JPS60172434A - Tool management and transfer controller for nc machine tool - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make automation in tool management and transfer come to fruition, by installing a device, which performs the tool control and transfer attendant upon a change in tools inside a tool magazine and those in tool station with no miss so efficiently, in a tool management and transfer controller for a NC machine tool. CONSTITUTION:A tool management and transfer controller 21 is constituted of using a computer or the like, by way of example, in order to perform management for all tools 13 and control over operation controllers 151-15n and a tool transfer controller 20. Here, management of these tools 13 always renews and grasps details and locations of all tools 13 in tool magazines 121-12n of NC machine tools 111-11n and all tools 13 stored in a tool stocker 17 of a tool station 16, and the result is written in a tool management data file or the like. Control over the operation controller 151-15n and the tool transfer controller 20 is executed with an NC command out of an input unit 22 when an NC program is inputted into the input and output unit 22.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Application of the Invention] The present invention provides a method for changing the type of workpiece when the tools stored in the tool magazine installed in the NC machine tool cannot be used alone. This invention relates to a tool management supply/discharge control device for an NC machine tool that automatically performs tool exchange such as setup change with stored tools.

In an NC machine tool that automatically processes a wide variety of workpieces, for example, when changing the type of workpiece, the tools stored in the tool magazine installed in the NC machine tool cannot handle the change; It is necessary to change the setup.

Conventionally, the above-mentioned tool setup change has been performed based on the tool information specified in the NC command data for page 3 of workpiece machining, but this information is based on the tool magazine number that specified the storage location of the tool. It does not show the details of the tool. Therefore, a tool list is required that displays the contents of tools to be stored in correspondence with the tool numbers for each NC program, and based on this tool list, the contents of the tools currently stored in the tool magazine and the workpiece type cutting schedule are determined. Compares the contents of tools that need to be stored for replacement, selects the tool that requires setup change, checks whether the tool is present at the tool station, and artificially instructs to replace the tool. There was a need.

For this reason, in the past, the above-mentioned tool management supply/discharge associated with tool setup change, etc., became inefficient, or replacement errors were likely to occur. In particular, when many NC machine tools are operated in parallel or when there are many tool setup changes, manually managing and loading and unloading tools each time greatly reduces efficiency. was requested.

[Purpose of the invention]

JP-A-172434 (2) The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned needs, and provides tool management for an NC machine tool that allows tool management supply and removal during tool replacement to be carried out efficiently without replacement errors. The purpose is to provide a supply and discharge control device.

[Summary of the invention]

The present invention provides an NC machine tool, a tool magazine for storing a plurality of tools installed in the NC machine tool, an operation control device for controlling the operation of the NC machine tool by specifying the tools to be used, and the NC machine tool. A tool station in which a large number of tools that may be used in a machine are stored in a tool stocker, and a tool transport device that is provided between this tool station and the NC machine tool and transfers and receives tools between them. and a tool transport control device that controls the tool transport device and controls the tool station to designate a tool to be delivered to and received from the tool stocker and to supply and remove the tool from the tool transport device; The contents and locations of all tools in the tool magazine and tool stocker are constantly updated and grasped, and the motion control device and the tool transport control device are controlled by NC commands to respond to the commands. a tool management control device that causes tools to be delivered and received between the tool magazine and the tool stocker and causes the NC machine tool to operate in accordance with the command;
It is equipped with an input device for giving C commands, and achieves automation of tool management supply and removal associated with tool exchange.

[Embodiments of the invention]

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a tool management supply/discharge device for an NC machine tool according to the present invention.
n is NC machine tool, 121-12n is NC machine tool 11
This is a tool magazine equipped with 1 to Iln. Each of the tool magazines 121 to 12n can store a plurality of tools 13 necessary for machining a workpiece. 141-14n are NC
This is the tool loading and unloading position of the machine tool 111-1 inch.

15, -15n is an operation control device including an NC device that controls the operation of the NC machine tool 111-11n by specifying the tool 13 to be used, and the NC machine tools 111-lln are the operation control devices 151-15n on this page In accordance with the command, the I4 storage location and tool loading and unloading positions 141 to 14. of the commanded tool magazines 121 to 12n are moved. The tool 13 is configured to be able to be transferred between n.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a tool station equipped with a tool stocker 17, in which a large number of tools 13 that may be used in the NC machine tools 111 to lln are stored. Reference numeral 18 indicates a tool loading/unloading position of the tool station 17.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a tool transport control device that controls the tool station 17 and the tool transport device described below.
7 is configured to be able to transfer the tool 13 between the commanded tool storage location of the tool stocker 17 and the tool supply/discharge position 18 in accordance with the command from the tool transport control device 190.

Additionally, a tool conveyance device is controlled by the tool conveyance control device 19 as described above. In other words, the tool transport device is operated according to the command from the tool transport control device 19, and the NC machine tool 111
Each tool feeding/discharging position 141 to 14n of ~lln,!
: Tool station 16 tool loading and unloading body ---
- The tools 13 transferred from the tool magazines 121 to 12n of the NC machine tools 111 to lln to the tool loading and unloading positions 141 to 14n are discharged to the tool loading and unloading position 18 of the tool station 16. C, t
Conversely, the tool 13 transferred from the tool stocker 17 of the tool station 16 to the tool loading/unloading position 18
is configured such that it can be supplied to each tool supply/discharge position 141'' 14n of the NC machine tools 111-lln.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a tool management control device, which is configured using, for example, a minicomputer to manage all the tools 13 and control the operation control devices 151 to 15n and the tool transport control device. Here, the management of the tools 13 is to constantly monitor the contents and locations of all the tools 13 stored in the tool magazines 121 to 12n of the NC machine tools 111 to lln and all the tools 13 stored in the tool stocker 17 of the tool station 16. By updating, that is, when there is a change in the tool contents or location, the changes are ascertained, and the results of the ascertainment are written into the tool management data file of the mini-computer. Further, the operation control devices 151 to 15
n and the tool transport control device are controlled by the input/output device 22.
When an NC program is input to the input/output device 22, the processing is performed according to an NC command sent from the input/output device 22.

That is, in accordance with this NC command, the tools 13 necessary for workpiece machining are moved to the tool stocker 17 of the tool station 16.
From the predetermined NC machine tool 111~Iln tool magazine 121~! 2n and conversely discharge unnecessary tools 13 from the tool magazines 121 to 12n to the tool stocker 17, the operation control devices 151 to 15n and the tool transport control device silver are controlled, and in response to the NC command, Operation control device 151 to perform normal NC machining on the workpiece
~15n NC device is controlled. Note that when a completely new tool 13 is stored in the tool stocker 17, the input/output device 22 can also provide the information to the tool management control device 21 so that it can be managed.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned apparatus of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, numeral 31 is workpiece machining information input to the tool management control device 21, and its contents include the NC program for machining the workpiece and the NC machine tools 111 to lln. Of these, it is the designation information of the NC machine tool 11 to be processed. Further, the NC program for machining the workpiece is an NC program in which tool information and correction information for the tool 13 are created using a tool code.

32 is each tool magazine 1 of the NC machine tools 111 to lln.
This is a tool management data file that always keeps track of information on the tools 13 currently stored in 21 to 12n and information on the tools 13 currently stored in the tool stocker 17 of the tool station 16. The contents of this tool management data file 32 are as follows: The tool code and the offset amounts of the tool diameter and tool length, which are correction data for the tool 13, are stored in the NC machine tool 1.
This data is stored in correspondence with the tool magazine number representing the storage location of the tool magazines 121 to 12n for 11 to lln, and the address number representing the storage location of the tool stocker 17 for the tool station 16, respectively. 121-12n and tool stocker 1
Even when the tool 7 is in an empty state without the tool 13, the data indicates the empty state using a specific code.

The input machining information 31 is sent to the tool management control device 21.
--,.

This processing information 31 is temporarily stored in a storage device (step 33) so that it can be called up whenever needed. The setup change of the tool 13 due to the change of the workpiece type is executed by inputting the workpiece machining information 31, but the machining information 31 of various workpieces is input in advance into the storage device, and the change of the tool 13 setup due to the change of the workpiece type is performed by inputting the machining information 31 of the workpiece in advance. When the necessary machining information 31 is called up, the setup change of the tool 13 may be executed.

In any case, to execute the setup change of the tool 13, all of the tools 13 required for machining are extracted using tool codes based on the tool information in the NC program of the machining information 31 (step 34).

On the other hand, step 35) calls up the tool management data of the NC machine tool 11 specified from the tool management data file 32 based on the NC machine tool specification information of the machining information 31, and this tool management data and the tool extracted in step 34. 1
3 is the tool magazine 1 for all NC machine tools 111-lln
Verify whether the tool code is stored in 21 to 12n (step 36). As a result, tool magazine 121~
If even one tool 13 necessary for machining is missing in 12n, the tool 13 extracted from page 11 in step 34 is stored in the tool magazines 121 to 12n.
Tools (required tools) 13 and tool magazine 121 on the side
Classify it as 13 (missing tool) that is not on the 12n side (
Step 37). In addition, from the tool list (necessary tool list) categorized as tools 13 in the tool magazines 121 to 12n, tools that are currently stored in the tool magazines 121 to 12n of the NC machine tools 111 to lln but are not needed for machining are also included. 13, step 38), and select a tool magazine number representing the storage location of the tool 13 (step 39), to clarify the contents of the unnecessary tool 13 and the storage location.

Meanwhile, in step 37, the tool magazines 121 to 12n
Check whether all the missing tools 13 are stored in the tool station 16 from the list of missing tools (missing tools list) 40 and the tool management data of the tool station 16 called in step 41 from the tool management data file 32. (Step 42). As a result, if even one tool 13 is not stored, the tool list is outputted to the outside so that the operator can understand it (step 43).

If all the missing tools are stored in the tool station 16, the address number of the tool stocker representing the storage location is selected (step 44). On the other hand, step 3
Tool magazine selected in 9 12. Step 45) Calling the tool magazine number of the unnecessary tool 13 on the ~12n side
, during this period, the NC machine tool 1 specified in the tool transport control device 19 and the machining information 31 receives a setup change instruction for the tool 13.
Step 46) controls the tool station 16, the tool transport device hole, and the NC machine tool 111-lln to move the tool 13 between the tool stocker 17 and the tool magazine 121-12n. The tool 13 is supplied and discharged, and the setup of the tool 13 is changed frequently.

Note that the tool management data is updated based on the execution of the tool change according to the tool setup multiple change command (step 47).
).

In this way, for the NC machine tools 111 to lln for which the setup change of the tools 13 has been completed, and in step 36, all the tools 13 necessary for machining are stored in the tool magazines 121 to 12n.
NC machine tool 111 confirmed to be stored in
For 〜lln, each step once --, ↓ Congratulations --
--The tool code in the NC program of the machining information 31 stored on page 33, the tool magazine number in which the tool 13 is stored based on the tool management data, and the diameter offset amount that is the correction data of the tool 13 In step 48), the NCC command differential color is converted into a length offset amount for the NC machine tool 11. ~lln operation control device 151-1
In step 49), NC machining of the workpiece is started.

In addition, the input/output device n corrects the tool management data by replenishing the tools 13 outputted externally in step 43 or maintaining the tools 13 stored in the tool station 16 or the tools 13 stored in the tool magazines 121 to 12n. At the time (step 50), a manual input operation is performed.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the operation of changing the tool 13 at the time of nine setup changes has been described, but the tool exchange is not limited to the above-mentioned multiple tool setup changes.

This is also done when the tool has reached the end of its life, and the operation when the device of the present invention is applied to such tool replacement will be explained based on FIG. In Fig. 3, 51 is 14, -4, which is tool abnormality information from the NC machine tools 111 to lln in which the tool abnormality has occurred, and the contents are the NC machine tool number and the tool magazine number information that stores the abnormal tool 13. It is. Further, 32 is a tool management data file similar to that explained in FIG.

The inputted tool abnormality information is temporarily stored in the storage device of the factory management control device 21, and the tool abnormality is detected when the tool can be replaced (for example, before supplying the workpiece to the NC machine tools 111 to lln). A search is made to see if the information 51 has been input, and if so, a tool exchange is executed. To execute this tool exchange, the NC machine tool number of the tool abnormality information 51 is used to call the machine management data of the NC machine tools 111 to lln from the tool management data file 32 (step 53).

On the other hand, step 54) calls up the tool magazine number that stores the abnormal tool 13 in the tool abnormality information 51, converts the tool magazine number into a tool code from this tool magazine number and tool management data (step 55), and converts this tool magazine number into a tool code (step 55). While ascertaining the type of the abnormal tool 13, call up the tool management data of the tool station 16 (step 56) and check whether the abnormal tool 13 is stored in the tool station 16. Verification is performed (step 57). As a result, if the tool list is not stored in the tool station 16, the tool list is outputted to the outside as in step 43 in FIG. 2 (step 58).
). If stored in tool station 16,
It is converted into the address number of the tool stocker 17 representing its storage location (step 59). On the other hand, the tool magazine number in the tool abnormality information 51 stored in step 52 is called up (step 60), and during this time, an instruction to replace the tool 13 is given. The tool transport control device 19 and the tool abnormality information 510 generate the NC machine tools 111 to 151 to the operation control devices 151 to lln.
15n, step 61), tool station 16, tool transport device processing and NC machine tools 111 to ll.
ak control tool stocker 17 and tool magazine 1
The tool 13 is supplied and discharged between 21 and 12n, and nine setup changes of the tool 13 are performed. Note that the tool management data is updated based on the execution of tool exchange according to the tool exchange command (step 62).

For the NC machine tools 111 to lln for which the replacement of the abnormal tool 13 has been completed in this way, the machining process once stored in step 33 is performed in exactly the same way as in the case shown in FIG. The information 31 is converted into NC command data (Step 48) and transmitted to the operation control devices 151-15n of the NC machine tools 111-lln (Step 49).
. This processing information 31 is the NC machine tool 111~ll
If the workpiece input to n is the same as before, it is the workpiece machining information, and if it is different, it is the new machining information.
This is executed in conjunction with the 9 setup changes for the tool 13 similar to those explained in Fig. 2, and after these, the NC
Processing begins.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the present invention provides an NC machine tool and an NC machine tool.
a tool magazine for storing a plurality of tools equipped on a machine tool; an operation control device for controlling the operation of the NC machine tool by specifying the tools to be used; and a tool magazine for storing a plurality of tools installed in the machine tool; A tool station in which tools are stored in a tool stocker is installed between this tool station and the NC machine tool, and is used to transport and receive tools between them. a tool transport device that controls the tool transport device, and a tool that controls the tool station to specify a tool to be delivered to and received from the tool stocker and to supply and remove the tool from the tool transport device. The transport control device constantly updates and grasps the contents and locations of all tools in the tool magazine and tool stocker, and controls the motion control device and tool transport control device according to NC commands to respond to the commands. The tool management control device includes a tool management control device that allows tools to be delivered and received between the tool magazine and the tool stocker and controls the NC machine tool according to the commands, and an input device that provides the NC commands to the tool management control device. Since we have achieved automation of tool management supply and removal associated with tool exchange, there are no tool exchange errors and the efficiency of exchange work can be greatly improved compared to the conventional method.

To explain the case where a mini-computer or the like is used as the tool management control device as in the above embodiment, -1 town---
The device of the present invention described above on page 1 creates the tool magazine number and correction data for that tool, which are tool information in NC command data, using a tool code that represents the type of tool itself, and based on the NC program created using this tool code. Automatically searches for tool setup change information and abnormal tool replacement information associated with workpiece switching, and automatically commands tool setup change and abnormal tool replacement based on that information. In addition, for the NC device that controls the operation of the NC machine tool, the tool code of the above NC program is converted into the conventional tool magazine number and also the NC command in the form of tool correction data. Because it is transmitted as data, it is no longer possible to manually change tool setups or replace abnormal tools, which previously were commanded manually based on the tool magazine number and the tool list that indicates the types of tools that should be stored there. This can be done directly and automatically from the NC program, preventing setup errors and making tool replacement work unmanned. In addition, the tool information of the NC program may be a tool code that directly represents the tool instead of the tool magazine number that indirectly specifies the tool, and the tool information of the NC program can be a tool code that directly represents the tool. This has the effect of making it easier to create a program.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the tool management supply/discharge device for an NC machine tool according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the same operation, and FIG. 3 is for explaining the operation of another embodiment. This is a flowchart for 111~lln -N C machine tool, 121~12n
・=Tool magazine, 13...Tool, 141 to 14n,
18...Tool supply/discharge position, 151~15n...
Operation control device, 16... Tool station, 17.
...Tool stocker, 19...Tool transport control device, nod.
...Tool transport device, 21...Tool management control device, 22
...Input/output device. Agent Patent Attorney Masami Akimoto gS Kaisho GO-172434 (6)

Claims (1)

[Claims] An NC machine tool, a tool magazine for storing a plurality of tools equipped on the NC machine tool, and the NC machine tool,
an operation control device that specifies and controls the operation of the tools to be used; a tool station that stores a large number of tools that may be used in the NC machine tool in a tool stocker; the tool station and the NC machine tool; A tool transport device is provided between the tool transport device and the tool transport device, which controls the tool transport device and specifies a tool to be delivered to or received from the tool stocker, and transfers the tool to the tool transport device. a tool transport control device that controls the tool station to feed and remove the tools; and a tool transport control device that constantly updates and grasps the contents and locations of all tools in the tool magazine and tool stocker, and controls the motion control device and tools by NC commands. A tool management control device that controls a transfer control device to transfer tools according to the commands between the two-page tool magazine and the tool stocker, and to control the NC machine tool according to the commands; The above-mentioned N in the management control device
A tool management supply/discharge control device for an NC machine tool, comprising an input device for giving a C command.