Integrated control device for managing machining plan of machine tool

Abstract

An integrated control device (10) for managing machining plans of machine tools (MC1, MC2) generates a machining plan including a plurality of tasks in association with the working time and the non-working time of an operator, and displays a machining plan graph (14a) in which each of the plurality of tasks is arranged and displayed in a sequential order with an independent icon. When there is a non-executable task that becomes non-executable due to the consumable reaching the set life, the display pattern of the icon (T14) of the non-executable task in the processing plan chart is changed, and when the start time of the non-executable task is within the working time of the operator, the display pattern of the icon (T14) is changed. An operator can choose to skip a non-executable task or execute maintenance of consumables, and skips the non-executable task when the start time of the non-executable task is in a non-working time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an integrated control device that manages a processing plan in a production facility having one or more machine tools. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a production facility such as an FMS continuously processes workpieces in accordance with a processing plan registered in advance for 24 hours with respect to a machine tool. In such a production facility, a workpiece is processed for a long time, so when a consumable reaches a set life that is input in advance, the machine tool must be stopped. In Patent Document 1, as one example of such a production facility, a dispatch operation method of a machine tool is described, in which even if an unusable tool occurs due to breakage or the like in the middle of dispatch operation, and even if a tool shortage occurs due to a preset error of the tool, the number of processing programs that are not executed is limited to a minimum and the dispatch operation is continued.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-109002 SUMMARY

[0006] In the dispatch operation method of the machine tool of Patent Document 1, the execution order of the processing program is skipped in the case where there is a deficient tool. In addition, in the dispatch operation method of the machine tool of Patent Document 1, it is described that an operator is urged to replace the deficient tool in the case where there is an operator.

[0007] In the dispatch operation method of the machine tool of Patent Document 1, the operator is warned of the deficient tool in the case where there is a deficient tool, but the execution order of the processing program is skipped. However, in the dispatch operation method of the machine tool of Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that it is difficult for the operator to simply understand when and where the execution order of the processing program is skipped and how the processing plan is changed.

[0008] Further, in the case where a deficient tool occurs, it is necessary that a workpiece that is being produced should not be skipped, but in a situation where it is currently difficult to arrange / prepare the deficient tool, it should be skipped without stopping the machine tool to produce another workpiece variety. In addition, the operator needs to also consider whether there is a surplus that can cope with the replacement of the deficient tool. According to these situations, it is preferable that the operator can select whether to skip the execution order of the processing program. In addition, it is preferable that even when the operator replaces the deficient tool, the deficient tool can be replaced more easily.

[0009] The present application has an object to provide an integrated control device in which an operator can more easily understand a task that becomes impossible to execute when a use condition of a consumable reaches a set life, and in which the operator can easily understand a changed processing plan.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, according to the present invention, an integrated control device is provided for managing the machining plans of a machine tool, characterized by comprising: a plan generation unit that receives production orders and generates a machining plan including multiple tasks by associating them with the operator's working and non-working hours; a display unit that displays a machining plan chart in which each of the multiple tasks is arranged in chronological order using independent icons; a display style changing unit that changes the display style of the icons; a consumable lifespan management unit that manages the lifespan of consumables required for machining in the machining plan to determine whether they have reached a set lifespan; and a task execution determination unit that determines tasks among the multiple tasks that cannot be executed due to the consumables reaching the set lifespan as unexecutable tasks. In the event of an unexecutable task, the display style change unit is instructed to change the display style of the icon of the unexecutable task in the processing plan chart; and the skip mode switching unit switches the on / off state of the working time skip mode and the non-working time skip mode related to skipping the unexecutable task. When the working time skip mode is on, the unexecutable task exists, and the start time of the unexecutable task is within the operator's working time, the plan generation unit allows the operator to choose to skip the unexecutable task or perform consumable maintenance. When the non-working time skip mode is on, the unexecutable task starts within the non-working time, and the unexecutable task is skipped.

[0011] According to the present invention, multiple tasks are displayed using independent icons arranged in chronological order, so that operators can easily understand the processing plan after skipping unexecutable tasks. Furthermore, when unexecutable tasks exist during working hours, operators can choose to skip the task or maintain consumables for the unexecutable task, thus allowing operators to flexibly set their own work plans. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of the production equipment using the present invention and the integrated control device for managing the production equipment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is an example of a chart that shows the timing of working hours, processing schedules, and changeover adjustments.

[0014] Figure 3 This indicates the display style when there are unexecutable tasks during working hours. Figure 2 The same chart.

[0015] Figure 4This displays detailed information about the consumables that caused the task to become unexecutable, as well as the location of replacements for those consumables. Figure 2 The same chart.

[0016] Figure 5 This is the dialog box that displays the task continue execution. Figure 2 The same chart.

[0017] Figure 6 Is it showing the option to skip the dialog box? Figure 2 The same chart.

[0018] Figure 7 It shows from Figure 6 The display style when skipping non-executable tasks is the same as the previous one. Figure 2 The same chart.

[0019] Figure 8 This shows the display style when an unexecutable task occurs outside of working hours. Figure 2 The same chart.

[0020] Figure 9 It shows from Figure 8 The display style when skipping non-executable tasks is the same as the previous one. Figure 2 The same chart. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] exist Figure 1 In this process, production equipment 100 includes at least one machine tool MC1, MC2, at least one changeover and adjustment station WSS1, WSS2, pallet rack 102, and conveying device 110 as its main components. Figure 1 In the example, machine tools MC1 and MC2 are horizontal machining centers with a rotary spindle S, including a platform (not shown) with a fixed pallet P1, a pallet changer PC, and a feed device (not shown) that moves the platform and the rotary spindle S relative to each other in at least the orthogonal three-axis directions of X, Y, and Z. The feed device may also include a rotary feed device (not shown). The pallet changer replaces the pallet P1 with the machined workpiece and the pallet P2 with the unmachined workpiece.

[0023] Machine tools MC1 and MC2 are also equipped with a tool storage compartment (not shown) for storing multiple tools used for machining, an automatic tool changer (not shown) for changing tools between the tool storage compartment and the rotary spindle S, and a coolant supply device (not shown) for supplying coolant to the machining area of ​​machine tools MC1 and MC2. Machine tools MC1 and MC2 are also equipped with an NC device for controlling the drive motor of the rotary spindle S and the drive motor of the feed axis device, as well as a mechanical control device for controlling peripheral machines such as the pallet changer, tool storage compartment, automatic tool changer, and coolant supply device.

[0024] In changeover stations WSS1 and WSS2, operators can load and unload workpieces onto pallets. Pallet rack 102 can be equipped with a rack (not shown) for storing pallets P with workpieces W installed or without workpieces W installed. A conveyor 110 transports pallets P with workpieces W installed between machine tools MC1 and MC2, pallet rack 102, and changeover stations WSS1 and WSS2. The conveyor 110 can also transport only pallets P without workpieces W installed, or directly transport workpieces W not installed on pallets P. The conveyor 110 can also transport items other than workpieces W or pallets P, such as tools. The conveyor 110 and changeover stations WSS1 and WSS2 can be equipped with various control devices (local control devices).

[0025] Production equipment 100 is controlled by integrated control unit 10. Integrated control unit 10 has a planning generation unit 12, a display unit 14, a display style changing unit 16, a task execution determination unit 18, a lifespan management unit 20, an input unit 22, and a skip mode switching unit 24 as its main components. Integrated control unit 10 can be composed of a computer and associated software, including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read-Only Memory), a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), communication devices, input / output ports, and a bidirectional bus connecting them. Integrated control unit 10 also includes a display device such as a touch panel (not shown). Integrated control unit 10 can be connected to the NC devices or mechanical control devices of machine tools MC1 and MC2, the conveying device 110, and the local control devices of changeover stations WSS1 and WSS2 via a network (not shown) compatible with communication standards such as IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) or IEEE 802.11 (Wireless LAN). When the integrated control device 10 has a touch panel as a display device, the input unit 22 may include the touch panel in addition to the aforementioned communication equipment, input / output port, and input device connected to the input / output port.

[0026] Based on production instructions input by operators from input unit 22 or from external sources such as a higher-level management system, the planning generation unit 12 generates a machining plan for each of machine tools MC1 and MC2. This plan consists of tasks (machining tasks) that link pallet numbers, machining start times, and the required machining time. For each changeover adjustment station (WSS1 and WSS2), the planning generation unit 12 also generates a changeover adjustment plan (changeover adjustment task) that links pallet numbers, the start time of the changeover adjustment for workpiece W corresponding to pallet P, and the required changeover adjustment time. The machining plan and changeover adjustment plan generated by the planning generation unit 12 are then combined as follows: Figures 2-9 As shown, the processing plan chart 14a and the changeover adjustment chart 14b are displayed on the display unit 14 in conjunction with the working time chart 14c, which represents the working time of the operators of the production equipment 100.

[0027] The task execution determination unit 18 determines whether the consumables, i.e., tools, required for processing in a task included in the processing plan have reached a preset threshold (lifespan). Based on the determination result, if the task included in the processing plan generated by the plan generation unit 12 involves a process (processing) using tools that have reached their preset lifespan, the task execution determination unit 18 instructs the display style change unit 16 to change the display style of the icon for the task including that process. The display style change unit 16 changes the display style of the icon based on the instruction from the task execution determination unit 18.

[0028] The lifespan management unit 20 stores the lifespans of various consumables used in machine tools MC1 and MC2, such as tools, greases, and sealing parts. The operators can directly input the lifespan (set lifespan) of each consumable from the input unit 22, or from the overall upper-level management system (not shown) or server (not shown) of the factory that manages and sets up the production equipment 100. Figure 1 In the example shown, the lifespan of each tool used in machine tools MC1 and MC2 is stored in the tool management section 20a, the lifespan of greases is stored in the grease management section 20b, and the lifespan of each sealing component is stored in the sealing component management section 20c. Alternatively, machine tools MC1 and MC2 can each have a lifespan management section instead of an integrated control unit, allowing them to manage the lifespan of each consumable.

[0029] In the tool management unit 20a, the tool usage status is recorded, and the cutting distance (the distance traveled by the tool tip during workpiece machining) is accumulated and stored for each tool. For example, by analyzing the currently executing NC program, the tool management unit 20a can calculate and accumulate the cutting distance of the tools used in machining, and determine the tool life based on whether the cutting distance set for the tool life (set life) has been reached. Machine tools MC1 and MC2 may also have tool management units that manage each tool.

[0030] In the grease management section 20b, the accumulated time of mechanical power supply (cumulative time) since the last replacement is stored as the usage status of each type of grease. For each type of grease, this accumulated time is compared with the replacement time preset by the operator to determine whether the grease has reached its replacement period. Machine tools MC1 and MC2 may also have a grease management section that manages each type of grease.

[0031] Similarly, in the sealing component management unit 20c, the usage status of consumables is stored, including the cumulative mechanical power-on time (cumulative time) since the last replacement of each sealing component. For each sealing component, this cumulative time is compared with the replacement time for its lifespan pre-input by the operator to determine whether the sealing component has reached its replacement period. Machine tools MC1 and MC2 may also have a sealing component management unit for managing each sealing component.

[0032] The skip mode switching unit 24 switches the working time skip mode and non-working time skip mode on / off via operation by the operator through the input unit 22. When the working time skip mode is on, as described later, if the start time of an unexecutable task falls within the operator's working hours (i.e., the operator is near machine tools MC1 and MC2), the operator can choose to skip the unexecutable task or perform consumable maintenance. When the non-working time skip mode is on, if the start time of an unexecutable task falls outside of working hours (i.e., the operator is not near machine tools MC1 and MC2), the unexecutable task can be automatically skipped. If either the working time skip mode or the non-working time skip mode is off, no processing related to skipping unexecutable tasks is performed, and no consumable maintenance is performed, then production stops, and machine tools MC1 and MC2 stop.

[0033] The following is for reference Figures 2-9 This explains the function of this implementation method.

[0034] exist Figure 2 The image shows an example of a processing plan chart 14a, a changeover adjustment chart 14b, and a working time chart 14c generated by the planning generation unit 12 and displayed on the display unit 14. Figure 2The working hours chart includes working hours shown in white and non-working hours shown in shaded areas. Working hours include 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

[0035] For machine tools MC1 and MC2, each machine tool generates a machining plan chart. Each machining plan chart includes multiple task icons (machining task icons) configured in chronological order. Figure 2 In the example, the machining plan chart for machine tool MC1 is represented by nine task icons T11~T19, while the machining plan chart for machine tool MC2 is represented by four task icons T21~T24 arranged in sequence. Additionally, in Figure 2 In the example, task icons T11~T19 and task icons T21~T24 are given a tray number for the tray on which the workpiece to be processed by machine tool MC1 and machine tool MC2 is mounted.

[0036] More specifically, in the machining schedule chart for machine tool MC1, task icon T11 indicates that the workpiece mounted on pallet 7 is machined before 8:00 AM, the start time of the work period. Next, task icon T12 indicates that the workpiece mounted on pallet 1 is machined. Similarly, task icons T13 through T19 indicate that the workpieces mounted on pallets 2, 3, 6, 1, 2, 3, and 7 are machined sequentially. In the machining schedule chart for machine tool MC2, task icon T21 indicates that the workpiece mounted on pallet 4 is machined before 8:00 AM, the start time of the work period. Next, task icon T22 indicates that the workpiece mounted on pallet 5 is machined. Similarly, task icons T23 and T24 indicate that the workpieces mounted on pallets 4 and 9 are machined sequentially.

[0037] In the production changeover adjustment chart 14b, a task icon (production changeover adjustment task icon) is displayed as part of the production changeover adjustment plan. Figure 2The diagram indicates that the changeover adjustment work (workpiece installation / removal) for pallet 1 begins at 8:00 AM (the start of the workday, i.e., when operators can perform changeover adjustments). Changeover adjustments for pallets 2, 3, 6, 5, 7, 8, 1, and 9 are completed by the end of the morning. In the afternoon, after the workpiece mounted on pallet 2 is finished in machine tool MC1, the changeover adjustment for pallet 2 is performed. Next, after the workpiece mounted on pallet 3 is finished in machine tool MC1, the changeover adjustment for pallet 3 is performed. Finally, after the workpiece mounted on pallet 4 is finished in machine tool MC2, the changeover adjustment for pallet 4 is performed. All changeover adjustments must be completed before 5:00 PM (the end of the workday). Operators can perform changeover adjustments for the appropriate pallets at the correct time by referring to the changeover adjustment diagram 14c. In addition, by displaying information on the display unit that corresponds the pallet number to the type of workpiece, such as an instruction manual, the operator is informed which pallet to install which workpiece.

[0038] exist Figures 2-9 Only changeover adjustment station WSS1 is shown in the diagram, but changeover adjustment station WSS2 can also be displayed in the same way. In addition, when the changeover adjustment operation for each pallet of workpieces is completed, the operator can send a notification of completion of the changeover adjustment operation to the integrated control unit 10 by operating the control panels (not shown) of changeover adjustment stations WSS1 and WSS2, and then use the transfer device 110 to move the pallet to the pallet rack 102 or machine tools MC1 and MC2.

[0039] During the operation of production equipment 100, the task execution determination unit 18 continuously determines whether there are consumables whose lifespan is approaching as set by the lifespan management unit 20; in this embodiment, these are tools, greases, and sealing parts. When there are consumables whose lifespan has reached the set lifespan, a task is generated that cannot be processed using machine tools MC1 or MC2. In this embodiment, if the processing plan generated by the planning generation unit 12 includes a task where the usage status of consumables has reached the set lifespan, the task is displayed as an unexecuted task by changing the display style of the task in the processing plan chart of machine tool MC1 or machine tool MC2.

[0040] When the task execution determination unit 18 determines that a certain consumable has reached its set lifespan, it outputs the determination result to the display style change unit 16. Specifically, when the usage of consumables in the task is accumulated (machining distance / number of workpieces / number of holes, etc. if the consumable is a tool), and the set lifespan is exceeded, the task is determined to be unexecution. Based on the determination result of the task execution determination unit 18, the display style change unit 16 changes the display style of the icon in the machining plan chart 14a displayed on the display unit 14. As an example, in... Figure 3 In the machining plan chart of machine tool MC1, consumables have reached their set lifespan, so task icons T14, T16, and T18 are shown as unexecutable with a shaded line, meaning the workpieces mounted on pallets 3 and 1 cannot be machined. In fact, by changing the color, shape, and size of the unexecutable task icon, or by changing the color, thickness, size, and type of the font displayed on the icon, the operator can be informed that the consumables required to perform the task corresponding to that icon have reached their set lifespan, i.e., the task is unexecutable.

[0041] Alternatively, the display can show the stopping time when the machine tool will stop due to the use of consumables reaching their set lifespan. Figure 3 , 4 In the middle, in the stop icon IC Stop The machine tool MC1 stopped at 14:04 when the consumables reached the set lifespan. The task corresponding to task icon T14 (machining of the workpiece installed on pallet 3) started.

[0042] In this example, at the stop icon IC Stop The display shows the stop time, indicating when the task will stop, but it can also show the remaining time or the stop date and time until the task stops. The stop time, the remaining time until the task stops, and the stop date and time can be displayed on the chart when the task icon with the changed display style is selected, or they can be displayed separately in a part outside the chart of the display section 14.

[0043] At this point, when the operator selects the task icon indicating that the consumable's usage status has reached the set lifespan, detailed information about the consumable's usage status is displayed. In this example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a sub-window WS can be displayed within the display unit 14, and the sub-window WS represents consumables that have reached the end of their service life. Figure 4The text shows that the machining distance of tool T1025, required for machining the workpiece mounted on pallet 3 for the task corresponding to task icon T14, has reached a set threshold (lifespan). Additionally, to facilitate easy replacement of tools that have reached their set lifespan by the operator, the storage location of replacement tools can be displayed in the sub-window WS. Figure 4 In the example, the storage location of tool T1025, which should be replaced, is displayed in the sub-window WS with text such as "Tool Room 1", "Tool Shelf 2", and "4th Push-Pull Tray from Top". Alternatively, instead of displaying text, a simplified map and symbols from a factory top view can be used to indicate the storage location of the object tool.

[0044] Additionally, when displaying task icons for tasks that have reached their set lifespan and are no longer executable due to the use of consumables, it is possible to connect task icons for tasks that are also no longer executable for the same reason using link icons. Figure 3 In the example, a common tool T1025 is used for machining the workpiece mounted on pallet 3 and the workpiece mounted on pallet 1. When the machining distance of tool T1025 reaches its set lifespan, both the workpiece mounted on pallet 3 and the workpiece mounted on pallet 1 become unmachineable. Therefore, task icons T14 and T16 are connected via connection icon IC_Connect 1. Furthermore, task icon T16 is connected to task icon T18 via connection icon IC_Connect 2. In this way, by connecting task icons corresponding to tasks that are unworkable for the same reason with each other using connection icons, the operator can easily understand which task in the machining plan is affected by the consumable reaching its set lifespan.

[0045] The operator can select a task icon from the input unit 22. When the integrated control device 10 has a touch panel as the display unit 14, selection can be performed by lightly touching the task icon that is not operable. When the display unit 14 is a standard panel display, selection can be performed using an input device such as a keyboard (not shown) or a mouse (not shown) as the input unit 22. Thus, according to this embodiment, the operator can easily determine, using a processing plan chart, which indicates that a task for a particular consumable has reached its set lifespan and is no longer operable.

[0046] Here, with the work time skip mode enabled, when the operator further touches the task icon T14 indicating an unexecutable task, the tool management unit 20a of the life management unit 20 refers to the NC program supplied to the machine tool MC1. According to the NC program, based on when the machining process of the tool T1025, which is approaching its set lifespan, in the task corresponding to the task icon T14 starts and when the machine tool MC1 stops, the calculation result is output to the display style change unit 16.

[0047] Display style change section 16 Figure 5 This information is displayed in the sub-window WS shown. Figure 5 In the example, machining using tool T1025 begins at 15:43. Dialog box DB1 displays that only the machining process immediately preceding it is executable, while dialog box DB2 displays that the machining process using tool T1025 is not executable because the machining distance of tool T1025 has reached its set lifespan.

[0048] Simultaneously, the display style change unit 16 displays a task continuation dialog box DB_Continue in the sub-window WS, asking the operator whether to continue machining without interrupting the task itself. The task continuation dialog box DB_Continue displays the time when machining began using a tool that had reached its set lifespan (in this case, tool T1025), and the tools used before and after the tool reached its set lifespan. The operator can choose not to interrupt machining on machine tool MC1, provided that tool T1025 in the tool storage is replaced. That is, when the operator touches the "Yes" button in the task continuation dialog box DB_Continue, machine tool MC1 continues machining up to 15:43, immediately following the start of machining using tool T1025. Thus, the time from 14:04 to 15:43 is provided to the operator as a delay for preparing and replacing tool T1025, allowing the operator to easily replace tool T1025 and immediately perform the remaining machining after tool T1013. However, if the operator is unable to replace tool T1025 in the tool storage compartment before the start time of machining using tool T1025 at 15:43, the machine tool MC1 will stop at the start time of 15:43.

[0049] Furthermore, from the perspective of machining accuracy (mainly machining accuracy related to mechanical thermal displacement), workpieces should ideally be machined continuously within the same time period. Therefore, regarding the selection of continuing the aforementioned tasks, it is preferable to be able to set it according to each task and each product category based on the operator's judgment. Additionally, regarding the continuation of tasks, it can be selected independently whenever the consumable reaches its set lifespan and the task becomes unexecutable, as described above, or it can be set to continue automatically without pre-setting parameters for on / off states and selecting independently.

[0050] Operators refer to Figure 5When the display shows this, it may also indicate that maintenance of consumables or, in this example, replacement of tool T1025 in the tool storage compartment was not completed before the machine tool MC1 stopped. In this case, when the operator touches the "No" button in the task continue dialog box DB_Continue, the skip dialog box DB_Skip, which asks the operator whether to skip the non-executable task, will open (see [reference]). Figure 6 ).

[0051] The skip dialog box DB_Skip includes a standalone skip button SB1, a linked skip button SB2, and a skip abort button SB3. When the standalone skip button SB1 is touched, the selected task, represented by task icon T14 in this example (machining of the workpiece mounted on pallet 3), is skipped, and the start of that task is moved to the end of the machining schedule, i.e., after the last task in the machining schedule at that point in time. When the linked skip button B2 is touched, the tasks represented by task icons T14, T16, and T18 (machining of the workpiece mounted on pallet 3, machining of the workpiece mounted on pallet 1) connected by connection icons IC_Connect 1 and IC_Connect 2 are skipped as follows: Figure 7 As shown, while maintaining the sequence, the task is moved to the end of the processing schedule, after the task represented by task icon T19 in this example (processing the workpiece installed on pallet 7). Alternatively, non-executable tasks can be moved to any sequence other than the end of the processing schedule. When task icon T14 (non-executable task) is moved after task icon T15, the processing time for task icon T15 and the delay for tool replacement T1025 are provided to the operator. Depending on the timing of consumables requiring maintenance, the production priority of the workpieces processed in the non-executable task, and the operator's workload, the non-executable task can be skipped at any chosen time.

[0052] When the work time skip mode is off, machine tool MC1 stops at 14:04, the start time of the task (machining) corresponding to task icon T14. Thus, according to this embodiment, by turning on the work time skip mode, the operator can choose whether to skip the machining plan during work hours based on factors such as whether maintenance work can be performed.

[0053] When the non-working time skip mode is enabled, tasks that cannot be executed due to consumables reaching their set lifespan are automatically skipped if their start time is outside of working hours. For example, ... Figure 8As shown, after 17:00, which is the end time of the working time, if, as in the example above, the machining distance of tool T1025 reaches its set life and the workpieces mounted on pallets 1 (task icon T16) and 3 (task icon T18) become unmachineable, and if the non-working time skip mode is off, machine tool MC1 will stop at 19:25, the start time of the task corresponding to task icon T16. However, by turning the non-working time skip mode on, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, tasks corresponding to task icons T16 and T18 are skipped and postponed until after the task corresponding to task icon T17, which is the end of the machining plan. This allows executable tasks to be completed even when the operator is not near the machine during non-working hours. In this case, information related to the skipped task and the consumables that made the task unexecutable can be displayed in the sub-window WS. Furthermore, "skipped" in this specification means "postponing the unexecutable task in the machining plan," but in cases where consumables cannot be placed at present, the task may be removed from the machining plan without skipping. In the case of removal, the task is not displayed in the machining plan chart. Simultaneously, information related to the consumables that caused the task to become unexecutable, as described above, can always be displayed in the sub-window WS. The operator can understand the existence of the removed unexecutable task, the content of the task, and the details of the consumables that caused it.

[0054] Furthermore, even during non-working hours, if an unmanned device can perform maintenance work in place of an operator, the non-working hour skip mode can be turned off. Additionally, for any task, the operator can input the desired completion date and time to modify the plan. For expedited processing plans, not only the date but also the time can be specified, postponing the execution of previously scheduled tasks. Moreover, the operator can instruct the planning generation unit 12 to schedule processing plans in a way that prevents consumables from reaching their set lifespan, such as tool cutting distances, before the desired date and time. By advancing the processing of low-priority workpieces that do not use the tools, the production system can operate without stopping machine tools MC1 and MC2. In cases where there are no production instructions that can be advanced and scheduling is impossible, the operator can be informed of their intentions, presented with a list of workpieces that do not use the tools, and recommended to add additional production instructions.

[0055] The integrated control unit 10 or machine tools MC1 and MC2 may also include a tool availability management unit 26 to manage whether the necessary tools required for performing the task are available. When a production order for a new workpiece type is issued in the production equipment 100, it may be impossible to process the work using tools previously stored in the tool storage of machine tools MC1 and MC2. The tool availability management unit 26 compares the tools used in the NC program of the task as necessary tools with the tools stored in the tool storage of machine tools MC1 and MC2. If neither machine tool MC1 nor MC2 has the necessary tools, the task execution determination unit 18 determines that the task is unexecuted. This determination can be performed independently of determining whether the tools required for processing have reached their set lifespan.

[0056] The integrated control unit 10 or machine tools MC1 and MC2 may also include a spare tool management unit 28 for managing whether spare tools necessary for performing the task are available. Here, a spare tool refers to a tool capable of performing the same machining as the necessary tool. While the tool can perform the same machining as the necessary tool, it may not be in the exact same holder, cutting tool, or assembly state. If a tool that has reached its set lifespan is among the tools required for performing the task, the integrated control unit 10 determines the task to be unperformable. However, if a spare tool with its set lifespan is available in the tool storage of machine tools MC1 and MC2, the spare tool can be used instead of the tool with its set lifespan, thus canceling the determination that the task is unperformable. In this case, the lifespan of the spare tool can also be determined at the same time. If no spare tool is available in the tool storage of machine tools MC1 and MC2, this determination is maintained. By performing a determination based on the availability of a spare tool in conjunction with the determination based on reaching the set lifespan, the determination of an unperformable task can be made more accurately.

[0057] The integrated control device 10 may also include a raw material inventory management unit 30 for managing the inventory of raw materials required for performing tasks. For example, if 10 processing instructions for workpiece type W1 are given, and the raw material inventory for workpiece type W1 in the production equipment 100 is only 8, then production cannot proceed to the 9th or subsequent instructions. In this case, the task execution determination unit 18 determines that the 9th or subsequent instructions (processing tasks) are unexecutable. Simultaneously, the pallet changeover adjustment task corresponding to workpiece type W1 can also be determined as an unexecutable task, the display style can be changed, and furthermore, the processing tasks and changeover adjustment tasks that are deemed unexecutable can be connected with a link icon. The operator can choose to arrange the raw materials or skip the unexecutable tasks. This determination can be performed independently of the various determinations related to consumables described above. The skip mode related to raw material inventory can be set either together with the skip mode related to consumables described above, or independently.

[0058] (Symbol Explanation)

[0059] 10: Integrated control unit; 12: Planning generation unit; 14: Display unit; 14a: Processing plan chart; 14b: Changeover adjustment chart; 14c: Working time chart; 16: Display style change unit; 18: Task execution determination unit; 20: Lifespan management unit; 20a: Tool management unit; 20b: Grease management unit; 20c: Sealing parts management unit; 22: Input unit; 24: Skip mode switching unit; 26: Tool availability management unit; 28: Backup tool availability management unit; 100: Production equipment; 102: Pallet rack; 110: Conveying device.

Claims

1. A comprehensive control device for managing the machining plan of a machine tool, characterized in that, have: The planning and production department receives production orders and links them with the operators' working and non-working hours to generate processing plans that include multiple tasks. The display unit shows a processing plan chart in which each of the multiple tasks is arranged with an independent icon in chronological order. The display style change section changes the display style of the icon; The Consumable Life Management Department manages whether the consumables required for processing in the processing plan have reached their set lifespan. The task execution determination unit determines that a task among the plurality of tasks is no longer executable due to the consumables reaching the set lifespan. In the case of an unexecutable task, the unit instructs the display style change unit to change the display style of the icon of the unexecutable task in the processing plan chart. as well as The skip mode switching unit toggles the on / off state of the working time skip mode and the non-working time skip mode, which are related to skipping the non-executable task. When the working time skip mode is enabled, there is an unexecutable task, and the start time of the unexecutable task is within the operator's working time, the planning generation unit allows the operator to choose to skip the unexecutable task or perform consumable maintenance. When the non-working time skip mode is enabled, and the start time of the unexecutable task is within the non-working time, the unexecutable task is skipped.

2. The integrated control device according to claim 1, wherein, The consumable is a tool, and the task execution determination unit compares the cumulative value of the tool's cutting distance with a set lifespan, which is a set threshold, to determine the lifespan.

3. The integrated control device according to claim 1, wherein, The display style change unit uses connection icons to link multiple non-executable tasks.

4. The integrated control device according to claim 2, wherein, The display style change unit displays the start time of processing using a tool that has reached the set lifespan on the processing plan chart.

5. The integrated control device according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a tool availability management department to manage whether the machine tool has the necessary tools to perform the multiple tasks. The task execution determination unit determines the tasks that cannot be executed due to the machine tool not having the necessary tools as unexecutable tasks.

6. The integrated control device according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a spare tool management department that manages whether the machine tool has spare tools to perform the multiple tasks. If the machine tool has a spare tool that has reached the set lifespan, the task execution determination unit cancels the determination that the task is not executable; if the machine tool does not have a spare tool that has reached the set lifespan, the determination that the task is not executable is maintained.

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