Mold management device and processing machine control device

Abstract

To efficiently operate a mold by managing information on a shared mold in a lump, even when there is the shared mold that is sharedly used among a plurality of processing machines.SOLUTION: A mold management device 3 comprises a storing part 11 that stores mold information 15 on a mold that is used among a plurality of processing machines 5A and 5B, and a control part 13 that manages the mold that is used among the plurality of processing machines 5A and 5B, on the basis of the mold information 15. When a shared mold that is sharedly used among the plurality of processing machines 5A and 5B is attached to either of the plurality of processing machines 5A and 5B, the control part 13 registers the processing machine attached with the shared mold in the mold information 15; and when the processing machine attached with the shared mold executes a processing program that uses the shared mold, registers, in the mold information 15, a flag in use showing that the shared mold is in use and a time when use of the shared mold is estimated to end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mold management device and a processing machine control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a mold ID has been assigned to each mold, and a mold management server manages the molds based on this mold ID. For example, in Patent Document 1, the mold management server stores mold information and storage location information in association with the mold ID. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-150884 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when there are multiple processing machines in a factory, frequently used dies are attached to each processing machine, but dies that are used less frequently are not attached to each of the multiple processing machines, and one die may be shared by the multiple processing machines. In such cases where there is a shared die that is used by multiple processing machines, the conventional die management server does not collectively manage information such as whether the shared die is in use and its location, which has led to the problem that the die cannot be operated efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One or more aspects of the present invention are a mold management device that includes a memory unit that stores mold information for molds used by multiple processing machines, and a control unit that manages the molds used by the multiple processing machines based on the mold information, wherein when a shared mold that is used in common by the multiple processing machines is attached to one of the multiple processing machines, the control unit registers the processing machine to which the shared mold is attached in the mold information, and when a processing program that uses the shared mold is executed on the processing machine to which the shared mold is attached, registers in the mold information an in-use flag indicating that the shared mold is in use and the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one or more embodiments of the mold management device, even if there is a shared mold that is used by multiple processing machines, information about the shared mold can be managed in a centralized manner, allowing the mold to be operated efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mold management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of tool information stored in the tool management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the tool registration process performed by the tool management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the die mounting process performed by the processing machine control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the processing control process of the processing machine to which the shared die is attached, performed by the processing machine control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of tool information stored in a processing machine control device of a processing machine to which a shared tool is attached. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the processing control process of a processing machine to which a shared die is not attached, performed by the processing machine control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of tool information stored in a processing machine control device of a processing machine to which a shared tool is not attached. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a change pattern of the processing schedule displayed on the selection screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to a first pattern among the change patterns of the processing schedule. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the tool registration process performed by the tool management device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the processing control process of the processing machine to which the shared die is attached, performed by the processing machine control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of tool information stored in a processing machine control device of a processing machine to which a shared tool is attached. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the processing control process of a processing machine to which a shared die is not attached, performed by the processing machine control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of tool information stored in a processing machine control device of a processing machine to which a shared tool is not attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a mold management system including a mold management device and a processing machine control device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [Configuration of mold management system] The configuration of a mold management system including a mold management device and a processing machine control device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mold management system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the mold management system 1 includes a mold management device 3, processing machines 5A and 5B, and processing machine control devices 7A and 7B, and is connected to a production management system 9. Note that, in this embodiment, a case where there are two processing machines will be described, but there may be three or more processing machines.

[0010] The mold management system 1 is a system in which information about molds used in a plurality of processing machines 5A, 5B is managed in a unified manner by a mold management device 3. The mold management device 3, processing machine control devices 7A, 7B, and production management system 9 each have a communication device (not shown), and are connected via a network to send and receive information necessary for managing the molds.

[0011] The mold management device 3 is a server that manages molds used by multiple processing machines 5A, 5B, and in particular can manage shared molds that are shared and used by multiple processing machines 5A, 5B. A shared mold is a mold that can be moved between multiple processing machines 5A, 5B and is used in a shared manner. For example, a shared mold is a mold that is used infrequently and is not attached to each processing machine 5A, 5B, but is prepared as a single mold in a factory. The mold management device 3 includes a memory unit 11 and a control unit 13.

[0012] The storage unit 11 is a memory or database that stores tool information 15 of tools used in the multiple processing machines 5A and 5B. The tool information 15 records tool information for all tools registered in the tool management system 1. In other words, all tool information for the tools attached to the processing machine 5A and the tools attached to the processing machine 5B is recorded. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the tool information 15 includes the tool shape, range, management name, and ID number, as well as the type, dimensions, vertical orientation, punch and die combination, clearance, address, etc.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to manage the use status of the mold, the mold information 15 includes a shared mold flag indicating that the mold is a shared mold, an in-use flag indicating that the mold is in use, the scheduled end time of use of the mold, and the location of the mold. As the location of the mold, the processing machine on which the mold is mounted or the storage location is recorded.

[0014] The control unit 13 manages the molds used by the multiple processing machines 5A, 5B based on the mold information 15. In particular, when a shared mold that is used in common by the multiple processing machines 5A, 5B is attached to one of the multiple processing machines 5A, 5B, the control unit 13 registers the processing machine to which the shared mold is attached in the mold information 15. Then, when a processing program that uses the shared mold is executed by the processing machine to which the shared mold is attached, the control unit 13 registers in the mold information 15 an in-use flag indicating that the shared mold is in use and the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold.

[0015] The control unit 13 is configured by a computer having a memory, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and various interfaces. The memory and various interfaces are connected to the processor via a bus. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, and the control unit 13 executes a process for managing the molds used in the multiple processing machines 5A and 5B.

[0016] The processing machines 5A and 5B are turret punch presses that perform punching on materials using a mold consisting of a punch and a die, press brakes that perform bending, or combined machines of turret punch presses and laser processing machines. The processing machines 5A and 5B are provided with processing machine control devices 7A and 7B that control the bending performed by the processing machines 5A and 5B, respectively. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a shared mold is attached to the processing machine 5A and a shared mold is not attached to the processing machine 5B.

[0017] The processing machine control devices 7A and 7B are NC (Numerical Control) devices that control the bending of the processing machines 5A and 5B, respectively, and each include a memory unit 21A and 21B. The processing machine control devices 7A and 7B control the processing machines 5A and 5B, respectively, based on the tool information 15 of the tool management device 3. The processing machines 5A and 5B or the processing machine control devices 7A and 7B are provided with a display device (not shown) that can display an operation screen operated by an operator.

[0018] The storage units 21A and 21B are memories that store tool information 23A and 23B of the tools used in the processing machines 5A and 5B, respectively. Tool information 23A records all of the tool information of the tools attached to the processing machine 5A, and tool information 23B records all of the tool information of the tools attached to the processing machine 5B. When a tool is attached to the processing machine 5A or 5B, the processing machine control devices 7A and 7B obtain information about the attached tool from the tool information 15 of the tool management device 3 and record the information in the tool information 23A or 23B.

[0019] The mold information 23A, 23B is information acquired from the mold information 15 of the mold management device 3, and therefore contains the same information as the mold information 15. For example, the mold shape, range, management name, ID number, type, dimensions, up / down orientation, punch and die combination, clearance, address, etc. are included. Also included are a shared mold flag, an in-use flag, and the scheduled end time of mold use.

[0020] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a shared mold is attached to the processing machine 5A, and therefore the processing machine control device 7A controls the processing machine 5A to which the shared mold is attached. Specifically, when the shared mold is attached to the processing machine 5A, the processing machine control device 7A acquires mold information of the shared mold from the mold management device 3 and transmits to the mold management device 3 that the shared mold has been attached to the processing machine 5A. Then, when a processing program that uses the shared mold is executed in the processing machine 5A, the processing machine control device 7A transmits to the mold management device 3 an in-use flag indicating that the shared mold is in use and the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case where a shared mold is not attached to the processing machine 5B will be described, and therefore the processing machine control device 7B controls the processing machine 5B when a shared mold is not attached. Specifically, when a mold scheduled to be used in a processing program executed by the processing machine 5B is not attached to the processing machine 5B, the processing machine control device 7B determines whether or not the mold scheduled to be used is a shared mold based on the mold information 15. Then, when the mold scheduled to be used is a shared mold, the processing machine control device 7B displays multiple change patterns for the processing schedule including the processing program on a selection screen and allows the operator to select one.

[0022] The processing machine control devices 7A and 7B are configured by a computer having a memory, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and various interfaces. The memory and various interfaces are connected to the processor via a bus. The processing machine control devices 7A and 7B execute processes to control the processing machines 5A and 5B, respectively, by having the processor execute programs stored in the memory.

[0023] The production management system 9 generates a processing schedule to be executed by the processing machines 5A, 5B. The processing schedule includes setup work performed by operators and processing programs in which the processing machines 5A, 5B perform processing automatically. Since the operation times for the setup work and the processing programs are set in advance, the processing machine control devices 7A, 7B predict the start and end times of the processing programs based on the set operation times and set the processing schedule for the processing machines 5A, 5B.

[0024] [Mold registration processing] Next, a description will be given of the mold registration process performed by the mold management device 3 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the mold registration process performed by the mold management device 3. The mold registration process is a process for registering a new mold in the mold management system 1 when, for example, a new mold is purchased.

[0025] 3, in step S101, the control unit 13 reads the mold ID (mold identification information) set for the new mold, and in step S103, registers the information about the new mold in the mold information 15. As shown in Fig. 2, the registered mold information includes the mold shape, range, management name, ID number of the mold ID, shared mold flag, in-use flag, scheduled end time of use, and location, as well as type, dimensions, up / down orientation, punch and die combination, clearance, address, etc.

[0026] In step S105, the control unit 13 determines whether or not a shared mold has been input. If the new mold is the only one prepared in the factory and is a mold that is shared and used by multiple processing machines 5A and 5B, the operator inputs the shared mold. If it is input that the new mold is a shared mold, the process proceeds to step S107, and if the shared mold has not been input, the mold registration process according to this embodiment ends.

[0027] In step S107, when the shared mold is registered in the mold information 15, the control unit 13 registers a shared mold flag indicating that it is a shared mold in the mold information 15. Specifically, the control unit 13 sets the shared mold flag included in the mold information 15 to ON, thereby registering that the new mold is a shared mold. For example, in FIG. 2, if the mold with the management name "SE3" is a newly registered shared mold, the shared mold flag of this mold is set to ON. When the new mold is registered in the mold information 15 in this manner, the mold registration process according to this embodiment is completed. [Mold mounting process] Next, the mold mounting process by the processing machine control device 7A according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the mold mounting process by the processing machine control device 7A. The mold mounting process is a process for registering information about the mold to be mounted in the memory unit 21A of the processing machine control device 7A when a mold is mounted on the processing machine 5A. However, although Fig. 4 describes the mold mounting process by the processing machine control device 7A, the same process is also performed when a mold is mounted in the processing machine control device 7B.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S201, the processing machine control device 7A reads the tool ID (tool identification information) set in the tool to be attached to the processing machine 5A.

[0029] In step S203, the processing machine control device 7A accesses the mold information 15 of the mold management device 3 based on the mold ID read in step S201, obtains the mold information of the mold to be installed, and registers it in the mold information 23A of the memory unit 21A.

[0030] The registered die information includes the die shape, range, management name, ID number, type, dimensions, up / down orientation, punch and die combination, clearance, address, etc. The ON / OFF status of the shared die flag is also registered. Therefore, when a shared die is attached to the processing machine 5A, the processing machine control device 7A obtains the die information of the shared die from the die management device 3.

[0031] In step S205, the processing machine control device 7A transmits information that the mold has been attached to the processing machine 5A to the mold management device 3. Therefore, when a shared mold has been attached, the processing machine control device 7A transmits information that the shared mold has been attached to the processing machine 5A to the mold management device 3. As a result, the location of the mold is registered in the mold information 15 of the mold management device 3.

[0032] For example, as shown in Fig. 2, "machine 5A" is registered as the location of the shared mold with the management name "SE3." That is, when a shared mold that is used in common by the multiple processing machines 5A, 5B is mounted on one of the multiple processing machines 5A, 5B, the control unit 13 of the mold management device 3 registers the processing machine on which the shared mold is mounted in the mold information 15. When the mold information of the mold mounted on the processing machine 5A is registered in this way, the mold mounting process according to this embodiment is completed.

[0033] [Processing control process for a processing machine equipped with a shared mold] Next, the machining control process of the processing machine 5A by the processing machine control device 7A according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the machining control process by the processing machine control device 7A. In this embodiment, a shared mold is attached to the processing machine 5A, so the machining control process in Fig. 5 is the process when a shared mold is attached.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S301, the processing machine control device 7A acquires a processing schedule from the production management system 9, and executes the acquired processing schedule on the processing machine 5A.

[0035] In step S303, the processing machine control device 7A executes the processing programs included in the processing schedule. Since the processing schedule includes a plurality of processing programs set in order, the processing machine control device 7A executes the first processing program on the processing machine 5A in the set order.

[0036] In step S305, the processing machine control device 7A sets the in-use flag of the mold used in the processing program executed in step S303 to ON and sets the scheduled end time of use. Since the mold to be used is recorded in the processing program, the processing machine control device 7A searches for the mold information 23A recorded in the memory unit 21A and sets the in-use flag of the mold to be used to ON.

[0037] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the mold information 23A registers the molds attached to the processing machine 5A, and the mold to be used in the processing program is searched for from among them, and the in-use flag is set to ON.

[0038] In addition, since the working time is preset in the machining program, the machining control device 7A predicts the scheduled end time of use of the mold based on the set working time and sets it in the mold information 23A as shown in Figure 6.

[0039] In step S307, the processing machine control device 7A determines whether a shared mold is used in the processing program executed in step S303. The processing machine control device 7A searches the mold information 23A and determines whether the shared mold flag of the mold to be used is ON.

[0040] 6, for example, since both the in-use flag and the shared die flag are ON for the die with the management name "SE3," the processing machine control device 7A determines that the shared die will be used and proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, if all the shared die flags for the dies to be used are OFF, it determines that the shared die will not be used and proceeds to step S311.

[0041] In step S309, the processing machine control device 7A transmits information about the shared mold to the mold management device 3. Specifically, when a processing program that uses the shared mold is executed by the processing machine 5A, the processing machine control device 7A transmits to the mold management device 3 an in-use flag indicating that the shared mold is in use and the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold.

[0042] For example, in Fig. 6, information on a shared mold with the management name "SE3" is transmitted to the mold management device 3. As a result, in the mold management device 3 that has received the information on the shared mold, the in-use flag is set to ON and the scheduled end time of use is set for the information on the shared mold with the management name "SE3" in the mold information 15 shown in Fig. 2, as in Fig. 6. Therefore, when a machining program that uses the shared mold is executed by the processing machine 5A to which the shared mold is attached, the control unit 13 registers in the mold information 15 an in-use flag indicating that the shared mold is in use and the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold.

[0043] In step S311, the processing machine control device 7A determines whether the processing program executed in step S303 has ended. If the processing program has not ended, it continues to determine whether it has ended, and if it has ended, the process proceeds to step S313.

[0044] In step S313, when the machining program ends, the processing machine control device 7A sets the in-use flag that was set to ON in step S305 to OFF and resets the scheduled end time of use. Also, if information about the shared mold has been transmitted in step S309, the in-use flag that has been set to OFF and the reset scheduled end time of use are transmitted to the mold management device 3. As a result, in the mold management device 3 that has received the information about the shared mold, the in-use flag for the mold with the management name "SE3" in the mold information 15 is set to OFF and the scheduled end time of use is reset.

[0045] In step S315, the processing machine control device 7A determines whether all processing programs included in the processing schedule have been completed and the processing schedule has ended. If all processing programs have not been completed, the process returns to step S303 to execute the next processing program, and if all processing programs have been completed, the processing control process for the processing machine 5A to which the shared mold according to this embodiment is attached ends.

[0046] In the above-described machining control process, the machining program is executed in step S303, and the usage status of the shared mold is determined while the machining program is being executed. However, it is also possible to process the usage status of the shared mold for all machining programs collectively before executing the machining programs. In this case, the machining program is not executed in step S303, and the processing from step S305 onward is executed to determine the usage status of the shared mold.

[0047] [Processing control process for a machine without a shared die] Next, the machining control process of the processing machine 5B by the processing machine control device 7B according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the machining control process by the processing machine control device 7B. In this embodiment, a shared mold is not attached to the processing machine 5B, so the machining control process in Fig. 7 is a process performed when a shared mold is not attached.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S401, the processing machine control device 7B acquires a processing schedule from the production management system 9, and executes the acquired processing schedule on the processing machine 5B.

[0049] In step S403, the processing machine control device 7B executes the processing program included in the processing schedule. Since the processing schedule includes a plurality of processing programs set in order, the processing machine control device 7B executes the first processing program on the processing machine 5B in the set order.

[0050] In step S405, the processing machine control device 7B determines whether or not there is a scheduled-to-use mold that is not attached to the processing machine 5B among the molds scheduled for use in the processing program executed in step S403. If there is a scheduled-to-use mold that is not attached to the processing machine 5B and setup work is occurring, the process proceeds to step S407, and if setup work is not occurring, the process proceeds to step S429.

[0051] In step S407, the processing machine control device 7B searches the tool information 15 in the tool management device 3 to determine whether there is a tool that matches the unmounted tool to be used. At this time, rather than searching by ID number, the tool type, range, shape, dimensions, management name, up / down orientation, punch and die combination, clearance, etc. are compared to determine whether there is a match. In addition, both the punch and the die are searched. As a result, if there is no tool that matches the unmounted tool to be used, the process proceeds to step S409; if there is a matching tool, information on the matching tool is registered in the tool information 23B in the storage unit 21B, and the process proceeds to step S411.

[0052] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the tool information 23B, tools with the management names "FP1" and "SE1" are already registered as tools attached to the processing machine 5B. Here, if the tool that matches the tool that is not attached and is scheduled to be used in FIG. 2 is a shared tool with the management name "SE3," information about this tool is registered in the tool information 23B from the tool information 15 of the tool management device 3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, information about the shared tool with the management name "SE3" is registered, and in particular, the shared tool flag, the in-use flag, and the scheduled end time of use are also registered. The in-use flag and the scheduled end time of use have been transmitted from the processing machine 5A to which the shared tool is attached to the tool management device 3, and therefore can be obtained from the tool information 15 and registered in the tool information 23B.

[0053] In step S409, since the mold to be used is not registered in the mold management system 1, the processing machine control device 7B stops the processing schedule executed in step S401, and the processing control process for the processing machine 5B that does not have the shared mold of this embodiment attached thereto is terminated.

[0054] In step S411, the processing machine control device 7B determines whether or not there is a tool for which the shared tool flag is set to ON among the tools scheduled to be used, based on the information acquired from the tool information 15. That is, when a tool scheduled to be used in a processing program executed by the processing machine 5B is not attached to the processing machine 5B, the processing machine control device 7B determines whether or not the tool scheduled to be used is a shared tool, based on the tool information 15. Then, if there is a tool for which the shared tool flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S413, and if there is no tool for which the shared tool flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S415.

[0055] In step S413, the processing machine control device 7B determines whether or not there is a shared mold whose in-use flag is set to OFF among the shared molds. If there is a shared mold whose in-use flag is set to OFF, the process proceeds to step S415, and if there is no shared mold whose in-use flag is set to OFF, the process proceeds to step S417.

[0056] For example, as shown in Fig. 8, in the mold information 23B, the mold with the management name "SE3" is a shared mold with the shared mold flag set to ON, but the in-use flag is set to ON. Therefore, there is no shared mold with the in-use flag set to OFF, so in this case, the process proceeds to step S417.

[0057] In step S415, the processing machine control device 7B displays a setup instruction screen to the operator to install the mold to be used that is not installed on the processing machine 5B on the processing machine 5B. Step S415 occurs when the mold to be used is not a shared mold, or is a shared mold but is not being used, so it is possible to install the mold to be used on the processing machine 5B. Therefore, the processing machine control device 7B instructs the operator to perform the setup work. As a result, when the setup work is performed and the mold to be used is installed on the processing machine 5B, the process proceeds to step S429.

[0058] In step S417, the processing machine control device 7B displays a selection screen displaying a plurality of change patterns for the processing schedule on the display device of the processing machine 5B or the processing machine control device 7B. That is, when the mold to be used is a shared mold, the processing machine control device 7B displays a plurality of change patterns for the processing schedule on the selection screen and allows the operator to select one.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, three change patterns are displayed on the selection screen. The change patterns for the machining schedule include first to third patterns. The first pattern stops the machining schedule and displays the machining machine on which the shared die is installed and the scheduled end time of use of the shared die. The second pattern skips the process in the machining program that uses the shared die and continues the machining schedule. The third pattern changes the process in the machining program that uses the shared die to the machining machine on which the shared die is installed.

[0060] In step S419, the processing machine control device 7B determines whether or not the first pattern has been selected on the selection screen displayed in step S417. If the first pattern has been selected, the process proceeds to step S421, and if the first pattern has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S423.

[0061] In step S421, the processing machine control device 7B executes the first change pattern. Specifically, the processing machine control device 7B stops the processing schedule and displays the location of the processing machine to which the shared mold is attached and the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold, as shown in Fig. 10. As a result, the processing schedule is put on hold, and when the scheduled end time of use arrives, an instruction screen for moving the shared mold is displayed, so the operator performs the setup work of attaching the shared mold to the processing machine 5B, and proceeds to step S429.

[0062] In step S423, the processing machine control device 7B determines whether or not the second pattern was selected on the selection screen displayed in step S417. If the second pattern was selected, the process proceeds to step S425, and if the second pattern was not selected, the process proceeds to step S427.

[0063] In step S425, the processing machine control device 7B executes the second change pattern. Specifically, the processing machine control device 7B skips the process that uses the shared mold in the processing program, moves to the next job, and continues the processing schedule. The skipped process is executed after the shared mold is moved to the processing machine 5B after the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold.

[0064] In step S427, the processing machine control device 7B executes the change pattern of the third pattern. Specifically, the processing machine control device 7B sends a change notification to the production management system 9 to request a change of the processing machine, and as a result, the process that uses the shared die in the processing program is changed to the processing machine 5A on which the shared die is attached.

[0065] In step S429, the processing machine control device 7B determines whether all processing programs included in the processing schedule have been completed and the processing schedule has ended. If all processing programs have not been completed, the process returns to step S403 to execute the next processing program, and if all processing programs have been completed, the processing control process for the processing machine 5B to which the shared mold according to this embodiment is not attached ends.

[0066] In the above-described machining control process, the machining program is executed in step S403, and the usage status of the shared mold is determined while the machining program is being executed. However, it is also possible to process the usage status of the shared mold for all machining programs collectively before executing the machining programs. In this case, the machining program is not executed in step S403, and the processing from step S405 onward is executed to determine the usage status of the shared mold.

[0067] [Effects of the first embodiment] As described above in detail, in the mold management device 3 according to this embodiment, when a shared mold is attached to one of the multiple processing machines 5A, 5B, the control unit 13 registers the processing machine to which the shared mold is attached in the mold information 15. Then, when a processing program that uses the shared mold is executed by the processing machine to which the shared mold is attached, the control unit 13 registers an in-use flag indicating that the shared mold is in use and the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold in the mold information 15. This allows information about the shared mold to be managed in the mold information 15 of the mold management device 3, so that even if there is a shared mold that is shared and used by multiple processing machines 5A, 5B, the information about the shared mold can be managed collectively and the mold can be operated efficiently.

[0068] Furthermore, in the mold management device 3 according to this embodiment, when a shared mold is registered in the mold information 15, the control unit 13 registers a shared mold flag indicating that the mold is a shared mold in the mold information 15. This allows the shared mold to be registered in the mold information 15 separately from other molds, so that information about the shared mold can be easily managed collectively and molds can be operated efficiently.

[0069] Furthermore, when a mold scheduled to be used in a machining program executed by the machining machine 5B is not attached to the machining machine 5B, the processing machine control device 7B according to this embodiment determines whether the mold scheduled to be used is a shared mold based on the mold information 15. When the mold scheduled to be used is a shared mold, the processing machine control device 7B displays multiple patterns for changing the machining schedule on a selection screen and allows the operator to select one. This allows the machining schedule to be flexibly changed in accordance with the operator's selection even when a shared mold is not attached to the processing machine 5B, thereby enabling efficient use of the mold.

[0070] Furthermore, the processing machine control device 7B according to this embodiment includes the following patterns for changing the processing schedule: a first pattern for stopping the processing schedule and displaying the processing machine to which the shared die is attached and the scheduled end time of use of the shared die, a second pattern for skipping a process in the processing program that uses the shared die and continuing the processing schedule, and a third pattern for changing a process in the processing program that uses the shared die to a processing machine to which the shared die is attached. This allows the processing schedule to be changed depending on the usage status of the shared die even when the shared die is not attached to the processing machine 5B, thereby enabling efficient use of the die.

[0071] Furthermore, when a shared mold is attached to the processing machine 5A, the processing machine control device 7A according to this embodiment acquires mold information of the shared mold from the mold management device 3 and transmits information that the shared mold has been attached to the processing machine 5A to the mold management device 3. Furthermore, when a processing program that uses the shared mold is executed in the processing machine 5A, the processing machine control device 7A transmits an in-use flag indicating that the shared mold is in use and the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold to the mold management device 3. This allows information about the shared mold to be registered in the mold information 15 of the mold management device 3, so that even when there is a shared mold that is shared and used by multiple processing machines 5A and 5B, the information about the shared mold can be managed collectively and the mold can be operated efficiently.

[0072] [Second embodiment] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a mold management system equipped with a mold management device and a processing machine control device according to this embodiment will be described. In the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted. In the first embodiment, a shared mold flag was registered in the mold information, but in this embodiment, a shared mold flag is not registered, which is different. Note that the structure of the mold management system 1 according to this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0073] [Mold registration processing] Next, a description will be given of the mold registration process performed by the mold management device 3 according to this embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the mold registration process performed by the mold management device 3. The mold registration process is a process for registering a new mold in the mold management system 1 when, for example, a new mold is purchased.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 11, in the mold registration process according to this embodiment, a shared mold flag is not registered, and therefore steps S105 and S107 of the mold registration process according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3 are not performed. The other steps, S101 and S103, are the same as those of the mold registration process according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] [Mold mounting process] The mold mounting process according to this embodiment differs only in that the shared mold flag is not registered in the mold information, and is otherwise identical to the mold mounting process according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 4, so detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0076] [Processing control process for a processing machine equipped with a shared mold] Next, the machining control process of the machining machine 5A by the machining machine control device 7A according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the machining control process by the machining machine control device 7A. In the first embodiment, in step S307 in Fig. 5, it was determined by the shared mold flag whether or not a shared mold was used, but in this embodiment, there is no shared mold flag, so step S307 is deleted in Fig. 12. Also, in step S309 in Fig. 5, information about the shared mold was transmitted, but in Fig. 12, instead of step S309, processing of step S310 is performed to transmit information about the mold in use.

[0077] The machining control process by the machining device control device 7A will be described below with reference to Fig. 12. The processes of steps S301 to S305 shown in Fig. 12 are the same as those in Fig. 5, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] In step S310, the processing machine control device 7A transmits information about the mold in use to the mold management device 3. Specifically, when the processing program is executed on the processing machine 5A, the processing machine control device 7A transmits to the mold management device 3 an in-use flag indicating that the mold is in use and the scheduled end time of use of the mold in use.

[0079] In the first embodiment, only information about dies for which the shared die flag is set to ON is transmitted to the die management device 3. However, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, there is no shared die flag in the die information 23A, so information about dies for which the in-use flag is set to ON is transmitted to the die management device 3. As a result, in the die management device 3 that has received the die information, the in-use flag is set to ON in the die information 15, as in Fig. 13, and the scheduled end time of use is set.

[0080] Thereafter, the processes of steps S311 to S315 shown in Fig. 12 are executed, but detailed description thereof will be omitted since these processes are the same as those in Fig. 5. In this way, the processing control process of the processing machine 5A to which the shared mold according to this embodiment is attached is completed.

[0081] [Processing control process for a machine without a shared die] Next, the machining control processing of the processing machine 5B by the processing machine control device 7B according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the machining control processing by the processing machine control device 7B. In the first embodiment, in step S411 in Fig. 7, it was determined whether or not there was a tool with a shared tool flag set to ON among the tools scheduled to be used, but in this embodiment, there is no shared tool flag, so the processing of step S411 is deleted in Fig. 14.

[0082] Also, in step S413 in Fig. 7, it was determined whether or not there was a shared mold whose in-use flag was set to OFF, but in Fig. 14, it is determined whether or not there was a mold whose in-use flag was set to OFF among the molds scheduled for use. As a result, if there is a mold whose in-use flag is set to ON among the molds scheduled for use that are not mounted, this mold is determined to be a shared mold and the process proceeds to step S417.

[0083] The machining control process by the machining device control device 7B will be described below with reference to Fig. 14. The processes of steps S401 to S409 shown in Fig. 14 are the same as those in Fig. 7, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] In step S413, the processing machine control device 7B determines whether or not there is a die whose in-use flag is set to OFF among the unmounted dies scheduled for use. If there is a die whose in-use flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S415, and if there is no die whose in-use flag is OFF among the unmounted dies scheduled for use, the process proceeds to step S417.

[0085] 15, in the tool information 23B, the tool with the management name "SE3" is a tool scheduled for use that is not attached to the processing machine 5B, but the in-use flag is set to ON. Therefore, the processing machine control device 7B determines that this tool is a shared tool that is used by a plurality of processing machines 5A and 5B, since this tool is being used by another processing machine, and proceeds to step S417.

[0086] Thereafter, the processes of steps S415 to S429 shown in Fig. 14 are executed, but since these processes are the same as those in Fig. 7, detailed explanations will be omitted. In this way, the processing control process of the processing machine 5B to which the shared die according to this embodiment is not attached is completed.

[0087] [Effects of the second embodiment] As described above in detail, in the mold management device 3 according to this embodiment, when a mold that is to be shared and used by the multiple processing machines is attached to one of the multiple processing machines 5A, 5B, the control unit 13 registers the processing machine to which the mold is attached in the mold information 15. Then, when a processing program is executed on the processing machine, the control unit 13 registers an in-use flag indicating that the mold is in use and the scheduled end time of use of the mold in the mold information 15. This allows the mold management device 3 to manage information on the mold that is to be shared and used by the multiple processing machines even if the share flag is not set. Therefore, even if there is a mold that is to be shared and used by the multiple processing machines 5A, 5B, the mold information can be managed collectively and the mold can be operated efficiently.

[0088] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Mold management system 3. Mold management device 5A, 5B processing machine 7A, 7B Processing machine control device 9 Production Management System 11, 21A, 21B storage section 13 Control Unit 15, 23A, 23B mold information

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores mold information of molds used in a plurality of processing machines; a control unit that manages the dies used in the plurality of processing machines based on the die information, The control unit When a shared mold that is used in common by the plurality of processing machines is mounted on any one of the plurality of processing machines, the processing machine on which the shared mold is mounted is registered in the mold information; When a machining program using the shared die is executed on a processing machine to which the shared die is attached, a use flag indicating that the shared die is in use and a scheduled end time of use of the shared die are registered in the die information. Mold management device.

2. When the shared mold is registered in the mold information, the control unit registers a shared mold flag indicating that the shared mold is the shared mold in the mold information. The mold management device according to claim 1 .

3. 3. A processing machine control device that controls one of the plurality of processing machines based on the tool information of the tool management device according to claim 1 or 2, When a mold to be used that is scheduled to be used in a processing program executed by the processing machine is not attached to the processing machine, it is determined based on the mold information whether or not the mold to be used is the shared mold; When the mold to be used is the shared mold, a plurality of change patterns of the machining schedule including the machining program are displayed on a selection screen to allow the operator to select one. Processing machine control device.

4. The change pattern of the processing schedule is a first pattern for stopping the processing schedule and displaying the processing machine to which the shared mold is attached and the scheduled end time of use of the shared mold; a second pattern in which a process using the shared mold in the machining program is skipped and the machining schedule is continued; and a third pattern for changing a process of the machining program that uses the shared die to a machining machine to which the shared die is attached. The processing machine control device according to claim 3 .

5. 3. A processing machine control device that controls one of the plurality of processing machines based on the tool information of the tool management device according to claim 1 or 2, When the shared mold is attached to the processing machine, mold information of the shared mold is acquired from the mold management device; transmitting to the mold management device information that the shared mold has been attached to the processing machine; When a machining program using the shared mold is executed on the processing machine, a use flag indicating that the shared mold is in use and a scheduled end time of use of the shared mold are transmitted to the mold management device. Processing machine control device.

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