Tool selecting device, control method and control program

Abstract

To provide a tool selecting device, a control method and a control program, which can determine a more suitable tool, in accordance with contents of processing a work-piece.SOLUTION: A tool selecting device, which selects a tool that is used for processing a work-piece on the basis of tool information in which tool diameters of tools. ejection of tools, lengths of cutting edges and shank diameters are memorized while being associated with one another for each type of tools, comprises: a candidate selecting part that selects candidates for tools that can be used for processing the work-piece, on the basis of processing-feature information showing a feature of a shape of the processed work-piece and the tool diameters and the ejection of the tools; and a tool determining part that determines one tool that is used for processing the work-piece, of the candidates for the tools, on the basis of the tool diameters, the lengths of the cutting edges and the shank diameters.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool selection device, a control method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an apparatus for identifying a tool used in machining based on data of tools stored in a database has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus that refers to tool management data and identifies the name of a tool to be used in machining.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the apparatus of Patent Document 1 only identifies the name of the tool to be used. Therefore, the apparatus of Patent Document 1 may not always be able to select an appropriate tool according to the machining content for the object to be machined. Further, in Cited Document 1, when there are a plurality of different sizes for the same type of tool, the selection of a tool according to the machining content is not considered.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tool selection device, a control method, and a control program that determine a more appropriate tool according to the machining content of an object to be machined.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A tool selection device according to an aspect of the present invention is a tool selection device that selects a tool to be used for machining a workpiece based on tool information in which a tool diameter, a tool protrusion, a cutting edge length, and a shank diameter of the tool are associated and stored for each tool type, and includes a candidate selection unit that selects candidates for tools that can be used for the machining based on machining feature information indicating features of the shape of the workpiece after the machining and the tool diameter and the tool protrusion, and a tool determination unit that determines one tool to be used for the machining from among the candidates for the tool based on the tool diameter, the cutting edge length, and the shank diameter.

[0007] A control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for a tool selection device that selects a tool to be used for machining a workpiece based on tool information in which a tool diameter, a tool protrusion, a cutting edge length, and a shank diameter of the tool are associated and stored for each tool type, and includes selecting candidates for tools that can be used for the machining based on machining feature information indicating features of the shape of the workpiece after the machining and the tool diameter and the tool protrusion, and determining one tool to be used for the machining from among the candidates for the tool based on the tool diameter, the cutting edge length, and the shank diameter.

[0008] A control program according to an aspect of the present invention is a control program for a tool selection device that selects a tool to be used for machining a workpiece based on tool information in which a tool diameter, a tool protrusion, a cutting edge length, and a shank diameter of the tool are associated and stored for each tool type, and causes a process of selecting candidates for tools that can be used for the machining based on machining feature information indicating features of the shape of the workpiece after the machining and the tool diameter and the tool protrusion, and determining one tool to be used for the machining from among the candidates for the tool based on the tool diameter, the cutting edge length, and the shank diameter to be executed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Regarding the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a tool selection device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tool selection device 10 is realized by, for example, a server, a computer, or the like. In the present embodiment, the tool selection device 10 is configured by a server. Therefore, hereinafter in this specification, the tool selection device 10 will also be referred to as the server 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 10 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0012] The control unit 11 controls and manages the entire tool selection device 10, including each functional unit of the tool selection device 10. The control unit 11 is configured to include at least one processor and operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 12 or an external storage medium. The control unit 11 is configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program defining control procedures, or a dedicated processor specialized for the processing of each function.

[0013] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, information recording media such as a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 12 holds, for example, a program executed by the control unit 11. Further, the storage unit 12 stores, for example, tool information described later.

[0014] The operation unit 13 receives operation inputs from the user of the tool selection device 10. The operation unit 13 is composed of, for example, interfaces such as a keyboard, a mouse, operation buttons, or operation keys. The operation unit 13 may be configured as a touch screen, and display an input area for receiving operation inputs from the user on a part of the display device that is the display unit 14, and receive touch operation inputs from the user. The operation unit 13 outputs the content of the operation input to the control unit 11 according to the user's operation input.

[0015] The display unit 14 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL panel (Organic Electro-Luminescence Panel), or an inorganic EL panel (Inorganic Electro-Luminescence panel). The display unit 14 displays information such as characters, images, symbols, or graphics according to the instructions of the control unit 11. The display unit 14 may be configured as a touch screen display that includes not only a display function but also a touch screen function. In this case, the touch screen detects contact from the user's finger or a stylus pen of the tool selection device 10.

[0016] The communication unit 15 is a network interface, and transmits and receives information to and from an external device via, for example, a network according to an instruction from the control unit 11. The tool selection device 10 is communicably connected to an external terminal device such as a computer, and the communication unit 15 transmits and receives information to and from the external terminal device.

[0017] Here, the tool information will be described. The tool information is a database of available tools. Specifically, information about the tools is stored in the database of the tool information. The storage unit 12 stores tool information for each type of tool. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first type of tool is a drill and the second type of tool is an end mill, and the following description will be given. However, the types of tools are not limited to drills and end mills, and may include other types.

[0018] The storage unit 12 stores tool information about the drill, which is the first type of tool, and the end mill, which is the second type of tool. The storage unit 12 stores the tool information, for example, as a table.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a table of tool information regarding a drill. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the table of tool information includes items such as number, tool name, tool manufacturer, machine number for use, tool diameter, tool protrusion, cutting edge length, shank diameter, undercut length, and undercut shank diameter. In the table of tool information, these items are stored in association with each tool.

[0020] The number is a number for managing each tool in the table of tool information. The tool name is the name of each tool. The tool manufacturer is the name of the company that manufactured each tool. The machine number for use is the number of the machine to which each tool is attached when it is used. Since the table in FIG. 2 is a table of tool information regarding a drill, the machine number for use shown in FIG. 2 is the number of the machine to which the drill is attached when the drill is used. The machine to which each tool is attached when it is used is also referred to as the "machine for use" hereinafter in this specification.

[0021] The tool diameter, tool protrusion, cutting edge length, shank diameter, undercut length, and undercut shank diameter are dimensions regarding each tool. In the table of FIG. 2, it is assumed that the units of the numerical values of the tool diameter, tool protrusion, cutting edge length, shank diameter, undercut length, and undercut shank diameter are all millimeters (mm).

[0022] Regarding the tool diameter, tool protrusion, cutting edge length, shank diameter, under-neck length, and under-neck shank diameter, reference will be made to FIGS. 3A to 3C for explanation. FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining the dimensions of the tool (drill in this embodiment). FIGS. 3A to 3C show the state where the tool 20 is attached to the working machine 21. Specifically, they show the state where the tool 20 is held by the tool holder 22 that holds the tool in the working machine 21.

[0023] The tool diameter is the diameter of the portion of the tool 20 used for machining the object to be machined. In this embodiment, it is the drill diameter R1 of the portion where the drill groove is formed. The tool protrusion is the length L2 of the portion where the tool 20 protrudes from the tool holder 22. In other words, the tool protrusion L2 is the length from the tip of the tool holder 22 to the tip of the tool 20. The cutting edge length is the length of the portion of the tool 20 used for machining the object to be machined. In this embodiment, it is the length L1 of the portion where the drill groove is formed. The shank diameter is the diameter R2 of the shank portion of the tool 20. The under-neck length is the length L3 of the under-neck of the tool 20. The tool shown in FIG. 3A has no under-neck length L3. The tool shown in FIG. 3B has an under-neck length L3 equal to the tool protrusion L2. The tool shown in FIG. 3C has an under-neck length L3 shorter than the tool protrusion L2. Thus, the under-neck length L3 may not exist depending on the shape of the tool, and may coincide with the tool protrusion L2. The under-neck shank diameter is the diameter R3 of the under-neck portion of the shank of the tool 20. The tools shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B have no under-neck shank diameter R3, and the tool shown in FIG. 3C has an under-neck shank diameter R3. Thus, the under-neck shank diameter R3 may not exist depending on the shape of the tool. For example, in the table shown in FIG. 2, since none of the tools have an under-neck shank diameter R3, it is not recorded.

[0024] The tool diameter R1, the cutting edge length L1, the shank diameter R2, the length L3 under the neck, and the shank diameter R3 under the neck are values specific to each tool and are determined, for example, by each tool manufacturer. Since the tool protrusion L2 is determined when the tool 20 is attached to the machine in use, it may vary depending on the machine in use to which the tool 20 is attached, or even for the same machine in use, for example, depending on the purpose of use and the like. The tool protrusion L2 can be, for example, a value measured by a professional technician by attaching the tool 20 to the machine in use and in that state.

[0025] The table of tool information shown in FIG. 2 is stored in the storage unit 12, for example, by pre-inputting data related to the tool. The table can be updated as appropriate. For example, new tool information is added to the table by newly inputting tool data, or existing tool information is deleted from the table by deleting the tool data.

[0026] The storage unit 12 further stores a table of tool information regarding end mills, similar to the table shown in FIG. 2. The storage unit 12 may also store a table of tool information other than drills and end mills.

[0027] The items in the table of tool information shown in FIG. 2 are just examples. The storage unit 12 may store a table with appropriate items according to the type of tool.

[0028] Next, the details of the processing executed by the control unit 11 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 11 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a machining feature extraction unit 111, a candidate selection unit 112, and a tool determination unit 113. The control unit 11 selects a tool to be used for machining the object to be machined based on the tool information stored in the storage unit 12 by the machining feature extraction unit 111, the candidate selection unit 112, and the tool determination unit 113.

[0029] The machining feature extraction unit 111 extracts machining feature information based on the drawing data. The drawing data is a drawing related to the machining of the object to be machined, for example, a drawing of the object to be machined after machining. Specifically, the drawing data includes material information representing the material of the object to be machined and shape information representing the shape of the object to be machined after machining. The drawing data is, for example, an STL (Stereolithography) file, which is an intermediate file of CAD (Computer Aided Design), includes material information in the file name, and contains 3D data of the object to be machined. Note that the format of the drawing data is an example and is not limited to this.

[0030] The machining feature extraction unit 111 can acquire the drawing data by various means. For example, the machining feature extraction unit 111 can acquire the drawing data by reading the drawing data from the storage unit 12 of the server 10. Alternatively, the machining feature extraction unit 111 can acquire the drawing data by reading the drawing data received by the server 10 from an external device via the communication unit 15.

[0031] The machining feature information is information indicating the shape features of the object to be machined after machining is performed on the object to be machined. The machining feature information includes, for example, the machining type and the machining dimensions. The machining type represents, for example, the type of machining such as island - leaving machining for leaving an island - shaped portion, counterbore machining for forming a counterbore, through - hole machining for forming a through - hole, etc. The machining dimensions represent, for example, the dimensions for performing machining, such as the diameter and depth of a hole when the machining type is hole - forming machining.

[0032] The candidate selection unit 112 selects candidates for tools that can be used for machining the object to be machined based on the machining feature information and the tool information. At this time, the candidate selection unit 112 uses, as the tool information, the information of a predetermined item among the items described in the tool information table to select the tool candidates. The information of the predetermined item used by the candidate selection unit 112 is also referred to as "first information" in this specification. The items constituting the first information are, for example, predetermined in advance.

[0033] The candidate selection unit 112 selects, for example, one or more tools from among the tools stored in the tool information table that are capable of performing the machining indicated by the machining feature information. The number of tools that the candidate selection unit 112 can select may or may not be restricted to a predetermined number in advance. When the number of selectable tools is restricted, the candidate selection unit 112 selects a number of tools equal to or less than the predetermined number. When the number of selectable tools is not restricted, the candidate selection unit 112 may select all of the tools stored in the tool information table that are capable of performing the machining indicated by the machining feature information. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the number of selectable tools is not restricted.

[0034] Based on the tool information, the tool determination unit 113 determines one tool to be used for machining the object to be machined from among the one or more tool candidates selected by the candidate selection unit 112. At this time, the tool determination unit 113 selects tool candidates using the information of predetermined items among the items described in the tool information table as the tool information. The information of the predetermined items used by the tool determination unit 113 is also referred to as "second information" hereinafter in this specification. The items constituting the second information are, for example, predetermined in advance. The items included in the first information and the items included in the second information are different. Note that the items included in the first information and the items included in the second information may partially overlap. The tool determination unit 113 determines, based on the second information, for example, one tool suitable for machining the object to be machined from among the tool candidates.

[0035] Next, an example of the tool selection process executed by the tool selection device 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the tool selection process executed by the tool selection device 10.

[0036] First, the machining feature extraction unit 111 of the tool selection device 10 acquires drawing data (step S11). The machining feature extraction unit 111 can acquire the drawing data, for example, by reading the drawing data from the storage unit 12 of the server 10 as described above, or by reading the drawing data received from an external device via the communication unit 15.

[0037] Based on the acquired drawing data, the machining feature extraction unit 111 extracts machining feature information (step S12). For example, based on the acquired drawing data, the machining feature extraction unit 111 calculates dimension information representing the dimensions of the object to be machined in the XYZ directions as coordinate values. Specifically, the machining feature extraction unit 111 recognizes the shape of the object to be machined and calculates the coordinate values in the XYZ directions representing the shape. Based on the calculated coordinate values, the machining feature extraction unit 111 determines the machining type. Based on the calculated dimension information, the machining feature extraction unit 111 slices the object to be machined in the Z-axis direction and obtains the intersection points with the XY plane. Also, the machining feature extraction unit 111 slices the object to be machined in the X-axis and Y-axis directions respectively and obtains the intersection points with the Z-axis. Based on the number of the acquired intersection points, the machining feature extraction unit 111 determines the machining type. More specifically, for example, in the storage unit 12 of the server 10, the number of intersection points, etc. and the machining type are stored in an associated manner, and the machining feature extraction unit 111 refers to the information stored in the storage unit 12 based on the number of the acquired intersection points, etc. and determines the machining type. The machining feature extraction unit 111 determines the thus obtained dimension information and machining type as machining feature information.

[0038] Next, based on the machining feature information, the candidate selection unit 112 selects the type of tool (step S13). For example, a table in which the machining type and the type of tool are associated is stored in the storage unit 12, and the candidate selection unit 112 refers to the table and selects the type of tool associated with the machining type of the machining feature information. One or more types of tools may be associated with each machining type. When a plurality of types of tools are associated with the machining type, in step S13, the candidate selection unit 112 selects one of the plurality of types of tools associated with the machining type as the type of tool. The type of tool selected by the candidate selection unit 112 may have a priority order determined for each machining type. In this case, the candidate selection unit 112 selects the type of tool with a higher priority order among the plurality of types of tools associated with the machining type.

[0039] For example, assume that the machining type is hole drilling such as counterbore machining or through-hole machining. Suppose that in the storage unit 12, two types of tools, a drill and an end mill, are associated with hole drilling, and it is defined that the priority of the drill is higher than that of the end mill. In this case, based on the machining type of hole drilling in the machining feature information, the candidate selection unit 112 refers to the storage unit 12 and selects a drill, which is associated with hole drilling and has a higher priority, as the type of tool.

[0040] Based on the machining feature information and the tool information, the candidate selection unit 112 selects candidates for tools that can be used for machining the object to be machined in the selected tool type (step S14). In the example here, based on the machining feature information and the first information among the tool information of the selected tool type (drill), the candidate selection unit 112 selects candidates for tools that can be used for machining the object to be machined from one or more drills stored in the storage unit 12. When selecting candidates for tools that can be used for machining the object to be machined with a drill, the first information is, for example, the tool diameter R1 and the tool protrusion L2. Therefore, in the example here, the candidate selection unit 112 selects candidates for tools that can be used for machining based on the machining feature information, the tool diameter R1, and the tool protrusion L2.

[0041] Specifically, the candidate selection unit 112 acquires, as the dimensional information included in the machining feature information, information on the diameter and the depth of the hole in hole drilling. For example, assume that the diameter of the hole is 3 mm and the depth of the hole is 20 mm. The candidate selection unit 112 refers to the table of the drill tool information stored in the storage unit 12 and selects a drill that can perform hole drilling with the hole dimensions of the acquired information from the drills stored in the table.

[0042] For example, the candidate selection unit 112 selects, as a candidate for a tool that can be used for machining, a tool whose tool diameter R1 is the same as the diameter of the hole required based on the machining feature information. In the example here, the candidate selection unit 112 selects a drill with a tool diameter R1 of 3 mm from the table of drill tool information. Also, the candidate selection unit 112 selects, as a candidate for a tool that can be used for machining, a tool whose tool protrusion L2 is equal to or greater than the depth required based on the machining feature information. In the example here, the candidate selection unit 112 selects a drill with a tool protrusion L2 of 20 mm or more from the table of drill tool information. In summary, the candidate selection unit 112 selects a drill with a tool diameter R1 of 3 mm and a tool protrusion L2 of 20 mm or more from the table of drill tool information. In the example shown in FIG. 2, since the drills that satisfy the conditions of having a tool diameter R1 of 3 mm and a tool protrusion L2 of 20 mm or more have tool names of tool 5, tool 8, and tool 10, the candidate selection unit 112 selects these drills.

[0043] Next, the candidate selection unit 112 determines whether there is a candidate for a tool that can be used for machining in the first type of tool (drill) based on the tool information of the drill which is the first type of tool (step S15). If the candidate selection unit 112 selects one or more tools as candidates for tools that can be used for machining in step S14, it determines that there are candidates for tools that can be used for machining. On the other hand, if the candidate selection unit 112 does not select a tool as a candidate for a tool that can be used for machining in step S14, that is, if there is no tool that can perform the machining required based on the machining feature information, it determines that there are no candidates for tools that can be used for machining.

[0044] When the candidate selection unit 112 determines that there are no candidates for tools that can be used for machining on the first type of tool (drill) (No in step S15), it proceeds to step S13. In this case, in step S13, the candidate selection unit 112 selects another type of tool different from the first type. For example, as described above, if two types of tools, a drill and an end mill, are associated with drilling in the storage unit 12 and the priority of the drill is defined to be higher than that of the end mill, the candidate selection unit 112 selects the second type of tool (end mill) whose priority is defined to be next to the drill. Then, for the selected type of tool, steps S13 to S15 are executed. In this way, when there are no candidates for tools that can be used for machining on the first type of tool based on the tool information of the first type of tool, the candidate selection unit 112 can select candidates for tools that can be used for machining based on the tool information of the second type of tool. That is, when there are no candidates for tools that can be used for machining on the first type of tool, as an alternative, a tool that can be used for machining can be selected from the second type of tool that can perform drilling.

[0045] In this way, from step S13 to step S15, the candidate selection unit 112 selects one or more tools that can drill a hole with the diameter required in the drilling as candidates for the tools. Also, from step S13 to step S15, by selecting a drill that satisfies the condition that the tool protrusion L2 is 20 mm or more, the candidate selection unit 112 can exclude from the options a drill that has no possibility of drilling the required hole depth.

[0046] On the one hand, when the candidate selection unit 112 determines that there are candidates for tools that can be used for processing among the first type of tools (drills) (Yes in step S15), the tool determination unit 113 determines one tool suitable for processing among the tool candidates (step S16). In the present embodiment, for example, in the table of FIG. 2, tools with tool names of tool 5, tool 8, and tool 10 are selected as candidates for tools that can be used for processing. Therefore, in step S16, the tool determination unit 113 determines one tool suitable for processing among these three tools.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process of one tool executed by the tool determination unit 113. That is, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the details of step S16 in FIG. 5.

[0048] Based on the second information, the tool determination unit 113 determines one tool to be used for processing among the tool candidates selected by the candidate selection unit 112. In the present embodiment, the second information includes, for example, the cutting edge length L1 and the shank diameter R2. The second information may further include other information. For example, the second information may include the tool diameter R1 and the tool protrusion L2 in addition to the cutting edge length L1 and the shank diameter R2. The processing example by the tool determination unit 113 will be described in detail below.

[0049] The tool determination unit 113 determines whether the target processing can be performed on any one of the tool candidates selected by the candidate selection unit 112 (step S21). The target processing is the processing indicated by the processing feature information. The tool determination unit 113 determines whether the target processing can be performed on the above one tool based on the second information.

[0050] Specifically, the tool determination unit 113 determines the effective machining depth for the above one tool based on the tool diameter R1, the tool protrusion L2, the cutting edge length L1, and the shank diameter R2, which are the second information. The effective machining depth is the depth at which the tool can perform processing. That is, the effective machining depth is the maximum depth at which the tool can perform processing.

[0051] For example, the tool determination unit 113 compares the tool diameter R1 with the shank diameter R2. When the tool diameter R1 is larger than the shank diameter R2, the tool projection L2 is determined as the effective machining depth. When the tool diameter R1 is larger than the shank diameter R2, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, it is the case where the diameter R1 of the portion where the drill groove is formed in the tool 20 is larger than the diameter R2 of the shank portion of the tool 20. In this case, when drilling with the drill, not only the portion where the drill groove is formed but also the shank portion of the tool 20 can be drilled deeply. That is, the length from the tip of the drill, which is the tool 20, to the tool holder 22 becomes the length (depth) at which drilling is possible. Therefore, the tool determination unit 113 determines the tool projection L2 as the effective machining depth.

[0052] On the other hand, when the tool diameter R1 is less than or equal to the shank diameter R2, the cutting edge length L1 is determined as the effective machining depth. When the tool diameter R1 is less than or equal to the shank diameter R2, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, it is the case where the diameter R1 of the portion where the drill groove is formed in the tool 20 is less than or equal to the diameter R2 of the shank portion of the tool 20. In this case, when drilling with the drill, since the shank portion of the tool 20 is thicker than the portion where the drill groove is formed, the depth of the hole drilled in the workpiece is the length of the portion where the drill groove is formed. Therefore, the tool determination unit 113 determines the cutting edge length L1 as the effective machining depth.

[0053] Taking the tools shown in the table of FIG. 2 as examples, a specific explanation will be given. For the tool 5, the tool diameter R1 is 3 mm and the shank diameter R2 is 3.2 mm. That is, since the tool diameter R1 is less than or equal to the shank diameter R2, the tool determination unit 113 determines 18 mm, which is the cutting edge length L1 of the tool 5, as the effective machining depth. For the tool 8, the tool diameter R1 is 3 mm and the shank diameter R2 is 3.5 mm. That is, since the tool diameter R1 is less than or equal to the shank diameter R2, the tool determination unit 113 determines 24 mm, which is the cutting edge length L1 of the tool 8, as the effective machining depth. For the tool 10, the tool diameter R1 is 3 mm and the shank diameter R2 is 2.5 mm. That is, since the tool diameter R1 is larger than the shank diameter R2, the tool determination unit 113 determines 30 mm, which is the tool projection L2 of the tool 10, as the effective machining depth.

[0054] The tool determination unit 113 compares the required depth based on the machining feature information with the determined effective machining depth. When the effective machining depth is equal to or greater than the depth (hole depth) required based on the machining feature information, the tool determination unit 113 determines that the target machining is possible for the one tool. On the other hand, when the effective machining depth is less than the depth required based on the machining feature information, the tool determination unit 113 determines that the target machining is possible for the one tool. In this way, the tool determination unit 113 determines whether the target machining is possible for one tool.

[0055] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the tool determination unit 113 compares the tool diameter R1 with the shank diameter R2 and determines the effective machining depth based on the comparison result. However, the method for determining the effective machining depth is not limited to this. For example, the tool determination unit 113 may determine the effective machining depth based on the tool diameter R1, the shank diameter R2, and the undercut shank diameter R3. In this case, for example, when the undercut shank diameter R3 is larger than the tool diameter R1, the tool determination unit 113 determines the cutting edge length L1 as the effective machining depth; when the undercut shank diameter R3 is less than or equal to the tool diameter R1 and the shank diameter R2 is larger than the tool diameter R1, the tool determination unit 113 determines the undercut length L3 as the effective machining depth; and when the undercut shank diameter R3 and the shank diameter R2 are less than or equal to the tool diameter R1, the tool determination unit 113 determines the tool protrusion L2 as the effective machining depth. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the undercut shank diameter R3 is less than or equal to the tool diameter R1 and the shank diameter R2 is larger than the tool diameter R1, the tool determination unit 113 determines the undercut length L3 as the effective machining depth.

[0056] Then, the tool determination unit 113 determines whether the determination as to whether the target machining is possible has been completed for all tool candidates (step S22). That is, the tool determination unit 113 determines whether the determination in step S21 has been performed for all tool candidates selected by the candidate selection unit 112.

[0057] When the tool determination unit 113 determines that the determination as to whether the target machining is possible has not been completed for all tool candidates (No in step S22), for the tool candidates selected by the candidate selection unit 112 for which the determination as to whether the target machining is possible has not been made, the determination in step S21 is executed.

[0058] In this way, through steps S21 and S22, the tool determination unit 113 extracts one or more tools from the tool candidates that can drill a hole with the depth required in the drilling process.

[0059] For example, in the example here, since the depth of the hole is 20 mm, the tool determination unit 113 determines whether the effective machining depth is 20 mm or more for the tool candidates in steps S21 and S22. The effective machining depths of tool 5, tool 8, and tool 10 are 18 mm, 24 mm, and 30 mm respectively as described above. Therefore, since the effective machining depth of tool 5 is smaller than the depth required based on the machining feature information, the tool determination unit 113 determines that tool 5 cannot perform the target machining. On the other hand, since the effective machining depths of tool 8 and tool 10 are equal to or greater than the depth required based on the machining feature information, the tool determination unit 113 determines that tool 8 and tool 10 can perform the target machining.

[0060] Note that when the tool determination unit 113 completes the determination as to whether the target machining is possible for all tool candidates in step S22 and there are no tool candidates that can perform the target machining, it may shift to step S13 in FIG. 5. In this case, the candidate selection unit 112 selects another type of tool and executes the subsequent flow. For example, when the tool determination unit 113 determines in step S22 that there is no drill that can perform the target machining, the candidate selection unit 112 selects an end mill, which is a second type of tool, in step S13 and executes the subsequent flow.

[0061] Then, based on the machining feature information and the effective machining depth, the tool determination unit 113 determines one tool from among the tool candidates that can perform the target machining. For example, in the present embodiment, the tool determination unit 113 determines one tool from among the tool candidates having an effective machining depth longer than the depth required based on the machining feature information. In the above example, since the drills that satisfy the condition that the effective machining depth is 20 mm or more are the drills of tool 8 and tool 10, the tool determination unit 113 determines one drill from among these drills.

[0062] Here, the tool determination unit 113 determines one optimal tool from among the tool candidates determined to be capable of performing the target machining in step S21. The criterion for determining one optimal tool can be determined as appropriate. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that one optimal tool is determined based on the rigidity of the tool.

[0063] That is, in the present embodiment, the tool determination unit 113 selects the tool having the highest rigidity from among the tool candidates that can perform the target machining, and determines the selected tool as one optimal tool (step S23). The tool determination unit 113 can select the tool having the highest rigidity based on, for example, the tool diameter R1 and the shank diameter R2. Specifically, the tool determination unit 113 determines that a tool having a larger ratio of the shank diameter R2 to the tool diameter R1 is more rigid than a tool having a smaller ratio. This is because the larger the ratio of the shank diameter R2 to the tool diameter R1, the thicker the thickness of the other end side (root side) held by the tool holder 22 with respect to the tip side of the tool.

[0064] Specifically, taking the tools shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B as examples, it will be described. Here, it is assumed that the tools shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are both tools capable of performing the target processing. In the case of the tool shown in FIG. 3A, since the shank diameter R2 is larger than the tool diameter R1, the ratio of the shank diameter R2 to the tool diameter R1 is greater than 1. On the other hand, in the case of the tool shown in FIG. 3B, since the shank diameter R2 is smaller than the tool diameter R1, the ratio of the shank diameter R2 to the tool diameter R1 is smaller than 1. Therefore, when the tools capable of performing the target processing are the tools shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the tool determination unit 113 determines that the tool shown in FIG. 3A, in which the ratio of the shank diameter R2 to the tool diameter R1 is larger, is a tool with higher rigidity. In the tool shown in FIG. 3A, since the base side of the tool is thicker than the tip side of the tool, the strength of the tool is higher compared to the tool shown in FIG. 3B, in which the base side of the tool is thinner than the tip side. Therefore, the tool determination unit 113 selects the tool shown in FIG. 3A. Thereby, one tool is determined.

[0065] In the example shown in the table of FIG. 2, the tool diameter R1 of the tool 8 is 3 mm, and the shank diameter R2 is 3.5 mm. Therefore, the ratio of the shank diameter R2 to the tool diameter R1 is 3.5 / 3. On the other hand, the tool diameter R1 of the tool 10 is 3 mm, and the shank diameter R2 is 2.5 mm. Therefore, the ratio of the shank diameter R2 to the tool diameter R1 is 2.5 / 3. The ratio of the shank diameter R2 to the tool diameter R1 is larger for the tool 8 than for the tool 10. Therefore, the tool determination unit 113 determines that the tool 8 has higher rigidity. That is, in step S23, the tool determination unit 113 selects (determines) the tool 8 as the tool with the highest rigidity.

[0066] The control unit 11 of the server 10 displays one tool determined by the tool determination unit 113 on, for example, the display unit 14, or transmits it to an external device via the communication unit 15, so as to display it on the display screen of the external device. Thereby, the user who has confirmed the display can confirm the optimal tool that can be used for processing the object to be processed from among the tools stored in the database stored in the storage unit 12.

[0067] Thus, in this embodiment, the candidate selection unit 112 selects candidates for tools that can be used for machining based on the machining feature information and the first information, and the tool determination unit 113 determines one tool to be used for machining from among the selected tool candidates based on the second information. As a result, the candidate selection unit 112 can narrow down the candidates from the tools in the database, and the tool determination unit 113 can determine one tool based on detailed conditions. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a more appropriate tool can be determined according to the machining content of the object to be machined.

[0068] In addition, in the above embodiment, the control unit 11 may execute the flow shown in FIG. 5 for each machining type. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the machining type is drilling has been described. However, separately from drilling, for other machining types as well, the control unit 11 may execute the tool selection process according to the flow shown in FIG. 5.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above embodiment, a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0070] 10 Tool selection device (server) 11 Control unit 12 Storage unit 13 Operation unit 14 Display unit 15 Communication unit 20 Tool 21 Machine in use 22 Tool holder 111 Machining feature extraction unit 112 Candidate selection unit 113 Tool determination unit L1 Cutting edge length L2 Tool protrusion L3 Neck-down length R1 Tool diameter R2 Shank diameter R3 Neck-down shank diameter

Claims

1. A tool selection device that selects a tool to be used for machining a workpiece based on tool information in which the tool diameter, tool protrusion, cutting edge length, and shank diameter of the tool are associated and stored for each type of tool, a candidate selection unit that selects candidates for tools that can be used for the machining based on the machining feature information indicating the characteristics of the shape of the workpiece after the machining and the tool diameter and the tool protrusion, a tool determination unit that determines one tool to be used for the machining from among the candidates for the tool based on the tool diameter, the cutting edge length, and the shank diameter, The tool selection device comprising the above.

2. The tool determination unit determines an effective machining depth, which is the depth at which each of the candidates for the tool can perform the machining, based on the tool diameter, the tool protrusion, the cutting edge length, and the shank diameter, and determines the one tool from among the candidates for the tool that can execute the machining based on the machining feature information and the effective machining depth. The tool selection device according to Claim 1.

3. The tool determination unit, when the tool diameter is larger than the shank diameter, determines the tool protrusion as the effective machining depth, and when the tool diameter is less than or equal to the shank diameter, determines the cutting edge length as the effective machining depth, and determines the one tool from among the candidates for the tool in which the effective machining depth is longer than the depth required based on the machining feature information among the candidates for the tool. The tool selection device according to Claim 2.

4. The tool determination unit determines the tool with the highest rigidity as the one tool based on the tool diameter and the shank diameter. The tool selection device according to Claim 1.

5. The tool determination unit determines that a tool with a larger ratio of the shank diameter to the tool diameter is more rigid than a tool with a smaller ratio. The tool selection device according to Claim 4.

6. The candidate selection unit selects, as candidates for the tool, tools in which the tool protrusion is greater than or equal to the depth required based on the machining feature information. The tool selection device according to Claim 1.

7. When there are no candidates for the tool that can be used for the machining in the first type of tool based on the tool information of the first type of tool, the candidate selection unit selects candidates for the tool that can be used for the machining based on the tool information of the second type of tool. The tool selection device according to Claim 1.

8. A control method for a tool selection device that selects a tool to be used for machining a workpiece based on tool information in which a tool diameter, a tool protrusion, a cutting edge length, and a shank diameter of the tool are associated and stored for each type of tool, selects candidates for tools that can be used for the machining based on machining feature information indicating the characteristics of the shape of the workpiece after the machining and the tool diameter and the tool protrusion, and determines one tool to be used for the machining from among the candidates for the tools based on the tool diameter, the cutting edge length, and the shank diameter. Control method.

9. A control program for a tool selection device that selects a tool to be used for machining a workpiece based on tool information in which a tool diameter, a tool protrusion, a cutting edge length, and a shank diameter of the tool are associated and stored for each type of tool, selects candidates for tools that can be used for the machining based on machining feature information indicating the characteristics of the shape of the workpiece after the machining and the tool diameter and the tool protrusion, and determines one tool to be used for the machining from among the candidates for the tools based on the tool diameter, the cutting edge length, and the shank diameter. A control program that causes the processing to be executed.

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