JP2012048287A - Component management device, component management system, component management method and component management program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a component management device which enhances user convenience in usage of machines including machine tools.SOLUTION: The component management device manages components which are attached on a machine operated under control by a controller. The device includes an identification information reading part which reads component identification information from a component identifier given to a component and a configuration change instruction part which outputs an instruction for changing the control configurations for the machine to the controller, based on the component identification information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for managing parts used in equipment such as a machine tool, and more particularly to an apparatus and system for managing parts using an ID tag.

  Conventionally, an IC tag storing consumable information is provided in a consumable as a means for recognizing information related to a consumable to be used by attaching to the main body in an electric device or the like. A mechanism for reading consumable information from a tag and recognizing the consumable has been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a home electric machine (hereinafter referred to as “home appliance”) that uses an IC tag to recognize the consumption time of consumables and the cumulative usage time of the consumables. In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, an IC tag storing its own identification information is attached to a consumable item. The home appliance is provided with means for detecting attachment / detachment of the consumable by reading the identification information stored in the IC tag. When the means detects new attachment, the home appliance stores the identification information from the IC tag and the accumulated usage time of the consumable in association with each other. Moreover, since identification information and use accumulation time are matched and memorize | stored, the household appliances can be added to the past use accumulation time and can restart the measurement of use accumulation time. Further, home appliances can change the method of measuring the accumulated usage time and the life criterion according to the type of consumables.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a network system that controls a plurality of electrical devices. In the system of Patent Document 2, an IC tag is attached to a consumable item, and the electric device includes means for detecting the IC tag. In an electrical device, when an IC tag is detected, information such as the position and attribute of the IC tag is collected and managed. Then, when exchanging the consumables, the electric device notifies the user of the storage location of the consumables based on information such as the managed location and attributes. In this way, the system disclosed in Patent Document 2 reduces the burden on the user regarding the management of consumables, so that even a user who is not familiar with the consumables storage location can quickly perform consumables replacement work. ing.

  However, unlike general electric appliances such as home appliances, there are various types of consumables and replacement parts in a complicated device such as a machine tool. As with consumables in home appliances, a user needs to replace a consumable with a new product after a certain period of use. Further, in a machine tool, even if a part does not exceed its usage durability (usage durability, usage durability, etc.), the user uses the machine tool by exchanging the parts according to the purpose of processing.

  When the type of consumable item (part) is changed according to the processing purpose, the user generally needs to change the control setting of the machine tool at the same time. Specifically, the user manually changes the setting of the controller of the machine tool simultaneously with the replacement of the consumable item (replacement part). In addition, even when replacing individual consumables of the same type, in order to appropriately notify the next replacement time, the user must specify the consumable operating time up to the previous time stored in the machine tool controller. It is necessary to manually perform operations such as resetting. Furthermore, when a non-recommended part is mounted on a machine tool, the machine tool cannot recognize it as a non-recommended product, and the original performance due to the difference between the recommended product and the non-recommended product. May not be able to be exhibited, and in some cases may cause a failure.

  In addition, machine tools include cutting machines and electric discharge machines, and these machine tools use a particularly large number of tools and electrodes in order to process a workpiece. These many tools and electrodes (parts) are stored in a stocker of a machine tool such as a cutting machine or an electric discharge machine, and the storage number (a number for distinguishing the stocker) and the actual tool, electrode and other parts stored therein are stored. The correspondence information is managed by a machine tool controller or an offline controller. In the processing process, a plurality of parts are appropriately used depending on the content of the processing process. Information on the correspondence (link) between the storage number and the actual replacement parts such as tools and electrodes needs to be manually input to the controller in advance by an operator (user).

  Therefore, in a conventional machine tool or the like, if the user makes a mistake in changing the setting of the controller when replacing parts such as tools and electrodes, there is a risk of processing failure, which places a heavy burden on the user.

  Even if a deprecated part is intentionally attached to the machine tool, the machine tool has no means for recognizing and dealing with it, and the machine tool's inherent machining performance cannot be maximized. There is a case.

  Moreover, in a machine tool that uses a large number of tools and electrodes, such as a cutting machine and an electric discharge machine, a part (tool) is located at a location different from the correspondence between the storage number set by the operator (user) and the part. If an electrode or the like is stored, machining is started based on wrong information, and as a result, the workpiece becomes a defective product. In such a case, the operator (user) needs to input a part change and controller setting change as in the case of replacing a consumable part with a new one. Even in such a case, an artificial setting mistake or forgotten setting may occur, which is a mental burden on the user.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to introduce a conventional example of a consumable management system using the above-described IC tag also in a machine tool.

  However, when the conventional example in which the above-mentioned IC tag is used to attach / detach consumables and recognize the accumulated usage time of the consumables is applied to a machine tool, it is assumed that the consumables are always used on the same machine tool. It is said. This is because when one consumable is used in a plurality of machine tools, the one machine tool cannot recognize the fact that it is used in another machine tool. For example, when a consumable used in the machine tool A for a certain period is used in the machine tool B and then used again in the machine tool A, the machine tool A is in fact that the consumable is used in the machine tool B. The life cannot be accurately determined because it cannot be recognized. Furthermore, since the conventional example of the consumables management system described above does not take into account the mounting of various consumables, various setting changes such as control settings according to the type of consumables can be automatically performed. Can not.

  In addition, when another conventional example described above is applied to a machine tool, warning information can be generated when a non-recommended consumable is attached to the machine tool, but active based on that information. Even if the control of the machine tool device is changed and a non-recommended part is used, the control sequence cannot be changed such as operating the machine tool so that the machine tool does not break down.

JP 2006-145053 A JP 2006-221426 A

  In view of the problems in the above conventional example, a component management device, a component management system, a component management method, and a component management program that improve the convenience of a user of a machine tool or the like are provided.

  One aspect thereof is a component management apparatus that manages a component used by being mounted on a device that operates under the control of a controller, and an identification information reading unit that reads component identification information from a component identifier attached to the component; The component management apparatus includes: a change instructing unit that outputs to the controller an instruction to change the control setting for the controller device based on the component identification information.

  The convenience of a user of a device such as a machine tool is improved by the component management apparatus according to the embodiment.

Block diagram of a machine tool provided with a parts management apparatus according to Embodiment 1 The block diagram which shows the detail of the components management apparatus by Embodiment 1 Flowchart of processing performed by the component management apparatus according to Embodiment 1 The block diagram which shows the detail of the components management apparatus by Embodiment 2 Flowchart of processing performed by component management apparatus according to Embodiment 2 Flow chart showing details of update processing of IC tag information database Flowchart of reading / writing processing of IC tag information under adverse environment Block diagram of a modification of the parts management apparatus according to the first and second embodiments Block diagram of a supplier side component management apparatus according to Embodiment 3 Conceptual diagram of a parts management system according to Embodiment 3

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail.

  The component management system according to the embodiment manages components based on ID tags (component identifiers) attached to components used in equipment such as machine tools and ID tag information (component identification information) recorded in the ID tags. And a parts management device. The parts management device can change the setting of the control sequence of the machine tool and various setting parameters based on the ID tag information (part identification information) extracted from the ID tag, which has been manually performed by the user in the past. Operation can be automated.

  In addition, the component management apparatus of Embodiment 1 and 2 below can be used not only as a machine tool but as an apparatus for managing components used by being mounted on equipment operating under the control of a controller.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a machine tool including a parts management apparatus according to Embodiment 1. The machine tool includes a machine tool main body 10, a controller 50 that controls the operation of the main body 10, and a component management device 40 that is connected to the controller 50 so as to be able to transmit and receive information. The component management device 40 may be mounted in the controller 50. That is, the form of the component management apparatus 40 is not limited to the form connected to the outside of the controller 50, but may be a form built in the controller 50, or the computer of the controller 50 executes a predetermined program. It may be realized. The controller 50 may have an interface (maintenance screen or the like) with an operator (user).

  The machine tool body 10 may include a component storage unit 11 that stores unmounted components. The component storage unit 11 has a space for storing a plurality of components in an unmounted state, and the controller 50 may be able to recognize the type of component stored in each space. The machine tool main body 10 can be used by mounting a part. The part may be a tool or the like, and the tool or the like may be a consumable item. In the figure, a part 1 (21) and a part 2 (22) are attached to the machine tool body 10. The component 3 (23) is stored in the component storage unit 11 and is not yet mounted. The components 1 to 3 (21, 22, 23) include, for example, various consumables, tools for cutting, and electrodes for electric discharge machining. The consumable item may be a consumable item that is returned to the supplier and can be recycled through a recycling process. The IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33), which are ID tags (component identifiers), are attached to the components 1 to 3 (21, 22, 23), respectively. That is, each of the components 1 to 3 (21, 22, 23) may be any component with the independent IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33), and the type of the component is not particularly limited. .

  Each of the IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33) is pre-recorded with IC tag information as ID tag information (component identification information), and the IC tag information includes a state in which the component is mounted on the main body 10, In addition, the component management apparatus 40 can read the component stored in the component storage unit 11. The component management device 40 includes a terminal that contacts the IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33) or an antenna, and reads IC tag information from the IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33). it can.

  In the figure, IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33) are used as ID tags (component identifiers), but non-IC tags printed with barcodes or the like are used as ID tags. May be. In any case, the component management device 40 only needs to have a configuration (IC tag reader, barcode reader, etc.) that can read information (component information) recorded in the ID tag. There is no particular limitation on the type.

  Information (part identification information) recorded in the ID tag includes information for specifying the type and individual of the part to which the ID tag is attached. The component identification information may include an ID code determined in advance for each component type. The component identification information may include detailed information (component detailed information) representing the characteristics of the component to which the ID tag is attached. The detailed part information includes, for example, the specification of the part, information for specifying a control sequence to be set in the machine tool when using the part, details of the control sequence, setting contents of parameters to be set in the machine tool, etc. May be included. Further, the part detailed information may include information that clearly indicates that the part is a recommended product.

  For example, in the case of a wire electrode that is a consumable part of a wire electric discharge machine as an example of a machine tool, the part identification information may include information indicating the model number of the wire electrode, a serial number indicating an individual, and the like. Further, the part detailed information may include information on the wire electrode diameter, information on the machining groove width and the minimum corner diameter determined depending on the wire electrode diameter.

  For example, when the component is a filter that filters the machining fluid, the component identification information may include information indicating the model number of the filter, a serial number indicating the individual, and the like. Further, the part detailed information may include information on the filter mesh diameter, exterior, internal structure, material, etc., or the processing fluid supply pressure determined by them.

  Further, for example, when the component is an ion exchange resin that controls the specific resistance value of the machining fluid to a certain level or more, the component identification information includes information indicating the model number of the ion exchange resin, a serial number indicating the individual, and the like. It's okay. Moreover, information, such as a mixing ratio of an ionic resin and a cation resin, may be included as detailed component information.

  The above-described examples of the component identification information and the component detailed information included in the component identification information are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. Further, the component detailed information or the like may not be recorded in the ID tag, but may instead be stored in advance in the component management device 40 and acquired based on the component identification information read from the ID tag by the component management device 40. . The component management apparatus 40 may be configured to determine whether the component is a recommended product or a non-recommended product from the component identification information.

  FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating details of the component management apparatus 40 according to the first embodiment. The component management apparatus 40 includes an identification information reading unit 41 that reads component identification information from the IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33), which are ID tags, and an IC tag 1 to 3 (31, 32) based on the read component identification information. , 33) and a part type discriminating unit 42 for discriminating the types of parts 1 to 3 (21, 22, 23), and changing the control sequence of the controller and various parameters from the discriminated part type. A change necessity determination unit 43 that determines whether or not it is necessary, and when it is determined that a change is necessary, the controller 50 changes the setting of the control sequence and various parameters, and the details of the change. And a change instruction unit 44 for instructing.

  The identification information reading unit 41 periodically identifies the component identification from the IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33) attached to the components 1 to 3 (21, 22, 23) at the time of component replacement. What is necessary is just to read information.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of control processing performed in the component management apparatus 40.

  The identification information reading unit 41 reads the component identification information from the IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33) regularly or at the time of component replacement (S101). The read component identification information is sent to the component type determination unit 42.

  The component type discriminating unit 42 discriminates the types of the components 1 to 3 (21, 22, 23) to which the IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33) are attached from the component identification information (S102). For this determination, the component type determination unit 42 includes a database that records the correspondence between the ID code such as the model number of the component included in the component identification information and the type of the component, and acquires the type of the component from the database. It's okay. Information on the component type determined by the component type determination unit 42 is sent to the change necessity determination unit 43.

  The change necessity determination unit 43 determines whether or not the setting of the controller 50 needs to be changed based on the component type information (S103). Whether the change necessity determination unit 43 includes a database in which correspondence between the type of part and the specification of the part is recorded, and whether the setting contents of the control sequence of the controller 50 and various parameters need to be changed from the database. It may be determined whether or not. Alternatively, when the above-described component detailed information is included in the component identification information, the change necessity determination unit 43 sets the control sequence of the controller 50 and various parameters from the component detailed information of the component identification information read from the IC tag. It may be determined whether or not it is necessary to change the contents of.

  When the change necessity determination unit 43 determines that it is necessary to change the setting contents of the control sequence and various parameters of the controller 50 ("YES" in step S103), the change instruction unit 44 instructs the controller 50 to Then, an instruction to change the setting contents of the control sequence and various parameters is sent (S104). The controller 50 that has received the change instruction changes a predetermined setting content such as a control sequence change based on the instruction.

  If the change necessity determination unit 43 determines that the change of the control sequence or the like is unnecessary (“NO” in step S103), the change instruction unit 44 does not output the change instruction, and as a result, the controller 50 controls the control sequence and the like. Do not make any changes. In this case, the controller 50 may maintain the currently set control sequence and setting contents. Alternatively, the controller 50 may return to a predetermined normal control sequence.

  As an example of a machine tool, an operation example in a wire electric discharge machine is shown. A wire electric discharge machine uses a wire electrode as a consumable part. In the wire electric discharge machine, since the machining groove width and the minimum corner R are determined depending on the wire electrode diameter, the user needs to change the diameter by exchanging the wire electrode according to the machining application. When the component management device 40 recognizes the mounting of the wire electrode, that is, when the identification information reading unit 41 reads the component identification information of the wire electrode, the component type determining unit 42 determines the type of the wire electrode.

  Next, the change necessity determination unit 43 needs to change the wire travel parameters, processing conditions, etc. of the controller 50 in order to acquire the specifications of the wire electrode from a database or the like and use the wire electrode appropriately. Suppose that there is. In that case, the change instructing unit 44 outputs an instruction to change the setting of the control sequence, the wire travel parameter, the processing condition, and the like to the controller 50, and the controller 50 changes the control sequence based on the instruction. I do.

  As described above, in the machine tool having the component management apparatus 40 according to the first embodiment, when the component mounted on the machine tool is changed, the component identification information of the IC tag attached to the mounted component is included. Based on this, various settings of the controller 50 are automatically changed. Therefore, the user does not need to manually change the setting of the controller 50 even when the part to be mounted on the machine tool is replaced. In addition, setting errors and setting forgotten due to manual changes by the user are eliminated, and machining defects can be prevented. By these actions, the convenience for the user is significantly improved.

  In addition to the wire electrodes, consumable parts for machine tools include a filter for filtering machining fluid (machining fluid filter) and an ion exchange resin for controlling the specific resistance of the machining fluid to a certain level or more. Etc. In general, there are a plurality of types of these consumable parts, and it is necessary to control the operation of an appropriate processing machine (machine tool) according to each type.

  For example, the machining fluid filter needs to be controlled to change the machining fluid supply pressure from the processing machine or to change the process of deriving the assumed life according to the mesh diameter, exterior, internal structure, and material. Also, there are different types of ion exchange resins with different mixing ratios of anion resin and cation resin, and the best result can be obtained by switching the specific resistance control algorithm according to each type. Usually, such an appropriate control sequence is optimized for the recommended consumable parts (recommended parts), so it is difficult to guarantee the machining performance of the machine tool when non-recommended consumable parts are used. . In such a case, that is, when it is recognized that the component on which the component management device 40 is mounted is a non-recommended component, the component management device 40 is optimized for the recommended component and maximizes the machining performance. A change instruction can be sent to the controller 50 to stop a control sequence specially designed to keep it to the limit and switch to a standard control sequence.

  In a conventional machine tool, it has not been possible to determine whether or not a mounted consumable part is a recommended product. However, in a machine tool including the part management apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment, an accurate determination is made. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically switch to an appropriate control sequence according to the type of consumable part. Therefore, regardless of whether the consumable part is a recommended product or a non-recommended product, the machine tool can exhibit the maximum processing performance.

  If an IC tag of another recommended component is intentionally attached to a non-recommended consumable component, erroneous determination cannot be prevented even in the above-described system. In that case, when the IC tag attached to the recommended part is to be removed, the IC tag is easily damaged by an external force acting on the IC tag, and the removed IC tag is again connected to another part ( The occurrence of problems can be prevented by configuring the IC tag and its mounting portion so that the IC tag does not function even if it is attached to a non-recommended product or the like.

  In addition, when machining is performed using a number of tools and electrodes in a conventional cutting machine or electric discharge machine, these many tools and electrodes are stored with the storage numbers and tools assigned to each storage space in the component storage unit. In addition, manual operations such as an operator (user) inputting information into the controller are necessary to associate the component identification information with the electrode. In the machine tool (10, 50) provided with the component management device 40 according to the present embodiment, if the component 3 (23) (tool, electrode, etc.) is mounted in the component storage unit 11, the component management device 40 causes the component 3 (23 In order to read the part identification information from the IC tag 3 (33) attached to () and recognize the type of the part 3 (23) stored in the part storage unit 11, the operator (user) manually performs the assignment work. There is no need to do. Furthermore, because the storage space of the component storage unit 11 is insufficient, even if the user replaces a used tool or electrode stored in the component storage unit 11 with a new tool or electrode, the operator (user) Since the information on the correspondence between storage numbers and tools and electrodes assigned to each storage space is updated without the need to manually change the settings of the controller 50, machining errors due to setting mistakes or forgetting to set can be prevented. User convenience is improved.

  The component management system according to the present embodiment includes an ID tag attached to a component and means for reading component identification information recorded on the ID tag, and includes a component management device that can be connected to a machine tool or the like. The component management apparatus can change the setting contents of the machine tool control sequence and various parameters based on the component identification information.

  Thus, according to the component management system according to the present embodiment, the machine tool control sequence can be automatically switched based on the component identification information. There is no need for the user to manually change the settings of the machine tool for each type and application, and there is no effect of forgetting to set or setting errors due to the user's manual setting change input, thereby preventing machining defects. In addition, when a non-recommended consumable part is intentionally installed, the machine tool automatically changes the control sequence to an appropriate control sequence, thereby preventing failure and maximizing its machining performance. Can be demonstrated.

  In addition, by making the ID tag easily damaged by an external force, it is possible to prevent imitation by a third party, and to prevent mechanical malfunction and mechanical failure associated with use of the imitation consumable part. .

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the component management apparatus according to the second embodiment. Constituent elements similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  In the component management system according to the second embodiment, an IC tag capable of reading and writing information such as RFID is used as an ID tag. Further, the component management device 40w reads component identification information from the IC tag 1 (31), and lifetime index information that is an index for determining the lifetime of a component (not shown) to which the IC tag 1 (31) is attached. An identification information reading / writing unit 41w that can appropriately write (use history information) as a part of the component identification information to the IC tag 1 (31) is provided. The identification information reading / writing unit 41w is, for example, an RFID reader / writer.

  In addition to the same configuration as the component management device 40 according to the first embodiment, the component management device 40w further reads whether or not a component has been replaced or replaced by periodically reading the component identification information from the IC tag. A replacement presence / absence discriminating unit 45 for discriminating based on the read component identification information, component identification information (including life index information) recorded on the IC tag, and other built-in database (not shown) are also included. The installed component information database (DB) 46 for storing information such as usage history (mounted component information) related to the currently mounted component, and the operating time of the component being mounted based on information such as the usage history included in the mounted component information And a notification unit 47 that derives the remaining life and outputs it to the controller 50, and an identification information update unit 48 that periodically updates the life index information (use history information) of the component identification information of the IC tag. To.

  In addition, the replacement presence / absence discriminating unit 45 is used in a machine tool or other machine tool to which the part being mounted is a new product (unused product) or has already been connected to the component management device 40. Whether a part is present is determined based on the part identification information (for example, based on the contents of the life index information of the part identification information or the presence or absence of the life index information), and the mounted part information as part of the mounted part information It can be stored in the DB 46. The mounted component information in the mounted component information DB 46 may be updated each time the replacement presence / absence discriminating unit 45 recognizes the replacement of a component, for example. Further, the mounted component information in the mounted component information DB 46 may be updated every time the machine tool operates for a certain period.

  The life index information recorded on the IC tag includes the serial number of the machine tool on which the component with the IC tag is mounted, the date and time when the component was mounted, the date and time when the component was last used (last use date and time), Machine tool cumulative power-on time after parts replacement (after parts are installed), time when parts are used for machining (cumulative machining time), time when water is passed through machining fluid filtration filter, which is part (cumulative water flow time), At least one of the final fluid pressure of the processing fluid filtration filter may be included, but is not limited thereto. The life index information may be any information useful for determining the remaining life of the component. The content of the life index information may be changed according to the type of component. The identification information update unit 48 may periodically write the life index information to the IC tag.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing performed in the component management apparatus 40w. The component management device 40w can execute the process shown in FIG. 4 in parallel with the process shown in FIG.

  The component management apparatus 40w reads the component identification information from the IC tag 1 (31) regularly, that is, when a predetermined periodic component identification information reading timing comes (S201 and S202). The read part identification information is sent to the replacement presence / absence determination unit 45.

  In addition, it is preferable that the time interval of the periodic component identification information reading timing adjacent in time is short. As the time interval is shorter, the component management apparatus 40w can immediately recognize the component replacement. The specific time interval may vary depending on the usage mode of the machine tool, etc., and may be a time interval that allows the component management device 40w to recognize component replacement without delay.

  The replacement presence / absence determination unit 45 refers to the mounted part information DB 46 and the like, and determines whether or not a part has been replaced (S203).

  When it is determined that the part has been replaced (“YES” in S203), the replacement presence / absence determining unit 45 uses the latest information (mounted part information including usage history information) on the mounted part as the mounted part. It records in information DB46 (S204).

  Then, the notification unit 47 derives the operation time and the remaining life of the mounted component from the usage history information of the mounted component information of the mounted component and outputs it to the controller 50 (S205). Based on the operating time and remaining life information received from the notification unit 47, the controller 50 outputs the operating time and remaining life of the component being mounted in a manner that the user can recognize. For example, the controller 50 displays the operating time and the remaining life of the component being mounted on a maintenance screen (not shown) of the machine tool.

  Further, the component management apparatus 40w writes the latest component identification information to the IC tag 1 (31) periodically, that is, when a predetermined periodic component identification information write timing comes (S206 and S207). The component management device 40w updates the life index information (use history information) of the component being mounted.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of step S204 in FIG. 4, that is, the record update processing of the mounted component information DB 46 related to the mounted component.

  The replacement presence / absence determination unit 45 determines whether or not the part is an unused part based on the life index information (in the part identification information of the IC tag) of the attached part (S2041).

  If the part being mounted is an unused part (“YES” in step S2041), the replacement presence / absence determining unit 45 initializes the use history information of the record in the mounting part information DB 46 related to the part being mounted (S2042). .

  If the part being mounted is a part that has already been used in a machine tool to which the own apparatus is connected or another machine tool ("NO" in step S2041), the replacement presence / absence determining unit 45 performs step S202 (FIG. Based on the life index information (usage history information) of the component identification information read in 4), the usage history information of the record of the component being mounted in the mounted component information DB 46 is recorded (S2043).

  As described above, in the machine tool having the parts management device 40w according to the first embodiment, even when the consumable parts are shared by a plurality of independent machine tools, the total use time of the consumable parts and the parts are mounted. Information such as machine tool information is accumulated as part of the component identification information (life index information (usage history information)) in the IC tag, and is always kept up-to-date. Therefore, no erroneous determination occurs when determining the remaining life of the consumable part.

  For example, even if a consumable part is used in the machine tool A, then used in the machine tool B, and again used in the machine tool A, the parts management device connected to the machine tool A 40w can grasp the fact that the consumable part is used in the machine tools A and B, and acquire information useful for deriving the remaining life of the consumable part, such as the accumulated time used at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the remaining life.

  As described above, the component management system according to the present embodiment includes an ID tag attached to a component and capable of reading and writing information, and a unit for reading and writing component identification information with respect to the ID tag. A component management device connectable to When a part is mounted on the machine tool, the part management apparatus immediately reads the part identification information from an ID tag attached to the mounted part, and informs the user of the operation time and remaining life of the mounted part. The component identification information is written to the ID tag so that the component identification information recorded on the ID tag can always be kept up-to-date.

  According to the component management system according to the present embodiment, the component management device reads the ID tag component identification information immediately after the component replacement. Also, during the operation of the machine tool, the machine tool information and the like are periodically retrieved. By writing to the ID tag, even when a single consumable part is shared by multiple devices, the parts management device accurately grasps the latest usage history of the consumable part and accurately determines the remaining life Is possible.

  The life index information (usage history information) written in the ID tag as part of the part identification information includes the machine tool serial number, the part installation date, the part last use date, the machine tool cumulative power-on time after parts replacement, Cumulative processing time, cumulative water flow time, final hydraulic pressure, etc. may be included. In that case, the component management apparatus can accurately determine the remaining life of the consumable component. In addition, when a parts supplier collects used consumable parts as recycled products, it is possible to manage the traceability of the consumable parts and grasp the actual life of the consumable parts for each user who uses the consumable parts. Have

  The component management apparatus 40w according to the present embodiment reads the component identification information from the ID tag, and can determine whether or not the component to which the ID tag is attached is an unused item from the read component identification information. The part management device 40w initializes information displayed on the maintenance screen of the controller 50 when the part is an unused part, and if the part is a used part, the operation time and the remaining life are set. It can be displayed on the maintenance screen of the controller 50 of the machine.

  Since the component management device 40w according to the present embodiment can display the operation time and the remaining life of the components on the maintenance screen of the controller 50 of the machine tool, the user always knows the accurate remaining life of the consumable components. Since consumable parts for replacement can be prepared in advance, the machine stop time associated with replacement of the consumable parts can be minimized, which contributes to improvement of user convenience.

Modification Example 1 of Parts Management Device of Embodiments 1 and 2
Modification 1 is a countermeasure example when the IC tag attached to the component is in a bad environment. When an RFID used as an ID tag is a type that uses radio waves in the UHF band, accurate communication may be difficult in an environment where water adheres to the RFID.

  A machining fluid filter, which is a typical consumable part of a machine tool, is constantly supplied with liquid. For this reason, there is a possibility that a liquid such as water may come into contact with the surface of the RFID attached to the surface of the machining fluid filter. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process of communication between the component management apparatus and the RFID in such a situation.

  Transmission / reception of information (read / write of RFID) between the component management apparatus and the RFID is periodically performed. When executing the transmission / reception of information, the component management apparatus determines whether or not the machining fluid is being passed through the machining fluid filter that is a component (S301).

  If it is in the non-water-permeable state (“NO” in step S301), there is no problem in communication between the separation management device and the RFID, and information reading / writing to the IC tag (RFID) is executed (S307). . On the other hand, when the machining fluid is being passed through the machining fluid filter, which is a component (“YES” in step S301), the component management apparatus may block the passage of the machining fluid over the communication period. Is determined (S302).

  Since the communication period is generally short, a slight interruption of the water passage time hardly affects the operation of the machine tool. If it is determined that there is no problem (“YES” in step S302), the parts management apparatus instructs the machine tool controller to shut off the flow of machining fluid, and the flow of machining fluid is blocked (S304). . Then, the component management apparatus reads / writes information from / to the IC tag (RFID) in a state where the flow of the machining fluid is blocked (S305). When the communication is completed, the parts management device sends an instruction to restore the flow of the machining fluid to the controller of the machine tool. Then, the machine tool again passes water to the machining fluid filter (S306).

  On the other hand, when it is impossible to block the flow of the machining fluid (“NO” in step S302), the component management apparatus does not communicate with the RFID at the current timing (S303). The management device ensures stable communication between the component management device and the ID tag even for consumable parts used in an environment where water or the like adheres.

  As described above, the parts management apparatus according to the present modified example periodically communicates with the ID tag exposed to liquids such as water by periodically blocking the flow of liquids such as water. A control sequence for restoring the flow is provided. Although FIG. 6 has been described by taking the machining fluid filter as an example of components, the same applies to other components and other factors that deteriorate the communication environment. That is, the component management apparatus determines whether it is possible to improve the communication environment only during the communication period, and if possible, only the communication organization can improve the communication environment and perform communication.

  The component management apparatus according to the modification can perform communication after improving the communication environment only during the communication period in communication with an ID tag in a poor communication environment. Therefore, even if an IC tag (RFID or the like) that is easily influenced by the communication environment is used even though the communication distance is large, the component management apparatus can stably communicate with the IC tag.

Modification Example 2 of Parts Management Device of Embodiments 1 and 2
Modification 2 is a countermeasure example for preventing erroneous communication between the component management device and the IC tag. In order to accurately perform communication between the component management device and the IC tag by wireless communication, it is necessary to connect a radio wave receiving antenna to the component management device.

  When using an IC tag that employs a communication method with a long communication distance, the component management apparatus can communicate with a plurality of IC tags by including one antenna. However, because of the long communication distance, it also communicates with IC tags attached to consumable parts that are temporarily placed near the outside of the machine tool body and contiguous parts mounted on other adjacent machine tools. There is a risk of misjudgment of wearing / non-wearing. As measures for solving this problem, it is conceivable to reduce the antenna shape to limit the communicable range or change the communication format of the IC tag.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the component management apparatus 40 (40w) according to this modification. In order to solve the above problem, in the component management apparatus 40 (40w) according to the present modification, the antennas 1 to 3 (61, 62, 63) are disposed near the position where the consumable component is mounted or the component storage unit 11 or the like. To do. It is desirable that the communicable range with the IC tag via the antennas 1 to 3 is about 500 millimeters or less, respectively. Further, the positions of the antennas 1 to 3 (61, 62, 63) may be variable according to the mounting position and the storage position of the components 1 to 3 (21, 22, 23). In this modified example configured as above, consumable parts that can perform proper communication with only the IC tags 1 to 3 (31, 32, 33) existing at a predetermined position and are located outside the machine tool main body. Can be prevented from being erroneously detected.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the third embodiment, a parts management system in a supplier (such as a manufacturer or a service company) that collects consumable parts that can be recycled, performs a recycling process, and provides the user with the consumable parts again will be described. By using this system, the supplier can provide high value-added services to the user.

  When a readable / writable IC tag is attached to a consumable part that is mounted on a machine tool and used, life index information (by means of periodic communication with the user's part management device 40w) is included in the part identification information of the IC tag. As usage history information), the latest usage information, machine tool information, and the like are recorded. The supplier who has collected the part for recycling can read the part identification information from the IC tag of the used consumable part, and obtain the actual use status of the consumable part and the machine tool information. These pieces of information are stored in a database and used for consumable part information management for each customer, consumable part life management for each customer environment, and consumable part traceability management.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a parts management system in a supplier. The supplier's parts management system includes a supplier-side parts management apparatus 70 connected to the parts recycling apparatus 80. However, the supplier-side component management device 70 and the component recycling device 80 are not necessarily connected. In addition, this system can also cooperate with the component management apparatus 40w by Embodiment 2, and it can comprise the component management system for providing a high value-added service to a user by doing so. it can.

  The supplier-side component management apparatus 70 reads and writes the component identification information of the IC tag 31 attached to the recyclable consumable component 1 (21), and the component identification information from the read component identification information. The component usage status database (DB) 72 that extracts information such as usage status information of 1 (21) and stores it as usage status information, and when the recycling process for the component 1 (21) is performed, the IC tag 1 (31) A component identification information initialization unit 73 that clears (initializes) the component identification information, a usage status analysis unit 74 that analyzes the usage status information of the user based on the usage status information stored in the component usage status DB 72, and a usage status A customer information database (DB) 75 that stores information gathered for each user as customer information based on the analysis result performed by the analysis unit 74, and a customer information DB 7 A service execution instruction output portion 76 for outputting the contents of the service to be provided to the user as a service execution instruction, the based on the stored customer information. The supplier-side component management device 70 may be connected to an output device 77 (such as a display) that indicates the contents of the service execution instruction to the staff of the supplier.

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a component management system including a supplier-side component management device 70, a readable / writable ID tag (IC tag), and a component management device 40w connected to a user machine tool. Hereinafter, the component management system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the parts collected by the supplier will be described as a machining fluid filtration filter for a wire electric discharge machine.

  The supplier collects the consumable part 1 (21) used by the user from the user and performs a recycling process by the part recycling apparatus 80 on the part. At this time, the component identification information reading / writing unit 71 of the supplier side component management apparatus 70 reads the component identification information from the IC tag 1 attached to the component 1 collected for recycling. The read component identification information includes information (life index information (use history information)) written to the IC tag 1 by the component management device 40w of the user. Specifically, the life index information (usage history information) is used as the serial number of the machine tool using the part 1 (21), the date and time when the part was mounted on the machine tool, or at the end as shown in FIG. Date, time when the machine tool was in standby state (preparation ON), time when the machine tool was in operation state (processing ON), water flow time, final hydraulic pressure, and other machine tool information Good.

  When the component identification information is read from the IC tag, the component identification information initialization unit 73 sends an instruction to the component identification information reading / writing unit 71 to clear (initialize) the component identification information of the IC tag. At the same time, the component recycling apparatus 80 performs a recycling process on the component 1. When the recycling process is completed, the component identification information reading / writing unit 71 writes the information on the date and time of reshipment of the consumable component into the IC tag as new component identification information.

  Further, the supplier-side component management apparatus 70 summarizes the usage status of the component from the read component identification information, and accumulates it in the component usage status DB 72 as usage status information. The usage status analysis unit 74 uses the usage status information stored in the component usage status DB 72 to grasp the actual life of the consumable parts, to formulate a support plan by predicting the next parts replacement schedule, The information on consumable parts is stored in the customer information DB 75 as customer information in association with the customer who uses the parts. In addition, the usage status analysis unit 74 can also extract information regarding customers whose actual life of parts is particularly short.

  The service execution instruction output unit 76 generates and outputs a service execution instruction based on the customer information stored in the customer information DB 75. The supplier staff can provide a high value-added service to a customer (machine tool user) by performing a service based on the service execution instruction.

  The service execution instruction includes, for example, an instruction for confirming the necessity of collecting or providing consumable parts to the customer when the next part replacement schedule predicted by the usage status analysis unit 74 is approaching, especially for a customer whose actual life of parts is short. , Including customer visits and field surveys, and instructions for proposing measures for shortening the actual life of consumable parts.

  As described above, the component management system according to the present embodiment is based on the life index information (usage history information) of the component identification information recorded on the ID tag attached to the collected component. By grasping the actual life of each, etc., it becomes possible to implement individual measures for each customer as needed, and it has the effect of improving customer satisfaction.

  The present embodiment provides a system or the like for managing parts used in equipment such as machine tools. This system and the like can improve user convenience and are useful.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Machine tool main body 11 Parts storage part 21 Parts 1 22 Parts 2
23 parts 3 31 IC tag 1
32 IC tag 2 33 IC tag 3
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 Parts management apparatus (user side) 41 Identification information reading part 41w Identification information reading / writing part 42 Part type discrimination | determination part 43 Change necessity judgment part 44 Change instruction | indication part 45 Replacement | exchange presence / absence judgment part 46 Mounted parts information database 47 Notification part 48 Component identification information update unit 50 Machine tool controller 61 Antenna 1
62 Antenna 2 63 Antenna 3
70 Supplier side component management device 71 Component identification information reading / writing unit 72 Component usage status database 73 Component identification information initialization unit 74 Usage status analysis unit 75 Customer information database 76 Service execution instruction output unit 77 Output device 80 Component recycling device

Claims (13)

A component management device for managing components used by being mounted on equipment operating under the control of a controller,
An identification information reading unit that reads component identification information from a component identifier attached to the component;
A component management apparatus comprising: a change instructing unit that outputs an instruction to the controller to change a control setting for the device based on the component identification information. And an identification information writing unit for updating the component identification information recorded in the component identifier,
The component management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information writing unit updates the component identification information by recording a usage history of the component in the component identification information of the component identifier.   The component management apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit that derives a remaining life of the component based on the component identification information and outputs the remaining life information to the controller as the remaining life information.   The identification information writing unit includes a serial number of the device on which the component is mounted, a date and time when the component was mounted on the device, a date and time when the component was last used, and the time after the component was mounted. At least one of a cumulative power-on time of the device, a time when the component is used in the device, a time when water is passed through the component, and a final hydraulic pressure applied to the component is used as the usage history of the component. The component management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the component management device writes the component identifier.   The component management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not the component is an unused item based on the component identification information. The component identifier is RFID,
The said identification information reading part or the said identification information writing part outputs the instruction | indication which makes the said apparatus perform the operation | movement for improving the communication environment concerning the said communication in the period which communicates with the said RFID, The said controller. 2. The component management apparatus according to 2. The component identifier is an IC tag capable of wireless communication,
The component management apparatus includes an antenna for communication with the IC tag,
The component management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is disposed at a predetermined position, and a communicable distance with the IC tag is 500 mm or less. A component identifier that can be attached to a component that is used by being mounted on a device that operates under the control of the controller, and that can retain component identification information that is information for identifying the component,
A component management apparatus that manages the component, an identification information reading unit that reads the component identification information from the component identifier, and a change instruction unit that changes a control setting for the device based on the component identification information And a first component management apparatus having a component management system.   The component identifier is damaged by an external force that is removed from the component in a state attached to the component, and the identification information reading unit changes to a state in which the component identification information cannot be read from the component identifier. The parts management system according to claim 8. The component management apparatus further includes an identification information writing unit that updates the component identification information recorded in the component identifier, and the identification information writing unit displays the usage history of the component as a component identification of the component identifier. Information can be recorded,
The component management system includes a second component management device that reads the use history from the component identifier and determines the content of a service provided to the user of the device based on the read use history. The parts management system described in A component management method performed by a component management apparatus that manages components used by being mounted on devices operating under the control of a controller,
An identification information reading unit reading component identification information from a component identifier attached to the component;
A change instructing unit that outputs, to the controller, an instruction to change a control setting for the device based on the component identification information; A component management program that can be executed by a computer of a controller for controlling a device and operating the device,
A step of causing the identification information reading unit connected to the controller to read the component identification information from the component identifier attached to the component used by being mounted on the device;
A component management program for executing a step of changing a control setting content of the controller for the device based on the component identification information. A machine tool operating under the control of a controller,
A controller,
A machine tool body,
An identification information reading unit that reads part identification information from a part identifier attached to a part that is used by being mounted on the machine tool main body, and an instruction to change the control setting of the controller based on the part identification information A machine tool comprising: a component management device including a change instruction unit that outputs to a controller.

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