Tool Management System

Abstract

Even when managing tool sets, the system allows for the identification of the configuration and location of the tool sets required for machining, enabling the quick and reliable preparation of the necessary tool sets. [Solution] The information input / output terminal 2 can select tool components and / or tool sets stored in the tool information database 10, which are assigned unique identification information, along with a predetermined set of action patterns that represent the actual work required to prepare the tool sets to be used for machining on a machine tool. The tool management device 1 includes a list generation unit 13 that automatically generates a list of prepared tools consisting of the selected tool components and / or tool sets for each action pattern when tool components and / or tool sets are selected along with each action pattern, and a data determination unit 14 that determines whether the unique identification information of the actual tool components and / or tool sets input by the information input / output terminal 2 matches the unique identification information of the tool components and / or tool sets listed in the prepared tool list.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for managing tools used in machining on machine tools.

Background Art

[0002] In a numerically controlled machine tool that performs cutting, an NC program is created in advance, and cutting of a workpiece is performed using tools mounted on the machine. As methods for creating the corresponding NC program, there are a method in which a machine operator enters NC syntax using a keyboard or the like, and a method in which a programmer uses a program creation device such as CAD / CAM. When the programmer creates the program, the programmer creates the NC program assuming the use of tools mounted in a magazine or tools prepared in a tool room or the like in the factory, and passes it to the machine operator together with a tool usage list showing a list of cutting tools necessary for executing the NC program. The machine operator prepares the tools according to the tool usage list, stores them in the magazine, and then performs cutting.

[0003] As an aid to this tool preparation work, International Publication No. 2015 / 29232 (Patent Document 1) discloses a tool management device including a tool search unit, a tool database including a list of all tools prepared in the factory, and a tool usage list which is a list of tools necessary for executing an NC program, and generates a standby tool list which is a list of tools stored in the tool room and the tool magazine, and when the tools described in the tool usage list do not match the tools described in the standby tool list, the tool search unit generates a tool candidate list according to the search conditions and displays it on the display unit. As shown in FIG. 10, the tools managed by this tool management system are used by assembling a cutting tool t such as an end mill or a drill into a holder called a tool holder HL. Here, the cutting tool AS in a state where the cutting tool t is assembled to the tool holder HL is called an "assembled tool". In some cases, the cutting tool t is also attached to the tool holder HL via an adapter such as a collet to form an assembled tool. As an invention relating to the management of tool sets, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-142613 (Patent Document 2) discloses a method of assigning code information to a tool holder to identify a tool ID, which is a unique identifier, and managing the tool number in association with a machining number used in the machining program. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 29232 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-142613 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The following are common problems in the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. When there are relatively few types of processed items or many similar workpieces, it is possible to store tools as sets and operate without changing the tool configuration. However, in the case of high-mix, low-volume production, the types of processing are diverse, and consequently, the number of tools also increases. Therefore, from the perspective of cost and storage space, it is difficult to store everything as a set, and the tool components, including cutting tools and adapters, are rearranged from the tool holder as needed. In this case, the disassembled cutting tools are often rearranged into different tool holders as needed, making it difficult to record which cutting tools are assembled in each tool holder. As a result of repeatedly rearranging the tool components in this way, their locations become unknown, and problems arise such as wasted time searching for the desired tool components.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a tool management system that, even when managing tool sets, makes it possible to understand the configuration and location of tool sets necessary for machining, and enables the preparation of necessary tool sets quickly and reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, this disclosure provides a tool management device having a tool information database that stores information relating to a tool assembly that includes at least a tool holder and a cutting tool as tool components, information relating to each of the tool components, and information relating to the storage location of the tool assembly and each of the tool components. The tool management system includes an information input / output unit capable of inputting and outputting data to and from the tool management device. When the tool management device receives unique identification information assigned to each tool component, each tool set, and each storage location via the information input / output unit, it stores each unique identification information in the tool information database, associating it with each tool component, each tool set, or each storage location. The information input / output unit allows selection of the tool components and / or tool sets stored in the tool information database, along with a predetermined set of action patterns representing the actual work required to assemble a tool set for use in machining on a machine tool. Furthermore, when the tool management device is selected by the information input / output unit along with each action pattern, the tool component and / or tool set is selected by the information input / output unit, and the tool management device includes a list generation unit that automatically generates a list of prepared tools consisting of the selected tool component and / or tool set for each action pattern. The system is characterized by including a data determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information of the actual tool components and / or the tool set input by the information input / output unit matches the unique identification information of the tool components and / or the tool set listed in the prepared tool list. Another aspect of the present disclosure is that, in the above configuration, the action pattern comprises at least: removing the unused tool set from the machine tool; storing the tool components and / or the tool set in the storage location; collecting the tool components and / or the tool set; assembling each of the tool components to form the tool set; and loading the tool set into the machine tool. Furthermore, the list generation unit is characterized in that, depending on the action pattern selected by the information input / output unit, it automatically generates a removal list in the case of removal, a storage list in the case of storage, a collection list in the case of collection, an assembly list in the case of assembly, and a loading list in the case of loading, as the prepared tool list. Another aspect of the present disclosure is that, in the above configuration, the tool information database includes a tool information table that stores at least tool life information and a tool configuration information table that stores information relating to the tool set. Furthermore, when the cutting tool is assembled into the tool holder to form the tool set, the lifespan information stored in the cutting tool information table is copied to the tool configuration information table, and the copied lifespan information is updated according to the usage time or number of uses of the tool set. When the cutting tool is removed from the tool holder, the lifespan information in the cutting tool information table is updated according to the lifespan information updated in the tool configuration information table. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, unique identification information is assigned to tool sets, their component parts, and storage locations, and these are digitized. When creating an NC program, a predetermined action pattern is selected from the data to generate a list of prepared tools. Based on this list, the actual work of gathering the tool sets can be accurately performed by matching the source and destination using the unique identification information. Therefore, even when managing tool sets, it becomes possible to understand the configuration and location of the tool sets necessary for machining, and to prepare the necessary tool sets quickly and reliably. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, the list generation unit automatically generates a removal list when the action pattern is removal, a storage list when it is storage, a collection list when it is collection, an assembly list when it is assembly, and a loading list when it is loading, as prepared tool lists, so that the work required for the assembled tools and tool components that need to be moved can be easily grasped for each list. According to another aspect of this disclosure, in addition to the above effects, when a cutting tool is assembled into a tool holder to form a tool set, the lifespan information in the cutting tool information table is copied to and updated in the tool configuration information table. When the cutting tool is removed from the tool holder, the lifespan information in the cutting tool information table is updated according to the lifespan information updated in the tool configuration information table. Therefore, even if the cutting tools are rearranged, the lifespan information is carried over, enabling accurate lifespan management. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the tool management system. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the assembly process, which involves assembling tool components to create a tool assembly. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart for the storage process of putting tool sets into storage locations. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart for generating the list of necessary tools. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart for generating the list of necessary tools. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart for the process of creating a new tool set. [Figure 7] This document contains a list of tools to be used and a list of tools to be prepared, along with an explanatory diagram showing the movement of tool sets and tool components between these lists. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart for the removal process of a tool set. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the tool management system as an example of the changes. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram of a tool assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the tool management system of this disclosure. The tool management system (hereinafter simply referred to as "the system") S includes a tool management device 1, an information input / output terminal 2, an automatic recognition tag creation device 3, and a network 4. The tool management device 1 includes, as constituent parts, a tool information database 10, a device-side communication unit 11, an ID generation unit 12, a list generation unit 13, a data determination unit 14, and a tool search unit 15. The tool management device 1 is composed of a computer including a CPU and a memory connected to the CPU, and the operations of the ID generation unit 12, the list generation unit 13, the data determination unit 14, and the tool search unit 15 are realized thereby. The tool information database 10 is composed of a tool holder information table 20, an adapter information table 21, a cutting tool information table 22, a workpiece information table 23, an address information table 24, and a tool configuration information table 25.

[0011] The information input / output terminal 2 includes, as constituent parts, a terminal-side communication unit 30, an input unit 31, a reader 32, and a display unit 33. The information input / output terminal 2 is configured to include a CPU and a memory connected to the CPU, and for example, a computer or a mobile terminal is used. The information input / output terminal 2 may interpret input data with another personal computer connected via the network 4. Also, a plurality of information input / output terminals 2 may exist. The information input / output terminal 2 is an example of the information input / output unit of the present disclosure. The automatic recognition tag creation device 3 may be, for example, a label printer. The network 4 enables communication between the tool management device 1, the information input / output terminal 2, and the automatic recognition tag creation device 3. The network 4 may be a so-called LAN, may use the Internet, and may be wired or wireless.

[0012] The tool holder information table 20 stores a tool holder ID which is unique identification information of the tool holder, tool holder information which is information related to the tool holder such as a model, and an address ID which is information related to the storage location. The adapter information table 21 stores an adapter ID which is unique identification information of the adapter, adapter information which is information related to the adapter such as a type (for example, a collet), and an address ID which is information related to the storage location. The cutting tool information table 22 stores the cutting tool ID, which is the unique identification information of the cutting tool; the cutting tool information, which is information related to the cutting tool such as the tool diameter and tool type; the lifespan information, which is information related to the lifespan of the cutting tool; and the address ID, which is information related to the storage location. The work information table 23 stores the work ID, which is the unique identification information of the work; work information, which is information related to the work such as the part number, material, and prime contractor information; and address ID, which is information related to the storage location. The address information table 24 stores address IDs, which are unique identifiers for storage locations, and address information, which is information related to storage locations such as cabinets, tool racks, and magazines for machine tools.

[0013] The tool configuration information table 25 stores information relating to the tool components that make up the tool set, such as the tool holder ID, adapter ID, and cutting tool ID, as well as information relating to the storage location of the tool set, such as the address ID and work ID, and also the tool number used in the tool set in the machine tool, and cutting tool life information. The tool life information stored in the tool information table 22 is copied to the tool configuration information table 25 when the tool is assembled in the tool holder. The copied life information is updated according to the usage time or number of times the tool was used as part of a tool set. Subsequently, when the tool is removed from the tool holder, the life information in the tool information table is updated according to the life information updated in the tool configuration information table 25.

[0014] In System S, as part of the initial registration process, unique identification information is assigned to tool components such as tool holders, adapters, and cutting tools. Unique identification information is also assigned to furniture and machine tools that can serve as storage locations for workpieces, tool components, and assembled tool sets. When an operator inputs the unique identification information via the input unit 31, the automatic recognition tag creation device 3 issues an automatic recognition tag, such as a one-dimensional barcode, two-dimensional barcode, RFID, or text label. By attaching this label to each item, unique identification information is assigned. For adapters and cutting tools, the label can be attached directly, or to the case containing the adapter or cutting tool. Regarding storage locations, unique identification information can be assigned to individual pieces of furniture, but for more reliable location management, it is also possible to assign unique identification information to drawers, dividers, or cases that store individual tool components or assembled tools. Each assigned unique identification information is sent to the device-side communication unit 11 of the tool management device 1 via the terminal-side communication unit 30. As a result, records are generated in the information tables for each tool component and workpiece in the tool information database 10, as well as in the address information table.

[0015] Next, the process of assembling the tool components that have completed the initial registration process into a tool assembly, and the processing in system S, will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 2. First, in step 1 (hereinafter referred to as "S"), the worker selects "Assembly Registration" as the action pattern (hereinafter abbreviated as "AP" in the diagram) from the input section 31 of the information input / output terminal 2. Then, in system S, in S2, the list generation unit 13 generates a list of registered tool components for each tool holder, adapter, and cutting tool, and displays it on the display unit 33. Therefore, in S3, the worker can select the tool holder, adapter, and cutting tool to be assembled as a tool set from the list. Once the selection of the tool holder, adapter, and cutting tool to be assembled is confirmed, in system S, the list generation unit 13 assigns a selection flag to each selected tool component in S4. The display unit 33 facilitates recognition by checking each selected tool component or changing its display color.

[0016] Next, in S5, the worker selects "Assembly work" as the action pattern. Then, in S6, the reader 32 actually reads the unique identification information of each tool component selected as to be assembled. In system S, in S7, the data determination unit 14 determines whether the unique identification information of the tool component to which the selection flag was assigned in "assembly registration" matches. If the unique identification information does not match, an alarm is issued in S8. Therefore, the operator can recognize that each tool component read is incorrect, select the correct tool component, and read the unique identification information again with the reader 32 in S6. If the unique identification information matches in S7, a correct answer sound is emitted. However, the output method does not have to be limited to emitting a correct answer sound; for example, displaying it on the display unit may be used to confirm that the work has been done correctly, or such output when correct is performed may be omitted (the same applies to the process of "emitting a correct answer sound" below). Once the reading of the unique identification information of the tool components, such as the tool holder, adapter, and cutting tool, is complete, a record is created in the tool configuration information table 25 in S9, and the ID generation unit 12 generates a tool set ID. Therefore, in S10, the operator assembles the tool holder, adapter, and cutting tool that have been read to create a tool set. Once the assembly is complete, the operator inputs "assembly complete" in S11. If there are still tool sets to be assembled, the operator returns to S1 and repeats the same process from the "Register Assembly" option.

[0017] Next, the procedure for storing the assembled tool kit in its designated storage location will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 3. First, in S21, the operator selects "Store and Register" as the action pattern from the input section 31 of the information input / output terminal 2. Then, in system S, in S22, the display unit 33 displays a list of tool sets and their storage locations for which tool set IDs have been generated. Therefore, in S23, the worker selects the tool set to be stored and its storage location from the list. Then, in S24, the list generation unit 13 of system S assigns a selection flag to the selected tool set and storage location. Next, in S25, the worker sets the action pattern to "storage operation". Then, in S26, the reader 32 actually reads the unique identification information attached to the tool components included in the tool set to be stored. Then, in system S, at S27, the data determination unit 14 determines whether the unique identification information matches that of any tool component in the tool set to which a selection flag has been assigned in "storage registration". If the unique identification information does not match, an alarm is issued at S28. Thus, the operator can recognize that the tool set read is incorrect, and at S26, select the correct tool set and read the unique identification information again with the reader 32. If the unique identification information matches, a correct answer sound is emitted.

[0018] Once the tool set is confirmed, in S29 the operator reads the unique identification information assigned to the storage location of the tool set using the reader 32. Then, in S30, the system S's data determination unit 14 determines whether it matches the storage location to which the selection flag was assigned in "Storage Registration". If the storage locations do not match, an alarm is issued in S31. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the read storage location is incorrect, select the correct storage location in S29, and read the unique identification information again with the reader 32. If the unique identification information matches, the data is recorded as a stored state, and the address ID is recorded in the tool configuration information table 25 in S32. After that, the operator performs the task of storing the tool set in the storage location in S33. Next, once the storage operation is complete, the worker enters "Storage operation complete" in S34. If there are still tool sets to be stored, the process is repeated by returning to S21 and selecting "Register for storage".

[0019] Once the process of registering and storing the tool sets is complete, the operator creates a tool list containing the tool sets to be used for machining when creating the NC program for each machined item on the machine tool. This tool list can be created, for example, by creating a process chart specifying the tool sets and tool components to be used by the operator, and then automatically generating the tool list based on this chart. If the tool sets listed in the tool list are not all present in the machine tool magazine, the operator must perform preparatory work to assemble the tool sets. This includes removing unused tool sets and storing them in storage, disassembling unused tool sets to collect the necessary tool components and creating new tool sets to put into the magazine, or collecting tool sets stored in storage and putting them into the magazine. In this preparatory work, a tool set list is generated in the system S data, which groups the tool sets or tool components to be used according to the action pattern, and the work is performed based on this tool set list. The process of generating this tool set list will be explained below with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5.

[0020] First, in S41, the operator displays a list of tools in the magazine on the display unit 33 and checks whether the desired tool set exists in the magazine based on the data. If the desired tool set is found, the action pattern is set to "Use" in S42. If the desired tool set is not found, the process proceeds to the flowchart in Figure 5. Next, in S43, the operator selects a tool set from the magazine in the data. Then, in S44, the selected tool set is added to the "usage list" in System S. Next, in S45, the operator checks whether all the tool sets to be used have been selected. If all the tool sets to be used have been selected, the operator enters "Selection complete" in S46. Then, in S47, system S generates a "Usage List," which is a list of the selected tool sets, as the prepared tool list, and completes the operation. If not all the tool sets to be used have been selected in S45, the process returns to S41.

[0021] On the other hand, if the determination in S41 indicates that the desired toolset is not in the magazine, the operator checks in S51 (Figure 5) whether the desired toolset is outside the magazine. If the toolset is outside the magazine, the operator sets the action pattern to "Collection Registration" in S52 and selects the toolset outside the magazine in the data in S53. Then, in system S, the selected toolset is added to the "Collection List" in S54. If the desired toolset is not found outside the magazine in S51, a new toolset is created using the tool components. The details of this will be described later. Next, in S55, the operator checks whether there are any empty pots in the magazine of the machine tool to be processed. If there are empty pots, in S56 the action pattern is set to "Input Registration," and in S57 the machine tool to which the input will be made is selected in the data. Then, in S58, the selected tool set is added to the "Input List" in System S. Therefore, returning to Figure 4, when all the tool sets to be used are selected in S45 and selection completion is entered in S46, System S generates the "Collection List" and "Input List," which are lists of the selected tool sets, as prepared tool lists in S47, and completes the operation.

[0022] If the S55 determination indicates that there are no available pots, it is necessary to remove unnecessary tool sets to create available pots. Therefore, in S60, the operator sets the action pattern to "Remove Registration" and in S61 selects the tool sets to be removed in the data. Then, in S62, the system S adds the selected tool sets to the "Removal List". Next, in S63, the operator sets the action pattern to "Storage Registration" and in S64 selects the storage location in the data. Then, in S65, the system S adds the selected tool sets to the "Storage List". As a result, an available pot is created in the data, and the operator can then select the machine tool to which the selected tool sets will be loaded in the S56 and S57 processes and add it to the "Loading List" in S58. In this case, in S47 of Figure 4, the system S generates a "Collection List" and "Loading List" of tool sets to be used as a prepared tool list, as well as a "Removal List" and "Storage List" which are lists of tool sets not to be used, and then completes the operation.

[0023] Furthermore, if the S51 determination indicates that the desired toolset is not available outside the magazine, it is necessary to collect new tool components and create a new toolset. The process of creating a new toolset will be explained below based on the flowchart in Figure 6. First, in S61, the operator sets the action pattern to "Collection Registration". Next, in S62, the operator inputs the required tool components and commands a search. Then, in S63, the system S displays a list of tool components found by the tool search unit 15. Therefore, in S64, the operator checks whether there are any individually stored tool components, and if there are, in S65, selects the tool component from the data. Then, in S66, the system S adds the selected tool component to the "Collection List". Next, in S67, the operator checks whether all tool components have been selected in the data. If all selections are complete, in S68, the operator enters "Selection complete". Then, in S69, the system S lists the selected tool component combinations in the "Assembly List" and returns to S55 in Figure 5. If the input destination for the tool set to be assembled is selected and the selection is completed in S46 in Figure 4, in S47, the system S generates a "Collection List", "Input List", "Removal List", and "Storage List" for the tool set, as well as an "Assembly List" for the tool components, as a prepared tool list, and then finishes the operation. If all tool components have not been selected in S67, the process returns to S64 and the tool component selection process is repeated.

[0024] On the other hand, if no individual tool components are found in S64, S70 checks whether a toolset containing the desired tool components exists outside the magazine. If such a toolset exists, S71 selects the usable tool components included in the toolset in the data. Then, in system S, S72 lists the toolset containing the selected tool components in the "Collection List," and S73 lists the unused tool components in the "Storage List." The operator returns to the confirmation in S67. If, in S70, the relevant tool set is not found outside the magazine, and there are usable tool components in an unused tool set within the magazine, the operator selects the tool component in S74. Then, in system S, in S75, the tool set containing the selected tool component is added to the "removal list," and in S76, the unused tool components are added to the "storage list." The operator returns to confirmation in S67.

[0025] Once all tool components are selected and added to the "Assembly List," the system returns to S55 in Figure 5. If the destination for the tool assembly to be assembled is selected and the selection is completed in S46 in Figure 4, then in S47, system S completes its work by generating a "Prepared Tool List" which includes the "Collection List," "Input List," "Removal List," and "Storage List" for the tool assembly, as well as the "Assembly List," "Collection List," "Removal List," and "Storage List" for the tool components. In this way, a list of preparatory tools for each action pattern is automatically generated to ensure that all the tool sets used in the NC program for the relevant machined item are available.

[0026] Figure 7 shows the list of tools used (Figure 7A), the list of tools in the magazine (Figure 7B), the list of tool sets outside the magazine (Figure 7C), the list of collets outside the magazine (Figure 7D), and the list of cutting tools outside the magazine (Figure 7E), all generated from the tool information database 10. Text enclosed in an oval indicates that the item is listed in the preparation tool list for each action pattern. Here, we see that the tool sets "AT11," "AT12," and "AT13" from the tool list in Figure 7A have already been loaded into pot numbers 2 through 4, respectively, as tools in the magazine of machine tool A, and are therefore selected as tools to be used and added to the usage list (Figures 4, S41-S44 and S47). Furthermore, the tool set "AT24" in the list of tools used is stored in tool rack B among the tool sets outside the magazine in Figure 7C, indicating that the tool set "AT24" was selected and added to the collection list, and then added to the list of tools to be loaded into machine tool A (Figure 5, S51-S58). Furthermore, in order to create an empty pot, the tool set "AT14" with pot number 5, which is not used, is selected from the tools in the magazine in Figure 7B and added to the removal list, and is added to the storage list for tool rack B, which has been selected as the storage location (S60~S65 in Figure 5).

[0027] On the other hand, in Figure 7, in order to create a new tool set "AT35" in the tool list, the tool holder "BT50-STP40" is selected from the tool set "AT15" with pot number 6 among the tools in the magazine in Figure 7B. Thus, the tool set "AT15" is added to the removal list, the selected tool holder "BT50-STP40" is added to the collection list as a single tool holder, and the other unused collet "TC6A" and cutting tool "TS-M6" are added to the storage list for cabinet C (S74-S76 in Figure 6). Furthermore, Figure 7D shows that the collet "TC10B" stored in cabinet C is selected and added to the collection list (Figure 6, S64-S66), and Figure 7E shows that the cutting tool "TS-M10" stored in cabinet C is selected and added to the collection list (same, S64-S66). The collet "TC10B" and the cutting tool "TS-M10" are then added to the assembly list to create the tool set "AT35" together with the tool holder "BT50-STP40," which is also on the collection list, and are added to the input list for machine tool A (same, S69 and Figure 5, S55-S58).

[0028] Therefore, the worker will perform the task of actually removing the tool components and tool sets at the source and moving them to the destination, based on the generated list of prepared tools. This task will be explained using the removal of the tool set shown in Figure 8 as an example. First, the operator sets the action pattern to "Remove" in S81. Then, in S82, the system S displays the "Removal List" of the tool set on the display unit 33. Therefore, in S83, the worker removes the tool set from the list and actually reads the unique identification information attached to any of the tool components in the tool set using the reader 32. Then, in S84, the system S determines whether the data determination unit 14 matches the unique identification information of any tool component in the tool set in the "removal list". If the unique identification information does not match, an alarm is issued in S85. Thus, the operator can recognize that the tool set read is incorrect, and in S83, select the correct tool set and read the unique identification information again with the reader 32. If the unique identification information matches, a correct answer sound is emitted.

[0029] After comparing the removed tools with the removal list, in S86 the operator inputs "reading complete". In S87, the system S determines whether all tool sets on the "removed list" have been matched. If not all tool sets have been matched, an alarm is issued in S88. Thus, the operator is aware that there are still tool sets that have not been matched, and in S83, the reader 32 reads the unique identification information of the unmatched tool sets. In S87, if all tool sets have been matched, the system displays "matching complete" in S89 and terminates the removal operation. Similarly, in storage, collection, assembly, and loading operations, the action patterns are assigned to the corresponding tasks, and the unique identification information of the toolset or tool components is actually read and compared with the storage list, collection list, assembly list, and loading list. In the "storage operation," the tool components or toolsets listed in the "storage list" are stored in the designated storage location after their unique identification information is verified. In the "collection operation," the tool components or toolsets listed in the "collection list" are collected after their unique identification information is verified. In the "assembly operation," the collected tool components listed in the "assembly list" are assembled into a toolset after their unique identification information is verified. In the "loading operation," the toolsets listed in the "loading list" are loaded into the machine tool magazine after their unique identification information is verified.

[0030] Thus, the system S in the above configuration includes a tool management device 1 having a tool information database 10 that stores information relating to a tool assembly that includes at least a tool holder and a cutting tool as tool components, information relating to each tool component, and information relating to the storage location of the tool assembly and each tool component, and an information input / output terminal 2 that can input and output data to and from the tool management device 1. When the tool management device 1 receives unique identification information assigned to each tool component, tool set, and storage location via the information input / output terminal 2, it stores each unique identification information in the tool information database 10, associating it with each tool component, tool set, or storage location. The information input / output terminal 2 allows users to select tool components and / or tool sets stored in the tool information database 10, along with a predetermined set of action patterns representing the actual work required to assemble a tool set for use in machining on a machine tool. Furthermore, when the tool management device 1 receives a selection of tool components and / or tool sets along with each action pattern via the information input / output terminal 2, the tool management device 1 includes a list generation unit 13 that automatically generates a list of prepared tools consisting of the selected tool components and / or tool sets for each action pattern. The system includes a data determination unit 14 that determines whether the unique identification information of the actual tool components and / or tool sets input at the information input / output terminal 2 matches the unique identification information of the tool components and / or tool sets listed in the prepared tool list.

[0031] With this configuration, unique identification information is assigned to tool sets, their component parts, and storage locations, and these are digitized. When creating an NC program, a predetermined action pattern is selected from the data to generate a list of prepared tools. Based on this list, the actual work of gathering the tool sets can be accurately performed by matching the source and destination using the unique identification information. Therefore, even for a system that manages tool sets, it becomes possible to understand the configuration and location of the tool sets required for machining, and to prepare the necessary tool sets quickly and reliably.

[0032] The action patterns are: removal of unused tool sets from the machine tool; storage of tool components and / or tool sets in the storage location; collection of tool components and / or tool sets; assembly of each tool component to form a tool set; and loading of the tool set into the machine tool. The list generation unit 13 automatically generates a removal list if the action pattern selected by the information input / output terminal 2 is removal, a storage list if it is storage, a collection list if it is collection, an assembly list if it is assembly, and a loading list if it is loading, as prepared tool lists. Therefore, the work required for tool sets and tool components that need to be moved can be easily identified for each item on the list.

[0033] The tool information database 10 includes a tool information table 22 that stores at least tool life information and a tool configuration information table 25 that stores information related to tool sets. When a tool is assembled into a tool holder to form a tool set, the life information stored in the tool information table 22 is copied to the tool configuration information table 25, and the copied life information is updated according to the usage time or number of uses of the tool set. When a tool is removed from the tool holder, the life information in the tool information table 22 is updated according to the life information updated in the tool configuration information table 25. Therefore, even if the cutting tools are replaced, the lifespan information is carried over, enabling accurate lifespan management.

[0034] The following describes examples of changes to this disclosure. Figure 9 shows an example of a modified tool management system S. Components that overlap with those in Figure 1 are the same as in the above configuration, so their explanation is omitted. Here, the tool management device 1 is equipped with an identifier generation unit 16, which enables the automatic generation of unique identification information. Furthermore, the tool presetter 5 and the machine tool 6 with a numerical control device are connected via a network 4. The tool configuration information table 25 can store the tool overhang amount, tool correction value obtained by measuring the tool with the tool presetter 5, pot information including the pot number of the tool magazine of the machine tool 6, cutting conditions, and tool specifications.

[0035] The machine tool 6 is equipped with a reader 6a for reading the automatic recognition tag of the tool holder when attaching a tool set to the tool magazine. Therefore, when a tool set is attached to the tool magazine, pot information including the pot number indicating the attachment position is obtained and managed in association with the tool set ID, allowing the tool correction value measured by the tool presetter 5 to be accurately input into the machine tool 6. In addition, by obtaining life information from the machine tool 6 and managing it in association with the tool set ID, appropriate life management can be performed. Furthermore, by managing cutting conditions and tool specifications in association with the tool set ID, it becomes possible to set appropriate cutting conditions when generating programs, and to integrate with automated systems using robots. Connecting network 4 to the internet 7 also makes it possible to always obtain the latest and most accurate information.

[0036] In the tool management system of the above configuration and modification examples, tool sets and tool components selected when creating the NC program may be optionally assigned a reservation flag at the time of selection, preventing other operators from selecting tool sets and tool components with the reservation flag. By assigning a reservation flag in this way, the tools can be used without being taken away by other operators. Furthermore, when a tool holder and cutting tool are selected, the system may uniquely determine the adapter to be used. In this case, the system may display a list of storage locations for the target adapter, sort them by distance from the machine tool to the storage location, and, upon selection of a candidate, display detailed information about the storage location, including maps and images, and provide navigation to the storage location. Similarly, address information other than adapters may also be provided via navigation. A tool management system allows for the management of multiple machine tools, regardless of the type of control device, by building a database that covers the range of tool components and tool sets used in common. If the cutting tool is managed separately as a body and an insert, the body and insert may also be assigned an ID and managed as tool components. The tool assembly described herein also includes a combination of an "integrated holder" (tool holder described herein) in which the shank and cutter body are integrated, and an "insert" (cutting tool described herein). In this case, the integrated holder and the insert can each be assigned an ID and managed as tool components. The action patterns are not limited to the forms described above. For example, if you use the tool set inside the magazine as is, you do not need to select the "Use" action pattern.

[0037] On the other hand, in the above configuration and modified examples, an information input / output terminal, which serves as the information input / output unit, is provided separately from the tool management device, and the information input / output terminal and the tool management device are connected by a network to form a tool management system. However, the information input / output unit may also be provided in the tool management device itself, allowing for direct data input and output. In the above configuration and modified examples, a reader is used in the input section to input unique identification information. However, the input method is not limited to a reader; a keyboard or the like may be used in the input section. In other words, if the unique identification information is given in the form of numbers or letters, those numbers or letters can be entered using a keyboard or the like. Although the above configuration and modification examples describe an example in which a tool set ID is generated and managed, the tool management system of this disclosure can function without managing a tool set ID, so it is not necessary to generate a tool set ID. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] S...Tool management system, 1...Tool management device, 2...Information input / output terminal, 3...Automatic recognition tag creation device, 4...Network, 5...Tool presetter, 6...Machine tool, 7...Internet, 10...Tool information database, 11...Device-side communication unit, 12...ID generation unit, 13...List generation unit, 14...Data determination unit, 15...Tool search unit, 16...Identifier generation unit, 20...Tool holder information table, 21...Adapter information table, 22...Cutting tool information table, 23...Work information table, 24...Address information table, 25...Tool configuration information table, 30...Terminal-side communication unit, 31...Input unit, 32...Reader, 33...Display unit, AS...Tool set, HL...Tool holder, t...Cutting tool.

Claims

1. A tool management device having a tool information database that stores information relating to a tool assembly that includes at least a tool holder and a cutting tool as tool components, information relating to each of the tool components, and information relating to the storage location of the tool assembly and each of the tool components. A tool management system including an information input / output unit capable of inputting and outputting data to and from the tool management device, When the tool management device receives unique identification information assigned to each tool component, each tool set, and each storage location via the information input / output unit, it stores each unique identification information in the tool information database, associating it with each tool component, each tool set, or each storage location. The information input / output unit allows selection of the tool components and / or tool sets stored in the tool information database, along with a predetermined set of action patterns representing the actual work required to assemble a tool set for use in machining on a machine tool. The tool management device includes a list generation unit that, when the information input / output unit selects the tool components and / or the tool set along with each action pattern, automatically generates a list of prepared tools consisting of the selected tool components and / or the tool set for each action pattern. A data determination unit that determines whether the unique identification information of the actual tool components and / or the tool set input by the information input / output unit matches the unique identification information of the tool components and / or the tool set listed in the prepared tool list, A tool management system characterized by including the following.

2. The action pattern includes, at a minimum, removing unused tool sets from the machine tool, storing the tool components and / or tool sets in the storage location, collecting the tool components and / or tool sets, assembling each of the tool components to form the tool set, and loading the tool sets into the machine tool. The tool management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the list generation unit automatically generates a removal list in the case of removal, a storage list in the case of storage, a collection list in the case of collection, an assembly list in the case of assembly, and a loading list in the case of loading, as the prepared tool lists, respectively, depending on the action pattern selected by the information input / output unit.

3. The tool information database includes a tool information table that stores at least the lifespan information of the cutting tool, and a tool configuration information table that stores information relating to the tool set. The tool management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the cutting tool is assembled into the tool holder to form the tool set, the lifespan information stored in the cutting tool information table is copied to the tool configuration information table, the copied lifespan information is updated according to the usage time or number of uses of the tool set, and when the cutting tool is removed from the tool holder, the lifespan information in the cutting tool information table is updated according to the lifespan information updated in the tool configuration information table.

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