, the crane device 50 transports each of the molds 31 to 34 that make up the mold set 30 from one of the press machine 20 and the mold storage area 40 to the other. Specifically, as shown by arrow AR1 in Figure 4, the crane device transports the molds (shown as Z1, Z3, and Z4 in the figure) that make up the mold set 30 after use by the press machine 20 from the press machine 20 to the mold storage area 40. Also, as shown by arrow AR2 in Figure 4, the crane device transports the molds (shown as A1, A3, and A4 in the figure) that make up the mold set 30 to be used by the press machine 20 from the mold storage area 40 to the press machine 20.

[0035] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the crane device 50 transports multiple molds 31 to 34 in the following order: First, the third mold 33 (Z3) of the used mold set 30 is transported from the press machine 20 to the mold storage area 40. Then, the third mold 33 (A3) of the mold set 30 to be used is transported from the mold storage area 40 to the press machine 20. Then, the first mold 31 (Z1) of the used mold set 30 is transported from the press machine 20 to the mold storage area 40. Then, the first mold 31 (A1) of the mold set 30 to be used is transported from the mold storage area 40 to the press machine 20. Then, the fourth mold 34 (Z4) of the used mold set 30 is transported from the press machine 20 to the mold storage area 40. Then, the fourth mold 34 (A4) of the mold set 30 to be used is transported from the mold storage area 40 to the press machine 20. In this case, the second die 32 (a shared non-processing die) of the die set 30 after use is not removed from the press machine 20 because it will also be used in the die set 30 scheduled for use.

[0036] The wireless communication device 56 is a communication device that conforms to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The wireless communication device 56 is connected to the crane control device 54. Through wireless communication by the wireless communication device 56, data can be sent and received between the crane control device 54 and other devices (such as the support control device 62 and mobile terminal 64, which will be described later).

[0037] <Mold change support device 60> In this embodiment, when replacing a mold set 30 provided in a press machine 20 (Figure 1) with a mold set 30 to be replaced stored in a mold storage area 40, the mold change support device 60 presents the operator with the replacement sequence of the multiple molds 31 to 34 that make up the mold set 30.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the mold change support device 60 includes a display device 61, a support control device 62, a wireless communication device 63, and a mobile terminal 64. The display device 61 is a device having a touch interface. The display device 61 has an operation input unit 611 and a display unit 612. The operation input unit 611 uses physical keys on a touch panel as its input interface. In this embodiment, various operations are performed through the operation of the operation input unit 611, such as inputting designation data D (for example, a mold identification number) to specify the mold set 30 to be replaced, or displaying the replacement order of the four molds 31 to 34 that constitute the designated mold set 30. In this embodiment, the operation input unit 611 corresponds to the replacement target input unit.

[0039] The display unit 612 displays various screens to support the replacement work of the mold set 30, such as an input screen for entering specified data D and a display screen for displaying the replacement sequence of the four molds 31 to 34. Figure 6 shows an example of the various screens displayed on the display unit 612. In the example shown in Figure 6, the input screen for entering specified data D displays the specified data D entered through the operation of the operation input unit 611, specifically the mold identification number "101". In addition, in the display screen that displays the specific replacement sequence, the "Sequence 1" column corresponding to the first order displays "3" indicating the third mold 33, and the "Sequence 2" column corresponding to the second order displays "1" indicating the first mold 31. Furthermore, in the above display screen, the "Sequence 3" column corresponding to the third order displays "4" indicating the fourth mold 34, and the "Sequence 4" column corresponding to the fourth order displays "2" indicating the second mold 32.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the support control device 62 includes a control unit 621 consisting of one or more processors, and a storage unit 622 that stores various data for executing a process to present the replacement order of the four molds 31 to 34 that constitute the mold set 30 to be replaced. The storage unit 622 stores a program that causes the control unit 621 to execute a process to present the replacement order of the four molds 31 to 34 that constitute the mold set 30 to be replaced. The control unit 621 reads this program and executes various processes related to presenting the replacement order.

[0041] The memory unit 622 pre-stores a relationship R between the relative positional relationship of the multiple molds 31 to 34 that constitute the mold set 30 in the mold storage area 40, and the replacement order suitable for replacing the mold set 30 with the same relative positional relationship. In this embodiment, the above relationship R corresponds to the relationship for calculation, and the memory unit 622 corresponds to the relationship storage unit.

[0042] The wireless communication device 63 is a communication device that conforms to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The wireless communication device 63 is connected to the support control device 62. Through wireless communication by this wireless communication device 63, data can be sent and received between the support control device 62 and other devices (the crane control device 54 and the mobile terminal 64).

[0043] The memory unit 622 stores the positions of the four molds 31-34 that make up all mold sets 30. The positions of each mold 31-34 stored in the memory unit 622 are updated as needed based on the operating status of the crane control device 54. The operating status of the crane control device 54 includes the operating position of the X-direction moving device 511 (electric motor), the operating position of the Y-direction moving device 521 (electric motor), and the operating position of the Z-direction moving device 531 (electric motor). Specifically, the support control device 62 receives data related to the operating status of the crane control device 54 from the crane control device 54 via wireless communication. Based on this data related to the operating status of the crane control device 54, the support control device 62 identifies the molds 31-34 that are moved by the crane device 50 and determines the positions of the molds 31-34. The support control device 62 then updates and stores the determined moving positions as the positions of the molds 31-34.

[0044] The mobile terminal 64 includes a control unit 641, a display device 643, and a wireless communication unit 644. The control unit 641 consists of one or more processors. The control unit 641 performs various controls related to the operation control of the mobile terminal 64, such as the operation control of the display device 643 and the operation control of the wireless communication unit 644.

[0045] The display device 643 is a device having a touch interface. The display device 643 has an operation input unit 65 and a display unit 66. The operation input unit 65 uses physical keys on a touch panel as its input interface. In this embodiment, various operations are performed through the operation of the operation input unit 65, such as inputting designation data D (mold identification number) to specify the mold set 30 to be replaced, and displaying the replacement order of the four molds 31 to 34 that constitute the designated mold set 30. In this embodiment, the operation input unit 65 corresponds to the replacement target input unit. The display unit 66 displays various screens to support the replacement work of the mold set 30, such as an input screen for inputting designation data D and a display screen for displaying the replacement order of the four molds 31 to 34.

[0046] The wireless communication unit 644 is, for example, a wireless communication module conforming to the Wi-Fi® standard. Through wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 644, data can be sent and received between the mobile terminal 64 and other devices (crane control device 54 and support control device 62).

[0047] In this embodiment, a suitable replacement sequence for replacing the mold set 30 to be replaced (hereinafter referred to as the "specific replacement sequence") is presented to the mobile terminal 64 in the following manner. First, when the specified data D is input through the operation of the operation input unit 65, the specified data D is transmitted to the support control device 62 via wireless communication, and a request is made to execute a process to determine the specific replacement sequence. In response to this request, the support control device 62 determines the specific replacement sequence and transmits the determined specific replacement sequence to the mobile terminal 64 via wireless communication. The specific replacement sequence is then displayed (presented) on the display device 643 of the mobile terminal 64.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the worker can perform the mold set replacement work 30 while carrying the mobile terminal 64 and checking the specific replacement sequence displayed on the mobile terminal 64.

[0049] The support control device 62 includes a position relationship acquisition unit 623 and an exchange sequence output unit 624 as functional units. <Position relationship acquisition unit 623> When the specified data D is input through the operation of the operation input units 611 and 65, the position relationship acquisition unit 623 acquires the relative position relationship of each of the multiple molds 31 to 34 that constitute the mold set 30 corresponding to the specified data D, i.e., the mold set 30 to be replaced. Specifically, the position relationship acquisition unit 623 acquires the positions of the molds 31 to 34 stored in the storage unit 622, and the storage positions in the mold storage area 40 for each of the multiple molds 31 to 34 that constitute the mold set 30 corresponding to the specified data D.

[0050] <Exchange sequence output unit 624> The exchange sequence output unit 624 calculates a specific exchange sequence from the relationship R stored in the storage unit 622, based on the relative positional relationships of each of the multiple molds 31 to 34 acquired by the positional relationship acquisition unit 623. The exchange sequence output unit 624 outputs the calculated specific exchange sequence to the display unit 612 of the display device 61 or the display unit 66 of the mobile terminal 64.

[0051] In this embodiment, the relationship R stored in the memory unit 622 is defined as a relationship that can calculate a specific exchange sequence that satisfies all of the following [exchange condition 1], [exchange condition 2], and [exchange condition 3]. As a result, the mold exchange support device 60 of this embodiment calculates and presents an exchange sequence that satisfies all of [exchange condition 1], [exchange condition 2], and [exchange condition 3] as a specific exchange sequence.

[0052] [Exchange Condition 1] The mold storage area 40 shall be in a predetermined storage state in which the first mold 31 is stored on the upper level of a two-tiered stack. In a press machine 20 having multiple presses 21-24 that sequentially apply press working to the same workpiece W, the overall shape of the workpiece W is often determined by the first press 21, which applies the press working first. In this case, the workpiece W is press-worked over a wide area by the first press 21. On the other hand, the shape of only a part of the workpiece W is often determined by the third press 23 and fourth press 24, which apply the press working in the latter half of the process. In this case, a part of the workpiece W is partially press-worked by the third press 23 and fourth press 24. From these points, the first die 31 attached to the first press 21 is more susceptible to the effects of foreign matter intrusion compared to the dies 32, 33, and 34 attached to the other presses 22-24, because it applies press working over a wider area. Taking this into consideration, the above [exchange condition 1] is defined in this embodiment. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, when the first mold 31 is stored in the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 is stored on the upper level of the two-tiered stack to prevent foreign objects falling from the other molds 32-34 from entering the first mold 31.

[0053] [Exchange Condition 2] Of the multiple molds 31-34, the second mold 32 is to be replaced first (1st) or last (4th). Here, when exchanging multiple molds 31-34, the processing molds are moved between the mold storage area 40 and the first loading / unloading section 25 (or the second loading / unloading section 26). In contrast, non-processing molds are shared, so their movement during exchange differs from that of the processing molds. For example, they may be left in the first loading / unloading section 25 or the second loading / unloading section 26 without being moved, or they may be moved from one loading / unloading section 25 to the other. Therefore, when exchanging the second type of mold set 30, depending on the exchange operation, three processing molds (first mold 31, third mold 33, and fourth mold 34) may be placed in the first loading / unloading section 25, and one non-processing mold (second mold 32) may be placed in the second loading / unloading section 26. In this case, the parts to be replaced are two locations, the first loading / unloading section 25 and the second loading / unloading section 26, which may make it difficult to perform the exchange operation smoothly.

[0054] Taking this into consideration, in this embodiment, as specified in [Exchange Condition 2] above, the second mold 32 is to be exchanged first (1st) or last (4th). This allows the exchange of the second mold 32, which includes the non-processing mold, to be performed before the exchange of the other three processing molds (first mold 31, third mold 33, and fourth mold 34), or after the exchange of the three processing molds. This eliminates the need for the exchange of the non-processing mold (second mold 32), which has a different movement pattern, between the exchange of the three processing molds, thus allowing the exchange of the mold set 30 to be performed smoothly.

[0055] [Exchange Condition 3] The movement of each of the four molds 31 to 34 that make up the mold set 30 can be completed in a single movement without the movement of any other molds 31 to 34 that make up the same mold set 30 in between.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, an example of such movement configurations, the replacement of the mold set 30 can be efficiently carried out by moving the molds 31 to 34 in the manner specified in [Exchange Condition 3] above. If the molds 31 to 34 of another mold set 30 are stored vertically above the molds 31 to 34 of the mold set 30 to be replaced in the mold storage area 40, the molds 31 to 34 of the other mold set 30 are moved out of the way before the molds 31 to 34 of the mold set 30 to be replaced are moved.

[0057] Here, the relative positional relationship for each of the molds 31 to 34 is defined as follows: the first positional relationship is when no other molds 31 to 34 are stored vertically above, and the second positional relationship is when a specific mold 31 to 34 is stored vertically above among the other molds 31 to 34.

[0058] In the mold storage area 40, each mold 31-34 is stored either in a flat stack or in a two-tiered stack (see Figure 4). Therefore, molds 31-34 in the first positional relationship, i.e., molds 31-34 that are not stored vertically above by other molds 31-34 that constitute the same mold set 30, can be moved and replaced without moving the other molds 31-34. On the other hand, molds 31-34 in the second positional relationship, i.e., molds 31-34 that are stored vertically above by other molds 31-34 that constitute the same mold set 30, can be moved and replaced by moving the other molds 31-34. Thus, the replacement order of multiple molds 31-34 that constitute the same mold set 30 is restricted by whether each of the multiple molds 31-34 is in the first or second positional relationship.

[0059] In this embodiment, the inventors have predetermined a relationship between relational data, which defines whether each of the multiple molds 31 to 34 constituting the same mold set 30 is in a first positional relationship or a second positional relationship, and a specific exchange order corresponding to that relational data. The determined relationship is then stored in the storage unit 622 of the support control device 62 as the relation R used to calculate the specific exchange order. In this embodiment, the specific exchange order is calculated using this relation R and the relative positional relationship (specifically, the first positional relationship or the second positional relationship) for each of the molds 31 to 34. This specific exchange order is then output and displayed on the display unit 612 of the display device 61 and the display unit 66 of the mobile terminal 64. According to this embodiment, a relation R for calculating a specific exchange order suitable for exchanging the mold set 30 is predetermined and stored based on information on whether each of the multiple molds 31 to 34 constituting the same mold set 30 is in a first positional relationship or a second positional relationship. Therefore, by using this relationship R, a specific replacement sequence for the mold set 30 to be replaced can be determined and output to the display units 612 and 66.

[0060] In this embodiment, when calculating a specific exchange order, the exchange order output unit 624 executes the [Decision Process 1] to [Decision Process 19] shown in Figures 8 and 9 in order. Each of the [Decision Process 1] to [Decision Process 19] has a defined "Decision Condition" associated with the specific exchange order. In each of the [Decision Process 1] to [Decision Process 19], it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned Decision Condition is met. In this embodiment, by executing the [Decision Process 1] to [Decision Process 19] in order, regardless of the storage condition of the multiple molds 31 to 34 in the mold storage area 40, one of the Decision Conditions in the [Decision Process 1] to [Decision Process 19] is met.

[0061] Then, the "specific exchange sequence" associated with the first [judgment process N (where N is a natural number)] in which the judgment condition was met is calculated as the specific exchange sequence suitable for exchanging the mold set 30 to be exchanged. For example, if the judgment condition is not met in the first [judgment process 1], but is met in the second [judgment process 2], the specific exchange sequence associated with [judgment process 2] (the exchange sequence of the fourth mold 34, the first mold 31, the third mold 33, and the second mold 32) is calculated.

[0062] The specific replacement sequence calculated in this way is output and displayed on the display unit 612 of the support control device 62 and the display unit 66 of the mobile terminal 64 (see Figure 6). This presents the operator with a specific replacement sequence suitable for replacing the mold set 30.

[0063] The following shows the [Judgment Process 1] to [Judgment Process 19]. [Decision Process 1] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 and the third mold 33 are stored on the upper level, and the second mold 32 is not stored vertically above the fourth mold 34.

[0064] (Specific exchange order) The first is the third mold 33, the second is the first mold 31, the third is the fourth mold 34, and the fourth is the second mold 32. [Decision Process 2] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 and the fourth mold 34 are stored on the upper level, and the second mold 32 is not stored vertically above the third mold 33.

[0065] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 4 34, the second is mold 1 31, the third is mold 33, and the fourth is mold 2 32. [Decision Process 3] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 and the second mold 32 are stored on the upper level, and the first mold 31 is stored vertically above the fourth mold 34.

[0066] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 2 32, the second is mold 33, the third is mold 1 31, and the fourth is mold 4 34. [Decision Process 4] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 and the second mold 32 are stored on the upper level, and the second mold 32 is stored vertically above the third mold 33.

[0067] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 2 32, the second is mold 33, the third is mold 1 31, and the fourth is mold 4 34. [Decision Process 5] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 and the second mold 32 are stored on the upper level, and the first mold 31 is stored vertically above the third mold 33.

[0068] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 2 32, the second is mold 4 34, the third is mold 1 31, and the fourth is mold 33. [Decision Process 6] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 and the second mold 32 are stored on the upper level, and the second mold 32 is stored vertically above the fourth mold 34.

[0069] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 2 32, the second is mold 4 34, the third is mold 1 31, and the fourth is mold 33. [Decision Process 7] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the second mold 32 and the third mold 33 are stored on the upper level, and the fourth mold 34 is not stored vertically above the first mold 31.

[0070] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 2 32, the second is mold 33, the third is mold 1 31, and the fourth is mold 4 34. [Decision Process 8] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the second mold 32 and the fourth mold 34 are stored on the upper level, and the third mold 33 is not stored vertically above the first mold 31.

[0071] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 2 32, the second is mold 4 34, the third is mold 1 31, and the fourth is mold 33. [Decision Process 9] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the third mold 33 and the fourth mold 34 are stored on the upper level, and the third mold 33 is stored vertically above the first mold 31.

[0072] (Specific exchange order) The first is the third mold 33, the second is the first mold 31, the third is the fourth mold 34, and the fourth is the second mold 32. [Decision Process 10] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the third mold 33 and the fourth mold 34 are stored on the upper level, and the fourth mold 34 is stored vertically above the second mold 32.

[0073] (Specific exchange order) The first is the third mold 33, the second is the first mold 31, the third is the fourth mold 34, and the fourth is the second mold 32. [Determination Process 11] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the third mold 33 and the fourth mold 34 are stored on the upper level, and the fourth mold 34 is stored vertically above the first mold 31.

[0074] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 4 34, the second is mold 1 31, the third is mold 33, and the fourth is mold 2 32. [Decision Process 12] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the third mold 33 and the fourth mold 34 are stored on the upper level, and the third mold 33 is stored vertically above the second mold 32.

[0075] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 4 34, the second is mold 1 31, the third is mold 33, and the fourth is mold 2 32. [Decision Process 13] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the third mold 33 is stored on the upper level.

[0076] (Specific exchange order) The first is the third mold 33, the second is the first mold 31, the third is the fourth mold 34, and the fourth is the second mold 32. [Decision Process 14] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the fourth mold 34 is stored on the upper level.

[0077] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 4 34, the second is mold 1 31, the third is mold 33, and the fourth is mold 2 32. [Decision Process 15] (Decision condition) In the mold storage area 40, the second mold 32 is stored on the upper level.

[0078] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 2 32, the second is mold 33, the third is mold 1 31, and the fourth is mold 4 34. [Decision Process 16] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 is stored on the upper level, and the first mold 31 is stored vertically above the third mold 33.

[0079] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 2 32, the second is mold 4 34, the third is mold 1 31, and the fourth is mold 33. [Decision Process 17] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 is stored on the upper level, and the first mold 31 is stored vertically above the fourth mold 34.

[0080] (Specific exchange order) The first is mold 2 32, the second is mold 33, the third is mold 1 31, and the fourth is mold 4 34. [Decision Process 18] (Determination conditions) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 is stored on the upper level, and the first mold 31 is stored vertically above the second mold 32.

[0081] (Specific exchange order) The first is the third mold 33, the second is the first mold 31, the third is the fourth mold 34, and the fourth is the second mold 32. [Decision Process 19] (Decision condition) In the mold storage area 40, the first mold 31 is stored on the upper level.

[0082] (Specific exchange order) The first is the third mold 33, the second is the first mold 31, the third is the fourth mold 34, and the fourth is the second mold 32. The following describes in detail the process of calculating and displaying a specific exchange sequence (calculation and display process). The calculation and display process is executed by the support control device 62 as a process at predetermined intervals.

[0083] In this process, it is first determined whether or not the specified data D has been input through the operation input unit 611 of the display device 61 or the operation input unit 65 of the mobile terminal 64 (S11). If the specified data D has not been input (S11: NO), the following processes (S12~S14) are not executed.

[0084] On the other hand, if specified data D is entered (S11:YES), the storage position in the mold storage area 40 for each of the multiple molds 31 to 34 that constitute the mold set 30 corresponding to the specified data D is obtained (S12).

[0085] Subsequently, based on the storage positions obtained in the S12 process, and more specifically the relative positional relationships (first positional relationship or second positional relationship) of each of the molds 31 to 34 determined by those storage positions within the mold storage area 40, a specific replacement sequence is calculated from the relationship R (S13). In the S13 process, specifically, the [determination process 1] to [determination process 19] are executed in order. The "specific replacement sequence" associated with the [determination process N] that first satisfies the determination conditions is calculated as the specific replacement sequence suitable for replacing the mold set 30 to be replaced.

[0086] Subsequently, the specific exchange sequence calculated in the S13 process is output to the display unit 612 of the display device 61 and the display unit 66 of the mobile terminal 64 (S14). As a result, the specific exchange sequence is displayed on each of the display units 612 and 66.

[0087] <Operation and Effects of This Embodiment> (1) A relationship R used to calculate a specific replacement order is stored in the storage unit 622. This relationship R is defined as a relationship that allows for the calculation of a specific replacement order suitable for replacing the mold set 30, based on information that each of the multiple molds 31 to 34 constituting the same mold set 30 is in either a first positional relationship or a second positional relationship.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the above relationship R can be used to calculate a specific replacement sequence for the mold set 30 corresponding to the specified data D, i.e., the mold set 30 to be replaced. The calculated specific replacement sequence can then be output and displayed on the display unit 66 of the display device 61 or the display unit 66 of the mobile terminal 64. Therefore, with fewer steps, such as inputting the specified data D that specifies the mold set 30 to be replaced, the specific replacement sequence suitable for replacing the mold set 30 can be automatically calculated and displayed on the display units 612 and 66 for the operator to see. The operator can then replace the molds 31 to 34 in order according to the presented specific replacement sequence, thereby replacing the mold set 30 so that the storage state of the molds 31 to 34 in the mold storage area 40 becomes a predetermined storage state through only one movement of each mold 31 to 34.

[0089] (2) The default storage state is one in which the first die 31, which is attached to the first press machine 21 that performs the initial press work among the multiple press machines 21 to 24, is stored on the upper level when the machines are stacked in two levels (see Figure 7). In the above relationship R, the order of the first die 31 in a specific exchange sequence is set to be second or later.

[0090] According to the above configuration, by exchanging multiple molds 31 to 34 in a specific exchange order displayed in the display units 612 and 66, it becomes possible to store other molds 32 to 34 that are to be exchanged before the first mold 31 in a flat position in the mold storage area 40. Therefore, even if there are no flat-positioned molds 32 to 34 in the mold storage area 40 that can be stored by stacking the first mold 31 vertically above them, such flat-positioned molds 32 to 34 can be prepared in the mold storage area 40 before the first mold 31 is exchanged. As a result, when the first mold 31 is subsequently exchanged, it can be stored by stacking the first mold 31 vertically above the other flat-positioned molds 32 to 34, thus achieving a desired storage state such as storing the first mold 31 on the upper level of a two-tiered stack.

[0091] (3) The press machine 20 has four presses 21 to 24. The die set 30 includes a first type die set 30 consisting of four processing dies and a second type die set 30 consisting of three processing dies and one non-processing die. The second type die set 30 includes multiple die sets 30 that share a non-processing die.

[0092] In this embodiment, when replacing the first type of mold set 30, four processing molds (molds 31-34) are stored in the mold storage area 40. On the other hand, when replacing the second type of mold set 30, there are cases where three processing molds (molds 31, 33, 34) and one non-processing mold (second mold 32) are stored in the mold storage area 40, and cases where three processing molds are stored, excluding the shared non-processing mold. In this embodiment, in order to improve the space efficiency for storing each mold 31-34 in the mold storage area 40, it is permissible to stack molds 31-34 from different mold sets 30 vertically. In this case, the relative positional relationship of multiple molds 31-34 in the mold storage area 40 can take on various patterns. Therefore, if multiple molds 31-34 are replaced without a predetermined replacement order, extra work may be required to return the storage state of those molds 31-34 to the predetermined storage state. Unnecessary tasks include operating the crane device 50 while it is idle and not transporting molds 31-34, and moving molds 31-34 that are in the way in the mold storage area 40.

[0093] According to this embodiment, in a factory 10 having a press machine 20 that uses a first type die set 30 and a second type die set 30, a specific replacement sequence suitable for replacing the die set 30 to be replaced can be automatically calculated and presented to the operator in fewer steps.

[0094] (4) The press machine 20 has a first loading / unloading section 25 and a second loading / unloading section 26 as parts for loading or unloading the four dies 31 to 34 that constitute the die set 30. The non-processing die that constitutes the second die set 30 is the second die 32. The specific exchange sequence defined in relation R is an exchange sequence in which the second die 32 is designated as the 1st or 4th (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0095] According to the above configuration, by sequentially replacing molds 31 to 34 in accordance with the specific replacement order displayed in the display units 612 and 66, the operation of replacing the second mold 32, which includes the non-processing mold, can be performed as follows. That is, the operation of replacing the second mold 32, which includes the non-processing mold, can be performed before the operation of replacing the other three processing molds (first mold 31, third mold 33, and fourth mold 34), or after the operation of replacing the three processing molds. As a result, the operation of replacing the non-processing mold (second mold 32), which has a different movement pattern, is not inserted between the operations of replacing the three processing molds, so that the replacement operation of the mold set 30 can be performed smoothly.

[0096] (5) The specific exchange sequence defined in relation R is an exchange sequence that includes the order of third mold 33, first mold 31, and fourth mold 34, or the order of fourth mold 34, first mold 31, and third mold 33.

[0097] According to the above configuration, by sequentially replacing molds 31 to 34 according to the specific replacement order displayed in the display units 612 and 66, it becomes possible to store the third mold 33 or fourth mold 34, which will be replaced before the first mold 31, in a flat position in the mold storage area 40. Therefore, even if there are no flat-positioned molds 31 to 34 in the mold storage area 40 that can be stored by stacking the first mold 31 vertically above them, the third mold 33 or fourth mold 34 can be placed in such a flat position before replacing the first mold 31. As a result, when replacing the first mold 31 thereafter, the first mold 31 can be stored by stacking it vertically above the flat-positioned third mold 33 or fourth mold 34, thus achieving a desired storage state where the first mold 31 is stored on the upper level of a two-tiered stack.

[0098] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0099] • Any information terminal can be used as the mobile terminal 64, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. The mobile device 64 can be omitted.

[0100] The judgment conditions for each judgment process (judgment processes 1 to 19) can be arbitrarily changed, as long as the conditions allow for the determination that the relative positional relationship of each of the multiple molds 31 to 34 in the mold storage area 40 is in accordance with the specific exchange order of the corresponding judgment process.

[0101] • As the judgment conditions for each judgment process, it is also possible to define the conditions under which a judgment can be performed by using only the judgment conditions corresponding to one judgment process. In this case, it is possible to determine whether or not the judgment conditions for each judgment process are met by a procedure other than executing [Judgment Process 1] to [Judgment Process 19] in order.

[0102] The default storage state can be changed at will. In this case, the specific exchange sequence defined in relation R above should be the sequence in which the storage state of molds 31 to 34 can be changed to the default storage state described above.

[0103] In addition to designating a first space 41 for storing processed molds and a second space 42 for storing non-processed molds in the mold storage area 40, processed molds and non-processed molds may also be stored together in the same space.

[0104] • When replacing the mold set 30, the storage positions of molds 31-34 in the mold storage area 40 and the loading positions of molds 31-34 into the press machine 20 may be entered by operating the operation input unit 611 of the display device 61 or the operation input unit 65 of the mobile terminal 64. With this configuration, the positions of each mold 31-34 can be updated as needed based on the input data and stored in the storage unit 622.

[0105] In addition to displaying the specific replacement sequence on the display units 612 and 66, the storage locations of the molds 31 to 34 to be replaced in the mold storage area 40 may also be displayed on the display units 612 and 66. Furthermore, in addition to displaying the specific replacement sequence on the display units 612 and 66, it is also possible to display information about the destination (first loading / unloading section 25 or second loading / unloading section 26) of the molds 31 to 34 to be replaced, along with information about the molds 31 to 34 located at that destination. With such a configuration, by visually checking the display units 612 and 66, the status of the molds 31 to 34 to be worked on, along with the specific replacement sequence, can be grasped, thus enabling the replacement of the mold set 30 to be carried out smoothly.

[0106] The display units 612 and 66 may also display the availability of storage space in the mold storage area 40 and candidate storage locations for the molds 31 to 34 to be removed from the press machine 20. This allows the destination of the molds 31 to 34 to be transported from the press machine 20 to be known in advance, thus enabling the smooth transport of the molds 31 to 34.

[0107] As a notification device for notifying a specific exchange sequence, in addition to employing a display device that displays the specific exchange sequence as image information, a sound-emitting device that notifies as audio information or a light-emitting device that notifies by lighting up a lamp can be employed.

[0108] The transport of molds 31-34 from one of the press machine 20 and the mold storage area 40 to the other can be done using a forklift or other means other than the crane device 50.

[0109] The mold change support device 60 according to the above embodiment can be applied to a press machine 20 having a first loading / unloading section 25 and a second loading / unloading section 26, as well as to a press machine having only one loading / unloading section.

[0110] The mold change support device 60 according to the above embodiment can also be applied to press machines having three presses, or to press machines having five or more presses. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] D...Specified data R... Relationship 10...Factory 20… Press machine 21…First press machine 22…Second press machine 23…Third press machine 24…4th press machine 25...First loading / unloading section 251-254...Moving bolster 26...Second loading / unloading section 261-264...Moving bolster 30…Mold set 31…First mold 32…Second mold 33…Third mold 34…Fourth mold 40…Mold storage area 41…Space 1 42…Second Space 50... Crane equipment 51... Crane body 511...X direction movement device 52... Trolley 521...Y-direction movement device 53...Hoist 531…Z direction movement device 54... Crane control device 541... Control Unit 542...Storage section 55...Operation switch section 56… Wireless communication device 60…Mold change support device 61...Display device 611... Operation input section 612...Display section 62...Support control device 621... Control Unit 622...Storage section 623... Positional relationship acquisition unit 624...Exchange sequence output section 63… Wireless communication device 64…Mobile devices 641... Control Unit 643…Display device 644... Wireless Communication Department 65... Operation input section 66...Display section

Claims

1. A press machine having multiple presses that sequentially apply press processing to the same workpiece, and manufacturing multiple types of workpieces by exchanging die sets consisting of multiple dies separately attached to each of the multiple presses, A mold storage area for storing the aforementioned multiple molds separately, either in a flat state or stacked in two layers, while allowing molds belonging to different mold sets to overlap vertically. A die exchange support device in a factory having the above-mentioned press machine, which assists in the work of exchanging the die set provided in the press machine with the die set to be replaced which is stored in the die storage area, A specific exchange sequence is defined as an exchange sequence in which the multiple molds constituting the same mold set are exchanged in a sequence that allows the movement of each of the multiple molds to be completed in a single movement, and allows the storage state of the multiple molds in the mold storage area to be a predetermined storage state. The relative positional relationship of each of the multiple molds in the mold storage area with respect to other molds is defined as follows: the first positional relationship is when no other molds are stored vertically above, and the second positional relationship is when a predetermined mold is stored vertically above. The mold change support device is, A relationship storage unit stores, as a calculation relationship, the relationship between relationship data that separately defines whether each of the multiple molds constituting the same mold set is in the first positional relationship or the second positional relationship, and the specific exchange order that corresponds to the relationship data. A replacement target input unit for inputting specification data that specifies the mold set to be replaced, A position relationship acquisition unit that acquires the relative position relationship for each of the plurality of molds that constitute the mold set to be replaced, A mold exchange support device comprising: an exchange sequence output unit that calculates the specific exchange sequence from the calculation relationship based on the relative position relationship acquired, and outputs the calculated specific exchange sequence to a notification device.

2. The aforementioned predetermined storage state is a storage state in which the first mold, which is attached to the first press machine that performs the initial press work among the plurality of press machines, is stored on the upper level in the state in which the machines are stacked in two levels. In the calculation relationship described above, the order of the first mold in the specific exchange sequence is determined to be second or later. The mold change support device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned press machine has four of the aforementioned press machines, The mold set includes a first type of mold set consisting of four processing molds that perform press working on the workpiece as multiple molds, and a second type of mold set consisting of three processing molds that perform press working on the workpiece as multiple molds and one non-processing mold that does not perform press working on the workpiece. The second type of mold set includes a plurality of mold sets that share the non-processing mold, A mold change support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The press machine has a first loading / unloading section and a second loading / unloading section as parts for loading or unloading the die set. When the die attached to the second press machine, which performs the second pressing operation among the four aforementioned press machines, is designated as the second die, The aforementioned non-processing mold is the second mold, The specific exchange sequence stored in the relational memory unit is an exchange sequence in which the second mold is designated as the 1st or 4th in order. The mold change support device according to claim 3.

5. Of the four press machines, when the die attached to the first press machine that performs the initial press work is designated as the first die, the die attached to the third press machine that performs the third press work is designated as the third die, and the die attached to the fourth press machine that performs the fourth press work is designated as the fourth die, The specific exchange sequence stored in the relational memory unit is an exchange sequence that includes the order of the third mold, the first mold, and the fourth mold, or the order of the fourth mold, the first mold, and the third mold. The mold change support device according to claim 4.

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