Machining proposal table creation device and machining proposal table creation program

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a machining proposal table creation device and a machining proposal table creation program that are capable of appropriately managing a model list which is referred to by a machining proposal table.　A processing unit of the machining proposal table creation device executes: a reception process for an input unit receiving a selection of a machining proposal table which is to be used for creation of a new machining proposal table; a detection process for detecting, from a storage device, a model list for which a list ID of an old model list, which is a model list that is associated with model information set in the selected machining proposal table, is set; a determination process for, when a plurality of model lists of the same list ID have been detected, determining whether or not a new model list, which is a model list with a revision number that is newer than a revision number of the old model list, exists in the plurality of detected model lists; and a notification process for, when the new model list exists, notifying that the new model list exists.

Description

Processing proposal table creation device and processing proposal table creation program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machining proposal table creating device and a machining proposal table creating program that create a machining proposal table used in the field of machine tools.

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a machining information creation system that supports CAM, which creates NC data used for machining workpieces from part drawing data designed by CAD. The machining information creation system of Patent Document 1 inputs part drawing data and workpiece material drawing data, and performs division of machining processes, setup settings, setting of machining areas for each tool used in machining, and determination of machining order and conditions, etc., based on the input data.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 61-103212

[0004] Incidentally, when proposing the machining of a new workpiece or purchasing a machine tool for machining a new workpiece, a machining proposal table showing the machining details of the workpiece, a so-called tooling list, may be created. This machining proposal table records the workpiece machining sequence, the selection of cutting tools, the machining conditions, the cycle time, etc. If parameters that can be commonly used for setting and calculating these items are compiled by model and created as a model list, a new machining proposal table can be created by referring to the corresponding model list. However, when the contents of the model list are updated due to a machine tool upgrade, etc., a problem occurs in that the model lists to be referenced in the previous machining proposal table and the new machining proposal table differ.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a processing proposal table creation device and a processing proposal table creation program that can appropriately manage a model list referenced by a processing proposal table.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, this specification provides a machining proposal table creation device that creates a new machining proposal table using a machining proposal table stored in a storage device, the device comprising an input unit and a processing unit that processes information input via the input unit, the storage device stores a model list created according to machine tool models, the model list has set therein a list ID that can identify the model list, a revision number that indicates a revised version of the model list, and parameters that are used to create the machining proposal table, the machining proposal table has set therein model information associated with the model list, and the processing unit selects the machining proposal table to be used to create the new machining proposal table by inputting a list ID that can identify the model list, a revision number that indicates a revised version of the model list, and parameters that are used to create the machining proposal table. The present invention discloses a processing proposal table creation device that executes the following: a reception process for receiving by the input unit; a detection process for detecting from the storage device the model list to which the list ID of the old model list, which is the model list associated with the model information set in the selected processing proposal table, is set; a determination process for determining, when a plurality of model lists with the same list ID are detected, whether or not a new model list, which is a model list with a revision number newer than the revision number of the old model list, exists among the plurality of detected model lists; and a notification process for notifying that the new model list exists if the new model list exists.

[0007] Furthermore, the contents of the present disclosure are not limited to implementation as a processing proposal table creation device, but are also extremely effective when implemented as a processing proposal table creation program for creating a new processing proposal table, a storage medium storing a processing proposal table creation program, etc.

[0008] According to the processing proposal table creation device and processing proposal table creation program disclosed herein, a new processing proposal table can be created by reusing a past processing proposal table stored in a storage device. When creating a new processing proposal table, an old model list associated with the past processing proposal table is detected. If a new model list exists that has the same list ID as the old model list and a newer revision number than the revision number of the old model list, its existence is notified. This allows the user to select whether to reflect the parameters of the old model list in the new processing proposal table or the parameters of the new model list in the new processing proposal table. Furthermore, when a new model list is created, it is possible to prevent the user from overlooking its existence and creating a new processing proposal table using the parameters of the old model list.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram of a processing proposal table creation system according to the present embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a search screen when a search target image is input; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a search result screen for the processing proposal table; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing processing information, etc., in the processing proposal table; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing processing information, etc., in the processing proposal table; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cycle time display section; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a loader cycle time display section; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an editing screen for a model list; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a registration search screen for a model list; A flowchart showing the processing when a new creation button on the search result screen is selected; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which a notification image is displayed; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a model list comparison screen.

[0010] (Regarding the Processing Proposal Table Creation System 10) An embodiment of the processing proposal table creation device of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the processing proposal table creation system (hereinafter referred to as the creation system) 10 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the creation system 10 includes a processing proposal table creation device (hereinafter referred to as the creation device) 11 and client terminals 13 installed in each production factory 12. The creation system 10 is a system that provides a service for creating a processing proposal table from the creation device 11 to the client terminals 13.

[0011] The creation device 11 is, for example, a server device and includes a CPU 21, a storage device 22, a user IF (abbreviation of interface) 23, and a network IF 24. The CPU 21 and other components are connected to each other via a communication bus 25 and are capable of communicating with each other. The storage device 22 is, for example, a combination of RAM, ROM, a hard disk, etc. The storage device 22 stores an operating system (OS) 26, a processing proposal table creation program (hereinafter referred to as the creation program) 27, and management data 28. The OS 26 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark) Server OS, and controls the creation device 11 overall and provides basic services and functions to various application programs. The creation program 27 is an application program that creates the above-mentioned processing proposal table using the services and functions of the OS 26. By executing the OS 26 and the creation program 27 on the CPU 21, the creation device 11 performs processes such as sending and receiving data to and from the client terminal 13, and creating, saving, and outputting the processing proposal table. The management data 28 stores a plurality of processing proposal tables DT1 and a plurality of model lists DT2. The processing proposal tables DT1 and the model lists DT2 will be described in detail later. The OS 26 is not limited to a Windows (registered trademark) Server OS, but may also be a UNIX (registered trademark)-based Server OS such as Linux (registered trademark) using server software such as Apache (registered trademark). The OS 26 is not limited to a Server OS, but may also be a Windows (registered trademark) OS, Macintosh (registered trademark) OS, UNIX (registered trademark)-based OS, or other types of client OS. That is, the terminal on which the creation program 27 is installed is not limited to a server, but may also be a client terminal. The client terminal may be used directly by the user, or may be used remotely using a remote desktop function or the like.

[0012] Furthermore, the storage device 22 that stores the creation program 27 is not limited to the configuration described above. The storage device 22 may be a flash memory, an SSD, or a portable storage medium such as a USB memory or an external hard disk that is detachably attached to the creation device 11. The medium that stores the creation program 27 may also be a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0013] The user IF 23 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The network IF 24 is, for example, a LAN interface, and is connected to the network 15 via a router (not shown) or the like. The network 15 is, for example, a WAN such as the Internet.

[0014] The production factory 12 has, for example, a production line with multiple machine tools. The client terminal 13 is, for example, a personal computer on which a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) application program (hereinafter referred to as a CAM program) 17 is installed, enabling the creation of NC programs. Note that the client terminal 13 is not limited to a personal computer, and may be other information processing devices such as a laptop PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The client terminal 13 is able to access the creation device 11 via a network 15.

[0015] The above-described configuration of the creation system 10 is merely an example. For example, the management data 28 may be stored in a device (such as a database server) separate from the creation device 11 (server). The creation device 11 may be installed within the local network of the production factory 12. A server using a cloud storage service such as AWS (Amazon Web Services, a registered trademark) may be used as the creation device 11. The device (creation device 11) that creates the machining proposal table and the terminal (client terminal 13) that uses it may be the same device. For example, both the creation program 27 and the CAM program 17 may be installed in the client terminal 13, and the client terminal 13 may be used to create both the machining proposal table and the NC program using the CAM program 17. Therefore, the machining proposal table creation device of the present disclosure may be a server device or a standalone device. In the case where the creation device 11, which is a server, accepts instructions from the client terminal 13 as in this embodiment, the network IF 24 that accepts instructions from the client terminal 13 is an example of an input unit in the present disclosure, and the CPU 21 is an example of a processing unit. In the case where the client terminal 13 executes the creation program 27 and accepts input of information in the new processing proposal table DT1, as in a standalone device, the user interfaces such as the keyboard and mouse that the client terminal 13 (personal computer) has are an example of an input unit in the present disclosure, and the CPU that executes the creation program 27 and the CAM program 17 in the client terminal 13 is an example of a processing unit.

[0016] (Regarding Creation of Processing Proposal Table DT1) Next, the creation of the processing proposal table DT1 executed by the creation device 11 will be described. For example, when the power is turned on, the creation device 11 executes the OS 26 on the CPU 21 to start the system, and then executes the creation program 27 on the CPU 21. When a user at the production factory 12 wants to create a processing proposal table DT1, the user operates the client terminal 13 to access the creation device 11. By executing the creation program 27, for example, the creation device 11 uses the services and functions of the OS 26 to support the creation of a new processing proposal table DT1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a new processing proposal table) on a web server. For example, the user accesses the web page of the creation device 11 using browser software on the client terminal 13 to create a new processing proposal table. In the following description, the device that executes the program may be referred to simply by the program name. For example, "the creation program 27 accepts information from the client terminal 13" means that the creation device 11 executes the creation program 27 on the CPU 21, and accepts information from the client terminal 13 via the creation program 27.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an example of a web page of the creation device 11 accessed by the client terminal 13, showing a search screen 31 when a search target image 37 is input. As shown in FIG. 2, the creation program 27 displays a search screen 31 on the client terminal 13 in response to access from the client terminal 13. The search screen 31 is a screen for searching for a processing proposal table DT1 that matches the search criteria from among the processing proposal tables DT1 stored in the management data 28. Therefore, the creation device 11 accepts the creation of a new processing proposal table using a processing proposal table DT1 previously registered in the management data 28, and registers and outputs the new processing proposal table. The creation device 11 manages, for example, separate processing proposal tables DT1 available for each customer (user) using the creation system 10. In other words, a processing proposal table DT1 created by customer A can be reused only by customer A and is not searched for by customer B. The creation device 11 may also share processing proposal tables DT1 for multiple customers.

[0018] The creation program 27 displays an image input section 32, an image display section 33, a search condition input section 34, and a search button 35 on the search screen 31. The image input section 32 is a section for inputting a search target image 37, which is an image to be searched for. The creation program 27 displays the search target image 37 inputted into the image input section 32 on the image display section 33. A workpiece image 41 (see FIG. 4 ), which indicates the shape of the workpiece after machining, is stored in association with the processing proposal table DT1 of the management data 28. The creation program 27 is capable of receiving the search target image 37, and searching the management data 28 for a processing proposal table DT1 in which a workpiece image 41 similar to the received search target image 37 is associated, and displaying the processing proposal table DT1.

[0019] More specifically, the creation program 27 displays, for example, the text "Drop your image here" in the image input section 32. When a search target image 37 is input into the image input section 32 by dragging and dropping, the input search target image 37 is displayed in the image display section 33. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , a differential case search target image 37 is displayed as the search target image 37. The creation program 27 also displays two radio buttons 38 (image similarity priority, recommendation index priority) above the search button 35. The two radio buttons 38 are used to select whether to prioritize sorting the results of the search for the processing proposal table DT1 by image similarity or recommendation index when listing the results. The recommendation index is set to a higher value the more often a past processing proposal table DT1 is reused to create a new processing proposal table.

[0020] For example, when the creation program 27 receives an operation of selecting the search button 35 with the image similarity priority radio button 38 checked (hereinafter, this may be simply referred to as a selection operation), the creation program 27 searches the processing proposal table DT1 stored in the management data 28 for a processing proposal table DT1 associated with a workpiece image 41 similar to the search target image 37, i.e., the image of the differential case. The selection operation here refers to an operation such as clicking or pressing the return key on the client terminal 13. Note that the above-described image input method is one example.

[0021] For example, the creation program 27 includes an AI (artificial intelligence) program that searches for similar images. The creation program 27 uses the machine learning function of the AI ​​program to determine workpiece images 41 that are similar to the search target image 37. Note that the method of searching for similar images is not limited to using an AI program, and may also be a method that calculates the similarity of image feature points. Furthermore, the search target image 37 and workpiece image 41 to be searched are not limited to two-dimensional images, and may be three-dimensional images.

[0022] The creation program 27 can also search the processing proposal table DT1 based on information input to the search condition input unit 34 of Fig. 2. The creation program 27 displays, for example, input fields for the workpiece name, product number, material, processing overview, manufacturing instruction number, customer name, and keyword in the search condition input unit 34. These workpiece name, product number, material, processing overview, manufacturing instruction number, and customer name are associated with each of the processing proposal table DT1 as described below (see Fig. 3).

[0023] The workpiece name is the name of the workpiece to be manufactured in the processing proposal table DT1, and is the name used for the workpiece, such as the differential case mentioned above. The product number is, for example, a number used by the client of the production factory 12 to identify the workpiece, and is a unique number assigned to each workpiece to be manufactured (processing proposal table DT1). The material is the name of the workpiece's material, such as carbon steel, chrome-molybdenum steel, aluminum alloy, ductile cast iron, etc. The processing summary is a term or description that indicates an overview of the processing of the workpiece to be performed in the processing proposal table, such as sample number and product use. The manufacturing instruction number is, for example, the number of the document that instructs the production factory 12 to manufacture the workpiece (product), and is assigned for each processing step. The processing proposal table DT1 is created based on this manufacturing instruction. The customer name is, for example, the name of the customer who requested the manufacture of the workpiece, and is the delivery destination of the workpiece manufactured in the processing proposal table DT1. The keyword field is a field for inputting a term to be searched for from among the terms included in the processing proposal table DT1.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a search result screen 39 displaying a search result for the processing proposal table DT1. FIG. 3 shows, for example, search results obtained by inputting only a search target image 37 and selecting the search button 35. As shown in FIG. 3, the creation program 27 displays information, such as check boxes, image similarity, workpiece name, material, shape, processing overview, manufacturing instruction number, and customer name, for multiple processing proposal tables DT1 searched from the management data 28 in a single row. When the image similarity priority radio button 38 shown in FIG. 2 is selected for a search, the creation program 27 vertically arranges the processing proposal tables DT1 in descending order of image similarity, as shown in FIG. 3. The creation program 27 displays workpiece images 41 associated with the processing proposal table DT1 in the "Shape" column. The creation program 27 also displays, for example, a number corresponding to each process included in each processing proposal table DT1 as the manufacturing instruction number.

[0025] The creation program 27 also displays an arrow icon 43 below the search results for the processing proposal table DT1 for displaying any processing proposal table DT1 that could not be displayed. In this way, by specifying the search target image 37, the user can check all processing proposal tables DT1 that have workpiece images 41 similar to the search target image 37. While checking the displayed information, the user can search for the desired processing proposal table DT1, i.e., the processing proposal table DT1 that matches the new processing proposal table.

[0026] Furthermore, when a check box is selected, the creation program 27 displays a checked image 45 in the selected check box, indicating that the check box has been selected. FIG. 3 shows the state in which the second processing proposal table DT1 from the top is selected. The creation program 27 displays a new creation button 47 for creating a new processing proposal table below the search results for the processing proposal table DT1. For example, the creation program 27 displays the words "Create new with selected data" on the new creation button 47. When the new creation button 47 is selected with a check box selected, the creation program 27 displays a screen that displays the information of the selected processing proposal table DT1 and allows editing ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ).

[0027] Furthermore, when the search button 35 is selected with search conditions entered in each field of the search condition input section 34 of FIG. 2 , the creation program 27 executes a search based on the entered search conditions. For example, when a workpiece name is entered, the creation program 27 searches the management data 28 for a processing proposal table DT1 for the entered workpiece name and displays it on the search result screen 39. In this case, the "image similarity" field does not need to be displayed on the search result screen 39. The creation program 27 may also sort the search result processing proposal tables DT1 based on a predetermined criterion. Examples of the predetermined criterion include shortest cycle time, most recent creation date, and various other criteria that can sort the processing proposal tables DT1. For example, when a processing outline is entered, the creation program 27 searches for and displays processing proposal tables DT1 that include the entered characters in the processing outline. When a keyword is entered, the creation program 27 searches for and displays processing proposal tables DT1 that include the characters of the entered keyword anywhere in the processing proposal tables DT1.

[0028] 2, the creation program 27 may display an icon 51 for displaying a drop-down menu in each input field of the search condition input unit 34. When the icon 51 is selected, the creation program 27 may, for example, display information registered in the processing proposal table DT1 of the management data 28 in a selectable manner. For example, when the work name icon 51 is selected, the creation program 27 may display, as a drop-down menu, the work name in the data registered in the management data 28 as the processing proposal table DT1. This allows the user to select and search for a desired work name from among registered or used work name.

[0029] The creation program 27 may also perform an AND search or an OR search on the search criteria entered in the search criteria input unit 34. For example, when search criteria are entered in multiple input fields in the search criteria input unit 34, the creation program 27 may display only the processing proposal table DT1 that satisfies all of the entered search criteria (AND search). Specifically, for example, when a workpiece name, part number, and material are entered and the search button 35 is selected, the creation program 27 may display the processing proposal table DT1 for the entered workpiece name, part number, and material. Alternatively, the creation program 27 may display all processing proposal tables DT1 that satisfy the search criteria entered in at least one of the multiple input fields in the search criteria input unit 34 (OR search). Specifically, for example, when a workpiece name, part number, and material are entered and the search button 35 is selected, the creation program 27 may display the processing proposal table DT1 that satisfies at least one of the entered search criteria, namely, workpiece name, part number, and material.

[0030] When the new creation button 47 shown in FIG. 3 is selected, the creation program 27 displays screens for creating a new machining proposal table, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. The creation program 27 displays the information shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 based on the information in the machining proposal table DT1 selected by the checked image 45, for example, and accepts editing of the information displayed on the screens of FIGS. 4 to 7. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the creation program 27 displays workpiece information 61, machining information 63, a cycle time display section 66 (FIG. 6), and a loader cycle time display section 67 (FIG. 7). The creation program 27 displays the information in the machining proposal table DT1 selected by the user and the information in the machine model list DT2 associated with the selected machining proposal table DT1 as initial values ​​to be displayed in the workpiece information 61, etc., and accepts editing of the displayed information to create a new machining proposal table. The types and contents of data shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 are merely examples and may be modified as appropriate depending on the type of workpiece, the configuration of the machine tool, the user's needs, etc.

[0031] First, the workpiece information 61 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the processing proposal table DT1 includes information such as product number, manufacturing instruction number, customer name, workpiece name, material, and processing overview as the workpiece information 61. In the following description, the content and items described in the search screen 31 above will be omitted as appropriate. The creation program 27, for example, displays the workpiece information 61 together in the upper left corner of the displayed data. The creation program 27 accepts editing of the workpiece information 61 and other information shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. For example, when any item in the workpiece information 61 is selected, the creation program 27 accepts editing of the information for the selected item (such as product number or manufacturing instruction number). The user can input the product number, manufacturing instruction number, etc. for the new processing proposal table.

[0032] The creation program 27 also displays a workpiece image 41 and a comment entry field 71 to the right of the workpiece information 61. The creation program 27 displays, for example, the workpiece image 41 of the processing proposal table DT1 selected in FIG. 3 as an image of the initial state of the workpiece image 41, and accepts changes to any workpiece image 41 to be associated with the new processing proposal table. The comment entry field 71 is a field for inputting comments to be added to the new processing proposal table. The creation program 27 also searches this comment entry field 71 as a search target for characters entered in the keyword field of the search condition input unit 34 described above.

[0033] The creation program 27 displays machining information 63 (FIGS. 4 and 5), a cycle time display section 66 (FIG. 6), and a loader cycle time display section 67 (FIG. 7) below the workpiece information 61 and the workpiece image 41. FIG. 4 shows the left side of the machining information 63, and FIG. 5 shows the right side of the machining information 63. The creation program 27 appropriately changes the display of this information in response to operation inputs (clicking, scrolling, numerical input, etc.) by the user operating the client terminal 13. Note that the machining proposal table DT1 (new machining proposal table), related information, layout, etc. shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 are merely examples. For example, the creation program 27 may display a basic information setting table that shows the number of machining units and model information 79 (see FIG. 4) for each process as information related to the machining proposal table DT1.

[0034] Next, the machining information 63 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the machining information 63 includes machining objective information 75, machining content information 76, machining condition information 77, and time information 78. The machining information 63 stores the machining objective information 75 and the like in association with each process for machining the workpiece. Each row in FIGS. 4 and 5 represents one process. Each process is associated with model information 79, revision number 80, and process identification information 81. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the creation program 27 displays, from the left, the model information 79, revision number 80, process identification information 81, machining objective information 75, machining content information 76, machining condition information 77, and time information 78.

[0035] The model information 79 is information indicating the model of the machine tool, such as the model number of the machine tool. The model information 79 is associated with the list ID (see FIG. 8 ) of the model list DT2, which will be described later. The model information 79 is not limited to the model number of the machine tool, but may be other information capable of identifying the machine tool, such as the product name. Furthermore, if a machine tool has multiple spindles, the processes for machining the workpiece can be divided by spindle rather than by model. The following explanation will mainly focus on the case where one machine tool has only one spindle and processes are associated with the model, and will omit the explanation of the case where processes are associated with the spindle. However, for example, associating processes with spindles can be achieved by adding a field for selecting the "spindle" of the model in addition to the "model" field. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , model information 79 for "MT1, MT2, MT3" is displayed. For example, when icon 83 in the model information 79 column is selected, the creation program 27 displays the models registered in the management data 28 in a pull-down menu and accepts a change in model. In this embodiment, the models registered in the management data 28 match the models registered in the model list DT2. Therefore, when icon 83 is selected, the creation program 27 may display, in a pull-down menu, the types of model information 79 (see FIG. 8 ) in the model list DT2 stored in the management data 28. Furthermore, the models registered in the management data 28 are changed in response to changes in the models that the user introduces into the production factory 12.

[0036] The revision number 80 indicates the revision number of the machine tool indicated by the model information 79, and is also the revision number of the model list DT2 of the list ID (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the model information 79. In other words, the revision number 80 indicates the revision number of the model list DT2 associated with that row (process) (e.g., when the machine tool has been upgraded). For example, when an icon 84 in the revision number 80 column is operated, the creation program 27 displays the revision numbers 80 registered in the management data 28 in a pull-down menu and accepts changes to the revision number 80. Details of the model list DT2, list ID, revision number 80, etc. will be described later.

[0037] The process identification information 81 is information for identifying a process in which machining of a workpiece is performed using a machine tool of the model indicated by the machine model information 79. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the process identification information 81 is displayed as "10, 20A, 20B, 30, 40." For example, the process identification information 81 is assigned a smaller number the earlier the process is executed (the more upstream the process). In the example shown in FIG. 4, each piece of data is displayed in process order from top to bottom. Furthermore, process identification information 81 with the same number but different letters, such as "20A" and "20B," indicates that the same process (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the same process) is performed in parallel on two or more machine tools. The same process is, for example, a process in which the same machining content is performed on multiple machine tools of the same or different models, or on multiple spindles within a single machine tool.

[0038] The creation program 27 adds and deletes processes (rows) in response to a selection operation on a process icon 85 shown in the upper left of FIG. The creation program 27 displays, for example, a plus icon, a minus icon, a copy icon, and a search icon as the process icon 85. When a plus process icon 85 is selected with an arbitrary process (row), the creation program 27 adds a new process next to the selected process. When a minus process icon 85 is selected with an arbitrary process, the creation program 27 deletes the selected process and moves up the process identification information 81 for the deleted process and subsequent processes. When a copy process icon 85 is selected with an arbitrary process, the creation program 27 adds a copy of the selected process below the selected process and assigns or changes the alphabet to the process identification information 81 for the selected process, the added process, etc. For example, when the copy process icon 85 is selected while process "30" is selected, the creation program 27 changes process "30" to "30A" and adds a copy of process "30A" as "30B" below "30A." Furthermore, when the search process icon 85 is selected, the creation program 27 displays a screen (not shown) for inputting search criteria for a process. The creation program 27 extracts and displays processes that match the search criteria entered on the displayed screen from the processing proposal table DT1 registered in the management data 28, and accepts the selection of a process to be added from among the displayed processes. The creation program 27 adds the selected process to the new processing proposal table after the currently selected process, and moves down the process identification information 81, etc.

[0039] The machining objective information 75 includes, for example, information on No., cutting tool No., target surface roughness, target tolerance, and roundness. The information in the machining objective information 75 is not limited to these pieces of information, and other information capable of expressing the objective of a process, such as fit tolerance and geometric tolerance, can be used. A detailed explanation of each item will be omitted, but the "No." column is a number for identifying each process. For example, in the case of a turret-type lathe, the "Cutting tool No." column is the turret holder number. The target surface roughness, target tolerance, and roundness are values ​​that indicate the machining accuracy of each process.

[0040] The processing content information 76 includes, for example, information on the cutting tool shape, processing content (text), and processing content (diagram). The cutting tool shape is an image showing the shape of the cutting tool (such as a cutting tool or rotary tool) used in that process. The creation program 27, for example, associates and manages the cutting tool number in the processing objective information 75 with the cutting tool shape in the processing content information 76. When either the cutting tool number or the icon 91 displayed in the cutting tool shape column is selected and changed by selecting from a pull-down menu, the creation program 27 also changes the other information according to the change. Note that, to avoid cluttering the drawing, FIG. 4 shows only one image of the cutting tool shape.

[0041] Furthermore, the image of the "cutting tool shape" is associated with cutting tool identification information for identifying the cutting tool in the management data 28, for example. This cutting tool identification information is, for example, a number for identifying multiple types of cutting tools that can be attached to the machine tool. In this embodiment, as described below, a model list DT2 (see FIG. 8 ) in which parameters for calculating the cycle time of a processing device or a loader are set is used as the model list of the present application. However, the model list of the present application is not limited to a model list in which parameters related to cycle time are set, and may also be a model list in which information related to cutting tools that can be attached to the machine tool, for example, information indicating the type of cutting tool that can be attached, is set as a parameter. The parameter indicating the type of cutting tool is, for example, the cutting tool identification information described above. A model list in which parameters include a list ID (see FIG. 8 ) for identifying the model list, a revision number 80, cutting tool identification information, an image of the cutting tool shape, and the like may be set. As described below, the model list related to cutting tools may be distinguished into an old model list and a new model list, as in the model list related to cycle time, and notification may be performed based on the revision number. Therefore, as the model list of the present application, a model list in which at least one of parameters relating to the cycle time of the processing device, parameters relating to the cycle time of the loader, and parameters relating to the cutting tool is set can be adopted.

[0042] The processing content (text) is text information indicating the processing content of the process, such as the "outer diameter" for processing the outside of the workpiece along the spindle, the "inner diameter" for processing the inside of the workpiece along the spindle, and the "end face" for processing in a direction perpendicular to the spindle. The processing content (diagram) is an image showing the processing content (text) in a diagram. The creation program 27 manages the processing content (text) and the processing content (information) in association with each other, similar to the cutting tool number and cutting tool shape described above, and changes them in conjunction with each other in response to selection operations on the icons 92, etc.

[0043] Next, the machining condition information 77 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5 , the machining condition information 77 includes, for example, information on selection, reason, cutting diameter 1, cutting diameter 2, rotation speed, cutting speed, cutting depth, path, cutting length, and feed. The "selection" column indicates whether a calculated value or an actual value is selected for that process, and includes checkboxes for selecting two values. The "reason" column is a column for inputting the reason for the selection column. The "cutting diameter 1" column indicates the radial position (perpendicular to the spindle) at which machining for that process begins. In the case of an "end face," machining is performed in a direction perpendicular to the spindle, so two pieces of information (cutting diameter 1, cutting diameter 2) representing the outer and inner radial positions are set as "cutting diameter" information. The "rotation speed" column indicates the rotation speed of the workpiece (spindle) in that process. The "cutting speed" column indicates, for example, the cutting speed per minute, i.e., the peripheral speed at which the cutting tool cuts the workpiece in that process. The "cutting depth" column is, for example, the area where the cutting tool comes into contact with the workpiece, and is a column showing the depth (length) that the cutting tool cuts into the workpiece in one feed (pass). The "pass" column is, for example, a column showing the number of cuts (number of passes) in a direction parallel to the spindle or in a direction perpendicular to the spindle. The "cutting length" column is a column showing the total length that is removed by cutting. For example, the "feed" column is the distance that the cutting tool advances per rotation of the workpiece in the case of a cutting tool (chip), or the distance that the cutting tool advances per rotation of the rotary tool in the case of a rotary tool such as a drill.

[0044] The time information 78 also includes information on cutting time, positioning time, and tool indexing time. The "Cutting Time" column indicates the total time spent machining the workpiece with the cutting tool in that process. The "Positioning Time" column indicates the time required to position the cutting tool, i.e., the time during which the cutting tool is not in contact with the workpiece, i.e., the time other than cutting time. Specifically, the "Positioning Time" column indicates the total of three times: the time required to move the cutting tool to the start position of the next pass after one pass is completed, multiplied by the number of passes; the time required to move the cutting tool to the index position; and the time required to move the cutting tool from the index position to the initial position for machining. The "Tool Indexing Time" column indicates the time required to index the cutting tool for that process in a turret-type tool post.

[0045] The creation program 27 accepts editing of the information shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, as well as the cycle time display unit 66 (FIG. 6) and the loader cycle time display unit 67 (FIG. 7), which will be described later. When the creation program 27 accepts a change to any information, it automatically calculates and changes information related to that information. For example, the cutting length and the pass are correlated (cutting length = cutting length per pass * pass). Therefore, when one value is changed, the creation program 27 automatically calculates and changes the other value. The creation program 27 does not necessarily have to automatically calculate and update the related information described above.

[0046] 5, the creation program 27 displays a save button 93 and a create button 95 above the time information 78. When the save button 93 is selected, the creation program 27 stores the displayed information (such as the workpiece information 61, the machining information 63, the information in the cycle time display section 66, and the information in the loader cycle time display section 67) as a new machining proposal table DT1 (new machining proposal table) in the management data 28. At this time, the creation program 27 may assign identification information for identifying the machining proposal table DT1 and the creation date and time to the new machining proposal table. When the save button 93 is selected (e.g., clicked) two or more times, the creation program 27 may receive an instruction as to whether to overwrite and save as a new machining proposal table DT1.

[0047] Next, the cycle time display unit 66 will be described. In the following description of the cycle time display unit 66 and subsequent sections, the same information (e.g., process, model) as that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 will be omitted as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 6 , the creation program 27 displays, for each process, the bottleneck process, process, model, total time, number of machines, cycle time, and each time period included in the cycle time (e.g., cutting time and idle time) in order from top to bottom in the cycle time display unit 66. For example, the creation program 27 displays the cycle time display unit 66 of FIG. 6 below the information shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , and further displays the loader cycle time display unit 67 of FIG. 7 below that. The information in the cycle time display unit 66 and the loader cycle time display unit 67 is stored in association with the machining proposal table DT1.

[0048] Detailed descriptions of the information displayed in the cycle time display unit 66 and the loader cycle time display unit 67 will be omitted. However, the cycle time display unit 66 displays information related to the cycle time (related to workpiece machining) for each process. For example, the "Bottleneck Process" row indicates the process with the longest cycle time among all the processes. The creation program 27 also displays the cycle time for each machine tool for each process in the "Total Time" row. Note that if a given process is executed by one machine tool, the total time is the cycle time of that single machine tool. Also, if the same process is executed by multiple machine tools, the total time is the cycle time for each of the multiple machine tools. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the total time (55 seconds) for processes "20A" and "20B" is the cycle time for each of the two "MT2" model machines. The creation program 27 also displays the value obtained by dividing the "Total Time" by the "Number of Machines" in the "Cycle Time" row. The creation program 27 also displays each time included in the cycle time below the cycle time row. The total of each time included in this cycle time is the cycle time. In this embodiment, the cycle time is the total of the cutting time, idle time, spindle chucking time, workpiece loading / unloading time, door opening / closing time, spindle braking time, ORS time, and cleaning time.

[0049] "Idle" is the total time of the positioning time and the tool indexing time. "Spindle chucking time" is the time required for the spindle to chuck (clamp) the workpiece. "Workpiece loading / unloading time" is the time required for the chucking operation. "Door opening / closing time" is the time required for opening and closing the machine tool door when it is opened or closed to start or finish machining. "Spindle braking time" is the time required to stop the spindle, for example, the time from when the brake is activated until the spindle rotation stops. "ORS time" indicates the orientation time, which is the time required for the spindle to rotate to a predetermined rotation position after stopping the spindle. This predetermined rotation position is the rotation position of the spindle when transferring the workpiece from the spindle to the loader. "Cleaning time" is the time required to clean the spindle backing and other parts with cutting oil or air after transferring the workpiece from the spindle to the loader.

[0050] As described above, the creation program 27 displays the values ​​stored in the processing proposal table DT1 selected by the user and the model list DT2 associated with the processing proposal table DT1 as initial values ​​when displaying the screens of Figures 4 to 7. Thereafter, the creation program 27 updates the cycle time in the cycle time display unit 66 in response to changes in the time information 78 shown in Figure 5, i.e., in response to changes in information accompanying the creation of a new processing proposal table. For example, if the cutting time of a given process is changed in the time information 78, the creation program 27 changes the cutting time of the corresponding process in the cycle time display unit 66, thereby calculating and updating the cycle time. Each time the cycle time is updated, the creation program 27 compares the cycle times of each process and marks the process with the longest cycle time, i.e., the bottleneck process, with a circle.

[0051] FIG. 8 shows an editing screen 110 for editing the model list DT2. As shown in FIG. 8, the model list DT2 contains the parameters (information) to be displayed in the cycle time display unit 66. Specifically, the parameters include the tool indexing time, positioning time, spindle chucking time, workpiece loading / unloading time, door opening / closing time, spindle braking time, ORS time, and cleaning time. In addition to the information described above, the model list DT2 also contains parameters related to the list ID, revision number 80, update date and time, model information 79, number of spindles, number of tools, robot operation time, speed, and acceleration. The list ID is identification information that can identify each of the multiple model lists DT2 stored in the management data 28. For example, a unique number (e.g., 0001, 0002, etc.) can be assigned to each list as the list ID. The list ID is also associated with the model information 79. For example, the model information 79 in the model list DT2 is information that indicates the model information 79 for each process (see FIG. 4). There is a one-to-one correspondence between the model information 79 and the list ID, and if the "machine tool model number" indicated by the model information 79 is the same, the list ID will also be the same. In other words, if the model number is the same, the list ID will be the same.

[0052] The revision number 80 indicates the revision version (edition number) of the model list DT2. Here, parameters such as the tool indexing time and robot chuck operation time can be determined for each machine tool and can be used as common data for multiple machining proposal tables DT1. Therefore, common data that can be set for each machine tool is set as parameters in the model list DT2. This enables centralized management of common data, and by consolidating data that overlaps among multiple model lists DT2 into the model list DT2, the amount of data in the management data 28 can be reduced. Meanwhile, when the software or hardware of each machine tool is improved, the parameters set in the model list DT2 are changed. Specifically, tool indexing time, positioning time, etc., are shortened by upgrading the machine tool. Alternatively, adjustments may be made to lengthen each time to avoid malfunctions. In such cases, the user may not want to change the associated model list DT2 (parameters) for past machining proposal tables DT1, but when creating a new machining proposal table, it is preferable to use the new (upgraded) model list DT2 (parameters). Therefore, in the model list DT2 of this embodiment, for model lists DT2 of the same model, the revised model list DT2 is managed as separate data from the model list DT2 before the change using the revision number 80. For this reason, the revision number 80 can be, for example, a number that increases with each change (first edition, second edition, third edition, etc.). The list ID and revision number are not limited to numbers; they can also be letters (e.g., MTXXX) or a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., MT1). The update date and time is the date and time the model list DT2 was last updated. The number of spindles is the number of spindles of the machine tool indicated by the list ID (model information 79), and the number of cutting tools is the number of cutting tools (holders) that can be simultaneously attached.

[0053] 3, the creation program 27 reads out the model list DT2 corresponding to the model information 79 of each process, and sets the time information 78 and information in the cycle time display section 66 based on the parameters of the read out model list DT2. Details of the read out process of the model list DT2 will be described later.

[0054] Similarly, the creation program 27 sets loader parameters in the loader cycle time display unit 67 based on the read-out model list DT2. The loader cycle time display unit 67 is a display unit that displays and changes the cycle times of peripheral devices connected to the machine tool and the loader that transports workpieces between the machine tool and the peripheral devices. As shown in Figure 7, the creation program 27 displays a first display unit 99 and a second display unit 101 in the loader cycle time display unit 67.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8 , robot parameters such as robot chuck operation time and robot travel speed are set in the model list DT2. While detailed description will be omitted, the creation program 27 can display information in the loader cycle time display section 67 based on the robot parameters in the model list DT2, similar to the cycle times for the machining devices in the cycle time display section 66. As shown in FIG. 7 , the creation program 27 displays processes, the cycle times for each process, and the operation patterns in the first display section 99. Note that FIG. 7 omits the illustration of process "40" to avoid cluttering the drawing. Furthermore, the creation program 27 displays processes (first display section 99) for machine tools of the same model together in one place. In FIG. 7 , the cycle times and operation patterns for processes "10" and "30" for a machine tool of model "MT1" are displayed together in one place. The creation program 27 then displays the loader cycle time on the second display unit 101, but for different types of processes executed by the same model of machine tool, it displays the total loader cycle time for each process.

[0056] The operation pattern indicates, for example, the type of loader operation when performing one or more arbitrary processes in an arbitrary machine tool. For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, when a machine tool of model "MT1" performs processes "10" and "30", there are multiple patterns for operating the loader. Specifically, there are multiple operation patterns depending on various loader operations related to workpiece movement, such as the number of processes, the number of spindles, the position of the spindles, the direction in which the loader moves, and whether or not the workpiece is turned over using a turnover device. If the operation pattern differs, the time it takes the loader to transport the workpiece will also differ.

[0057] Therefore, the management data 28 stores, in association with each other, the model information 79, an operation pattern for operating a loader that transports workpieces in accordance with the execution of a process on a machine tool of the model indicated by the model information 79, and the loader cycle time (the loader shortest cycle time, described below) when the loader is operated according to the operation pattern. As shown in FIG. 7 , the creation program 27 displays, in the second display unit 101, the following columns: loader shortest cycle time, peripherals "1 to 4," number of LL chucking operations, number of UL chucking operations, travel (distance), and up / down (distance). The "loader shortest cycle time" column corresponds to the operation pattern in the first display unit 99 and indicates the shortest cycle time of the loader when the loader is operated according to that operation pattern. This "loader shortest cycle time" does not include the time required to travel to a peripheral device or the time required to work at the peripheral device, described below.

[0058] As described above, the loader shortest cycle time is associated with an operation pattern in the management data 28. The creation program 27 then accepts the selection of an operation pattern corresponding to the machine tool model and process in the new machining proposal table in the loader cycle time display unit 67, and displays the loader shortest cycle time of the loader corresponding to the selected operation pattern in addition to the cycle time for each machine tool model and process. For example, in response to the selection of an icon 103 displayed in the operation pattern column of the first display unit 99, the creation program 27 displays, in a pull-down menu, operation patterns corresponding to the process in the first display unit 99 and the machine model that performs that process, i.e., operation patterns associated with the process and machine model via the management data 28. The creation program 27 associates the operation pattern selected by the icon 103 with the management data 28 and displays the loader cycle time in the loader shortest cycle time column of the second display unit 101. As a result, the user can automatically display the basic loader cycle time excluding peripheral devices, etc., described later, simply by selecting a loader operation pattern. The creation program 27 calculates the total of the work times for items such as the shortest loader cycle time and peripherals "1 to 4" described below, and displays the calculated total time in a column for shortest transfer cycle time 102 below the second display section 101. By checking this column for shortest transfer cycle time 102, the user can confirm the total cycle time including the loader and peripheral devices when the process in the first display section 99 is executed by the model of the operation pattern.

[0059] Additionally, the peripherals "1 to 4" columns in the second display section 101 are columns for selecting peripheral devices that can be connected to the machine tool, etc. Examples of peripheral devices that can be used include an entrance stocker for carrying in workpieces before machining, and entrance and exit conveyors for transporting workpieces between machine tools. The management data 28 stores peripheral devices in association with the operation time required for each workpiece in the peripheral device. This operation time is the cycle time on the peripheral device side, and does not include the chucking and unchucking time of the loader (operation time on the loader side), which will be described later.

[0060] The creation program 27 receives information on peripheral devices to be used in the new machining proposal table in the peripheral "1 to 4" columns. The creation program 27 displays, for example, an icon 107 in the peripheral column, and when the icon 107 is selected, displays a pull-down menu of peripheral devices connectable to the machine tool in the first display unit 99. The creation program 27 displays the operation time associated with the peripheral device selected in the pull-down menu of the icon 107 in the management data 28 to the right of the icon 107. The creation program 27 corrects the shortest transfer cycle time 102 according to the displayed operation time. The creation program 27 adds the total operation time displayed in the peripheral "1 to 4" columns to the shortest transfer cycle time 102.

[0061] The creation program 27 also displays the number of clamping or unclamping operations of the loader and the operation time corresponding to the number of operations in the "LL chucking operation count" and "UL chucking operation count" columns of the second display unit 101. As shown in FIG. 8 , the model list DT2 stores the robot chucking operation time (LL, chucking time), which is the operation time required for the loader to clamp a workpiece once, and the robot chucking operation time (UL, unchucking time), which is the operation time required for the loader to unclamp a workpiece once. The "LL chucking operation count" column includes a column for inputting the number of clamping operations (number of chucking operations) and a column to the right of the column for displaying the operation time corresponding to the number of clamping operations. For all peripheral devices selected in the second display unit 101, the user inputs the number of clamping operations performed by the loader in the "LL chucking operation count" column. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , "1 time" is entered in the "chuck count" column for processes "10" and "30." The creation program 27 multiplies the input clamping count by the robot chucking operation time (LL) in the model list DT2 to calculate the total clamping time, and displays it to the right of the clamping count. In the example shown in FIG. 7, "0.7 sec" is displayed. Similarly, the UL chucking operation count and unchucking time can also be calculated. Then, as with the above-mentioned peripherals "1 to 4," the creation program 27 adds the chucking and unchucking operation times to the shortest transfer cycle time 102, thereby correcting the shortest transfer cycle time 102. This allows the user to grasp the clamping time and release time simply by inputting the clamping count and release count, and correct the loader cycle time.

[0062] The creation program 27 also displays the travel distance of the loader in each direction when moving to a peripheral device, and the travel time corresponding to that travel distance, in the travel (distance) and up / down (distance) columns of the second display unit 101. In this embodiment, the loader can move, for example, left / right and up / down when viewed from the front of the machine tool. As shown in FIG. 8 , the model list DT2 stores the speed required for the loader to move a unit distance in the left / right and up / down directions, as well as the acceleration when moving in each direction. For example, in the travel (distance) column, the creation program 27 accepts input of the total travel distance (e.g., round-trip distance) of the loader moving in the left / right direction when moving between the machine tool and the peripheral devices "1" to "4." In the example shown in FIG. 7 , "5 m" is entered in the travel (distance) column for processes "10" and "30." The creation program 27 divides the entered left / right distance by the left / right movement speed (robot travel speed) in the model list DT2 and displays the calculated travel time to the right of the input column. The creation program 27 may also correct the movement time using the robot's acceleration (robot travel acceleration). In the example shown in FIG. 7 , "1.5 sec" is displayed as the movement time. The creation program 27 then adds the movement time to the shortest transfer cycle time 102, similar to the above-described perimeters "1 to 4" and the number of LL chuck operations, to correct the shortest transfer cycle time 102. Similarly, the creation program 27 calculates the movement time in the vertical direction and corrects the shortest transfer cycle time 102 according to the calculated movement time. This allows the user to grasp the movement time in each direction and correct the loader cycle time simply by inputting the loader's movement distance in each direction. The loader may be configured to be movable forward and backward in addition to up and down and left and right, or may be configured to move only in one direction. That is, the content of the second display unit 101 shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example and is changed as appropriate depending on the loader's movement direction.

[0063] In the above processing, the shortest transfer cycle time 102 is corrected as appropriate. The shortest transfer cycle time 102 displays the total loader cycle time when the loader performs work on the machine tool and the peripheral devices shown in the second display unit 101 when each machine tool performs one or more processes shown in the first display unit 99. The creation program 27 similarly accepts selection of an operation pattern, display of the shortest loader cycle time, change of the cycle time of the peripheral devices, etc. for the other processes "20A, 20B, 40," and displays the shortest transfer cycle time 102. The loader cycle time display unit 67 displays the machine tool cycle time for each process and the loader cycle time (shortest transfer cycle time 102).

[0064] The creation program 27 then displays the longest time among the cycle times for each machine tool and process, and the loader cycle time, as the line takt (cycle time of the production line). The creation program 27, for example, provides a column for line takt 109 at the bottom of the loader cycle time display section 67 and displays the line takt. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the machine tool cycle time (40 seconds) of process 30 is displayed as the line takt 109, i.e., the cycle time of the bottleneck process. The creation program 27 displays, for example, the name of the process that becomes the line takt 109 and information indicating whether it is a machine tool or a loader, to the right of the line takt 109 time. This allows the user to confirm which process's machine tool or loader work time is the bottleneck by checking the line takt 109. Furthermore, when machining, etc., in the new machining proposal table is performed on a workpiece, the cycle time for one workpiece can be grasped as the line takt 109.

[0065] When the create button 95 shown in Fig. 5 is selected, the creation program 27 outputs the displayed information (such as the workpiece information 61) as a new machining proposal table in a predetermined format. In this way, the creation program 27 can reuse the registered machining proposal table DT1 to reduce the load of creating a new machining proposal table. Note that the display formats shown in Figs. 4 to 7 above are examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0066] (Regarding Searching and New Registration of Model List DT2) Next, processing related to the model list DT2 will be described. First, searching and new registration of the model list DT2 will be described. FIG. 9 is an example of a web page of the creation device 11 accessed by the client terminal 13, showing a registration search screen 111 for the model list DT2. As shown in FIG. 9, the creation program 27 displays the registration search screen 111 on the client terminal 13 in response to access from the client terminal 13. The creation program 27 displays a new creation button 112, a condition input field 113, and a search button 115 on the registration search screen 111.

[0067] The new creation button 112 is a button for starting the creation of a new model list DT2. When the new creation button 112 is selected, the creation program 27 displays the editing screen 110 shown in FIG. 8 . Furthermore, the creation program 27 sets only the list ID and revision number 80 of the items in the model list DT2, leaving the other items blank, and displays the editing screen 110. The creation program 27 sets an unregistered number as the list ID. For example, the smallest number among unused list IDs is set in the list ID field. The creation program 27 also sets the first number (e.g., "first edition") as the revision number 80. The creation program 27 then executes control so that the list ID and revision number 80 cannot be edited.

[0068] The user fills in each blank item to create a new model list DT2. Furthermore, when the editing screen 110 is displayed by selecting the new creation button 112, the creation program 27 displays only a new registration button 117 at the bottom of the editing screen 110. Figure 8 shows the editing screen 110 when the search button 115, described below, is selected, so in addition to the new registration button 117, an update button 118 is also displayed. When the new registration button 117 is selected, the creation program 27 registers a new model list DT2 in the management data 28 based on the information entered in the editing screen 110. This allows a new model list DT2 to be created and registered in accordance with the introduction of a new model of machine tool. The creation program 27 may also check whether each item on the editing screen 110 has been properly filled in. Furthermore, the creation program 27 registers the information (model number) entered in the model information 79 in the management data 28 as new model information 79. As a result, when icon 83 is selected in the column of model information 79 shown in Figure 4, the newly registered model is displayed in a pull-down menu, and the newly registered model list DT2 can be associated with the process.

[0069] The creation program 27 also accepts information for searching the model list DT2 in the condition input field 113 of FIG. 9 . For example, the condition input field 113 includes fields for accepting a list ID, a revision number 80, and model information 79. When the search button 115 is selected, the creation program 27 searches the management data 28 for a model list DT2 that matches the information entered in the condition input field 113, and displays the editing screen 110 (see FIG. 8 ) with the parameters of the searched model list DT2 entered. This allows the user to display the desired model list DT2 and check the parameters. The user can also change the displayed parameters and register a new model list DT2. The creation program 27, like the new creation button 112, executes control so that the list ID and revision number 80 cannot be edited. Furthermore, when only the list ID and model information 79 are specified, the creation program 27 displays the model list DT2 with the latest revision number 80 from among the model lists DT2 with the same list ID (model information 79) on the edit screen 110. This allows a new model list DT2 to be created by referring to the latest version.

[0070] If the user wants to register the updated model list DT2 as a new model list DT2, the user selects the update button 118 in FIG. 8 . If the user wants to register the updated model list DT2 as a new model list DT2, the user selects the new registration button 117. When the update button 118 is selected, the creation program 27 assigns a new revision number 80 and registers the updated model list DT2. For example, the creation program 27 sets the same list ID as the displayed list ID and sets the next number after the displayed revision number 80 as the new revision number 80. This allows the model list DT2 with the new parameters to be stored separately from the previous model list DT2. This prevents the previous model list DT2 from being overwritten and prevents changes to values ​​(such as cycle time) in the processing proposal table DT1 that reference the previous model list DT2. Note that if the revision number 80 is specified on the registration search screen 111 and a model list DT2 with a revision number 80 that is not the latest is called, the creation program 27 may notify the user on the editing screen 110 that the model list DT2 is not the latest. This makes it possible to prevent a new model list DT2 from being created based on a model list DT2 with a revision number 80 that is not the latest. When the new registration button 117 is selected, the creation program 27 assigns a new list ID and registers a new model list DT2, just as in the case of the new creation button 112. At this time, it may be possible to check whether the model information 79 has already been registered.

[0071] Therefore, the creation program 27 accepts the selection of an old model list DT2 (an example of an old model list) to be used to create a new model list DT2 (an example of a new model list) on the registration search screen 111 (an example of a list acceptance process of the present application). The creation program 27 creates the new model list DT2 based on the parameters of the selected old model list DT2 and the information accepted on the editing screen 110 (an example of a creation process of the present application). The creation program 27 assigns the new model list DT2 the same list ID as the old model list DT2, assigns a newer revision number 80 than the revision number 80 of the old model list DT2, and stores the list in the storage device 22 (an example of a storage process of the present application). This allows the parameters of the old model list DT2 to be reused to create a new model list DT2. The user can set new parameters by referring to the parameters of the old model list DT2 and update the model list DT2.

[0072] (Regarding Checking the Model List DT2 When Creating a New Processing Proposal Table) Next, a check of the revision number 80 of the model list DT2 when creating a new processing proposal table will be described. Figure 10 shows the processing performed by the creation program 27 when the new creation button 47 on the search result screen 39 shown in Figure 3 is selected. For example, when the creation program 27 displays the search result screen 39, it starts the processing shown in Figure 10. First, in step (hereinafter simply referred to as "S") 11, the creation program 27 determines whether the new creation button 47 has been selected.

[0073] When the New Creation button 47 is selected (S11: YES), the creation program 27 reads the processing proposal table DT1 selected in the check box (image 45) on the search result screen 39 and selects the first process in the read processing proposal table DT1 (S13). In the example shown in FIG. 4, process "10" is selected. The creation program 27 determines whether a new model list DT2 exists for the selected process (S15). In the following description, the model list DT2 associated with the model information 79 set for the selected process is referred to as the old model list DT2A (see FIG. 12). Furthermore, among the model lists DT2 with the same list ID as the old model list DT2A, the model list DT2 with a revision number 80 newer than the revision number 80 of the old model list DT2A is referred to as the new model list DT2B. In this embodiment, the new model list DT2B with the most recent revision number 80 (latest version) is used as the new model list DT2B. That is, if there are three or more model lists DT2 with the same list ID, the one with the most recent revision number 80 is designated as the new model list DT2B. Note that the new model list DT2B is not limited to the latest version of the model list DT2, but may be any other model list DT2 that is newer than the old model list DT2A.

[0074] The creation program 27 determines whether or not a model list DT2 exists that has the same list ID as the old model list DT2A corresponding to the model information 79 of the process selected in S13 and has a newer revision number 80 than the old model list DT2A (S15). If a new model list DT2 exists, that is, if a new model list DT2B exists (S15: YES), the creation program 27 stores the process identification information 81 of that process (S17) and executes S19.

[0075] The creation program 27 determines whether the determination in S15 has been performed for all processes included in the processing proposal table DT1 selected on the search result screen 39 (S19). If the determination in S19 is not complete (NO in S19), the creation program 27 selects the process next to the selected process (S21) and executes S15 again. In the example shown in FIG. 4, process "20A" is selected. Furthermore, if the new model list DT2B does not exist in S15, that is, if the new model list DT2B has already been associated (NO in S15), the creation program 27 executes S21. This makes it possible to confirm whether the new model list DT2B exists for all processes included in the processing proposal table DT1 selected by the user.

[0076] When the creation program 27 has completed the determination of all steps (S19: YES), it determines whether notification to the user is necessary (S23). If the creation program 27 makes a negative determination in S15 for all steps in the selected processing proposal table DT1 (S15: NO), that is, if all steps are associated with the new model list DT2B, it makes a negative determination in S23 (S23: NO), executes S31, and ends the processing of Figure 10. In this case, as described above, the creation program 27 starts creating a new processing proposal table based on the selected processing proposal table DT1 and the model list DT2 associated with that processing proposal table DT1 (S31, Figures 4 to 7).

[0077] On the other hand, if the creation program 27 makes a positive determination in S15 for at least one process (S15: YES), i.e., if at least one process identification information 81 has been stored in S17, it makes a positive determination in S23 (S23: YES) and executes notification (S25). FIG. 11 shows a screen on which the notification has been executed. As shown in FIG. 11, the creation program 27 displays a notification image 121 as a pop-up screen in front of the screen displaying the selected processing proposal table DT1 when the new creation button 47 in FIG. 3 is selected. Note that, when the creation program 27 displays the notification image 121, the data displayed behind the notification image 121 may be the data of the processing proposal table DT1 in the old model list DT2A, or it may be blank. The data may then be displayed after the processing of the notification image 121, as described below, is completed and the associated model list DT2 is determined.

[0078] The creation program 27 displays a message in the notification image 121 saying, "An updated model list is available. Do you want to perform the update?" The creation program 27 also displays a YES button 123 and a NO button 125 in the notification image 121. After executing S25, the creation program 27 determines whether the YES button 123 or the NO button 125 in the notification image 121 has been selected (S27). If the NO button 125 has been selected (S27: NO), the creation program 27 starts creating a new processing proposal table without updating the model list DT2 (S31). This allows the user to create a new processing proposal table using the parameters of the old model list DT2A if they do not want to update the model list DT2.

[0079] On the other hand, if the YES button 123 is selected (S27: YES), the creation program 27 compares the old and new model lists DT2 for each of the processes stored in S17 and accepts confirmation of the update (S29). In S29, the creation program 27 displays a model list comparison screen 131 shown in Fig. 12. The creation program 27 displays the parameters of the old model list DT2A and the new model list DT2B side by side, with parameters of the same type lined up horizontally.

[0080] Furthermore, in S29, the creation program 27 displays the model list comparison screen 131, for example, in the order of the processes stored in S17 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the detection order). In the following description, the processes stored in S17 are referred to as the detection processes. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , if the first process "10" is the detection process, the creation program 27 displays the model list comparison screen 131 for process "10" as shown in FIG. 12 , and displays "10" as the process identification information 81 in the process information column 133 at the top of the model list comparison screen 131. The creation program 27 displays the parameters of the old model list DT2A and the new model list DT2B corresponding to the model information 79 of process "10" side by side. For example, the creation program 27 displays the parameters of the old model list DT2A on the left side and the parameters of the new model list DT2B on the right side, so that the parameters correspond to each other on the left and right. Therefore, the creation program 27 displays the parameters of the old and new model list DT2 in a list in association with each other. This makes it easier to understand how the parameters have been changed, and reduces the burden on the user of checking the parameters.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12 , the creation program 27 highlights parameters with different values ​​between the old model list DT2A and the new model list DT2B. For example, parameters with the same value in the old and new model lists DT2A are not colored, and parameters whose values ​​have been changed are highlighted in red or yellow (see hatching in FIG. 12 ). This makes it easier to see which parameters have been changed when multiple parameters are displayed for comparison. This further reduces the burden on the user of checking parameters. Note that the highlighting method is not limited to coloring, and may also include bolding or enlarging the text. Furthermore, parameters with the same values ​​may be highlighted without highlighting parameters whose values ​​have been changed. Highlighting may also be omitted.

[0082] Furthermore, when multiple new model lists DT2B exist, the creation program 27 displays only the parameters of the new model list DT2B with the latest revision number 80 in association with the parameters of the old model list DT2A. Therefore, even if multiple new model lists DT2B with newer revision numbers 80 are detected with the same list ID, the creation program 27 displays only the latest version, as shown in FIG. 12 . When the model list DT2 is revised, the newer model list DT2 is likely to have more optimal parameters set. Specifically, when a program has been updated multiple times, the operating speed is set to match the latest program. Furthermore, when a malfunction has occurred multiple times, parameters that have resolved all of the malfunctions are set. Therefore, by displaying only the old model list DT2A of the selected processing proposal table DT1 and the latest new model list DT2B, the display content can be simplified and necessary information can be presented to the user. If there are multiple new model lists DT2B that are newer than the old model list DT2A in the selected processing proposal table DT1, the old model list DT2A and the multiple new model lists DT2B may be displayed side by side.

[0083] 12, the creation program 27 displays an Update button 135, a Previous Process button 136, a Next Process button 137, and an End button 138 at the bottom of the model list comparison screen 131. When the Update button 135 is selected, the creation program 27 updates the parameters of the model list DT2 for the process displayed in the process information field 133. The creation program 27 updates the parameters by associating the new model list DT2B with the process as the model list DT2 to be associated with that process. That is, the parameters are updated to those of the new model list DT2B on the right side of FIG. 12. As a result, when creating a new processing proposal table, the parameters of the latest model list DT2 can be applied as the model list DT2 for that process.

[0084] Therefore, the creation program 27 receives an update instruction, via the update button 135, as to whether or not to create a new processing proposal table using the parameters of the new model list DT2B instead of the parameters of the old model list DT2A. This allows the creation program 27 to receive an update instruction from the user as to whether or not to update the parameters. The user can check the displayed parameters and then select whether or not to update.

[0085] Furthermore, when the Previous Process button 136 is selected, the creation program 27 displays on the model list comparison screen 131 the old model list DT2A and the new model list DT2B for the detection process that is one step before the detection process displayed on the model list comparison screen 131 (process information field 133). Similarly, when the Next Process button 137 is selected, the creation program 27 displays on the model list comparison screen 131 the old model list DT2A, etc. for the detection process that is one step after the detection process currently displayed on the model list comparison screen 131. In this case, too, the creation program 27 executes a display that highlights the parameters with different values. Furthermore, the creation program 27 accepts an update instruction via the Update button 135 for each detection process. This allows the user to check the parameters of the model list DT2 for each detection process and select whether or not to update. As shown in the upper part of the model list comparison screen 131 in FIG. 12, the creation program 27 may display the words "Not Updated" for detection processes that have not been updated, and the words "Updated" for detection processes that have been updated. This makes it easy to determine which detection processes have been updated. The creation program 27 may also display all detection processes on one model list comparison screen 131. In this case, parameter update instructions may be received collectively for all detection processes.

[0086] Furthermore, when the End button 138 is selected and operated, the creation program 27 ends the display of the model list comparison screen 131, ends S29 in FIG. 10, and executes S31. The creation program 27 starts creating a new processing proposal table using the updated model list DT2. Note that, when the End button 138 is operated while there are still unupdated detection processes among all the detection processes, the creation program 27 may display a confirmation message. For example, the creation program 27 may display a message such as "There is an unupdated model list. Do you want to start creating a new processing proposal table?"

[0087] (Changing the model list DT2 when creating a new machining proposal table) The creation program 27 also executes a process of associating the model list DT2 when creating a new machining proposal table. As described above, the creation program 27 changes the information in the new machining proposal tables shown in Figures 4 to 7 in a linked manner. For example, when the cutting time in Figure 5 is changed, the creation program 27 changes the cutting time, cycle time, and total time in the cycle time display unit 66 in Figure 6, changes the cycle time (machine tool) in the first display unit 99 in Figure 7, compares the changed cycle times, and updates the line tact 109 if necessary.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, if the icon 83 is operated while creating a new machining proposal table and the model information 79 of a given process is changed, the creation program 27 searches for a model list DT2 corresponding to the changed model information 79 as the model list DT2 corresponding to that process. As described above, the model information 79 and the list ID of the model list DT2 correspond to each other, and multiple model lists DT2, including old and new model lists DT2, are detected as the model list DT2 corresponding to the changed model information 79. In this case, the creation program 27 associates the latest model list DT2, which has the most recent revision number 80, with the newest model list DT2 among the multiple model lists DT2 corresponding to the changed model information 79. The creation program 27 displays the latest revision number 80 in the revision number 80 column. The creation program 27 then updates the cycle times, etc., displayed in the cycle time display unit 66 and the loader cycle time display unit 67 based on the parameters of the latest model list DT2. Furthermore, when the plus icon of the process icon 85 is operated to add a new process, the latest version of the model list DT2 is associated with the model information 79 selected for the added process. Also, the number of the latest version is displayed as the revision number 80 of the added process.

[0089] Therefore, after starting to create a new machining proposal table, if the model information 79 of a process is changed, the creation program 27 associates the latest version of the model list DT2 with the most recent revision number 80 as the model list DT2 to be associated with the model information 79. This allows the latest version of the model list DT2 to be associated with a process when new model information 79 (machine tool) is used for an already set process or when model information 79 is set for an added process. The parameters of the latest version of the model list DT2 can be automatically reflected in the new machining proposal table. The creation program 27 may execute the process of associating the latest version of the model list DT2 only when the model information 79 of an already set process is changed or when the model information 79 of an added process is set. The creation program 27 may also not automatically associate the latest version of the model list DT2. For example, if the model information 79 is changed or a process is added, the creation program 27 may leave the column for the revision number 80 unselected and not associate it with the model list DT2.

[0090] Furthermore, when the icon 84 of any process is operated during creation of a new machining proposal table, the creation program 27 displays, as a pull-down menu, a list of revision numbers 80 of all model lists DT2 for which a list ID corresponding to the model information 79 of that process is set. For example, the creation program 27 displays the revision numbers 80 in order from oldest to newest, such as "first edition, second edition, ...". This allows the user to select the revision number 80 (model list DT2) to adopt from the displayed list. Then, as described above, when the save button 93 shown in FIG. 8 is selected, the creation program 27 stores the displayed information (workpiece information 61, cycle time display section 66, etc.) in the management data 28 as a new machine machining proposal table.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the model list DT2 is used as the model list of the present application, and it is possible to set parameters for calculating the cycle time of the machining device (e.g., tool indexing time, positioning time) and parameters for calculating the cycle time of the loader (e.g., robot chuck operation time, robot travel speed). However, this is not limiting. The model list of the present application may be a list including only parameters related to the cycle time of the machining device or parameters related to the cycle time of the loader, or a list including parameters related to cutting tools. Specifically, the model list of cutting tools may include parameters such as cutting tool identification information for identifying the cutting tool and an image of the cutting tool shape in addition to the list ID and revision number 80. If this model list of cutting tools is changed, for example, by selecting icon 91 shown in FIG. 4, the displayed cutting tool types "T1 to TX" are changed. For such model lists of cutting tools, the old and new model lists DT2 can be managed in the same way as the model list DT2 related to the cycle time. Furthermore, the parameters related to cutting tools are not limited to cutting tool identification information and images of cutting tool shapes, but may also include, for example, the number of cutting tools (number of holders) that can be attached to a machine tool. Furthermore, as the model list of the present application, in addition to the above-mentioned parameters related to cycle time and parameters related to cutting tools, a list can be used that sets parameters that can be used to create the machining proposal table DT1 and that can be managed for each machine tool model.

[0092] Therefore, the parameters of the model list DT2 of the present application can be at least one of parameters for calculating the cycle time when machining is performed using a machine tool, parameters for calculating the cycle time of a loader, and parameters related to cutting tools. This allows the model list DT2, which includes each parameter, to be used as common master data to create a new machining proposal table. Furthermore, by changing the model list DT2, parameters related to cycle time and cutting tools can be changed all at once. The latest version of the machine tool specifications can be reflected in the new machining proposal table.

[0093] The processing proposal table creation device 11 is an example of a computer in the present disclosure. The CPU 21 is an example of a processing unit. The network IF 24 is an example of an input unit in the present disclosure.

[0094] As described above, the present embodiment provides the following advantages. In the creation program 27 (creation device 11), which is one aspect of the present embodiment, the model list DT2 includes a list ID for identifying the model list DT2, a revision number 80 indicating the revised version of the model list DT2, and parameters used to create the machining proposal table DT1, such as the tool index time (see FIG. 8 ). The creation program 27 accepts, on the search result screen 39, the selection of a machining proposal table DT1 to be used to create a new machining proposal table (an example of the reception process of the present application), and detects a model list DT2 with the same list ID as the list ID associated with the process of the selected machining proposal table DT1 (an example of the detection process of the present application). The creation program 27 determines whether a new model list DT2B with a revision number 80 newer than the revision number 80 of the old model list DT2A exists (S15, an example of the determination process of the present application), and if a new model list DT2B exists (S15: YES), executes a notification (S25, an example of the notification process of the present application).

[0095] This allows the user to select whether to reflect the parameters of the old model list DT2A in the new processing proposal table or the parameters of the new model list DT2B in the new processing proposal table. Furthermore, when the new model list DT2B is created, it is possible to prevent the user from overlooking its existence and creating a new processing proposal table using the parameters of the old model list DT2A as they are.

[0096] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the machining proposal table DT1 is described using multiple types of machine tools. However, the creation program 27 may create a machining proposal table DT1 using only one type of machine tool. In this case, it is not necessary to determine whether or not a new model list DT2B exists for each process. It is sufficient to determine whether or not a new model list DT2B exists for the one type of machine tool used in the selected machining proposal table DT1. In other words, determining whether or not a new model list DT2B exists for each process is not essential to the present application. The information stored as the machining proposal table DT1 in the above-described embodiments is merely an example, and the item names, number, and types of information stored may be changed as appropriate. The processing content of the creation program 27 described above is merely an example. For example, if a new model list DT2B exists, the creation program 27 may notify the user, but may not accept a user's choice as to whether or not to update parameters. For example, the creation program 27 may display only the text "An updated model list is available. The update will be performed" and a YES button 123 in the notification image 121 of FIG. 11, and update the parameters to those of the new model list DT2B based on the selection operation of the YES button 123.

[0097] The model list DT2 may be configured to include only one parameter. While the parameters of the old model list DT2A and the new model list DT2B are displayed in association with each other (FIG. 12), they may also be displayed without association. For example, all of the parameters of the old model list DT2A may be displayed vertically, and then the parameters of the new model list DT2B may be displayed vertically below them. While the model information 79 and the list ID are separate data, they may be the same data.

[0098] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the dependent relationships set forth in the claims. For example, this specification also discloses a technical idea in which claim 6 changes "the processing proposal table creation device according to claim 1 or claim 2" to "the processing proposal table creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5." It also discloses a technical idea in claim 8 changes "the processing proposal table creation device according to claim 1 or claim 2" to "the processing proposal table creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7." It also discloses a technical idea in claim 9 changes "the processing proposal table creation device according to claim 1 or claim 2" to "the processing proposal table creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8."

[0099] 11 Processing proposal table creation device (computer), 21 CPU (processing unit), 24 Network IF (input unit), 22 Storage device, 27 Processing proposal table creation program, 79 Model information, 80 Revision number, DT1 Processing proposal table, DT2 Model list, DT2A Old model list, DT2B New model list.

Claims

1. A machining proposal table creation device that creates a new machining proposal table using a machining proposal table stored in a storage device, comprising: an input unit; and a processing unit that processes information input via the input unit, wherein the storage device stores a model list created according to a model of a machine tool, the model list having set therein a list ID capable of identifying the model list, a revision number indicating a version in which the model list has been revised, and parameters used in creating the machining proposal table, and the machining proposal table has set therein model information with which the model list is associated, and the processing unit performs a reception process that receives, via the input unit, a selection of the machining proposal table to be used in creating the new machining proposal table; a detection process that detects, from the storage device, a model list in which the list ID is set for the list ID of an old model list, which is the model list associated with the model information set in the selected machining proposal table; and, when a plurality of model lists with the same list ID are detected, a determination process that determines whether or not a new model list, which is a model list with a revision number newer than the revision number of the old model list, exists among the plurality of detected model lists. if the new model list exists, a notification process of notifying that the new model list exists.

2. The machining proposal table creation device according to claim 1, wherein the parameters of the model list are at least one of: parameters for calculating a cycle time when machining a workpiece using the machine tool corresponding to the model list in which the parameters are set; parameters for calculating a cycle time when a loader provided on the machine tool performs work on the workpiece; and parameters related to a cutting tool that can be attached to the machine tool.

3. A processing proposal table creation device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of parameters are set in the model list, and when the new model list exists in the determination process, the processing unit displays a list of the plurality of parameters in the old model list and the plurality of parameters in the new model list in association with each other.

4. The processing unit of claim 3, wherein the processing unit highlights, among the multiple parameters displayed in association with each other, parameters that have different values ​​between the old model list and the new model list compared to parameters that have the same values ​​between the old model list and the new model list.

5. The processing proposal table creation device according to claim 3, wherein, in the judgment process, when there are multiple new model lists, the processing unit displays only the parameters of the new model list having the most recent revision number among the multiple new model lists in correspondence with the parameters of the old model list.

6. The processing unit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, when the new model list exists, the processing unit receives an update instruction via the input unit as to whether or not to create the new processing proposal table using the parameters of the new model list instead of the parameters of the old model list.

7. A processing proposal table creation device as described in claim 6, wherein the model information associated with the model list is set for each process in the processing proposal table, and the processing unit executes the detection process and the judgment process for each process in the processing proposal table selected by the reception process, and receives the update instruction for each process in which the new model list exists.

8. A processing proposal table creation device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the model information associated with the model list is set for each process in the processing proposal table, and the processing unit associates the model list with the most recent revision number as the model list to be associated with the model information in at least one of the cases where, after starting creation of the new processing proposal table using the processing proposal table selected by the reception process, the model information of the process is changed and a new process is added and the model information is selected.

9. The processing unit executes the following steps: a list receiving process for receiving, by the input unit, a selection of the old model list to be used in creating the new model list; a creation process for creating the new model list based on the parameters of the selected old model list and the information received by the input unit; and a storage process for assigning to the new model list the same list ID as the old model list and a revision number newer than the revision number of the old model list, and storing the new model list in the storage device.

10. A machining proposal table creating program that causes a computer to execute a process of creating a new machining proposal table using a machining proposal table stored in a storage device, the computer comprising an input unit, the storage device storing a model list created according to a model of a machine tool, the model list being set with a list ID capable of identifying the model list, a revision number indicating a version in which the model list was revised, and parameters used in creating the machining proposal table, the machining proposal table being set with model information associated with the model list, the computer comprising: a reception process for receiving, via the input unit, a selection of the machining proposal table to be used in creating the new machining proposal table; a detection process for detecting, from the storage device, a model list in which the list ID is set for the list ID of an old model list, which is the model list associated with the model information set in the selected machining proposal table; and a determination process for determining, when a plurality of model lists with the same list ID are detected, whether or not a new model list, which is a model list with a revision number newer than the revision number of the old model list, exists among the plurality of detected model lists; if the new model list exists, a notification process of notifying that the new model list exists.

Images