Tool management system

Abstract

A tool management system (S) comprises a tool management device (1) and an information input / output unit (2). In the information input / output unit (2), the tool component and / or the composite tool (AS), stored in the tool information database (10) where unique identification information is assigned, can be selected, along with a variety of predetermined action patterns representing actual operations required to prepare a composite tool (AS) for use in machining. The tool management device (1) comprises a list generation unit (13) and a data determination unit (14).The list generation unit (13) automatically generates a preparation tool list that includes the selected tool component and / or compound tool (AS) for each of the action patterns when the tool component and / or compound tool (AS) is selected along with each of the action patterns. The data determination unit (14) determines whether the unique identification information of the actual tool component and / or compound tool (AS) matches the unique identification information listed in the preparation tool list.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The disclosure relates to a system for controlling a tool used in machining with a machine tool. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In a numerically controlled machine tool performing a cutting operation, an NC program is created beforehand, and a tool mounted on the machine is used to perform the cutting operation on a workpiece. One method for creating the NC program involves a machine operator entering NC syntax using an input device that includes a keyboard. Another method involves a programmer using a programming device, such as CAD / CAM software. The programmer creates the NC program assuming that a tool mounted in a magazine or a tool prepared in a factory, such as a tool room, will be used. The programmer then provides the NC program, along with a tool list detailing the tools required to execute the NC program, to a machine operator.The machine operator prepares the tools for use according to the tool list, stores the tools in the magazine and performs a cutting operation.

[0003] As an aid for such preparation tools, WO 2015 / 29232 discloses a tool management system that includes a tool management unit with a tool removal unit, a tool database containing a list of all tools prepared in the factory, and a tool list for use as a list of the tools required to execute the NC program. The tool management system generates a standby tool list as a list of the tools stored in the tool room and the tool magazine. If the tools listed in the tool list for use and the tools listed in the standby tool list do not match, the tool removal unit generates a tool candidate list according to the removal conditions, and the tool candidate list is displayed on the display unit.

[0004] The tools managed by the tool management system are displayed as in Fig. Figure 10 shows a cutting tool t, for example a milling cutter or a drill bit, mounted on a holder designated as a tool holder HL. Here, a tool AS that is the cutting tool t in a state where it is mounted on the tool holder HL is referred to as a "composite tool". In some cases, the cutting tool t that is mounted on the tool holder HL via an adapter, such as a collet, is referred to as a composite tool.

[0005] As a disclosure under the management of the compound tool, JP 2021-142613 A discloses a method that assigns code information to a tool holder to identify a tool ID as a unique identifier and manages a tool number by mapping the tool number to a machining number used in a machining program.

[0006] A common problem of the revelations WO 2015 / 29232 and JP 2021-142613 A is as follows.

[0007] When relatively few types of products are machined, or when there are many similar workpieces, it's feasible for a company to store tools as a single, assembled tool to avoid changing the tool configuration. However, in the case of small-batch production with many products, the range of machining operations is large, and the number of tool types increases accordingly. Therefore, for cost and space reasons, it's difficult to store everything as a single, assembled tool. Instead, the company replaces and reuses tool components, including cutting tools and adapters, from the tool holder as needed. In this case, the disassembled cutting tool is frequently exchanged and, if necessary, mounted on a different tool holder, making it difficult to keep track of which cutting tools are mounted on which tool holders.Due to the repeated replacement of individual tool components, it may no longer be known where the individual tool components are located, which, for example, leads to time losses when searching for a desired tool component.

[0008] Therefore, one objective of the disclosure is to provide a tool management system capable of determining the configuration and location of a composite tool required for machining, even when the system manages the composite tool, thus enabling reliable preparation of a required composite tool in a short time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To solve the problem described above, the present disclosure provides a tool management system comprising a tool management device and an information input / output unit. The tool management device includes a tool information database that stores information about a composite tool comprising at least a tool holder and a cutting tool as tool components, information about each of the tool components, and information about storage locations for the composite tool and each of the tool components. The information input / output unit is capable of inputting data into and outputting data from the tool management device.When each part of the unique identification information assigned to each of the tool components, the assembled tool, and each of the storage locations is entered via the information input / output unit, the tool management device stores each part of the unique identification information in the tool information database by assigning each part of the unique identification information to each of the tool components, the assembled tool, or each of the storage locations. In the information input / output unit, the tool component and / or the assembled tool stored in the tool information database can be selected, along with a variety of predetermined action patterns that represent actual operations required to prepare an assembled tool for use in machining with a machine tool.The tool management device includes a list generation unit and a data determination unit. The list generation unit automatically generates a preparation tool list containing the selected tool component and / or composite tool for each of the action patterns when the tool component and / or composite tool is selected along with each of the action patterns by the information input / output unit. The data determination unit determines whether the unique identification information of the actual tool component and / or composite tool, entered by the information input / output unit, matches the unique identification information of the tool component and / or composite tool listed in the preparation tool list.

[0010] According to another aspect of the disclosure, which is present in the configuration described above, the action patterns are at least i) removing the unused composite tool from the machine tool, ii) storing the tool component and / or the composite tool at the storage location, iii) collecting the tool component and / or the composite tool, iv) assembling each of the tool components to form the composite tool, and v) loading the composite tool into the machine tool.In addition, the list generation unit automatically generates a withdrawal list when the action pattern selected by i) is selected, a storage list when the action pattern selected by ii) is selected, a collection list when the action pattern selected by iii) is selected, a composition list when the action pattern selected by iv) is selected, and a loading list when the action pattern selected by v) is selected, as the respective preparation tool lists.

[0011] According to another aspect of the disclosure, which is present in the configuration described above, the tool information database includes a cutting tool information table that stores at least lifetime information of the cutting tool, and a tool configuration information table that stores information relating to the composite tool.When the cutting tool is mounted on the tool holder and the composite tool is formed, the lifetime information stored in the cutting tool information table is copied to the tool configuration information table, the copied lifetime information is updated according to a usage time or a number of uses as a composite tool, and when the cutting tool is removed from the tool holder, the lifetime information of the cutting tool information table is updated according to the lifetime information updated in the tool configuration information table.

[0012] The disclosure enables the precise execution of the actual process of converting the composite tool and its tool components, as well as their storage location in data, by assigning unique identification information to each. The preparation tool list is generated by selecting the predetermined action pattern in the data during NC program creation, and the composite tool is prepared based on this preparation tool list. During this process, a motion origin is compared with a motion destination using the unique identification information. Accordingly, even when the system manages the composite tool, the required configuration and location of the composite tool for machining can be determined, allowing the necessary composite tool to be reliably prepared quickly.

[0013] In addition to the effect described above, another aspect of the disclosure makes it easy to determine the operation required for the composite tool and tool component that must be performed in each list, since the list generation unit automatically generates the pick list if the action pattern is pick, the stock list if the action pattern is stock, the collection list if the action pattern is collect, the assembly list if the action pattern is assemble, and the load list if the action pattern is load, as the respective preparation tool lists.

[0014] In addition to the effects described above, according to another aspect of the disclosure, when the cutting tool is mounted on the tool holder and a composite tool is formed, the tool life information in the cutting tool information table is copied and updated in the tool configuration information table. Similarly, when the cutting tool is removed from the tool holder, the tool life information in the cutting tool information table is updated to reflect the updated tool life information in the tool configuration information table. Accordingly, the tool life information is also retained when the cutting tool is replaced, thus enabling accurate tool life management. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B is a block diagram of a tool management system. Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart of an assembly process for putting together tool components to form a composite tool. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a storage process for storing the assembled tool at a storage location. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart of a preparation tool list generation process. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the preparation tool list generation process. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart of a process for forming a new compound tool. Fig. 7A to Fig. Figure 7E is an illustrative view that shows a tool list for use and a preparation tool list, as well as movements of the composite tool and tool components between the lists. Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart of a removal process from the composite tool. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B is a block diagram of a tool management system for a modification. Fig. Figure 10 is an illustrative view of the composite tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following describes embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary tool management system of Revelation.

[0017] A tool management system (hereinafter referred to simply as "system") S includes a tool management device 1, an information input / output terminal 2, an automatic identification tag generation device 3 and a network 4.

[0018] The tool management device 1 includes a tool information database 10, a device-side communication unit 11, an ID generation unit 12, a list generation unit 13, a data determination unit 14, and a tool retrieval unit 15 as configuration units. The tool management device 1 is configured from a computer that includes a CPU and memory connected to the CPU, and the CPU and memory perform the operations of the ID generation unit 12, the list generation unit 13, the data determination unit 14, and the tool retrieval unit 15.

[0019] The tool information database 10 consists of a tool holder information table 20, an adapter information table 21, a cutting tool information table 22, a workpiece information table 23, an address information table 24 and a tool configuration information table 25.

[0020] The information input / output terminal 2 includes a terminal-side communication unit 30, an input unit 31, a reader 32, and a display unit 33 as configuration units. The information input / output terminal 2 is equipped with a CPU and memory connected to the CPU, and, for example, a computer or a mobile terminal is used for the information input / output terminal 2. The information input / output terminal 2 can interpret input data with another personal computer connected to the network 4. A large number of information input / output terminals 2 can be present. The information input / output terminal 2 is an exemplary information input / output unit of the disclosure.

[0021] The automatic identification marking generation device 3 can, for example, be a label printer.

[0022] Network 4 enables communication between the tool management device 1, the information input / output terminal 2, and the automatic identification marking generation device 3. Network 4 can be a so-called LAN or use the Internet, and can be wired or wireless.

[0023] The toolholder information table 20 stores a toolholder ID as unique identification information of a toolholder, toolholder information as information about a toolholder, such as a model, and an address ID as information about a storage location.

[0024] Adapter information table 21 stores an adapter ID as unique identification information of an adapter, adapter information as information relating to an adapter, such as a type, for example a collet, and an address ID as information relating to a storage location.

[0025] The cutting tool information table 22 stores a cutting tool ID as unique identification information of a cutting tool, cutting tool information as information relating to a cutting tool, such as a tool diameter and tool type, lifetime information as information relating to a lifetime of a cutting tool, and an address ID as information relating to a storage location.

[0026] The workpiece information table 23 stores a workpiece ID as unique identification information of a workpiece, workpiece information as information relating to a workpiece, such as a product number, a material and information about the main contracting partner, and an address ID as information relating to a storage location.

[0027] Address information table 24 stores an address ID as unique identification information of a storage location and address information as information relating to a storage location, for example, a device such as a cabinet and a tool rack, and a magazine of a machine tool.

[0028] The tool configuration information table 25 stores a tool number used for the assembly tool in the machine tool and lifetime information of a cutting tool in addition to the tool holder ID, adapter ID and cutting tool ID, which are information relating to the tool components that make up the assembly tool, and the address ID and workpiece ID, which are information relating to the storage location of the assembly tool.

[0029] The tool life information stored in cutting tool information table 22 is copied to the tool configuration information table 25 when the tool is assembled with the tool holder. The copied life information is updated according to usage time or the number of uses as a combined tool. When the cutting tool is subsequently removed from the tool holder, the life information in the cutting tool information table is updated according to the updated life information in tool configuration information table 25.

[0030] In system S, as an initial registration process, unique identification information is assigned to a tool component, such as a tool holder, an adapter, and a cutting tool. Unique identification information is also assigned to fixtures and a machine tool that can serve as storage locations for a workpiece to be machined and a tool component, as well as to an assembly tool to which the tool components are assembled. For each piece of unique identification information, a label is issued as an automatic identification tag by the automatic identification tag generation device 3, using, for example, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, RFID, or characters, when an operator enters an input via the input unit 31.Unique identification information is assigned by affixing a label to each part. The labels are either affixed directly to the adapters and cutting tools, or to housings that contain them. For storage locations, the unique identification information can be assigned to the device itself, but if more secure location management is desired, it can be assigned to a drawer, partition, housing, or similar structure that holds the tool component or assembly alone.

[0031] Each part of the assigned unique identification information is transmitted via the terminal-side communication unit 30 to the device-side communication unit 11 of the tool management device 1. Accordingly, a data record is generated in the tool information database 10 for each of the information tables and the address information table of each of the tool components and the workpieces to be machined.

[0032] Next, the operation and process in system S are described when the composite tool is formed by assembling the tool components that have completed the initial registration process, based on the flowchart in Fig. 2.

[0033] First, in step 1 (hereinafter referred to as “S”), the operator selects “Composition Registration” as the action pattern (hereinafter abbreviated as “AP” in the drawings) from input unit 31 of information input / output terminal 2.

[0034] Then, the list generation unit 13 in system S generates a list of the registered tool components for each tool holder, adapter and cutting tool and displays the list in S2 on the display unit 33.

[0035] Accordingly, in S3 the operator can select the tool holder, adapter and cutting tool that are to be assembled as a composite tool from the list.

[0036] Once the selection of the tool holder, adapter, and cutting tool to be assembled has been confirmed, the list generation unit 13 in system S assigns a selection indicator to each of the selected tool components in S4. The selected tool components are then highlighted or their display color is changed on the display unit 33, making them easy to identify.

[0037] Next, in S5, the operator selects "Assembly process" as the action pattern. In S6, the unique identification information of each of the tool components selected for the planned assembly is actually read by the reader 32.

[0038] In system S, data determination unit 14 in S7 determines whether the unique identification information of each of the tool components selected for the planned assembly matches the unique identification information of the tool component assigned the selection indicator in the assembly registration. If the unique identification information does not match, an alarm is triggered in S8. The operator can then identify each of the scanned tool components as incorrect, select the correct tool components, and re-scan the unique identification information using reader 32 in S6. If the unique identification information matches, a correct tone is emitted in S7.However, it is not only possible to output a correct tone, but also to use another output device that can confirm successful execution, for example a display on the display unit, or output is not necessarily required for correct execution (this also applies below to the process "a correct tone is output").

[0039] Thus, the reading of the unique identification information of the tool holder, the adapter and the cutting tool as tool components is completed, a data record is created in the tool configuration information table 25 in S9 and a composite tool ID is generated in the ID generation unit 12.

[0040] Accordingly, in S10, the operator performs a process to assemble a compound tool by assembling the tool holder, adapter, and cutting tool, whose initial reading has been completed. After the assembly process is complete, the operator enters the end of the assembly process in S11. If another compound tool needs to be assembled, the same process is repeated from selecting the assembly registration, returning to S1.

[0041] Next, the procedure for storing the assembled tool at the storage location after assembly is described based on the flowchart in Fig. 3 described.

[0042] First, the operator selects "storage registration" as the action pattern at input unit 31 of information input / output terminal 2 in S21.

[0043] Then, in system S22, display unit 33 shows the list of composite tools for which the composite tool ID was generated and the storage location.

[0044] Accordingly, in S23, the operator selects the assembly tool to be stored and its storage location from the list. Then, in S24, the list generation unit 13 in system S assigns a selection label to the selected assembly tool and its storage location.

[0045] Next, the operator selects "Storage Operation" as the action pattern in S25. In S26, the unique identification information assigned to the tool component contained in the composite tool to be stored is actually read in using reader 32.

[0046] Then, in system S27, data determination unit 14 determines whether the unique identification information assigned to the tool component contained in the composite tool to be stored matches the unique identification information of one of the tool components in the composite tool to which the selection indicator was assigned in the "Storage Registration." If the unique identification information does not match, an alarm is triggered in S28. The operator can then detect that the read composite tool is incorrect, select a correct composite tool, and re-read the unique identification information using reader 32 in S26. If the unique identification information matches, a correct tone is emitted.

[0047] Once the assembled tool is confirmed, the operator uses reader 32 to read the unique identification information assigned to the storage location for the assembled tool into S29. Then, the data determination unit 14 in system S determines in S30 whether the unique identification information assigned to the storage location for the assembled tool matches the storage location to which the selection indicator was assigned in the "Storage Registration". If the storage locations do not match, an alarm is generated in S31. The operator can then detect that the read storage location is incorrect, select a correct storage location, and reread the unique identification information into S29 using reader 32.If the unique identification information matches, the data state is set to the saved state, and an address ID is recorded in the tool configuration information table 25 in S32. The operator then performs the operation of storing the assembled tool at the storage location in S33.

[0048] Next, after the storage process is complete, the operator enters the end of the storage process in S34. If another assembly tool remains to be stored, the same process is repeated from the selection of the assembly registration, returning to S21.

[0049] Once the process from registration of the assembly tool to storage is complete, the operator creates a tool list for use. This list prepares the assembly tool for use during machining when the NC program for each machined product type is generated in the machine tool. The tool list for use can be generated automatically, for example, based on a process sheet created by the operator specifying the assembly tool and the tool components to be used.

[0050] If the assembly tool listed in the tool list is not available in the machine tool's magazine, the operator must perform a preparation operation. This involves removing the unused assembly tool and storing it in its storage location, disassembling the unused assembly tool to collect the necessary tool components, and assembling a new assembly tool and loading it into the magazine. Alternatively, the operator may remove the assembly tool stored in its storage location and load it into the magazine to prepare the assembly tool. During the preparation operation, a preparation tool list is generated, summarizing the assembly tool or tool components to be used for each action pattern based on the data in System S. The operation is then performed based on this preparation tool list.The following describes the process of generating the preparation tool list based on the flowcharts in . Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described.

[0051] First, the operator calls up a list of the tools in the magazine on display unit 33 and confirms in S41, based on the data, whether a desired compound tool is present in the magazine or not. If the desired compound tool is present, the action pattern "Use" is selected in S42. If the desired compound tool is not present, the process is carried out using the flowchart in Fig. Continued in section 5.

[0052] Next, the operator selects the assembled tool from the data in S43 of the magazine. The selected assembled tool is then listed in a "usage list" in S44 of the system S.

[0053] Next, the operator confirms in S45 whether all planned composite tools have been selected. If all planned composite tools are selected, the completion of the selection is entered here in S46. Then, the system S creates the "Usage List" as a preparation tool list of the selected composite tools, and the process ends in S47. If not all planned composite tools are selected in S45, the process returns to S41.

[0054] If, however, the desired compound tool is not present in the magazine when determined in S41, the operator confirms in S51 in Fig. 5. Whether the desired composite tool is present outside the magazine or not. If the composite tool is present outside the magazine, the "Batch Registration" action pattern is selected here in S52, and the composite tool located outside the magazine is selected in S53 based on the data. Then, in system S, the selected composite tool is listed in the "Batch List" in S54. If the desired composite tool is not present outside the magazine in S51 either, a new composite tool is created using the tool components. The details are described below.

[0055] Next, the operator confirms in S55 whether or not there is an empty container in the magazine of the machine tool performing the machining operation. If an empty container is present, the action pattern "Load Registration" is selected in S56, and the machine tool is selected as the loading target in S57 based on the data. The selected compound tool is then listed in a "Load List" in S58 of the system. Back to Fig. 4. When all the composite tools to be used are selected in S45 and the end of the selection is entered in S46, the "collection list" and the "loading list" are generated in system S as lists of the selected composite tools as preparation tool lists in S47 and the process is completed.

[0056] If the empty container is not present when determined in S55, the unnecessary assembly tool must be removed to create an empty container. Accordingly, the operator selects "Withdrawal Registration" as the action pattern in S60 and selects the assembly tool to be removed from the data in S61. The selected assembly tool is then listed in a "Withdrawal List" in S62 within the system. Next, the operator selects "Storage Registration" as the action pattern in step S63 and selects the storage location from the data in step S64. The selected assembly tool is then listed in a "Storage List" in the system S in step S65.Accordingly, an empty container is created in the data so that the operator can select the machine tool into which the selected composite tool is to be loaded in the process in steps S56 and S57, and list it in the "Loading List" in step S58. In this case, in addition to the "Collection List" and the "Loading List" of the composite tool to be used, the system S also generates the "Withdrawal List" and the "Storage List", which are lists for the composite tool not to be used, as a preparation tool list, and ends the process in [path to step]. Fig. 4 at S47.

[0057] If the desired compound tool is not available outside the magazine when determined in S51, the tool components must be re-collected and the compound tool formed. The following describes the process for forming a new compound tool based on the flowchart in Fig. 6 described.

[0058] First, the operator selects "Collective Registration" as the action pattern in S61. Then, the required tool components are entered, and the retrieval is requested in S62. Next, a list of the tool components retrieved by tool retrieval unit 15 is displayed in system S63. The operator then confirms in S64 whether a separately stored tool component exists. If the tool component exists, it is selected from the data in S65. Finally, the selected tool component is listed in the "Collective List" in system S66.

[0059] Next, the operator confirms in S67 whether the selection of all tool components in the data is complete. If all selections are complete, the completion of the selection is entered in S68. Then, in system S, the combination of the selected tool components is listed in a "composition list" in S69, and the process returns to S55. Fig. 5 back. If the destination for loading the combined tool is selected and the selection in Fig. Once step 4 in S46 is completed, the system S generates, in addition to the "Collection List", "Loading List", "Withdrawal List", and "Storage List" of the assembled tool, the "Composition List" of tool components as a preparation tool list in S47 and ends the process. If the selection of all tool components in S67 is not completed, the tool component selection process is repeated by returning to S64.

[0060] If, however, the individually stored tool component is not present in S64, S70 checks whether a composite tool containing the desired tool components is available outside the magazine. If the corresponding composite tool is present, the usable tool component contained within the composite tool is selected based on the data in S71. Then, in system S, the composite tool containing the selected tool component is listed in the "Collection List" in S72, and the unused tool component is listed in the "Storage List" in S73. The operator then returns to the confirmation screen in S67.

[0061] If the corresponding assembly tool is not available outside the magazine and a usable tool component is present in the unused assembly tool in the magazine (S70), the operator selects the tool component in S74. Then, in system S, the assembly tool containing the selected tool component is listed in the "Pick List" (S75), and the unused tool component is listed in the "Stock List" (S76). The operator returns to S67 for confirmation.

[0062] Once all tool components are selected and listed in the "composition list", the process returns to S55 in Fig. 5 back. If the destination for loading the composite tool thus combined is selected and the selection in S46 in Fig. Once step 4 is completed, the system S generates, in addition to the "collection list", "loading list", "withdrawal list" and "storage list" of the assembled tool, also the "composition list", "collection list", "withdrawal list" and "storage list" of the tool components as preparation tool lists in S47 and ends the process.

[0063] Thus, the preparation tool list for preparing all composite tools in the tool list for use in the NC program of the corresponding machined product type is automatically generated for each action pattern.

[0064] Fig. Figure 7A shows a tool list generated from the tool information database 10 for use. Fig. 7B shows a list of the tools in the magazine, Fig. 7C shows a list of the compound tools outside the magazine, Fig. 7D shows a list of collets outside the magazine, and Fig. 7E shows a list of cutting tools outside the magazine. The characters surrounded by oval shapes indicate inclusion in the preparation tool list for each action pattern.

[0065] Here, the combined tools "AT11", "AT12" and "AT13" were added to the tool list for use in Fig. 7A is already loaded into container numbers 2 to 4 as tools in the magazine of a machine tool A and therefore it is shown that it is directly selected as used tools and listed in the list of used tools (S41 to S44 and S47 in Fig. 4).

[0066] A compound tool “AT24” in the tool list for use is located in a tool rack B among the compound tools outside the magazine in Fig. 7C stored, and therefore it is indicated that the compound tool “AT24” is selected and listed in the collection list and is listed in the loading list for machine tool A (S51 to S58 in Fig. 5).

[0067] To provide an empty container, it is also stated that a compound tool “AT14” with container number 5, which is not to be used, should be taken from the tools in the magazine in Fig. 7B is selected and listed in the removal list and in the storage list for tool rack B, which was selected as the storage location (S60 to S65 in Fig. 5).

[0068] Meanwhile, in Fig. 7A to Fig. 7E, to create a new compound tool “AT35” in the tool list for use, a usable tool holder “BT50-STP40” from the compound tool “AT15” in container number 6 from the tools in the magazine in Fig. 7B selected. Accordingly, it is stated that the compound tool “AT15” is listed in the picking list, the selected tool holder “BT50-STP40” is listed as a single tool holder in the collection list, and that, in addition to these, a collet “TC6A” and a cutting tool “TS-M6”, which are not to be used, are listed in a stock list for a cabinet C (S74 to S76 in Fig. 6) listed.

[0069] It is stated that among the collets in Fig. 7D selects a collet “TC10B”, which is stored in cabinet C, and lists it in the collection list (S64 to S66 in Fig. 6), and among the cutting tools in Fig. 7E a cutting tool “TS-M10” is selected and listed in the collection list (S64 to S66 in Fig. 6) It is stated that the collet “TC10B” and the cutting tool “TS-M10” are listed in the composition list for forming the compound tool “AT35” with the tool holder “BT50-STP40” also listed in the collection list and are listed in the loading list for machine tool A (S69 in Fig. 6 and S55 to S58 in Fig. 5).

[0070] Accordingly, the operator actually removes the tool components and the assembled tool at a motion origin based on each of the generated preparation tool lists and performs the operation of moving the tool components and the assembled tool to a motion destination. The operation is illustrated by the assembly tool removal operation in Fig. 8 is described as an example.

[0071] First, the operator selects "Removal Registration" as the action pattern in S81. Then, in system S, the "Removal List" of the assembled tools is displayed on display unit 33 in S82.

[0072] Accordingly, the operator takes the assembled tools from the list and reads the unique identification information assigned to one of the tool components in the assembled tool into S83 using the reader 32.

[0073] Then, the data determination unit 14 in system S determines whether the unique identification information assigned to one of the tool components in the assembled tool matches the unique identification information of one of the tool components in the assembled tool in the "picking list" (S84). If the unique identification information does not match, an alarm is triggered here in S85. Consequently, the operator can detect that the read assembled tool is incorrect, select a correct assembled tool, and reread the unique identification information using reader 32 in S83. If the unique identification information matches, a correct tone is emitted.

[0074] The comparison with the picking list is thus performed, and as soon as the operator enters the end of the reading in S86, the system determines in S87 whether all compound tools in the "picking list" have been compared or not. If the comparison of all compound tools has not been performed, an alarm is issued here in S88. The operator can then detect that the compound tool that was not compared is still present and reads the unique identification information of the compound tool that was not compared by reader 32 into S83. If all compound tools have been compared in S87, the comparison completion is displayed and the picking process is ended in S89.

[0075] Similarly, during storage, collection, assembly, and loading, the unique identification information of the assembled tool or tool component is actually read, with a corresponding operation being selected as an action pattern, and a comparison operation against the inventory list, collection list, assembly list, and loading list being performed. In the "storage operation," the tool component or assembled tool listed in the "inventory list" is stored at a predetermined storage location after comparison with the unique identification information. In the "collection operation," the tool component or assembled tool listed in the "collection list" is collected after comparison with the unique identification information.In the "assembly process," the collected tool components listed in the "assembly list" are compared with the unique identification information to form a composite tool, which is then assembled. In the "loading process," the composite tool listed in the "loading list" is loaded into the machine tool's magazine after comparison with the unique identification information.

[0076] Thus, the system S with the configuration described above includes the tool management device 1 with the tool information database 10, which stores the information relating to the composite tool, which includes at least the tool holder and the cutting tool as tool components, the information relating to each of the tool components, and the information relating to the storage location of the composite tool and each of the tool components, and the information input / output terminal 2, which can input data into or output data from the tool management device 1.

[0077] The tool management device 1 stores each part of the unique identification information in the tool information database 10 by assigning each part of the unique identification information to each of the tool components or the assembled tool or each of the storage locations as soon as the unique identification information assigned to each of the tool components, the assembled tool and each of the storage locations is entered via the information input / output terminal 2.

[0078] At the information input / output terminal 2, the tool component and / or the composite tool stored in the tool information database 10 can be selected, along with a variety of predetermined action patterns that represent the actual operations required to prepare the composite tool for use in machining with the machine tool.

[0079] The tool management device 1 includes the list generation unit 13, which automatically generates the preparation tool list containing the selected tool components and / or the composite tool per action pattern as soon as the tool component and / or the composite tool is selected together with each of the action patterns by the information input / output terminal 2, and the data determination unit 14, which determines whether the unique identification information of the actual tool component and / or the composite tool, which was entered by the information input / output terminal 2, matches the unique identification information of the tool component and / or the composite tool listed in the preparation tool list or not.

[0080] The configuration enables the precise execution of the current process of converting the composite tool and its components and their storage location into data by assigning unique identification information, generating the preparation tool list by selecting the predetermined action pattern from the data when the NC program is created, and preparing the composite tool based on the preparation tool list by comparing the motion origin with the motion destination using the unique identification information. Accordingly, even when the system manages the composite tool, the required configuration and storage location can be determined, allowing the necessary composite tool to be reliably prepared quickly.

[0081] The action patterns are removing the unused composite tool from the machine tool, storing the tool component and / or the composite tool at the storage location, collecting the tool component and / or the composite tool, assembling the individual tool components to form a composite tool, and loading the composite tool into the machine tool. List generation unit 13 automatically generates the removal list if the action pattern selected by information input / output terminal 2 is removal, the storage list if the action pattern selected by information input / output terminal 2 is storage, the collection list if the action pattern selected by information input / output terminal 2 is collection, and the assembly list.If the action pattern selected by Information Input / Output Terminal 2 is Assembling, and the Loading List, if the action pattern selected by Information Input / Output Terminal 2 is Loading, are displayed as the respective preparation tool lists.

[0082] Accordingly, the necessary processes for the assembled tool and the tool components to be moved can be easily determined.

[0083] The tool information database 10 includes the cutting tool information table 22, which stores at least the service life information of the cutting tool, and the tool configuration information table 25, which stores the information relating to the composite tool when the cutting tool is mounted on the tool holder and a composite tool is formed, wherein the service life information stored in the cutting tool information table 22 is copied to the tool configuration information table 25, the copied service life information is updated according to the usage time or the number of uses as a composite tool, and when the cutting tool is removed from the tool holder, the service life information of the cutting tool information table 22 is updated according to the service life information updated in the tool configuration information table 25.

[0084] Accordingly, the service life information is also transferred when the cutting tool is replaced, thus enabling precise service life management.

[0085] The following describes a modification of the revelation.

[0086] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B shows a modification of the tool management system S. The configuration units, which are similar to those in Fig. 1. These are identical to those in the configuration described above, which is why their explanation is omitted here.

[0087] An identifier generation unit 16 is provided in the tool management device 1, and the unique identification information can be automatically generated by the identifier generation unit 16. A tool presetting device 5 and a machine tool 6 equipped with a numerical control device are connected via the network 4.

[0088] The tool configuration information table 25 can store a projection amount of the cutting tool, a tool compensation value determined by measuring the tool with the tool presetting device 5, container information including the container numbers of the tool magazine of the machine tool 6, cutting conditions and tool specifications.

[0089] The machine tool 6 is equipped with a reader 6a for reading the automatic identification tags of the tool holders when the assembled tool is inserted into the tool magazine. Accordingly, by determining the container information, which includes the container number indicating the assembly position, and by managing this information in conjunction with the ID of the assembled tool, the tool compensation value measured by the tool presetting device 5 can be accurately entered into the machine tool 6 when the assembled tool is inserted into the tool magazine. Furthermore, by determining the tool life information from the machine tool 6 and managing this information in conjunction with the ID of the assembled tool, appropriate tool life management can be performed.

[0090] Managing the cutting conditions and tool specifications in conjunction with the ID of the assembled tool enables not only the setting of suitable cutting conditions during program creation, but also integration with an automation system using a robot. The connection of Network 4 to the Internet 7 ensures that the latest and most accurate information is always available.

[0091] In the tool management systems of the configuration and modification described above, the composite tool and tool component selected during NC program creation can optionally be assigned a reservation flag upon selection. This prevents another operator from selecting the composite tool and tool component to which the reservation flag is assigned. Assigning the reservation flag thus prevents the composite tool and tool component from being removed by another operator, ensuring their availability.

[0092] Once the tool holder and cutting tool are selected, the system can uniquely determine the adapter to be used. In such a case, the system displays a list of storage locations for the target adapter and rearranges these locations according to their distance from the machine tool where the adapter is loaded. Detailed information about each storage location, including a map and image, is displayed upon selection, thus providing navigation to that location. Similarly, address information other than the adapter can also be used for navigation.

[0093] In the tool management system, setting up a database in an area where the tool component and the assembled tool are used together enables the management of a large number of machine tools, regardless of the type of control device. If the cutting tool is separated and managed into a body and an insert, respective IDs can be assigned to the body and the insert, and they can be managed as tool components.

[0094] The composite tool of the revelation also includes a combination of an "integral holder" as the tool holder of the revelation, in which a shank section and a cutting body are integrated, and an "insert" as the cutting tool of the revelation. Accordingly, the integral holder and the insert can be assigned respective IDs in this case and managed as tool components.

[0095] The action patterns are not limited to the configuration described above. For example, if the assembled tool is used directly in the magazine, the "Use" action pattern is not necessarily selected.

[0096] On the other hand, while in the configuration and modification described above the information input / output terminal, which serves as the information input / output unit, is provided separately from the tool management device and the information input / output terminal and the tool management device are coupled via the network, thus forming the tool management system, the information input / output unit can be provided in the tool management device itself, so that the data can be directly inputted / output.

[0097] While the reader provided in the input unit is used in the configuration and modification described above for entering the unique identification information, the input unit is not limited to the reader and can be a keyboard or similar device provided in the input unit. That is, if the unique identification information is provided as numbers or characters, the numbers or similar are simply entered using the keyboard or similar device.

[0098] While the configuration and modification described above uses the example of generating and managing the ID of the composite tool, the tool management system of the revelation also works without managing the ID of the composite tool, so the ID of the composite tool does not necessarily have to be generated.

[0099] It is expressly stated that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are to be disclosed independently of one another and independently of the combination of features in the embodiments and / or claims, both for the purpose of the original disclosure and for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention. It is expressly stated that all ranges of values ​​or specifications of groups of units disclose any possible intermediate value or unit for the purpose of the original disclosure and for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, in particular as limits of value ranges. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2015 / 29232 [0003, 0006] JP 2021-142613 A [0005, 0006]

Claims

[1] Tool management system (S) comprising: a tool management device (1) with a tool information database (10) which stores information about a composite tool (AS) comprising at least one tool holder (HL) and a cutting tool (t) as tool components, information about each of the tool components, and information about storage locations for the composite tool (AS) and each of the tool components; and an information input / output unit (2) that can input data into / output data from the tool management device (1), wherein when each part of a unique identification information assigned to each of the tool components, the assembled tool (AS) and each of the storage locations is entered via the information input / output unit (2), the tool management device (1) stores each part of the unique identification information in the tool information database (10) by assigning each part of the unique identification information to each of the tool components, the assembled tool (AS) or each of the storage locations, and in the information input / output unit (2) the tool component and / or the composite tool (AS) stored in the tool information database (10), together with a variety of predetermined action patterns representing actual operations required for the preparation of a composite tool (AS) to be used in machining with a machine tool (6), are selectable, where the tool management device (1) includes: a list generation unit (13) that automatically generates a preparation tool list containing the selected tool component and / or the composite tool (AS) for each of the action patterns when the tool component and / or the composite tool (AS) is selected together with each of the action patterns by the information input / output unit (2); and a data determination unit (14) that determines whether the unique identification information of the actual tool component and / or the composite tool (AS) entered by the information input / output unit (2) matches the unique identification information of the tool component and / or the composite tool (AS) listed in the preparation tool list. [2] The tool management system (S) according to claim 1, wherein the action patterns are at least i) removal of the unused composite tool (AS) from the machine tool (6), ii) storage of the tool component and / or the composite tool (AS) at the storage location, iii) collection of the tool component and / or the composite tool (AS), iv) assembly of the tool components to form the composite tool (AS) and v) loading the composite tool (AS) into the machine tool (6), and The list generation unit (13) automatically generates a withdrawal list when the action pattern selected by i) is selected, a storage list when the action pattern selected by ii) is selected, a collection list when the action pattern selected by iii) is selected, a composition list when the action pattern selected by iv) is selected, and a loading list when the action pattern selected by v) is selected. [3] The tool management system (S) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool information database (10) includes a cutting tool information table (22) which stores at least service life information of the cutting tool (t) and a tool configuration information table (25) which stores information relating to the composite tool (AS); and When the cutting tool (t) is mounted on the tool holder (HL) and the composite tool (AS) is formed, the lifetime information stored in the cutting tool information table (22) is copied to the tool configuration information table (25), the copied lifetime information is updated according to a usage time or a usage count as a composite tool (AS), and when the cutting tool (t) is removed from the tool holder (HL), the lifetime information of the cutting tool information table (22) is updated according to the lifetime information updated in the tool configuration information table (25).

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