Monitoring device, operation system, monitoring system, and monitoring method

Abstract

A monitoring device for monitoring a plurality of machine tools is provided with: a display information generation unit for generating display information for displaying, on a display unit, a plurality of graphics corresponding to each of the plurality of machine tools; and an information acquisition unit that acquires information relating to the remaining life of the components of each of a plurality of machine tools, and a display information generation unit that generates the display information on the basis of the information relating to the remaining life acquired by the information acquisition unit in such a manner that a graphic is displayed on a display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring device, a work system, a monitoring system, and a monitoring method. Background Art

[0002] Machine tools are composed of multiple components. In the case of component failure, it is necessary to replace the component with a new one. In connection with component replacement for machine tools, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-39493 discloses predicting the failure time of the constituent components of each unit constituting a machine tool and reporting to the user the maintenance time of the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Recently, there has been a desire for a monitoring device that can more appropriately monitor machine tools.

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a monitoring device for monitoring multiple machine tools, the monitoring device having: a display information generation unit that generates display information for displaying a plurality of graphics corresponding to the multiple machine tools respectively on a display unit; and an information acquisition unit that acquires information related to the remaining life of components respectively included in the multiple machine tools, wherein the display information generation unit generates the display information based on the information related to the remaining life acquired by the information acquisition unit in such a manner that the graphics are displayed on the display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life.

[0005] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a work system having: the monitoring device according to the first aspect; and the multiple machine tools monitored by the monitoring device.

[0006] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a monitoring system having: a monitoring device having an information acquisition unit that acquires information related to the remaining life of components respectively included in multiple machine tools; and a monitoring terminal having a display unit and displaying a plurality of graphics corresponding to the multiple machine tools respectively on the display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life.

[0007] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a monitoring method for monitoring multiple machine tools, the monitoring method including the following steps: a display information generation step of generating display information for displaying a plurality of graphics corresponding to the multiple machine tools respectively on a display unit; and an information acquisition step of acquiring information related to the remaining life of components respectively included in the multiple machine tools, wherein in the display information generation step, the display information is generated based on the information related to the remaining life acquired by the information acquisition step in such a manner that the graphics are displayed on the display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a work system illustrating an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a data table that is an example of data indicating remaining life information.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a diagram illustrating a display screen shown on a display unit.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a diagram illustrating a display screen shown on a display unit.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a diagram illustrating a display screen shown on a display unit.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a diagram illustrating a display screen shown on a display unit.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a diagram illustrating a display screen shown on a display unit.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a flowchart illustrating an example of a monitoring method. Detailed implementation mode

[0016] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-39493 describes a list display of component names (character information). However, when there are multiple machine tools, only displaying character information makes it difficult for a user to intuitively determine which machine tool should have its components replaced.

[0017] [One implementation mode]

[0018] A monitoring device, a working system, a monitoring system, and a monitoring method according to one implementation mode will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following description, structures having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, repeated descriptions of these structures may be omitted sometimes.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a block diagram illustrating the working system 10 of the present implementation mode.

[0020] The working system 10 is, for example, a system for managing a plurality of machine tools 12 in a factory. The working system 10 includes a monitoring system 11 and a plurality of machine tools 12. The monitoring system 11 includes a monitoring terminal 14 and a monitoring device 16.

[0021] Figure 1The number of machine tools 12 shown is 16 (machine tools 12A to 12P), but the number of machine tools 12 possessed by the working system 10 is not limited to 16. In addition, the model of the machine tool 12 is not particularly limited. Although specific illustrations are omitted, each of the multiple machine tools 12 has a processing machine and a control device. The processing machine is a machine for processing a processing object. The control device is a computer that controls the processing machine. The control device has a processor, a memory, an operation touch panel, a communication module, etc. This communication module is connected to the network NW. In other words, the multiple machine tools 12 are respectively connected to the network NW.

[0022] The network NW is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed within the factory site. The network NW is constructed, for example, by appropriately combining a wired LAN and a wireless LAN.

[0023] The monitoring terminal 14 is a terminal device (computer) used by a user who utilizes the working system 10. The monitoring terminal 14 is, for example, a tablet terminal, but is not limited thereto. Figure 1 The number of monitoring terminals 14 shown is one, but the working system 10 may also have multiple monitoring terminals 14. The monitoring terminal 14 has: an operation unit 18, a display unit 20, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 24, and an arithmetic unit 26.

[0024] The operation unit 18 accepts input operations performed by the user on the monitoring terminal 14. The display unit 20 has a display element (not shown). The display element is, for example, a liquid crystal display element, an organic electroluminescence display element, etc. At least a part of the operation unit 18 can be implemented by a touch panel (not shown) having such a display element.

[0025] The communication unit 22 has, for example, a communication module (not shown). The communication unit 22 is connected to the network NW.

[0026] The storage unit 24 has a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Examples of the non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc.

[0027] The arithmetic unit 26 has, for example, processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the arithmetic unit 26 can be constituted by a processing circuitry. The arithmetic unit 26 has: a control unit 26a, a communication control unit 26b, and a display control unit 26c.

[0028] The control unit 26a, the communication control unit 26b, and the display control unit 26c can be implemented, for example, by the arithmetic unit 26 executing a program stored in the storage unit 24. The control unit 26a controls the entire monitoring terminal 14. The control unit 26a can control the monitoring terminal 14 according to operations performed by the user using the operation unit 18. The communication control unit 26b controls the communication unit 22. By controlling the communication unit 22 through the communication control unit 26b, the monitoring terminal 14 can communicate with the monitoring device 16 via the network NW. The display control unit 26c causes the display unit 20 to display information by controlling the display unit 20.

[0029] The monitoring device 16 is a server (computer) that monitors a plurality of machine tools 12. The monitoring device 16 includes: a communication unit 28, a storage unit 30, and an arithmetic unit 32.

[0030] The communication unit 28 has, for example, a communication module (not shown). The communication unit 28 is connected to the network NW.

[0031] The storage unit 30 has a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM and the like. Examples of the non-volatile memory include ROM, flash memory, and the like. Data and the like can be stored in the volatile memory, for example. Programs, tables, maps, and the like can be stored in the non-volatile memory, for example. At least a part of the storage unit 30 can be provided in a processor, an integrated circuit, or the like as described later. The storage unit 30 can also include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like.

[0032] A monitoring program 34 is stored in the storage unit 30. The monitoring program 34 is a program for causing a computer to execute the monitoring method of the present embodiment.

[0033] In addition, remaining life information 36 is stored in the storage unit 30. The remaining life information 36 is information related to the remaining life of components each of the plurality of machine tools 12 has. One machine tool 12 has a plurality of components. Therefore, the remaining life information 36 can include information related to the remaining life of each of the plurality of components each of the plurality of machine tools 12 has. The remaining life information 36 can be created by an information acquisition unit 38 described later.

[0034] Figure 2 is a data table showing an example of the remaining life information 36. In addition, the case where the machine tool 12A and the machine tool 12E are each a wire electrical discharge machining machine will be described below.

[0035] In Figure 2 the first column, the identification information of the plurality of machine tools 12 is shown. The identification information of the machine tool 12 is, for example, an identification number composed of alphanumeric characters, but is not limited thereto. In Figure 2The identification information of the multiple components of the machine tool 12 is shown in the second column. The identification information of the component is, for example, the component name, but is not limited thereto. For example, the identification information of the component may also be the component model number. Components of the machine tool 12 as a wire electrical discharge machine are, for example, a die guide, a jet nozzle, a lock nut, a gasket, an electrode pin, etc., but are not limited thereto. In Figure 2 the third column, information indicating the remaining life of each of the multiple components is shown. The remaining life is expressed, for example, using time units such as hours and years, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] In addition, although not shown in the figure, configuration information can be stored in the storage unit 30. The configuration information is information related to the configuration of the multiple machine tools 12. The configuration information includes, for example, the floor information of the building in which the multiple machine tools 12 are installed.

[0037] The operation unit 32 has, for example, processors such as a CPU and a GPU. That is, the operation unit 32 can be constituted by a processing circuit. The operation unit 32 includes: an information acquisition unit 38, a determination unit 40, a display information generation unit 42, a reception unit 44, and a storage control unit 46.

[0038] The information acquisition unit 38, the determination unit 40, the display information generation unit 42, the reception unit 44, and the storage control unit 46 can be realized, for example, by the operation unit 32 executing the monitoring program 34. In addition, at least a part of the information acquisition unit 38, the determination unit 40, the display information generation unit 42, the reception unit 44, and the storage control unit 46 can also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a part of the information acquisition unit 38, the determination unit 40, the display information generation unit 42, the reception unit 44, and the storage control unit 46 can also be realized by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0039] The information acquisition unit 38 acquires information related to the remaining life of each of the multiple components of each of the multiple machine tools 12. The information acquisition unit 38 can, for example, determine the remaining life of the component based on the difference between the predetermined durability time for the component and the cumulative time the component has been used. For example, for illustration, the durability time of the die guide is 2000 hours, and the cumulative time the die guide of the machine tool 12A has been used is 100 hours. In this case, the information acquisition unit 38 can determine that the remaining life of the die guide of the machine tool 12A is 1900 hours. In addition, the specific method of acquiring information related to the remaining life of the component is not limited thereto. For example, the information acquisition unit 38 can also determine the remaining life of the component based on the difference between the predetermined maximum number of uses for the component and the cumulative number of times the component has been used for processing.

[0040] The determination unit 40 determines whether each of the plurality of machine tools 12 is in a state where a component needs to be replaced based on the remaining life of the components included in each machine tool 12. For example, the determination unit 40 determines whether the remaining life of the component is lower than a predetermined remaining life threshold. When the remaining life of at least one of the plurality of components included in the machine tool 12 is lower than the remaining life threshold, it is determined that the component of the machine tool 12 needs to be replaced. When the remaining life of all the plurality of components included in the machine tool 12 is not lower than the remaining life threshold, the determination unit 40 determines that the component of the machine tool 12 does not need to be replaced.

[0041] In addition, the remaining life threshold is determined in advance by experiments, for example. Information representing the remaining life threshold is stored in advance in the storage unit 30. The remaining life threshold may also be determined according to the component type. In this case, the determination unit 40 can use the remaining life threshold according to the component type.

[0042] The remaining life threshold can be set to be greater than zero, for example. More specifically, the remaining life threshold represents a specified value that is less than the above-mentioned durable time and greater than zero. In addition, the remaining life threshold represents a specified value that is less than the above-mentioned maximum number of uses and greater than zero. By using the remaining life threshold representing a remaining life greater than zero, the determination unit 40 can determine that the component of the machine tool 12 needs to be replaced before the remaining life of the component becomes zero. That is, the determination unit 40 can determine that the component of the machine tool 12 needs to be replaced before the life of the component is exhausted. For example, a case where the remaining life threshold determined for the die guide is 100 hours of remaining life will be described. In this case, the determination unit 40 determines that the die guide of the machine tool 12A with a remaining life longer than the remaining life threshold does not need to be replaced, but determines that the die guide of the machine tool 12E with a remaining life shorter than the remaining life threshold needs to be replaced (also refer to Figure 2 ).

[0043] The display information generation unit 42 generates display information. The display information is information for display on the display unit 20 included in the monitoring terminal 14. The display information generation unit 42 controls the communication unit 28 to transmit the display information to the monitoring terminal 14 via the network NW. The display control unit 26c controls the display unit 20 according to the display information transmitted from the display information generation unit 42.

[0044] Figure 3 FIG. is an example of a display screen 201 displayed on the display unit 20.

[0045] The display information generated by the display information generation unit 42 includes information for displaying the display screen 201 on the display unit 20 included in the monitoring terminal 14. In the display screen 201, a plurality of graphics 48 (48A to 48P) respectively representing the plurality of machine tools 12 are shown.Figure 3 The shown figure 48A represents Figure 1 the shown machine tool 12A. Similarly, figure 48B, figure 48C, …, figure 48P respectively represent machine tool 12B, machine tool 12C, …, machine tool 12P.

[0046] Preferably, the display information generation unit 42 generates display information according to the configuration information indicating the configurations of the plurality of machine tools 12. Thereby, the display control unit 26c can cause the floor map FM in the factory building to be simulated and displayed on the display screen 201, and at the position indicating the installation location of the machine tool 12 in the floor map FM, display the figure 48 representing the machine tool 12. Thus, the user can easily understand the correspondence between the plurality of figures 48 and the plurality of machine tools 12.

[0047] The display information generation unit 42 generates display information in the following manner: displaying the figure 48 corresponding to the machine tool 12 in a form corresponding to the remaining life of the components of the machine tool 12 on the display unit 20. That is, the display information generation unit 42 generates display information according to the determination result of the determination unit 40 in the following manner: displaying the plurality of figures 48 respectively corresponding to the plurality of machine tools 12 on the display unit 20. More specifically, the display information generation unit 42 generates display information in the following manner: making the display form of the figure 48 corresponding to the machine tool 12 that does not require component replacement different from the display form of the figure 48 corresponding to the machine tool 12 that requires component replacement. Thereby, it is possible to change the display form of the figure 48 according to whether it is the figure 48 corresponding to the machine tool 12 that requires component replacement. By observing the display screen 201, the user can easily identify the machine tool 12 that does not require component replacement and the machine tool 12 that requires component replacement.

[0048] Taking the case where it is determined that only the machine tool 12E among the plurality of machine tools 12 needs component replacement as an example for explanation. In this case, the display information generation unit 42 generates display information in the following manner: making the display form of the figure 48E corresponding to the machine tool 12E different from the display forms of the plurality of figures 48 (48A to 48D, 48F to 48P) other than the figure 48E. For example, the display information generation unit 42 generates display information in the following manner: using a color for the figure 48E different from the colors for the other figures 48 (48A to 48D, 48F to 48P). In Figure 3 the shown example, only the figure 48E representing the machine tool 12E among the plurality of figures 48 is represented by a thick line. Thus, the user seeing the display screen 201 can easily grasp that component replacement is required for the machine tool 12E.

[0049] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 202 displayed on the display unit 20.

[0050] The display information generated by the display information generation unit 42 includes: information for displaying a display screen 202 on the display unit 20 of the monitoring terminal 14. On the display screen 202, an explanatory diagram 50 indicating the position of the component to be replaced in the machine tool 12 (12E) where the component needs to be replaced is displayed. The component to be replaced is a component in a state where it needs to be replaced. In other words, the component to be replaced is a component determined by the determination unit 40 to have a remaining life lower than the remaining life threshold value.

[0051] In the explanatory diagram 50, for example, it includes: a graphic 501 representing the machine tool 12, and a graphic 502 representing the position of the component to be replaced. The explanatory diagram 50 can be displayed together with the floor map FM, a plurality of graphics 48, etc. By displaying the display screen 202 on the display unit 20, the user can specifically visualize the position of the component to be replaced.

[0052] The display control unit 26c of the monitoring terminal 14 displays the display screen 202, for example, according to a specified operation performed by the user using the operation unit 18. Specifically, for example, when the user clicks on the graphic 48E displayed on the display screen 201, the display control unit 26c displays a display screen 202 indicating the position of the component to be replaced in the machine tool 12E.

[0053] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 203 displayed on the display unit 20.

[0054] The display information generated by the display information generation unit 42 includes: information for displaying a display screen 203 on the display unit 20 of the monitoring terminal 14. In the display screen 203, the position of the component to be replaced is displayed in more detail than in the display screen 202. For example, in the display screen 203, an explanatory diagram 503 indicating the positional relationship between the component to be replaced and other components arranged around the component to be replaced is displayed. Thereby, the user can more specifically visualize the part of the component to be replaced in the machine tool 12.

[0055] The display control unit 26c of the monitoring terminal 14 displays the display screen 203, for example, according to a specified operation performed by the user using the operation unit 18. Specifically, for example, when the user clicks on the graphic 502 displayed on the display screen 202, the display control unit 26c displays the display screen 203.

[0056] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 204 displayed on the display unit 20.

[0057] The display information generated by the display information generation unit 42 includes information for displaying a display screen 204 on the display unit 20 of the monitoring terminal 14. In the display screen 204, information 52 indicating the process of performing a replacement operation for a component to be replaced is displayed. Thereby, the risk that the user makes a mistake in the replacement operation process for the component to be replaced can be reduced. The information 52 may include text explaining the replacement operation process or may include a diagram explaining the process. The information 52 may also be displayed together with the floor map FM, a plurality of graphics 48, an explanatory diagram 50, etc.

[0058] As described above, the display information generation unit 42 displays the graphic 48 representing the machine tool 12 on the display unit 20 in a form corresponding to the remaining life of the components of the machine tool 12. Thereby, the user can easily determine which machine tool 12 should have its components replaced. In addition, the display information generation unit 42 displays on the display unit 20 a diagram indicating the position of the component to be replaced. Thereby, the user can easily determine which part of the machine tool 12 should have its components replaced. And the display information generation unit 42 displays on the display unit 20 information indicating the process of performing a replacement operation for the component to be replaced. Thereby, the user can accurately perform the replacement operation for the component to be replaced.

[0059] The reception unit 44 receives the replacement completion information input to the monitoring device 16. The replacement completion information is information indicating that the replacement operation for the above-mentioned component to be replaced has been completed. For example, the replacement completion information is sent from the monitoring terminal 14 to the monitoring device 16 via the network NW. The monitoring terminal 14 sends the replacement completion information to the monitoring device 16 according to a user instruction performed by the use operation unit 18.

[0060] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 204 displayed on the display unit 20.

[0061] For example, the display control unit 26c of the monitoring terminal 14 displays a completion button 521 on the display unit 20. In this case, according to a click operation on the completion button 521, the arithmetic unit 26 of the monitoring terminal 14 sends the replacement completion information to the monitoring device 16.

[0062] When the reception unit 44 receives the replacement completion information, the information acquisition unit 38 updates the remaining life information 36 according to the item of the replaced component. Taking the case where the old die guide of the machine tool 12E is replaced with a new die guide as an example. In this case, the information acquisition unit 38 Figure 2 resets the remaining life value indicating the die guide of the machine tool 12E in the shown data table. Thereby, Figure 2In the data table shown, the remaining life value of the die guide of the machine tool 12E can be set to a value larger than the remaining life threshold value.

[0063] The display information generation unit 42 of the monitoring device 16 can generate display information based on the remaining life information 36 after reset. Therefore, when the replacement completion information is received by the reception unit 44, the display control unit 26c can display the graph 48 representing the machine tool 12 in a form corresponding to the remaining life of the components of the machine tool 12 instead of the component to be replaced on the display unit 20. Thus, the user can observe the display unit 20 to confirm that the component replacement has been completed.

[0064] In addition, preferably, the completion button 521 is displayed on the display unit 20 only when the user performs a specified operation using the operation unit 18. For example, as described above, the display control unit 26c of the monitoring terminal 14 displays in the display screen 204: information indicating the process for performing the replacement operation for the component to be replaced. Preferably, the display control unit 26c displays the completion button 521 after the user confirms this information. More specifically, preferably, for example, when using text to display the information indicating the replacement operation process for the component to be replaced, the display control unit 26c displays the completion button 521 after the end of the display of this text. Thereby, the risk that the user operates the completion button 521 without confirming the replacement operation process can be reduced.

[0065] The storage control unit 46 stores the reception time information in the storage unit 30. The reception time information is information indicating the time when the replacement completion information is received by the reception unit 44. Thus, the above-mentioned information acquisition unit 38 can, for example, acquire the remaining life information 36 based on the time elapsed since the time indicated by the reception time information.

[0066] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of an example monitoring method.

[0067] The monitoring device 16 can execute the monitoring method described below according to the monitoring program 34.

[0068] In the information acquisition step S1, the information acquisition unit 38 acquires information related to the remaining life of the components of each of the plurality of machine tools 12.

[0069] Next, it transfers to the determination step S2, and the determination unit 40 determines whether the remaining life of the component is lower than a predetermined remaining life threshold value.

[0070] Next, it transfers to the display information generation step S3, and the display information generation unit 42 generates display information for displaying a plurality of graphics 48 respectively corresponding to a plurality of machine tools 12 on the display unit 20. The display information generation unit 42 generates the display information according to the determination result of the determination unit 40 in such a manner that the graphic 48 representing the machine tool 12 can be displayed on the display unit 20 in a form corresponding to the remaining life of the components of the machine tool 12.

[0071] Next, it transfers to the display control step S4, and the display control unit 26c displays a plurality of graphics 48 respectively corresponding to a plurality of machine tools 12 on the display unit 20. The display control unit 26c displays the plurality of graphics 48 on the display unit 20 according to the display information received from the display information generation unit 42 via the network NW. Thus, the plurality of graphics 48 representing the machine tool 12 are displayed on the display unit 20 in a form corresponding to the remaining life of the components of the machine tool 12. In addition, the display control unit 26c appropriately displays the display screens 202 to 204 on the display unit 20.

[0072] Next, it transfers to the reception step S5, and the reception unit 44 receives the replacement completion information input to the monitoring device 16. When the replacement completion information is received by the reception unit 44 (S5: Yes), the storage control step S6 is started. When the replacement completion information is not sent from the monitoring terminal 14 and is not received by the reception unit 44 (S5: No), the display control step S4 and the reception step S5 are continued.

[0073] In the storage control step S6, the storage control unit 46 stores the reception time information in the storage unit 30. The reception time information indicates the time when the replacement completion information is received by the reception unit 44. In this way, Figure 8 the monitoring method ends.

[0074] [Modification Example]

[0075] Hereinafter, modification examples of the above-described embodiment will be described. However, in the following description, descriptions overlapping with the above-described embodiment will be appropriately omitted. As long as there is no special description, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment are assigned to the elements already described in the above-described embodiment.

[0076] (Modification Example 1)

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the display screens 201 to 204 are displayed on the monitoring terminal 14 has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto.

[0078] For example, as described above, the control device of the machine tool 12 has an operation touch panel or the like. The display screens 201 to 204 may also be displayed on the operation touch panel or the like provided in the control device.

[0079] In addition, the display screens 201 to 204 can also be displayed on the display unit (display) of the monitoring device 16.

[0080] (Modification 2)

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the figure 48 is displayed on the display unit 20 in a color corresponding to the remaining life, but it is not limited thereto.

[0082] The display information generation unit 42 may also generate display information in such a manner that the figure 48 is displayed on the display unit 20 in a size corresponding to the remaining life. For example, the display information generation unit 42 generates display information in such a manner that the shorter the remaining life of the component included in the machine tool 12, the larger the figure 48 representing the machine tool 12 is displayed on the display unit 20. Thereby, the figure 48 representing the machine tool 12 having a component with a shorter remaining life can be made more conspicuous than other figures 48. The display information generation unit 42 may also generate display information in such a manner that the shorter the remaining life of the component included in the machine tool 12, the smaller the figure 48 representing the machine tool 12 is displayed on the display unit 20. Thereby, an image can be provided to the user in which the figure 48 representing the machine tool 12 having a component with a shorter remaining life is of a different nature from other figures 48.

[0083] The display information generation unit 42 may generate display information in such a manner that the figure 48 blinks according to the remaining life. For example, the display information generation unit 42 generates display information in such a manner that only the figure 48 representing the machine tool 12 having a component with a remaining life lower than the remaining life threshold among the plurality of figures 48 blinks. Thereby, the figure 48 representing the machine tool 12 having a component with a remaining life lower than the remaining life threshold can be made more conspicuous than other figures 48. The display information generation unit 42 may also generate display information in such a manner that the shorter the remaining life of the component included in the machine tool 12, the more intensely the figure 48 representing the machine tool 12 blinks. Thereby, the figure 48 representing the machine tool 12 having a component with a shorter remaining life can be made more conspicuous than other figures 48.

[0084] The display information generation unit 42 may also generate display information in such a way that the graphic 48 shakes according to the remaining life. For example, the display information generation unit 42 generates display information in the following manner: only the graphic 48 of the machine tool 12 among the plurality of graphics 48 that represents a component with a remaining life lower than the remaining life threshold shakes. Thereby, the graphic 48 of the machine tool 12 representing a component with a remaining life lower than the remaining life threshold can be made more conspicuous than other graphics 48. The display information generation unit 42 may also generate display information in the following manner: the shorter the remaining life of the component included in the machine tool 12, the more violently the graphic 48 representing the machine tool 12 shakes. Thereby, the graphic 48 of the machine tool 12 representing a component with a shorter remaining life can be made more conspicuous than other graphics 48.

[0085] The display information generation unit 42 may generate display information in the following manner: the display of the graphic 48 is deformed so that the graphic 48 collapses according to the remaining life. Thereby, an impression that the machine tool 12 having a component with a short remaining life is about to fail can be provided to the user. That is, an impression can be given to the user that component replacement is required for the machine tool 12 having a component with a short remaining life. The display information generation unit 42 may also generate display information in the following manner: the shorter the remaining life of the component included in the machine tool 12, the more significantly the graphic 48 representing the machine tool 12 collapses from the original shape. Thereby, the user can clearly visualize which machine tool 12 is most likely to fail by observing the display unit 20.

[0086] (Modification Example 3)

[0087] The determination unit 40 may use a plurality of remaining life thresholds to determine the state of a component.

[0088] For example, the determination unit 40 determines whether the remaining life of the component is lower than a first remaining life threshold. When the remaining life of all of the plurality of components included in the machine tool 12 is not lower than the first remaining life threshold, the determination unit 40 determines that component replacement for the machine tool 12 is not required. When the remaining life of at least one of the plurality of components included in the machine tool 12 is lower than the first remaining life threshold, the determination unit 40 determines that component replacement for the machine tool 12 is required.

[0089] When it is determined that the remaining life of at least one of the plurality of components included in the machine tool 12 is lower than the first remaining life threshold, the determination unit 40 may further determine whether the remaining life of the component is lower than a second remaining life threshold. The second remaining life threshold is a remaining life threshold indicating a value lower than the first remaining life threshold.

[0090] The display information generation unit 42 displays the graph 48 representing the machine tool 12 in a form based on the determination result of the determination unit 40 on the display unit 20. That is, the display information generation unit 42 changes the form of the graph 48 according to (1) the case where the remaining life is not less than the first remaining life threshold, (2) the case where the remaining life is between the first remaining life threshold and the second remaining life threshold, and (3) the case where the remaining life is less than the second remaining life threshold.

[0091] The machine tool 12 that meets the above (1) is a machine tool 12 that does not require component replacement. The machine tool 12 that meets the above (2) or (3) is a machine tool 12 that requires component replacement. The machine tool 12 that meets the above (3) is a machine tool 12 that requires component replacement and should be given special priority for component replacement.

[0092] By changing the form of the graph 48 according to the above (1) to (3), the user can appropriately determine the priority order of operations.

[0093] (Modification Example 4)

[0094] The remaining life threshold can be a value indicating that the remaining life of the component is zero. At this time, the determination unit 40 determines whether the remaining life of the component is zero. That is, the determination unit 40 can determine whether the life of the component has expired.

[0095] (Modification Example 5)

[0096] As described above, the machine tool 12, the monitoring terminal 14, and the monitoring device 16 can communicate via the network NW. In other words, the machine tool 12, the monitoring terminal 14, and the monitoring device 16 can share information via the network NW. Accordingly, at least a part of the functions of the monitoring device 16 can also be implemented by the machine tool 12 or the monitoring terminal 14.

[0097] For example, at least a part of the information acquisition unit 38, the determination unit 40, the display information generation unit 42, the reception unit 44, and the storage control unit 46 can also be implemented by the monitoring terminal 14 (the arithmetic unit 26). For example, the monitoring terminal 14 can have an information acquisition unit 38. At this time, the information acquisition unit 38 of the monitoring terminal 14 generates display information. The information acquisition unit 38 of the monitoring terminal 14 can generate display information according to the determination result supplied from the monitoring device 16 (the determination unit 40) via the network NW.

[0098] At least a part of the information acquisition unit 38, the determination unit 40, the display information generation unit 42, the reception unit 44, and the storage control unit 46 may also be implemented by the machine tool 12 (control device). For example, the control device of the machine tool 12 may also have the information acquisition unit 38. In this case, the information acquisition unit 38 included in the control device generates display information. The information acquisition unit 38 included in the control device of the machine tool 12 may generate display information based on the determination result supplied from the monitoring device 16 (determination unit 40) via the network NW.

[0099] (Combination of multiple modification examples)

[0100] The above-described multiple modification examples may be appropriately combined within a non-contradictory range.

[0101] For example, modification example 3 and modification example 4 may be combined. In this case, it may be that the first remaining life threshold represents a remaining life greater than zero, and the second remaining life threshold represents that the remaining life of the component is zero. Additionally, it may be that the first remaining life threshold represents that the remaining life of the component is zero, and the second remaining life threshold represents a remaining life less than zero. Further, it may be that the first remaining life threshold represents a remaining life less than zero, and the second remaining life threshold represents a remaining life smaller than the first remaining life threshold. Moreover, a remaining life less than zero may be represented by the cumulative time the component has been used since its remaining life became zero. A remaining life less than zero may also be represented by the cumulative number of times the component has been used since its remaining life became zero.

[0102] [Supplementary Note]

[0103] Regarding the above-described embodiments and modification examples, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

[0104] [Supplementary Note 1]

[0105] A monitoring device (16) for monitoring a plurality of machine tools (12) includes: a display information generation unit (42) that generates display information for displaying a plurality of graphs (48) corresponding to the plurality of machine tools on a display unit (20); and an information acquisition unit (38) that acquires information related to the remaining life of components respectively included in the plurality of machine tools. The display information generation unit generates the display information based on the information related to the remaining life acquired by the information acquisition unit in such a manner that the graphs are displayed on the display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life.

[0106] [Supplementary Note 2]

[0107] The monitoring device according to Note 1 may also be such that the display information generation unit generates the display information as follows: when the remaining life is not less than a predetermined first remaining life threshold, the graph is displayed in a first form on the display unit; when the remaining life is lower than the first remaining life threshold, the graph is displayed in a second form different from the first form on the display unit.

[0108] <Note 3>

[0109] The monitoring device according to Note 2 may also be such that the display information generation unit generates the display information as follows: when the remaining life is lower than a predetermined second remaining life threshold lower than the first remaining life threshold, the graph is displayed in a third form different from both the first form and the second form on the display unit.

[0110] <Note 4>

[0111] The monitoring device according to any one of Notes 1 to 3 may also be such that the display information generation unit generates the display information as follows: the graph is displayed on the display unit using a color corresponding to the remaining life.

[0112] <Note 5>

[0113] The monitoring device according to any one of Notes 1 to 4 may also be such that the display information generation unit generates the display information as follows: the graph is displayed on the display unit in a size corresponding to the remaining life.

[0114] <Note 6>

[0115] The monitoring device according to any one of Notes 1 to 5 may also be such that the display information generation unit generates the display information as follows: the graph blinks according to the remaining life.

[0116] <Note 7>

[0117] The monitoring device according to any one of Notes 1 to 6 may also be such that the display information generation unit generates the display information as follows: the graph is displayed such that the graph sways according to the remaining life.

[0118] <Note 8>

[0119] The monitoring device according to any one of Notes 1 to 7 may also be such that the display information generation unit generates the display information as follows: the display of the graph is deformed such that the graph collapses according to the remaining life.

[0120] <Note 9>

[0121] The monitoring device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8 may also be such that, when the machine tool has a component that needs to be replaced, i.e., a component to be replaced, the display information generation unit generates the display information in such a manner that an explanatory diagram indicating the position of the component to be replaced in the machine tool can be displayed on the display unit.

[0122] <Supplementary Note 10>

[0123] The monitoring device according to Supplementary Note 9 may also be such that the display information generation unit generates the display information in such a manner that information indicating the process for performing the replacement operation for the component to be replaced can be displayed on the display unit.

[0124] <Supplementary Note 11>

[0125] The monitoring device according to Supplementary Note 10 may also be such that the monitoring device further includes: a reception unit (44) that receives replacement completion information indicating that the replacement operation has been completed according to a user's instruction, and when the replacement completion information is received, the display information generation unit generates the display information in such a manner that, instead of the component to be replaced, the graphic is displayed on the display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life of the components of the machine tool.

[0126] <Supplementary Note 12>

[0127] The monitoring device according to Supplementary Note 11 may also be such that the monitoring device further includes: a storage control unit (46) that causes a storage unit (30) to store reception time information indicating the time when the replacement completion information is received by the reception unit (44).

[0128] <Supplementary Note 13>

[0129] A work system (10) includes: the monitoring device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12; and a plurality of the machine tools monitored by the monitoring device.

[0130] <Supplementary Note 14>

[0131] A monitoring system (11) includes: a monitoring device (16) having an information acquisition unit (38) that acquires information related to the remaining life of components respectively included in a plurality of machine tools (12); and a monitoring terminal (14) having a display unit (20), and displaying a plurality of graphics (48) corresponding to the plurality of machine tools respectively in a form corresponding to the remaining life on the display unit.

[0132] <Supplementary Note 15>

[0133] A monitoring method for monitoring multiple machine tools (12), comprising the following steps: a display information generation step (S3) for generating display information for displaying a plurality of graphics (48) corresponding to the multiple machine tools respectively on a display unit (20); and an information acquisition step (S1) for acquiring information related to the remaining life of components respectively possessed by the multiple machine tools. In the display information generation step, the display information is generated according to the information related to the remaining life acquired through the information acquisition step in the following manner: the graphics are displayed on the display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life.

[0134] The present disclosure has been described in detail, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described respective embodiments. These embodiments can be subjected to various additions, replacements, changes, partial deletions, etc. within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, or within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content recited in the claims and its equivalents. In addition, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above embodiments, the order of each action and the order of each process are shown as an example and are not limited thereto. In addition, the same applies to the cases where numerical values or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above embodiments.

[0135] Symbol Explanation

[0136] 10... Working system 11... Monitoring system

[0137] 12... Machine tool 14... Monitoring terminal

[0138] 16... Monitoring device 20... Display unit

[0139] 30... Storage unit 38... Information acquisition unit

[0140] 42... Display information generation unit 44... Reception unit

[0141] 46... Storage control unit 48... Graphic

[0142] 50... Explanation diagram 52... Information.

Claims

1. A monitoring device for monitoring a plurality of machine tools, It is characterized in that The monitoring device comprises: a display information generating unit for generating display information for displaying a plurality of graphics respectively corresponding to the plurality of machine tools on a display unit; and an information acquisition unit for acquiring information related to the remaining life of components respectively provided in the plurality of machine tools, The display information generating unit generates the display information based on the information related to the remaining life acquired by the information acquiring unit in such a manner that the graph is displayed on the display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The display information generating unit generates the display information in the following manner: when the remaining life is not less than a predetermined first remaining life threshold, the graph is displayed on the display unit in a first form; when the remaining life is less than the first remaining life threshold, the graph is displayed on the display unit in a second form different from the first form.

3. The monitoring device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The display information generating unit generates the display information by displaying the graph on the display unit in a third form different from both the first form and the second form when the remaining life is lower than a predetermined second remaining life threshold value that is lower than the first remaining life threshold value.

4. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The display information generating unit generates the display information by displaying the graph on the display unit using a color corresponding to the remaining life.

5. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The display information generating unit generates the display information in such a manner that the graphic is displayed on the display unit in a size corresponding to the remaining life.

6. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The display information generating unit generates the display information in such a manner that the graphic is displayed by flashing according to the remaining life.

7. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that The display information generating unit generates the display information in such a manner that the graphic is displayed such that the graphic shakes according to the remaining life.

8. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It is characterized in that The display information generating unit generates the display information in such a manner that the display of the graphic is deformed so that the graphic collapses according to the remaining life.

9. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized in that When the machine tool has a component that needs to be replaced, that is, a replacement component, the display information generating unit generates the display information so as to display an explanatory diagram showing a position of the replacement component in the machine tool on the display unit.

10. The monitoring device according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The display information generating unit generates the display information in such a manner that information indicating a process for performing a replacement operation for the component to be replaced can be displayed on the display unit.

11. The monitoring device according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The monitoring device further includes: a receiving unit that receives replacement completion information indicating that the replacement work has been completed according to an instruction of a user, When receiving the replacement completion information, the display information generating unit generates the display information in such a manner that the graphic corresponding to the remaining life of the component of the machine tool is displayed on the display unit instead of the component to be replaced.

12. The monitoring device according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The monitoring device further includes a storage control unit configured to cause a storage unit to store acceptance time information indicating a time at which the acceptance unit accepted the replacement completion information.

13. A working system, It is characterized in that have: The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and The plurality of machine tools are monitored by the monitoring device.

14. A monitoring system, It is characterized in that have: A monitoring device including an information acquisition unit that acquires information related to remaining life of components respectively included in a plurality of machine tools; as well as The monitoring terminal includes a display unit, and displays a plurality of graphs corresponding to the plurality of machine tools, respectively, on the display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life.

15. A method for monitoring a plurality of machine tools, It is characterized in that The monitoring method comprises the following steps: A display information generating step of generating display information for displaying a plurality of graphics corresponding to the plurality of machine tools, respectively, on a display unit; and an information acquisition step of acquiring information related to the remaining life of the components respectively possessed by the plurality of the machine tools, In the display information generating step, the display information is generated based on the information related to the remaining life acquired in the information acquiring step in such a manner that the graph is displayed on the display unit in a form corresponding to the remaining life.

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