Tool replacement order calculation device and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

A tool replacement order calculation device stores an initial arrangement of tools in which tool holder numbers of a tool magazine of a tool replacement device are associated with tools attached to tool holders, acquires an ideal arrangement of tools in the tool magazine, and simulates a tool replacement order in which the tools are rearranged from the initial arrangement of the tool magazine to the ideal arrangement. An evaluation value of the tool replacement order is calculated, and the tool replacement order is selected based on the evaluation value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tool replacement order calculation device and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a machine tool having a function of replacing tools required for machining. Such a machine tool can automatically replace tools, for example, by a tool changer (ATC: Automatic Tool Changer).

[0003] The tool changer has a turret type that selects and replaces a tool mounted on a rotating tool holder, and a tool magazine type that mounts a tool stored in a tool magazine on a spindle using a predetermined tool replacement unit. The tool magazine includes a drum type in which tools are arranged on a circumference, a chain type in which tools are connected by a chain, a matrix type in which tools are stored in a rack, and the like.

[0004] The tool changer also has a function of transporting tools from an additional external tool magazine using a dedicated loader.

[0005] Conventionally, in order to shorten the time required for tool replacement, there has been a technique of analyzing a machining program to calculate the configuration of tools suitable for the machining program. For example, Patent Document 1.

[0006] If the tools are set to a configuration suitable for the machining program, the time required for tool replacement is shortened.

[0007] Prior Art Documents

[0008] Patent Documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-269635 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] However, the tools are not arranged in an ideal configuration from the beginning and need to be rearranged into an ideal configuration.

[0012] In the field of tool replacement, a technique for making the rearrangement of tools efficient is desired.

[0013] Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] The tool replacement sequence calculation device of the present disclosure includes: an initial configuration storage unit that stores the initial configuration of tools in which the tool seat numbers of the tool library of the tool replacement device are associated with the tools installed on the tool seats; an ideal configuration acquisition unit that acquires the ideal configuration of the tools in the tool library; and a sequence calculation unit that simulates the tool replacement sequence for rearranging the tools from the initial configuration of the tool library to the ideal configuration, calculates an evaluation value of the tool replacement sequence, and selects a tool replacement sequence based on the evaluation value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the tool replacement sequence calculation device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the tool seat (pot) numbers of the tools and the ideal configuration.

[0017] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the tool replacement sequence.

[0018] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the tool replacement sequence calculation device.

[0019] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the tool replacement sequence calculation device according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 is an external view showing an example of a tool library having a tool rack.

[0021] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the tool replacement sequence calculation device according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the tool replacement sequence calculation device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the ideal configuration selection process.

[0024] Figure 10 is a hardware structure diagram of the tool replacement sequence calculation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] (First Embodiment)

[0026] Hereinafter, the tool replacement sequence calculation device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The tool replacement sequence calculation device 100 is a device that acquires the configuration of tools suitable for the usage status of the tools (hereinafter, referred to as the ideal configuration) and calculates the sequence for rearranging the tools to the ideal configuration.

[0027] The method for determining the ideal configuration is not limited. Two methods for determining the ideal configuration are illustrated.

[0028] The first is a method for determining the ideal configuration suitable for the machining program. In the first method, tools with a high usage frequency in the machining program are arranged in close positions. By arranging tools with a high usage frequency in close positions, the movement amount of the tool magazine during the execution of the machining program can be reduced. As a method for arranging tools with a high usage frequency in close positions, existing technologies are used.

[0029] The second method is a method for manually setting the ideal configuration. The ideal configuration receiving unit 18 manually receives the input of the ideal configuration of the tool. As long as the input method of the ideal configuration of the tool can specify the correspondence between each tool and the position on the tool magazine where the tool is arranged, any method can be used. The ideal configuration can be received by the tool change order calculation device 100, or the ideal configuration received by an external device can be obtained.

[0030] The tool change order calculation device 100 is applied to information processing devices such as PCs (personal computers), servers, and portable terminals. In addition, the tool change order calculation device 100 can also be applied to control devices such as numerical control devices and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).

[0031] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of the tool change order calculation device 100. The tool change order calculation device 100 includes an initial configuration storage unit 11, an ideal configuration acquisition unit 12, a sequence calculation unit 13, a sequence output unit 14, and an ideal configuration receiving unit 18.

[0032] In addition, the components of the tool change order calculation device 100 are elements obtained by classifying their functions, and they may not be clearly distinguishable in the physical structure and program structure.

[0033] The initial configuration storage unit 11 stores the configuration of the tools in the tool magazine or turret (hereinafter collectively referred to as the tool magazine). The tool receiving member of the tool magazine is called a tool holder. The tool holder is labeled with a tool holder number. The initial configuration storage unit 11 stores the correspondence information between the tool holder number before tool change and the tool installed on the tool holder. Hereinafter, the configuration of the tool before tool change is referred to as the initial configuration.

[0034] The ideal configuration acquisition unit 12 acquires the ideal configuration of the tool. Existing technologies are used in the calculation method of the ideal configuration. The ideal configuration can be calculated by the tool change order calculation device 100 or obtained from the outside.

[0035] The sequential calculation unit 13 calculates the order of tool change for transforming a tool in the initial configuration into an ideal configuration. In addition, in tool change, it is a condition that there is at least one empty tool holder. This empty tool holder can be a tool holder on which any tool in the tool magazine is not installed, or the spindle without a tool installed can be treated as an empty tool holder. Additionally, the part of the tool holder of the tool changer and the empty part on the tool rack can also be treated as empty tool holders. The sequential calculation unit 13 uses the empty tool holder to perform tool change.

[0036] The sequential calculation unit 13 simulates the tool change order for rearranging the tools in the initial configuration into an ideal configuration, and calculates an evaluation value representing the efficiency of tool change. Then, the calculated evaluation value is used to calculate the order of tool change.

[0037] The sequential calculation unit 13 calculates at least one of two evaluation values (the movement amount and the number of movements of the tool magazine) as the evaluation value representing the efficiency of tool change.

[0038] Before explaining the method for calculating the evaluation value, refer to Figure 2 to explain the tool holder numbers of the tools and the ideal configuration. In this example, there are 8 tool holders in the tool magazine, and the ideal configuration of the tools is "T1, T2, T3". The tool holder numbers "P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8" are assigned clockwise from the left end to the tool holders.

[0039] As the ideal configuration of the tool magazine, 8 ideal configurations can be adopted, from the ideal configuration starting with "P1" to the ideal configuration starting with "P8". The ideal configuration can exist in the number of tool holders.

[0040] In the sequential calculation unit 13, a simulation of tool change for arranging the tools in the initial configuration into an ideal configuration is performed. The simulation is carried out based on the number of tool holders. The evaluation value is calculated for each tool holder, and the order with a lower calculated evaluation value is calculated as the tool change order.

[0041] Refer to Figure 3 to explain the example where tool "T1" is configured on tool holder "P1". In addition, there is at least one empty tool holder in the tool magazine. This empty tool holder can be a tool holder on which any tool in the tool magazine is not installed, or the spindle without a tool installed can be treated as an empty tool holder. Additionally, the part of the tool holder of the tool changer and the empty part on the tool rack can also be treated as empty tool holders. In this example, a simulation of rearranging the tools in the order of "T1, T2, T3" is performed, but the rearrangement order is not limited. For example, a simulation of rearranging the tools in the reverse order with "T3" at the end can also be performed.

[0042] First, an explanation is given for the simulation of configuring "T1" at "P1". The sequential calculation unit 13 refers to the initial configuration storage unit 11. When "T1" exists at "P1" in the initial configuration stage, it is assumed that the configuration of "T1" is completed, and the simulation of configuring "T2" at "P2" is carried out.

[0043] In Figure 3 the initial configuration, "T1" does not exist at "P1". Therefore, the sequential calculation unit 13 performs the simulation of configuring "T1" at "P1". In the simulation, the tool magazine is moved 2 tool seats, and "P1" is moved to the tool change position. At the tool change position, the tool mounted on "P1" is removed, and "P1" becomes an empty tool seat. Further, the tool magazine is moved 2 tool seats, and the empty tool seat of the tool magazine is moved to the tool change position. At the tool change position, the tool removed from "P1" is mounted on the empty tool seat. Then, the tool magazine is moved 5 tool seats, and "T1" is moved to the tool change position. At the tool change position, "T1" is removed. Further, the tool magazine is moved 1 tool seat, and "P1" is moved to the tool change position. At the tool change position, "T1" is mounted on "P1". Thus, the simulation of configuring "T1" at "P1" is completed.

[0044] In the above simulation, the tool magazine is moved "2 tool seats", "2 tool seats", "5 tool seats", and "1 tool seat". If the movement amounts and the number of movements of the tool magazine are added together, the movement amount and the number of movements of the tool magazine when "T1" is configured at "P1" are calculated.

[0045] Similarly, the movement amount and the number of movements of the tool magazine when "T2" is configured at "P2" are calculated, and the movement amount and the number of movements of the tool magazine when "T3" is configured at "P3" are calculated. If the movement amounts and the number of movements of all tool magazines are added together, the evaluation value (total movement amount and total number of movements of the tool magazine) when the tools are rearranged into the ideal configuration starting with "P1" can be calculated.

[0046] Similarly, the evaluation values (total movement amount and tool change order) when starting with "P2", the evaluation values when starting with "P3", …, and the evaluation values when starting with "P8" are obtained.

[0047] The sequential calculation unit 13 selects the tool change order with the minimum evaluation value (total movement amount or total number of movements) as the ideal tool change order.

[0048] In addition, in the above example, the tool magazine only moves in one direction, but it can also rotate in two directions. In the two-way case, the smaller movement amount of the two movement amounts is selected, and the total movement amount and the total number of movements are calculated.

[0049] The sequential output unit 14 outputs the calculated tool change sequence. As a method for outputting the tool change sequence, the tool change sequence can be stored as a file in an information processing device such as a PC, or an NC program or a timing program for executing the tool change sequence can be generated to cause a numerical control device or a PLC to execute.

[0050] Refer to Figure 4 the flowchart of

[0051] The tool change sequence calculation device 100 acquires the correspondence information between the tool post numbers and the tools before tool change and stores it in the initial configuration storage unit 11 (step S1). The tool change sequence calculation device 100 acquires the ideal configuration of the tools (step S2). The ideal configuration can be acquired from the outside or calculated by the tool change sequence calculation device 100.

[0052] The tool change sequence calculation device 100 performs a simulation of rearranging the tools in the initial configuration into the ideal configuration (step S3). In the simulation, the tools are rearranged into the ideal configuration using empty tool posts. The simulation can be executed the number of times corresponding to the number of tool posts in the tool magazine.

[0053] The tool change sequence calculation device 100 calculates the evaluation value of the tool change sequence (step S4). The tool change sequence calculation device 100 selects an efficient tool change sequence based on the calculated evaluation value (step S5).

[0054] The tool change sequence calculation device 100 of the first embodiment acquires the correspondence information between the tool post numbers and the tools before tool change, acquires the ideal configuration of the tools, and simulates the rearrangement from the initial configuration before tool change to the ideal configuration. The tool change sequence calculation device 100 of the first embodiment calculates the evaluation value for each simulation and selects an efficient tool change sequence according to the evaluation value.

[0055] The tool change sequence calculation device 100 of the first embodiment accepts the manually set ideal configuration. According to the tool change sequence calculation device 100 of the first embodiment, by simply specifying the ideal configuration of the tools through screen operations, the tools can be switched, so that the rearrangement of the tools can be made more efficient.

[0056] The calculated tool change sequence can also be saved in a file and output to other information processing devices. In addition, a tool change program can be generated according to the tool change sequence, output to a numerical control device or a PLC, or the tool change program can be executed. In addition, the tool change sequence can be displayed and notified to the user.

[0057] In the first embodiment, two evaluation values, namely, the movement amount and the movement times of the tool magazine, are calculated.

[0058] It is possible to select which evaluation value to use according to the size of the tool changing device and the structure of the tool changing device. Additionally, an evaluation value for performing an evaluation considering other factors can also be used. The tool change order calculation device 100 can have a function of automatically selecting the type of evaluation value, or can present a selection screen for the evaluation value to the user and accept the selection from the user.

[0059] Generally, the movement amount of the tool magazine is suitable as an evaluation value for use in a relatively small machine tool system composed only of a tool magazine or a turret. The number of movements of the tool magazine is suitable as an evaluation value for a machine tool system having a large tool changing device with an external tool rack or a tool changing device with high power consumption.

[0060] (Second Embodiment)

[0061] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the second embodiment. The tool change order calculation device 100 of the second embodiment includes an initial configuration storage unit 11, an ideal configuration acquisition unit 12, an order calculation unit 13, an order output unit 14, an external configuration storage unit 15, and an evaluation value correction unit 16. Hereinafter, the description of the same structures as those of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the first embodiment is omitted.

[0062] The tool change order calculation device 100 of the second embodiment calculates the tool change order of a tool changing device having a tool rack.

[0063] Figure 6 It shows an example of a tool changing device having a tool rack. This tool changing device stores tools in a tool magazine and a tool rack. A gantry loader is provided between the tool magazine and the tool rack. A tray with a tool mounted thereon is stored in the tool rack. A tool (hereinafter referred to as an external tool) is mounted on the tray. The tray stored in the tool rack is moved to the main body of the tool changing device using a gantry loader. A robot removes the tool mounted on the main body of the tool changing device and mounts it on the machine tool. In addition, a device other than a robot such as a tool changer can also be used for tool loading and unloading.

[0064] The external configuration storage unit 15 stores the initial configuration of the external tools, that is, the correspondence between the tool seat numbers of the external tools and the tools mounted on the tool seats.

[0065] In tool change, the movement of the external tools stored in the tool rack is less efficient than the movement of the tools stored in the main body of the tool changing device.

[0066] The evaluation value correction unit 16 corrects the evaluation value (number of movements) of external tools stored in the tool rack. In the correction of the evaluation value, different evaluation values can be preset for external tools and tools in the main body, or the number of movements of external tools can be multiplied by a coefficient. In the present embodiment, the correction is performed in such a way that the evaluation value of the external tool is higher than the evaluation value of the tool library in the main body. The more the number of movements between the external tool and the main body, the higher the evaluation value, and the lower the efficiency is evaluated.

[0067] The correction value can also reflect the power consumption. For example, if the movement of the external tool consumes twice the power, the number of tool replacements accompanied by the movement between the external tool and the main body is doubled. Thus, the tool replacement order with less power consumption is determined.

[0068] The order calculation unit 13 of the second embodiment calculates the tool replacement order using both the movement amount and the number of movements of the tool library as evaluation values.

[0069] The tool replacement order calculation device 100 initially compares the number of movements (after correction) of the tool library. When there is no difference in the number of movements, it compares the movement amount of the tool library and selects the tool replacement order with less movement amount.

[0070] Refer to Figure 7 Describe the operation of the tool replacement order calculation device 100 of the second embodiment.

[0071] The tool replacement order calculation device 100 acquires the initial configuration of the tool library of the main body and stores it in the initial configuration storage unit 11 (step S11). The tool replacement order calculation device 100 also acquires the initial configuration of the external tool library and stores it in the external configuration storage unit 15 (step S12).

[0072] The tool replacement order calculation device 100 acquires the ideal configuration of the tools (step S13). The ideal configuration can be obtained from the outside or calculated by the tool replacement order calculation device 100.

[0073] The tool replacement order calculation device 100 performs a simulation of rearranging the tools in the initial configuration to the ideal configuration (step S14). In the simulation, the empty tool holders are used to rearrange the tools to the ideal configuration. The simulation can be executed the number of times corresponding to the number of tool holders in the tool library.

[0074] The tool replacement order calculation device 100 calculates the evaluation value of the tool replacement order (step S15). When there is a movement from the tool rack, the evaluation value is corrected (step S16). The tool replacement order calculation device 100 uses the number of movements of the tool library as the first evaluation value. The tool replacement order calculation device 100 selects an efficient tool replacement order based on the number of movements of the tool library (step S17).

[0075] If it is selected as one in step S17 (step S18: Yes), the tool change order calculation device 100 ends the selection process of the tool change order.

[0076] In step S17, when there are multiple tool change orders with equal evaluation values (step S18; No), the tool change order calculation device 100 uses the movement amount of the tool magazine as the second evaluation value. The tool change order calculation device 100 selects an efficient tool change order based on the movement amount of the tool magazine (step S19).

[0077] The tool change order calculation device 100 of the second embodiment calculates a tool change order suitable for a tool change device having a tool rack. A correction process is performed on the number of movements of the tool magazine from the tool rack.

[0078] The correction amount can be calculated based on the power consumption of the tool movement from the tool rack to the main body and the movement of the main body within the tool magazine. If this evaluation value is used, the power consumption can be made efficient.

[0079] In the tool change order calculation device 100 of the second embodiment, two evaluation values, the first evaluation value (the number of movements of the tool magazine) and the second evaluation value (the movement amount of the tool magazine), are used to select the tool change order. First, the first evaluation value (the number of movements of the tool magazine) is used, and when there is no difference in the first evaluation value (including the case where the difference is small), the second evaluation value (the movement amount of the tool magazine) is used to select the tool change order.

[0080] (Third Embodiment)

[0081] The order calculation unit 13 of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the third embodiment has a function of calculating an evaluation value considering the tool seats occupied by large-diameter tools. A large-diameter tool may come into contact with a tool installed on a tool seat near the tool seat on which the large-diameter tool is installed. Therefore, sometimes it is impossible to install a tool on a tool seat near the tool seat on which the large-diameter tool is installed. The order calculation unit 13 performs a simulation of tool change on the condition that the tool seats near the tool seat on which the large-diameter tool is installed (which tool seats are set according to the size and shape of the large-diameter tool) are set as empty tool seats, and calculates the tool change order.

[0082] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0083] The order calculation unit 13 of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the fourth embodiment calculates an evaluation value considering the indexing movement amount. As a premise, as Figure 8As shown in the figure, the tool change order calculation device 100 includes a machining program analysis unit 17. The machining program analysis unit 17 analyzes the machining program and determines the tool to be replaced first when the machining program is executed. The sequence calculation unit 13 obtains the tool holder number of the tool to be replaced first. Then, the indexing movement amount for moving the tool to be replaced first to the tool change position is calculated. The sequence calculation unit 13 calculates an evaluation value by adding the indexing movement amount to the total movement amount of the tool magazine calculated by simulation.

[0084] The tool change order calculation device 100 according to the fourth embodiment can calculate an evaluation value considering the indexing movement amount when performing the tool change specified by the machining program.

[0085] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0086] In the sequence calculation unit 13 of the tool change order calculation device 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the tool holder with a small movement amount for tool change is selected to perform the simulation. Specifically, the tools rearranged into the ideal configuration are selected, and the simulation of the tool change order is performed in the tool holder close to the initial configuration of the selected tool, and the simulation in the tool holder far from the initial configuration of the selected tool is not performed.

[0087] In Figure 9 's example, the first ideal configuration close to the initial configuration of the tool rearranged into the ideal configuration is selected, and the simulation of the second ideal configuration far from the initial configuration of the tool rearranged into the ideal configuration is not performed.

[0088] Figure 9 The first ideal configuration in the example of

[0089] is also close to the tool change position, so the movement amount to the tool change position is also small.

[0090] Hereinafter, the hardware structure of the tool change order calculation device 100 to which the present disclosure is applied will be described. Figure 10 is the hardware structure diagram of the tool change order calculation device 100. As Figure 10 shown, the tool change order calculation device 100 includes a CPU 111 that integrally controls the tool change order calculation device 100, a ROM 112 that records programs and data, and a RAM 113 for temporarily expanding data. The CPU 111 reads out the system program recorded in the ROM 112 via the bus and executes the tool change order calculation process according to the system program.

[0091] The non-volatile memory 114 is backed up by a battery (not shown), for example, and maintains its stored state even when the power supply of the tool change order calculation device 100 is cut off. Various data such as programs read from an external device 120 via the interfaces 115, 118, 119 and user operations input via the input unit 30 are stored in the non-volatile memory 114. Programs and data for performing the tool change order calculation process may also be stored in the non-volatile memory 114. In addition, various data are displayed on the display unit 70.

[0092] The interface 115 is an interface for connecting the tool change order calculation device 100 to an external device 120 such as an adapter. Programs, various parameters, etc. are read from the external device 120 side.

[0093] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, 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 gist of the present disclosure, or within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure derived from the content described in the claimed scope and its equivalents. In addition, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each action and the order of each process are shown as an example and are not limited thereto.

[0094] Hereinafter, an appendix of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0095] (Appendix 1)

[0096] A tool change order calculation device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an initial configuration storage unit 11 that stores an initial configuration of tools in which tool seat numbers of a tool magazine of a tool changing device are associated with tools installed on the tool seats; an ideal configuration acquisition unit 12 that acquires an ideal configuration of tools in the tool magazine; and an order calculation unit 13 that simulates a tool change order for rearranging the tools from the initial configuration of the tool magazine to the ideal configuration, calculates an evaluation value of the tool change order, and selects a tool change order based on the evaluation value.

[0097] (Appendix 2)

[0098] In a tool change order calculation device 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the evaluation value is the movement amount of the tool magazine.

[0099] (Appendix 3)

[0100] In a tool change order calculation device 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the evaluation value is the number of movements of the tool magazine.

[0101] (Appendix 4)

[0102] In another embodiment of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the present disclosure, the order calculation unit 13 calculates the number of movements of the tool magazine as a first evaluation value, calculates the movement amount of the tool magazine as a second evaluation value, and when there is no difference in the first evaluation value, uses the second evaluation value to select the tool change order.

[0103] (Supplementary Note 5)

[0104] In another embodiment of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the present disclosure, an external configuration storage unit 15 is provided. The external configuration storage unit 15 stores the initial configuration of the external tool magazine that associates the tool seat numbers of the external tool magazine in the tool rack of the tool change device with the tools installed on the tool seats. The tool change order calculation device is provided with an evaluation value correction unit 16. When the tool change in the external tool magazine is included in the simulation, the evaluation value correction unit corrects the evaluation value of the tool change.

[0105] (Supplementary Note 6)

[0106] In another embodiment of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the present disclosure, the order calculation unit 13 corrects the evaluation value based on the power consumption required for the movement of the tools stored in the external tool magazine.

[0107] (Supplementary Note 7)

[0108] In another embodiment of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the present disclosure, when the tool includes a large-diameter tool, the order calculation unit 13 simulates the tool change order on the condition that the tool seat near the large-diameter tool is set as an empty tool seat.

[0109] (Supplementary Note 8)

[0110] In another embodiment of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the present disclosure, a machining program analysis unit 17 for analyzing the machining program is provided. The machining program analysis unit 17 determines the tool to be changed first when the machining program is executed. The order calculation unit 13 adds the indexing movement amount of the initially changed tool to the total movement amount of the tool magazine calculated by the simulation to calculate the evaluation value.

[0111] (Supplementary Note 9)

[0112] In another embodiment of the tool change order calculation device 100 of the present disclosure, the order calculation unit 13 selects the tools rearranged into the ideal configuration, and selects the tool seats close to the initial configuration of the tools to perform the simulation.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 10)

[0114] In the tool change order calculation device 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an ideal configuration receiving unit 18 that receives an input of an ideal configuration of a tool.

[0115] (Supplementary Note 11)

[0116] In a storage medium storing commands readable by a computer according to one aspect of the present disclosure, commands are stored that cause one or more processors to perform the following steps: storing an initial configuration of tools that associates tool seat numbers in a tool library of a tool changing device with tools installed in the tool seats; obtaining an ideal configuration of the tools in the tool library; and simulating a tool change order in which tools are rearranged from the initial configuration in the tool library to the ideal configuration, calculating an evaluation value of the tool change order, and selecting a tool change order based on the evaluation value.

[0117] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0118] 100 Tool change order calculation device,

[0119] 11 Initial configuration storage unit,

[0120] 12 Ideal configuration acquisition unit,

[0121] 13 Order calculation unit,

[0122] 14 Order output unit,

[0123] 15 External configuration storage unit,

[0124] 16 Evaluation value correction unit,

[0125] 17 NC program analysis unit,

[0126] 18 Ideal configuration receiving unit,

[0127] 111 CPU,

[0128] 112 ROM,

[0129] 113 RAM,

[0130] 114 Non-volatile memory.

Claims

1. A tool replacement sequence calculation device, characterized in that: The tool replacement sequence calculation device includes: An initial configuration storage unit that stores the initial configuration of tools that associates the tool seat numbers in the tool magazine of the tool replacement device with the tools installed on the tool seats; An ideal configuration acquisition unit that acquires the ideal configuration of the tools in the tool magazine; And A sequence calculation unit that simulates the tool replacement sequence for rearranging the tools from the initial configuration in the tool magazine to the ideal configuration, calculates the evaluation value of the tool replacement sequence, and selects the tool replacement sequence based on the evaluation value.

2. The tool replacement sequence calculation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaluation value is the movement amount of the tool magazine.

3. The tool replacement sequence calculation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaluation value is the number of movements of the tool magazine.

4. The tool replacement sequence calculation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sequence calculation unit calculates the number of movements of the tool magazine as the first evaluation value, calculates the movement amount of the tool magazine as the second evaluation value, When there is no difference in the first evaluation value, the second evaluation value is used to select the tool replacement sequence.

5. The tool replacement sequence calculation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool replacement sequence calculation device includes an external configuration storage unit that stores the initial configuration of the external tool magazine that associates the tool seat numbers in the external tool magazine of the tool rack housed in the tool replacement device with the tools installed on the tool seats, The tool replacement sequence calculation device includes an evaluation value correction unit that corrects the evaluation value of the tool replacement when the tool replacement in the external tool magazine is included in the simulation.

6. The tool replacement sequence calculation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sequence calculation unit corrects the evaluation value based on the power consumption required for the movement of the tools housed in the external tool magazine.

7. The tool replacement sequence calculation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the tool includes a large-diameter tool, the sequence calculation unit simulates the tool replacement sequence on the condition that the tool seat near the large-diameter tool is set as an empty tool seat.

8. The tool replacement sequence calculation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tool replacement sequence calculation device includes a machining program analysis unit that analyzes the machining program, The machining program analysis unit determines the tool to be replaced first when the machining program is executed, The sequence calculation unit adds the indexing movement amount of the first replaced tool to the total movement amount of the tool magazine calculated by the simulation to calculate the evaluation value.

9. The tool replacement sequence calculation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sequence calculation unit selects the tools rearranged to the ideal configuration, and selects the tool seats close to the initial configuration of the tools to perform the simulation.

10. The tool replacement sequence calculation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool replacement order calculation device includes an ideal configuration reception unit that receives an input of an ideal configuration of a tool.

11. A storage medium storing computer-readable commands, characterized in that the computer-readable commands cause one or more processors to perform the following steps: store an initial configuration of a tool that associates a tool seat number in a tool library of a tool replacement device with a tool installed in the tool seat; acquire an ideal configuration of the tool in the tool library; and simulate a tool replacement order for rearranging the tool from the initial configuration in the tool library to the ideal configuration, calculate an evaluation value of the tool replacement order, and select a tool replacement order based on the evaluation value.

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