Tool extraction device

Abstract

This tool extraction device extracts a tool that needs to be preferentially removed from a machine equipped with a tool magazine. The tool extraction device comprises: an extraction condition acquisition unit that acquires a prescribed extraction condition; a first information acquisition unit that acquires information pertaining to a tool to be used in subsequent machining; a second information acquisition unit that acquires information pertaining to a tool already attached to the tool magazine; an extraction unit that extracts the tool that needs to be removed on the basis of the extraction condition, the information pertaining to the tool, and the information pertaining to the tool already attached to the tool magazine; and a notification unit that provides a notification of the extraction result by the extraction unit.

Description

Tool extraction device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tool extraction device.

[0002] In a manufacturing site such as a factory, industrial machines equipped with a tool magazine such as a machining center suitable for multi-variety and small-lot production are used along with the diversification of customer needs. An industrial machine equipped with a tool magazine can store a plurality of tools in the tool magazine in advance and continuously perform a plurality of processes for a long time while automatically exchanging the automatically selected tool with the tool mounted on the industrial machine. However, when the tool to be used for the next process is not stored in the tool magazine, a tool setup operation by an operator occurs. Specifically, it is a series of setup operations such as (a) preparation of the tool and holder to be attached to the tool magazine, (b) assembly of the tool to the holder, (c) tool measurement (in the case of off-machine measurement), (d) registration of tool data, tool offset setting, (e) attachment / detachment of the tool, and (f) tool measurement (in the case of in-machine measurement). The operator performs these series of tool setup operations after checking the type of tool to be used in the next process and the information on the spare tools already attached to the tool magazine.

[0003] Even in an industrial machine equipped with a tool magazine, in order to improve productivity, it is required to optimize the tool setup operation by the operator and improve the operating rate of the machine. In this regard, a technique for automatically determining the tool to be removed from the tool magazine is known.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses that in a machine tool such as a machining center, a plurality of standby machining programs are pre-read, the used tool is compared with the tool stored in the tool magazine, and the priority order of the unnecessary tools to be removed from the tool magazine is displayed. Further, it is disclosed that the priority order of the unnecessary tools is determined in consideration of the ease of attaching / detaching the tool to / from the tool magazine, the tool life, etc.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a numerically controlled machine tool (NC machine tool) equipped with an automatic tool changer (ATC device) that compares information on the tools used, extracted from a machining file corresponding to the workpiece, with information on the tools loaded in the tool magazine to determine whether there are tools in excess or insufficient, and displays the determination result. It also discloses that if there are no empty pots in the tool magazine, tools that are damaged, have exceeded a predetermined number of uses, or have exceeded a predetermined remaining usage time will be removed.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a numerically controlled machine tool having a tool magazine and a replenishment tool magazine, in which, when returning tools from the tool magazine to the replenishment tool magazine, tools that have become unsuitable for machining due to breakage or wear of life are returned preferentially. Furthermore, if there are no tools that have become unsuitable for machining, it is disclosed that tools that will not be used in subsequent machining are extracted and returned by pre-reading the machining program.

[0007] JP-A-5-123933 JP-A-11-156657 JP-A-61-86152

[0008] In actual use of tool magazines in manufacturing facilities, there is a need to minimize the number of tools removed, and tools that will not be used in the next machining process are often left attached to the tool magazine. As a result, the tool magazine may end up with no empty slots, or multiple tools of the same specifications may remain stored in the magazine.

[0009] The technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1-3 did not adequately consider the actual usage of tool magazines in manufacturing environments as described above. For example, if multiple tools of the same specifications were already installed in a tool magazine, the only possible results were to either keep all of them or remove all of them, unless they had reached their lifespan or usage limit. As a result, when the decision was to keep all of the multiple tools of the same specifications, some of the pots in the tool magazine were occupied by tools of the same specifications, leading to a substantial reduction in the number of pots available for tool changes. This substantial reduction in the number of pots available for tool changes led to a reduction in the variety of spare tools that could be stored, resulting in an increase in the number of tool setups. Furthermore, when the decision was to remove all of the multiple tools of the same specifications, the manufacturing site wanted to minimize the number of tools to be removed, which ultimately required manual verification and judgment by the operator.

[0010] Therefore, based on the usage of tool magazines in manufacturing sites, it is desirable to minimize the number of tools to be removed while clearly indicating to the user which tools should be removed first.

[0011] One embodiment of the tool extraction device of the present disclosure is a tool extraction device for a tool candidate to be removed in a machine equipped with a tool magazine, comprising: an extraction condition acquisition unit that acquires predetermined extraction conditions for extracting a tool to be preferentially removed; a first information acquisition unit that acquires tool type information, which is information relating to a tool to be used in the machining to be performed; a second information acquisition unit that acquires installed tool information, which is information relating to a tool already installed in the tool magazine, and which includes at least information relating to the tool life and the number of spare tools; an extraction unit that extracts the tool to be removed using the extraction conditions, the tool type information and the installed tool information; and a notification unit that notifies the extraction result by the extraction unit.

[0012] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the tool extraction system according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the extraction condition management table. This is a diagram showing an example of tool type information. This is a diagram showing another example of tool type information. This is a diagram showing an example of installed tool information. This is a diagram showing an example of installed tool information. This is a flowchart showing an example of the tool extraction process of the tool extraction device according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart explaining the automatic tool extraction process shown in step S5 in Figure 5. This is a diagram showing an example of the extraction condition management table according to a modified example of the first embodiment. This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the tool extraction system according to the second embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of the tool extraction process of the tool extraction device according to the second embodiment. This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the tool extraction system according to the third embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of information updating by the life prediction unit according to the third embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of the tool extraction process of the tool extraction device according to the third embodiment. This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the tool extraction system according to the fourth embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of the tool extraction process of the tool extraction device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a tool extraction system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the tool extraction system 1 includes a tool extraction device 10 and an industrial machine 20.

[0014] The tool extraction device 10 and the industrial machine 20 may be directly connected to each other via a connection interface (not shown). Alternatively, the tool extraction device 10 and the industrial machine 20 may be connected to each other by wired or wireless connection via a network (not shown) such as a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, the tool extraction device 10 and the industrial machine 20 are each equipped with a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with each other via such connection.

[0015] The tool extraction device 10 includes a control unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, and a storage unit 14. The control unit 11, input unit 12, output unit 13, and storage unit 14 are interconnected and communicate with each other via a bus.

[0016] The industrial machine 20 is, for example, a machine tool or a robot. The industrial machine 20 is equipped with a control device 21, an automatic tool changer 22, and a tool magazine 23, and operates based on the operation commands of the control device 21. The industrial machine 20 may store, for example, a tool management table (not shown) that manages all tools attached to the spindle (not shown) of the industrial machine 20, and a pot management table (not shown) that manages tools already attached to the pots of the tool magazine 23, in a storage unit (not shown), such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) included in the industrial machine 20. The tool extraction device 10 may then obtain the necessary information from the tool management table and pot management table stored in the industrial machine 20 based on a tool number such as T10, which will be described later.

[0017] In the industrial machine 20, the control device 21 generates operation commands based on the execution of the machining program (NC program) and outputs the generated operation commands to the industrial machine 20. In this way, the control device 21 controls the operation of the industrial machine 20. The automatic tool changer 22 is a device that automatically exchanges spare tools stored in the tool magazine 23 with the work tools mounted on the spindle of the industrial machine 20. For example, a change arm is used to attach the spare tools stored in the tool magazine 23 to the spindle of the industrial machine 20. The tool magazine 23 is a device that stores multiple spare tools in pots and supplies tools to the industrial machine 20. In this embodiment, in order to minimize the number of tools to be removed, tools not used in the next machining process can be left attached to the tool magazine 23, resulting in a state where there are no empty pots in the tool magazine 23.

[0018] <Storage Unit 14> In the tool extraction device 10, the storage unit 14 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD, HDD, etc. In addition to storing various programs including the OS and various files, it is equipped with an extraction condition management table 141. The extraction condition management table 141 is a table that stores extraction conditions used when extracting tools that should be removed with priority from the tool magazine. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the extraction condition management table 141. As shown in Figure 2, the extraction condition management table 141 includes, for example, storage areas for "priority" and "extraction conditions".

[0019] The "Priority" storage area in the extraction condition management table 141 stores a numerical value representing the priority. Values ​​from 1 to N (N≧1) are set in descending order of priority. In the example in Figure 2, priority 1 has the highest priority, and priority 3 has the lowest priority.

[0020] The "Extraction Conditions" storage area in the Extraction Condition Management Table 141 stores the extraction conditions. In the example in Figure 2, the extraction conditions are stored in order of priority, such as "end of life", "nearing end of life", and "not used in this machining and there are many spare tools". Furthermore, the extraction conditions can be written in the form of logical expressions using logical AND ("and"), logical OR ("or"), and negation ("not"). In the example in Figure 2, the condition "not used in this machining and there are many spare tools" is written in the form of a logical AND ("and") of "not used in this machining" (negation) and "there are many spare tools".

[0021] The condition "end of life" is used to extract tools that have "end of life" from the spare tools already installed in the tool magazine 23. Using tools that have reached the end of their life can lead to problems as machining accuracy cannot be maintained, so this condition is set from the standpoint of safety and productivity. The condition "nearing end of life" is used to extract tools that are "nearing end of life" from the spare tools already installed in the tool magazine 23. This condition is set to address tool end-of-life proactively rather than reactively. The condition "not used in this machining operation" is used to extract tools that will not be used in the upcoming machining operation from the spare tools already installed in the tool magazine 23. However, even if a tool is not used in the upcoming machining operation, it may be used again in subsequent machining operations, so it is desirable to use this condition in conjunction with other conditions. The condition "large number of spare tools" is used to extract tools for which there are many spare tools of the same specifications installed in the tool magazine 23. This extraction condition is set to extract tools for which there are many spare tools, and removing some of them will have little impact on subsequent setups. Furthermore, the selection criteria may be based on either the absolute number of tools or the relative number of tools.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 2, the extraction condition management table 141 is sorted in ascending order of priority, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the priority settings within the extraction condition management table 141 may be changeable by the operator. In the example shown in Figure 2, for ease of explanation, it is described using phrases such as "not used in this machining process and with a large number of spare tools," but it may also be described in a predetermined command format, for example. Also, the table format is just one example, and the information shown in table format in this specification and drawings may be managed by methods other than table format.

[0023] <Control Unit 11> The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM, RAM, CMOS (Complete Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) memory, etc., which are configured to communicate with each other via a bus, and are known to those skilled in the art. The CPU is a processor that controls the tool extraction device 10 as a whole. The CPU reads the OS and application programs via the bus and controls the entire tool extraction device 10 according to those OS and application programs. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 11 is configured to realize the functions of the first information acquisition unit 111, the second information acquisition unit 113, the extraction condition acquisition unit 115, the extraction unit 117, and the notification unit 119. Various data such as temporary calculation data and display data are stored in the RAM. The CMOS memory is backed up by a battery (not shown) and is configured as a non-volatile memory that retains its memory state even when the power to the tool extraction device 10 is turned off. In other words, the tool extraction device 10 can be realized through the cooperation of hardware and software. The tool extraction device 10 may be a specially designed computer, or it may be a computer such as a PC or tablet computer. Furthermore, the tool extraction device 10 may be implemented in the control device 21 of the industrial machine 20.

[0024] The first information acquisition unit 111 executes a process to acquire tool information (hereinafter also referred to as "tool type information") related to the tools to be used in the machining process to be performed. In this embodiment, the first information acquisition unit 111 acquires tool type information from, for example, information based on input operations from the user such as a keyboard or touch panel received by the input unit 12, or from information received from an external device via a communication unit (not shown).

[0025] Figure 3A shows an example of tool type information. As shown in Figure 3A, tool type information includes "tool type" and "predicted tool usage." The "tool type" included in the tool type information is a tool number that represents the type of tool, such as "T1." The "predicted tool usage" included in the tool type information is the predicted usage per tool that will be consumed in the machining process to be performed. The "predicted tool usage" is expressed in cutting time (minutes) so that it can be compared with tool life, as tool life is generally expressed in cutting time (minutes).

[0026] Normally, the cutting time for each tool is calculated by performing a machining simulation on a PC. Therefore, the "predicted tool usage" included in the tool type information may store the cutting time calculated by the machining simulation. Alternatively, the "predicted tool usage" included in the tool type information may store a value directly entered by the operator using an input device such as a keyboard or touch panel.

[0027] Figure 3B shows another example of tool type information. As shown in Figure 3B, the tool type information may include "tool type," "predicted tool usage," and "required number of spare tools." In this case, "required number of spare tools" is the number expected to be used through continuous machining, etc.

[0028] The second information acquisition unit 113 executes a process to acquire tool information (hereinafter also referred to as "installed tool information") relating to tools already installed in the tool magazine 23. The second information acquisition unit 113 may, for example, acquire information about tools already installed in the tool magazine 23 from a pot management table (not shown) stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the industrial machine 20 via a communication unit (not shown). Alternatively, the second information acquisition unit 113 may acquire a portion of the installed tool information from the pot management table stored in the storage unit of the industrial machine 20, and acquire the other portion from information received by the input unit 12, or from information received from an external device via a communication unit (not shown). In this embodiment, the second information acquisition unit 113 acquires installed tool information when there are no empty pots in the tool magazine 23.

[0029] Figures 4A to 4C show an example of installed tool information. As shown in Figure 4A, the installed tool information includes "pot number," "tool type," "cumulative tool usage," "tool life," and "life status." As shown in Figure 4B, the installed tool information may also include "number of spare tools." As shown in Figure 4C, the installed tool information may also include the "total" number of spare tools. In the above example, for the sake of explanation, three tables are used in Figures 4A to 4C, but they may consist of one or two tables, or four or more tables. Furthermore, each table may be a normalized table or a table before normalization. Also, the table format is just an example, and the information shown in table format in this specification and drawings may be managed by methods other than table format.

[0030] The "pot number" included in the installed tool information is the number assigned to each pot in the tool magazine 23. In the example in Figure 4A, the tool magazine 23 is a model equipped with 20 pots, and each pot is assigned a pot number from 1 to 20. The "tool type" included in the installed tool information is a tool number representing the type of tool, such as "T4". These "pot numbers" and "tool types" may be data extracted from a pot management file (not shown) stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the industrial machine 20, for example.

[0031] The "cumulative tool usage" included in the installed tool information is the cumulative cutting time (in minutes (min)) used for machining while the tool is attached to the spindle of the industrial machine 20. Typically, industrial machines track, count, and record the cutting time of each tool. The "cumulative tool usage" may store, for example, the cutting time of each tool obtained from a tool management table (not shown) stored in a memory unit (not shown) included in the industrial machine 20. Alternatively, if the operator manually records the cutting time of each tool, the "cumulative tool usage" may store values ​​obtained from information based on user input operations such as keyboard or touch panel input received by the input unit 12, or from information received from an external device via a communication unit (not shown).

[0032] The "tool life" included in the installed tool information is the time until the tool reaches its life point, where it can no longer maintain the machining quality of the workpiece due to tool wear. As mentioned above, tool life is generally expressed in cutting time (minutes). In this embodiment as well, the "tool life" included in the installed tool information is cutting time (minutes). The specific numerical value of "tool life" may be set for each tool type based on the experience of the operator, etc. Alternatively, the numerical value of "tool life" may be set based on the calculation results of a known life equation, etc.

[0033] The "Life Status" included in the installed tool information indicates the wear status of the tool. For each pot number and tool type, corresponding information is set based on the "Cumulative Tool Usage" and "Tool Life". The "Expired" status is set when the cumulative tool usage exceeds the tool life. The "Near End of Life" status is set when the difference between the cumulative tool usage and the tool life is less than a predetermined value, or when the ratio of the cumulative tool usage to the tool life exceeds a predetermined percentage. The "Possible Remaining Life" status is set when the difference between the cumulative tool usage and the tool life is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or when the ratio of the cumulative tool usage to the tool life is less than or equal to a predetermined percentage.

[0034] The "Number of Spare Tools" included in the installed tool information refers to the number of spare tools of each tool type installed in the tool magazine 23. The "Total Number of Spare Tools" included in the installed tool information refers to the total number of spare tools installed in the tool magazine 23.

[0035] The extraction condition acquisition unit 115 executes a process to acquire an extraction condition management table 141 that extracts tools to be removed with priority. The extraction condition acquisition unit 115 may acquire the extraction condition management table 141 by reading it from the storage unit 14. Alternatively, the extraction condition acquisition unit 115 may acquire the extraction condition management table 141 from information received by the input unit 12. Alternatively, the extraction condition acquisition unit 115 may acquire the extraction condition management table 141 from information received from an external device via a communication unit (not shown). The extraction condition acquisition unit 115 may be configured to accept editing and updating of the extraction condition management table 141 after acquisition by the user. In this case, the tool extraction device 10 may be equipped with a display screen such as a GUI for the user to edit the extraction condition management table 141. For example, in the example in Figure 2, the user can edit and update the priority order and the contents of the extraction conditions by rewriting or adding.

[0036] The extraction unit 117 uses the tool type information obtained by the processing of the first information acquisition unit 111, the installed tool information obtained by the processing of the second information acquisition unit 113, and the extraction condition management table 141 obtained by the processing of the extraction condition acquisition unit 115 to extract the tools to be removed from the tool magazine 23 according to the flow described later, and executes a process to send the extraction results to the notification unit 119.

[0037] The notification unit 119 edits notification information from the extraction results by the extraction unit 117. The edited notification information may include information about the reason for extraction, in addition to information about the tool to be removed. The notification unit 119 outputs the edited notification information to the outside via the output unit 13. At that time, the notification unit 119 may send notifications in order of the highest or lowest priority for removal.

[0038] <Tool Extraction Process of Tool Extraction Device 10> Next, the operation of the tool extraction process of the tool extraction device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the tool extraction process of the tool extraction device 10. The flow shown here is executed each time the device receives a command to start the tool extraction process from the operator.

[0039] In step S1, the first information acquisition unit 111 acquires tool type information related to the tools required for the machining to be performed. The tool type information includes "tool type" as shown in Figure 3A or Figure 3B.

[0040] In step S2, the second information acquisition unit 113 acquires information about the tools already installed in the tool magazine 23 of the industrial machine 20. As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the installed tool information includes "pot number", "tool type", "cumulative tool usage", "tool life", "life status", "number of spare tools", and "total number of spare tools".

[0041] In step S3, the extraction unit 117 compares the tool type information obtained in step S1 with the installed tool information obtained in step S2 and calculates the number of unstored tools that have not yet been installed in the tool magazine 23 and will be used for the machining to be performed. In this case, even if the tools to be used for the machining to be performed are stored in the tool magazine 23, if they are all tools with a lifespan status of "end of life" or "nearing end of life," they may be treated as unstored tools. In this embodiment, there are no empty pots in the tool magazine 23. Therefore, it is necessary to remove tools from the tool magazine 23 by the number of unstored tools to create empty pots.

[0042] In step S4, the extraction unit 117 determines whether the number of unstored tools calculated in step S3 is 1 or more. If the result of the determination is that the number of unstored tools is less than 1, that is, all the tools to be used for the machining to be performed are already installed in the tool magazine 23, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0043] In step S6, the notification unit 119 edits the notification information. The notification information may include, for example, the pot number where the tool to be used in the upcoming processing is stored, the tool type, the predicted usage amount of the tool, the cumulative usage amount of the tool, information related to the tool life, and the like. Further, the notification information may be added with information indicating that all the tools to be used in the upcoming processing are already attached to the tool magazine 23 and there is no need to remove the tools from the tool magazine 23. The notification unit 119 notifies the edited notification information externally via the output unit 13. At this time, the notification unit 119 may perform the notification in the order of decreasing or increasing priority of removal. When the notification unit 119 completes the notification, the tool extraction process ends thereafter.

[0044] On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S4, if the number of un-stored tools is 1 or more, that is, if there are still tools not stored in the tool magazine 23 for the tools to be used in the upcoming processing (YES in step S4), the process proceeds to the tool automatic extraction process in step S5.

[0045] Next, the tool automatic extraction process in step S5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6. First, in step S51, the extraction condition acquisition unit 115 acquires the extraction condition management table 141.

[0046] In step S52, the extraction unit 117 initializes the value of N used when referring to the extraction condition of priority N (N≥1) from the extraction condition management table 141 to N = 1. This is an initialization process necessary for sequentially referring to the extraction condition management table 141 from priority 1.

[0047] In step S53, the extraction unit 117 refers to the extraction condition management table 141 and searches for the data of the attached tool information acquired in step S2 using the extraction condition of priority N.

[0048] In step S54, it is determined whether data that matches the extraction conditions is found by the search process in step S53. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, when N = 1, using the extraction condition "end of life" with a priority of 1 in the extraction condition management table 141, the data of the attached tool information is searched, and it is determined whether data that matches the condition is found. When N = 2, using the extraction condition "near the end of life" with a priority of 2 in the extraction condition management table 141, the data of the attached tool information is searched, and it is determined whether data that matches the condition is found. When N = 3, using the extraction condition "not used in this processing and there are many spare tools" with a priority of 3 in the extraction condition management table 141, the data of the attached tool information is searched, and it is determined whether data that matches the condition is found. As a result of the determination in step S54, if data that matches the extraction conditions is found, the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S54, if data that matches the extraction conditions is not found, the process proceeds to step S56.

[0049] In step S55, the extraction unit 117 extracts the pot number from the data found in the search process in step S53 and adds it to the tool list of tools to be removed. Note that when adding the pot number to the tool list, the extraction unit 117 may add it to the tool list by assigning the corresponding priority to the pot number.

[0050] In step S56, the extraction unit 117 compares the value of the number of unaccommodated tools with the number of pot numbers included in the tool list. As a result of the determination, if the value of the number of unaccommodated tools is less than or equal to the number of pot numbers included in the tool list (NO in step S56), the process returns to FIG. 5 and proceeds to step S6.

[0051] On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S56, if the value of the number of unaccommodated tools is greater than the number of pot numbers included in the tool list (YES in step 56), the process proceeds to step S57.

[0052] In step S57, the extraction unit 117 determines whether there are any extraction conditions remaining in the extraction condition management table 141 that have not yet been used in the search process performed in step S53. For example, in the example in Figure 2, if the extraction conditions with priority 1 and 2 have already been used in the search process in step S53, the extraction unit 117 determines that there is an unused extraction condition with priority 3. If the determination in step S57 is found to be that there are unused extraction conditions remaining in the extraction condition management table 141 (YES in step S57), the process proceeds to step S58, the value of N is updated to N+1, and the process returns to step S53.

[0053] The process after returning to step S53 is repeated until it is determined to be NO in step S56 or NO in step S57.

[0054] On the other hand, if the determination in step S57 determines that there are no unused extraction conditions remaining (NO in step S57), the process returns to Figure 5 and proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the notification unit 119 edits the notification information. The notification information may include, for example, the pot number where the tool to be used in the upcoming machining is stored, the tool type, the predicted tool usage, the cumulative tool usage, information related to tool life, the pot number where the tool to be removed is stored, and priority information. The notification information may also include information regarding the reason for extracting the tool to be removed. Furthermore, if the tool to be removed is a tool to be used in the upcoming machining, information indicating this may be added. Note that if the process returns to Figure 5 via step S57 in Figure 6, the notification information may include a message indicating that the required number of empty pots could not be created with the conditions set in the extraction condition management table 141. The notification unit 119 notifies the external party of the edited notification information via the output unit 13. At that time, the notification unit 119 may notify in order of the highest or lowest priority for removal. Once the notification unit 119 has completed the notification, the tool extraction process is then terminated.

[0055] As described above, the first embodiment provides the following advantages. When there are no empty pots in the tool magazine 23, the tool extraction device 10 minimizes the number of tools to be removed and clearly indicates to the user which tools should be removed first, thereby improving the efficiency of tool setup work. Furthermore, by setting a high priority for information related to tool life in the extraction condition management table 141, the tool extraction device 10 can extract tools that have reached the end of their lifespan or are nearing the end of their lifespan as tools with high priority for removal. In this way, the operator can easily identify tools that have reached the end of their lifespan or are nearing the end of their lifespan and remove them from the tool magazine, thereby preventing problems during machining. In addition, by setting the extraction condition management table 141, the tool extraction device 10 can extract tools that are not used in the current machining process and for which there are many spare tools, thereby preventing some pots in the tool magazine from being continuously occupied by spare tools of the same specifications. The first embodiment has now been described.

[0056] <Modification of the First Embodiment> The tool extraction system 1 of the modification of the first embodiment is the same as the tool extraction system 1 of the first embodiment, except as described below. As described above, in the first embodiment, the second information acquisition unit 113 acquired mounted tool information including pot number, tool type, cumulative tool usage, tool life, life status, number of spare tools, and total number of spare tools. In contrast, in the modification of the first embodiment, the second information acquisition unit 113 acquires information including, as mounted tool information, the pot number, tool type, cumulative tool usage, tool life, life status, number of spare tools, and total number of spare tools, as well as the tool data update date and time and the latest tool usage date and time, which is the date and time the tool was last used. The tool data update date and time is, for example, the data update date and time when tool data was registered and tool offset was set in a past tool setup work process. The latest tool usage date and time is the date and time when the tool was last mounted on the spindle of the industrial machine and used.

[0057] As a result, in a modified version of the first embodiment, extraction conditions including the tool data update date and time and the latest tool usage date and time can be set in the extraction condition management table 141 to search for installed tool information and extract the tools to be removed from the tool magazine 23.

[0058] Figure 7 shows an example of the extraction condition management table 141 in a modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the extraction condition management table 141 can set extraction conditions related to the tool data update date and time and the latest tool usage date and time. In the example in Figure 7, the extraction conditions set to priorities 1 to 3 are the same as the extraction conditions of the extraction condition management table 141 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, and their explanation is omitted. The extraction condition set to priority 4, "Old data update date," is a condition for extracting tools with old tool data update dates and times, such as tool offset, from among the spare tools already installed in the tool magazine 23. The older the data update date and time, the less recently the tool has been used. This is an extraction condition set to extract tools that are used infrequently. The extraction condition set to priority 5, "Old last usage date and time," is a condition for extracting tools with old latest tool usage dates and times, from among the spare tools already installed in the tool magazine 23. The older the usage date and time, the less recently the tool has been used. This is an extraction condition set to extract tools that are used infrequently.

[0059] An example of the tool extraction process of the extraction device 10 in a modified version of the first embodiment can be shown in the same flowchart as in Figures 5 and 6. However, in step S2 of Figure 5, the second information acquisition unit 113 may acquire installed tool information including the tool data update date and time and the latest tool usage date and time, in addition to the pot number, tool type, cumulative tool usage, tool life, life status, number of spare tools, and total number of spare tools. Furthermore, in the process of step S51 of Figure 6, the extraction condition management table 141 extracted by the extraction condition acquisition unit 115 may have extraction conditions related to the tool data update date and time and the latest tool usage date and time set, such as "old data update date" and "old last used date and time," as shown in the example in Figure 7. Furthermore, in the search process of step S53, the tool data update date and time and the latest tool usage date and time can be used as extraction conditions to extract the corresponding data from the installed tool information.

[0060] Thus, in this modified version of the first embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, it is possible to extract tools to be removed from the tool magazine 23 based on the tool data update date and time and the most recent tool usage date and time. Furthermore, by removing less frequently used tools from the tools already attached to the tool magazine 23 and leaving only frequently used tools, tool setup work can be reduced.

[0061] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the tool extraction system according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment and its modified form, tools to be removed were extracted when there were no empty slots in the tool magazine 23's pots. In contrast, in the second embodiment, tools to be removed with priority can be extracted in all states, including when there are empty slots in some of the tool magazine 23's pots. To achieve this, the control unit 11 of the tool extraction device 10 is configured to implement the functions of a first information acquisition unit 111, a second information acquisition unit 113, an extraction condition acquisition unit 115, an extraction unit 117, a notification unit 119, and a tool removal number calculation unit 116. The tool extraction device 10 and industrial machine 20 of the second embodiment are the same as the first embodiment and its modified form, except for the configuration related to the tool removal number calculation unit 116. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment and its modified form, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0062] The tool removal number calculation unit 116 compares the tool type information obtained by the processing of the first information acquisition unit 111 with the installed tool information obtained by the processing of the second information acquisition unit 113, and calculates the minimum number of tools that need to be removed from the tool magazine 23.

[0063] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the tool extraction process of the tool extraction device 10 according to the second embodiment. For operations identical to those in the first embodiment, the same step numbers as in Figure 5 are used, and their explanation is omitted.

[0064] The processing from step S1 to step S4 is the same as in the first embodiment. However, in the processing of step S2, the installed tool information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 113 is empty in the row (or record) of the pot number of an empty pot, as no information such as the tool type is stored there.

[0065] If the result of the determination in step S4 is that there is one or more unstored tools, that is, if there are still tools to be used in the machining process that are not yet stored in the tool magazine 23 (YES in step S4), then proceed to step S41.

[0066] Next, in step S41, the tool removal number calculation unit 116 calculates the number of empty pots in the tool magazine 23 based on the installed tool information obtained in step S2. The number of empty pots in the tool magazine 23 can be calculated, for example, by counting the number of empty pots (the number of pot numbers in which no tool type is stored) from the installed tool information. Alternatively, it may be calculated from the difference between the total number of spare tools in the installed tool information and the number of physical pots in the tool magazine 23.

[0067] In step S42, the tool removal number calculation unit 116 updates the value of the number of unstored tools to the value obtained by subtracting the number of empty pots calculated in step S41 from the value of the number of unstored tools calculated in step S3. As a result, the updated number of unstored tools becomes the minimum number of tools that need to be removed in order to install the tools required for the machining to be performed.

[0068] Next, in step S43, it is determined whether the value of the number of unstored tools updated in step S42 is 1 or greater. If the result of the determination is that the number of unstored tools is less than 1, that is, if it is sufficient to allocate the missing unstored tools to the empty pots of the tool magazine 23 without removing any tools from the tool magazine 23, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0069] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S43 is that the number of unstored tools is 1 or more, that is, the number of unstored tools to be used in the machining to be performed exceeds the number of empty pots in the tool magazine 23 (YES in step S43), the process proceeds to the automatic tool extraction process in step S5. In step S5, tools to be removed from the tool magazine 23 are extracted based on the value of the number of unstored tools after updating in step S42 (the minimum number of tools that need to be removed). Note that the details of the automatic tool extraction process in step S5 are the same as the process of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, so they are omitted here.

[0070] In step S6, the notification unit 119 edits the notification information. The notification information may include, for example, the pot number where the tools to be used in the upcoming machining are stored, the tool type, the predicted tool usage, the cumulative tool usage, information related to tool life, information about empty pots, the minimum number of tools that need to be removed, the pot number where the tools to be removed are stored, and priority information. The notification information may also include information about the reason for selecting the tools that should be removed first. Furthermore, if the tools to be removed are tools to be used in the upcoming machining, information indicating this may be added. The notification unit 119 notifies the external party of the edited notification information via the output unit 13. At this time, the notification unit 119 may notify in order of highest to lowest priority for removal. Once the notification unit 119 has completed the notification, the tool extraction process is then terminated.

[0071] As described above, the tool extraction device 10 according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment and the modified version thereof, can minimize the number of tools to be removed and clearly indicate to the user which tools should be removed first, in all states, including when there is some empty space in the pots of the tool magazine 23. Furthermore, the operator can easily confirm the minimum number of tools that need to be removed in order to install the tools required for the machining to be performed.

[0072] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the tool extraction system according to the third embodiment. In the first embodiment and the modified version of the first embodiment, the cumulative usage amount and life status of the tools included in the installed tool information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 113 are used as is in subsequent processing. In contrast, the third embodiment is configured to realize the function of a life prediction unit 114 that predicts the "cumulative usage amount" and "life status" of the tools included in the installed tool information in the state after processing, based on the predicted usage amount of the tools to be used in the processing to be performed. The tool extraction device 10 and industrial machine 20 of the third embodiment are the same as the first embodiment and the modified version of the first embodiment, except for the configuration related to the life prediction unit 114, so the same reference numerals are used for parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment and the modified version of the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0073] The life prediction unit 114 uses the tool type information obtained by the processing of the first information acquisition unit 111 and the installed tool information obtained by the processing of the second information acquisition unit 113 to predict and update the "cumulative tool usage" and "life status" included in the installed tool information. Specifically, the life prediction unit 114 updates the "cumulative tool usage" included in the installed tool information to a value that includes the "predicted tool usage" included in the tool type information. The life prediction unit 114 also modifies and updates the "life status" included in the installed tool information as necessary based on the updated "cumulative tool usage".

[0074] Figure 11 shows an example of information updating by the life prediction unit 114 according to the third embodiment. In the tool type information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 111, the predicted usage amount of tool "T1" to be used in the upcoming machining is "5". The "cumulative tool usage amount" and "life status" of tool type "T1" included in the installed tool information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 113 are "197" and "nearing end of life", respectively. Based on this acquired tool type information and installed tool information, the life prediction unit 114 corrects and updates the "cumulative tool usage amount" of tool type "T1" included in the installed tool information to "202", which is "197" plus "5". Furthermore, since the updated "cumulative tool usage amount" value "202" exceeds the "tool life" value "200", the life prediction unit 114 updates the "life status" to "end of life". Next, in the tool type information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 111, the predicted usage amount of tool "T3" to be used in the upcoming machining is "20". The "cumulative tool usage amount" and "life status" of tool type "T3" included in the mounted tool information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 113 are "10" and "plenty of life remaining", respectively. Based on this acquired tool type information and mounted tool information, the life prediction unit 114 corrects and updates the "cumulative tool usage amount" of tool type T3 included in the mounted tool information to "30", which is "10" plus "20". The life prediction unit 114 also determines that the difference between the updated "cumulative tool usage amount" value "30" and the "tool life" value "300" is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. In this case, there is no need to update the "life status" as it remains "plenty of life remaining". If multiple tools of the same specifications are mounted in the tool magazine 23, the life prediction unit 114 may predict the life of the tools based on the order in which they are used in machining, etc.

[0075] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the tool extraction process of the tool extraction device 10 according to the third embodiment. For operations that are the same as in the first embodiment, the same step numbers as in Figure 5 are used, and their explanation is omitted.

[0076] The processing in steps S1 and S2 is the same as in the first embodiment. Next, in step S21, the life prediction unit 114 updates the installed tool information using the tool type information acquired in step S1 and the installed tool information acquired in step S2. Specifically, the value of "cumulative tool usage" is updated to a value that includes the "predicted tool usage" included in the tool type information, that is, the amount of tool usage to be consumed in the machining to be performed. The life prediction unit 114 also modifies and updates the "life status" included in the installed tool information as necessary based on the updated "cumulative tool usage". Next, the process proceeds to step S3. The processing from step S3 onward is executed based on the installed tool information updated in step S21. The details of the automatic tool extraction process in step S5 are the same as those of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, so they are omitted.

[0077] In step S6, the notification unit 119 edits the notification information. The notification information may include, for example, the pot number where the tools to be used in the upcoming machining are stored, the tool type, the predicted tool usage, the cumulative tool usage, information related to tool life, information related to empty pots, the minimum number of tools that need to be removed, the pot number where the tools to be removed are stored, and priority information. The cumulative tool usage and tool life information may also be values ​​predicted by the life prediction unit 114. The notification information may also include information regarding the reason for selecting the tools that should be removed first. If the tools to be removed are tools to be used in the upcoming machining, information indicating this may be added. The notification unit 119 notifies the external party of the edited notification information via the output unit 13. At this time, the notification unit 119 may notify in order of highest or lowest priority for removal. Once the notification unit 119 has completed the notification, the tool extraction process is then terminated.

[0078] As described above, the tool extraction device 10 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment and the modifications of the first embodiment, can predict information regarding the tool life after machining for tools already installed in the tool magazine 23. Furthermore, the operator can more accurately identify tools that have reached the end of their lifespan or are nearing the end of their lifespan based on this predicted information. Note that the second embodiment may be combined with the third embodiment, in which case the combined effects can be obtained.

[0079] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the tool extraction system according to the fourth embodiment. In the first embodiment and the modified version of the first embodiment, the first information acquisition unit 111 acquires tool type information from, for example, information based on input operations such as the user's keyboard or touch panel received by the input unit 12, or from information received from an external device via a communication unit (not shown). In contrast, the fourth embodiment is configured to realize the function of a machining program analysis unit 110 that analyzes a machining program received by the input unit 12, or a machining program received from an external device via a communication unit (not shown), and generates tool type information. The tool extraction device 10 and industrial machine 20 of the fourth embodiment are the same as the first embodiment and the modified version of the first embodiment, except for the configuration related to the machining program analysis unit 110. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment and the modified version of the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0080] The machining program analysis unit 110 analyzes the machining program and extracts tool numbers such as T1 from command statements such as tool change commands. The machining program analysis unit 110 also extracts the cutting speed and cutting distance (coordinates) of the tool from the cutting commands included in the machining program, and calculates the cutting time (lifespan) from these cutting speeds and cutting distances. For example, when cutting the surface of a workpiece, if the cutting speed is 100 (mm / min) and the cutting distance is 500 (mm), the cutting time is calculated as 500 (mm) / 100 (mm / min) = 5 (min). The machining program analysis unit 110 sets the tool number and cutting time obtained from analyzing the machining program into the "tool type" and "predicted tool usage" fields of the tool type information and transmits them to the first information acquisition unit 111. The first information acquisition unit 111 receives and acquires the tool type information.

[0081] Figure 14 shows an example of the tool extraction process of the tool extraction device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. For operations that are the same as in the first embodiment, the same step numbers as in Figure 5 are used, and their explanation is omitted.

[0082] First, in step S0, the machining program analysis unit 110 acquires and analyzes the machining program received by the input unit 12. The machining program analysis unit 110 analyzes the machining program and extracts tool numbers such as T1 from the tool change commands included in the machining program. The machining program analysis unit 110 also extracts the cutting speed and cutting distance of the tool from the cutting commands included in the machining program, and calculates the cutting time from these cutting speeds and cutting distances. The machining program analysis unit 110 sets the tool number and cutting time obtained from analyzing the machining program into the "tool type" and "predicted tool usage" fields of the tool type information, and transmits them to the first information acquisition unit 111.

[0083] In step S1, the first information acquisition unit 111 acquires tool type information received from the machining program analysis unit 110. The first information acquisition unit 111 may also be configured to acquire the "required number of spare tools" entered by the operator using an input device such as a keyboard or touch panel, and include it in the tool type information. Subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment and is therefore omitted. Furthermore, the details of the automatic tool extraction process in step S5 are the same as those of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 and are therefore omitted.

[0084] As described above, the tool extraction device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment and the modifications of the first embodiment, can improve the efficiency of tool type information input by automatically analyzing the machining program and generating tool type information. Note that the fourth embodiment may be combined with at least one of the second and third embodiments, in which case the combined effects can be obtained.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the modification of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment described above, the tool extraction device 10 is a separate device from the industrial machine 20, but this is not limited to this. For example, the tool extraction device 10 may be included in the industrial machine 20. Furthermore, at least two of the first embodiment, the modification of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment may be combined.

[0086] The functions included in the tool extraction device 10 according to the first embodiment, the modified version of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, realization by software means that it is realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

[0087] Programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitor computer-readable media. Non-transitor computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitor computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, RAMs). Furthermore, programs may be supplied to the computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Temporary computer-readable media can be supplied to the computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels.

[0088] Furthermore, the step of writing the program to be recorded on the recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually.

[0089] In other words, the tool extraction device of this disclosure can take various forms having the following configurations.

[0090] (1) The tool extraction device 10 of the present disclosure is a tool extraction device 10 for a tool to be removed in a machine 20 equipped with a tool magazine 23, and comprises: an extraction condition acquisition unit 115 that acquires predetermined extraction conditions for extracting tools to be removed preferentially; a first information acquisition unit 111 that acquires tool type information, which is information relating to the tools to be used in the machining to be performed; a second information acquisition unit 113 that acquires installed tool information, which is information relating to tools already installed in the tool magazine 23, and which includes at least information relating to tool life and the number of spare tools; an extraction unit 117 that extracts the tools to be removed using the extraction conditions, the tool type information and the installed tool information; and a notification unit 119 that notifies the extraction result by the extraction unit. With this tool extraction device 10, when there are no empty pots in the tool magazine 23, it is possible to minimize the number of tools to be removed and clearly show the user which tools should be removed preferentially, thereby improving the efficiency of tool setup work.

[0091] (2) In the tool extraction device 10 described in (1), the installed tool information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 113 further includes at least the tool data update date and time and the date and time the tool was last used, and the extraction unit 117 may perform the extraction based on the extraction conditions which include the tool data update date and time and the date and time the tool was last used. By doing so, tools that are not used frequently are removed from the tools installed in the tool magazine 23, and tools that are used frequently remain, thereby reducing the tool setup work.

[0092] (3) In the tool extraction device 10 described in (2), the extraction unit 117 may, based on the extraction conditions, perform the extraction with a high priority for removing tools that have reached the end of their lifespan or are nearing the end of their lifespan according to the tool life information, and perform the extraction with a low priority for removing tools extracted based on information other than the tool life information. By doing so, the operator can easily identify tools that have reached the end of their lifespan or are nearing the end of their lifespan and remove such tools from the tool magazine, thereby preventing problems during machining.

[0093] (4) In the tool extraction device 10 described in (3), the notification unit 119 may notify the operator of the tools to be removed in order of priority, either from highest to lowest or from lowest to highest priority. This allows the operator to easily confirm the order of priority of the tools to be removed.

[0094] (5) In the tool extraction device 10 described in any of (1) to (4), the notification unit 119 may also notify the operator of the reason for extracting the tool to be removed based on the extraction conditions. This allows the operator to easily confirm the content of the reason for extracting the tool to be removed.

[0095] (6) In the tool extraction device 10 described in any of (1) to (5), the second information acquisition unit 113 may further include a tool removal number calculation unit 116 that acquires information on the number of tools that can be attached to the tool magazine 23 and information on the number of tools that have already been attached, and calculates the minimum number of tools that need to be removed in order to attach the tools that will be used for the machining to be performed, based on the tool type information, the information on the number of tools that can be attached to the tool magazine 23, and the information on the number of tools that have already been attached. By doing so, the tool extraction device 10 can minimize the number of tools to be removed in all states, including the state in which some of the pots in the tool magazine 23 are empty, and clearly show the user which tools should be prioritized for removal. In addition, the operator can easily confirm the minimum number of tools that need to be removed in order to attach the tools that will be used for the machining to be performed.

[0096] (7) In the tool extraction device 10 described in any of (1) to (6), the first information acquisition unit 111 may further include a life prediction unit 114 that acquires the predicted usage amount of each tool in the machining to be performed and uses the predicted usage amount of each tool and the tool life information of the installed tool information to predict the lifespan of the installed tools after the machining to be performed. By doing so, the operator can more accurately identify tools that have reached the end of their lifespan or are nearing the end of their lifespan.

[0097] (8) The tool extraction device 10 described in any of (1) to (7) may further include a machining program analysis unit 110 that analyzes the machining program to be used for the machining to be performed and analyzes information on the type of tool and the amount of tool to be used for the machining. By doing so, the input of tool type information to the tool extraction device 10 can be made more efficient.

[0098] Although the tool extraction apparatus of this disclosure has been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents.

[0099] 1 Tool extraction system 10 Tool extraction device 11 Control unit 110 Machining program analysis unit 111 First information acquisition unit 113 Second information acquisition unit 114 Life prediction unit 115 Extraction condition acquisition unit 116 Number of tools to be removed calculation unit 117 Extraction unit 119 Notification unit 12 Input unit 13 Output unit 14 Storage unit 141 Extraction condition management table 20 Industrial machine 21 Control device 22 Automatic tool changer 23 Tool magazine

Claims

1. A tool extraction device for a machine equipped with a tool magazine, comprising: an extraction condition acquisition unit that acquires predetermined extraction conditions for extracting tools to be removed preferentially; a first information acquisition unit that acquires tool type information, which is information relating to a tool to be used in the machining to be performed; a second information acquisition unit that acquires installed tool information, which is information relating to a tool already installed in the tool magazine, and which includes at least information relating to the tool life and the number of spare tools; an extraction unit that extracts the tool to be removed using the extraction conditions, the tool type information and the installed tool information; and a notification unit that notifies the extraction result by the extraction unit.

2. The tool extraction device according to claim 1, wherein the installed tool information acquired by the second information acquisition unit further includes at least the tool data update date and time and the date and time the tool was last used, and the extraction unit performs the extraction based on the extraction conditions including the tool data update date and time and the date and time the tool was last used.

3. The tool extraction device according to claim 2, wherein the extraction unit performs the extraction based on the extraction conditions, prioritizing the removal of tools that have reached the end of their lifespan or are nearing the end of their lifespan according to the tool life information, and performs the extraction based on information other than the tool life information, prioritizing the removal of tools that have been extracted according to the tool life information.

4. The tool extraction device according to claim 3, wherein the notification unit notifies the tools to be removed in order of priority, either in descending order or in descending order.

5. The tool extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification unit also notifies the reason for extracting the tool to be removed based on the extraction conditions.

6. The tool extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second information acquisition unit that acquires information on the number of tools that can be attached to the tool magazine and information on the number of tools already attached, and a tool removal number calculation unit that calculates the minimum number of tools that need to be removed in order to attach the tools necessary for the machining to be performed, based on the tool type information, the information on the number of tools that can be attached to the tool magazine and the information on the number of tools already attached.

7. The tool extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first information acquisition unit further acquires the predicted usage amount of each tool in the machining to be performed, and further comprises a life prediction unit that predicts the lifespan of the installed tools after the machining to be performed using the predicted usage amount of each tool and the information relating to the tool life of the installed tool information.

8. The tool extraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a machining program analysis unit that analyzes the machining program to be used in the machining to be performed and analyzes information on the type of tool and the amount of tool to be used for the machining.

Images