Control device, control method, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides a control device, a control method and a computer program product. A control device for controlling a machine tool which is provided with a first tool magazine and a second tool magazine for accommodating a plurality of tools and which attaches the tools accommodated in the first tool magazine to a spindle, the control device controlling the machine tool: outputting a display signal, the display signal is used for displaying tool information indicating tools accommodated in the first tool magazine and tool information indicating tools accommodated in the second tool magazine, and receiving selection of tool information of tools accommodated in at least one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine; and conveying the tool represented by the received and selected tool information from one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine to the other one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Machine tools sometimes have multiple tool magazines and conveyor systems. Each tool magazine holds multiple tools. The conveyor system transports the tools from one tool magazine to other tool magazines. The other tool magazines then hold the tools transported by the conveyor systems.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the aforementioned machine tool.

[0004] The tool information display device for a machine tool (referred to as "machining machinery" in Patent Document 1) describes a method of displaying the identification number of each tool in a tool library by simulating the arrangement of tools in the tool library. The user selects an identification number by visually viewing the tool information display device. The tool information display device then displays detailed information about the tool with the user-selected identification number.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-144541 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Patent document 1 does not contain any description of the user's convenience when the user instructs the machine tool to transfer tools from one tool library to another.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control device, control method, and computer program product that can improve the convenience of tool delivery operations.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a control device for controlling a machine tool, the machine tool having a first tool magazine and a second tool magazine for accommodating a plurality of tools and for mounting tools in the first tool magazine onto a spindle, the control device controlling the machine tool as follows: outputting a display signal for displaying tool information representing tools in the first tool magazine and tool information representing tools in the second tool magazine; receiving a selection of tool information representing tools in at least one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine; and transferring the tool represented by the selected tool information from one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine to the other of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine.

[0009] According to the present invention, the machine tool includes a first tool library and a second tool library. Each of the first tool library and the second tool library is a tool library that contains a plurality of tools.

[0010] Tools can be installed and removed from the machine tool spindle. The machine tool mounts the tools contained in the first tool magazine onto the spindle. For example, by moving the spindle to a designated tool change position, tools can be changed between the first tool magazine and the spindle.

[0011] For example, the machine tool also includes a conveying device. The conveying device transports tools contained in one of the first and second tool magazines to the other of the first and second tool magazines. The other of the first and second tool magazines contains the tools transported by the conveying device.

[0012] The control device outputs display signals to the display unit on the machine tool or an external display device. The display signals are used to display tool information (hereinafter referred to as tool information related to the first tool library) indicating the tools contained in the first tool library and tool information (hereinafter referred to as tool information related to the second tool library) indicating the tools contained in the second tool library. The display unit or display device displays the tool information related to the first tool library and the tool information related to the second tool library on the display screen according to the received display signals.

[0013] The control device receives at least the selection of tool information related to the first tool library (or tool information related to the second tool library).

[0014] The user must select at least the tool information related to the first tool library (or the tool information related to the second tool library). The tool information related to the first tool library selected by the user indicates the tools that should be transferred from the first tool library to the second tool library. The tool information related to the second tool library selected by the user indicates the tools that should be transferred from the second tool library to the first tool library.

[0015] To select tools, users can touch the tools displayed on a screen, such as a touch panel. Users can also hover the mouse pointer over the tools displayed on the screen to click, or point the cursor at the tools displayed on the screen to press buttons.

[0016] The control device controls the machine tool to transport the tool represented by the selected tool information from the first tool library to the second tool library (or from the second tool library to the first tool library).

[0017] Users can view tool information for both the first and second tool libraries on the visual display screen. This allows them to easily select tools to be transported from one library to the other, or tools to be exchanged between them. In other words, it improves the convenience of tool transport operations.

[0018] The control device of the present invention outputs display signals for displaying a first part and a second part adjacent to each other. In the first part, tool information of tools contained in the first tool library is arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of tools contained in the first tool library. In the second part, tool information of tools contained in the second tool library is arranged.

[0019] According to the present invention, the control device outputs display signals for displaying the first part and the second part adjacent to each other.

[0020] Since the tools used for loading and unloading the spindle move back and forth between the spindle and the first tool magazine, the arrangement of tools in the first tool magazine, for example, can affect the machining efficiency of the workpiece. Therefore, information about the arrangement of tools in the first tool magazine, where tools are stored in the first tool magazine, and where tools are not stored in the first tool magazine is important for the user.

[0021] Therefore, in the first part, the tool information related to the first tool library is arranged in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the tools contained in the first tool library. Thus, by visually viewing the first part, the user can intuitively grasp the arrangement of the tools contained in the first tool library, as well as the location of the tools indicated by the tool information within the first tool library. In other words, this improves the convenience of tool transport operations.

[0022] The control device of the present invention outputs display signals for displaying a first part and a second part adjacent to each other. In the first part, tool information of tools contained in the first tool library is arranged. In the second part, tool information of tools contained in the second tool library is arranged in one direction according to a predetermined order based on the tool information.

[0023] According to the present invention, the control device outputs display signals for displaying the first part and the second part adjacent to each other.

[0024] The tools for spindle loading and unloading move back and forth between the spindle and the first tool magazine. When using tools stored in the second tool magazine during workpiece machining, the workpiece completion time is extended; therefore, the user uses the second tool magazine as a tool storage container. Thus, for the user, it is more important than easily obtaining information about the arrangement of the tools stored in the second tool magazine and where the tools are located within it, to easily find the desired tool from the multiple tools stored in the second tool magazine.

[0025] Therefore, in the second part, the tool information related to the second tool library is arranged in one direction according to a prescribed order based on the tool information. This prescribed order based on the tool information may be, for example, an ascending or descending order of the numbers, letters, etc., that constitute the tool's identification information. Thus, by visually viewing the second part, the user can easily find the desired tool from the many tools contained in the second tool library. That is, it improves the convenience of tool delivery operations.

[0026] The control device of the present invention includes a first tool library and a second tool library, each having a plurality of receiving sections for accommodating tools. The control device controls the machine tool as follows: when receiving selection of tool information for a tool accommodated in one of the first tool library and the second tool library, and not receiving selection of tool information for a tool accommodated in the other of the first tool library and the second tool library, the control device determines a receiving section among the plurality of receiving sections in the other of the first tool library and the second tool library that does not contain a tool, and transports the tool represented by the selected tool information from one of the first tool library and the second tool library to the determined receiving section.

[0027] According to the present invention, the first tool library and the second tool library each have a plurality of receiving portions. The receiving portions are used to receive tools.

[0028] Users select tool information related to the first tool library (or tool information related to the second tool library).

[0029] If a selection of tool information related to the first tool library is received, but no selection of tool information related to the second tool library is received, the control device determines the compartment of the second tool library that does not contain a tool. Conversely, if a selection of tool information related to the second tool library is received, but no selection of tool information related to the first tool library is received, the control device determines the compartment of the first tool library that does not contain a tool.

[0030] The control device controls the machine tool to transport the tool represented by the selected tool information (or tool information related to the second tool library) from the first tool library (or the second tool library) to the designated receiving portion in the second tool library (or the first tool library).

[0031] As a result, the empty compartments in the second tool library (or the first tool library) can accommodate tools that were originally housed in the first tool library (or the second tool library).

[0032] That is, if the user selects only one of the tool information related to the first tool library and the tool information related to the second tool library, it is not necessary to specify an empty storage compartment. In other words, it can improve the convenience of tool delivery operations.

[0033] The control device of the present invention includes a first tool library and a second tool library, each having a plurality of receiving sections for accommodating tools. The control device controls the machine tool as follows: upon receiving tool information for tools accommodated in the first tool library and tool information for tools accommodated in the second tool library, it determines a receiving section in the second tool library that does not contain a tool, transports the tool represented by the selected tool information associated with the first tool library from the first tool library to the determined receiving section, and after the tool is transported, transports the tool represented by the selected tool information associated with the second tool library from the second tool library to the receiving section in the first tool library that originally contained the tool.

[0034] According to the present invention, the first tool library and the second tool library each have a plurality of receiving portions. The receiving portions are used to receive tools.

[0035] The user selects tool information related to the first tool library and tool information related to the second tool library. The tool information selected by the user related to the first tool library indicates the tools that should be transferred from the first tool library to the second tool library. The tool information selected by the user related to the second tool library indicates the tools that should be transferred from the second tool library to the first tool library.

[0036] Upon receiving tool information related to the first tool library and tool information related to the second tool library, the control device determines the compartment of the second tool library that does not contain any tools.

[0037] The control device controls the machine tool to transport the tool represented by the selected tool information associated with the first tool library from the first tool library to the determined receiving section.

[0038] After the tool selected according to the tool information associated with the first tool library is delivered, the control device controls the machine tool to deliver the tool selected according to the tool information associated with the second tool library from the second tool library to the receiving section of the first tool library. This receiving section is the one that holds the tool before the delivery of the tool selected according to the tool information associated with the first tool library; it is empty after the delivery of the tool, so there are no particular problems in accommodating the tool selected according to the tool information associated with the second tool library.

[0039] As a result, the empty compartment in the second tool library accommodates a tool that was originally contained in the first tool library, and the compartment in the first tool library that was originally contained a tool accommodates another tool that was originally contained in the second tool library.

[0040] That is, when the user selects both tool information related to the first tool library and tool information related to the second tool library, the tools represented by the tool information related to the first tool library and the tools represented by the tool information related to the second tool library can be interchanged between the first and second tool libraries. When exchanging tools, the user does not need to specify empty storage compartments. This improves the convenience of tool transport operations.

[0041] Since tools in the second tool magazine are not simultaneously transferred to the tool-containing compartment of the first tool magazine, tools in either the first or second tool magazine do not need to be temporarily moved to an appropriate empty compartment. Therefore, the tool transfer sequence is simple.

[0042] In other words, the user cannot specify the location of the second tool library. However, this does not adversely affect the user. This is because the arrangement of the tools in the second tool library, and the location of the tools within the second tool library, are not important to the user.

[0043] The control device of the present invention allows tools contained in one of the first tool library and the second tool library to be moved to a predetermined position. The control device controls the machine tool as follows: receiving either a transport instruction for transporting the tool or a movement instruction for moving the tool to the predetermined position; transporting the tool represented by the selected tool information upon receiving a selection of tool information and the transport instruction; and moving the tool represented by the selected tool information to the predetermined position upon receiving a selection of tool information and the movement instruction.

[0044] According to the present invention, the control device receives either a transport instruction or a movement instruction.

[0045] The following example uses the first tool library as one of the two tool libraries.

[0046] The tools contained in the first tool magazine can be moved to a designated position. For example, by rotating the first tool magazine, the tools contained in the first tool magazine can be rotated to the designated position. The designated position is the position where the user loads or unloads tools relative to the first tool magazine (hereinafter referred to as the loading / unloading position), or the position under the spindle (hereinafter referred to as the spindle position), etc.

[0047] The user, for example, manually removes the tool located in the loading / unloading position (or spindle position) from the first tool magazine and installs other tools into the part of the first tool magazine corresponding to the loading / unloading position (or spindle position). Furthermore, the user, for example, visually inspects the tool located in the spindle position.

[0048] When a user wants to move a tool stored in the first tool library to a designated location, the user selects the tool information associated with the first tool library and sends a movement instruction to the control device.

[0049] Upon receiving a selection and movement instruction related to tool information associated with the first tool magazine, the control device controls the machine tool to move the tool indicated by the selected tool information to a predetermined position. Since the tools contained in the first tool magazine can be rotated and moved to the predetermined position by rotating the first tool magazine, tool transport is not required.

[0050] When a user wants to move a tool from the second tool library to a designated location, the user selects the tool information associated with the second tool library and sends a movement instruction to the control device.

[0051] Upon receiving a selection and movement instruction related to tool information from the second tool magazine, the control device controls the machine tool to move the tool indicated by the selected tool information from the second tool magazine to the first tool magazine and then to a predetermined position. The tool, contained in the first tool magazine via the transfer from the second tool magazine, can rotate and move to the predetermined position by rotating the first tool magazine.

[0052] When a user wants to transfer tools between the first tool library and the second tool library, the user must select at least the tool information related to the first tool library (or the tool information related to the second tool library) and issue a transfer instruction to the control device.

[0053] When the control device receives a selection and delivery instruction for tool information (or tool information related to the second tool library) that is at least related to the first tool library, the control device controls the machine tool to deliver the tool represented by the selected tool information from the first tool library to the second tool library (or from the second tool library to the first tool library).

[0054] As a result, users can visually instruct the control device to deliver the tool or move it to a designated position while looking at the same display screen. This improves convenience.

[0055] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a control method for controlling a machine tool, the machine tool having a first tool magazine and a second tool magazine for accommodating a plurality of tools and for mounting tools contained in the first tool magazine onto a spindle, the control method controlling the machine tool as follows: outputting a display signal for displaying tool information representing tools contained in the first tool magazine and tool information representing tools contained in the second tool magazine; receiving a selection of tool information representing tools contained in at least one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine; and transferring the tool represented by the received selected tool information from one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine to the other of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine.

[0056] According to the present invention, since the tool information of the tools contained in the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine can be viewed at a glance, the user can easily select the tools that should be transported between the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine. That is, the convenience of tool transport operations can be improved.

[0057] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a computer program product for executing a process in a computer for controlling a machine tool, the machine tool having a first tool magazine and a second tool magazine for accommodating a plurality of tools and for mounting tools in the first tool magazine to a spindle, the process controlling the machine tool as follows: outputting a display signal for displaying tool information representing tools in the first tool magazine and tool information representing tools in the second tool magazine; receiving a selection of tool information representing tools in at least one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine; and transferring the tool represented by the received selected tool information from one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine to the other of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine.

[0058] According to the present invention, the control method of the present invention can be implemented in software using computer hardware elements.

[0059] Computer-readable recording media containing the aforementioned computer program (program product) are also included in this invention.

[0060] The control device, control method, and computer program product according to the present invention can improve the convenience of tool delivery operations. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of a machine tool equipped with a control device for implementing the method.

[0062] Figure 2 This is a partial, approximate top view of the machine tool.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a rough left view of the machine tool.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a general overview view near the second tool library.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the main parts of the control device.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a touch panel display.

[0067] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the tool transport and movement process performed in a machine tool.

[0068] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the tool transport and movement process performed in a machine tool.

[0069] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the tool transport and movement process performed in a machine tool.

[0070] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another example of a touch panel display.

[0071] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of yet another example of a touch panel display.

[0072] Figure 12 This is a schematic front view of a machine tool with some structural modifications. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the arrows in the drawings indicate up / down, front / back, and left / right. The directions shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited thereto. For ease of explanation, the dimensions in the drawings may sometimes differ from the actual proportions, and some parts may be exaggerated or omitted.

[0074] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of a machine tool equipped with a control device for implementing the method.

[0075] Reference numeral 1 in the figure indicates a machine tool. The machine tool 1 includes a base 11, an XY moving mechanism 12, a workpiece holding part 13, and a column 14. The base 11 is rectangular in plan view and extends in the front-rear direction. An XY moving mechanism 12, which is movable in the left-right direction (X direction) and the front-rear direction (Y direction), is provided on the upper front side of the base 11. A workpiece holding part 13 is provided on the upper side of the XY moving mechanism 12. As the XY moving mechanism 12 moves, the workpiece holding part 13 moves in the X and Y directions. The workpiece holding part 13 is able to hold the workpiece.

[0076] A column 14 is provided on the upper rear side of the base 11. The column 14 is a quadrangular prism with a front surface, a rear surface and left and right side surfaces.

[0077] Figure 2 This is a partial top view of machine tool 1.

[0078] Figure 3 This is a rough left view of machine tool 1.

[0079] Machine tool 1 also includes a Z-movement mechanism 15, a spindle head 16, and two first support portions 17. A Z-movement mechanism 15, capable of moving in the vertical direction (Z direction), is provided on the front surface of the column 14. A spindle head 16 is mounted on the Z-movement mechanism 15. As the Z-movement mechanism 15 moves, the spindle head 16 moves in the Z direction. The spindle head 16 has a spindle 161. The spindle 161 extends vertically, and tools can be mounted and removed from its lower end. The two first support portions 17 are arranged horizontally. The left first support portion 17 protrudes forward from the left front of the column 14. The right first support portion 17 protrudes forward from the right front of the column 14.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, machine tool 1 also has a first tool library 2 and two second tool libraries 3.

[0081] The first tool magazine 2 is a tool magazine for holding multiple tools. The first tool magazine 2 includes a disc 20 and multiple arms 21 (receiving parts). The disc 20 rotates about its central axis by being driven by a motor (not shown) connected to the disc 20. Multiple arms 21 are radially arranged on the outer periphery of the disc 20. As the disc 20 rotates, the multiple arms 21 rotate and move about the central axis of the disc 20. Each arm 21 holds a tool by gripping it.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the head ends of the two first support parts 17 extend in a generally front-rear direction around the central axis of the disk 20, and the disk 20 is tilted forward, supporting the first tool magazine 2. The first tool magazine 2 is located in front of the spindle head 16.

[0083] The lower position of the first tool magazine 2 is the spindle position (tool change position). The machine tool 1 changes tools between the arm 21 located at the spindle position and the spindle 161.

[0084] With the tool removed from the spindle 161, the rotation of the disk 20 moves the empty arm 21 (which does not hold the tool) to the spindle position. The tool mounted on the spindle 161 is moved from the spindle 161 to the arm 21 in the spindle position by the rise of the Z-movement mechanism 15. In this way, the first tool magazine 2 accommodates the tool mounted on the spindle 161.

[0085] When a tool is mounted on the spindle 161, the arm 21 containing the tool moves to the spindle position by rotating the disc 20. The tool held by the arm 21 at the spindle position is moved from the arm 21 at the spindle position to the empty spindle 161 by the descent of the Z-movement mechanism 15. In this way, the machine tool 1 mounts the tool contained in the first tool magazine 2 onto the spindle 161.

[0086] The XY movement mechanism 12 adjusts the front-back and left-right positions of the workpiece relative to the tool mounted on the spindle 161, while the Z movement mechanism 15 adjusts the vertical position of the tool mounted on the spindle 161. The tool mounted on the spindle 161 processes the workpiece held by the workpiece holding part 13.

[0087] A second support portion 171 is provided on the first support portion 17 on the left side. The second support portion 171 protrudes diagonally forward and to the left from the base end of the first support portion 17.

[0088] At the lower part of the first tool magazine 2, there is a loading / unloading position different from the spindle position. A cover (not shown) covering the first tool magazine 2 has openings corresponding to the spindle position and the loading / unloading position. Users sometimes visually inspect the tools held in the arm 21 located in the spindle position. Furthermore, users sometimes manually load and unload tools from the arm 21 located in the loading / unloading position. Additionally, users can also manually load and unload tools from the arm 21 located in the spindle position. Hereinafter, the loading / unloading position is used as an example of a defined position, but the defined position could also be the spindle position.

[0089] Two second tool libraries 3 are located on the left and right sides of the column 14. The second tool library 3 on the left side is described in detail below. Figure 2 The main focus is on the left side of the machine tool 1, specifically the second tool magazine 3. The structure of the second tool magazine 3 on the right side is the same as that on the left side, except that it is roughly symmetrical to the second tool magazine 3 on the left.

[0090] Figure 4 This is a general main view near the second tool library 3.

[0091] The second tool magazine 3 is a tool magazine for accommodating multiple tools. The second tool magazine 3 includes a wheel 30 and multiple arms 31 (receiving parts). The wheel 30 is a disc-shaped structure with multiple openings for weight reduction. The wheel 30 is connected to a motor 32 (see reference). Figure 2 Driven by the rotation of the wheel 30, the wheel 30 rotates around its central axis. Multiple arms 31 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the outer periphery of the wheel 30. As the wheel 30 rotates, the multiple arms 31 rotate and move around the central axis of the wheel 30. Each arm 31 holds and accommodates the tool by gripping it.

[0092] The head end of the second support 171 supports the second tool magazine 3 by bringing the front end of the wheel 30 of the second tool magazine 3 close to the left end of the disc 20 of the first tool magazine 2 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0093] The machine tool 1 also includes a conveying device 18. The conveying device 18 transports tools contained in one of the first tool magazine 2 and the second tool magazine 3 to the other of the first tool magazine 2 and the second tool magazine 3.

[0094] Figure 1 and Figure 3 The P shown indicates the position for transferring tools between the first tool magazine 2 and the second tool magazine 3 (hereinafter referred to as the transfer position). The transfer position P is located near the left end of the disc 20 and near the front end of the wheel 30, which is different from the spindle position and the loading / unloading position. For example, the transfer position P is located on the upper part of the first tool magazine 2.

[0095] When tools are being transferred from the first tool magazine 2 to the second tool magazine 3, the arm 21 containing the tools moves to the handover position P by the rotation of the disc 20, and the empty arm 31 moves to the handover position P by the rotation of the wheel 30. The conveying device 18 transports the tools from the arm 21 at the handover position P to the arm 31 at the handover position P. As a result, the second tool magazine 3 contains the tools that the conveying device 18 has transferred from the first tool magazine 2.

[0096] When tools are being transferred from the second tool magazine 3 to the first tool magazine 2, the empty arm 21 moves to the transfer position P by the rotation of the disc 20, and the arm 31 containing the tools moves to the transfer position P by the rotation of the wheel 30. The conveying device 18 transports the tools from the arm 31 at the transfer position P to the arm 21 at the transfer position P. As a result, the first tool magazine 2 contains the tools transferred from the second tool magazine 3 by the conveying device 18.

[0097] The timing of moving empty (or tool-containing) arms 21 and 31 to the handover position P is not limited to immediately before the start of tool delivery. For example, in the second tool magazine 3, after the tool delivery has ended and before the delivery of the next tool begins, the control unit 43 can identify an empty arm 31 and move the identified empty arm 31 to the handover position P.

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, the machine tool 1 also includes a control device 4. The control device 4 is located on the rear surface of the column 14.

[0099] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the main parts of the control device 4.

[0100] The control device 4 includes a main storage unit 41, an auxiliary storage unit 42, and a control unit 43. The various parts of the control device 4 are interconnected via a bus.

[0101] The main storage unit 41 is volatile, for example, it is RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0102] The auxiliary storage unit 42 is non-volatile and includes ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, hard disk, or SSD (Solid Stage Drive). The auxiliary storage unit 42 pre-stores the program 44 (computer program) for controlling the operation of the machine tool 1, as well as various data required for the execution of the program 44.

[0103] The program 44 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 42 may be a program installed from a recording medium 5 such as an optical disc, flash memory, or hard disk, or a program installed from a server via a network. The program 44 may be a single computer program or a combination of multiple computer programs. The program 44 may execute on a single computer or on multiple computers configured at a single site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.

[0104] Program 44 includes the control program for machine tool 1 created by the manufacturer of machine tool 1, and the workpiece machining program created by the user of machine tool 1. The control program for machine tool 1 includes a program for implementing the control method of the present invention.

[0105] The control unit 43 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 43 may also include logic circuitry (e.g., an FPGA). The control unit 43 uses the main memory 41 as its working area and performs various arithmetic and control operations based on the program 44 stored in the auxiliary memory 42.

[0106] The control device 4 is not limited to the structure where a single processor in the control unit 43 executes multiple processes. For example, multiple processors in the control unit 43 may distribute and execute multiple processes. A processor executing a certain process and a processor executing other processes may coexist. Each process may also be executed by multiple devices, or each process may be executed by a virtual machine.

[0107] The machine tool 1 is equipped with a touch panel 6. The touch panel 6 is disposed on the outer surface of a cover (not shown) that covers the rest of the machine tool 1 except for the base 11 and the control device 4. The touch panel 6 includes a display unit 61 and an operation detection unit 62.

[0108] The display unit 61 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The control unit 43 outputs display signals to the touch panel 6 for displaying images (e.g., icons). The display unit 61 displays images according to the display signals from the control unit 43.

[0109] The operation detection unit 62 is a transparent film laminated on the display unit 61, used to detect user operations on the images displayed on the display unit 61. Under the control of the control unit 43, a portion of the operation detection unit 62 (e.g., the portion overlapping an icon) is used as a virtual key. The virtual key is a software key (a key displayed on the screen). The control unit 43 determines whether the user has operated the image (in this case, an icon) corresponding to the virtual key based on whether the user's hand has touched the virtual key.

[0110] Machine tool 1 includes an operation unit 7. The operation unit 7 is located near the touch panel 6. The operation unit 7 consists of physical keys (hardware keys). Machine tool 1 may also be equipped with an operation unit 7.

[0111] Machine tool 1 may also have an output device (LCD, OLED, etc.) equivalent to display unit 61 and an input device (mouse, keyboard, etc.) corresponding to operation detection unit 62 to replace touch panel 6 (or coexist with touch panel 6). Furthermore, touch panel 6 (or output and input devices) is not limited to the structure of machine tool 1. For example, a LAN cable or similar device may be used to connect control device 4 to a tablet terminal or personal computer, and control unit 43 may output display signals to the tablet terminal or personal computer. In this case, the display unit of the tablet terminal or personal computer displays images based on the display signals.

[0112] The control unit 43 associates the tool information (tool information related to the first tool library 2) representing the tools contained in the first tool library 2 with the identification number of the arm 21 of the tool represented by the tool information related to the first tool library 2, and pre-registers them in the auxiliary storage unit 42. Similarly, the control unit 43 associates the tool information (tool information related to the second tool library 3) representing the tools contained in the second tool library 3 with the identification number of the arm 31 of the tool represented by the tool information related to the second tool library 3, and pre-registers them in the auxiliary storage unit 42.

[0113] Users sometimes instruct the machine tool 1 on the delivery of tools, the movement of tools to the loading / unloading position, or the movement of the empty arm 21 to the loading / unloading position while looking at the touch panel 6. Hereinafter, the delivery of tools, the movement of tools to the loading / unloading position, or the movement of the empty arm 21 to the loading / unloading position will be referred to as tool delivery or movement.

[0114] The control unit 43 outputs display signals to the touch panel 6 for displaying tool information related to the first tool library 2 and tool information related to the second tool library 3. The tool information includes at least one of the following: tool identification information, tool name, tool life, etc.

[0115] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an example of the display screen of the touch panel 6.

[0116] In the diagram, T11 represents tool identification information, indicating the tool's identity. Tna represents tool name information, indicating the tool's name. Similarly, tool identification information T12 to T14 and T21 to T23 represent tool identification information, while tool name information Tnb to Tne, Tnx, and Tny represent the tool's name. Tool name information and tool identification information constitute tool information.

[0117] To simplify the accompanying drawings, the first tool library 2 includes eight arms 21 identified as N1 to N8. The second tool library 3 on the left includes three arms 31 identified as L1 to L3, and the second tool library 3 on the right includes three arms 31 identified as R1 to R3.

[0118] Upon input of a display signal from the control unit 43, the touch panel 6 displays a first part 6a on the right side of the display screen, and a second part 6b is displayed adjacent to the first part 6a on the left side of the display screen.

[0119] Part 1, section 6a, contains tool information related to the first tool library 2. Figure 6 In the example shown, the tool information associated with the first tool library 2 is tool identification information T11 to T14 (and tool name information Tnc, Tnb, Tne, Tnd).

[0120] Part 1, 6a, includes eight icons, M11 to M18. These eight icons correspond to eight arms 21 with identification numbers N1 to N8. Icons M11 to M18 are used as virtual keys.

[0121] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, icons M11 to M13 and M17 contain tool identification information T11, T13, T14, and T12 (and tool name information Tnc, Tne, Tnd, and Tnb). This indicates that arms 21 with identification numbers N1 to N3 and N7 contain the tools represented by the tool identification information T11, T13, T14, and T12 (and tool name information Tnc, Tne, Tnd, and Tnb). Icons M14 to M16 and M18 do not contain tool information. This indicates that arms 21 with identification numbers N4 to N6 and N8 do not contain any tools.

[0122] For the user, the arrangement of tools in the first tool library 2, information about which arm 21 with which identification number contains a tool, and information about which arm 21 with which identification number is empty are important. The reason is that, for example, the arrangement of tools in the first tool library 2 affects the workpiece processing efficiency. When multiple tools are required to process a workpiece, if the required tools are arranged in the order of use, the rotation of the disk 20 during tool changes is minimized, thus shortening the workpiece processing completion time.

[0123] Therefore, in the first part 6a, the eight icons M11 to M18 are arranged in a ring in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the eight arms 21 with identification numbers N1 to N8. As a result, the tool information associated with the first tool library 2 is arranged in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the tools contained in the first tool library 2.

[0124] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the bottommost icon M14 among the eight icons M11 to M18 contains the text "Main Axis Position". This indicates that arm 21 with identification number N4 is located at the main axis position. Since icon M14 does not contain tool information, it can be known that there is no tool at the main axis position.

[0125] In the diagram, icon M13, located to the right of icon M14, contains the text "Loading / Unloading Position". This indicates that arm 21 with identification number N3 is located in the loading / unloading position. Since icon M13 contains tool identification information T14 (and tool name information Tnd), it can be known that the tool represented by tool identification information T14 (and tool name information Tnd) is located in the loading / unloading position.

[0126] Among the eight icons M11 to M18, the icon M17, which is to the left of the topmost icon M18, contains the text "Intersection Position". This indicates that arm 21 with identification number N7 is located at intersection position P. Since icon M17 contains tool identification information T12 (and tool name information Tnb), it can be known that the tool represented by tool identification information T12 (and tool name information Tnb) exists at intersection position P.

[0127] In summary, by visually viewing the first part 6a, the user can intuitively grasp the arrangement of the tools contained in the first tool library 2, as well as the information indicated by the tool information about where the tools are located in the first tool library 2.

[0128] If it is not possible to display icons corresponding to all the arms 21 of the first tool library 2 within the first part 6a, for example, the touch panel 6 may display icons corresponding to a portion of all the arms 21 within the first part 6a. If the user performs a scrolling operation, the touch panel 6 may display icons corresponding to the other portions of all the arms 21 within the first part 6a.

[0129] Part 2, section 6b, contains information about tools related to the second tool library 3. Figure 6 In the example shown, the tool information associated with the second tool library 3 is tool identification information T21 to T23 (and tool name information Tna, Tny, Tnx).

[0130] As will be described later, the user uses the second tool library 3 as a storage for tools. Therefore, for the user, it is more important to be able to easily find the desired tool from the many tools contained in the second tool library 3 than to easily obtain information such as the arrangement of the tools contained in the second tool library 3 and where the tools are located in the second tool library 3.

[0131] Part 2, 6b, includes nine icons M21 to M26 and M31 to M33. Icons M21 to M26 and M31 to M33 are used as virtual keys. Icons M21 to M26 are arranged adjacent to each other in a top-to-bottom order.

[0132] Icon M21 contains the identification number R3 of arm 31, tool identification information T21, and tool name information Tna. This indicates that arm 31 with identification number R3 contains the tool represented by tool identification information T21 (and tool name information Tna). Similarly, icons M22 and M23 contain tool identification information T23 and T22 (and tool name information Tnx and Tny). The tool information contained in icons M21 to M23 (i.e., the tool information related to the second tool library 3) is arranged in ascending order from top to bottom according to the tool names represented by tool name information Tna, Tnx, and Tny.

[0133] As described above, in the second part 6b, the tool information related to the second tool library 3 is arranged in one direction according to a prescribed order based on the tool information. Therefore, by visually viewing the second part 6b, the user can easily find the desired tool from the multiple tools contained in the second tool library 3.

[0134] The prescribed order of tool information is not limited to ascending order of tool names; it can also be descending order, such as ascending or descending order of tool identification information. Furthermore, tool information for tools nearing the end of their lifespan can be placed on top, while tool information for other tools can be placed on the bottom.

[0135] The tool information related to the second tool library 3 is preferably sortable.

[0136] To sort the tool information related to the second tool library 3, icons M31 to M33, corresponding to the identification number of arm 31, tool identification information, and tool name, are arranged horizontally and adjacent to the top of icon M21. For example, a user who wants to sort by tool identification information operates icon M32. Whenever the user operates icon M32, the ascending and descending order of the tool identification information switches.

[0137] In this embodiment, the three arms 31 of the left-side second tool library 3 are identified by numbers L1 to L3, and the three arms 31 of the right-side second tool library 3 are identified by numbers R1 to R3. Therefore, based on the identification number of the arm 31 (whether the first character of the identification number is "L" or "R"), the user can determine which of the left or right second tool libraries 3 contains the tool. Furthermore, by sorting the tool information related to the second tool library 3 according to the identification number of the arm 31, the user can determine the arrangement of the tools contained in each second tool library 3 and where the tools are located within the second tool library 3.

[0138] Icons M24 to M26 contain identification numbers L2, L3, and R1, but do not contain tool information. This indicates that arm 31 with identification numbers L2, L3, and R1 does not contain any tools.

[0139] Each second tool library 3 can hold a maximum of two tools. This is because if a second tool library 3 contains three tools, tools cannot be transferred from the first tool library 2 to the second tool library 3. Therefore, for each second tool library 3, the control unit 43 ensures that at least one arm 31 is in an empty state. The icons for ensuring that the arm 31 is in an empty state (e.g., icons M25, M26) can also be omitted.

[0140] On the touch panel 6, the tool information related to the second tool library 3 can be switched between being arranged in a predetermined order in one direction based on the tool information and being arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the tools contained in the second tool library 3.

[0141] Similarly, the tool information associated with the first tool library 2 can be switched between being arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the tools contained in the first tool library 2 and being arranged in one direction based on a prescribed order of the tool information.

[0142] Any one of the three arms 31 of the second tool magazine 3 on the left is located at the junction position P. Similarly, any one of the three arms 31 of the second tool magazine 3 on the right is located at the junction position P. Since tools are not transferred between the first tool magazine 2 and the second tool magazine 3 during workpiece machining, the information on whether an arm 31 (or tool) is located at the junction position P is irrelevant to workpiece machining efficiency and is not important to the user. Therefore, icons M21 to M26 do not contain the text "junction position". Part 2 6b may also contain information on whether an arm 31 (or tool) is located at the junction position P.

[0143] If it is not possible to display all the tool information representing the tools contained in the left and right second tool libraries 3 within the second part 6b, for example, the touch panel 6 will display tool information representing a portion of all the tools contained in the left and right second tool libraries 3 within the second part 6b. If the user performs a scrolling operation, the touch panel 6 will display tool information representing the remaining tools among all the tools within the second part 6b.

[0144] The tools contained in the first tool magazine 2 can be directly mounted on the spindle 161. The user instructs the machine tool 1 to feed or move the tools so that the first tool magazine 2 can contain the essential tools (tools for machining the next workpiece, or tools used frequently, etc.).

[0145] The tools stored in the second tool magazine 3 cannot be directly mounted on the spindle 161. Since the tools in the second tool magazine 3 need to be transported to the first tool magazine 2 before being mounted on the spindle 161, the workpiece machining time is extended when using tools stored in the second tool magazine 3. Therefore, the user uses the second tool magazine 3 as a tool storage container, instructing the machine tool 1 to transport or move tools so that the second tool magazine 3 can accommodate the desired tools.

[0146] To allow the user to instruct the machine tool 1 on the feeding or movement of the tool, the touch panel 6 is equipped with a feed indicator key 6c and a movement indicator key 6d on the lower side of the first part 6a and the second part 6b. The feed indicator key 6c and the movement indicator key 6d are virtual keys.

[0147] Figures 7 to 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the tool delivery and movement process performed by machine tool 1. For example, control unit 43 starts performing tool delivery and movement processing when the user operates a specified virtual key on touch panel 6.

[0148] like Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 43 sends a display signal to the touch panel 6 (S11) to display a screen containing tool information related to the first tool library 2 and tool information related to the second tool library 3. As a result, the touch panel 6 displays... Figure 6 The screen shown is shown.

[0149] The control unit 43 receives the operation of icons M11 to M18 and M21 to M26 (S12). After the user operates at least one of icons M11 to M18 and M21 to M26, the user operates either the transport indicator key 6c or the movement indicator key 6d.

[0150] When the user operates icons M11 to M18 that contain tool information, the control unit 43 receives a selection of tool information related to the first tool library 2. Similarly, operation of icons M21 to M26 that contain tool information receives a selection of tool information related to the second tool library 3. Operation of icons M11 to M18 that do not contain tool information receives a selection of the empty arm 21 that should hold the tool.

[0151] When an operation is received that does not include tool information (icons M21 to M26), the touch panel 6 can also display a message to report an error to the user under the control of the control unit 43. It is preferable that the first tool library 2 contains nine or more tools and the left and right second tool libraries 3 contain a total of five or more tools, which is incorrect. However, when tools are exchanged between the first tool library 2 and the second tool library 3, it is acceptable for the left and right second tool libraries 3 to temporarily contain a total of five or more tools.

[0152] The control unit 43 determines whether the user has operated the transport indicator key 6c or the movement indicator key 6d (S13). If the user has not operated the transport indicator key 6c or the movement indicator key 6d (S13: No), the process returns to S12.

[0153] When the user operates the transport indicator key 6c, the control unit 43 receives the transport instruction from the user. Similarly, the user's operation of the movement indicator key 6d receives the transport instruction from the user.

[0154] When the user operates either the transport indicator key 6c or the movement indicator key 6d (S13: Yes), the control unit 43 outputs a display signal to the touch panel 6 for displaying a confirmation screen, thereby the touch panel 6 displays the confirmation screen (S14).

[0155] The user, who is looking at the confirmation screen, operates the control unit 7.

[0156] The control unit 43 determines whether the user has operated the operation unit 7 (S15). If the user has not operated the operation unit 7 (S15: No), the process of S15 is executed again. That is, the delivery and movement of the tool will not start if only the virtual keys on the touch panel 6 are operated.

[0157] By guiding the user to operate the operation unit 7, which is a physical key, before the tool delivery (or movement) begins, it is possible to prevent the tool delivery (or movement) from being caused, for example, by the user accidentally operating the virtual key on the touch panel 6.

[0158] If the screen is confirmed to contain a cancel button, the control unit 43 returns the processing to S12 when the user operates the cancel button.

[0159] If the user operates the operation unit 7 (S15: Yes), the control unit 43 determines whether a delivery instruction has been received based on whether the user operated the delivery instruction key 6c during the processing in S13 (S16).

[0160] If a delivery instruction is received (S16: Yes), such as Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 43 determines whether only the selection of tool information related to the first tool library 2 is received during the processing of S12 (S31).

[0161] If, during processing S12, only the selection of tool information related to the first tool library 2 is received (S31: Yes), the control unit 43 determines that there is an empty arm 31 (S32). The control unit 43 moves the determined arm 31 and the arm 21 holding the tool with the received selected tool information (both arms 21 and 31) to the handover position P (S33).

[0162] After the two arms 21 and 31 have moved to the junction position P, the control unit 43 uses the conveying device 18 to transport the tool from the first tool magazine 2 to the second tool magazine 3 (i.e., from arm 21 located at the junction position P to arm 31 located at the junction position P) (S 34). Since the user does not need to specify an empty arm 31, convenience is improved.

[0163] After the tool is delivered, the control unit 43 registers the tool information again (S 35). Specifically, the control unit 43 associates the tool information of the delivered tool with the identification number of the arm 31 that houses the delivered tool, and deassociates the tool information of the delivered tool with the identification number of the arm 21 that originally housed the delivered tool but is currently empty.

[0164] After the tool information is re-registered, the control unit 43 ends the tool delivery and movement process.

[0165] If the processing in S12 does not only receive the selection of tool information related to the first tool library 2 (S31: No), the control unit 43 determines whether the processing in S12 only receives the selection of tool information related to the second tool library 3 (S36).

[0166] If the processing in S12 only receives the selection of tool information related to the second tool library 3 (S36: Yes), the control unit 43 transfers the processing to S32.

[0167] In S32, the control unit 43 identifies an empty arm 21. In S33, the identified arm 21 and the arm 31 holding the tool with the received selected tool information are moved to the handover position P. In S34, the control unit 43 uses the conveying device 18 to transport the tool from the second tool magazine 3 to the first tool magazine 2 (i.e., from arm 31 at handover position P to arm 21 at handover position P). In S35, the tool information is registered again. In this case, the control unit 43 performs the association between the tool information of the transported tool and the identification number of the arm 21 that holds the transported tool, and the deassociation between the tool information of the transported tool and the identification number of the arm 31 that originally held the transported tool but is currently empty.

[0168] If the control unit 43 receives a selection of tool information related to the second tool library 3 and a selection of an empty arm 21 during the processing in S12, it determines "yes" in the processing in S36. Then, the control unit 43 transfers the processing to S33, and moves the received selected arm 21 and the arm 31 holding the tool with the received selected tool information to the handover position P respectively. By simultaneously selecting the tool information related to the second tool library 3 and the empty arm 21, the user can accommodate the tool desired by the user in the arm 21 specified by the user.

[0169] If the processing in S12 does not only receive the selection of tool information related to the second tool library 3 (S36: No), the control unit 43 receives the selection of both tool information related to the first tool library 2 and tool information related to the second tool library 3. Therefore, the control unit 43 determines that the empty arm 31 is available (S37). Next, the control unit 43 moves the arm 21 holding the tool with the received selected tool information and the empty arm 31 (both arms 21 and 31) to the handover position P (S38).

[0170] After the two arms 21 and 31 have moved to the junction position P, the control unit 43 uses the conveying device 18 to convey the tool from the first tool magazine 2 to the second tool magazine 3 (i.e. from arm 21 to arm 31) (S 39).

[0171] After the tool is delivered, the control unit 43 moves the arm 31 holding the tool with the received selected tool information to the handover position P (S 40). Since the arm 21 at the handover position P is already empty, there is no need to move the arm 21.

[0172] After arm 31 completes its movement to the handover position P, control unit 43 transfers processing to S34. In S34, control unit 43 uses conveying device 18 to transport the tool from the second tool magazine 3 to the first tool magazine 2 (i.e., from arm 31 at handover position P to arm 21 at handover position P), and in S35, registers the tool information again. In this case, control unit 43 associates the tool information of the transported tool with the identification number of arm 21 containing the transported tool, and also associates the tool information of the transported tool with the identification number of arm 31 containing the transported tool. Furthermore, control unit 43 deassociates the identification number of arm 31, which originally contained the transported tool but is currently empty.

[0173] like Figure 7 As shown, in the absence of a transport instruction (S16: No), since a movement instruction has been received, the control unit 43... Figure 9 The process shown in S12 determines whether the selection of tool information related to the first tool library 2 has been received (S51).

[0174] When the tool information related to the first tool library 2 is selected during the processing of S12 (S51: Yes), the control unit 43 moves the arm 21 containing the tool indicated by the received tool information to the loading and unloading position (S52) and ends the tool delivery and movement processing.

[0175] After the arm 21 containing the tool moves to the loading / unloading position, the user removes the tool from the arm 21 at the loading / unloading position. Once the user has removed the tool from the arm 21, the touch panel 6 displays a tool registration screen for deleting the registered tool information, controlled by the control unit 43. The user views the tool registration screen and deletes the registered tool information of the removed tool.

[0176] The user can mount the tool on the empty arm 21. When the user mounts the tool on the empty arm 21, the touch panel 6 displays a tool registration screen for registering tool information, controlled by the control unit 43. The user views the tool registration screen and registers the tool information of the mounted tool.

[0177] If no tool information related to the first tool library 2 is selected during the processing of S12 (S51: No), the control unit 43 determines whether a tool information related to the second tool library 3 is selected during the processing of S12 (S53).

[0178] If, during processing S12, a tool selection related to the second tool library 3 is received (S53: Yes), the control unit 43, in the same manner as processing S32 to S35, transfers the tool indicated by the received tool information to the empty arm 21 of the first tool library 2 (S54), and then transfers the processing to S52. Afterward, the user removes the tool from the arm 21 located in the loading / unloading position.

[0179] If no tool information related to the second tool library 3 is selected during processing S12 (S53: No), the control unit 43 receives a selection of an empty arm 21 that should accommodate the tool. Therefore, the control unit 43 moves the selected empty arm 21 to the loading / unloading position (S55), ending the tool delivery and movement process. Afterwards, the user installs the tool on the arm 21 located at the loading / unloading position and registers the tool information of the installed tool.

[0180] When the tools contained in arm 21 and arm 31 are exchanged, the arms 21 and 31 that originally contained the tools can now contain the exchanged tools. However, the tools contained in arm 21 or arm 31 need to be temporarily moved into the empty arm 31 or arm 21.

[0181] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another example of the display screen of Touch Panel 6.

[0182] For example, if the user selects icons M11 and M22 and operates the delivery indicator key 6c, the control unit 43 determines "yes" in the processing of S16 and "no" in the processing of S31 and S36.

[0183] Icon M11 contains tool identification information T11, and icon M22 contains tool identification information T23. When the control unit 43, having completed processes S37 to S40 and S34 and S35, re-executes process S11, the touch panel 6 displays the tool represented by tool identification information T11 and the tool represented by tool identification information T23 through an exchange. Figure 10 The screen shown is shown.

[0184] exist Figure 6 In the image, arm 21 with identification number N1 contains the tool represented by tool identification information T11, and arm 31 with identification number L1 contains the tool represented by tool identification information T23.

[0185] On the other hand, Figure 10 In the image, arm 21 with identification number N1 contains the tool identification information T23, and arm 31 with identification number L2 contains the tool identification information T11.

[0186] Users can select multiple tool information related to the first tool library 2 and the second tool library 3. However, when selecting multiple tool information related to the first tool library 2 (or the second tool library 3) to deliver tools, the number of selectable tools is less than the number of empty arms 31 (empty arms 21). When exchanging tools between the first tool library 2 and the second tool library 3, the same number of tool information related to the first tool library 2 and the second tool library 3 must be selected respectively. The delivery order of the multiple tools selected by the user can be specified by the user or determined by the control unit 43. Users can also switch between selecting multiple tools and selecting a single tool according to their specified operations.

[0187] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another example of the display screen of Touch Panel 6.

[0188] exist Figure 6 In the middle, to the left of the first part 6a is the second part 6b, which contains all tool information related to the left and right second tool libraries 3. The second part 6b can also be located to the right of the first part 6a.

[0189] exist Figure 11 In the first part 6a, there are second parts 6b on the left and right sides. In the second part 6b on the left, all tool information related to the second tool library 3 on the left is arranged in ascending order, for example, according to the tool identification information. Similarly, in the second part 6b on the right, all tool information related to the second tool library 3 on the right is arranged.

[0190] In this case, the user can intuitively understand which of the two second tool libraries 3 is located on the left or right.

[0191] Both second parts 6b can be adjacent to the left or right side of the first part 6a.

[0192] The first part 6a and the second part 6b are not limited to a left-right adjacent structure; for example, they can also be vertically adjacent. The first part 6a and the second part 6b are not limited to a structure where they are adjacent to each other. For example, it is possible to switch between a screen that includes the first part 6a but not the second part 6b and a screen that includes the second part 6b but not the first part 6a.

[0193] According to the control device 4 described above, the user can view the tool information of the tools stored in the first tool magazine 2 and the second tool magazine 3 at a glance through the display screen shown on the touch panel 6. Therefore, the user can easily select the tools that should be transported from one tool magazine 2 to the other, or the tools that should be exchanged between the two. That is, the convenience of tool transport operations can be improved.

[0194] The second tool library 3 is not limited to two. For example, there may be three or more second tool libraries 3. The machine tool 1 is equipped with a conveyor 18 on each second tool library 3. When there are three or more second tool libraries 3, the identification number of the arm 31 preferably also includes text, markings, etc., used to identify the second tool library 3 with the arm 31.

[0195] Figure 12 This is a schematic front view of machine tool 1, a modified example with some structural changes.

[0196] Figure 12 The machine tool 1 shown has a single second tool magazine 3. The second tool magazine 3 is located on the left side of the column 14, but it can also be located on the right side of the column 14. If the second tool magazine 3 is located on the right side of the column 14, the touch panel 6 can display the second part 6b to the right of the first part 6a.

[0197] The embodiments of the present invention are illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing, but should cover the scope equivalent to that of the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0198] The independent and dependent claims described in the claims statement can be combined with each other in any way, regardless of their referencing relationship. Furthermore, each claim can refer to two or more claims to form multiple dependent claims, and each of these multiple dependent claims can form the basis for other multiple dependent claims.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a machine tool, the machine tool having a first tool magazine and a second tool magazine for accommodating a plurality of tools and for mounting tools contained in the first tool magazine onto a spindle, the control device controlling the machine tool as follows: Output a display signal, which is used to display tool information representing the tools contained in the first tool library and tool information representing the tools contained in the second tool library. Receive selection of tool information for tools contained in at least one of the first tool library and the second tool library. The tool represented by the selected tool information is transferred from one of the first tool library and the second tool library to the other of the first tool library and the second tool library.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device outputs display signals for displaying the first and second parts adjacent to each other. In the first part, the tool information of the tools contained in the first tool library is arranged in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the tools contained in the first tool library. In the second part, tool information for the tools contained in the second tool library is arranged.

3. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device outputs display signals for displaying the first and second parts adjacent to each other. In the first part, tool information for the tools contained in the first tool library is arranged. In the second part, the tool information of the tools contained in the second tool library is arranged in one direction according to a prescribed order based on the tool information.

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each of the first tool library and the second tool library has multiple receptacles for accommodating tools, and the control device controls the machine tool as follows: In the case where a selection of tool information for a tool contained in one of the first tool library and the second tool library is received, but no selection of tool information for a tool contained in the other of the first tool library and the second tool library is received,... Identify the portion of the plurality of receptacles possessed by the other of the first tool library and the second tool library that does not contain any tools. The tool represented by the selected tool information is transported from one of the first tool library and the second tool library to the determined receiving compartment.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each of the first tool library and the second tool library has multiple receptacles for accommodating tools, and the control device controls the machine tool as follows: Upon receiving a selection of tool information for tools contained in the first tool library and tool information for tools contained in the second tool library. Identify the portion of the second tool library that does not contain any tools from among its multiple accommodating portions. The tool represented by the selected tool information associated with the first tool library is transported from the first tool library to the determined receiving unit. After the tools are delivered, the tools represented by the selected tools associated with the second tool library are delivered from the second tool library to the receiving portion of the first tool library that originally contained the tools.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The tools contained in either the first tool library or the second tool library are movable to a predetermined position, and the control device controls the machine tool as follows: Receive either a transport instruction for transporting the tool or a movement instruction for moving the tool to the specified position. Upon receiving the selection of the tool information and the delivery instruction, the tool represented by the selected tool information is delivered. Upon receiving the selection of the tool information and the movement instruction, the tool represented by the selected tool information is moved to the designated position.

7. A control method for controlling a machine tool, the machine tool having a first tool magazine and a second tool magazine for accommodating a plurality of tools and for mounting tools contained in the first tool magazine onto a spindle, the control method controlling the machine tool as follows: Output a display signal, which is used to display tool information representing the tools contained in the first tool library and tool information representing the tools contained in the second tool library. Receive selection of tool information for tools contained in at least one of the first tool library and the second tool library. The tool represented by the selected tool information is transferred from one of the first tool library and the second tool library to the other of the first tool library and the second tool library.

8. A computer program product for executing in a computer a process for controlling a machine tool, the machine tool having a first tool magazine and a second tool magazine for accommodating a plurality of tools and for mounting tools contained in the first tool magazine onto a spindle, the process controlling the machine tool as follows: Output a display signal, which is used to display tool information representing the tools contained in the first tool library and tool information representing the tools contained in the second tool library. Receive selection of tool information for tools contained in at least one of the first tool library and the second tool library. The tool represented by the selected tool information is transferred from one of the first tool library and the second tool library to the other of the first tool library and the second tool library.

Images