JP2701642B2 - Numerical controller and cell controller - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a numerical control device and a cell controller, and more particularly, to a numerical control device for controlling an NC machine tool having a plurality of tool mounting portions and at least one or more NC machine tools. For example, the present invention relates to a cell controller for centrally managing mounting tools of a machining center).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art (1) FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a conventional numerical controller. In FIG. 34, reference numeral 31 denotes a logical program for the entire system by executing a control program stored in a memory 32. A central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU); 33, an input / output device for input / output processing of data on a recording medium such as a paper tape; 34, an operation panel having key switches for inputting data or giving instructions to the system;
35 is a display, 36 is a servo control circuit for moving the table of the machine tool, 37 is a machine side strong electric circuit and C
This is a contact input / output interface for connecting to a control system circuit centered on the PU 31.

Next, the operation will be described. First, in performing numerical control operation of the machine tool, data relating to the tool is input by a key switch on the operation panel 34 separately from the machining program. For example, there are a tool diameter correction amount, a tool length correction amount, a tool life time, and the like. By these, CPU3
The data processing by 1 determines a tool trajectory from a machining program and performs an interference check.

(2) FIG. 35 is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-289648.
It is a principle diagram of the conventional tool information management device 30 shown in the gazette. The machine tools 11-1 to 11-n have a plurality of tool mounting portions, and hold and update tool data, such as a tool offset value and a tool use time, relating to the tools mounted on the tool mounting portions, and appropriately update the tool information management means 12. Is provided.

[0005] The tool information management device 30 includes each machine tool 1
All tool information storage area 21 storing all tool data relating to tools mounted in 1-1 to 11-n, and newly purchased
Or you may need to remove the blade
A tool preset that measures the diameter and length of a regenerated tool
The information sent from the cutter 13 is stored in the all tool information storage area.
A tool presetter information input means 25 for transferring the tool data held by the machine tools 11-1 to 11-n to the entire tool information storage area 21; The tool data stored in the all tool information storage area 21 is
A download unit 23 for downloading to the 1-1 to 11-n and an all tool information management unit 24 for deleting, adding and outputting a part of the information in the all tool information storage area 21 based on the operation of the operator are provided. Have been.

FIG. 36 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a system including a plurality of machining centers to which the conventional tool information management device disclosed in the publication is applied. In this figure, four machining centers are illustrated, but the same applies to less or more machining centers.

The host computer 91, the cell controller 92, and the machining centers 93-1 to 93-4 are each composed of an independent computer (in the case of a machining center, that is, a numerical controller) having an input device and a display device that can be operated by an operator. ing. The cell controller 92 monitors the processing status of the machining centers 93-1 to 93-4, and totals the processing results. The host computer 91 is located above the cell controller 92, and is responsible for management of the entire factory including management of the automatic warehouse.
Each of the machining centers 93-1 to 93-4 can have up to several hundreds of tools in a magazine at a time, and when a machining program is executed, each time a tool switching instruction is executed. Work while changing tools. The tool presetter 13 is a device for measuring the diameter and length of a newly purchased or produced tool or a tool that has been regenerated by changing the blade because the life has been exceeded. The measurement result is sent to the cell controller 92 via a communication line. Sent.

[0008] The tool information management device 30 of FIG. 35 is realized by hardware and software of the cell controller 92. The entire tool information storage area 21 in the tool information management device 30 is realized by a tool data area provided in a partial area of a memory provided in the cell controller 92. Table 1 explains the structure of an example of the tool data area.

[Table 1] In the above table, I is an index indicating a number assigned to each MC, and J is an index assigned to a tool held in each MC. Therefore, the array T_NUM (I, J) representing the tool numbers is obtained by converting the MC numbers, which are integer data of the number of (the number of MCs) × (the maximum value of the number of installed tools per machine), into the values of I and J. It is an array that can be stored in response.

Similarly, POT (I, J) is an array capable of storing the same number of pot numbers, which are integer-type data, in accordance with the values of I and J. However, if J is a tool number or pot number, that is, if each data is arranged in order of tool number or pot number, T_NUM
The area of (I, J) or POT (I, J) becomes unnecessary. The tool length LENGTH (I, J) is an array in which the tool length data of each tool held by each MC is stored according to the values of I and J, and the tool diameter RADIUS (I, J) is stored in each MC.
Is an array in which the data of the tool diameters of the respective tools held by the above are stored according to the values of I and J. For example, tool length and tool diameter
For example, when the tool is newly purchased or produced, or when the tool has been renewed after changing the blade because the tool life has expired, the data is measured, for example, at the tool presetter 13, and the tool was replaced at the MC. This is data that is sometimes used as a basis for correcting the position of the tool. Tool life time T
L_SET (I, J) is an array in which the available time preset for each tool held by each MC is stored according to the values of I and J, and the tool usage time TL_TIM
(I, J) is an array in which the total time used for each tool held by each MC is stored according to the values of I and J. Therefore, the tool usage time TL_TIM (I,
If J ) exceeds TL_SET (I, J), the tool has exceeded its life. The aforementioned tool length and tool diameter are referred to as offset data, and the tool life time and tool use time are referred to as tool life data.
In the tool information management device 30, these are handled collectively.

(3) FIG.
1 is a flowchart showing an example of a conventional numerical control device for drawing a tool shape shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 10-125, 1988. This entire processing routine is called each time one data setting for tool data input is made. The data is set by pressing the numeric key and the sign key or the decimal point key corresponding to the value and then pressing the setting key, and this routine is started. In the figure, step 51 is a key input processing routine for converting the data string of the input key code into an actual numerical value and checking whether the numerical value is normal or not. A routine 53 for determining and storing a position on the tool data file where the data is to be stored is a routine 53 for making a picture of the tool.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the details of the routine 53. First, a figure creation process is performed by starting a figure creation routine (step 61). In this graphic creation processing, analysis processing of tool data is executed (step 62), and graphic file creation processing is performed (step 62).
63) . Subsequently, a graphic display process is performed (step 6).
4). In this graphic display process, a graphic display position setting process is performed (step 65), and a drawing process is performed following this set process (step 66). Reference numeral 111 denotes a tool data file provided on a memory, 112 denotes a graphic file, and 113 denotes an area in which processing parameters for determining the specifications of another picture are stored.

(4) FIG.
2 is a specific example of a conventional tool life management display shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2 (JP-A) No. 2 (Kokai) No. 2 (Kokai) No. 2 (Kokai) No. 2 (Kokai) No. 2 (Kokai) No. 2 (Kokai) No. 2 (KOKAI); On the display screen, the tool number, the cutting use time of the tool (that is, the measurement of the cutting feed execution time when the tool of the number is selected), and the life time of the tool are displayed. Further, the display colors of these pieces of information are distinguished from green, yellow, and red as shown in the figure, and green can be used for cutting even when the accumulated use time is 90% or less of the life time. Yellow indicates that the usage time exceeds 90% of the life time, and prompts the operator to prepare a spare tool. Red indicates that the accumulated use time has exceeded the service life time, and indicates a warning that the operator should immediately replace the spare tool.

(5) FIG. 40 shows the principle of the conventional cell controller 901. The tool management in the cell controller 901 is as follows. The same machining program 642 executed in each NC machine tool is managed by the machining program management means 612, the T number 643 in the machining program 642 is searched by the T command search means 613, and the output means 619 Notify the operator. In addition, the tool number information 6
44, the tool number information 644 is managed by the tool number management means 615, and the output means 619 notifies the operator. Further, the mounting tool information 640 is input by the key input unit 633, managed by the magazine information management unit 611, and notified to the operator by the output unit 619.

[0014]

(1) In the conventional numerical controller configured as in the above-mentioned conventional technique (2), all the tool data is stored in a computer, which is higher than the numerical controller called a cell controller. , There is a problem that it takes a great deal of money to install it. In general, the cell controller and the NC machine tool are installed at a certain distance from each other, and tool data is downloaded or uploaded to the numerical controller by operating the cell controller. Data download / upload operation could not be performed.

(2) In the conventional numerical control device configured as in the above-mentioned conventional technology (1), setup data created by a personal computer or a CAD / CAM device or the like is caused by problems such as differences in the format of a storage medium. Data such as processing drawings and work instructions could not be registered and displayed on the numerical controller via a storage medium such as a floppy disk. Accordingly, such information is generally input to the numerical controller by the operator's hand, for example, by a document called a setup sheet. However, this method is time-wasteful, tends to occur that the information for over the human hand is not accurately transmitted, also in the document has a problem such that can not be indicated timely relative machining steps .

(3) In the conventional numerical control device configured as in the above-mentioned conventional technology (3), since a tool figure is generated by calculation, some parameters must be given in advance. Since a figure is composed of straight lines and circular arcs, there is a problem that a tool shape cannot be realistically represented.

(4) In the conventional numerical control device configured as in the above-mentioned conventional technology (4), the color is coded depending on whether or not the tool use time exceeds 90% of the tool life time.
Depending on the type of processing you are going to do,
There was a problem that an appropriate warning could not be given to the worker . For example, when an attempt is made very long machining (or processing large deal of <br/> load that written to the tool), tool use time
If it is less than 90% of the tool life, it will be displayed in green even though the tool needs to be changed.
Can not be performed Do not warning display. In addition, there is also a problem that it is difficult to visually confirm how much the use time has reached the life time.

(5) The conventional cell controller configured as in the above-described conventional technology (5) has a function of automatically informing an operator of a mounted tool.
It does not have a function for automatically informing the operator of a necessary tool that has not been mounted yet. Therefore, before the NC machine tool performs machining in accordance with the machining program 642, the operator needs to confirm whether or not tools necessary for machining are mounted on the NC machine tool. That is, the operator searches the tool number corresponding to the T number 643 output from the output unit 619 from the tool number information 644 output from the output unit 619, and searches for the tool number from the mounting tool information 640 output from the output unit 619. It is necessary to find a magazine number and a pot number in which the tool number is set, and visually check whether or not there is a tool in the pot of the corresponding magazine. However, such confirmation is time-consuming and error-prone.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. (1) For example, the present invention relates to a tool for an NC machine tool in an entire factory without using a controller which is a higher-level numerical controller such as a cell controller. Information can be collectively managed and tool data can be easily input by the operator of the numerical controller. (2) It is easy to use a floppy disk storage medium without using documents such as setup sheets. On the other hand, tool data can be input in a timely manner. (3) A tool figure can be displayed on the screen during setup without giving parameters or the like for creating a tool figure. (4) ) In the tool usage time, the operator may specify the time to notify the operator of replacement with the spare tool. In addition, it is easy to visually confirm how long the tool usage time has become relative to the tool life time, and the operator is notified of the tool change time with the highest machining efficiency by displaying the expected tool usage time. It is an object of the present invention to obtain a numerical control device capable of performing such operations.

(5) A tool number which is required when each NC machine tool performs machining by a machining program and which is not mounted on a magazine is automatically notified to an operator before machining. The purpose is to obtain a cell controller that can.

[0021]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a numerical control apparatus comprising: an information processing apparatus having storage means for storing a program and data; a display for displaying the program and data; a result of information processing; An input / output device and an operation panel having a key switch for inputting data or commands to the system are provided, and all tool data storage devices for storing all tool data mounted on a plurality of NC machine tools are connected to a communication line. a connected Ru numerical controller,
A tool data storage unit for storing tool data relating to a tool mounted on the tool mounting site of an NC machine tool having a plurality of tool mounting sites; and uploading means for storing and up pro over <br/> de from the storage device to the tool data storage section, and download means for downloading the tool data stored in the tool data storage section to該全tool data storage device, When uploading and / or downloading tool data, there is provided a conversion means for converting between a format of tool data which can be managed by a numerical controller and a format of tool data which can be managed by a personal computer or the like. It is.

A numerical controller according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an information processing apparatus having storage means for storing programs and data, a display for displaying the programs and data, the results of information processing, and the like, a data input / output apparatus and a system. A numerical control device comprising an operation panel having a key switch for inputting data or giving a command, wherein the NC data includes a plurality of tool mounting portions. A tool data storage unit for storing, an external storage medium input / output unit for exchanging data with an external storage medium, a format storage unit for storing a plurality of types of external storage medium formats, and Format selection means for the operator to select the format from the external storage medium and processing within the numerical controller. Replace the format of data to each other is obtained a format exchange means to enable reading and writing.

A numerical control apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus having storage means for storing programs and data, a display for displaying the programs and data, the results of information processing, and the like, a data input / output apparatus and a system. A numerical control device comprising an operation panel having a key switch for inputting data or giving a command, wherein the NC data includes a plurality of tool mounting portions. A tool data storage unit for storing, an external storage medium input / output unit for exchanging data with an external storage medium, a tool image file for storing the shape of the tool as image data, and a tool to be mounted on the tool mounting site And a tool image display processing means for displaying the image on the display.

A numerical control apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus having storage means for storing programs and data, a display and a system for displaying the programs and data, the results of information processing, and the like. A numerical controller having an operation panel having a key switch for giving a command, wherein the NC has a plurality of tool mounting parts.
A tool data storage unit for storing tool data relating to a tool mounted on the tool mounting portion of the machine tool; and a unit for displaying on the display a ratio between a tool usage time and a tool life time registered in advance. It is.

A numerical control apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus having storage means for storing programs and data, a display and a system for displaying the programs and data, the results of information processing, and the like. A numerical controller having an operation panel having a key switch for giving a command, wherein the NC has a plurality of tool mounting parts.
A tool data storage unit for storing tool data relating to a tool mounted on the tool mounting portion of the machine tool; and means for displaying a tool use time and a tool life time registered in advance on the display. .

A cell controller according to a sixth aspect of the present invention has communication means for communicating with a host computer and mounting tool information management means for managing mounting tool information of a magazine for setting a plurality of tools with identification codes. NC that performs machining while sequentially taking out and replacing tools by executing a machining program
In a cell controller for controlling at least one machine tool, a communication means for receiving mounting tool information from an NC machine tool, a magazine information managing means for managing the received mounting tool information, and a search for a T command in a machining program T command search means for extracting the T number, information input means for inputting the correspondence information between the T number and the actual tool number, tool number management means for managing the correspondence information, and T number corresponding to the extracted T number Tool number corresponding means for extracting the actual tool number, tool number comparing means for comparing the extracted tool number with the mounted tool number in the mounted tool information to obtain an unmounted tool number, and And screen output means for notifying the user.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cell controller comprising: a communication means for communicating with a host computer; tool life management means for managing life information of a plurality of tools having identification codes; and a magazine in which these tools are set. A cell controller for controlling at least one NC machine tool that performs machining while sequentially taking out and replacing tools by executing a machining program, the mounting tool information from the NC machine tool. Communication means for receiving the tool life information, magazine information management means for managing the received mounting tool information, tool information management means for managing the received tool life information, analyzing the machining program and extracting the T number Tool use prediction value calculation means for calculating tool use prediction values, and correspondence information between T numbers and actual tool numbers are input Information input means, tool number managing means for managing the correspondence information, tool number corresponding means for extracting an actual tool number corresponding to the extracted T number, and a tool number corresponding to the extracted tool number and the mounting tool information. Tool number comparing means for comparing the mounting tool number to obtain a mounting tool, and a life value comparing means for comparing the tool life information and the predicted use value with respect to the mounting tool to obtain a tool number having a life during machining. Screen output means for notifying the operator of the obtained tool number.

[0028]

In the numerical controller according to the first aspect of the present invention, all the tool data
Data storage device, that is, the tool data master
All the tool data of all the tools attached to the C machine tool are stored. The upload means stores the tool data stored in the tool data master through a communication line in a tool data storage unit provided in the numerical controller, that is, a tool data current using the tool data management means. The download means reads the tool data stored in the tool data current provided in the numerical controller using the tool data management means, and downloads the tool data to the tool data master through the communication line. The format conversion means mutually converts the data format of the tool data current, which can be managed in the numerical controller, and the data format of the tool data master, which can be managed by a personal computer or a CAD / CAM device.

In the numerical controller according to the second aspect of the invention, the external storage medium input / output unit inputs and outputs tool data between the external storage medium such as a floppy disk and an IC card and the numerical controller. The format storage unit stores a plurality of formats of the external storage medium, for example, a disk capacity, the number of tracks, a sector size, etc. in the case of a floppy disk, and selects a format of the external storage medium to be input / output by the operator. . The format converter mutually converts the format of the tool data in the external storage medium and the format of the tool data in the numerical controller based on information such as the arrangement of the data and the data size.

In the numerical controller according to the third aspect of the present invention, the external storage medium input / output unit reads tool image data from an external storage medium such as a floppy disk or an IC card onto a memory of the numerical controller. The tool image display processing means displays the read tool image data in a predetermined area on the display.

In the numerical controller according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the tool use time to the tool life time is calculated, the color of the graph, the pattern, etc. are changed and displayed on the screen according to the result. The life time is also displayed.

In the numerical control device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the estimated tool use time and the tool life time, which have been input to the numerical control device by the operator in advance, are graphed and displayed side by side on the display device.

In the cell controller according to the sixth invention,
The communication means receives mounting tool information from the NC machine tool. The magazine information management means manages the received mounting tool information. The T command search means searches for a T command in the machining program and extracts a T number. The information input means is
Input the correspondence information between the T number and the actual tool number. The tool number management means manages the correspondence information. The tool number corresponding means extracts an actual tool number corresponding to the extracted T number. The tool number comparing means compares the extracted tool number with the mounted tool number in the mounted tool information to determine an unmounted tool number. The screen output means notifies the operator of the unmounted tool number. Therefore, when machining is performed by the machining program, a tool number that is not mounted among necessary tools can be automatically notified to an operator in advance.

In the cell controller according to the seventh invention,
The communication means receives mounting tool information and tool life information from the NC machine tool. The magazine information management means manages the received mounting tool information. The tool information management means manages the received tool life information. The tool use predicted value calculation means analyzes the machining program, extracts a T number, and calculates a tool use predicted value of the T number. The information input means inputs correspondence information between the T number and the actual tool number. The tool number management means manages the correspondence information.
The tool corresponding means extracts an actual tool number corresponding to the extracted T number. Tool number comparing means compares the tool number and the mounting tool number in the mounting tool information,
Find mounting tools. The life comparing means compares the tool life information and the predicted use value with respect to the mounted tool, and obtains a tool number having a life during machining. The screen output means
The obtained tool number is notified to the operator. Therefore,
When machining with a machining program, the operator can be automatically informed in advance of a necessary tool number of a necessary tool whose tool life will expire during machining even if the tool is mounted.

[0035]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. In addition, the first to fifth embodiments described below.
The embodiment is implemented using a control system having the same configuration as the control system shown in FIG. In the embodiments described below, the tool diameter, the tool length offset data, the tool life time, and the tool use time life data are collectively referred to as tool data. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram including a numerical control device and a total tool information storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Although three numerical control devices are illustrated in the figure, the same applies to less or more numerical control devices. In the figure, 1
Reference numeral 01 denotes an all tool data storage device (hereinafter, referred to as a tool data master) which stores all tool data of all tools attached to all NC machine tools in the factory. 1a
1 to 1c are numerical control devices. The numerical controller 1 includes a tool data storage unit (hereinafter, referred to as a tool data current) 104 which is a storage unit for storing tool data, a download unit 102 for downloading tool data from the tool data current to the tool data master 101, The uploading means 103 for uploading the tool data from the tool data master 101 to the tool data current, the writing and reading of the tool data current according to the request from the downloading means 102 and the uploading means 103, or the operation of the operation panel 34 (FIG. 34) by the operator. A tool data management unit 12 that corrects the tool data of the tool data current in response to an operation or a command from the CPU 31 (FIG. 34), and performs a mutual conversion between the data format of the tool data current and the data format of the tool data master. Having Matto conversion unit 107. The tool data current 104 is a storage unit for storing data relating to tools mounted on a plurality of tool mounting sites of an NC machine tool (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a system including a combination of a plurality of the numerical control devices. The personal computer 106 is connected to the tool data master 101, controls communication with the numerical controller 1, stores tool data in the tool data master 101, deletes, adds, corrects, and outputs the stored tool data to a printing device. Is performed. The tool data master 101 and the numerical controllers 1a to 1c are connected by a communication line 105. In the structure of the tool data stored in the tool data master 101, the arrangement of the tool data, the data size, and the like generally differ depending on the application software of the personal computer and the CAD / CAM device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a software program stored in the memory 32 of the numerical controller 1 and executed by the CPU 31 in order to realize the format conversion means 107. In this example, only the personal computer is described.
The same goes for the / CAM device. This processing is started when the upload or download processing of the tool data is selected by the operation of the operation panel 34 by the operator. First, the operator inputs information on the format of the tool data of the personal computer by operating the operation panel 34 (step 31).
0). The information on the format is the arrangement of data types such as the tool number and the tool length shown in Table 1 of the prior art (2) and the data size.

To input such information, for example, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the arrangement of data such as the tool number and the pot number and the data size can be input to the display 35 of the numerical controller 1 by operating the operation panel 34. Next, whether to download or upload the tool data is input by the operation of the operation panel 34 by the operator (step 311). When download is selected, the process proceeds to step 312 and subsequent steps. The tool data is read from the tool data current 104, and the data is rearranged based on the information input in step 310,
The size is changed (step 312), and the size is temporarily stored in the memory 32. (Step 313). This data is sequentially deleted when downloaded. Next, the download means is called (step 314), and the process ends. When the upload is selected in step 311, the process proceeds to step 315 and subsequent steps. First, the upload means is called, and the tool data of the personal computer uploaded during the processing of the upload means is temporarily stored in the memory 32 (step 315). Next, the data is called, the data for the numerical controller is arranged and converted into a size based on the information on the format input in step 310 (step 316), and stored in the tool data current 104 (step 318). The data temporarily stored in the memory 32 is converted and stored in the tool data current 104, and then sequentially deleted.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a software program for realizing the upload means 103. First, in order to check whether or not the communication line 105 is available, the personal computer 10 is checked.
Then, a communication request is issued to 6 (step 300). If the communication is not possible, a message “communication error” is displayed on the display 35 (FIG. 34), and the process ends. If the communication is possible, the operator inputs a tool number from the operation panel 34 (step 301). Next, the operator inputs from the operation panel 34 whether the data is tool offset data or life data (step 3).
02). This is because, as described in the prior art (2), in the numerical controller 1, offset data and tool life data are separately managed, and data formats for input / output are also different. Next, steps 301 and 302
Is transmitted to the personal computer 106 to receive the tool data from the tool data master (step 303) and temporarily store it in the memory 32 (step 304). Furthermore, the data to be received
If there is, repeat the processing from step 301 onward.
(Step 305).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a software program for implementing the download unit 102. First, a communication request is issued to the personal computer 106 to check whether or not the communication line 105 is usable (step 401). If the communication is not possible, a message “communication error” is displayed on the display 35 (FIG. 34), and the process ends. If communication is possible, the operator inputs a tool number from the operation panel 34 (step 40).
2). Next, the operator inputs from the operation panel 34 whether the data is tool offset data or life data (step 403). Next, by transmitting the data input in steps 402 and 403 to the personal computer 106, the tool data temporarily stored in the memory 32 is transmitted to the tool data master (step 40).
4). If there is data to be transmitted, step 4
Steps 02 and below are repeated (step 405) .

The personal computer shown in FIG. 2 is generally available on the market and can be easily obtained at low cost. Further, since the display device and the keyboard are provided, it is possible to interactively display and correct tool data, and to easily create or purchase a communication software program.

Second Embodiment FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a numerical controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure has the same structure as in FIG. 34, the external storage medium output unit 38 for exchanging the external storage medium and data such as a floppy disk in the data I / O33, external storage medium in the memory 32 format storage unit 39 for the format keep double several storage format selection unit 40 by the operator among those formats are selected format, it can be managed in the numerical control device the format of tool data read from the floppy disk A format conversion means 41 for converting the format as described above and a tool data storage section 42 for storing the format-converted tool data are provided.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of this embodiment. This processing is stored in the memory 32 and the CP
Performed by U31. In the following description, a case where a floppy disk is used as an external storage medium will be described, but the same applies to a case where another medium is used. Personal computer or C not shown by the operator
The floppy disk in which the tool data created by the AD / CAM device is registered is inserted into a floppy disk drive (not shown) of the numerical controller 1 (step 80).
1) When the floppy disk reading or writing process is selected by operating the operation panel 34 (step 802), the process proceeds to step 803. Step 803
Then, the format of the floppy disk and the format of the tool data in the floppy disk are determined, and the tool data format is converted in step 804.
The data is read and written, and finally, the floppy disk is taken out (step 805) and the process is terminated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a software program for realizing the format selection means 40 called in step 803 of FIG. First, data on the format of the floppy disk, such as the number of tracks on the floppy disk, the number of sectors in the track, and the sector size, is read from the floppy disk input unit 38 (step 901). Next, the format of the floppy disk is converted from the data into the format storage unit 3.
9 is checked (step 902). If not, for example, a message "Read / Write disabled" is displayed on the display 35 and the process is terminated (step 902). 9
03). If they match, a format format that matches the format is selected in the format storage unit 39 using a format number (Table 2) or the like (step 90).
4). Next, information relating to the format of the tool data in the floppy disk, that is, the data arrangement, data size, etc., input by the operation of the operation panel 34 by the operator is stored in the memory 32 (step 90).
5). If such information can be stored in a floppy disk in advance, the information is read. In the following, the numerical controller 1 uses the floppy disk for step 9
Assuming that the format is selected in step 04, input / output processing for a floppy disk is performed.

Table 2 illustrates an example of the structure of the format storage unit.

[Table 2] In the table, a serial number is assigned to each format, and data relating to the format such as the number of tracks is stored.
Registration, change, addition, and the like to the format storage unit are performed when the system software of the numerical control device is created.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing one example of the format conversion means 41 called in step 804 of FIG. First, in step 811, the operator's operation panel 34 determines whether to write data to a floppy disk or to read data from a floppy disk.
Is determined by the operation described above. In the case of writing, the tool data is read from the tool data storage unit, the format is converted for a floppy disk based on the information input in step 905 of FIG. 9 (step 812), and the format is written to the floppy disk (step 813) . In the case of reading, the tool data is read from the floppy disk, and the format of the tool data read for the numerical control device is converted based on the information input in step 905 of FIG. 9 (step 814). Write (step 815). Generally, these processes are started in order to read from the floppy disk tool data and the like necessary for the processing to be performed at the time of the setup of the processing from the floppy disk and to write the updated tool usage time and the like to the floppy disk at the end of the processing.

Third Embodiment FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a numerical controller according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The entire process is started every time the tool image display process is started by the operation of the operation panel 34 by the operator. In the figure, a step 911 determines whether or not the tool image display is valid based on parameters set in advance by an operator or a manufacturer. If it has been invalidated, this processing ends. In step 912, the tool number of the tool to be displayed is displayed on the operation panel 34 of the operator.
Or from the T command of the machining program. In this embodiment , the latter is performed during the operation of the machining program, and the latter is performed when the processing is not performed, that is, during setup.
In step 913, the tool image display area on the display is deleted. As a result, if a tool image has been displayed so far, the image is deleted, and an area for displaying the next image is opened. In step 914, tool image data corresponding to the tool number read in step 912 is read from the tool image file 915, and is displayed in the area opened in step 913. As for the tool image data, a paper surface in which the tool shape, such as a photograph of the tool, a tool drawing, etc., is clearly represented is read by an image scanner, and a floppy disk,
It is stored as image data in an external storage medium such as an IC card. If there is a free space in the memory 32 for storing image data, the memory 3 is transferred from the external storage medium to the external storage medium input / output unit 38 of the data input / output device 33.
2 may be read in advance. The tool image can be displayed only on a screen determined when the system software of the numerical control device 1 is designed. The entire process is also started during the operation of the machining program. The tool number of the tool image to be displayed is determined based on the T command inserted in the machining program, and the processing of steps 911 to 914 is executed. This process is started each time a T command appears in the machining program.

FIG. 12 is a screen display example of a tool image.
In the figure, 35 is a display device (display) such as a CRT, 920 is a displayed tool image, and 921 is a tool image display area. In the present embodiment, a tool image with a tool number is displayed together with a list of tool data.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 13 shows a display example by a numerical controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a tool number and a tool use time state, that is, a ratio of a pre-registered life time and a use time of the tool are displayed on a display 35 as a graph and numerical values. Here, the degree of tool use time is graphed assuming that the tool life management time is 100%. Further, these graphs are displayed in different colors or patterns depending on the degree of use time as shown in the figure. This is because, for example, by comparing the value of a parameter indicating the tool replacement time input in advance by operating the operation panel 34 of the operator, the operator can easily know whether or not the tool life is approaching.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a software program stored in the memory 32 of the numerical controller 1 for displaying the screen and executed by the CPU 31. This processing is started when the tool operation time status screen is selected by the operation of the operation panel 34 by the operator. First, T = tool use time / tool life time is calculated from the tool use time and the tool life time stored in the memory 32 (step 1001). The calculation result is stored in a calculation area (not shown) provided in the memory 32. Next, a tool life warning time parameter P (0 <P <) input in advance by the operation of the operation panel 34 by the operator.
100%) and T stored in the calculation area (step 1002), and T <P, P ≦ T <100%, T
≧ 100%, for example, designating the colors of the graph in order of green, yellow, and red (steps 1003, 10
04, 1005). The specified result is stored in a display data area (not shown) provided in the memory 32. Finally,
Graph creation processing is performed based on these data (step 1006), and the created graph is displayed (step 10).
07), this process ends.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 15 shows an example of display by a numerical controller according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a tool number is displayed at the left end on the display 35, a tool life time corresponding to the tool number is displayed on the right side, and a graph of a tool use time in the processing to be performed by the tool and a time are displayed vertically. I have. In the figure, the tool numbers # 1 to # 3 indicate that the scheduled tool use time is sufficiently within the tool life time, and # 4 indicates that the scheduled tool use time and the tool life time are the same, It indicates that it is safer to replace it. Also, # 5 indicates that the scheduled use time of the tool is longer than the tool life time, so that it is necessary to immediately replace the tool with a new tool. The setting unit provided at the lower part of the screen is used to correct or add each data by inputting a tool number, a tool life time, and a scheduled tool use time from the left end by operating the operation panel 34.

FIG. 16 shows a memory 32 according to this embodiment.
This is an example of the configuration. In the figure, a machining program storage unit 1601 and a tool data storage unit 160 are stored in a memory 32.
2. There is a tool number list storage unit 1603, a temporary area 1604 for temporarily storing calculation results and the like, and an example of a machining program is shown in the machining program storage unit 1601. In the machining program, “O100” of step a
"0" indicates that the program number of this machining program is 1000
The instruction indicating that the number is "G100O1"
“000” is a command for calling and displaying tool data from the tool data storage unit, and “T0010” in step c is a tool number designated by a number less than T (in this case, 0010).
Pick up the tool from the pot and use an automatic tool changer
A command for setting the ATC) and a command for processing the workpiece by linearly or circularly moving the tool or table based on the designated coordinate value starting with "G" following step d. The tool data storage unit 1602 stores a tool number, a tool life time, a tool use time, and a tool use schedule time. The tool use time “0” in FIG. Therefore, if it is after machining, a value corresponding to the use time of the tool in the machining is stored. The tool number list storage unit 1603 stores a program number as an argument of “G100” in the machining program,
It stores all the tool numbers used in the program. In this embodiment , "G100" is used as a command for calling and displaying the tool data from the tool data storage unit. However, any other command not used by the conventional numerical controller may be used. It can be.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the tool data calling procedure in step b. This process is called from the machining program using the machining program number as an argument. First, a machining program number is searched from the tool number list storage section 1603 (step 1701).
If the program number is not found, error message data indicating, for example, "no tool number list" is created on the display 35 (step 1702), display processing is performed (step 1705), and the processing ends. When the program number is found, the tool life time and the scheduled tool use time are read from the tool data storage unit 1602 into the temporary area 1604 based on the tool number, and graph information is created (step 1703). This processing is performed for all the tool numbers corresponding to the program numbers in the all tool number list storage section 1603 (step 1704). Finally, the tool numbers and their corresponding graphs, tool life times, and scheduled tool use times are displayed. (Step 1705) The process ends.

FIG. 18 is a display example showing a screen for inputting a list of tool numbers in a machining program in this embodiment. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, numbers starting with # are serial numbers for registering tool numbers, and parentheses at the bottom of the screen indicate setting units. “Data input” and “Memory write” at the bottom of the screen are menus, which can be selected by operating a menu key (not shown) provided at the bottom of the display. This indicates that the menu that has not been selected is selected. In FIG. 9A, the machining program (including a program called from a main program such as a subprogram) used for one machining by an operation of the operation panel 34 by the operator on the right side of the number starting with #. You can enter the tool number to be used. When all the tool numbers have been input, the "write to memory" menu is selected, and the screen of (b) is displayed. On this screen, the operator operates the operation panel 3
By the operation of step 4, an item that can be remembered in association with the machining program, such as a main machining program number, is input to the setting section at the bottom of the screen. By this operation, the data input on the screen (a) is stored in the tool number list storage unit 1603.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 19 is a view showing the principle of tool management by a cell controller according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Cell controller 501
Is a communication unit 600 and a magazine information management unit 611
, Machining program management means 612, T command search means 613, information input means 614, tool number management means 6
15, a tool number corresponding means 616, a tool number comparing means 617, and a screen output means 618.

[0056] Communication unit 600 receives a mounting tool information 640 including a mounting tool number 6 41 which is mounted from the NC machine tool. Magazine information management unit 611 manages the mounting tool information 6 40 said received. The processing program management means 612 manages information on the processing program 642. The T command search means 613 searches for a T command in the machining program 642, and extracts and outputs a T number 643. The information input unit 614 inputs tool number information 644 including information on the correspondence between the T number and the actual tool number. The tool number management unit 615 manages the tool number information 644. The tool number corresponding unit 616 obtains a tool number 645 to be used for machining by comparing the T number 643 with the tool number information 644. Tool number comparing means 61
7 determines the unmounted tool number 646 by comparing the mounted tool number 641 with the used tool number 645. The screen output unit 618 displays the unmounted tool number 646.

FIG. 20 shows the cell controller 501.
And a cell system 801 including NC machine tools 502, 502a, and 502b. In this cell system 801, the cell controller 501 includes:
The NC machine tool 5
02, 502a, and 502b.

NC machine tools 502, 502a, 502b
Performs machining while sequentially taking out and replacing tools by executing a machining program. NC machine tools 502, 5
02a, 502b are communication means 620, 620a, 62
0b, mounting tool information management means 621, 621a, 62
1b, ATC 625, 625a, 625b, magazine 622, 622a, 622b, magazine 2220,
2220a and 2220b. Magazines 622, 2220, 622a, 2220a, 622
b, 2220b are a plurality of tools 62 with identification codes.
Plurality of pots 623 with identification codes for setting 4
have. Mounting tool information management means 621, 621a, 62
1b is a magazine 622, 2220, 622a, 222
0a, 622b, 2220b, ATC
625, 625a and 625b, and manages them. In this figure, three NC machine tools and six magazines are drawn in total, but the same applies to more or less NC machines.

FIG. 21 is a data configuration diagram of an example of mounting tool information 640 which is input by the communication means 600 of FIG. 19 and managed by the magazine information management means 611. In this cell controller 501, NC machine tools 502, 502
a, mounting tool list 2400, 24 for each 502b
00a and 2400b include a machine type 2401 and information 2402, 2402a and 2402b for each magazine. Magazine-specific information 2402, 2402a, 240
2b, a magazine number 2403 for identifying the magazine
And pot information 2404 indicating the number of the tool 624 stored in the number of the pot 623.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the machining program 642 managed by the machining program management means 612 in FIG. “O...” In step a is a command indicating a program number assigned to this machining program.
“T...” In steps b, d, h, and k picks up a tool with a T number indicated by a number less than T from the pot and
This is a T command to be set in TC. Steps c, g and j
"M98P7000" is a command to execute a subprogram (not shown) numbered 7000 to exchange a tool set in the ATC with a tool set in the spindle shaft and used for machining. is there. “G0...” In steps e, f and i are commands for processing a work by linearly or circularly moving a tool or a table based on designated speed and coordinates.

For example, when the machining programs shown in FIG. 22 are sequentially executed, the following operation is performed. First, T
The tool with the number 100 is set on the ATC (step b), the tool is set on the spindle shaft (step c), the tool with the T number 400 is set on the empty ATC (step d), and the designated speed, The tool or the work is moved based on the coordinate values (steps e and f), and the work is machined by the tool of T number 100. And the tool of T number 100 set on the spindle shaft is
The tool with the T number 400 that has been set in the ATC is replaced (step g), and the tool with the T number 600 is newly set in the ATC (step h). Machining is performed with a tool having a T number of 400 (step i), and the tool is replaced with the next tool (steps j and k).

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process of the cell controller 501 for displaying an unmounted tool among tools required for processing by the processing program. First, in step a, the machining program 642, for example, FIG.
2 is input. Next, in step b, the T command search means 613 sends the processing program 6
At step 42, the T number 643 of the tool to be used is searched. FIG.
Is a T command search result of the machining program in FIG.
In step c, the tool number information 644 is input by the information input unit 614, and the tool number management unit 615 updates the tool number information 644. FIG. 25 is an example of the updated tool number information 644. In step d,
The tool number corresponding means 616 extracts the used tool number 645 corresponding to the T number. FIG. 26 shows the tool numbers used corresponding to the T numbers in FIG. In step e, NC
Communication means 62 of machine tools 502, 502a, 502b
0 , 620a, and 620b , the mounting tool information 640 is input.
To update. Reference numeral 640 in FIG. 21 is an example of mounting tool information. In step f, the tool number comparing means 617 compares the mounting tool number 641 in the mounting tool information 640 with the used tool number 645. In step g, a tool number that is not included in the mounting tool information 640 is extracted from the used tool numbers 645. The tool of the extracted tool number is the unmounted tool number 646. For example, when the mounting tool information of 640 in FIG. 21 is compared with the tool number of FIG.
0 is an unmounted tool number. If there are no unmounted tools,
finish. In step h, the screen output means 618 displays the unmounted tool number. Then, the process ends.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 27 shows a cell controller 7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
It is a principle diagram of tool management by 01. The cell controller 701 includes a communication unit 600 and a tool information management unit 631
A magazine information management unit 611, a machining program management unit 612, a use value prediction unit 630, an information input unit 614, a tool number management unit 615, a tool number correspondence unit 616, a tool number comparison unit 617, It comprises a life value comparison means 632 and a screen output means 618.

The communication means 600 includes a tool number, tool life information 650 including a measured value of a tool use time corresponding to the tool number and a life setting value, and mounting tool information 640 including a mounting tool number 641 mounted. To receive. The magazine information management means 611 manages the mounting tool information 640. The machining program management unit 612 manages information about the machining program including the machining program 642.
The use value predicting unit 630 extracts the T number in the machining program, calculates the tool use prediction value for each T number, and outputs the T number and the use prediction value 647. The information input unit 614 inputs tool number information 644 including information indicating the correspondence between the T number and the actual tool number. The tool number management unit 615 manages the tool number information 644. The tool number corresponding means 616 calculates the T number and the predicted use value 64.
7 is compared with the tool number information 644 to obtain a tool number and a predicted use value 648. Tool number comparing means 61
7 collates the mounting tool number 641 with the tool number and the predicted use value 648, and obtains the mounted tool number and the predicted use value 649. The life value comparison unit 632 compares the tool life information 650 with the mounted tool number and the predicted use value 649, obtains a mounted tool number whose predicted use value exceeds the tool life, and outputs the obtained tool number 651 as the life end tool number.
The screen output unit 618 displays the life end tool number 651.

FIG. 28 is a configuration diagram of a cell system 851 including the cell controller 701. In this cell system 851, the cell controller 701 communicates with the NC machine tool 80 via a communication line 503 that can communicate with each other.
2, 802a and 802b. The NC machine tools 802, 802a, 802b have a configuration obtained by adding tool life management means 626, 626a, 626b to the configuration of the NC machine tools 502, 502a, 502b in FIG. The tool life management means 626, 626a, 626b manages information on the life of the tool. In this figure, three NC machine tools and six magazines are drawn in total, but the same applies to more or less NC machines.

FIG. 29 shows NC machine tools 802 and 802.
7A and 7B are flowcharts of processing of a cell controller 701 for displaying a tool having a life during machining among tools mounted on 802b. First, in step a, the machining program 642, for example, the machining program of FIG. 22 is input by the machining program management means 612. Next, in step b, the use value predicting means 630
Calculates a T number and a predicted use value 647 by this machining program. This predicted use value is <A>. <
A> is obtained by calculating the use time from the distance and speed at which the tool or the workpiece moves by the machining program 642, or calculating the number of times the tool is used from the number of T commands in the machining program 642. FIG. 30 is an example of the T number and the predicted use value 647. In step c, the tool number information 644 is input by the information input means 614, and the tool number management means 615 updates the tool number information 644. FIG. 25 is an example of the updated tool number information 644. In step d, the tool number corresponding means 6
In step 16, a tool number corresponding to the T number is extracted, and a predicted use value 648 corresponding to the tool number is obtained. FIG.
It is an example of a predicted use value 648 corresponding to a tool number.
In step e, the NC machine tools 802, 802a,
From the communication means 620 , 620a, 620b of the 802b,
Enter the mounting tool information 6 40, which is managed by the magazine information management unit 611. Reference numeral 640 in FIG. 21 is an example of mounting tool information.

In step f, the tool number comparing means 6
Reference numeral 17 denotes a mounted tool number (see FIG. 21) in the mounted tool information 640 and a tool number to be used (see FIG. 31).
And the mounting tool information 64 among the tool numbers to be used.
The tool number at 0 is taken out as the mounting tool number, the predicted use value 648 corresponding to the mounted tool number is obtained, and the mounted tool number and predicted use value 649 are output. FIG.
It is an example of a mounting tool number and a use prediction value 649. In step h, the NC machine tools 802, 802a, 8
02b, the tool life information 650 is input via the communication means 620 , 620a, 620b.
50 is managed by the tool information management means 631. In step i, the tool information management unit 631 extracts the tool life information 650 corresponding to the mounted tool number. FIG.
Is an example of tool life information 650, which is composed of a mounting tool number, a measured actual use value, and a life setting value. The value of the actual measurement value is <C>, and the value of the life setting value is <D>. In step j, the sum of the predicted use value <A> and the actual use value <C> is compared with the life setting value <D> for each mounting tool number. As a result of this comparison, if D <A + C, the mounted tool number is set to the life end tool number 651. For example,
Comparing FIG. 32 with FIG. 33, the number 2020 is the life end tool number 651. In step k, the screen output unit 618 displays the life end tool number 651.

[0068]

As described above, according to the numerical controller according to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, a personal computer can be used to perform all NC machining in a factory without using a cell controller, which is a higher-ranking numerical controller. Since all the tool data of all the tools attached to the machine are managed, all the tool data can be managed collectively at a small cost.
NC machine tools can convert tool data formats that can be managed by the numerical control device and those that can be managed by the tool data master by operating the numerical control device, and download and upload tool data. It can be easily confirmed whether or not the data is the data of the tool actually attached. Also, by using the information of the tool data master as a master and uploading / downloading data each time machining is performed, tool data of all tools used in the factory can be centrally managed.

According to the numerical controller according to the second invention,
The user can specify the format of an external storage medium such as a floppy disk that stores tool data created by a personal computer or CAD / CAM, etc., and read and write directly with the numerical controller. However, it is not necessary for the operator to input data, and the input can be performed accurately in a short time. Further, it is possible to input the timing with respect to the processing step with good timing.

According to the numerical control device of the third invention,
A tool image taken by a camera or the like can be displayed in advance, so that a real image faithful to the actual tool shape can be viewed on the screen without setting parameters for tool figure creation. For this reason, it is easy to find a wrong mounting of the tool, and it is possible to reduce a processing error such as processing using a wrong tool and ruining a workpiece.

According to the numerical control device of the fourth aspect,
The ratio of tool use time to tool life time is graphed, and the color or pattern is changed according to the ratio to warn the operator of the tool change time, so that the tool use time status can be checked at a glance, and the tool change time It is a guide. In addition, since the operator can specify the warning time,
The warning time of tool change can be changed according to the processing time, the processing load, and the like.

According to the numerical control device of the fifth aspect,
Since the scheduled tool use time can be displayed as a graph along with the tool life time, the tools that need to be replaced can be grasped at a glance. From the graph, you can determine how many more times the tool can be used for the machining program. If you run the same machining program several times in succession, for example, you can machine up to three times except for one tool. At times, changing the tool with a new tool can increase the processing efficiency.

According to the cell controller of the sixth aspect, it is possible to centrally manage in real time which tool is currently mounted on each NC machine tool. Further, when machining with the machining program, the operator can easily know in advance the number of a tool that is not mounted among the necessary tools.

According to the cell controller of the seventh aspect, it is possible to centrally manage in real time which tool is currently mounted on each NC machine tool. Further, when machining is performed by the machining program, the operator can easily know in advance the tool number of a necessary tool that has a life during machining even if it is mounted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a system including a numerical control device and a total tool information storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a system including a plurality of combinations of the numerical control device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a format conversion unit in the numerical control device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a tool data format information input screen in the numerical control device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an upload unit in the numerical control device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a download unit in the numerical control device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a numerical control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the numerical control device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a format selection unit by the numerical controller of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a format conversion unit by the numerical control device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of a numerical control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen display of a tool image by the numerical controller of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example by a numerical controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of the numerical controller of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a numerical control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a memory in the numerical control device of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of a procedure for calling out tool data by the numerical controller of FIG. 15;

18 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of a screen for inputting a list of tool numbers in the machining program of the numerical control device in FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a principle diagram relating to tool management of a cell controller according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a configuration diagram of a cell system including the cell controller of FIG.

21 is a data configuration diagram of mounting tool information of the cell controller of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cell controller machining program in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process by software of the cell controller in FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a T number of the cell controller in FIG. 19;

25 is a diagram illustrating an example of tool number information of the cell controller in FIG.

26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tool number of the cell controller in FIG.

FIG. 27 is a principle diagram relating to tool management of a cell controller according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a configuration diagram of a cell system including the cell controller of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of processing by software of the cell controller in FIG. 27;

30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a T number and a predicted use value in the cell controller of FIG. 27.

31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tool number and a predicted use value in the cell controller of FIG. 27.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting tool number and a predicted use value in the cell controller of FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of tool life information by the cell controller of FIG. 27.

FIG. 34 is a block connection diagram showing a conventional numerical controller.

FIG. 35 is a principle view of a conventional tool information management device.

FIG. 36 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a system including a plurality of machining centers to which a conventional tool information management device is applied.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart in an example of a conventional numerical controller for drawing a tool shape.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of a conventional graphic creation routine of a numerical controller for drawing a tool shape.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a conventional tool life management display.

FIG. 40 is a principle diagram relating to tool management of a conventional cell controller.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Numerical control apparatus 12 Tool data management means 101 Tool data master 102 Download means 103 Upload means 104 Tool data current 105 Communication line 106 Personal computer 107 Format conversion means 31 CPU 32 Memory 33 Data I / O 34 Operation panel 35 Display 36 Servo control Circuit 37 Contact input / output interface 38 External storage medium input / output unit 39 Format storage unit 40 Format selection unit 41 Format conversion unit 42 Tool data storage unit 915 Tool image file 920 Tool image 921 Tool image display area 1601 Machining program storage unit 1602 Tool data Storage unit 1603 Tool number list storage unit 501 Cell controller 502 NC machine tool 502a NC machine tool 502b N C machine tool 503 Communication line 600 Communication means 611 Magazine information management means 612 Machining program management means 613 T command search means 614 Information input means 615 Tool number management means 616 Tool number correspondence means 617 Tool number comparison means 618 Screen output means 619 Output means 620 Communication means 620a Communication means 620b Communication means 621 Mounting tool information management means 621a Mounting tool information management means 621b Mounting tool information management means 622 Magazine 622a Magazine 622b Magazine 623 Pot 624 Tool 625 ATC 625a ATC 625b ATC 626 Tool ATC 26 Life management means 626b Tool life management means 630 Use value prediction means 631 Tool information management means 632 Life value comparison means 633 Key input means 640 Actual Tool information 641 Mounted tool number 642 Machining program 643 T number 644 Tool number information 645 Tool number used 646 Unmounted tool number 647 T number, expected use value 648 Tool number, expected use value 649 Mounted tool number, expected use value 650 Tool life Information 651 Life end tool number 701 Cell controller 802 NC machine tool 802a NC machine tool 802b NC machine tool 801 Cell system 2220 Magazine 2220a Magazine 2220b Magazine 2400 Mounting Tool List 2400a Mounting Tool List 2400b Mounting Tool List 2401 Machine Type 2402a Magazine 2402a Magazine Type Magazine-specific information 2402b Magazine-specific information 2403 Magazine number 2404 Pot information

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Agency reference number FI Technical display location G05B 19/418

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] An information processing apparatus having storage means for storing a program or data, a display for displaying the program or data, a result of the information processing, a data input / output device, and a key for inputting data or giving a command to a system. an operation panel having switches, and a numerical controller with all tool data storage device to store all tool data attached to the plurality of NC machine tools Ru is connected via a communication line, a plurality of tool mounting portion A tool data storage unit for storing tool data relating to a tool mounted on the tool mounting portion of an NC machine tool having a tool, and uploading tool data of a tool mounted on the NC machine tool from the all tool data storage device. Uploading means for storing the tool data stored in the tool data storage unit in the tool data storage unit; Download means for downloading to a storage device, and conversion means for converting between a tool data format that can be managed by a numerical control device and a tool data format that can be managed by a personal computer when uploading and / or downloading tool data. A numerical control device, comprising: 2. An information processing apparatus having storage means for storing a program or data, a display for displaying the program or data, a result of the information processing, a data input / output device, and a key for inputting data or giving a command to a system. A numerical control device including an operation panel having a switch, a tool data storage unit for storing tool data related to a tool mounted on the tool mounting site of an NC machine tool having a plurality of tool mounting sites, an external storage medium output unit for exchanging the storage medium and the data, and a format storage unit for keep double several stores format type of the external storage medium, the format selected by the operator among those formats are selected format Means and the format of the tool data in the external storage medium and the numerical controller. Numerical control device being characterized in that a format conversion means for enabling reading and writing conversion to. 3. An information processing apparatus having storage means for storing a program or data, a display for displaying the program or data, a result of the information processing, a data input / output device, and a key for inputting data or giving a command to a system. A numerical control device including an operation panel having a switch, a tool data storage unit for storing tool data related to a tool mounted on the tool mounting site of an NC machine tool having a plurality of tool mounting sites, An external storage medium input / output unit for exchanging data with a storage medium, a tool image file for storing the shape of the tool as image data, and a tool for displaying an image of the tool to be mounted on the tool mounting site on the display A numerical control device comprising: an image display processing unit. 4. An information processing apparatus having storage means for storing programs and data, a display for displaying the programs, data, results of information processing and the like, and an operation having a key switch for inputting data or giving a command to a system. A numerical control device having a panel, comprising: a tool data storage unit for storing tool data relating to a tool mounted on a tool mounting site of an NC machine tool having a plurality of tool mounting sites; Means for displaying the ratio of the completed tool life time on the display. 5. An information processing apparatus having storage means for storing programs and data, a display for displaying the programs, data, results of information processing, and the like, and an operation having a key switch for inputting data or giving a command to a system. A numerical controller having a panel, comprising: a tool data storage unit for storing tool data relating to a tool mounted on a tool mounting site of an NC machine tool having a plurality of tool mounting sites; A numerical control device comprising: means for displaying the estimated time and the tool life time on the display. 6. A mounting tool information management means for managing mounting tool information of a magazine for setting a plurality of tools with identification codes attached thereto, the communication means for communicating with a host computer, and sequentially executing tools by executing a machining program. A cell controller that controls at least one NC machine tool that performs machining while taking out and replacing; a communication unit that receives mounting tool information from the NC machine tool; a magazine information management unit that manages the received mounting tool information; Search T command in machining program and take out T number T
Command search means; information input means for inputting correspondence information between a T number and an actual tool number; tool number management means for managing the correspondence information; and extracting an actual tool number corresponding to the extracted T number Tool number corresponding means, tool number comparing means for comparing the extracted tool number and the mounted tool number in the mounted tool information to obtain an unmounted tool number, and screen output means for notifying an operator of the unmounted tool number. A cell controller comprising: 7. Tool life management means for managing communication means with a host computer and life information of a plurality of tools assigned identification codes, and mounting tool management for managing mounting tool information of a magazine in which these tools are set. And a means for controlling at least one NC machine tool that performs machining while sequentially taking out and replacing tools by executing a machining program, and a communication for receiving mounting tool information and tool life information from the NC machine tool. Means, magazine information management means for managing the received mounting tool information, tool information management means for managing the received tool life information, analyzing a machining program, extracting a T number, and calculating a predicted use value of a used tool. Tool use predicted value calculation means, information input means for inputting correspondence information between a T number and an actual tool number, Tool number management means for managing information; tool number corresponding means for extracting an actual tool number corresponding to the extracted T number; mounting by comparing the extracted tool number with the mounting tool number in the mounting tool information; Tool number comparing means for obtaining a tool; life value comparing means for comparing the tool life information and the predicted use value with respect to the mounted tool to obtain a tool number that has a life during machining; And a screen output means for notifying the cell controller.