Tool management device, tool management method, program, and production system

Abstract

To properly supply a regularly-stored tool to a tool storage device.SOLUTION: A tool management device (3) includes: a regularly-stored tool setting part (1) which sets a regularly-stored tool being a tool that is regularly stored in a tool storage device (12) of a machine tool (1) in association with a regular use pocket being a designated attachment destination of the regularly-stored tool in the respective pockets of the tool storage device (12); a calculation part (33) which extracts a replenishment tool being a tool to be replenished to the tool storage device (12) on the basis of the processing schedule and tool data of the machine tool (1) and allocates the pocket of the tool storage device (12) to the extracted replenishment tool; and an instruction part (33) which issues an instruction to attach the replenishment tool to the pocket allocated by the calculation part (33). The calculation part (33) preferentially allocates the regular use pocket to the replenishment tool when the replenishment tool of the same kind as the regularly-stored tool exists.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for managing tools used in machine tools.

Background Art

[0002] As a type of machine tool for machining workpieces, there is known a machine such as a machining center that performs various machining operations on a workpiece while replacing the tools used. This type of machine tool is provided with a tool storage device for storing a plurality of tools. Machining of the workpiece is performed while appropriately exchanging tools between the machining unit (mechanism unit that performs machining while holding the tool) of the machine tool and the tool storage device.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a device for controlling the attachment and detachment of tools to the above tool storage device (tool magazine). Specifically, in the following Patent Document 1, before machining the next workpiece, the tool already attached to the tool storage device is compared with the tool to be used for the next workpiece, and if there is a shortage of tools, the shortage tool is supplied from a tool stocker for storing tools or the tool storage device of another machine tool. At this time, a part of the tools already in the tool storage device is removed as necessary. For example, when all of the necessary tools, which are the tools to be used for the next workpiece, do not fit in the tool storage device, unnecessary tools, which are tools not to be used for the next workpiece among the tools already attached to the tool storage device, are extracted, and the extracted unnecessary tools are exchanged with the above necessary tools.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, among the above-mentioned unnecessary tools, there may be tools that are preferably not removed from the tool storage device. For example, a multi-purpose tool used for processing most types of workpieces may preferably not be removed from the tool storage device even if it is not used for the next workpiece. Therefore, the device of Patent Document 1 has a function of designating a standing tool fixed to the machine tool. The pointed-out standing tool is excluded from the objects to be removed from the tool storage device.

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a tool once set as a standing tool may remain in the tool storage device as it is. For example, even if some defect occurs in the standing tool, the defective standing tool will continue to remain in the tool storage device unless the operator replaces the standing tool with a new one at his / her own discretion.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a tool management device, a tool management method, a program, and a production system that can appropriately supply necessary standing tools to a tool storage device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] As a means for solving the above problems, an apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a tool management apparatus that manages tools used in a machine tool, and includes a schedule storage unit that stores a processing schedule that determines a schedule of processing to be performed by the machine tool, tool data including information on tools attached to each pocket of a tool storage device provided in the machine tool and information on tools stored in a place other than the tool storage device, and a standing tool in the tool storage device want toA standing tool setting unit that associates and sets a standing tool, which is a tool, with a regular pocket that is the specified attachment destination of the standing tool in the pocket; the processing schedule stored in the schedule storage unit; and the tool data stored in the tool data storage unit. Based on this, an additional tool, which is a tool to be replenished in the tool storage device, is extracted, and the pockets of the tool storage device are respectively assigned to the extracted additional tools. An instruction unit that issues an instruction to attach the additional tool to the pocket assigned by the calculation unit. When there is an additional tool of the same type as the standing tool, the calculation unit preferentially assigns the regular pocket to the additional tool.

[0009] According to the present invention, since an additional tool is extracted based on a pre-stored processing schedule and tool data, and an instruction is issued to attach the extracted additional tool to the assigned pocket of the tool storage device, it is possible to easily prepare the tools required for processing the next work simply by attaching the tools according to the instruction. Moreover, when standing tools are set in the tool storage device, the regular pocket, which is the specified attachment destination of the standing tools, is preferentially assigned during tool attachment instructions, so that the standing tools can be updated or newly attached quickly, and the standing tools can be kept in a normal state. want to When standing tools are set, the regular pocket, which is the specified attachment destination of the standing tools, is preferentially assigned during tool attachment instructions, so that the standing tools can be updated or newly attached quickly, and the standing tools can be kept in a normal state.

[0010] Preferably, based on the tool data, the calculation unit extracts tools excluding those with abnormal states from the tools attached to the tool storage device as existing tools, extracts necessary tools, which are the tools required for processing the next work, based on the processing schedule, and extracts the tools obtained by removing the existing tools from the necessary tools as the additional tools.

[0011] In this aspect, it is possible to appropriately extract the tools that actually need to be replenished, including the tools that need to be updated due to abnormal states.

[0012] Preferably, the calculation unit When at least one of the conditions that the standby tool with an abnormal state is attached to the regular pocket and the condition that the regular pocket is empty is satisfied, it is determined that the regular pocket is in an NG state. There is an additional tool of the same type as the standing tool, and the regular pocketthe When in the NG state, the normal pocket is preferentially assigned to the replenishment tool.

[0013] In this aspect, the update or new attachment of the standing tools can be appropriately performed while considering the state of the normal pocket which is the attachment destination thereof.

[0015] Specifically, according to the above aspect, When there is a standing tool with an abnormal state, it can be quickly replaced with a normal standing tool. Alternatively, when there is an empty normal pocket where the standing tool has not yet been attached, the standing tool that should originally be there can be quickly attached to the normal pocket.

[0016] Preferably, when both the normal pocket to which the standing tool with an abnormal state is attached and the empty normal pocket exist, the arithmetic unit performs the assignment of the normal pocket to which the standing tool with an abnormal state is attached and the assignment of the empty normal pocket respectively, and then performs the assignment of the pockets other than the normal pocket.

[0017] In this aspect, the update or new attachment of the standing tools can be performed preferentially over other tools other than the standing tools.

[0018] Preferably, the tool management device further includes a priority setting unit that designates which of the assignment of the normal pocket to which the standing tool with an abnormal state is attached and the assignment of the empty normal pocket is to be performed first.

[0019] In this aspect, it is possible to select whether to prioritize the update of the standing tool with an abnormal state or the new attachment of the standing tool that has not been attached, according to preferences and the like.

[0020] The same effects as the above-described invention can also be obtained by the following respective inventions.

[0021] That is, a production system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of machine tools that machine a workpiece and the above-described tool management device.

[0022] According to the present invention, tools used in a plurality of machine tools can be collectively managed by a tool management device. Further, it is possible to always keep the necessary tools in a normal state in the tool storage device of each machine tool.

[0023] A method according to still another aspect of the present invention is a tool management method for managing tools used in a machine tool, including: a first acquisition step of acquiring a machining schedule that determines a machining plan to be performed by the machine tool; a second acquisition step of acquiring tool data including information on tools attached to each pocket of a tool storage device provided in the machine tool and information on tools stored in a location other than the tool storage device; and a third acquisition step of acquiring necessary tool setting information including information on necessary tools that are necessary tools and information on regular pockets that are the pockets designated as the attachment destinations of the necessary tools. Based on the acquired machining schedule and the tool data, an operation step of extracting replenishment tools that are tools to be replenished in the tool storage device and assigning each of the pockets of the tool storage device to the extracted replenishment tools, and an instruction step of issuing an instruction to attach the replenishment tools to the assigned pockets are included. In the operation step, when there are replenishment tools of the same type as the necessary tools, the regular pockets are preferentially assigned to the replenishment tools. want to A program according to still another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer including a memory and a processor to function as a tool management device for managing tools used in a machine tool. The processor performs a first acquisition process of acquiring, from the memory, a machining schedule that determines a machining plan to be performed by the machine tool, a second acquisition process of acquiring, from the memory, tool data including information on tools attached to each pocket of a tool storage device provided in the machine tool and information on tools stored in a location other than the tool storage device, and a third acquisition process of acquiring necessary tool setting information including information on necessary tools that are necessary tools and information on regular pockets that are the pockets designated as the attachment destinations of the necessary tools. Based on the acquired machining schedule and the tool data, an operation process of extracting replenishment tools that are tools to be replenished in the tool storage device and assigning each of the pockets of the tool storage device to the extracted replenishment tools, and an instruction process of issuing an instruction to attach the replenishment tools to the assigned pockets are included. In the operation process, when there are replenishment tools of the same type as the necessary tools, the regular pockets are preferentially assigned to the replenishment tools.

[0024] A program according to still another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer including a memory and a processor to function as a tool management device for managing tools used in a machine tool. The processor performs a first acquisition process of acquiring, from the memory, a machining schedule that determines a machining plan to be performed by the machine tool, a second acquisition process of acquiring, from the memory, tool data including information on tools attached to each pocket of a tool storage device provided in the machine tool and information on tools stored in a location other than the tool storage device, and a third acquisition process of acquiring necessary tool setting information including information on necessary tools that are necessary tools and information on regular pockets that are the pockets designated as the attachment destinations of the necessary tools. Based on the acquired machining schedule and the tool data, an operation process of extracting replenishment tools that are tools to be replenished in the tool storage device and assigning each of the pockets of the tool storage device to the extracted replenishment tools, and an instruction process of issuing an instruction to attach the replenishment tools to the assigned pockets are included. In the operation process, when there are replenishment tools of the same type as the necessary tools, the regular pockets are preferentially assigned to the replenishment tools. want toA third acquisition process of acquiring, from the memory, standing tool setting information including information on standing tools that are tools and information on the regular pockets that are the attachment destinations of the standing tools; based on the acquired processing schedule and the tool data, extracting replenishment tools that are tools to be replenished in the tool storage device, and performing an arithmetic process of assigning the pockets of the tool storage device to the extracted replenishment tools respectively; and an instruction process of issuing an instruction to attach the replenishment tools to the assigned pockets. In the arithmetic process, when there are replenishment tools of the same type as the standing tools, the regular pockets are preferentially assigned to the replenishment tools.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the present invention, necessary standing tools can be appropriately supplied to the tool storage device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

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Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] [Overall Configuration of Production System] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The production system shown in this figure includes a plurality of machine tools 1, a plurality of tool rooms 2, and a tool management device 3. Each machine tool 1 is a machine capable of performing various processes on a work while replacing the tools to be used, and is, for example, a machining center, a multi-tasking machine, a turning center, an NC lathe, or the like. The plurality of machine tools 1 may include the same type of machines or different types of machines. Each tool room 2 is a stocker for storing tools. The tool management device 3 is a device for managing the tools used in the machine tool 1. Note that there may be one or more tool rooms 2, and it is not essential to prepare a plurality of tool rooms 2 as in this embodiment.

[0028] The machine tool 1 includes a processing unit 11 that holds a tool and processes a work with the held tool, a tool storage device 12 that stores various tools that can be attached to the processing unit 11, an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) 13 that automatically exchanges tools between the tool storage device 12 and the processing unit 11, a monitor 14 that displays various information, an input unit 15 having a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and a controller 16 that controls the processing unit 11, the ATC 13, and the monitor 14. The monitor 14 and the input unit 15 may be integrated into, for example, a touch panel type display.

[0029] When the machine tool 1 is, for example, a machining center or a turning center, the machining unit 11 is a spindle that holds and rotates a tool. When the machine tool 1 is, for example, a NC lathe, a tool post that functions as the machining unit 11, the tool storage device 12, and the ATC 13 may be provided in the machine tool 1. Further, the machine tool 1 may include the tool storage device 12 and the ATC 13 together with the tool post.

[0030] The tool storage device 12 includes a plurality of pockets capable of storing tools and is arranged at a position where the tools can be transferred to and from the ATC 13. The plurality of pockets of the tool storage device 12 are, for example, arranged in an endless manner and are rotationally driven all at once by a predetermined drive mechanism. Alternatively, the tool storage device 12 may include a plurality of pockets arranged in parallel. In this case, the tools stored in each pocket are transported to the transfer position to the ATC 13 by, for example, a predetermined transport mechanism.

[0031] The ATC 13 exchanges tools between the machining unit 11 and the tool storage device 12 based on the commands of the controller 16 so that the tools required for machining can be attached to the machining unit 11 at any time.

[0032] The monitor 14 displays various information related to the operation of the machine tool 1, such as information indicating the machining status of the workpiece by the machine tool 1 and information indicating the operations that the operator should perform on the machine tool 1, to the operator. For example, when it is necessary to exchange the tools in the tool storage device 12, the monitor 14 displays an instruction screen showing information such as the tools to be attached to the tool storage device 12 next to the operator (details will be described later).

[0033] The controller 16 is a controller that comprehensively controls the machine tool 1 and includes a processor, a memory, etc. For example, the controller 16 controls the machining unit 11 and the ATC 13 of the machine tool 1 based on various information input from the input unit 15 and a predetermined machining program.

[0034] In the tool room 2, tools newly made by the operator in charge of tool preparation, tools recovered after use in the machine tool 1, etc. are stored. The tool room 2 is equipped with a PC21 (personal computer). Although detailed illustration is omitted, the PC21 is a terminal including a main body part containing a processor, a memory, etc., an input operation part for receiving an input operation by the operator, and a display part for displaying various kinds of information. The display part is, for example, a monitor capable of displaying an instruction screen for instructing the operator about tool preparation and the like. Note that it is sufficient that the tool room 2 has at least a monitor capable of displaying the instruction screen, and a monitor may be provided instead of the PC21.

[0035] The tool management device 3 acquires at any time information on the tools used in each machine tool 1 and the tools in each tool room 2, and based on the acquired information, designates the tools to be attached to the tool storage device 12 of each machine tool 1 next, for each combination of the workpiece and the machine tool 1. The tool management device 3 includes a server 32 constructed so that such a function is realized. Various kinds of information are input or transmitted to the server 32 from the input device 31. The server 32 is connected to be capable of information communication with the input device 31, the controller 16 of each machine tool 1, and the PC21 of each tool room 2 via a wired or wireless electric communication circuit.

[0036] The input device 31 is a terminal including a main body part containing a processor, a memory, etc., an input operation part for receiving an input operation by the operator, and a display part for displaying various kinds of information. The input device 31 inputs or transmits information to the server 32 according to the operation of the operator.

[0037] Specifically, the input device 31 can be, for example, a portable terminal wirelessly connected to be capable of information communication with other devices. In this case, the input device 31 may include a touch panel type display in which an input operation part and a display part are integrally configured, such as a tablet PC or a smartphone. For example, 3D CAD / CAM software may be introduced into the input device 31. Also, there may be one input device 31, but in this embodiment, a plurality of input devices 31 are provided (see FIG. 1).

[0038] Server 32 is a device that inputs and outputs information to and from a plurality of machine tools 1. For example, based on various information and the like input from the input device 31, server 32 outputs information regarding workpiece processing to the controller 16 of each machine tool 1 and acquires necessary information from the controller 16. Further, server 32 outputs information for tool preparation to the PC 21 in each tool room 2 and acquires necessary information from the PC 21. Server 32 may be present within the factory where the machine tool 1 is installed or may be present on the cloud. Note that server 32 corresponds to the "standing tool setting unit" and "priority setting unit" in the present invention.

[0039] Server 32 includes a processor 33 and a memory 34. Processor 33 is an arithmetic device including a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes. Memory 34 is a storage device that stores various information and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, HDD, etc. Note that processor 33 corresponds to the "arithmetic unit" and "instruction unit" in the present invention, and memory 34 corresponds to the "schedule storage unit" and "tool data storage unit" in the present invention.

[0040] [Data Configuration] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the data flow between the input device 31 and the server 32. As shown in this figure, before starting production using the machine tool 1, the operator inputs basic data A0 including workpiece shape data A1, production plan A2, and new tool data A3 to the input device 31. Workpiece shape data is data representing the shape of the workpiece after being processed by the machine tool 1. Workpiece shape data can be extracted, for example, from CAD software that has drawn the workpiece. The production plan is information that determines plans such as which machine tool 1 will process what workpiece, and may include information such as the type, quantity, and processing start time of the workpieces processed by each machine tool 1. New tool data A3 is data prepared when a new tool that is not registered in the tool data C1 (FIG. 3) described later is manufactured, and may include information such as the name and shape of the new tool.

[0041] The input device 31 that has received the input of the basic data A0 creates a processing schedule B0 based on the basic data A0. The processing schedule B0 is information that determines the specific processing content, processing order, tools to be used, etc. at each machine tool 1, and includes a processing program B1 and tool usage information B2. The processing program B1 is a program for realizing the operations of the machine tool 1 necessary for processing a workpiece into a desired shape. The processing program B1 is created for each combination of the workpiece and the machine tool 1 based on workpiece shape data A1 and the like. The tool usage information B2 is information on the tools specified from the processing program B1 and the like, and is information that summarizes the types of tools used in each process of processing the workpiece.

[0042] In other words, the processing schedule B0 is an integration of the processing program B1 applied to each machine tool 1 and its derivative information, and is a database for specifying which tool is to be used in which order at which machine tool 1. The processing schedule B0 (processing program B1 and tool usage information B2) is transmitted to the server 32 and stored in the memory 34. Note that the processing program B1 and the tool usage information B2 are created, for example, by an input operation on the input device 31. Alternatively, it is also possible for the operator of the machine tool 1 to create the processing program B1 and the tool usage information B2 through the operation of the input unit 15. When CAM software is introduced into the input device 31, it is also possible to automatically or semi-automatically create the processing program B1 and the tool usage information B2 by a processing simulation using the CAM software. Further, when there are a plurality of input devices 31 as in this embodiment, the processing program B1 and the tool usage information B2 may be created by different input devices 31.

[0043] In addition, the memory 34 stores tool data C1 that aggregates information on the tools existing in the factory including the machine tool 1 and the tool room 2. The tool data C1 includes information on the tools attached to the tool storage device 12 of each machine tool 1 and information on the tools stored in locations other than the tool storage device 12 (such as the tool room 2).

[0044] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of tool data C1. As shown in this figure, the tool data C1 includes parameters such as the tool name, shape, call number / call diameter, suffix, status, tool group, pocket number, and storage location for a plurality of tools existing in the factory.

[0045] The tool name is a parameter for specifying the use or type of the tool, such as "turning", "spot", "drill", etc.

[0046] The shape of the tool is a parameter for distinguishing tools with the same name but different uses. For example, even for the same turning tool, the shape is different between the tool for inner diameter turning and the tool for outer diameter turning, so words such as "inner diameter" and "outer diameter" for distinguishing them are registered as shape parameters.

[0047] The call number / call diameter of the tool is a parameter for specifying the size of the tool.

[0048] The suffix of the tool is a parameter attached when it is necessary to identify tools with the same call number / call diameter, and alphabets such as "N" and "P" are registered as suffixes.

[0049] The status of the tool is a parameter registered when the status of the tool is abnormal. For example, words representing abnormalities such as "life" and "breakage" are registered as status parameters.

[0050] The tool group is a parameter registered when the application destination of the tool is limited. For example, when the application destination of the tool is limited to machine A, which is one of the machine tools 1, the word "machine A" is registered as the tool group. When the application destination of the tool is limited to line A including a plurality of machine tools 1, the word "line A" is registered as the tool group. Note that the factors limiting the application destination of the tool include differences in the processing uses of the machine tools ① and the taper shapes of the tool holders.

[0051] The storage location is a parameter for specifying the storage destination of a tool. For example, when a tool is stored in Machine A, which is one of the machine tools 1 (that is, the tool is attached to the tool storage device 12 of Machine A), the word "Machine A" is registered as the storage location. When a tool is stored in Tool Room A, which is one of the tool rooms 2, the word "Tool Room A" is registered as the storage location. Also, when the tool is somewhere in the factory but its storage location cannot be specified, it is registered as "unassigned".

[0052] The pocket number is a parameter for specifying the specific attachment location when a tool is attached to the tool storage device 12 of the machine tool 1. For example, when a tool whose storage location is "Machine A" is attached to the 8th pocket in the tool storage device 12 of Machine A, the number "8" is registered as the pocket number.

[0053] Each parameter of the tool name, shape, call / call diameter, suffix, and tool group in the above-mentioned tool data C1 is a fixed parameter registered by the operator and is extracted from the registration data (new tool data A3) of the tools manufactured so far.

[0054] The parameters of the tool status, pocket number, and storage location are parameters that vary according to the usage status of the tool and are appropriately updated by the processor 33. Specifically, these parameters are updated based on the information transmitted from the machine tool 1 and the information registered by the operator or the like.

[0055] For example, the machine tool 1 is equipped with a reader that reads the ID of the tool attached to each pocket of its tool storage device 12, and the information read by the reader is transmitted to the server 32. Based on the information transmitted from the machine tool 1, the processor 33 acquires information on the tools used in each machine tool 1 and the pocket numbers of the attachment destinations of those tools, and uses the acquired information to update the storage location of the tools and the pocket numbers at any time. For example, when the attachment destination when a certain tool is transferred to machine A is pocket No. 16 of the tool storage device 12, the processor 33 changes the storage location and pocket number of the tool to "machine A" and "16", respectively, based on the transmission information from machine A.

[0056] Also, the worker in charge of preparing tools in the tool room 2 registers the information of the prepared tools using the PC 21. If a monitor is provided in the tool room 2 instead of the PC 21, the worker registers the tool information using the input device 31. The processor 33 updates the storage location of the tools at any time using the information. For example, when a worker who sets the tool recovered from the machine tool 1 in the tool room B registers this, the processor 33 changes the storage location of the tool to "tool room B" based on the transmission information from the tool room B.

[0057] Furthermore, the processor 33 determines the state (usage period, etc.) of the tool based on the information transmitted from the machine tool 1 and updates the state of the tool at any time according to the determination result. For example, the processor 33 calculates the total usage period for each tool based on the information transmitted from each machine tool 1, and when there is a tool whose calculated usage period has reached a predetermined upper limit time, it determines that the tool has reached the end of its life. For the newly end-of-life tools, their state is changed to "end of life".

[0058] Here, the tool management device 3 that manages tools has a function of designating tools to be attached to the tool storage device 12 of each machine tool 1 as described above. However, in some cases, there may be tools that should be kept in the tool storage device 12 regardless of such designation. For example, from the perspective of reducing the tool replacement frequency, it is desirable that multi-purpose tools used for processing most types of workpieces are not removed from the tool storage device even if they are not used for the next workpiece. This is because if such multi-purpose tools are removed, it is highly likely that they will need to be reattached immediately, increasing the replacement frequency instead. In this case, the operator of the machine tool 1 wants to set the above multi-purpose tool as a standing tool that is always available in the tool storage device 12. The server 32 has a standing tool setting function as a function to meet such needs.

[0059] The above standing tools are registered in the server 32 through, for example, the input device 31. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a standing tool setting screen, which is a screen displayed on the display unit of the input device 31 when setting the standing tools. In this figure, the plurality of circular icons X displayed in the display area R1 represent each pocket of the tool storage device 12. Also, the numbers (1 to 20) inside the icon X represent the pocket numbers. The setting of the standing tools using the standing tool setting screen is performed for each machine tool 1. For this reason, a pull-down menu M1 for designating the target machine tool 1 is displayed on the standing tool setting screen. The operator designates the setting target of the standing tools by selecting the model type, etc. of the desired machine tool 1 from the pull-down menu M1 using the input operation unit of the input device 31. Although a total of 20 pockets are displayed in FIG. 4, the number of pockets may be more or less than 20.

[0060] When setting a stock tool, the operator selects the desired pocket in the display area R1 and specifies the tool to be stored in the selected pocket using the input menu group M2 on the right. For example, if an end mill with a nominal diameter of 12 is to be stored in pocket #1, the operator selects pocket #1 in the display area R1, selects "End Mill" from the tool pull-down menu in the input menu group M2, and then enters "12" in the nominal / nominal diameter text box. The input menu group M2 may also include pull-down menus for selecting the shape and suffix. In this way, the operator can set a stock tool in association with the pocket to which it is to be attached.

[0061] The above-described operation for setting the standard tools can be performed not only through the input device 31 but also through the input unit 15 of each machine tool 1. Furthermore, as long as a similar operation can be performed, the operation method is not limited to selection from a pull-down menu or input into a text box.

[0062] When the operation for setting the standard tools is performed as described above, the operation information is transmitted to the server 32 and registered. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, standard tool setting information D1 including information (type) of the tool set as the standard tool and information (pocket number) of the pocket designated as the attachment location of the standard tool is registered in the memory 34 of the server 32. This completes the setting of the standard tools. Note that, hereinafter, the pocket designated as the attachment location of the standard tool will be referred to as the standard pocket where appropriate.

[0063] In the example of Fig. 4, a first icon Y1 in the shape of a gear and a second icon Y2 in the shape of a check mark are displayed adjacent to the pocket icon X. The addition of the first icon Y1 to the pocket icon X indicates that the pocket has been set as a regular pocket. The addition of the second icon Y2 to the pocket icon X indicates that the set information has been registered in the server 32. Note that Fig. 4 shows an example in which three pockets, numbered 1, 2, and 20, have been set as regular pockets.

[0064] In addition to the functions related to the standing tools described above, the server 32 is provided with a function of setting the priority of pocket allocation. That is, in the present embodiment, when there are pockets with tools in abnormal states such as lifespan and wear, and empty pockets without tools yet, the priority of pocket allocation can be registered in the server 32 as information for determining which pocket to give priority to when attaching tools. This registration of the priority can be performed, for example, through the input device 31. That is, the input device 31 receives an operation for determining which of the pocket with a tool in an abnormal state and the empty pocket to prioritize as the tool attachment destination, and transmits the received information to the server 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the server 32 stores the received information as priority information D2 in the memory 34. Thereby, the setting of the priority of pocket allocation is completed.

[0065] [Details of Tool Management] Next, the detailed procedure of tool management performed by the server 32 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. The control of tool management shown in this figure is performed for each machine tool 1. That is, the server 32 performs the processes according to the flow in FIG. 6 in parallel by the number corresponding to the number of machine tools 1.

[0066] When the flow in FIG. 6 starts, the processor 33 of the server 32 acquires the processing schedule B0 stored in the memory 34 (step S1).

[0067] Next, the processor 33 determines whether tool replacement for the tool storage device 12 of the machine tool 1 will be necessary in the future (step S2). For example, the processor 33 determines based on the processing schedule B0 whether there is a plan to process a workpiece of a different type (shape) from the workpiece currently being processed by the target machine tool 1 on the same machine tool 1, and determines that tool replacement is necessary when there is a plan to process a different workpiece. Hereinafter, the different workpiece for which processing is scheduled is referred to as the next workpiece.

[0068] When it is determined as YES in the above step S2 and it is confirmed that tool replacement is necessary, the processor 33 acquires the information (type) of the tools to be used in each process of machining the next workpiece from the tool information B2 stored in the memory 34 (step S3).

[0069] Next, the processor 33 acquires the tool data C1 stored in the memory 34 (step S4).

[0070] Next, the processor 33 generates a required tool list L1 (FIG. 11), which is a list of the tools (required tools) necessary for machining the next workpiece, based on the tool information B2 and the tool data C1 acquired in the above steps S3 and S4 (step S5). As shown in FIG. 11, the required tool list L1 is data that lists the information identifying the types of required tools necessary for machining the next workpiece, and includes parameters such as tool name, shape, call / call diameter, and suffix.

[0071] Next, the processor 33 extracts the existing tools already present in the target machine tool 1 based on the tool data C1 (step S6). The existing tools are the tools in a normal state that are already attached to the tool storage device 12 of the machine tool 1. In other words, the tools that exclude the tools with abnormal states such as lifespan and wear from the tools already attached to the tool storage device 12 correspond to the existing tools.

[0072] Next, the processor 33 generates a replenishment tool list L2 (FIG. 12), which is a list of the tools that actually need to be replenished in the tool storage device 12 by the time of machining the next workpiece, based on the required tool list L1 generated in the above step S5 and the existing tools extracted in the above step S6 (step S7). Specifically, the processor 33 generates the replenishment tool list L2 by deleting the rows corresponding to the tools of the same type as the above existing tools from the required tool list L1. Note that tools being of the same type means that all the parameters of tool name, shape, call / call diameter, and suffix match.

[0073] For example, according to the tool data C1 (Fig. 3), when the target machine tool 1 is machine A, the tool storage device 12 of this machine A already has tools attached, including a turning tool for the outer diameter with a nominal diameter of 35 (suffix N) and a chamfering tool with a nominal diameter of 16 (suffix G). Therefore, the processor 33 deletes the rows corresponding to these tools (the second and fifth rows in Fig. 11) from the required tool list L1 and generates the replenishment tool list L2 as the list after the deletion. In other words, in step S7 above, the processor 33 extracts the tools (replenishment tools) that need to be replenished in the tool storage device 12 by removing the tools (existing tools) already attached to the tool storage device 12 from the tools (required tools) included in the required tool list L1.

[0074] According to the tool data C1 (Fig. 3), an end mill with a nominal diameter of 12 (suffix A) is also attached to the tool storage device 12 of machine A. However, since the state of the end mill is "at the end of its life", it does not fall under the existing tools. Therefore, if the end mill is included in the required tool list L1, the end mill is also listed as it is in the replenishment tool list L2.

[0075] Next, the processor 33 assigns tools to the replenishment tool list L2 (step S8). Specifically, the processor 33 checks based on the tool data C1 whether there are tools of the same type as the tools (replenishment tools) included in the replenishment tool list L2, that is, tools for which the tool name, shape, nominal / nominal diameter, and suffix all match, existing in the factory. And when the existence of such tools is confirmed, the tool is assigned to the corresponding tool in the replenishment tool list L2. For example, when it is found from the tool data C1 that a tool of the same type as the replenishment tool in the first row of the replenishment tool list L2 (Fig. 12), that is, a turning tool for the inner diameter with a nominal diameter of 32 (suffix N), is in tool room A, the processor 33 selects the turning tool in this tool room A and assigns it to the replenishment tool in the first row.

[0076] However, when making the above allocation, filtering is performed using the parameters of the tool group among the tool data C1 (Fig. 3). That is, as described above, since the applicable destination of the tool may be limited due to reasons such as differences in the taper shape of the tool holder, the processor 33 determines from the parameters of the tool group whether the selected tool is applicable to the target machine tool 1. If it is found that the tool is not applicable, the selected tool is excluded from the target of being assigned as a replacement tool.

[0077] Also, when it is determined that there is no tool that can be assigned as a replacement tool in the factory, that is, there is no tool that is applicable to the target machine tool 1 and of the same type as the replacement tool in the factory, the processor 33 assigns the newly manufactured tool to be produced as the replacement tool. That is, the processor 33 assigns the new tool, which is the tool that the operator who receives the instruction of step S9 described later plans to newly manufacture, as the replacement tool.

[0078] When the assignment of the replacement tool is completed after the above step S8, the processor 33 causes a PC21 in the tool room 2 to display an instruction screen for instructing the preparation of the assigned tool (step S9). For example, on the PC21, an instruction screen indicating what tool should be prepared for which machine tool 1 by when is displayed. The operator prepares the tool according to the instruction on this instruction screen.

[0079] For example, when a specific type of drill in the tool room A is assigned as the replacement tool, the above instruction screen gives an instruction to prepare this drill for machine A. The operator who receives this transports the above drill from the tool room A to machine A. On the other hand, when the above drill does not exist in the factory (a new tool is assigned), an instruction to newly manufacture the above drill for machine A is given. In response to this, the operator manufactures the above drill and transports it to machine A. Note that the transportation of the tool may be by automatic transportation using an automatic transporter or the like, or by manual transportation.

[0080] Next, the processor 33 acquires the standing tool setting information D1 (Fig. 5) (step S10). That is, the processor 33 acquires the standing tool setting information D1 including the information (type) of the tool set as the standing tool and the information (pocket number) of the regular pocket designated as the attachment destination of the standing tool from the memory 34 in which the information is stored.

[0081] Next, the processor 33 executes a process of allocating pockets to the replenishment tools (step S11). That is, the processor 33 executes a process of designating, for each replenishment tool included in the replenishment tool list L2 in Fig. 12, the pocket to be its attachment destination. Details of this process will be described later with reference to Figs. 7 to 10.

[0082] Next, the processor 33 causes the monitor 14 of the target machine tool 1 to display an instruction screen for instructing the attachment of the replenishment tools (step S12). That is, the processor 33 instructs the operator, via the instruction screen, to attach each of the replenishment tools shown in Fig. 12 to the pocket designated in step S11 above.

[0083] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the above instruction screen displayed on the monitor 14. As shown in this figure, on the monitor 14, as the above instruction screen, a character string P1 representing the target machine tool 1, a character string P2 representing the timing when the processing of the next workpiece by the machine tool 1 starts, and a plurality of icons Q representing the type of the replenishment tool and the pocket number of its attachment destination are displayed. For example, the leftmost upper icon Q represents that the replenishment tool is an end mill with a call diameter of 12 (suffix A), and its attachment destination is the first pocket. Thereby, the operator can understand which tool should be attached to which pocket of which machine tool 1 by when, and can attach each tool according to that understanding. Although the characters "attachment required" or "being manufactured" are displayed in the icon Q, the former means that the tool has already arrived at the machine tool 1, and the latter means that the tool is currently being manufactured (has not arrived at the machine tool 1 yet).

[0084] Next, the processor 33 determines whether or not the attachment of the replenishment tools has been completed (step S13). That is, the processor 33 determines whether or not all the replenishment tools instructed in step S12 have actually been attached to the designated pockets. This determination can be made using the aforementioned reader that reads the ID of the tool attached to each pocket.

[0085] If it is determined as NO in step S13 and it is confirmed that the attachment of the replenishment tools is incomplete, the processor 33 continues to display the instruction screen in step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined as YES in step S13 and it is confirmed that the attachment of the replenishment tools is complete, the flow returns and the processing after step S1 is repeated.

[0086] Figs. 7 to 10 are subroutines showing the details of the processing in step S11 described above. When the flow in Fig. 7 starts, the processor 33 acquires the information of each pocket in the tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1 from the tool data C1 and the like (step S21). Specifically, the processor 33 classifies each pocket of the tool storage device 12 into the following statuses I to VI based on the tool data C1 and the standing tool setting information D1. · Status I: A pocket that is set as a frequently used pocket which is the designated attachment destination of the standing tool and has a standing tool with an abnormal state (such as life or wear) attached. · Status II: A pocket that is set as a frequently used pocket but currently has no standing tool attached, i.e., an empty pocket. · Status III: A pocket that is set as a frequently used pocket and has a normal standing tool with no abnormal state attached. · Status IV: A pocket that is not set as a frequently used pocket and has a tool with an abnormal state attached. · Status V: A pocket that is not set as a frequently used pocket and is an empty pocket. · Status VI: A pocket that is not set as a frequently used pocket and has a normal tool with no abnormal state attached.

[0087] Note that the pocket being in Status I or Status II corresponds to the pocket being in the "normal use pocket is N in the G state" in the present invention.

[0088] Next, the processor 33 acquires priority information D2 (FIG. 5) (step S22). That is, the processor 33 acquires, from the memory 34 in which the information is stored, priority information D2 regarding the priority order of the pockets, that is, which of the pocket with the tool in abnormal state attached and the empty pocket is to be prioritized as the tool attachment destination.

[0089] Next, the processor 33 determines, based on the priority information D2 acquired in step S22 above, whether the setting of the priority order of the pockets is set to prioritize the pocket with the tool in abnormal state attached (step S23). Hereinafter, the pocket with the tool in abnormal state attached will be appropriately referred to as the abnormal tool attachment pocket.

[0090] When it is determined YES in step S23 above and it is confirmed that the setting is to prioritize the abnormal tool attachment pocket, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket in Status I described above (step S24). That is, the processor 33 determines whether there is a normal use pocket with a standing tool in abnormal state attached in the tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1.

[0091] When it is determined YES in step S24 above and the existence of the normal use pocket in Status I is confirmed, the processor 33 determines whether a tool of the same type as the standing tool corresponding to the normal use pocket exists in the replenishment tool list L2 in FIG. 12 (step S25). In other words, the processor 33 determines whether a normal tool of the same type as the standing tool in abnormal state currently attached to the normal use pocket in Status I will be replenished.

[0092] When it is determined as YES in the above step S25 and it is confirmed that there is a replenishment of a tool of the same type as the above-mentioned standing tool, the processor 33 assigns the regular pocket of the above status I to the replenishment tool (step S26). That is, the processor 33 designates the regular pocket of the above status I as the attachment destination of the tool of the same type as the above-mentioned standing tool.

[0093] For example, when the first pocket is set as the regular pocket and a standing tool with an abnormal state is attached to the first pocket, the first pocket corresponds to status I. In this case, the first pocket is designated as the attachment destination of the replenishment tool on the condition that a tool of the same type as the corresponding standing tool is replenished. As a result, in step S12 of FIG. 6, an instruction to attach a tool to the first pocket is issued to the operator. An example of the instruction issued when the standing tool corresponding to the first pocket is an end mill with a call 12 (suffix A) is shown on the instruction screen of FIG. 13 (see the leftmost upper icon Q). In response to this instruction, the operator attaches the end mill to the first pocket. That is, the tool in the first pocket is replaced from the already attached end mill with an abnormal state to a normal end mill.

[0094] On the other hand, when it is determined as NO in any of the above steps S24 and S25, that is, when there is no regular pocket of status I or even if there is one, there is no replenishment of a tool of the same type as the corresponding standing tool, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket of the above-mentioned status II (step S27). That is, the processor 33 determines whether there is an empty regular pocket in the tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1 to which the designated standing tool is not attached.

[0095] When it is determined YES in step S27 above and the existence of the frequently used pocket in status II is confirmed, the processor 33 determines whether there is a tool of the same type as the standing tool corresponding to the frequently used pocket in the replenishment tool list L2 in FIG. 12 (step S28). In other words, the processor 33 determines whether a tool of the same type as the standing tool that should originally be attached to the frequently used pocket that is empty despite being a pocket for standing tools is replenished.

[0096] When it is determined YES in step S28 above and it is confirmed that there is a replenishment of a tool of the same type as the standing tool, the processor 33 assigns the frequently used pocket in status II to the replenishment tool (step S29). That is, the processor 33 designates the frequently used pocket in status II as the attachment destination of the tool of the same type as the standing tool.

[0097] For example, if the No. 1 pocket is set as the frequently used pocket but the standing tool corresponding to the No. 1 pocket has not been attached yet, the No. 1 pocket corresponds to status II. In this case, the No. 1 pocket is designated as the attachment destination of the replenishment tool on the condition that a tool of the same type as the corresponding standing tool is replenished.

[0098] On the other hand, when it is determined NO in either of steps S27 and S28 above, that is, when there is no frequently used pocket in status II or even if there is one, there is no replenishment of a tool of the same type as the corresponding standing tool, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket in status IV described above (step S30). That is, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket in the tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1 that is not set as a pocket for standing tools (frequently used pocket) and to which a tool with an abnormal state is attached.

[0099] If the determination in step S30 above is YES and the existence of a pocket with status IV is confirmed, processor 33 assigns the pocket with status IV to a tool in replenishment tool list L2 (step S31). That is, processor 33 designates the pocket with status IV as the attachment destination of the replenishment tool included in replenishment tool list L2. Note that if there are multiple pockets with status IV and multiple replenishment tools, the combination of the two can be set appropriately. For example, the pockets may be assigned in ascending order of numbers, or the pockets may be assigned randomly. This also applies to steps S33, S35, S48, S50, and S52 described below.

[0100] On the other hand, if the determination in step S30 above is NO and it is confirmed that there is no pocket with status IV, processor 33 determines whether or not there is a pocket with the above-mentioned status V (step S32). That is, processor 33 determines whether or not there is an empty pocket that is not set as a pocket for a regular tool (regular pocket) in tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1.

[0101] If the determination in step S32 is YES and the existence of a pocket with status V is confirmed, processor 33 assigns the pocket with status V to a tool in replenishment tool list L2 (step S33). That is, processor 33 designates the pocket with status V as the attachment destination of the replenishment tool included in replenishment tool list L2.

[0102] On the other hand, if the determination in step S32 above is NO and it is confirmed that there is no pocket with status V, processor 33 determines whether or not there is a pocket with status VI described above in which a tool not scheduled for use (unnecessary tool) is attached (step S34). That is, processor 33 determines whether or not there is a pocket in tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1 in which a normal tool not scheduled for use that is not set as a pocket for a regular tool (regular pocket) is attached. Here, a tool not scheduled for use (unnecessary tool) is a tool that will not be used in machining the next workpiece and is not included in the above-mentioned required tool list L1 (FIG. 11).

[0103] If the determination in step S34 is YES and the existence of a pocket with status VI in which an unnecessary tool is attached is confirmed, the processor 33 assigns the pocket with status VI to the tool in the replenishment tool list L2 (step S35). That is, the processor 33 designates the pocket with status VI in which an unnecessary tool is attached as the attachment destination of the replenishment tool included in the replenishment tool list L2.

[0104] Next, the control when the determination in step S23 above is NO, that is, when the setting is such that a tool is preferentially attached to an empty pocket rather than an abnormal tool attachment pocket, will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In this case, processor 33 determines whether or not a pocket of status II described above exists (step S41). That is, processor 33 determines whether or not an empty regular pocket in which a designated regular tool is not attached exists in tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1. Thus, in this case in which an empty pocket is given priority, the presence or absence of a pocket of status II is confirmed before the presence or absence of a pocket of status I, unlike the above-mentioned case (Figure 7) in which an abnormal tool attachment pocket is given priority.

[0105] When it is determined as YES in the above step S41 and the existence of the regular pocket in status II is confirmed, the processor 33 determines whether a tool of the same type as the standing tool corresponding to the regular pocket exists in the replenishment tool list L2 (step S42).

[0106] When it is determined as YES in the above step S42 and it is confirmed that there is a replenishment of a tool of the same type as the standing tool, the processor 33 assigns the regular pocket in status II to the replenishment tool (step S43).

[0107] On the other hand, when it is determined as NO in any of the above steps S41 and S42, that is, when there is no regular pocket in status II or there is no replenishment of a tool of the same type as the corresponding standing tool even if it exists, the processor 33 determines whether the pocket in status I described above exists (step S44). That is, the processor 33 determines whether there is a regular pocket with a standing tool with an abnormal state attached in the tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1.

[0108] When it is determined as YES in the above step S44 and the existence of the regular pocket in status I is confirmed, the processor 33 determines whether a tool of the same type as the standing tool corresponding to the regular pocket exists in the replenishment tool list L2 (step S45).

[0109] When it is determined as YES in the above step S45 and it is confirmed that there is a replenishment of a tool of the same type as the standing tool, the processor 33 assigns the regular pocket in status I to the replenishment tool (step S46).

[0110] On the other hand, if it is determined as NO in any of the above steps S44 and S45, that is, if there is no regular pocket of status I, or even if there is one, there is no replenishment of tools of the same type as the corresponding standing tool, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket of status V described above (step S47). That is, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket that is not set as a pocket for standing tools (regular pocket) and is an empty pocket in the tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1. Thus, in this case where empty pockets are prioritized, unlike the above-described case (FIG. 8) where abnormal tool mounting pockets are prioritized, the presence or absence of pockets of status V is confirmed earlier than pockets of status IV.

[0111] If it is determined as YES in step S47 above and the presence of a pocket of status V is confirmed, the processor 33 assigns the pocket of status V to the tool in the replenishment tool list L2 (step S48).

[0112] On the other hand, if it is determined as NO in step S47 above and the absence of a pocket of status V is confirmed, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket of status IV described above (step S49). That is, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket that is not set as a pocket for standing tools (regular pocket) and has an abnormally mounted tool in the tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1.

[0113] If it is determined as YES in step S49 above and the presence of a pocket of status IV is confirmed, the processor 33 assigns the pocket of status IV to the tool in the replenishment tool list L2 (step S50).

[0114] On the other hand, when it is determined as NO in step 49 and it is confirmed that there is no pocket in status IV, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket in status VI described above that has a tool that is not scheduled to be used (unnecessary tool) attached thereto (step S51). That is, the processor 33 determines whether there is a pocket in the tool storage device 12 of the target machine tool 1 that is not set as a pocket for standing tools (regular pockets) and has a normal tool attached thereto that is not scheduled to be used.

[0115] When it is determined as YES in step S51 and the existence of a pocket in status VI with an unnecessary tool attached is confirmed, the processor 33 assigns the pocket in status VI to the tool in the replenishment tool list L2 (step S52).

[0116] The pocket assignment made through the processing of FIGS. 7 to 10 as described above is used for the tool replenishment instruction in step S12 (FIG. 6). That is, the processor 33 issues an instruction to the operator through the instruction screen in FIG. 13 to attach the replenishment tools in FIG. 12 to the assigned pockets respectively.

[0117] In the processing of FIGS. 6 to 10 described above, step S1 corresponds to the "first acquisition step" or "first acquisition process" in the present invention, step S4 corresponds to the "second acquisition step" or "second acquisition process" in the present invention, step S10 corresponds to the "third acquisition step" or "third acquisition process" in the present invention, steps S5 to S7 and S11 correspond to the "calculation step" or "calculation process" in the present invention, and step S12 corresponds to the "instruction step" or "instruction process" in the present invention.

[0118] [Operational Effects] As described above, in the present embodiment, replenishment tools, which are tools to be replenished in the tool storage device 12 of the machine tool 1, are extracted based on the machining schedule B0 and the tool data C1, pockets of the tool storage device 12 are respectively assigned to the extracted replenishment tools, and an instruction to attach the replenishment tools to the assigned pockets is output via the monitor 14. In particular, when there are want to standing tools set in the tool storage device 12, depending on the conditions, the assignment of the normal pockets, which are the designated attachment destinations of the standing tools, is preferentially performed. Specifically, when there are normal pockets with standing tools in a state of abnormality (such as tool life or wear) or empty normal pockets, the assignment of these normal pockets is performed first, and then the assignment of pockets other than the normal pockets is performed. According to such a configuration, there is an advantage that the standing tools can be appropriately supplied in a situation where supply (update or new attachment) of the standing tools is required.

[0119] That is, in the present embodiment, since the replenishment tools are extracted from the machining schedule B0 or the like, and an instruction to attach the extracted replenishment tools to the assigned pockets of the tool storage device 12 is issued, the operator can simply align the tools required for machining the next workpiece by attaching the tools according to the issued instruction. Moreover, even when standing tools are set in the tool storage device 12, depending on the state of the normal pockets, which are the attachment destinations of the standing tools, the normal pockets are preferentially assigned during the tool attachment instruction, so that the update or new attachment of the standing tools can be performed promptly as needed, and the standing tools can be kept in a normal state.

[0120] For example, when there is a normal pocket with a standing tool in a state of abnormality, the assignment of the normal pocket is preferentially performed over other pockets that are not for standing tools, so that the standing tool in a state of abnormality can be quickly replaced with a normal standing tool.

[0121] Also, even when there are available regular pockets, the allocation of such regular pockets is preferentially performed. Therefore, it is possible to quickly attach the necessary tools that should originally be in the available regular pockets where the necessary tools are not yet attached.

[0122] In addition, in the present embodiment, since it is possible to register in the server 32 through the input device 31 whether to perform the allocation of the regular pocket with the abnormal tool attached first or the allocation of the available regular pocket first, it is possible to select according to preferences or the like whether to prioritize the update of the abnormal tool or the new attachment of the non-attached necessary tool.

[0123] [Modification Example] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0124] For example, in the above embodiment, the necessary tools are registered in the server 32 by the operator through the input device 31 in the tool storage device 12 of the machine tool 1. want to However, the setting of the necessary tools may be automated or semi-automated. For example, a process of extracting tools that are expected to improve production efficiency if stored in the tool storage device based on past production data or the like, and a process of recommending to the operator to set the extracted tools as necessary tools may both be configured to be performed by the server (processor). Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the server performs the setting process of the necessary tools up to the end.

[0125] In the above embodiment, on the premise that the operator attaches the replenishment tools to the tool storage device 12, the operator is instructed via the monitor 14 as to which pocket of the tool storage device 12 the tool should be attached to. However, a separate attachment device that automatically attaches the tool may be prepared, and an instruction for tool attachment may be output to the attachment device.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0126] 1 Machine tool 3 Tool management device 12 Tool storage device 32 Server (standby tool setting section, priority setting section) 33 Processor (operation unit, instruction unit) 34 Memory (schedule memory section, tool data memory section) B0 Processing Schedule C1 Tool Data D1 Standard tool setting information

Claims

1. A tool management device for managing tools used in a machine tool, comprising: a schedule storage unit that stores a processing schedule that determines a planned process to be performed by the machine tool; a tool data storage unit that stores tool data including information on tools attached to each pocket of a tool storage device provided in the machine tool and information on tools stored at locations other than the tool storage device; a standing tool setting unit that associates a standing tool, which is a tool to be always provided in the tool storage device, with a regular pocket, which is the pocket of the designated attachment destination of the standing tool, and sets it; an arithmetic unit that extracts a replenishment tool, which is a tool to be replenished in the tool storage device, based on the processing schedule stored in the schedule storage unit and the tool data stored in the tool data storage unit, and assigns each pocket of the tool storage device to the extracted replenishment tool; an instruction unit that issues an instruction to attach the replenishment tool to the pocket assigned by the arithmetic unit; The arithmetic unit preferentially assigns the regular pocket to the replenishment tool when there is a replenishment tool of the same type as the standing tool, the tool management device.

2. In the tool management device according to claim 1, The arithmetic unit extracts, as existing tools, tools other than those with abnormal states from the tools attached to the tool storage device based on the tool data, extracts necessary tools, which are tools required for processing the next workpiece, based on the processing schedule, and extracts tools obtained by removing the existing tools from the necessary tools as the replenishment tools, the tool management device.

3. In the tool management device according to claim 1, The arithmetic unit determines that the regular pocket is in an NG state when at least one of the conditions that the standing tool with an abnormal state is attached to the regular pocket and the condition that the regular pocket is empty is satisfied; The arithmetic unit preferentially assigns the regular pocket to the replenishment tool when there is a replenishment tool of the same type as the standing tool and the regular pocket is in the NG state, the tool management device.

4. In the tool management device according to claim 3, When both the regular pocket with the standby tool in abnormal state attached thereto and the empty regular pocket exist, the arithmetic unit performs the allocation of the regular pocket with the standby tool in abnormal state attached thereto and the allocation of the empty regular pocket respectively, and then performs the allocation of the pockets other than the regular pockets, a tool management device.

5. In the tool management device according to claim 4, A tool management device further comprising a priority setting unit for designating which of the allocation of the regular pocket with the standby tool in abnormal state attached thereto and the allocation of the empty regular pocket is to be performed first.

6. A production system comprising a plurality of machine tools for processing workpieces and the tool management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A tool management method for managing tools used in a machine tool, comprising: A first acquisition step of acquiring a processing schedule that determines the schedule of processing to be performed by the machine tool; A second acquisition step of acquiring tool data including information on tools attached to each pocket of a tool storage device provided in the machine tool and information on tools stored in locations other than the tool storage device; A third acquisition step of acquiring standby tool setting information including information on a standby tool that is a tool to be always provided in the tool storage device and information on a regular pocket that is the pocket designated as the attachment destination of the standby tool; An arithmetic step of extracting a replenishment tool that is a tool to be replenished in the tool storage device based on the acquired processing schedule and the tool data, and allocating each pocket of the tool storage device to the extracted replenishment tool; An instruction step of issuing an instruction to attach the replenishment tool to the allocated pocket, In the arithmetic step, when there is a replenishment tool of the same type as the standby tool, the regular pocket is preferentially allocated to the replenishment tool, a tool management method.

8. A program for causing a computer provided with a memory and a processor to function as a tool management device for managing tools used in a machine tool, In the processor, A first acquisition process of acquiring from the memory a processing schedule that determines the schedule of processing to be performed by the machine tool; A second acquisition process of acquiring tool data including information on tools attached to each pocket of the tool storage device provided in the machine tool and information on tools stored in locations other than the tool storage device from the memory; A third acquisition process of acquiring standing tool setting information including information on standing tools that are tools to be always stocked in the tool storage device and information on regular pockets that are the pockets designated as the attachment destinations of the standing tools from the memory; An arithmetic process of extracting replenishment tools that are tools to be replenished in the tool storage device based on the acquired machining schedule and the tool data, and assigning the pockets of the tool storage device to the extracted replenishment tools respectively; An instruction process of issuing an instruction to attach the replenishment tool to the assigned pocket is executed; In the arithmetic process, when there are replenishment tools of the same type as the standing tools, the regular pockets are preferentially assigned to the replenishment tools, a tool management program.

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