JP4490634B2 - Production facility information management system, production facility information management method, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for managing a production facility that is controlled by a control device executing a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, people's values have been diversified and their changes have become faster. As a result, production facilities for product production tend to be used for multi-product production. From the standpoint of reducing production costs, automation (unmanned) is required. For these reasons, most production facilities are configured to operate production facilities (machine tools) under the control of a control device that executes a program. The control device includes a program logic controller (hereinafter, PLC), NC (Numerical Control) device (numerical control device), motion controller (hereinafter, MC), and the like. Currently, most of the NC devices are CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) devices, but unless otherwise specified, the NC device is used to include the CNC device.
[0003]
A production line is constructed by organically coupling a plurality of production facilities. Processing includes deformation processing (forging, powder processing, plastic molding processing, etc.), removal processing (cutting processing, abrasive processing, optical processing, etc.), joining processing (welding processing, adhesion processing, bonding processing, assembly processing, etc.) ) And processing (surface treatment, heat treatment, etc.). The production equipment constituting the production line is determined according to the type of workpiece (workpiece) and the content of machining to be performed on it.
[0004]
The program executed by the NC device (NC program) is usually created interactively (including changes in this case) by an operator using an automatic programming device. The design of the workpiece is mostly performed using a CAD / CAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing) system. For this reason, the automatic programming device is standardly mounted on a CAD (Computer Aided Design) system other than the operation panel connected to the NC device.
[0005]
In order to produce products more economically and efficiently, it is now required to accurately grasp the situation in which production facilities produce products. Computer networking is rapidly progressing. Against this background, many companies have constructed a network system in which production equipment control devices are connected by a network so that the situation can be grasped. In the network system, a terminal device used by a user usually accesses a control device via a server.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The production equipment and further the production line are prepared according to the product to be produced, the processing method, and the like. As mentioned above, people's values are diversified and their changes are fast, so it is often the case that new production facilities are installed in the form of new installations or removal and replacement. . In that case, it is necessary to make it possible to access the control device of the newly installed production facility. Conventionally, however, the system has been constructed on the assumption that the installed production equipment is accessed. For this reason, depending on the situation, it is necessary to change or add programs, and there is a problem that a very heavy burden is placed on the person in charge.
[0007]
If the control device of the production facility cannot be accessed, the production facility cannot be managed. Therefore, it is important to be able to easily cope with the installation of a new production facility in order to manage the production facility more easily.
[0008]
On the other hand, the program executed by the control device that controls the production equipment can be changed via an operation panel connected thereto. This means that the program may change from time to time. However, that change is not always done properly. For this reason, it is important to monitor changes in the program executed by the control device as one of the management of production facilities, and to make it easy to confirm whether the changes have been made properly. it is conceivable that.
[0009]
In some cases, the existing production equipment is used to process a workpiece that is to be newly processed. In that case, a new program is created for machining the workpiece. It is also important to be able to easily check whether the newly created program is appropriate.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for enabling a control device to more easily manage a production facility connected to a network.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The production facility information management system of the present invention includes each production facility. And the production equipment Defines the correspondence with multiple workpieces Memory The first to Memory Defines the correspondence between each method and multiple workpieces and programs processed by each production facility Memory Second to Memory Defines the correspondence between the means, multiple tools in each production facility, and multiple workpieces processed by each production facility Memory The third to Memory Defines the correspondence between the means and each production facility and the tool used in each production facility Memory The fourth to Memory And information about a tool used in the production facility from a program to be executed by a control device that controls each production facility. Memory means Using Extracting the third tool based on the extracted tool information. Memory means To extract multiple workpieces associated with the tool, The Extracted Based on each of the workpieces, the first and second Memory From the correspondence defined in the means Said It is characterized in that production equipment information linked to a plurality of workpieces is output and manufacturing information relating to the workpieces is integratedly managed.
[0012]
The production equipment information inserted in the program includes information on the production equipment controlled by the control device that is to execute the program, information on tools used in the production equipment, and information on the production equipment. It is desirable to have at least one of pieces of information related to workpiece processing.
[0013]
The production facility information management method of the present invention includes each production facility. And the production equipment Defines the correspondence with multiple workpieces Memory The first to Memory Defines the correspondence between each method and multiple workpieces and programs processed by each production facility Memory Second to Memory Defines the correspondence between the means, multiple tools in each production facility, and multiple workpieces processed by each production facility Memory The third to Memory Defines the correspondence between the means and each production facility and the tool used in each production facility Memory The fourth to Memory A production facility information management method for integratedly managing manufacturing information related to a workpiece, and used in the production facility from a program to be executed by a control device that controls each production facility. Information on the tool Memory means Using Extract the third tool based on the extracted tool information. Memory means To extract multiple workpieces associated with the tool, The Extracted Based on each of the workpieces, the first and second Memory From the correspondence defined in the means Said Production equipment information linked to a plurality of workpieces is output and manufacturing information related to the workpieces is integratedly managed.
[0014]
The program of the present invention is provided for each production facility. And the production equipment Defines the correspondence with multiple workpieces Memory The first to Memory Defines the correspondence between each method and multiple workpieces and programs processed by each production facility Memory Second to Memory Defines the correspondence between the means, multiple tools in each production facility, and multiple workpieces processed by each production facility Memory The third to Memory Defines the correspondence between the means and each production facility and the tool used in each production facility Memory The fourth to Memory And a program to be executed by a data processing device used for constructing a production facility information management system that integrally manages manufacturing information related to a workpiece, and executed by a control device that controls each of the production facilities The information on the tool used in the production facility from the target program is the fourth information Memory means Using Based on the function of extracting and the tool of the information relating to the extracted tool, the third Memory means Extract multiple workpieces associated with a tool using Based on each function and the associated work Extracted Based on each of the workpieces, the first and second Memory From the correspondence defined in the means Said And a function of outputting production facility information linked to a plurality of workpieces.
[0015]
In the present invention, the control device that controls the production facility inserts the production facility information into the program to be executed, and the program that has the production facility information inserted is acquired by the system that needs the information. The information inserted in the program is extracted. In this way, when the production facility information is inserted into the program, the number of pieces of information to be managed is reduced as compared with the case of individually handling them. For those who see it, more information can be grasped more easily. As a result, management becomes easier and labor can be saved.
[0016]
Tool information is extracted from the information inserted in the program, information on a plurality of workpieces defined using the tool of the extracted tool information as a key is extracted, and a plurality of correspondences defined based on the extracted workpieces are extracted. The production facility information linked to the workpiece can be output, so that more information can be linked, and this makes it possible for the user to acquire more information more easily.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which a production facility information management system according to this embodiment is applied.
[0018]
The network system is, for example, a client / server type system built in a company that owns a factory that manufactures products. As shown in FIG. 1, a local area LAN 101 and a factory local LAN 102 are connected by a router 103. For example, a terminal device 104, which is a personal computer, is connected to the local area LAN 101, and an application server 105 in which a tool information system is constructed and a simulation system are constructed as a server that assists the user of the terminal device 104 in performing business. An application server 106 and a database (DB) server 107 are connected.
[0019]
One factory local LAN (hereinafter abbreviated as local LAN) 102 is connected to a line server 108 and a plurality of access points (wireless LAN devices; hereinafter referred to as “AP”) 109. Each AP 109 communicates with the AP 110 corresponding to the child device.
[0020]
The local LAN 102 is laid in a factory where the production lines 120 and 130 are installed. The production lines 120 and 130 are composed of 9 and 22 production facilities, respectively.
[0021]
These production facilities process or convey a workpiece under the control of an NC controller, PLC, or MC. For example, a machine center, a punching device, a deburring device, or a cleaning device is provided. Since the configuration is well known, a detailed description thereof is omitted, but for example, the configuration is as follows.
[0022]
One production facility 121 constituting the production line 120 processes a workpiece under the control of, for example, an NC control device with a built-in PLC. An operation panel 122 and an AP 123 are connected to the NC control device. The NC control device is connected to the local LAN 102 by the AP 123. An operator can change the NC program and parameters (data set to determine the specifications) executed by the NC control device by operating the operation panel 122.
[0023]
One production facility 131 constituting the production line 130 includes, for example, a part (hereinafter referred to as “partial facility”) 131a for machining a workpiece under the control of the NC control device, and a control of the NC control device built in the PLC. And a partial facility 131b for processing the workpiece. Those control devices are connected, and the NC control device of the partial equipment 131b is connected to the hub 132. In addition, an operation panel 133 and an AP 134 are connected to the hub 132. With the AP 134, the NC control devices of the partial facilities 131a and 131b are connected to the local LAN 102. The operator can change the NC program and parameters executed by each NC control device by operating the operation panel 133.
[0024]
The line server 108 monitors the operating state of each production facility by collecting information from the control device of each production facility. In addition, as the information, programs and parameters executed by the control devices of each production facility are automatically collected, and the presence or absence of changes is confirmed by comparing them with those collected in the past. Present to the user who has the right to use the device 104. Whether the user has the right is determined by authenticating the accessing user. As a result of the confirmation, if it is found that it has been changed, a simulation is performed in which the production facility calculates the time required for machining the workpiece as a cycle time, and the simulation result is presented. The presentation is performed by extracting data desired by the user in response to a request from the user of the terminal device 104. Accordingly, the production facility information management system and the information search system according to the present embodiment are both implemented in the line server 108.
[0025]
The line server 108 manages a setting database (DB) 111, a history DB 112, a PG library file 113, a PG file buffer 114, an equipment information DB 115, a process information DB 116, and a tool (tool) information DB 117. They are stored on an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk device mounted on the server 108 or a storage device connected thereto. The setting DB 111 is prepared for storing data (collection data) for collecting information to be collected by accessing the control device of the production facility. The history DB 112 is prepared for storing collected information, data related to changed information, and the like as a history. The PG library file 113 is prepared in order to store programs, parameters, and the like that are currently being executed by the control device of the production facility. The PG file buffer 114 is prepared for temporarily storing programs and parameters collected from the control device. The equipment information DB 115 is prepared for storing equipment information that is information related to production equipment. The process information DB 116 is prepared for storing process information related to a machining process in which a workpiece is processed by a production facility. The tool information DB 117 is prepared for storing tool information related to a tool (tool) used for machining a workpiece in a production facility.
[0026]
The application server 105 also manages the tool information DB 105a in the same manner as the line server 108. The line server 108 basically manages information for production facilities installed in the factory where the local LAN 102 to which the line server is connected is installed, whereas the application server 105 has such restrictions on the target. Not done. Therefore, normally, the application server 105 manages more tool information than the line server 105. The number of data items constituting the tool information stored in the DB 105a is also more than that of the tool information stored in the DB 117. However, at least one item of data that can uniquely identify the tool corresponding to the tool information is the same so that the correspondence between them can be identified. The data is, for example, a code (tool code) assigned to the tool.
[0027]
The line server 108 collects information held by the control device that controls the production facility as follows. This will be described in detail with reference to various explanatory diagrams shown in FIGS. Note that information is stored in each of the DBs 115 to 117, for example, according to an instruction from the user of the terminal device 104.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for collecting information from a production facility. In FIG. 2, “M / C” with “201” as a symbol represents a control device that controls the production facility.
[0029]
Even if the control devices are of the same type, the details and functions are different, so that usually a separate program is required for access. The manufacturer usually manufactures the control device so that it can be accessed by the same program. Therefore, the program must be prepared at least for each manufacturer. The F program 202F, T program 202T, M program 202M, and X program 202X in FIG. 2 are programs prepared for respective manufacturers. Hereinafter, these programs will be collectively referred to as individual programs 202.
[0030]
New production facilities are often installed for reasons such as starting production of new products, discontinuing production of products, aging, or changing production facilities. For this reason, if a person in charge sets up a system for accessing the control device 201 each time a new production facility is installed, the burden on the person in charge becomes very heavy. In the present embodiment, the setting sheet 203 is used so that it can be avoided.
[0031]
The setting sheet 203 describes data (collection data) for collecting information to be collected from the control device 201 in a predetermined format. The setting program 204 is a program prepared for storing the data described in the setting sheet 203 in the setting DB 111 and updating it.
[0032]
The collection program 205 refers to the setting DB 111, identifies the individual program 202 to be used for information collection from the control device 201, calls the identified individual program 202, collects information from the control device 201, and receives it. Information collected in this way is stored in the history DB 112. The storage is performed according to the data stored in the setting DB 111.
[0033]
If information is collected from the control device 201 as described above, it is possible to cope with the installation of new production facilities by simply updating the setting DB 111 without modifying or adding a program. For this reason, it is possible to easily cope with the installation of new production equipment. Note that the collection program 205 may call the individual program 202 by directly referring to the setting sheet 203.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a line setting sheet, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a facility setting sheet. Both the line setting sheet 203 a and the equipment setting sheet 203 b are prepared as the setting sheet 203.
[0035]
The line setting sheet 203a is for setting information to be collected from the configuration and each production facility for each production line. This is because companies often set up new production facilities in units of production lines, and many of them are built with many production facilities. As data items describing data, a line number, an equipment number, an IP address, a collection class, a collection item, a name, a unit, a conversion coefficient, an upper limit value, a lower limit value, a screen display name, and a collection cycle are provided.
[0036]
The collection item is a symbol for identifying a data item to be collected, and the collection class is a high-level concept prepared for classifying the collection item. The collection period is a time interval for collecting data specified by the collection item. By providing an item describing the collection cycle, desired data can be collected from the control device 201 at a desired collection cycle.
[0037]
The other equipment setting sheet 203a is prepared for each equipment number described in the line setting sheet 203a. As shown in FIG. 4, an equipment number, a collection item, a used DLL, and an address are provided as data items. The address indicates the storage location of the collected data.
[0038]
The data described in each setting sheet 203a, 203b is stored in the collection item definition table 501, the collection tag information table 502, and the collection condition information table 503 as shown in FIG. Each of these tables 501 to 503 is linked by a collection class and a collection item. By preparing each of these tables 501 to 503, data is collected for each collection class or collection item. These tables 501 to 503 are stored in the setting DB 111.
[0039]
In the production facility, the collected items may change due to remodeling. For example, the collection item “EquiAlarm” assigned to the tag “101” until a certain time may be changed to “ContAlarm”. In such a case, it is not known which collection item the tag “101” corresponds to before and after that point. Information to distinguish is required. The tag configuration version stored in the collection tag information table 502 is prepared for that purpose. When the tag assignment is changed, management is performed by changing the tag configuration version.
[0040]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the setting DB update process. The update process is a process executed by the line server 108 to store the data described in the setting sheets 203a and 203b in the tables 501 to 503 stored in the setting DB 111, as shown in FIG. This is realized by starting the setting program 204 shown in FIG. The activation is performed by a request from the user of the terminal device 104, for example.
[0041]
First, in step S11, the setting sheets 203a and 203b are read. The reading is performed by receiving the digitized data from the terminal device 104 via the local LAN 102, the router 103, and the local area LAN 101. In the subsequent step S12, necessary data is extracted from the data described in the setting sheets 203a and 203b and stored in the collection item definition table 501. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13.
[0042]
In step S13, the collection class and the collection item described in the setting sheet 203a are stored in the collection tag information table 502 and linked to the collection item definition table 501. Further, a tag number uniquely indicating the collected item is created and stored in the information table 502 together with the tag configuration version. In the next step S14, necessary data is extracted from the data described in the setting sheets 203a and 203b and stored in the collection condition information table 503. By storing the collection class and the collection item together, the collection tag information table 502 is linked. After that, a series of processing ends.
[0043]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for storing data in the history DB 112.
The collection program (shown as “collection module” in FIG. 7) 205 shown in FIG. 2 uses the IP address and address stored in the collection condition information table 503, and the IP address according to the collection period stored in the IP address and address. Data is collected from the control device 201 having the above-described information via the individual program 202, and the collected data is stored as a data collection value in the collection data library table 701 together with the collection date and time. In addition to these, the line number in the collection condition information table 503, the equipment number, the tag number in the collection tag information table 502, and the tag configuration version are stored. The collected data library table 701 storing them is stored in the history DB 112.
[0044]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of actually collecting information from a production facility.
In FIG. 8, “TLgetData” indicates the function name of the collection program 205 in FIG. 2, and “TLgetDataForF” is a function of the individual program 202 that is called by describing “18i-LNA” as an argument in parentheses of the function TLgetData. The name is shown. In this way, the collection program 205 and the individual program 202 are executed.
[0045]
A program, parameters, and the like executed by the control device 201 can be changed by an operator on the site by operating the operation panel. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the programs and parameters executed by the control device 201 of each production facility are automatically collected and checked against changes stored in the PG library file 113 to check whether there is any change. Then, the confirmation result is presented to the user who uses the terminal device 104. If there is a change, present the details, ask whether to approve the change, and depending on the result, save the changed program or parameter in the PG library file 113 instead of the previous one Yes.
[0046]
The presence or absence of a change and the presentation of details of the change make it easier for the person in charge to manage the program and parameters of the control device 201. If saving is performed according to whether or not to approve, the latest program, parameters, etc. can always be saved in the PG library file 113, and waste of the storage area can be avoided. On the other hand, since it becomes possible to avoid the production of a product by an unapproved program or parameter, the quality of the product produced by the production facility can be managed more accurately.
[0047]
The programs and parameters are stored in the control device 201 in the form of files, unlike the operation rate and the number of machining operations (see FIG. 3). Therefore, in the present embodiment, these automatic collections can be performed using a setting sheet different from the setting sheets 203a and 203b as shown in FIGS. In the prepared setting sheet, the model of the control device 201 is described instead of the address indicating the data storage location. The file names to be collected are described in a setting sheet prepared for each model of the control device 201. The setting sheet describing the file name replaces the equipment setting sheet 203b (see FIG. 4). Similarly, the data described on the setting sheet is stored in the setting DB 111. Thereby, referring to the setting DB 111, as shown in FIG. 9, programs, parameters, and the like can be automatically collected from the control device 201.
[0048]
The automatically collected programs and parameters are stored in the PG file buffer 114. The program, parameters, etc. stored in the buffer 114 are checked against the approved one stored in the PG library file 113 to confirm whether it has been changed. When it is confirmed that the change has been made, verification information indicating that fact is issued. The file collation result screen shown in FIG. 10 is generated by, for example, placing the issued collation information on the original screen, for example, in response to a request from the user of the terminal device 104 (a user having the authority), and presenting it to the user To do. As the change date and time, the date and time when the changed program or parameter is collected is presented.
[0049]
Automatic collection and collation of files such as programs and parameters as described above are realized by the line server 108 executing automatic file collection processing shown in FIG. Here, the automatic collection processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The automatic collection process is executed by starting a program that realizes the collection according to the collection cycle described on the setting sheet.
[0050]
First, in step S21, an initial setting for automatically collecting files is performed. In the subsequent step S22, data for collecting the file is acquired from the control device 201 that has reached the timing to be collected from the setting DB 111 according to the collection cycle described on the setting sheet. In the next step S23, the file to be collected is acquired. The data indicating the storage destination of is acquired from the setting DB 111. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S24.
[0051]
In step S24, files are collected from the control device 201 using the data acquired in step S22, and are stored in the PG file buffer 114 according to the data acquired in step S23. In the next step S25, a file collation process for collating the file saved in step S24 with the corresponding file saved in the PG library file 113 is executed. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.
[0052]
In step S26, it is determined whether or not there is a difference as a result of executing the file matching process. If an on-site worker changes the program or parameter between the last file collection and this time collection, the judgment is YES because there is a difference between them. The process proceeds to S27, and the collation information having the machine number, device name (model), file name, modification date and time (the current date and time are not specified here), etc. Is issued, the process proceeds to step S28. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step S28.
[0053]
In step S28, it is determined whether or not there is an object (control device 201) from which a file is to be collected. If it is determined that the file remains, the process returns to step S22. Data for collecting files is acquired, and the subsequent processing is executed in the same manner. If not, the series of processing ends here.
[0054]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the file collation process executed as step S25. Next, the file collation process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0055]
First, in step S31, files to be verified are acquired from the PG file buffer 114 and the PG library file 113, respectively. In step S32 to be transferred next, for example, it is determined from the extension whether or not the file acquired in step S31 is a binary file. As shown in FIG. 9, when the extension of the file is “MEM” or “ppl”, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to step S33. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step S38.
[0056]
In steps S33 to S37, processing is performed to check whether there is a difference while comparing data in bit units from the beginning to the end of the file. If no difference is found even after the comparison to the end of the file, the series of processing is terminated as it is. If the difference is found, the determination in step S35 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S36, where the verification information is issued. Thereafter, the series of processing is terminated. The collation information is issued in step S27 in the automatic file collection process shown in FIG.
[0057]
On the other hand, in steps S38 to S41 in which the determination in step S32 is NO and the process proceeds, processing is performed to check whether there is a difference while comparing data in units of bytes from the beginning to the end of the file. If no difference is found even after the comparison to the end of the file, the series of processing is finished as it is. If the difference is found, the determination in step S40 is YES and the process proceeds to step S36, and the verification information is issued. Thereafter, the series of processing is terminated.
[0058]
By executing the automatic file collection process and the file collation process as described above, the changed file is specified. As a result, a file collation result screen as shown in FIG. 10 can be presented to the user of the terminal device 104. As a result, the user can know whether there is a change in a program or a parameter, and can manage them more easily.
[0059]
When the user of the terminal device 104 selects a line on the file matching result screen as shown in FIG. 10 and instructs the display of the details of the change (difference), the line server 108 shows the change check result as shown in FIG. A screen is generated and transmitted to the terminal device 104. In the change check result screen, as shown in FIG. 11, the contents stored in the file are compared for each command (block) constituting the program or for each parameter according to the type of the changed file. Yes. Changed lines and added lines are shown in different colors. This makes it easier to confirm the difference between the two.
[0060]
The line server 108 generates the change check result screen by executing the detailed difference display process shown in FIG. Here, the display processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The display process is executed by starting a program that realizes the request in response to a request from the user of the terminal device 104.
[0061]
First, in step S51, display target information is acquired. The display target information is information in the collation information of the line selected on the file collation result screen shown in FIG. 10, for example, a file name. In step S52 to which the process proceeds after obtaining it, it is determined from the extension, for example, whether the file to be displayed is a text file. If the file is a text file, the determination is yes and the process moves to step S53. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step S59.
[0062]
In step S53, files to be displayed are acquired from the PG file buffer 114 and the PG library file 113, respectively. In a succeeding step S54, the version management software is activated.
[0063]
The activated version management software performs a difference check as step S55 by comparing the contents of the files acquired at step S53. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S56, and the difference check result is output.
[0064]
The program that has activated the version management software receives the difference check result in step S57, generates a change check result screen as shown in FIG. 11 in which it is arranged, and transmits it to the terminal device 104. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S58, waits for an end instruction received from the terminal device 104, and the series of processes ends.
[0065]
In the present embodiment, the difference is displayed only on the text file. For this reason, in step S59 in which the determination in step S52 is NO and the process proceeds, a message to notify that is sent and displayed. In subsequent step S60, the user is inquired whether to save the changed file, and it is determined whether the user has instructed saving. If the user instructs saving, the determination is yes and the process moves to step S61. Otherwise, the determination is no and the series of processing ends here.
[0066]
In step S <b> 61, path information for selecting a storage destination is displayed on the terminal device 104. When the user of the terminal device 104 selects a path, path information indicating the path is transmitted to the line server 108. The line server 108 acquires it in step S62. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S63, and the changed file is stored in accordance with the acquired path information. The series of processing is finished thereafter.
[0067]
The line server 108 transmits the change check result screen as shown in FIG. 11 to the terminal device 104 and displays it by executing the difference detail display process. This causes the user to confirm the changed content.
[0068]
On the screen, although not specifically shown, check fields and setting buttons provided for each target program are arranged. To approve the change, check the corresponding check box and click the setting button. When the setting button is clicked, information indicating the target program whose check column is checked is transmitted from the terminal device 104 to the line server 108.
[0069]
When the line server 108 receives the information, the line server 108 reads the target program and parameters specified by the information from the PG buffer file 114 and stores them in the PG library file 113. The storage is stored in the form of overwriting. As a result, only the latest approved program or parameter is stored in the PG library file 113. Further, in the history DB 112, for example, a change date and time, change contents (a sequence number where the change was made, contents before and after the change, etc.) are stored as a history. As a result, programs and parameters used in the past can be reproduced and reused.
[0070]
When the program is approved, the present embodiment refers to the program, and then executes the simulation by which the control device 201 executes it to calculate the time required for the production facility to process the workpiece as the cycle time. Is going. These results are saved so that the user of the terminal device 104 can refer to them as necessary. Hereinafter, the calculation method of the cycle time will be described in detail with reference to various explanatory diagrams shown in FIGS.
[0071]
The program executed by the control device 201 that controls the production equipment usually differs depending on the type of the control device 201. Multiple types of programming languages have been developed for the same type of control device 201. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding, the calculation method of the cycle time in the present embodiment will be described in detail below, taking the program shown in FIG. 15 as an example.
[0072]
The program example shown in FIG. 15 is an NC program executed by the NC control device. Each block in FIG. 15 corresponds to one command statement constituting the NC program. The NC program is basically composed of the blocks arranged in the order of execution.
[0073]
One block includes a sequence number represented by a numerical value following the symbol “N”, followed by one or more data (codes) including a symbol representing a function type and a coded numerical value following the symbol. It has become. The sequence number is described in ascending order, which becomes a smaller value as it approaches the head of the NC program. The contents described in “(” and “)” are ignored as comments. Hereinafter, the program is abbreviated as PG.
[0074]
“G”, “M”, “S”, and “T” in FIG. 15 are symbols that represent different types of functions, and the coded values that follow represent functions instructions (commands). Yes.
[0075]
The symbol “G” represents a preparation function, and the type of interpolation, selection of coordinate system, fixed cycle, threading, preparation function, and others are designated by the following numerical value (G code). Symbols “X” and “Y” are used to specify a coordinate position or the like by a numerical value that follows.
[0076]
The symbol “M” represents an auxiliary function, and the rotation and stop of the spindle, the direction of rotation, tool change, and the like can be designated by the following numerical value (M code). The symbol “S” represents the spindle function, and the rotation speed of the spindle can be designated by the following numerical value (S code). The symbol “T” represents a tool function, and a tool (tool) to be used can be designated by a numerical value (T code) that follows.
[0077]
As is clear from the fact that the functions as described above are prepared, machining of workpieces in production facilities can be performed at multiple locations on the workpiece using the tool while changing the tool at any time. is there. For this reason, in this embodiment, the program is analyzed by analyzing the program by paying attention to the type of tool used for machining and the operation when the workpiece machining operation is temporarily interrupted. Under the control of the control device 201 to be executed, the machining process in which the production facility processes the workpiece is divided into basic machining processes, and the cycle time is calculated. For example, in the case of a PG that allows multiple drilling of a workpiece using the same tool, the machining process is divided by focusing on the operation of temporarily stopping the spindle that transmits power to the tool. . This is because when the tool is simply moved, it is normal to stop the rotation of the spindle. Accordingly, each hole is regarded as being vacated by machining in one machining process, and the time required to make one hole is calculated as the cycle time.
[0078]
When a workpiece is machined multiple times while moving the tool position as needed, the overall machining time required for the machining varies depending on the distance the tool is moved during the machining. . In general, the distance varies depending on the order of positions to be processed. Of course, the shorter the distance, the shorter the overall time. This is why the production facility divides the machining process for machining the workpiece into basic machining processes and calculates the cycle time. The processing conditions (here, the type and processing position of the tool, the processing method (how to use the tool and its moving direction, etc.), etc.) are extracted from the PG and presented to the operator.
[0079]
When the order of the divided machining steps is changed, the cycle time of each machining step and the overall machining time change accordingly. For this reason, by presenting the cycle time, the worker or the person in charge of management (the user of the terminal device 104) can accurately grasp the problematic machining process. This makes it easy to adjust the tool and review the machining process. As a result, it becomes easy to optimize the machining process, for example, to shorten the entire machining time or to match the target time.
[0080]
When the machining conditions of the machining process are presented together with the cycle time, it becomes easier to identify factors that affect the change in the cycle time. For this reason, the optimization of the machining process can be performed more easily.
[0081]
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a method of dividing a machining process. Taking a production facility that processes a workpiece by rotating the spindle as an example, a method for dividing a machining process in which the production facility processes a workpiece into basic machining steps from a program executed by a control device that controls the workpiece will be described. Is.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 16, first, a block instructing tool (tool) exchange is detected, and PGs are divided by the block. Thereby, a block group for performing machining with the same tool is specified. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish from the basic machining process, the entire machining process performed using the same tool is referred to as a tool process, and the basic machining process obtained by dividing it is referred to as a basic machining process. I will decide. The tool process is composed of one or more basic processing steps.
[0083]
In the PG as shown in FIG. 15, the tool change command is performed in one or two blocks. “Case 1” and “Case 3” in FIG. 16 are cases where the tool change command is realized by one block (command statement). “Case 3” differs from “Case 1” in that a tool change command is realized by calling a sub-PG prepared as a macro. “Case 2” is a case in which a tool change command is realized by two blocks: a block for instructing preparation of a tool and a block for instructing replacement with a tool for which preparation has been instructed. In either case, the PG is divided by a command block that will actually change the tool.
[0084]
If PG is divided into one or more block groups with a focus on tool replacement, then for each block group (tool), the block group is further divided with a focus on blocks that command spindle stop. To do. More specifically, as the block, attention is paid here to a block for temporarily instructing a spindle stop, that is, a block for instructing a spindle stop which is later arranged with a block for instructing a rotation of the spindle. . As the block, we focused on the block that temporarily commands the spindle to stop, because in production equipment that rotates the spindle and processes the workpiece, it is usually impossible to process the workpiece while the spindle is stopped. It is. Thus, when one machining is performed with one tool, the tool process of the tool is not divided, and the tool process is composed of one basic machining process.
[0085]
If the PG is further finely divided for each machining step as described above, machining conditions (here, cutting conditions) are extracted for each block group. The cutting conditions extracted here are conditions necessary mainly for calculating the cycle time. In the present embodiment, F, E, S, and D values are used as the cutting conditions according to the situation. Extracting. These values are all values that can be described as function codes in the block (see FIG. 15). The F value (F code) expresses the moving speed of the spindle, the E value (E code) expresses the amount of movement per spindle, and the D value (D code) expresses the peripheral speed of the tool. Yes.
[0086]
The spindle is moved at the speed set by the parameter when machining with a tool is not performed. Returning the spindle to a predetermined origin is fast return, and other movements are fast forward. When making a hole in the work, it is usually performed by reducing the position on the Z-axis. When the spindle is moved on the XY plane with the tool in contact with the workpiece, a groove can be formed in the workpiece or the surface thereof can be shaved. For these reasons, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the cutting, fast-forwarding, and fast-returning are identified. The G code “G01” in FIG. 17 represents linear interpolation, and the G code “G00” represents positioning.
[0087]
The content of the processing performed using the tool, that is, the processing method (usage form) of the workpiece using the tool is limited by the type. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the processing method using a tool (tool) is divided, that is, the correspondence between the type of tool and the processing method that can be performed using the tool is defined. Yes. Accordingly, the machining process is divided in consideration of the type of tool used for machining the workpiece, and the cycle time is calculated and the machining conditions are extracted.
[0088]
Machining of a workpiece by a tool is performed by moving the tool. The method of moving the tool varies depending not only on the type of tool but also on the shape of the workpiece and the place to be machined. For example, when drilling a hole in a flat part, the tool can be processed so that the hole can be drilled by moving the tool so that the hole can be drilled. When cutting the exit part of the hole through the tool, move the tool to a position where the tool can pass through the hole → Insert the tool into the hole → Move the tool so that the exit part can be cut → To cut the exit part The procedure becomes complicated, such as moving tools. For this reason, in this embodiment, the machining method including the method of moving the tool is used as a machining specification, and the feature is patterned (defined), and the machining process is referred to the patterned machining specification feature. The division is done.
[0089]
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of patterning.
As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, drilling, tapping, boring, boring, grooving, milling, chamfering, chamfering, deburring, gear cutting / broaching, hole cleaning, inspection, etc. The processing methods are roughly classified, and the broadly classified processing methods are further subdivided in consideration of the usage form of the tool, and the types of tools that can be used for the processing are set for each subdivided processing method. Patterned processing specification features are set for each subdivided processing method. The machining specification feature pattern corresponding to machining using a tool is identified by the type of machining method, and the machining specification feature pattern prepared by the specified machining method is the target of the tool specified in the PG. It is specified by matching how to move and searching for a thing that matches the way to move.
[0090]
In FIG. 19, G code “G03” is circular interpolation / helical interpolation CCW, G code “G74” is reverse tapping cycle, G code “G76” is fine boring, G code “G84” is tapping cycle, and G code “G” “G86” represents a boring cycle.
[0091]
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of the division of the machining process. As described above, by analyzing the actual PG, the PG is divided into block groups for each machining process, and the cutting conditions are extracted from each block group. In the PG shown in FIG. 20, a sub PG that is called by executing a block having a T code is prepared as a macro. “Step 1” and “Step 2” in the figure represent tool steps, respectively.
[0092]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a workpiece machined by one production facility.
As shown in FIG. 21, the work has four types of holes # 1 to # 4 having different shapes. These holes # 1 to # 4 are opened using different tools. Two holes # 2 having the same shape are opened. The hole # 3 is not circular but is elongated.
[0093]
In the PG for performing such machining of holes # 1 to # 4, it is divided into block groups of four tool processes. Steps 1 to 4 in the figure are tool steps divided into block groups, and the numbers assigned thereto represent the order in which the tool steps are performed. Since there are two holes # 2, the block group corresponding to step 2 is further divided into two block groups. Unlike the others, the hole # 3 has an elongated shape on the surface of the workpiece. The hole # 3 having such a shape is formed by, for example, making a hole along the Z axis with a tool (for example, a drill) and then moving the tool (main axis) on the XY plane. Thereby, the processing conditions (here, cutting conditions) described with reference to FIG. 3 change. When calculating the cycle time required to open the hole # 3, the time required to open the hole along the Z axis and the time required to move the tool on the XY plane must be calculated separately. Therefore, such processing conditions are extracted.
[0094]
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the definition and calculation method of the cycle time. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring the cycle time calculation data. Next, with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, a cycle time to be calculated, a calculation method thereof, and an acquisition method of data used for the calculation will be described in detail. FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are for a case where a production facility for cutting is taken as an example.
[0095]
In FIG. 22, “T process cycle 1” and “T process cycle N” respectively correspond to basic machining processes for machining a workpiece using the same tool. The workpiece shown in FIG. 21 corresponds to each processing step for making two holes # 2. The cycle time TRK is an operation time during which the production facility is operated in order to perform the processing of the basic processing step.
[0096]
The “tool cycle” corresponds to the above-described tool process and includes all basic machining processes performed in the tool process. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, the cycle time TR is a time calculated by integrating the cycle times TRK of the basic machining steps. “Equipment cycle” corresponds to the entire process of machining a workpiece at a production facility, and all tool processes are performed as a part thereof. For this reason, the cycle time T is a time obtained by adding the time necessary for machining the workpiece unique to the production equipment to the time calculated by integrating the cycle time TR of each tool process. If the worker sets the workpiece to be processed, closes the safety door, and opens the door to take out the finished workpiece, set the workpiece as a specific time as shown in FIG. The time TBS required to close the door and the time TBE required to open the door and take out the workpiece are added.
[0097]
The “line cycle” corresponds to the entire process of machining a workpiece on one production line, and the entire equipment cycle (process) is performed as a part thereof. For this reason, the cycle time TL is a time obtained by adding a time necessary for machining a work unique to the production line to a time calculated by integrating the cycle time T of each equipment cycle. If the worker delivers and transfers the workpiece between the production facilities, the conveyance time between the production facilities is added as the unique time.
[0098]
As shown in FIG. 20, the cycle time TRK of the basic machining process includes a rapid feed time (time for rapidly feeding the spindle) Tqf_RK, positioning time Tld_RK, and ATC time (time required for automatic tool change) in the basic machining process RK indicated by its subscript. ) Tatc_RK, table indexing time (time required to change the indexing angle of the table on which the workpiece is set) Ttac_RK, dwell time Td_rk, spindle acceleration tap loss time (time required for the spindle rotation speed to reach the target value) It is calculated by adding Tal_RK, total cutting (machining) time Tts_RK, rapid return time (time for rapidly returning the spindle toward the origin) Tqr_RK, and tool detection time Ttcc_RK.
[0099]
The total cutting (machining) time Tts_RK is a time obtained by calculating and integrating the time required for machining according to the machining conditions extracted from the PG as described above. For example, in the hole # 3 as shown in FIG. 21, the time required for making a hole along the Z axis and the time required for moving the main axis on the XY plane are added.
[0100]
In each of the above times, as described above, the tool process is divided into basic machining processes, so in the cutting process, the time other than the rapid feed time Tqf_RK, the positioning time Tld_RK, the spindle acceleration tap loss time Tal_RK, and the total cutting time Tts_RK is 0. There can be. For example, the ATC time Tatc_RK is 0 except for the first basic machining process, and the fast return time Tqr_RK is 0 except for the last basic machining process. The tool detection time Ttcc_RK may be 0 because the tool is detected while another movement is performed on the spindle depending on the production equipment. For this reason, the tool detection time Ttcc_RK uses a fixed value stored in a file. In addition, fixed values stored in the file are used for the positioning time Tld_RK, the ATC time Tatc_RK, and the times TBS and TBE (see FIG. 22). Hereinafter, the file is prepared for cycle time calculation, and hence is referred to as a calculation file.
[0101]
The fast-forwarding time Tqf_RK and the fast-returning time Tqr_RK are calculated in consideration of restrictions on the movement of the spindle. For example, if the main axis can be moved only one axis at a time, the integrated value of the movement distance for each axis becomes the movement distance of the main axis. The time required for the movement of the movement distance is obtained by integrating the time obtained by dividing the movement distance by the rapid feed speed of the axis for each axis. If it can move on a plurality of axes, the maximum time of the time obtained by dividing the moving distance on each axis by the rapid feed speed of that axis is the time required for the movement. From this, the time is calculated in consideration of restrictions on the movement of the spindle. The movement distance including each axis is acquired from PG, and the fast-forwarding speed is acquired from the parameters collected from the control device 201 of the production facility for each axis.
[0102]
The index angle θ for calculating the table index time Ttac_RK is obtained from PG. The calculation is performed by multiplying the reference time α required for the table rotation of 90 degrees by the value obtained by dividing the index angle θ by 90. The reference time α is prepared in the calculation file or defined in a program executed by the line server 108 for cycle time calculation.
[0103]
The dwell time Td_RK is acquired from the PG. If there are a plurality of them, the accumulated value becomes time Td_RK. The spindle acceleration tap loss time Tal_RK is the time required for the spindle to reach the rotational speed commanded by the S code. The time is stored in, for example, a calculation file in the form of a table or an equation for calculating the time. In the example shown in FIG. 23, a fixed value a is used when the rotational speed commanded by the S code is 1500 rpm, a fixed value b is used when the rotational speed is 1500 to 3000 rpm, and a fixed value c is used if the rotational speed is 3000 rpm or more. The time Tal_RK is set.
[0104]
In processing, the same or the same processing may be repeatedly performed. For example, in milling, a tool may be moved a plurality of times while changing the location and direction to process a milling surface. Here, the process of moving the tool once is called one pass. Thereby, the total cutting time Tts_RK is calculated by multiplying the cutting (machining) time per pass by the number of passes PN_RK. The cutting time per pass is obtained by dividing the cutting distance in that pass by the feed speed. The cutting distance, the feed rate, and the number of passes PN_RK are all obtained from PG.
[0105]
In this way, in the present embodiment, the cycle time TRK of the basic machining process is calculated using parameters collected from the control device 201 of the production facility as necessary. For this reason, it is possible to calculate the cycle time TRK that matches the actual cycle time with high accuracy. The same applies to the other cycle times TR 1, T 2, and TL. As a result, the operator can optimize the machining process with high accuracy only by considering the calculated cycle time.
[0106]
The calculated various cycle times and machining conditions of the basic machining process are stored linked to the line number or equipment number. Each processing step is stored in a linked manner with the order and tools used for the processing. As a result, the search can be performed using line units, production facilities, tools, and the like as keys. The search is performed in response to a request from the user of the terminal device 104, and the search result is presented to the user. As a result, the program can be examined more appropriately and easily.
[0107]
FIG. 24 is a functional configuration diagram of the line server 108 that calculates the cycle time as described above.
The NCPG reading unit 401 reads a PG (“NCPG” in the figure) 2410 that is a target for calculating the cycle time from the PG library file 113 and passes it to the tool information acquisition unit 2402 and the process information recognition unit 2403.
[0108]
The tool information acquisition unit 2402 extracts data indicating a tool designated for use in the PG 2410 delivered from the NCPG reading unit 2401, for example, a T code, and searches the tool information DB 117 using the data as a key. The type of tool specified by the T code is specified. For example, if process information corresponding to PG 2410 is stored in the process information DB 116, the process information recognition unit 2403 reads the process information.
Then, the data is transferred to the special cutting / machining pattern recognition logic unit 2404.
[0109]
The logic unit 2404 receives data indicating the type of tool from the tool information acquisition unit 2402, receives process information from the process information recognition unit 2403, analyzes the PG 2410, and executes the PG 2410 by the control device. The machining process to be performed is divided into tool processes, and the divided tool process is further divided into basic machining processes with reference to the machining specification feature (pattern) information 2420. The division is performed by referring to the process information when it is received from the process information recognition unit 2403, and is performed by referring to only the PG 2410 and analyzing it.
[0110]
The machining specification feature information referred to by the logic unit 2404 defines the type of tool used for the machining, the pattern, and the like for each machining specification feature patterned as shown in FIG. For example, the tool information DB 117 and the like are stored on a built storage device. With reference to the information, the logic unit 2404 divides the machining process as described above.
[0111]
The cutting condition / C / T extraction calculation processing unit 2405 extracts processing conditions from the PG 2410 for each processing step divided by the logic unit 2404, and calculates the cycle time (C / T). The extracted machining conditions and the calculated cycle time are stored in the cutting condition C / T information DB 2406 in association with, for example, PG 2401 or production equipment controlled by a control device that executes the PG 2401. The DB 2406 is constructed on a storage device in which, for example, the tool information DB 117 is constructed.
[0112]
In the present embodiment, in order to avoid confusion, the description has been given by taking the NC program executed by the NC control device as an example, but a program executed by another control device can also be a target of cycle time calculation. . In this embodiment, the division of the machining process is realized by the operation of exchanging tools (implemented by executing one block (command)) and the operation of temporarily stopping the spindle (execution of two blocks (command)). However, it is desirable to select the operation to be focused as appropriate according to the content of the processing performed on the workpiece by the production facility.
In the above description, information to be stored in the DBs 115 to 117 managed by the line server 108 is stored in accordance with an instruction from the user of the terminal device 104. For example, the information to be stored is transmitted from the terminal device 104 (by specifying a file storing the information or transmitted by inputting), or by specifying a storage location of the information. Yes. However, in such a method, when a new PG is created or changed, it is actually slow to reflect it in each DB 115 to 117. Also, reflecting it itself is troublesome. For this reason, in the embodiment described below, the reflection to the DBs 115 to 117 can be performed more easily.
[0113]
The configuration in the embodiment described below is basically the same as that in the above-described embodiment. The operation is largely the same. For this reason, only the parts different from the above-described embodiment will be described using the reference numerals in the description of the above-described embodiment as they are.
[0114]
A new PG 2410 is created or an existing PG 2410 is changed. Production facility information such as facility information, process information, and tool information stored in each of the DBs 115 to 117 must be created in conjunction with the creation of a new PG 2410 and updated in accordance with changes in the existing PG 2410. As a matter of course, the newly created PG 2410 and the changed PG 2410 must be stored in a control device that executes the PG 2410, and are usually more important than reflecting them in the DBs 115 to 117. For this reason, in the embodiment described below, attention is also paid to this, and the reflection to the DBs 115 to 117 is automatically performed. Hereinafter, since the PG 2410 obtained by changing the existing PG 2410 is also a new one, the newly created PG 2410 and the PG 2410 obtained by changing the existing PG 2410 will be collectively referred to as “new PG”.
[0115]
In this embodiment, information to be registered in each DB 115 to 117 (here, including updating of stored information) is inserted into the PG 2410, and the inserted information is extracted by the line server 108, and each DB 115 to 115 is extracted. 117 is registered. This avoids the need for the user of the terminal device 104 to perform the registration, and makes it possible to manage the production facility more easily.
[0116]
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a method of inserting information into the PG 2410.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the facility design information, tool setting information, and process design information constituting the production preparation information (production facility information) are commented as information to be registered in each DB 115 to 117 (“( The description between “” and “)” is regarded as a comment) and is inserted into the PG 2410. The line server 108 regards equipment design information as equipment information, tool design information as tool information, and process design information as process information, and registers them in the DBs 115 to 117.
[0117]
Equipment information (equipment design information), tool information (tool design information), and process information (process design information) are basically the same as those described in the first half of this specification, and are composed of the following data: Is done.
[0118]
The equipment information includes equipment basic information and equipment capacity information. Basic equipment information includes machine number (equipment number), file name (name of file storing equipment information), creation date, equipment model, equipment manufacturer name, equipment name, production equipment control device ("NC" in the figure) It is composed of data such as the manufacturer, the model of the control device, and the model. The other equipment capacity information is composed of the number of axes of the production equipment, the number of ATCs (of exchangeable tools), ATC time, tool detection time (“blade detection time” in the figure), and other data.
[0119]
Tool information includes tool name, tool code (“TC” in the figure), tool type, processing method using tool (rotation, straight advance, back), tool diameter, tool length, header angle, holder name, number of inserts, material , Lifespan, and other data.
[0120]
The process design information includes line process information, facility process information, and tool process information. The line process information includes a line process name (operation (OP) number) to which the machining process belongs and other data. The equipment process information includes data such as equipment process name, presence / absence of tool (blade) detection, and coolant type (air or other). The tool process information includes a tool process name and other data. Normally, the process information is composed of one line process information, one or more facility process information, and tool process information.
[0121]
The facility information is inserted into the main PG of the PG 2410, and the line process information constituting the process information is inserted in a form that follows it. The tool information and the equipment process information constituting the process information and the tool process information are inserted at any time according to the position where the description of the block in PG 2410 related thereto appears.
[0122]
In the present embodiment, as described above, in order to make it easier for a person who wants to understand the contents of PG 2410, comments useful for understanding the contents are commented in the vicinity of the block in which the contents are described. It arranges in the form of. This makes it easier to understand the contents of the PG 2410 in addition to registration in the DBs 115 to 117.
[0123]
The method of describing information as a comment is not particularly limited, but it is desirable to describe it in a markup language such as XML so that the viewer can easily understand it.
[0124]
The line server 108 automatically collects the PG 2410 in which information is inserted as shown in FIG. 25 from the control device of the production facility. The new PG 2410 among the collected PGs 2410 is a target for updating each DB 115 to 117, and the update is performed when the user of the terminal device 104 having the authorization authority approves it. This avoids unnecessary registration. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing how information inserted in the PG 2410 is registered in the DBs 115 to 117. Depending on the situation, registration may be performed regardless of the approval.
[0125]
The equipment number (machine number) in the equipment information and the tool code (TC) in the tool information are data for uniquely identifying the information. The process information includes the line process name in the line process information, the equipment process name in the equipment process information, and the tool process name in the tool process information. From this, the line server 108 searches the corresponding DBs 115 to 117 using these data as keys to determine whether there is information to be updated, and is inserted into the PG 2410 according to the determination result. Register the information in the corresponding DB 115-117. That is, if there is information to be updated, the information inserted in the PG 2410 is registered by overwriting, and if there is no information to be updated, an area for writing information is secured in the corresponding DB 115 to 117. Then, the information inserted in PG 2410 is written in the reserved area. In this way, the DBs 115 to 117 are updated.
[0126]
When updating the DBs 115 to 117, the DBs 115 to 117 to which information is written include, for example, at least two of them so that the correspondence between the facility information, the process information, and the tool information stored in each DB 115 to 117 can be specified. Data that can uniquely identify the remaining information is inserted into the information. In this way, the information can be provided to the user of the terminal device 104 in association with each other. With respect to the correspondence relationship with the PG 2410 in which such information is inserted, the remaining one information, or data that can uniquely identify the PG 2410 in other information (for example, a program number. In the PG 2410 shown in FIG. A number described after “O” (here, “1” corresponds) can be specified by insertion.
[0127]
FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a management method of facility information, tool information, workpiece information, and machining information (process information / machining PG). These information are set by the user, collected from another DB, or inserted into the PG 2410 to link the facility information, process information, and tool information registered in each DB 115 to 117 with other information. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of providing them to the user of the terminal device 104. Next, a method for realizing this will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0128]
In this embodiment, information inserted into the PG 2410 is associated with a work. This is because the control device executes the PG 2410 so that it is possible to easily know what kind of work the production facility is to process. As shown in FIG. 27, “equipment / work definition function”, “work / PG correspondence registration function”, and “tool / work correspondence registration function” are prepared as functions for that purpose. The equipment / work definition function is a function for defining a work to be processed for each production equipment. The workpiece-PG correspondence registration function is a function for registering PG 2410 executed by a control device that controls production equipment that processes each workpiece. The tool-to-work registration function is a function for registering a work to be processed using the tool for each tool (tool).
[0129]
From the production facility, the PG 2410 executed by the control device that controls the PG 2410 can be specified. However, the control device does not always execute only one PG 2410. That is, there are cases in which a plurality of PGs 2410 are switched and executed by the control device.
[0130]
The number of workpieces to be processed by the production facility is not limited to one. This means that the tool used for the machining may differ depending on the workpiece. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned equipment / work definition function, work / PG correspondence registration function, tool / work correspondence registration function is prepared, and production equipment and workpieces, PG 2410 used for workpieces and their machining, tools The user of the terminal device 104 is allowed to define the corresponding relationship between the workpiece and the workpiece used for machining. The tool / workpiece registration function allows each tool to designate a work to be used for machining. Data input by these functions is stored in the correspondence information DB 118 as correspondence information. By storing the correspondence information, the work information can be provided to the user of the terminal device 104 in cooperation with the information stored in each of the DBs 115 to 117.
[0131]
The “facility / tool assignment function” shown in FIG. 27 is a function for assigning a tool used for machining a workpiece in a production facility. The function is designed to do the following:
[0132]
On the screen displayed by activating the function, “currently used tool No” and “take-in tool No” are arranged as item names. For example, a tool code of a tool currently used in the production facility is arranged in the item “Currently used tool No.”, and the item “Import tool No.” is used next in the production facility. That is, the tool code of the tool used after switching the PG 2410 to be executed by the control device is arranged. In the figure of those items, the T code described in PG 2410 is arranged in the column of the item “T-No” positioned on the left side. As a result, the tool currently used in the production facility and the next tool to be used can be managed in real time. A tool (tool information) used in a production facility can be specified from PG 2410 executed by a control device that controls the production facility. The number arranged in the item “blade” column represents the number of blades (for example, chips) attached to the tool.
[0133]
Incidentally, the PG 2410 collected from the control device may designate the use of a tool whose tool information is not stored in the tool information DB 105a managed by the application server 105. For example, when the user of the terminal device 104 newly creates or changes the PG 2410 without using the application server 105 or 106, or entrusts the creation or change of the PG 2410 to the outside, such a case. Can happen. For this reason, the tool information stored in the tool information DB 117 managed by the line server 108 is linked so as to be stored in the tool information DB 105a managed by the application server 105. For example, when the tool information extracted from the PG 2410 is stored in the DB 117, the line server 108 transmits the tool code in the tool information to the application server 105, and the tool information having the code is stored in the DB 105a. The line server 108 transmits to the application server 105 the tool information for which it is confirmed that the corresponding tool information is not stored.
[0134]
Although the detailed description of the functions shown in FIG. 27 is omitted, icons installed on the terminal device 104 accessed by the line server 108 or displayed on an image displayed on the display device connected thereto. Or, it is started by clicking the menu item. This realizes an environment in which a user of the terminal device 104 can use a desired function as necessary.
[0135]
In this embodiment, the line server 108 is linked so that all necessary tool information is stored in the DB 105a managed by the server 105. However, the linkage is performed by using facility information and process information as necessary. You may make it perform to object. Further, information to be inserted into the PG 2410 is not limited to the information described above, and various modifications can be made. For example, at least one of facility information, process information, and tool information may be omitted, and information related to the workpiece may be added to them. The information related to the workpiece may be added in the form of being inserted into the process information, for example, not as separate information. Instead of directly inserting information into the PG 2410, data indicating the storage location may be inserted to automatically collect information from the storage location.
[0136]
The line server 108 automatically collects the PG 2410 from which the inserted information is extracted. However, the PG 2410 transmitted from the terminal device 104 to the line server 108 by the user may be targeted. The method of inserting information into the PG 2410 and extracting the information to a system that requires it may be applied to PGs other than the PG executed by the control device that controls the production equipment. In other words, this technique can be widely applied.
[0137]
A program for realizing the operation of the production facility information management system or the information search system as described above may be recorded and distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or magneto-optical disk. Alternatively, part or all of the program may be distributed via a transmission medium used in a public network or the like. In such a case, the user obtains the program and loads it into a data processing device such as a computer, thereby realizing the production facility information management system or information retrieval system according to the present invention using the processing device. Can do. Therefore, the recording medium may be accessible by a device that distributes the program.
[0138]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention inserts production facility information into a program to be executed by a control device that controls the production facility, and converts the program in which the production facility information is inserted into a system that requires the information. Acquire and extract information inserted in the acquired program. In this way, when the production facility information is inserted into the program, the number of pieces of information to be managed is reduced as compared with the case of individually handling them. For those who see it, more information can be grasped more easily. As a result, management becomes easier and labor can be saved.
[0139]
Tool information is extracted from the information inserted in the program, information on a plurality of workpieces defined using the tool of the extracted tool information as a key is extracted, and a plurality of correspondences defined based on the extracted workpieces are extracted. The production facility information linked to the workpiece can be output, so that more information can be linked, and this makes it possible for the user to acquire more information more easily.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which a production facility information management system according to an embodiment is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for collecting information from a production facility.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a line setting sheet.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an equipment setting sheet.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which setting sheet data is stored in a setting DB.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a setting DB update process.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for storing data in a history DB.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of actually collecting information from a production facility.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a target of file collation.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a file collation result screen.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change check result screen.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of automatic file collection processing;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of file collation processing.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a detailed difference display process.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a program.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a method for dividing a processing step.
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method of identifying cutting, fast forward, and fast reverse.
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a division of a processing method using a tool.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining patterning of processing specification features.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of division of a machining process.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a workpiece machined by one production facility.
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the definition and calculation method of the cycle time.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring cycle time calculation data.
FIG. 24 is a functional configuration diagram of a line server that calculates a cycle time.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a method of inserting information into a PG.
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a state in which information inserted in a PG is registered in a database.
FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a management method of equipment information, tool information, workpiece information, and machining information (process information / machining PG).
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Local LAN
102 Factory local LAN
104 Terminal equipment
108 Line server
109, 110, 123, 134 Access point
111 Setting database
112 History database
113 PG library file
114 PG file buffer
115 Facility information database
116 Process information database
117 Tool information database
118 Correspondence information database
120, 130 production line
121, 131 Production facilities
122, 133 Operation panel
201 Control device (M / C)
Program for 202F F
Program for 202TT
Program for 202M M
Program for 202X
203 Setting sheet
203a Line setting sheet
203b Equipment setting sheet
204 Setting program
205 Collection program
501 Collection item definition table
502 Collection tag information table
503 Collection condition information table
701 Collected data library table

Claims (3)

First storage means for defining and storing a correspondence relationship between each production facility and a plurality of workpieces processed by the production facility ;
A second storage means for defining and storing a correspondence relationship between a plurality of workpieces processed by each production facility and a program;
Third storage means for defining and storing a correspondence relationship between a plurality of tools in each production facility and a plurality of workpieces processed by each production facility;
And a fourth storage means for defining and storing a correspondence relationship between each production facility and the tool used in each production facility,
Information relating to the tool used in the production facility is extracted from the program to be executed by the control device for controlling each production facility using the fourth storage means , and the information relating to the extracted tool is extracted. extracting a plurality of workpieces associated with a tool with the third storage means based on, from said defined relationship to said first and second storage means based on each workpiece that is said extracted A production facility information management system characterized in that production facility information linked to a plurality of workpieces is output and manufacturing information relating to the workpieces is integratedly managed. First storage means for each of the production equipment and the production equipment is correspondence defines the storage of a plurality of workpieces to be processed, each of the production equipment defines a correspondence relationship between a plurality of workpiece and program for processing stored Second storage means, third storage means for defining and storing a correspondence relationship between a plurality of tools in each production facility and a plurality of workpieces processed by each production facility, each production facility, A fourth storage means for defining and storing a correspondence relationship with a tool used in each production facility, and a production facility information management method for integratedly managing manufacturing information relating to a workpiece,
Using the fourth storage means , the information relating to the tool used in the production facility is extracted from the program to be executed by the control device that controls each production facility,
Extracting a plurality of workpieces associated with the tool using the third storage means based on the information concerning the extracted tool;
And outputs the production facility information linking said plurality of workpieces from the relationship defined in said first and second storage means based on each workpiece which is the extracted integrated management of manufacturing information relating to the work To
A production facility information management method characterized by that. First storage means for each of the production equipment and the production equipment is correspondence defines the storage of a plurality of workpieces to be processed, each of the production equipment defines a correspondence relationship between a plurality of workpiece and program for processing stored Second storage means, third storage means for defining and storing a correspondence relationship between a plurality of tools in each production facility and a plurality of workpieces processed by each production facility, each production facility, A data processing apparatus for use in construction of a production facility information management system that includes a fourth storage unit that defines and stores a correspondence relationship with a tool used in each production facility, and that integrally manages manufacturing information related to the workpiece A program to be executed,
A function of extracting such information to the tool controller is used in the production facilities from the program to be executed for which control the production facilities of the respective using said fourth storage means,
And ability to extract a plurality of workpieces associated with a tool with the third storage unit based on the tool information relating to extract out the tool,
A function of outputting a production facility information linking said plurality of workpieces from the relationship defined in each of said work based on the first and second storage means being said extracted,
A program to realize

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