Recommendation device and recommendation method for machine tool

Abstract

A recommendation device (10) that recommends adjustment of a set life of a tool (T) of a machine tool (100) includes a tool management unit (12) that stores a set life that is set in advance for each tool type, a reporting unit (14) that reports a tool whose use value reaches the set life, a reception unit (16) that receives resetting or use extension of the use value, a cumulative treatment information storage unit (18) that stores the resetting or use extension of the use value as cumulative treatment information for each tool individual, and a recommendation unit (20) that has a recommendation condition storage unit (22) that stores recommendation conditions corresponding to the cumulative treatment information in advance, and that recommends adjustment of the set life of a tool of the tool type to which the tool belongs when the set life reaches the set life, based on a result of comparing the cumulative treatment information with the recommendation condition storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a recommendation device and method for recommending the adjustment of the set life of a machine tool. Background Technology

[0002] In a machine tool, cutting is performed by moving and rotating the cutting tool (a component with the cutting tool assembled in a tool holder) relative to the workpiece. During this cutting process, the cutting edge of the tool, which engages with the workpiece, is constantly wearing down. When the wear progresses to a certain point, machining accuracy decreases or the machining load increases, rendering the tool unusable and requiring replacement. However, frequent tool replacements reduce machining efficiency and increase manufacturing costs. Therefore, it is necessary to predict tool life and replace tools at an appropriate frequency.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a tool life estimation device that classifies (clustering) machining information at a point in time when the tool life is sufficiently remaining and other machining information, and estimates the remaining tool life by determining which cluster the input machining information belongs to.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-103284 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] The degree of wear on the cutting edge of a cutting tool varies depending on the material of the workpiece and the cutting conditions. Therefore, in the case of a change in the product to be manufactured in the tool life estimation device of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is difficult to create clusters of machining information and estimate the tool life.

[0009] The present invention addresses the aforementioned prior art problems as a technical task, and aims to provide a recommendation device and method for recommending adjustments to the set life of a tool based on the treatment performed on the tool in the past when its usage value has reached a set life.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, according to the present invention, a machine tool recommendation device is provided for recommending adjustments to the set life of the machine tool's cutting tools, wherein the recommendation device comprises:

[0012] The tool management department stores pre-set lifespans for each type of tool.

[0013] The reporting department reports that the tool's usage value has reached the set lifespan of the tool;

[0014] The receiving department accepts requests for resetting or extending the service life of a tool when its set lifespan has reached its usage value.

[0015] The cumulative disposal information storage unit stores, for each individual tool, the reset or extended use information for tools whose set lifespan has reached the tool's usage value as cumulative disposal information;

[0016] The recommendation unit has a recommendation condition storage unit that pre-stores recommendation conditions corresponding to cumulative treatment information for making recommendations related to the adjustment of the set life. Based on the result of comparing the cumulative treatment information with the recommendation condition storage unit, the recommendation unit recommends the adjustment of the set life of the tool to which the set life belongs.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a recommendation method for recommending the adjustment of the set life of machine tool cutting tools is provided, wherein the recommendation method includes: pre-setting a set life for each type of cutting tool; reporting the existence of a cutting tool whose set life has reached its set life when the tool's usage value has reached the set life; replacing the cutting tool whose set life has reached its set life and resetting its usage value, or not replacing the cutting tool whose set life has reached its set life and extending its usage value; storing the resetting or extension of the usage value of the cutting tool whose set life has reached its set life as cumulative disposal information for each individual cutting tool; and comparing the cumulative disposal information with the recommendation conditions corresponding to the disposal information for making recommendations related to the adjustment of the set life, and recommending, based on the result, shortening or extending the set life of cutting tools belonging to the type of cutting tools whose set life has reached its set life.

[0018] The effects of the invention

[0019] According to the present invention, adjustments to the set lifespan can be recommended based on historical, cumulative treatment information—that is, the history of treatments performed on tools that have reached a set lifespan—thereby improving productivity. By storing the treatments performed on multiple individual tools as cumulative treatment information, the reliability of the recommendations can be improved, enabling the recommendation of more appropriate adjustments. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the machine tool and recommended device to which the present invention is applied.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a tool management screen that indicates a tool's usage value has reached its set lifespan.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the tool management screen after resetting the usage values ​​of tools that have reached their set lifespan.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram of a tool management screen that shows the extended service life of a tool that has been set to a certain usage value.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the tool management screen that recommends shortening or extending the set lifespan.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a graph representing the cumulative processing information.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a simplified diagram used to illustrate changes in the processing steps caused by changes in the workpiece.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a graph representing the statistics of cumulative processing information. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The machine tool 100 has a bed 102 fixed to the factory floor as a base. At the rear end of the bed 102 (in... Figure 1 (The middle is on the left), on the upper surface of the bed 102, the column 104 is configured to be able to move along the horizontal left-right direction or the X-axis direction (with the left and right sides). Figure 1 The tool magazine 112 is configured to reciprocate in the direction orthogonal to the paper. The tool magazine 112 is arranged adjacent to the column 104. The tool magazine 112 stores multiple tools for machining. On the front surface of the column 104, the slide saddle 106 is configured to move along the vertical direction or the Y-axis direction (in the direction orthogonal to the paper). Figure 1 The bed 102 moves back and forth (vertically). A spindle head 108 is mounted on the slide saddle 106, which supports the spindle 110 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a horizontal central axis O. The front portion of the bed 102 (in...) Figure 1 On the upper surface of the right side (in the middle), the Z-axis slider 116 is configured to move in a forward / backward direction parallel to the central axis O or in the Z-axis direction (in the middle). Figure 1 The movement is in the left-right direction. A worktable 114 with a fixed workpiece W is mounted on the Z-axis slider 116.

[0030] An X-axis servo motor (not shown) is provided on the bed 102 as an X-axis feed device that reciprocates and drives the column 104 along the X-axis direction. A Y-axis servo motor (not shown) is provided on the column 104 as a Y-axis feed device that reciprocates and drives the slide saddle 106 along the Y-axis direction. A Z-axis servo motor (not shown) is provided on the bed 102 as a Z-axis servo motor that reciprocates and drives the Z-axis slider 116 along the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The spindle head 108 is equipped with a spindle servo motor (not shown), which drives the spindle 110 to rotate. A tool T, which integrates the cutting tool and the tool holder, is mounted at the front end of the spindle 110. The cutting tool of the tool T is typically a rotary tool such as an end mill or a drill bit. In this specification, "tool" refers to a tool in which the cutting tool and the tool holder are integrated, and "wear" refers to the wear of the cutting tool.

[0032] exist Figure 1 In this process, workpiece W is mounted on worktable 114 via workpiece mounting device 118, such as a corner bracket. Workpiece mounting device 118 can be fixed to a tray (not shown) with workpiece W mounted, and then mounted on worktable 114 via the tray. Alternatively, workpiece W can be mounted on the tray without using workpiece mounting device 118, and then mounted on worktable 114 via the tray. Or, workpiece W can be directly mounted on worktable 114.

[0033] The machine tool 100 may also include peripheral equipment such as an automatic tool changer (not shown) for changing tools between the tool magazine 112 and the spindle 110, and a coolant supply device (not shown) for supplying coolant to the machining area of ​​the machine tool 100. Such peripheral equipment can be housed together with the machine tool 100 within a cover (not shown). Additionally, the machine tool 100 may also include a pallet changing device (not shown) for changing pallets between the machine tool 100 and the worktable 114. The machine tool 100 may further include a preparation station (not shown) where the operator loads or unloads workpieces W onto or onto a workpiece mounting fixture 118 on the pallet. The machine tool 100 may further include a pallet conveying device (not shown) for moving pallets between the preparation station and the pallet changing device. The pallet conveying device can be configured to transfer and move pallets between multiple machine tools 100.

[0034] Within the tool magazine 112, the cutting tool T is mounted in the tool holder (not shown) with the cutting tool installed in the tool chuck, and is held in a tool rack (not shown) within the tool magazine 112. Information related to the tools stored in the tool magazine 112 is stored in the tool management unit 12. The tool magazine 112 includes a tool preparation unit (not shown) as an interface for the operator to retrieve or insert tools from the tool magazine.

[0035] The operator of machine tool 100 prepares the tools required for each machining process by storing them in tool magazine 112. At this time, the operator can install each tool in the appropriately numbered tool holder and edit the contents of tool management section 12 so that the tool number of each tool can be retrieved in the machining program, that is, the tool whose program tool number is the same as the tool holder number in tool management section 12.

[0036] Typically, factories are equipped with facilities called tool rooms for the storage and assembly of cutting tools. These tool storage facilities have a tool database that manages all types of cutting tools prepared in the factory, and each type of tool is assigned a factory tool number in the tool database. Factory tool numbers are assigned according to tool specifications and are used across all tools in the factory. As a different type of tool number, there are project tool numbers. Project tool numbers are used to retrieve individual tools within a machining project and are used locally on machine tool 100. When tools with the same factory tool number are used on multiple machine tools 100, they can be assigned different project tool numbers on each machine tool 100. As a further different type of tool number, there are individual tool numbers. Individual tool numbers are assigned to individual tools. When multiple tools with the same factory tool number, i.e., the same specifications, are present, they are assigned different individual tool numbers.

[0037] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "type" of cutting tool refers not only to the type of cutting tool such as ball end mills, square shoulder end mills, face end mills, and drills, but also to the specifications of cutting tools such as tool diameter, tool length, and number of cutting edges. In other words, even tools of the same type are considered different types of cutting tools if their tool diameter and tool length differ, and therefore are assigned different factory tool numbers.

[0038] The machine tool 100 includes a control unit 10 for forming a recommendation device. The control unit 10 includes a tool management unit 12, a reporting unit 14, a receiving unit 16, a cumulative processing information storage unit 18, a recommendation unit 20, a display unit 24, an input unit 26, and a statistics unit 28. The tool management unit 12, the reporting unit 14, the receiving unit 16, the cumulative processing information storage unit 18, the recommendation unit 20, and the statistics unit 28 can be composed of a computer and related software that includes a CPU (central processing unit), a RAM (random access memory) or ROM (read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (solid-state drive), input / output ports, an RTC (real-time clock), and a bidirectional bus connecting them.

[0039] The control device 10 can be software configured as part of a mechanical control device that controls the spindle servo motor, X-axis servo motor, Y-axis servo motor, Z-axis servo motor and X-axis linear encoder, Y-axis linear encoder and Z-axis linear encoder, tool magazine, automatic tool changer (not shown), pallet changer and coolant supply device of the machine tool, and further controls the oil and air supply device (not shown) and compressed air supply device (not shown).

[0040] The tool management unit 12 stores information associated with the tools T stored in the tool magazine 112, particularly the preset lifespan (set lifespan) for each tool. As described later, the reporting unit 14 reports to the operator that there are tools whose usage values ​​have reached their preset lifespan (tools whose set lifespan has been reached). The receiving unit 16 receives actions taken by the operator for tools that have reached their set lifespan, particularly resetting the tool's usage value or extending the tool's set lifespan. As described later, the cumulative action information storage unit 18 accumulates and stores the actions taken by the operator for tools that have reached their set lifespan for each tool. As described later, the recommendation unit 20 recommends adjustments to the set lifespan (extending or shortening the set lifespan) to the operator for tools that have reached their set lifespan based on past cumulative action information.

[0041] The display unit 24 can be formed, for example, using a touch panel (not shown) mounted on the control panel (not shown) of the cover surrounding the machine tool 100. The input unit 26 can be formed using a keyboard (not shown) or buttons (not shown) arranged on the control panel. When the display unit 24 is formed by a touch panel, the input unit 26 can also be formed by the same touch panel. When the control device 10 is connected to a computer device such as a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) system, a CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) system, or a control device for other machine tools (not shown) via a communication network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) (IEEE 802.3), the input unit 26 can also be formed by such a computer device.

[0042] The tool management unit 12 stores information associated with a tool T stored in the tool magazine 112, along with the tool T's factory tool number, project tool number, individual tool number, and the mounting number corresponding to the mounting bracket in the tool magazine 112 where the tool T is mounted. An operator can input information related to such a tool T from the input unit 26.

[0043] Alternatively, the tool management unit 12 can access the CAD system, which serves as the input unit 26, analyze the machining project generated by the CAD system, extract the tool described in the machining project, and retrieve the tool database of the factory that sets up the machine tool 100 from the factory tool number corresponding to the project tool number of the tool, and obtain and store the tool information such as the type of the tool, the diameter of the tool, the length of the tool, and the set life of the tool.

[0044] The tool management unit 12 can generate, based on stored tool information, such as... Figures 2-5 The tool list is shown below. As an example, Figures 2-5 The tool list shown includes the tool type, diameter, length, and set life of the tool T.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 The image shown is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24. The tool management screen 200 includes a cursor 201, a tool list 202, a report area 204, a down button 203, an up button 205, a reset button 206, and a usage extension button 208. The tool list 202 is a table that displays a summary of the information of each tool T stored in the tool magazine 112, associated with the factory tool number 217, the project tool number 218, the tool individual number 219, and the storage holder 220. In this embodiment, the tool information includes a tool summary (tool type) 210, a tool diameter 212, a tool length 214, and a set life 216. The tool list 202 also includes the tool's usage value 222 and usage extension value 224. The cursor 201 is a display used by the operator to identify which tool is currently being reset in the context of resetting usage values, inputting usage extension values, etc. (described later). The operator can use the down button 203 and the up button 205 to move the cursor 201 up and down along the tool list 202 to select the target tool.

[0046] The tool list 202 includes the factory tool number 217, the project tool number 218, and the individual tool number 219. Furthermore, the storage holder 220 is the number of the tool holder to which the tool T is assembled in the tool magazine 112. Figure 2 In the tool list 202, the tool numbers 1001, 1002, 1003, ... are shown to be stored in tool holders numbered 1, 2, 3, ... respectively.

[0047] Tool Summary 210 indicates the type of tool T. In Figure 2 In the tool list 202, the tool numbers 1001, 1002, 1003… indicate that the tools are PCD face milling cutters, superhard drills, high-speed taps, etc., respectively. Tool diameter 212 is the diameter (mm) of the circle drawn by the tip of the cutting edge of tool T. Figure 2In the tool list 202, the tool diameters of the tools with factory tool numbers 1001, 1002, 1003... are 80mm, 5mm, 6mm,... respectively.

[0048] The tool length 214 is the length (mm) measured from the reference position of the tool chuck (not shown) with tool T mounted thereon along the central axis of tool T to the tip of tool T. Figure 2 In the tool list 202, the tool lengths of tools numbered 1001, 1002, 1003… are 120mm, 130mm, 145mm,… respectively. Furthermore, the “edge tip position” can be set in various ways based on the type of tool T and the application strategy of the machining project. For example, if it is a drill bit, it can be set to either the diameter portion, i.e., the shoulder, or the very tip.

[0049] The set life is a preset value used as a reference for replacing the tool T before it becomes unusable due to wear. In this embodiment, a cutting distance (mm) is preset for each tool T as the set life. The set life can be input by the machine tool 100 operator or downloaded from a tool database available at the factory. Figure 2 In the tool list 202, the tool numbers 1001, 1002, 1003... are shown to have cutting distances set to tool life of 900000 mm, 720000 mm, 90000 mm, ... respectively.

[0050] The usage value 222 is a parameter that is increased in relation to the use of the tool T. In this embodiment, it is the actual cutting distance (mm) that the tool T actually uses to cut the workpiece W. The tool management unit 12 accumulates and stores the distance the tip of the tool T travels during the machining of the workpiece W, i.e., the cutting distance, as the usage value. The tool management unit 12 can calculate the actual cutting distance of the tool T used in the machining, for example, by analyzing the machining project being performed. Figure 2 In the tool list 202, the tool numbers 1001, 1002, 1003... show the actual usage of each tool for machining, which is 804331mm, 720024mm, 62055mm,... . The accumulation and storage of usage values ​​can be performed at the time when the machining performed by tool T ends, or at the time when all processes including the machining performed by tool T end.

[0051] When a tool reaches its set lifespan, the operator typically visually assesses its wear condition. If the tool is determined to have reached its true lifespan, the operator replaces it with a new, unused tool and resets the usage value. Here, true lifespan refers to the degree to which the tool's wear has progressed to the point where it can no longer achieve the required results or precision in machining. Alternatively, if the tool is determined to have not reached its true lifespan and can still be used for machining, the operator extends the tool's lifespan based on the degree of wear. In this invention, when the operator selects to extend the tool's lifespan, as described later, the amount of cutting distance to be extended is input by the operator into the tool management unit and displayed as the lifespan extension value 224 in the tool list 202. Figure 2 The text shows that the various tools with factory tool numbers 1001, 1002, 1003... were not used and were extended.

[0052] The reporting unit 14 reports to the operator that the tool's set lifespan 216 has been reached due to the tool's usage value 222. When the tool usage value 222 of any tool T is updated, the reporting unit 14 checks whether the set lifespan 216 has been reached; if so, it reports to the display unit 24 that the tool has reached its set lifespan. For example, refer to... Figure 2 It is known that the usage value 222 of tool number 1002 in the factory is 720024 mm, which exceeds the set life 216. At this time, the reporting unit 14 displays the usage value (actual cutting length) of tool number 1002 in the reporting area 204 of the tool management screen 200, indicating that the set life has been reached, thereby reporting to the operator that a tool has reached its set life. The reporting unit 14 can also guide the operator to the machine tool 100 via voice or other means, and then report the existence of a tool that has reached its set life on the display unit 24.

[0053] The tool management screen 200 includes a reset button 206 and an extension button 208 for use when changing tools or when using extensions. The reset button 206 and the extension button 208 can be displayed at all times, or they can be displayed in the tool management screen 200 when a tool reaches its set life.

[0054] When a tool reaches its set lifespan and the operator selects to replace it based on visual confirmation, the operator will replace the tool stored in tool magazine 112 with an unused new tool, and change the tool's individual number 219 to the new tool's individual number. (Refer to...) Figure 3It can be seen that this has been changed to "1002-202300231". In the tool preparation department, tool changes can be performed by the operator whether or not the machine tool 100 is stopped. After the tool change is completed, if the operator points the cursor 201 at the tool with factory tool number 1002 and clicks the reset button 206, the receiving department 16 accepts the reset of the usage value of the tool that has reached its set lifespan, and the tool management department 12 resets the usage value of the tool. That is, the usage value of the tool stored in the tool management department 12 is set to 0 (zero) (see reference). Figure 3 Furthermore, information about tool replacement is recorded in the cumulative disposal information storage unit 18.

[0055] When a tool reaches its set lifespan and the operator visually confirms and selects to extend its lifespan, the operator returns the tool to the tool magazine. Then, the operator sets the lifespan extension value. At this point, when the operator clicks the lifespan extension button 208, the receiving unit 16 can edit the lifespan extension value on the tool management screen 200. Thus, in Figure 2 In the example, the usage extension value field 224a for tool number 1002 is active, allowing the operator to input the desired usage extension value. The receiving unit 16 can also overlay a dialog box (not shown) for inputting the corresponding tool's usage extension value onto the tool management screen 200 when the usage extension button 208 is clicked. (See reference...) Figure 4 In the usage extension value column 224a of tool number 1002, the operator-inputted usage extension of 2000 (mm) is displayed. The receiving unit 16 accepts the usage extension request when the operator clicks the usage extension button 208, and then, when the operator inputs the usage extension value, writes to the cumulative processing information storage unit 18 that, in this embodiment, a usage extension of 2000 (mm) has been performed on tool number 1002. Thus, by inputting the usage extension value of 2000 (mm), the tool can continue cutting. Then, when the usage value of tool number 1002 reaches a distance equal to the sum of the previous set life of 720,000 mm and the usage extension value of 2000 mm, the reporting unit 14 again reports to the operator that the set life has been reached.

[0056] In this way, information or history related to the actions taken by the operator when the usage value reaches the set lifespan for each of the multiple cutting tools is stored in the cumulative handling information storage unit 18. (See reference...) Figure 6 An example of cumulative processing information stored in the cumulative processing information storage unit 18 is shown. Figure 6 The cumulative disposal information 300 shown includes the tool individual number 302, disposal 304, usage extension value 306, and disposal date and time 308.

[0057] Tool part number 302 is Figures 2-5 The factory tool number 217 is marked with an identification number and recorded accordingly. Figure 6 The diagram shows that the individual tool numbers 302a, 302b, and 302c are... Figures 2-5 Tool 1002 (superhard drill bit) is an individual tool with the same identification number as 202300240. Tool 302e, 302g, and 302h, while sharing the same factory tool number 1002, are different individual tools with identification numbers 202300241. Similarly, tool individual numbers 302d and 302f, while sharing the same factory tool number 1001, are different individual tools with identification numbers 202300188 and 202300189, respectively. Individual tool numbers are assigned to the tools during tool chamber assembly. During tool assembly, the individual tool number is written to the ID chip installed on the tool by a tool individual number writing device. Furthermore, when a tool is stored in the tool magazine 112, the tool individual number reading device of the machine tool 100 reads the tool individual number stored in the ID chip and displays it on the display unit 24. After the operator confirms it, it is sent to the tool management unit 112, where it can be input as the tool individual number of that tool in the tool management unit 12. The tool individual number can also be printed on the tool body during assembly. When a tool is stored in the tool magazine 112, the operator can visually inspect it while using the input unit 26 to rewrite the information in the tool management unit 12.

[0058] Figure 6 The cumulative disposal information 300 shows that: tool individual number 1002-202300240 underwent service extensions of 2000 mm and 1000 mm at 11:20:02 on July 24, 2023 and 15:02:18 on July 27, 2023, respectively. It was then determined to be at its true service life and replaced with a new tool of the same type at 9:08:45 on August 3, 2023. The replaced tool, tool individual number 1002-202300241, also underwent service extensions of 1500 mm and 1000 mm at 10:23:41 on August 7, 2023 and 16:19:05 on August 18, 2023, respectively. Cumulative disposal information 300 also shows that: regarding tool individual number 1001-202300188, it was replaced with a new tool of the same type at 13:30:39 on August 5, 2023. Cumulative disposal information 300 also shows that: regarding tool individual number 1003-202300098, due to tool breakage, it was replaced with a new tool of the same type at 9:21:20 on August 23, 2023.

[0059] As an example, such as Figure 6 As shown, by accumulating past actions taken for tools that have reached their set lifespan, the set lifespan of each tool can be adjusted. For example, two tools with the same factory tool number 1002 were replaced after being extended twice. This accumulated action information can be considered as a result that the actual lifespan of the tool arrived later than the previously set lifespan. Therefore, by extending the set lifespan 216, the reporting to the operator can be adjusted to a timing suitable for tool replacement. As a result, the operator's work efficiency can be improved because there is less visual confirmation from the operator and fewer extensions in use. Alternatively, two different tools with the same factory tool number 1001 were replaced without being extended in use. This accumulated action information can be considered as a result that the actual lifespan of the tool arrived earlier than the previously set lifespan. Therefore, by shortening the set lifespan 216, the reporting to the operator can be adjusted to a timing suitable for tool replacement. As a result, the reduction in machining accuracy or machining efficiency due to tool wear can be prevented in advance.

[0060] Therefore, in this invention, based on the cumulative disposal information 300, the recommendation unit 20 recommends adjustments to the set lifespan. Adjusting the set lifespan involves extending or shortening it. To this end, the recommendation unit 20 has a recommendation condition storage unit 22, which pre-stores recommendation conditions corresponding to the cumulative disposal information 300 for making recommendations related to the adjustment (increase or decrease) of the set lifespan. Furthermore, while adjustments to the set lifespan can be recommended based on the cumulative disposal information of a single tool, the reliability of the recommendation is improved by recommending adjustments based on the cumulative disposal information of multiple tools of the same type, i.e., those with the same factory tool number.

[0061] An example of accumulated disposal information is the absence of any past extended use. That is, for a tool with a specific factory tool number or a specific individual tool number, if the tool is replaced with a new tool each time its set lifespan is reached without extended use, the recommendation unit 20 can recommend shortening the set lifespan as a recommendation condition. (See reference...) Figure 5 The recommended display area 230 of the tool management screen 200 displays the set life of the tool with tool number 1001 and the reason for it.

[0062] Furthermore, the recommended conditions can be set as conditions 1 to 3 below. That is, the recommendation unit 20 can recommend extending the set lifespan if any one of conditions 1 to 3 is met. Conditions 1 to 3 can be combined in two or three ways. In other words, the recommendation unit 20 can recommend extending the set lifespan if two of conditions 1 to 3 are met, or if all three are met. The values ​​recorded for conditions 1 to 3 are not limited to these and can be changed. Figure 5 The document shows the set lifespan of the tool 1002 and the reasons for it.

[0063] (Condition 1) For a tool with a specific factory tool number, in the past, there were more than a predetermined number of tool individuals that had been used for a predetermined number of extended uses. For example, in the past, there were more than 6 out of 10 tool individuals that had been used for extended uses more than twice.

[0064] (Condition 2) For a tool with a specific factory tool number, the total number of extended uses of a predetermined number of tool individuals in the past is more than a predetermined number. For example, the total number of extended uses of 10 tool individuals in the past is more than 15 times.

[0065] (Condition 3) For a tool with a specific factory tool number, the average extended service life of a predetermined number of tool individuals in the past is at least a predetermined percentage of the set service life. For example, the average extended service life of the past 10 tool individuals is at least 15 percent of the set service life.

[0066] According to this embodiment, for tools whose usage value has reached the set lifespan, based on past implementation methods (replacing with a new tool and resetting the usage value, or extending the use without replacing with a new tool), it is recommended to adjust the set lifespan, which can improve the operator's work efficiency or the productivity of the machine tool 100.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the recommendation unit 20 recommends adjustments to the set lifespan in connection with the replacement of tools whose usage value has reached the set lifespan. However, when adjusting the set lifespan, especially recommending an extension, it also provides the operator with an opportunity to review the state of the workpiece W blank. Here, "blank" refers to the state of the workpiece W before it is placed into the machine tool 100, i.e., the state before processing. For example, such as... Figure 7 As shown, sometimes due to changes in the billet casting process, the surface height of the workpiece in the billet state is lower than the set life of the tool used to machine the surface of the workpiece in the billet state that was originally studied.

[0068] exist Figure 7In the initial study of the tool (face milling cutter) TFM's set life, workpiece W1 had a height H1. The plan was to machine workpiece W1 using the TFM along three machining paths P1, P2, and P3 until the finish height H0 was reached. Later, due to a change in the billet casting process, workpiece W1 was changed to workpiece W2 with a height H2 lower than H1. Therefore, workpiece W2 can only be machined to the finish height H0 using two machining paths P4 and P5. Here, machining paths P4 and P5 are the same as machining paths P2 and P3, respectively.

[0069] In this situation, during the surface machining process using the tool TFM, in machining path P1 of the three machining paths P1, P2, and P3 that match the surface dimensions of the workpiece W1, the tool TFM is in an idle state and does not perform machining. Therefore, the actual cutting distance is shortened, and the wear of the tool TFM is reduced. Then, when the usage value reaches the set life, the operator, having confirmed the wear state of the tool TFM, notices that the wear has not developed as expected and tends to choose to extend its use. In other words, if there are tools with extended usage distances or times in the cumulative processing information 300, the recommendation unit 20 can recommend confirmation of the blank status to the operator along with the extension of the set life. At this time, a message such as "Please confirm the blank status" can be displayed in the recommendation display area 230. Through the recommendation, the operator can confirm the blank status and change the machining item by omitting machining path P1, so that the tool TFM does not idle. Through this improvement, the machining time is shortened, and the timing of the tool reaching the set life is closer to the actual life, so the frequency of operator visual confirmation and usage value extension can also be reduced.

[0070] Alternatively, the statistics department 28 can compile and visualize the cumulative processing information 300 to present to the operators. Figure 8 The statistics unit 28 displays cumulative disposal information 300 for any period (in this case, October 1 to October 31, 2023), and visualizes cumulative disposal information statistics 400 for the types of disposal determined in advance. The cumulative disposal information statistics 400 can be displayed, for example, on the display unit 24.

[0071] The cumulative disposal information statistics 400 are explained. Tool In statistics 410 represent the statistics of operations where operators placed tools into the tool magazine 112. Tool In count 410a represents the number of times operators placed tools into the tool magazine 112 within any given period, regardless of the reason. This is consistent with the total number of times tools were placed for different reasons, as described later. New product replacement count upon reaching the end of service life 410b represents the number of replacements to new products when the set service life was reached. Usage value extension count 410c represents the number of specification extensions performed when the set service life was reached. New product replacement count upon tool breakage 410d represents the number of tool replacements performed in conjunction with tool breakage. Furthermore, when tool breakage occurs after the tool breakage device (not shown) on the machine tool 100 detects tool breakage, and the reporting unit 14 reports that the operator who caused the tool breakage replaced the tool and reset the usage value, the receiving unit 16 can store this as a replacement to a new product upon tool breakage in the cumulative disposal information storage unit 18. The "Number of Tool Additions During Process Changes" (410e) indicates the number of times new tools were added to empty slots due to changes in machining processes and items. The "Tool Out" statistics (420) represent the statistics on the handling of tools removed from the tool magazine (112) by the operator. The "Number of Tool Outs" (420a) indicates the number of times the operator removed tools from the tool magazine (112) without reason within any given period. This is consistent with the total number of tool removals for different reasons, as described later. The "Number of Confirmations Upon Reaching Tool Life" (A420b) indicates the number of times the operator visually confirmed that a tool had reached its set lifespan "within a specified period." The "Number of Confirmations Upon Reaching Tool Lifespan" (B420c) indicates the number of times the operator visually confirmed that a tool had reached its set lifespan "exceeded a specified period." The specified period can be freely set. For example, the specified period could be "within 4 hours of reaching the set lifespan." The "Number of Confirmations Due to Tool Breakage" (420d) indicates the number of times a tool was removed and confirmed after a tool breakage report was made. The tool removal count 420e during process changes refers to the number of times unnecessary tools are removed from the tool magazine 112 when the machining process and machining items change. Here, the tool in count 410a and the tool out count 420a are not necessarily the same. For example, this is because the tool addition count 410e during process changes is not necessarily the same as the tool removal count 420e during process changes.

[0072] By accumulating and statistically analyzing the information 400, it is possible to analyze the machining and production processes performed on machine tool 100 and identify various issues that need improvement. For example, if the number of checks upon reaching the end of the tool's lifespan is higher than B420c (e.g., higher than A420b), it can be inferred that although a tool has reached its set lifespan, time is required until the operator checks the tool's condition. That is, this is presumed to be a situation where the operator's workload is inappropriate, and can serve as a trigger for reviewing improvements to the number of staff and shifts. Furthermore, if the number of checks due to tool breakage is higher than 420d, it is presumed to be a situation where the machining process or machining conditions are inappropriate, and can serve as a trigger for reviewing improvements to the machining process or machining conditions.

[0073] Additionally, for any type of disposal, the cumulative disposal information statistics (400) can also display disposal details. For example, in... Figure 8 The document displays processing details 430 regarding the number of usage value extensions (410c). Clicking on the area displaying usage value extension counts (410c) brings up processing details 430. Processing details 430 shows the three factory tool numbers with the most usage value extensions. It can be seen that tool number 2010 underwent 12 usage value extensions, a number significantly higher than other tools. This suggests that the set life of tool number 2010 may be inappropriate, or that the operator's visual judgment during the visual inspection of tool number 2010 was insufficient, triggering an improvement. Alternatively, processing details 430 can also display information other than the number of usage value extensions (410c). The information displayed in processing details 430 could be the factory tool numbers of the top five tools with the most usage value extensions, instead of just the top three.

[0074] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and improvements can be made, which is obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0075] For example, in Figure 1 The example shown is a machine tool 100 constituting a horizontal machining center, but the invention can also be applied to vertical machine tools. Furthermore, while the machine tool 100 is described as having orthogonal three-axis linear feed axes of X, Y, and Z, the machine tool 100 may also have at least one rotary feed axis in addition to the orthogonal three-axis linear feed axes.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, it was explained that the control device 10 forming the recommendation device can be formed as part of the NC device or mechanical control device of the machine tool 100. However, the control device 10 as the recommendation device can also be formed by a computer device different from the NC device or mechanical control device of the machine tool 100. For example, in the case where multiple machine tools 100 are configured to form a production equipment, the control device 10 as the recommendation device can be provided on each machine tool 100, or provided for multiple machine tools 100. Furthermore, it can also be formed as part of an integrated control device (not shown) that controls the entire production equipment (not shown), including multiple machine tools 100.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the set lifespan, usage value, and usage extension value are cutting distances, but these could also be cutting times. In this case, the control device 10, as a recommendation device, can calculate the cutting time based on changes in the load of the spindle servo motor and the measurement time based on the RTC (real-time clock). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the tool's diameter information is the diameter, but it could also be the radius.

[0078] When a control device 10 is provided as a recommendation device for multiple machine tools 100, the reporting unit 14 can display on a display device such as the touch panel of the operation panel of each of the multiple machine tools 100 and / or on the display device of the integrated control device that controls the entire production equipment that there are tools whose usage value has reached the set life. Upon receiving the report, the integrated control device can use a camera (not shown) installed in the tool storage section 112 of the machine tool 100 where the tool whose usage value has reached the set life or in the machining room (not shown) to capture images of the wear state of the tool T, and determine whether the actual life has been reached based on the image data. As a result, if it is determined that the tool T should be replaced, a tool replacement command can be issued from the integrated control device to the operator or the automatic transport device. If it is determined that it should not be replaced and should be used for an extended period, the tool management section 12 of the control device 10, which is the recommendation device for the production equipment, is instructed from the integrated control device to extend the set life of the tool T. The extent to which the set life is extended can be determined based on the wear state.

[0079] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached image)

[0080] 10: Control device; 12: Tool management department; 14: Reporting department; 16: Acceptance department; 18: Cumulative disposal information storage department; 20: Recommendation department; 22: Recommendation condition storage department; 24: Display department; 26: Input department; 100: Machine tool; 102: Bed; 104: Column; 106: Saddle; 108: Spindle head; 110: Spindle; 112: Tool magazine; 114: Worktable; 116: Z-axis slider; 118: Workpiece mounting fixture; 200: Tool management screen; 202: Tool list; 204: Reporting area; 206: Reset button; 208: Use extension button; 210: Tool overview; 212: Tool diameter; 214: Tool length; 216: Set life; 220: Storage seat; 222: Usage value; 224: Use extension value; 230: Recommendation display area; 300: Cumulative disposal information.

Claims

1. A machine tool recommendation device for recommending adjustments to the set life of a machine tool, the recommendation device comprising: The tool management department stores pre-set lifespans for each type of tool. The reporting department reports that the tool's usage value has reached the set lifespan of the tool; The receiving department accepts requests for resetting or extending the service life of a tool when its set lifespan has reached its usage value. The cumulative disposal information storage unit stores, for each individual tool, the reset or extended use information for tools whose set lifespan has reached its usage value as cumulative disposal information; and The recommendation unit has a recommendation condition storage unit that pre-stores recommendation conditions corresponding to cumulative treatment information for making recommendations related to the adjustment of the set life. The recommendation unit recommends adjustments to the set life of tools whose set life has reached the type of tool based on the result of comparing the cumulative treatment information with the recommendation condition storage unit.

2. The recommended device according to claim 1, wherein, The cumulative disposal information storage unit stores the cumulative disposal information of multiple individual cutting tools of the same type, and the recommendation unit makes recommendations on the adjustment of the set life based on the cumulative disposal information of the multiple individual cutting tools of the same type.

3. The recommended device according to claim 1, wherein, The recommendation section recommends shortening the set lifespan as an adjustment to the set lifespan.

4. The recommended device according to claim 3, wherein, The recommendation section recommends shortening the set lifespan as an adjustment to the set lifespan, in cases where extended use has not been implemented for certain types of cutting tools in the past.

5. The recommended device according to claim 1, wherein, The recommendation section recommends extending the set lifespan as an adjustment to the set lifespan.

6. The recommended apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, If the recommendation unit has previously extended the service life of a specific type of tool by a predetermined number of times or frequency, it recommends extending the set service life as an adjustment to the set service life.

7. The recommended apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The cumulative disposal information storage unit, as the cumulative disposal information, also stores tool replacements associated with tool breakage, tool additions associated with process changes, and tool removals associated with process changes. The recommendation device includes a statistics unit and a display unit. The statistics unit calculates the cumulative treatment information for any given period based on the total number of times each treatment category is performed on the tool during that period. The display unit displays the results of the statistics.

8. A method for recommending adjustments to the set life of a machine tool cutting tool, the method comprising: For each type of cutting tool, a preset lifespan is established; If a tool's usage value reaches the set lifespan, and the tool's set lifespan has expired, report that a tool has expired. Replace the tool whose set lifespan has expired and reset its usage value, or do not replace the tool whose set lifespan has expired and extend its usage value. For each individual tool, the reset or extended use of the tool when the set lifespan reaches the tool's usage value will be accumulated as cumulative handling information. as well as Based on the recommended conditions corresponding to the cumulative treatment information used for adjusting the set life, and based on the result of comparing the cumulative treatment information with the recommended conditions, it is recommended to shorten or extend the set life of tools belonging to the type of tool whose set life has been reached.

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