Control device, control method, and computer program

Abstract

The present invention provides a control device, a control method, and a computer program that can improve the convenience of tool transport operations. [Solution] The control device 4 according to the present disclosure is a control device 4 that controls a machine tool that mounts the tools contained in the first magazine 2 onto a spindle, and comprises a first magazine 2 and a second magazine 3 that contain a plurality of tools, and outputs a display signal for displaying tool information indicating the tools contained in the first magazine 2 and tool information indicating the tools contained in the second magazine 3, accepts the selection of tool information for tools contained in at least one of the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3, and controls the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the accepted tool information from one of the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3 to the other of the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Machine tools may include a plurality of tool magazines and a transfer device. Each tool magazine accommodates a plurality of tools. The transfer device transfers the tools accommodated in one tool magazine to another tool magazine. Another tool magazine accommodates the tools transferred by the transfer device. This type of machine tool is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The tool information display device of the machine tool (referred to as "processing machine" in the text) described in Patent Document 1 displays the identification numbers of the tools accommodated in each tool magazine in an arrangement imitating the arrangement of the tools in the tool magazine. The user visually recognizes the tool information display device and selects an identification number. The tool information display device displays detailed information on the tool having the identification number selected by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 does not describe the convenience for the user when the user instructs the machine tool to transfer tools from one tool magazine to another.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device, a control method, and a computer program capable of improving the convenience of tool transfer work.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The control device according to this disclosure is a control device for a machine tool that includes a first magazine and a second magazine for storing a plurality of tools, and mounts the tools stored in the first magazine onto a spindle, and outputs a display signal for displaying tool information indicating the tools stored in the first magazine and tool information indicating the tools stored in the second magazine, accepts the selection of tool information for tools stored in at least one of the first magazine and the second magazine, and controls the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the accepted tool information from one of the first magazine and the second magazine to the other of the first magazine and the second magazine.

[0008] In this disclosure, the machine tool comprises a first magazine and a second magazine. The first magazine and the second magazine are tool magazines that house multiple tools. The spindle of a machine tool is detachable from the main spindle. The machine tool mounts the tool stored in the first magazine onto the spindle. For example, by moving the spindle to a predetermined tool change position, the tool can be changed between the first magazine and the spindle. For example, a machine tool may further include a conveying device. The conveying device transports a tool contained in one of the first and second magazines to the other of the first and second magazines. The other of the first and second magazines then contains the tool transported by the conveying device.

[0009] The control device outputs a display signal to the display unit of the machine tool or to an external display device. The display signal is for displaying tool information indicating the tools to be stored in the first magazine (hereinafter referred to as tool information for the first magazine) and tool information indicating the tools to be stored in the second magazine (hereinafter referred to as tool information for the second magazine). Based on the received display signal, the display unit or display device displays the tool information for the first magazine and the tool information for the second magazine on its display screen.

[0010] The control device accepts the selection of tool information relating to at least the first magazine (or tool information relating to the second magazine). The user selects tool information for at least the first magazine (or tool information for the second magazine). The tool information for the first magazine selected by the user indicates the tool to be transferred from the first magazine to the second magazine. The tool information for the second magazine selected by the user indicates the tool to be transferred from the second magazine to the first magazine.

[0011] To select tool information, the user touches the tool information displayed on a display screen, such as a touch panel. Alternatively, the user may hover the mouse pointer over the tool information displayed on the display screen and click, or they may move the cursor over the tool information displayed on the display screen and use the keyboard.

[0012] The control device controls the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the selected tool information from the first magazine to the second magazine (or from the second magazine to the first magazine). By viewing the display screen, users can see a list of tool information for the tools contained in the first and second magazines, making it easy to select tools to be transported from one magazine to the other, or tools to be swapped between the two. In other words, the convenience of tool transport operations is improved.

[0013] The control device according to this disclosure outputs a display signal for displaying the tool information of the tools contained in the first magazine, such that a first portion is arranged in an array corresponding to the arrangement of the tools contained in the first magazine, and a second portion is arranged in an array corresponding to the tool information of the tools contained in the second magazine, so that they are adjacent to each other.

[0014] In this disclosure, the control device outputs a display signal for displaying the first part and the second part adjacent to each other. Since the tools attached to and detached from the spindle move back and forth between the spindle and the first magazine, the arrangement of tools stored in the first magazine, for example, can affect the machining efficiency of the workpiece. Therefore, for the user, information about the arrangement of tools stored in the first magazine, where the tools are stored in the first magazine, and where there are no tools stored in the first magazine is important.

[0015] Therefore, in the first section, the tool information related to the first magazine is arranged in an order corresponding to the arrangement of tools contained in the first magazine. Thus, by visually inspecting the first section, the user can intuitively grasp the arrangement of tools contained in the first magazine, and information such as where in the first magazine the tools indicated by the tool information are stored. In other words, the convenience of tool transport operations can be improved.

[0016] The control device according to this disclosure outputs a display signal for displaying a first portion in which tool information of tools contained in the first magazine is arranged, and a second portion in which tool information of tools contained in the second magazine is arranged in one direction in a predetermined order based on the tool information, so that they are adjacent to each other.

[0017] In this disclosure, the control device outputs a display signal for displaying the first part and the second part adjacent to each other. Tools that are attached to and detached from the spindle move back and forth between the spindle and the first magazine. If a tool stored in the second magazine is used during workpiece machining, the time required to complete the workpiece machining will be prolonged, so users often use the second magazine as a tool stocker. Therefore, for the user, it is more important to be able to easily find the desired tool from among the multiple tools stored in the second magazine than to be able to easily obtain information such as the arrangement of the tools stored in the second magazine and where each tool is stored in the second magazine.

[0018] Therefore, in the second section, tool information related to the second magazine is arranged in a predetermined order based on the tool information, in one direction. This predetermined order based on the tool information is, for example, an ascending or descending order of the numbers, letters, etc. that constitute the tool identification information. Thus, by visually inspecting the second section, the user can easily find the desired tool from the multiple tools contained in the second magazine. In other words, the convenience of tool transport operations can be improved.

[0019] The control device according to this disclosure includes a first magazine and a second magazine, each having a plurality of storage compartments for storing tools. The control device receives a selection of tool information for a tool to be stored in one of the first magazine and the second magazine. If the selection of tool information for a tool to be stored in the other of the first magazine and the second magazine has not been received, the control device identifies a storage compartment in the other of the first magazine and the second magazine that does not contain a tool. The control device then controls the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the selected tool information from one of the first magazine and the second magazine to the identified storage compartment.

[0020] In this disclosure, the first magazine and the second magazine each have multiple storage compartments for storing tools. The user selects the tool information for the first magazine (or the tool information for the second magazine). If the selection of tool information for the first magazine is accepted but the selection of tool information for the second magazine is not accepted, the control device identifies a storage compartment in the second magazine that does not contain a tool. On the other hand, if the selection of tool information for the second magazine is accepted but the selection of tool information for the first magazine is not accepted, the control device identifies a storage compartment in the first magazine that does not contain a tool.

[0021] The control device controls the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the tool information for the first magazine (or the second magazine) that was selected, from the first magazine (or the second magazine) to the specified storage unit in the second magazine (or the first magazine). As a result, the empty storage section in the second magazine (or the first magazine) can store the tools that the first magazine (or the second magazine) had stored. That is, when the user selects only one of the tool information related to the first magazine and the tool information related to the second magazine, there is no need to specify an empty storage section. That is, the convenience of the tool transfer operation can be improved.

[0022] The control device according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of storage sections for storing tools in each of the first magazine and the second magazine. When accepting a selection between the tool information of the tools stored in the first magazine and the tool information of the tools stored in the second magazine, the control device identifies an empty storage section among the plurality of storage sections provided in the second magazine, and controls the machine tool to transfer the tool indicated by the tool information related to the first magazine for which the selection has been accepted from the first magazine to the identified storage section. After the transfer of the tool, the control device controls the machine tool to transfer the tool indicated by the tool information related to the second magazine for which the selection has been accepted from the second magazine to the storage section that had stored the tool of the first magazine.

[0023] In the present disclosure, each of the first magazine and the second magazine includes a plurality of storage sections. The storage sections store tools. The user selects the tool information related to the first magazine and the tool information related to the second magazine. The tool information related to the first magazine selected by the user indicates the tool to be transferred from the first magazine to the second magazine. The tool information related to the second magazine selected by the user indicates the tool to be transferred from the second magazine to the first magazine. When accepting a selection between the tool information related to the first magazine and the tool information related to the second magazine, the control device identifies an empty storage section among the plurality of storage sections provided in the second magazine.

[0024] The control device controls the machine tool to transfer the tool indicated by the tool information related to the first magazine for which the selection has been accepted from the first magazine to the identified storage section. After the tool indicated by the tool information for the first magazine, which was selected, has been transported, the control device controls the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the tool information for the second magazine, which was selected, from the second magazine to the storage compartment of the first magazine. This storage compartment is the same compartment that held the tool indicated by the tool information for the first magazine, which was selected, until before its transport. Since it is empty after the transport of this tool, it can store the tool indicated by the tool information for the second magazine, which was selected, without any particular problems.

[0025] As a result, the empty compartment in the second magazine now houses the first tool that was stored in the first magazine, and the compartment in the first magazine that previously housed the first tool now houses the other tools that were stored in the second magazine. In other words, if the user selects tool information for both the first and second magazines, the tools indicated by the tool information for the first magazine and the tools indicated by the tool information for the second magazine will be swapped between the two magazines. The user does not need to specify an empty storage compartment when swapping tools. This improves the convenience of tool transport.

[0026] The tools contained in the second magazine are transported to the storage compartment in the first magazine, but the tools contained in the first magazine are not transported to the storage compartment in the second magazine. Therefore, there is no need for the tools contained in the first or second magazine to be temporarily moved to an empty storage compartment. Thus, the tool transport procedure is simple. In other words, the user cannot specify the location of the second magazine. However, this does not disadvantage the user, because the arrangement of the tools stored in the second magazine, and information about where the tools are stored in the second magazine, are not important to the user.

[0027] The control device according to this disclosure has a tool contained in either the first magazine or the second magazine that is movable to a predetermined position, and receives either a transport instruction to transport the tool or a move instruction to move the tool to the predetermined position. When the control device receives both the selection of tool information and the transport instruction, it controls the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the tool information for which the selection was received. When the control device receives both the selection of tool information and the move instruction, it controls the machine tool to move the tool indicated by the tool information for which the selection was received to the predetermined position.

[0028] In this disclosure, the control device receives either a transport instruction or a movement instruction. In the following, the first magazine will be used as an example, representing one of the two magazines, the first magazine. The tools housed in the first magazine can be moved to predetermined positions. For example, rotation of the first magazine causes the tools housed in the first magazine to rotate and move to predetermined positions. These predetermined positions include the position where the user attaches and detaches the tools to and from the first magazine (hereinafter referred to as the attachment / detachment position), or the position below the spindle (hereinafter referred to as the spindle position).

[0029] The user, for example, manually removes a tool from the first magazine that is in the attachment / detachment position (or spindle position), and attaches another tool to the corresponding part of the first magazine. The user also visually inspects the tool that is in the spindle position. If the user wants to move the tools contained in the first magazine to a designated position, the user selects the tool information related to the first magazine and gives a movement instruction to the control device. When the control device receives a selection of tool information for the first magazine and a movement instruction, it controls the machine tool to move the tool indicated by the selected tool information to the predetermined position. Since the tools contained in the first magazine can be moved to the predetermined position by rotation through the rotation of the first magazine, tool transport is unnecessary.

[0030] If the user wants to move the tools contained in the second magazine to a designated position, the user selects the tool information related to the second magazine and gives a movement instruction to the control unit. When the control device receives a selection of tool information for the second magazine and a movement instruction, it controls the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the selected tool information from the second magazine to the first magazine and then move it to a predetermined position. The tool that has been transported from the second magazine and placed in the first magazine can be rotated to a predetermined position by the rotation of the first magazine.

[0031] If the user wants to transport tools between the first and second magazines, the user selects at least the tool information related to the first magazine (or the tool information related to the second magazine) and provides a transport instruction to the control device. When the control device receives a selection of tool information relating to at least the first magazine (or tool information relating to the second magazine) and a transport instruction, it controls the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the selected tool information from the first magazine to the second magazine (or from the second magazine to the first magazine). As a result, the user can view the same display screen and instruct the control device to transport the tool or move the tool to a predetermined position. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

[0032] The control method relating to this disclosure is a method for controlling a machine tool that includes a first magazine and a second magazine for storing a plurality of tools, and for mounting the tools stored in the first magazine on a spindle, the method outputting a display signal for displaying tool information indicating the tools stored in the first magazine and tool information indicating the tools stored in the second magazine, accepting the selection of tool information for tools stored in at least one of the first magazine and the second magazine, and controlling the machine tool to transport the tool indicated by the accepted tool information from one of the first magazine and the second magazine to the other of the first magazine and the second magazine.

[0033] In this disclosure, tool information for the tools contained in the first and second magazines can be viewed in a list, allowing the user to easily select the tools to be transported between the first and second magazines. In other words, the convenience of tool transport operations can be improved.

[0034] The computer program relating to this disclosure includes a first magazine and a second magazine that accommodate multiple tools, and outputs a display signal for displaying tool information indicating the tools contained in the first magazine and tool information indicating the tools contained in the second magazine of a machine tool that mounts the tools contained in the first magazine onto the spindle, accepts the selection of tool information for tools contained in at least one of the first magazine and the second magazine, and causes the computer to execute a process to control the machine tool so as to transport the tool indicated by the accepted tool information from one of the first magazine and the second magazine to the other of the first magazine and the second magazine.

[0035] In this disclosure, the control method relating to this disclosure can be implemented in software using computer hardware elements. A computer-readable recording medium containing the aforementioned computer programs (program products) is also a novel and useful option. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] The control device, control method, and computer program of this disclosure can improve the convenience of tool transport operations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view of a machine tool equipped with a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of a part of a machine tool. [Figure 3] This is a schematic left side view of a machine tool. [Figure 4] This is a schematic front view of the area near the second magazine. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main components of the control device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a touch panel display screen. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the procedure for tool transport and movement processes performed by machine tools. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the procedure for tool transport and movement processes performed by machine tools. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the procedure for tool transport and movement processes performed by machine tools. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of another example of a touch panel display screen. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of yet another example of a touch panel display screen. [Figure 12] This is a schematic front view of a machine tool with a modified configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the arrows in the drawings will indicate up / down, front / back, and left / right. The up / down, left / right, front / back directions shown in the drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating explanation, and the directions are not limited to these. For the sake of explanation, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and parts may be exaggerated or omitted.

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a machine tool equipped with a control device according to an embodiment. In the figure, 1 is a machine tool, which comprises a base 11, an XY movement mechanism 12, a workpiece holder 13, and a vertical column 14. The base 11 has a rectangular shape in plan view and extends in the front-to-back direction. An XY movement mechanism 12, which can move in the left-to-right direction (X direction) and the front-to-back direction (Y direction), is provided on the upper front side of the base 11. A workpiece holder 13 is provided above the XY movement mechanism 12. As the XY movement mechanism 12 moves, the workpiece holder 13 moves in the X and Y directions. The workpiece holder 13 is capable of holding a workpiece. A vertical column 14 is provided on the upper rear side of the base 11. The vertical column 14 has a rectangular prism shape with a front, rear, and left and right sides.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic partial plan view of machine tool 1. Figure 3 is a schematic left side view of machine tool 1. The machine tool 1 further comprises a Z-axis movement mechanism 15, a spindle head 16, and two first support parts 17. A Z-axis movement mechanism 15, which is movable in the vertical direction (Z direction), is provided on the front of the vertical column 14. The spindle head 16 is mounted on the Z-axis movement mechanism 15. As the Z-axis movement mechanism 15 moves, the spindle head 16 moves in the Z direction. The spindle head 16 is equipped with a spindle 161. The spindle 161 extends vertically, and a tool can be attached to the lower end of the spindle 161. The two first support parts 17 are arranged side by side. The left first support part 17 protrudes forward from the front left side of the vertical column 14. The right first support part 17 protrudes forward from the front right side of the vertical column 14.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the machine tool 1 further comprises a first magazine 2 and two second magazines 3. The first magazine 2 is a tool magazine for storing multiple tools. The first magazine 2 comprises a disc 20 and multiple arms 21 (storage sections). The disc 20 rotates around its central axis by the drive of a motor (not shown) connected to the disc 20. Multiple arms 21 are arranged radially on the outer edge of the disc 20. As the disc 20 rotates, the multiple arms 21 rotate around the central axis of the disc 20. Each arm 21 stores a tool by gripping it.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the tips of the two first support parts 17 support the first magazine 2 such that the central axis of the disc 20 extends in approximately the front-rear direction and the disc 20 is tilted forward. The first magazine 2 is located in front of the spindle head 16. The lower end of the first magazine 2 is the spindle position (tool change position). The machine tool 1 performs tool changes between the arm 21, which is at the spindle position, and the spindle 161.

[0043] When removing a tool from the spindle 161, the rotation of the disc 20 causes the arm 21, which does not contain a tool (i.e., is empty), to move to the spindle position. The tool mounted on the spindle 161 is moved from the spindle 161 to the arm 21 at the spindle position by the upward movement of the Z-movement mechanism 15. In this way, the first magazine 2 stores the tool to be mounted on the spindle 161. When a tool is attached to the spindle 161, the rotation of the disc 20 moves the arm 21 containing the tool to the spindle position. The tool, which was held by the arm 21 at the spindle position, is then moved from the arm 21 at the spindle position to the empty spindle 161 by the descent of the Z-movement mechanism 15. In this way, the machine tool 1 attaches the tool contained in the first magazine 2 to the spindle 161.

[0044] The XY movement mechanism 12 adjusts the front-to-back, left-to-right position of the workpiece relative to the tool mounted on the spindle 161, and the Z movement mechanism 15 adjusts the up-to-down position of the tool mounted on the spindle 161. The tool mounted on the spindle 161 processes the workpiece held by the workpiece holder 13. A second support portion 171 is provided on the first support portion 17 on the left side. The second support portion 171 protrudes diagonally forward to the left from the base end of the first support portion 17.

[0045] The lower part of the first magazine 2 has an attachment / detachment position different from the spindle position. A cover (not shown) covering the first magazine 2 has openings in the parts corresponding to the spindle position and the attachment / detachment position. The user may visually inspect the tool housed in the arm 21 at the spindle position. The user may also manually attach and detach the tool to the arm 21 at the attachment / detachment position. The user may also manually attach and detach the tool to the arm 21 at the spindle position. In the following, the attachment / detachment position is given as an example of a predetermined position, but the predetermined position may also be the spindle position.

[0046] The two second magazines 3 are located on both the left and right sides of the vertical column 14. The left second magazine 3 will be described in detail below. Figure 2 mainly shows the left side of the machine tool 1, where the second magazine 3 is located. The configuration of the right second magazine 3 is similar to that of the left second magazine 3, except that it is arranged in a roughly symmetrical manner.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the vicinity of the second magazine 3. The second magazine 3 is a tool magazine for storing multiple tools. The second magazine 3 comprises a wheel 30 and multiple arms 31 (storage sections). The wheel 30 is disc-shaped with multiple openings to reduce weight. The wheel 30 rotates around its central axis by the drive of a motor 32 (see Figure 2) connected to the wheel 30. Multiple arms 31 are equally spaced in the circumferential direction around the outer edge of the wheel 30. As the wheel 30 rotates, the multiple arms 31 rotate around the central axis of the wheel 30. Each arm 31 stores a tool by gripping it.

[0048] The tip of the second support portion 171 supports the second magazine 3 such that the front end of the wheel 30 of the second magazine 3 approaches the left end of the disc 20 of the first magazine 2 (see Figure 2). The machine tool 1 further includes a conveying device 18. The conveying device 18 conveys the tools contained in one of the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3 to the other of the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3.

[0049] Point P, shown in Figures 1 and 3, indicates the position for transferring the tool between the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3 (hereinafter referred to as the transfer position). The transfer position P is located near the left end of the disc 20 and near the front end of the wheel 30, and is different from both the spindle position and the attachment / detachment position. For example, the transfer position P is located at the top of the first magazine 2. When transporting tools from the first magazine 2 to the second magazine 3, the rotation of the disc 20 causes the arm 21 containing the tools to move to the transfer position P, and the rotation of the wheel 30 causes the empty arm 31 to move to the transfer position P. The transport device 18 transports the tools from arm 21 at the transfer position P to arm 31 at the transfer position P. As a result, the second magazine 3 receives the tools transported from the first magazine 2 by the transport device 18.

[0050] When transporting a tool from the second magazine 3 to the first magazine 2, the rotation of the disc 20 causes the empty arm 21 to move to the transfer position P, and the rotation of the wheel 30 causes the arm 31 that will hold the tool to move to the transfer position P. The transport device 18 transports the tool from the arm 31 at the transfer position P to the arm 21 at the transfer position P. As a result, the first magazine 2 receives the tool that the transport device 18 has transported from the second magazine 3. Furthermore, the timing at which empty (or tool-containing) arms 21 and 31 move to the transfer position P is not limited to immediately before the start of tool transport. For example, in the second magazine 3, after the completion of tool transport and before the start of the transport of the next tool, the control unit 43 can identify an empty arm 31, and the identified empty arm 31 can then move to the transfer position P.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, the machine tool 1 is further equipped with a control device 4. The control device 4 is located on the rear surface of the vertical column 14. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the control device 4. The control device 4 comprises a main memory unit 41, an auxiliary memory unit 42, and a control unit 43. Each part of the control device 4 is interconnected via a bus.

[0052] The main memory unit 41 is volatile and is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary storage unit 42 is non-volatile and includes ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, hard disk, or SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The auxiliary storage unit 42 pre-stores a program 44 (computer program) for controlling the operation of the machine tool 1, and various data necessary for executing the program 44.

[0053] The program 44 stored in the auxiliary storage unit 42 may be installed from a recording medium 5 such as an optical disk, flash memory, or magnetic disk, or it may be installed from a server via a network. The program 44 may be a single computer program or composed of multiple computer programs. The program 44 can be deployed to run on a single computer, in one site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0054] Program 44 includes a control program for machine tool 1 created by the manufacturer of machine tool 1, and a workpiece machining program created by the user of machine tool 1, etc. The control program for machine tool 1 includes those for implementing the control method according to this disclosure. The control unit 43 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 43 may also include logic circuits (e.g., FPGA). The control unit 43 uses the main memory unit 41 as a working area and executes various arithmetic and control processes according to the program 44 stored in the auxiliary memory unit 42.

[0055] The control device 4 is not limited to a configuration in which one processor in the control unit 43 executes multiple processes. For example, multiple processors in the control unit 43 may distribute and execute multiple processes. A processor that executes one process and a processor that executes other processes may exist separately. Furthermore, each process may be executable on multiple devices, and each process may be executable on a virtual machine.

[0056] The machine tool 1 is equipped with a touch panel 6. The touch panel 6 is located on the outer surface of a cover (not shown) that covers the machine tool 1, excluding the base 11 and the control device 4. The touch panel 6 is equipped with a display unit 61 and an operation detection unit 62. The display unit 61 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The control unit 43 outputs a display signal to the touch panel 6 for displaying an image (for example, an icon). The display unit 61 displays the image based on the display signal from the control unit 43.

[0057] The operation detection unit 62 is a transparent thin film that is laminated on the display unit 61 to detect when a user has operated on an image displayed by the display unit 61. Under the control of the control unit 43, a portion of the operation detection unit 62 (for example, the portion that overlaps with an icon) functions as a virtual key. The virtual key is a software key (a key reproduced on the screen). The control unit 43 determines whether the user has operated on the image (in this case, an icon) corresponding to the virtual key based on whether the user's hand has touched the virtual key.

[0058] The machine tool 1 is equipped with an operating unit 7. The operating unit 7 is located near the touch panel 6. The operating unit 7 consists of physical keys (hardware keys). However, the machine tool 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with an operating unit 7. The machine tool 1 may, instead of (or together with) the touch panel 6, be equipped with an output device corresponding to the display unit 61 (such as a liquid crystal display or organic EL display) and an input device corresponding to the operation detection unit 62 (such as a mouse or keyboard). Furthermore, the touch panel 6 (or the output device and input device) is not limited to the configuration provided by the machine tool 1. For example, the control device 4 may be connected to a tablet terminal or personal computer using a LAN cable or the like, and the control unit 43 may output a display signal to the tablet terminal or personal computer. In this case, the display unit of the tablet terminal or personal computer will display an image based on the display signal.

[0059] The control unit 43 pre-registers in the auxiliary storage unit 42 tool information (tool information related to the first magazine 2) indicating the tools to be stored in the first magazine 2 and the identification number of the arm 21 that stores the tools indicated by the tool information related to the first magazine 2, linking them together. Similarly, the control unit 43 pre-registers in the auxiliary storage unit 42 tool information (tool information related to the second magazine 3) indicating the tools to be stored in the second magazine 3 and the identification number of the arm 31 that stores the tools indicated by the tool information related to the second magazine 3, linking them together.

[0060] The user may instruct the machine tool 1 to transport a tool, move to a tool attachment / detachment position, or move an empty arm 21 to an attachment / detachment position while viewing the touch panel 6. Hereinafter, transporting a tool, moving to a tool attachment / detachment position, or moving an empty arm 21 to an attachment / detachment position will simply be referred to as transporting or moving the tool. The control unit 43 outputs display signals to the touch panel 6 for displaying tool information related to the first magazine 2 and tool information related to the second magazine 3. The tool information includes at least one of the following: tool identification information, tool name, tool life, etc.

[0061] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of the display screen of the touch panel 6. In the figure, T11 is tool identification information, and tool identification information T11 indicates the identification information of the tool. In the figure, Tna is tool name information, and tool name information Tna indicates the tool name. Similarly, tool identification information T12~T14 and T21~T23 each indicate the identification information of the tool, and tool name information Tnb~Tne, Tnx, and Tny each indicate the tool name. Tool name information and tool identification information are tool information.

[0062] For the sake of simplicity in the diagram, the first magazine 2 is assumed to have eight arms 21 with identification numbers N1 to N8. The second magazine 3 on the left is assumed to have three arms 31 with identification numbers L1 to L3, and the second magazine 3 on the right is assumed to have three arms 31 with identification numbers R1 to R3.

[0063] Upon receiving a display signal from the control unit 43, the touch panel 6 displays the first part 6a on the right side of the display screen, and displays the second part 6b on the left side of the display screen, adjacent to the first part 6a.

[0064] The first section 6a contains tool information related to the first magazine 2. In the example shown in Figure 6, the tool information related to the first magazine 2 is tool identification information T11 to T14 (and tool name information Tnc, Tnb, Tne, Tnd). The first part 6a includes eight icons M11 to M18. The eight icons M11 to M18 correspond to eight arms 21 having identification numbers N1 to N8. Each of the icons M11 to M18 functions as a virtual key.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 6, icons M11-M13 and M17 contain tool identification information T11, T13, T14, and T12 (and tool name information Tnc, Tne, Tnd, and Tnb). This indicates that the arms 21 with identification numbers N1-N3 and N7 house the tools indicated by the tool identification information T11, T13, T14, and T12 (and tool name information Tnc, Tne, Tnd, and Tnb). Icons M14-M16 and M18 do not contain tool information. This indicates that the arms 21 with identification numbers N4-N6 and N8 do not house any tools.

[0066] For the user, information such as the arrangement of tools stored in the first magazine 2, which identification number arm 21 a tool is stored in, and which identification number arm 21 is empty is important. This is because, for example, the arrangement of tools stored in the first magazine 2 affects the machining efficiency of the workpiece. When multiple tools are required to machine a workpiece, if the necessary tools are arranged in the order of use, the amount of rotation of the disc 20 during tool changes will be minimized, thus shortening the time until the workpiece machining is completed. Therefore, in the first part 6a, the eight icons M11 to M18 are arranged in a ring in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the eight arms 21 having identification numbers N1 to N8. As a result, the tool information related to the first magazine 2 is arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of tools contained in the first magazine 2.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 6, of the eight icons M11 to M18, the lowest icon M14 contains the words "Spindle Position". This indicates that arm 21, which has identification number N4, is at the spindle position. Since icon M14 does not contain tool information, it can be seen that there is no tool at the spindle position. Icon M13, located to the right of icon M14 in the diagram, contains the words "attachment / detachment position." This indicates that arm 21, which has identification number N3, is in the attachment / detachment position. Since icon M13 contains tool identification information T14 (and tool name information Tnd), it can be seen that the tool indicated by tool identification information T14 (and tool name information Tnd) is in the attachment / detachment position.

[0068] Of the eight icons M11 to M18, icon M17, located to the left of icon M18 (the topmost icon), contains the words "Delivery Position". This indicates that arm 21, which has identification number N7, is at delivery position P. Since icon M17 contains tool identification information T12 (and tool name information Tnb), it can be seen that the tool indicated by tool identification information T12 (and tool name information Tnb) is at delivery position P. As a result of the above, by visualizing the first part 6a, the user can intuitively grasp the arrangement of tools contained in the first magazine 2, and information such as where in the first magazine 2 the tools indicated by the tool information are stored.

[0069] Furthermore, if it is not possible to display icons corresponding to all the arms 21 of the first magazine 2 within the first section 6a, for example, the touch panel 6 will display icons corresponding to some of the arms 21 within the first section 6a. When the user performs a scroll operation, the touch panel 6 will display icons corresponding to other parts of the arms 21 within the first section 6a.

[0070] The second section 6b contains tool information related to the second magazine 3. In the example shown in Figure 6, the tool information related to the second magazine 3 is tool identification information T21~T23 (and tool name information Tna, Tny, Tnx). As described later, the user uses the second magazine 3 as a tool storage container. Therefore, for the user, it is more important to be able to easily find the desired tool from among the multiple tools stored in the second magazine 3 than to be able to easily obtain information such as the arrangement of the tools stored in the second magazine 3 and where each tool is stored in the second magazine 3.

[0071] Part 6b contains nine icons M21-M26 and M31-M33. Each of the icons M21-M26 and M31-M33 functions as a virtual key. Icons M21-M26 are arranged adjacent to each other in this order from top to bottom. Icon M21 includes the identification number R3 of arm 31, tool identification information T21, and tool name information Tna. This indicates that arm 31, which has identification number R3, contains the tool indicated by tool identification information T21 (and tool name information Tna). Similarly, icons M22 and M23 include tool identification information T23 and T22 (and tool name information Tnx and Tny). The tool information contained in icons M21 to M23 (i.e., tool information related to the second magazine 3) is arranged from top to bottom in ascending order of the tool names indicated by the tool name information Tna, Tnx, and Tny.

[0072] As described above, in the second part 6b, the tool information related to the second magazine 3 is arranged in one direction in a predetermined order based on the tool information. Therefore, by viewing the second part 6b, the user can easily find the desired tool from the multiple tools contained in the second magazine 3. The predetermined order based on tool information is not limited to ascending order of tool names; it may also be descending order of tool names, or, for example, ascending or descending order of tool identification information. Furthermore, tool information for tools nearing the end of their lifespan may be placed at the top, while tool information for other tools may be placed at the bottom.

[0073] It is desirable that the tool information related to the second magazine, 3, be sortable. For sorting tool information related to the second magazine 3, icons M31 to M33, corresponding to the identification number of arm 31, tool identification information, and tool name, are arranged side by side above icon M21. For example, a user who wants to sort by tool identification information would operate icon M32. Each time the user operates icon M32, the sorting order of the tool identification information switches between ascending and descending.

[0074] In this embodiment, the three arms 31 of the left second magazine 3 have identification numbers L1 to L3, and the three arms 31 of the right second magazine 3 have identification numbers R1 to R3. Therefore, based on the identification number of the arm 31 (whether the first character of the identification number is "L" or "R"), the user can determine which second magazine 3 contains the tools that the arm 31 holds. Furthermore, by sorting the tool information related to the second magazine 3 based on the identification number of the arm 31, the user can determine the arrangement of the tools contained in each second magazine 3, and where in the second magazine 3 the tools are stored.

[0075] Icons M24 to M26 include identification numbers L2, L3, and R1, but do not contain tool information. This indicates that arm 31, which has identification numbers L2, L3, and R1, does not house a tool. Each second magazine 3 can hold a maximum of two tools. This is because if the second magazine 3 holds three tools, it will be impossible to transfer tools from the first magazine 2 to the second magazine 3. Therefore, the control unit 43 reserves at least one arm 31 in an empty state for each second magazine 3. The icons for the arms 31 that are reserved in an empty state (e.g., icons M25, M26) may be omitted.

[0076] On the touch panel 6, it may be possible to switch between a configuration where tool information related to the second magazine 3 is arranged in a predetermined order based on the tool information in one direction, and a configuration where the tool information is arranged in an order corresponding to the arrangement of tools contained in the second magazine 3. Similarly, the tool information for the first magazine 2 may be switchable between being arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of tools contained in the first magazine 2, and being arranged in a predetermined order in one direction based on the tool information.

[0077] Of the three arms 31 of the second magazine 3 on the left, one is in the transfer position P. Similarly, of the three arms 31 of the second magazine 3 on the right, one is in the transfer position P. Since the tool is not transported between the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3 during workpiece machining, the information of whether or not an arm 31 (or tool) is in the transfer position P is irrelevant to the workpiece machining efficiency and is not important to the user. Therefore, none of the icons M21 to M26 contain the words "transfer position". Note that the second part 6b may include information of whether or not an arm 31 (or tool) is in the transfer position P.

[0078] If it is not possible to display all the tool information for the tools contained in the two second magazines 3 (left and right) within the second section 6b, for example, the touch panel 6 will display tool information for some of the tools contained in the two second magazines 3 within the second section 6b. If the user performs a scroll operation, the touch panel 6 will display tool information for some of the other tools within the second section 6b.

[0079] The tools stored in the first magazine 2 can be directly attached to the spindle 161. The user instructs the machine tool 1 to transport or move tools so that the first magazine 2 stores the tools that are most urgently needed (tools to be used for machining the next workpiece, or tools that are used frequently, etc.). The tools stored in the second magazine 3 cannot be directly mounted on the spindle 161. Since the tools stored in the second magazine 3 must be transported to the first magazine 2 before being mounted on the spindle 161, if the tools stored in the second magazine 3 are used during workpiece machining, the time until workpiece machining is completed will be prolonged. Therefore, the user uses the second magazine 3 as a tool stocker and instructs the machine tool 1 to transport or move tools so that the tools to be stocked are stored in the second magazine 3.

[0080] To allow the user to instruct the machine tool 1 to transport or move a tool, the touch panel 6 is provided with transport instruction keys 6c and move instruction keys 6d on the lower sides of the first part 6a and second part 6b. The transport instruction key 6c and move instruction key 6d are virtual keys, respectively.

[0081] Figures 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing the procedures for tool transport and movement performed by the machine tool 1. The control unit 43 starts the execution of the tool transport and movement process, for example, when a user operates a predetermined virtual key on the touch panel 6. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 43 sends a display signal to the touch panel 6 to display a display screen that includes tool information for the first magazine 2 and tool information for the second magazine 3 (S11). As a result, the touch panel 6 displays a display screen as shown in Figure 6. The control unit 43 accepts the operation of icons M11-M18 and M21-M26 (S12). After the user operates at least one of icons M11-M18 and M21-M26, the user operates either the transport instruction key 6c or the move instruction key 6d.

[0082] When a user operates icons M11 to M18 that contain tool information, the control unit 43 accepts the selection of tool information related to the first magazine 2. Similarly, operating icons M21 to M26 that contain tool information accepts the selection of tool information related to the second magazine 3. Operating icons M11 to M18 that do not contain tool information accepts the selection of an empty arm 21 in which a tool should be housed. If the touch panel 6 receives an operation for icons M21 to M26 that do not contain tool information, the control unit 43 may control the touch panel 6 to display an error message to the user. It is desirable that operations that cause the first magazine 2 to hold nine or more tools, and operations that cause the left and right second magazines 3 to hold a total of five or more tools, result in an error. However, it is not a problem if the left and right second magazines 3 temporarily hold a total of five or more tools when exchanging tools between the first magazine 2 and the second magazines 3.

[0083] The control unit 43 determines whether the user has operated the transport instruction key 6c or the move instruction key 6d (S13). If the user has not operated either the transport instruction key 6c or the move instruction key 6d (S13: NO), the process returns to S12. When the user operates the transport instruction key 6c, the control unit 43 receives a transport instruction from the user. Similarly, when the user operates the movement instruction key 6d, it receives a transport instruction from the user. When the user operates either the transport instruction key 6c or the movement instruction key 6d (S13: YES), the control unit 43 outputs a display signal to the touch panel 6 to display a confirmation screen, causing the touch panel 6 to display a confirmation screen (S14). The user, after viewing the confirmation screen, operates the control unit 7.

[0084] The control unit 43 determines whether the user has operated the operation unit 7 (S15), and if the user has not operated the operation unit 7 (S15: NO), it repeats the process in S15. In other words, simply operating the virtual keys on the touch panel 6 does not start the transport or movement of the tool. By instructing the user to operate the control unit 7, which is a physical key, before the transport (or movement) of the tool begins, it is possible to prevent the tool from being transported (or moved) due to, for example, the user accidentally operating a virtual key on the touch panel 6. If the confirmation screen includes a cancel key, the control unit 43 returns to process S12 when the user presses the cancel key.

[0085] If the user operates the operation unit 7 (S15:YES), the control unit 43 determines whether or not it has received a transport instruction based on whether or not the user operated the transport instruction key 6c in the process of S13 (S16). If a transport instruction is received (S16: YES), the control unit 43 determines whether or not only the selection of tool information related to the first magazine 2 was received in the process of S12 (S31), as shown in Figure 8. If the S12 process only accepts the selection of tool information related to the first magazine 2 (S31: YES), the control unit 43 identifies an empty arm 31 (S32). The control unit 43 moves the identified arm 31 and the arm 21 (two arms 21, 31) that is gripping the tool having the accepted tool information to the transfer position P (S33).

[0086] After the two arms 21 and 31 have moved to the transfer position P, the control unit 43 uses the transport device 18 to transport the tools from the first magazine 2 to the second magazine 3 (i.e., from arm 21 at the transfer position P to arm 31 at the transfer position P) (S34). This improves convenience as the user does not need to specify an empty arm 31. After the tool has been transported, the control unit 43 re-registers the tool information (S35). Specifically, the control unit 43 links the tool information of the transported tool with the identification number of the arm 31 that housed the transported tool, and unlinks the tool information of the transported tool with the identification number of the now empty arm 21 that housed the transported tool. After the tool information is re-registered, the control unit 43 terminates the tool transport and movement process.

[0087] If the process in S12 did not accept the selection of tool information related only to the first magazine 2 (S31: NO), the control unit 43 determines whether the process in S12 accepted the selection of tool information related only to the second magazine 3 (S36). If the S12 process only accepts the selection of tool information related to the second magazine 3 (S36: YES), the control unit 43 moves the process to S32.

[0088] In S32, the control unit 43 identifies an empty arm 21, and in S33, moves the identified arm 21 and the arm 31 holding the tool with the selected tool information to the transfer position P. In S34, the control unit 43 uses the transport device 18 to transport the tool from the second magazine 3 to the first magazine 2 (i.e., from the arm 31 at the transfer position P to the arm 21 at the transfer position P), and in S35, re-registers the tool information. In this case, the control unit 43 links the tool information of the transported tool with the identification number of the arm 21 that contained the transported tool, and unlinks the tool information of the transported tool with the identification number of the now empty arm 31 that contained the transported tool.

[0089] If the S12 process accepts the selection of tool information related to the second magazine 3 and the selection of an empty arm 21, the control unit 43 should determine YES in the S36 process. After this, the control unit 43 moves the process to S33 and moves the selected arm 21 and the arm 31 holding the tool with the selected tool information to the transfer position P. By selecting both the tool information related to the second magazine 3 and an empty arm 21, the user can place the desired tool into the arm 21 specified by the user.

[0090] If the S12 process did not accept the selection of tool information for the second magazine 3 only (S36: NO), the control unit 43 accepted the selection of both tool information for the first magazine 2 and tool information for the second magazine 3. Therefore, the control unit 43 identifies an empty arm 31 (S37). Next, the control unit 43 moves the arm 21 holding the tool with the accepted tool information and the empty arm 31 (the two arms 21 and 31) to the transfer position P (S38). After the two arms 21 and 31 have moved to the transfer position P, the control unit 43 uses the transport device 18 to transport the tool from the first magazine 2 to the second magazine 3 (i.e., from arm 21 to arm 31) (S39).

[0091] After the tool has been transported, the control unit 43 moves the arm 31 holding the tool with the selected tool information to the transfer position P (S40). Since the arm 21 at the transfer position P is already empty, there is no need to move the arm 21.

[0092] After the arm 31 has moved to the transfer position P, the control unit 43 moves the process to S34. In S34, the control unit 43 uses the transport device 18 to transport the tools from the second magazine 3 to the first magazine 2 (i.e., from arm 31 at the transfer position P to arm 21 at the transfer position P), and in S35, it re-registers the tool information. In this case, the control unit 43 links the tool information of the transported tool with the identification number of the arm 21 that contained the transported tool, and also links the tool information of the transported tool with the identification number of the arm 31 that contained the transported tool. Furthermore, the control unit 43 unlinks the identification number of the now empty arm 31 that contained the transported tool.

[0093] As shown in Figure 7, if no transport instruction has been received (S16: NO), a move instruction has been received, so the control unit 43 determines whether or not the selection of tool information related to the first magazine 2 has been received in the process of S12, as shown in Figure 9 (S51). If the tool information for the first magazine 2 is selected in the S12 process (S51: YES), the control unit 43 moves the arm 21 containing the tool indicated by the received tool information to the attachment / detachment position (S52), and terminates the tool transport and movement process.

[0094] After the arm 21 containing the tool is moved to the attachment / detachment position, the user removes the tool from the arm 21 in the attachment / detachment position. When the user removes the tool from the arm 21, the control unit 43 controls the touch panel 6 to display a tool registration screen for deleting the registration of the tool information of the removed tool. The user views the tool registration screen and deletes the registration of the tool information of the removed tool. The user may attach a tool to the empty arm 21. If the user attaches a tool to the empty arm 21, the control unit 43 controls the touch panel 6 to display a tool registration screen for registering the tool information of the attached tool. The user views the tool registration screen and registers the tool information of the attached tool.

[0095] If the selection of tool information for the first magazine 2 has not been accepted in the S12 process (S51: NO), the control unit 43 determines whether or not the selection of tool information for the second magazine 3 has been accepted in the S12 process (S53). If the S12 process accepts the selection of tool information related to the second magazine 3 (S53: YES), the control unit 43 transports the tool indicated by the accepted tool information to the empty arm 21 of the first magazine 2 in the same manner as the S32-S35 processes (S54), and then proceeds to S52. After this, the user removes the tool from the arm 21 in the attachment / detachment position.

[0096] If the selection of tool information for the second magazine 3 has not been accepted in the S12 process (S53: NO), the control unit 43 accepts the selection of an empty arm 21 to house the tool. The control unit 43 then moves the selected empty arm 21 to the attachment / detachment position (S55), and terminates the tool transport and movement process. After this, the user attaches a tool to the arm 21 in the attachment / detachment position and registers the tool information of the attached tool.

[0097] Furthermore, when exchanging the tool housed in arm 21 with the tool housed in arm 31, the arm 21 or 31 that housed the tool may then house the replacement tool. However, the tool housed in arm 21 or arm 31 must be temporarily moved to an empty arm 31 or arm 21.

[0098] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of the display screen of the touch panel 6. For example, if the user selects icons M11 and M22 and operates the transport instruction key 6c, the control unit 43 determines YES in process S16 and NO in processes S31 and S36. Icon M11 includes tool identification information T11, and icon M22 includes tool identification information T23. When the control unit 43, having completed the processes in S37-S40 and S34, S35, executes the process in S11 again, the tool indicated by tool identification information T11 is exchanged with the tool indicated by tool identification information T23, and the touch panel 6 displays a display screen as shown in Figure 10.

[0099] In Figure 6, arm 21, which has identification number N1, houses the tool indicated by tool identification information T11, and arm 31, which has identification number L1, houses the tool indicated by tool identification information T23. On the other hand, in Figure 10, arm 21 having identification number N1 houses the tool indicated by tool identification information T23, and arm 31 having identification number L2 houses the tool indicated by tool identification information T11.

[0100] The user may select multiple tool items for the first magazine 2 and multiple tool items for the second magazine 3. However, when transporting tools by selecting multiple tool items for the first magazine 2 (or the second magazine 3), the number of selectable items is limited to the number of empty arms 31 (or empty arms 21). When exchanging tools between the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3, the user must select the same number of tool items for both the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3. The user may specify the order in which the selected tools are transported, or the control unit 43 may determine it. The system may switch between a multiple selection mode and a single selection mode according to a predetermined operation by the user.

[0101] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of yet another example of the display screen of the touch panel 6. In Figure 6, the second part 6b is located to the left of the first part 6a, and all the tool information related to the left and right second magazines 3 is arranged in the second part 6b. The second part 6b may also be located to the right of the first part 6a. In Figure 11, there are second parts 6b on both the left and right sides of the first part 6a. The left second part 6b contains all the tool information related to the left second magazine 3, arranged in ascending order, for example, by tool identification information. Similarly, the right second part 6b contains all the tool information related to the right second magazine 3. In this case, the user can intuitively determine which of the two second magazines 3 contains the desired tool. The two second parts 6b may both be adjacent to the left or right side of the first part 6a. Furthermore, the first part 6a and the second part 6b are not limited to being adjacent to each other horizontally; for example, they may be adjacent vertically. The first part 6a and the second part 6b are not limited to being adjacent to each other. For example, it may be possible to switch between a screen that includes the first part 6a but does not include the second part 6b and a screen that does not include the first part 6a but includes the second part 6b.

[0102] With the control device 4 described above, the user can view a list of tool information for the tools contained in the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3 by looking at the display screen shown on the touch panel 6. Therefore, the user can easily select the tools to be transported from one of the first magazine 2 and the second magazine 3 to the other, or the tools to be swapped between the two. In other words, the convenience of tool transport operations can be improved.

[0103] Note that the second magazine 3 is not limited to two. For example, there may be three or more second magazines 3. The machine tool 1 is equipped with a transport device 18 for each second magazine 3. Even when there are three or more second magazines 3, it is desirable that the identification number of the arm 31 includes letters, symbols, etc., to identify the second magazine 3 equipped with the arm 31. Figure 12 is a schematic front view of machine tool 1, showing a modified example with some changes to its configuration. The machine tool 1 shown in Figure 12 is equipped with one second magazine 3. The second magazine 3 is located on the left side of the vertical column 14, but it may also be located on the right side of the vertical column 14. If the second magazine 3 is located on the right side of the vertical column 14, the touch panel 6 may display the second part 6b to the right of the first part 6a.

[0104] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is intended to include, but not in the sense described above, the equivalents of the claims and all modifications within the claims. The independent and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the form of reference. Furthermore, while the claims use a multi-claim format in which claims refer to two or more other claims (multi-claim format), this is not the only option. A multi-claim format in which at least one multi-claim is referenced (multi-multi-claim format) may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1 Machine tools 161 Main shaft 2 First Magazine 21 Arm (housing section) 3 Second Magazine 31 Arm (housing section) 4. Control device 44. Programs (Computer Programs) 6a First part 6b Second part T11~T14 Tool identification information (tool information) T21~T23 Tool identification information (tool information) Tna~Tne Tool name information (tool information) Tnx,Tny tool name information (tool information)

Claims

1. A control device for a machine tool that has a first magazine and a second magazine for storing multiple tools, and for mounting the tools stored in the first magazine onto the spindle, The system outputs a display signal to show tool information indicating the tools contained in the first magazine and tool information indicating the tools contained in the second magazine. The system accepts the selection of tool information for tools contained in at least one of the first magazine and the second magazine, The machine tool is controlled to transport the tool indicated by the tool information that has been selected from the first magazine and the second magazine from one of them to the other. Control device.

2. The tool information of the tools contained in the first magazine is arranged in a first part that corresponds to the arrangement of the tools contained in the first magazine, The second part contains tool information for the tools stored in the second magazine. Outputs a display signal to show them so that they are adjacent to each other. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The first part of the magazine contains tool information for the tools it holds, The tool information of the tools contained in the second magazine is arranged in one direction in a predetermined order based on the tool information in the second part and Outputs a display signal to show them so that they are adjacent to each other. The control device according to claim 1.

4. The first magazine and the second magazine each have multiple compartments for storing tools. If the selection of tool information for a tool contained in one of the first magazine and the second magazine is accepted, and the selection of tool information for a tool contained in the other of the first magazine and the second magazine is not accepted, Of the multiple storage compartments provided in the other of the first magazine and the second magazine, identify the storage compartment that does not contain a tool. The machine tool is controlled to transport the tool indicated by the tool information received from the selection to the specified storage unit from either the first magazine or the second magazine. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first magazine and the second magazine each have multiple compartments for storing tools. When a selection is received between tool information for the tools contained in the first magazine and tool information for the tools contained in the second magazine, Of the multiple storage compartments provided in the second magazine, identify the storage compartment that does not contain the tool, The machine tool is controlled to transport the tool indicated by the tool information relating to the first magazine that has received the selection from the first magazine to the specified storage unit. After the tool has been transported, the machine tool is controlled to transport the tool indicated by the tool information of the second magazine that has been selected to the storage section of the first magazine that previously contained the tool. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The tools contained in one of the first and second magazines are movable to a predetermined position. The system receives either a transport instruction to transport the tool, or a move instruction to move the tool to the predetermined position. When the selection of tool information and the transport instruction are received, the machine tool is controlled to transport the tool indicated by the tool information that was selected. When the selection of tool information and the movement instruction are received, the machine tool is controlled to move the tool indicated by the selected tool information to the predetermined position. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A method for controlling a machine tool that includes a first magazine and a second magazine for storing multiple tools, and for mounting the tools stored in the first magazine onto the spindle, The system outputs a display signal to show tool information indicating the tools contained in the first magazine and tool information indicating the tools contained in the second magazine. The system accepts the selection of tool information for tools contained in at least one of the first magazine and the second magazine, The machine tool is controlled to transport the tool indicated by the tool information that has been selected from the first magazine and the second magazine from one of them to the other. Control method.

8. A machine tool equipped with a first magazine and a second magazine for storing multiple tools, which mounts the tools stored in the first magazine onto the spindle, outputs a display signal for displaying tool information indicating the tools stored in the first magazine and tool information indicating the tools stored in the second magazine. The system accepts the selection of tool information for tools contained in at least one of the first magazine and the second magazine, The machine tool is controlled to transport the tool indicated by the tool information that has been selected from the first magazine and the second magazine from one of them to the other. A computer program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

Images