Calculation method, calculation device, blanking system, and program

Abstract

The present invention enhances yield in blanking. This calculation method includes: a first acquisition step (S11) for acquiring blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blank materials; a second acquisition step (S12) for acquiring steel strip information including the band width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation step (S13) for referring to the blank information and the steel strip information and calculating a combination of a steel strip where at least one blank material of the plurality of blank materials is disposed and an arrangement of the at least one blank material in the steel strip.

Description

Calculation method, calculation device, blanking system, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for calculating a combination of blanks and steel materials.

[0002] Conventionally, in the manufacture of blanks used in press forming for mass production of automobile parts, home appliances, and building materials, a steel strip has been continuously blanked using a press machine and a die. In recent years, blanking has also been performed using a laser instead of a press machine and a die (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Orders for these materials have essentially been made to order.

[0003] WO2020 / 121946 publication

[0004] Conventionally, manufacturers who perform blanking based on a client's request determine the blanking arrangement of the blank material on the steel strip and order the steel strip with the corresponding strip width. Here, the strip width is selected from available strip widths to maximize yield. However, depending on the shape and size of the blank material, it is not always possible to select the optimal strip width to maximize yield. Therefore, there is room for increasing yield in this type of blanking.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can increase yield in blanking.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a calculation method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition step of acquiring blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blanks; a second acquisition step of acquiring steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation step of calculating, by referring to the blank information and the steel strip information, a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blanks is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank on the steel strip, wherein the blank information includes specification information regarding the specifications of the at least one blank, and the calculation step calculates the combination so that the specifications of the at least one blank are satisfied, and the specification information includes information regarding at least one mechanical test value of the at least one blank, and the at least one mechanical test value includes a value related to at least one of plate thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio, and surface finish.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a calculation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blanks; a second acquisition unit that acquires steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation unit that refers to the blank information and the steel strip information to calculate a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blanks is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank on the steel strip, wherein the blank information includes specification information regarding the specifications of the at least one blank, and the calculation unit calculates the combination so that the specifications of the at least one blank are satisfied, and the specification information includes information regarding at least one mechanical test value regarding the at least one blank, and the at least one mechanical test value includes values ​​regarding at least one of plate thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio, and surface finish.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a blanking system according to one aspect of the present invention is a blanking system including a calculation device and a blanking device, wherein the calculation device includes a first acquisition unit that acquires blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blanks, a second acquisition unit that acquires steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips, and a calculation unit that refers to the blank information and the steel strip information to calculate a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blanks is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank on the steel strip, and the blank information is The calculation unit calculates the combination so that the specifications of at least one of the blank materials are satisfied, the specification information includes information on at least one mechanical test value for the at least one of the blank materials, and the at least one mechanical test value includes a value related to at least one of plate thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio, and surface finish, and the blanking device cuts out the at least one of the blank materials from the steel strip so as to satisfy the combination calculated by the calculation unit.

[0009] The nesting device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the control program for the nesting device, which causes the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the nesting device, thereby realizing the nesting device on the computer, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the yield in blanking can be increased.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a nesting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the nesting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a nesting method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the nesting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the nesting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing by the nesting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining crown (thickness distribution in the width direction of the plate) as an example of information regarding the variation in mechanical test values ​​of the steel strip. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining elongation in each direction and a lower limit of elongation as specification information as an example of information regarding the variation in mechanical test values ​​of the steel strip. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a nesting system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a nesting system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] A nesting apparatus (calculation apparatus) 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. Broadly speaking, the nesting apparatus 1 is an apparatus that calculates a combination of a strip- or plate-shaped steel material (also referred to as a steel strip) on which one or more blanks are arranged and the arrangement of the one or more blanks on the steel strip. Therefore, the nesting apparatus 1 can also be referred to as a calculation apparatus, an arrangement combination calculation apparatus, an arrangement determination apparatus, an arrangement information generation apparatus, or the like. In the following description, components to be cut out from a steel strip are also referred to as blanks, but this term does not limit the present embodiment. In the following description, determining the arrangement of components is also referred to as nesting, but this term does not limit the present embodiment. In the following description, cutting out components from a steel strip is also referred to as blanking, but this term does not limit the present embodiment.

[0013] <Configuration of Nesting Device> The configuration of the nesting device 1 will be specifically described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the nesting device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the nesting device 1 includes, for example, a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, a communication unit 30, an input unit 40, and an output unit 50.

[0014] (Communication Unit 30) The communication unit 30 is configured to communicate with devices external to the nesting device 1 via a communication line. The communication unit 30 transmits data supplied from the control unit 10 to other devices, and supplies data received from other devices to the control unit 10. The specific configuration of the communication line does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, but examples of the communication line include a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination thereof.

[0015] (Input Unit 40) The input unit 40 is configured to receive input to the nesting device 1. For example, the input unit 40 is configured to include input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touchpad. The input unit 40 may be configured to include an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) and to receive data from the input device via the interface.

[0016] (Output Unit 50) The output unit 50 is configured to perform output from the nesting device 1. The input unit 40 is configured to include an output device such as a display, a printer, or a touch panel, for example. The output unit 50 may be configured to include an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) and to output data to the output device via the interface.

[0017] (Storage unit 20) The storage unit 20 stores various types of information referenced by the control unit 10. Examples of such information include: steel material information SI, and blank information BI, as shown in FIG. 1. The storage unit 20 also stores various types of information derived by the control unit 10. Examples of such information include: derivation result DR, as shown in FIG. 1. The blank information, steel material information, and derivation result will be described below.

[0018] (Blank Information) The blank information BI is information including the shape of each of a plurality of blanks. The blank information also includes specification information regarding the specifications of at least one of the blanks. The specification information includes information regarding at least one mechanical test value for the at least one blank. The at least one mechanical test value includes values ​​related to at least one of the following: thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio, and surface finish. The specification information also includes information regarding the tolerance designation (also referred to as tolerance conditions) for the at least one mechanical test value.

[0019] The method of acquiring blank information by the nesting device 1 is not limited to this embodiment, but the blank information may be acquired from a single purchaser (client) via an ordering terminal, or may be acquired by integrating blank information acquired from multiple purchasers via their respective ordering terminals. In other words, the first acquisition unit 11, which will be described later, may be configured to acquire a portion of the blank information and another portion of the blank information via different acquisition routes.

[0020] If the configuration uses blank information obtained by integrating blank information obtained from multiple orderers, the diversity of information contained in the blank information increases, which tends to improve the degree of freedom in the layout combinations calculated by the calculation unit 13, which will be described later. In this way, the nesting device 1 according to the first embodiment can be suitably applied to nesting using blank information received from multiple orderers.

[0021] (Steel Product Information) The steel product information SI is information including the width of each of a plurality of steel strips, and is also referred to as steel strip information. As an example, the steel strip information is a mechanical test value corresponding to at least one mechanical test value included in the blank information, and includes information regarding the variation of the mechanical test values ​​of the steel strips. More specifically, the steel strip information includes values ​​regarding the variation (particularly the variation or distribution in the sheet width direction; the same applies below) of at least one of the following as information regarding the variation of the mechanical test values ​​of the steel strips corresponding to the mechanical test values ​​included in the blank information: sheet thickness; tensile strength; yield point; elongation; average plastic strain ratio; hole expansion ratio; and surface finish.

[0022] The specific method of managing the steel material information is not limited to this embodiment, but the following example can be given as an example. In many cases, steel strips are managed in the form of coils. In such cases, the above-mentioned steel material information may be associated with each coil and managed. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which different steel material information is associated with a certain steel strip coil and another steel strip coil, and the steel material information is stored in the storage unit 20.

[0023] (Derivation result) The derivation result DR includes a derivation result derived by the calculation unit 13 with reference to the blank information and the steel strip information, and includes, as an example, a combination of a steel strip on which at least one blank out of a plurality of blanks is arranged and the arrangement of the at least one blank in the steel strip. Specific examples of the derivation result by the calculation unit 13 will be described later.

[0024] (Control Unit 10) The control unit 10 controls each unit of the nesting device 1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 10 includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, and a calculation unit 13.

[0025] (First Acquisition Unit 11) The first acquisition unit 11 acquires blank information including the shape of each of the plurality of blank pieces. Specific examples of the blank information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 have been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0026] (Second Acquisition Unit 12) The second acquisition unit 12 acquires steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips. Specific examples of the steel strip information acquired by the second acquisition unit 12 have been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0027] (Calculation unit 13) The calculation unit 13 calculates a combination of a steel strip on which at least one blank of the plurality of blanks is to be arranged and the arrangement of the at least one blank on the steel strip, by referring to the blank information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 and the steel strip information acquired by the second acquisition unit 12. Here, the combination calculated by the calculation unit 13 includes: a combination of a steel strip and a blank; and an arrangement of the blank on the steel strip. Therefore, the combination may be referred to as an arrangement combination. The arrangement combination calculated by the calculation unit 13 is stored in the memory unit 20 as an example of the above-mentioned derivation result DR. Furthermore, the arrangement combination calculated by the calculation unit 13 is output to and referenced by another device via the output unit 50, for example. For example, the arrangement combination calculated by the calculation unit 13 is referenced by a blanking device that cuts out blanks from the steel strip, and blanks are cut out from the steel strip based on the arrangement combination.

[0028] <Outline of Processing by Nesting Apparatus 1> Figure 2 is a diagram showing an outline of processing by the nesting apparatus 1. In the example shown in Figure 2, a first acquisition unit 11 acquires blank information including the shape (blank shape) of each of a plurality of blanks BL1 to BL6. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 2, a second acquisition unit 12 acquires information on steel strips having steel strip widths a, b, c, d, e, and f as steel material information (steel strip information).

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 2, the calculation unit 13 calculates two placement combinations by referring to the blank information and the steel strip information. The first placement combination calculated by the calculation unit 13 places blanks BL1, BL3, and BL5 on a steel strip having a steel strip width b, as shown in the upper right part of Figure 2. The calculation unit 13 also calculates that the yield of this placement combination is 95%.

[0030] In this embodiment, the "yield" refers to, for example, the ratio of the area occupied by blanks to the area of ​​the steel strip. In other words, it refers to, for example, the value obtained by dividing the "area occupied by one or more blanks per length" by the "area of ​​the steel strip of that length."

[0031] On the other hand, the second arrangement combination calculated by the calculation unit 13 arranges blanks BL2, BL4, and BL6 on a steel strip having a width e, as shown in the lower right part of Figure 2. The calculation unit 13 also calculates that the yield of this arrangement combination is 95%.

[0032] In this way, the nesting device 1 refers to the blank information and the steel strip information to calculate a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of a plurality of blanks is to be placed and the placement of the at least one blank on the steel strip. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to increase the yield in blanking.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, as an example, multiple steel strips held in stock can be effectively utilized to cut out blanks, thereby shortening the period from receiving an order for a blank to delivery.

[0034] (Calculation Process Example 1) Next, a first example of the calculation process executed by the nesting device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a flow diagram showing the flow of this example. Figure 4 is a diagram showing multiple blank piece arrangement patterns derived in this example, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the arrangement patterns derived in this example and the blank piece specifications.

[0035] (Step S11) First, as shown in FIG. 3, in step S11, the first acquiring unit 11 acquires blank information.

[0036] (Step S12) Subsequently, in step S12, the second acquisition unit 12 acquires steel material information. Note that this step may be executed prior to step S11.

[0037] (Step S13) Subsequently, in step S13, the calculation unit 13 calculates a combination (arrangement combination) of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blanks is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank on the steel strip, by referring to the blank information acquired in step S11 and the steel material information acquired in step S12. Here, as one example, the calculation unit 13 may be configured to calculate the combination so that the specifications of at least one of the plurality of blanks are satisfied.

[0038] The calculation unit 13 also calculates the yield of the placement combination as information to be included in the placement combination or as information separate from the placement combination. Note that the calculation unit 13 may be configured to derive one placement combination or multiple placement combinations in this step.

[0039] Note that some mechanical test values ​​of the steel strip may differ depending on the direction of the steel strip. The calculation unit 13 may be configured to refer to the mechanical test values ​​for each of the multiple directions of the steel strip and calculate the combination so that the specifications of at least one of the multiple blanks are met.

[0040] (Step S14) Subsequently, in step S14, the calculation unit 13 determines whether the placement combination calculated in step S13 satisfies the specifications of the blank material included in the blank information acquired in step S11. If the placement combination satisfies the specifications of the blank material (YES in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15, and if not (NO in step S14), the process returns to step S13 and another placement combination is derived.

[0041] Although a specific example of the processing by the calculation unit 13 in this step is not limited to this embodiment, as an example, the following processing may be performed: Calculate the thickness distribution of each blank by referring to the arrangement combination calculated in step S13 and the thickness distribution (also called crown information) included in the steel information acquired in step S12, Determine whether the calculated thickness distribution satisfies the tolerance specification included in the blank information acquired in step S11, If ​​the thickness distribution satisfies the tolerance specification (YES in step S14), proceed to step S15, and if not (NO in step S14), return to step S13 and derive another arrangement combination. An example of crown information is the crown performance shown in FIG.

[0042] (Step S15) In step S15, the calculation unit 13 determines whether the yield of the layout combination calculated in step S14 and determined to satisfy the blank specifications satisfies predetermined conditions. If the layout combination satisfies the predetermined conditions (YES in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16; if not, the process returns to step S13, and another layout combination is derived.

[0043] (Step S16) In step S16, the calculation unit 13 outputs the layout combination calculated in step S13 that satisfies the blank specifications and that is determined to have a predetermined yield. The output layout combination is stored in the storage unit 20, for example.

[0044] As described above, the blank specification information includes information regarding the designation of the tolerance of at least one mechanical test value for at least one of the plurality of blanks, and the steel strip information includes information regarding the variation in the mechanical test value of the steel strip, which is a mechanical test value corresponding to the at least one mechanical test value.

[0045] Then, the calculation unit 13 executes the above-mentioned steps S13 to S15, thereby calculating the combination so that the specified tolerance is satisfied.

[0046] (Processing example 1-1 by calculation unit 13) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing examples of blank placement patterns calculated by the calculation unit 13 in step S13. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a placement pattern of blank A and blank B, and shows five specific placement patterns, placement patterns 1 to 5, calculated by the calculation unit 13.

[0047] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the results derived by the calculation unit 13 executing this processing example 1-1, and is a diagram showing the relationship between each arrangement pattern shown in Figure 4 and the specifications and yield of the blank material when each arrangement pattern is combined with each of multiple steel strips.

[0048] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the calculation unit 13 calculates arrangement combinations for steel strips having widths (plate widths) of 1400 mm, 1700 mm, and 1900 mm as steel strips having the crown performance shown in Fig. 7A. This example is suitable as an application example for a case where steel strips having these three plate widths are in stock and information about these three steel strips is included in the steel strip information.

[0049] Furthermore, if the width of the steel strip is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the diversity of the blank material arrangement patterns calculated by the calculation unit 13 increases. In this embodiment, when the width of the steel strip is less than 1500 mm, only one arrangement pattern can be applied, but when the width of the steel strip is 1500 mm or greater, three arrangement patterns can be applied. Generally, if the width of the steel strip is 1500 mm or greater, it is possible to calculate arrangement patterns with sufficient diversity for normal blank materials, so it is preferable that the width of the steel strip is 1500 mm or greater.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 5, five specifications, specifications a to e, are shown as specification information for the blank material, and whether or not the arrangement combination of each arrangement pattern and the steel strip satisfies each specification is also shown. In Figure 5, each specification includes, for example, at least one of the following: - Thickness tolerance of blank A - Thickness tolerance of blank B - Elongation specification of blank A in the L direction (longitudinal direction of the steel strip) - Elongation specification of blank A in the C direction (width direction of the steel strip). In Figure 5, each symbol in the specification column indicates the results calculated or determined by the calculation unit 13, and the meaning of each symbol is as follows: - O, ◎: Arrangement combination that satisfies the specifications - ◎: Arrangement combination output by the calculation unit 13 - ×: Arrangement combination that does not satisfy the specifications - : Arrangement combination in which the arrangement is not possible because the width of the arrangement pattern exceeds the strip width.

[0051] The example shown in Figure 5 also shows the yield calculated by the calculation unit 13 for each combination of arrangement pattern and steel strip. Here, in Figure 5, an "x" in the yield column indicates a case where the width of the arrangement pattern exceeds the plate width.

[0052] In the case of specification a, the tolerance conditions are relaxed, so that the strip can be used up to the strip edge, and the yield is 90% for the combination of arrangement pattern 4 and strip width 1700 and the combination of arrangement pattern 5 and strip width 1900. Since productivity improves when a strip with a larger strip width is used, the calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of arrangement pattern 5 and a steel strip with a strip width of 1900 mm.

[0053] In the case of specification b, the tolerance of blank A is stricter than in specification a, which reduces the number of options, and the calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of arrangement pattern 1 and plate width 1400, which maximizes the yield at 88%. Similarly, in the case of specification c, the tolerance of blank B is stricter than in specification b, and the calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of arrangement pattern 1 and plate width 1700, which maximizes the yield at 71%.

[0054] Specifications d and e are cases where the elongation is included in the steel strip information in addition to the thickness. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7B, the steel strip information includes the elongation in the rolling direction L and the width direction C, and the blank information includes the lower limit of the elongation.

[0055] Specification d is a case where the plate thickness tolerance is the same as specification a, and the blank material specifications specify that the elongation in the longitudinal direction of the blank is equal to or greater than ε shown in Figure 7B, and since the blank needs to be arranged so that the longitudinal direction L is the plate width direction C where the elongation is greater, arrangement patterns are limited to 1 and 2. Among these, the calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of arrangement pattern 2 and plate width 1900, which maximizes the yield at 85%.

[0056] Specification e is a case where the plate thickness tolerance is the same as specification b, and the blank material specifications specify that the elongation in the width direction of the blank is equal to or greater than ε shown in Figure 7B, and since the blank needs to be arranged so that the width direction C of the blank is the plate width direction C where the elongation is greatest, the arrangement patterns are limited to 3 and 4. Among these, the calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of arrangement pattern 4 and plate width 1900, which maximizes the yield at 80%.

[0057] The nesting conditions including the combinations output by the calculation unit 13 in this manner are stored in the storage unit 20 or output via the output unit 50, for example.

[0058] (Processing Example 1-2 by Calculation Unit 13) Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the results derived by the calculation unit 13 executing this processing example 1-2, and is a diagram showing the optimal strip width for each arrangement pattern shown in Figure 4, and the relationship between each arrangement pattern and the specifications and yield of the blank material. In the example shown in Figure 6, the calculation unit 13 selects the optimal strip width for the target arrangement pattern from multiple strip widths in 10 mm increments, for example. This can also be expressed as the calculation unit 13 deriving the optimal strip width for the target arrangement pattern. Here, the selection (derivation) process is performed with reference to steel strip information for steel strips having multiple strip widths as options. This example is suitable as an application example for a case where a steel strip with the strip width derived by the calculation unit 13 is manufactured, and after the manufacturing, blank materials are cut out from the steel strip.

[0059] In the case of specification a, the tolerance conditions are relaxed, so that the strip can be used up to the strip edge, and the yield is 95% for the combination of arrangement pattern 1 and strip width 1300, the combination of arrangement pattern 2 and strip width 1710, the combination of arrangement pattern 4 and strip width 1620, and the combination of arrangement pattern 5 and strip width 1810. Since productivity improves when a larger strip width is used, the calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of steel strip with arrangement pattern 5 and strip width 1810 mm.

[0060] In the case of specification b, the tolerance of blank A is stricter than in specification a, resulting in a pattern in which the yield decreases. The calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of arrangement pattern 2 and plate width 1710, which maximizes the yield at 95%. Similarly, in the case of specification c, the tolerance of blank B is stricter than in specification b, and the calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of arrangement pattern 5 and plate width 1920, which maximizes the yield at 89%.

[0061] Specifications d and e are cases where the elongation is included in the steel strip information in addition to the thickness. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7B, the steel strip information includes the elongation in the rolling direction L and the width direction C, and the blank information includes the elongation.

[0062] Specification d is a case where the plate thickness tolerance is the same as specification a, and the blank material specifications specify that the elongation in the longitudinal direction of the blank is equal to or greater than ε shown in Figure 7B. Since the blank needs to be arranged so that its longitudinal direction L is the same as the plate width direction C where elongation is greater, arrangement pattern 1 or 2 is limited. Furthermore, the combination of arrangement pattern 1 and plate width 1300 and the combination of arrangement pattern 2 and plate width 1710 result in a yield of 95%. Since using a larger plate width improves productivity, the calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of arrangement pattern 2 and a steel strip with a plate width of 1710 mm.

[0063] Specification e is a case where the plate thickness tolerance is the same as specification b, and the blank material specifications specify that the elongation in the blank width direction is equal to or greater than ε shown in Figure 7B. Since the blank needs to be arranged so that the width direction C is the plate width direction C where the elongation is greater, arrangement patterns are limited to 3 to 5. Furthermore, the combination of arrangement pattern 4 and a plate width of 1630 and the combination of arrangement pattern 5 and a plate width of 1820 result in the highest yield of 94%. Since using a larger plate width improves productivity, the calculation unit 13 outputs the combination of arrangement pattern 5 and a steel strip with a plate width of 1820 mm.

[0064] The nesting conditions including the combinations output by the calculation unit 13 in this manner are stored in the storage unit 20 or output via the output unit 50, for example.

[0065] In this way, the nesting device 1 refers to the blank information and the steel strip information to calculate a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of a plurality of blanks is to be placed and the placement of the at least one blank on the steel strip. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to increase the yield in blanking.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, as an example, multiple steel strips held in stock can be effectively utilized to cut out blanks, thereby shortening the period from receiving an order for a blank to delivery.

[0067] 3, the nesting device 1 according to this example changes the target steel material and repeats the processes of steps S12 to S16 using the steel material information related to the changed steel material.The calculation unit 13 then outputs a placement combination that satisfies a predetermined condition from among the combinations (placement combinations) of these multiple target steel materials and the placement of blanks on the target steel materials.As an example, the calculation unit 13 outputs a placement combination that has a yield equal to or greater than a predetermined value from among multiple placement combinations of steel materials that satisfy the blank material specifications and the placement of blanks.

[0068] As described above, in the processing according to this example, in step S11 shown in FIG. 3, blank information including the shape of each of the plurality of blank materials is acquired, and in step S12, steel strip information including the strip width of each of the plurality of steel strips is acquired, and in steps S13 to S16, the calculation unit 13 refers to the blank information and the steel strip information to calculate a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blank materials is to be arranged and the arrangement of that at least one blank material on that steel strip.

[0069] Therefore, the above-mentioned configuration can increase the yield rate in blanking. Also, the above-mentioned configuration can shorten the period from receiving an order for a blank to delivering it, since, for example, a plurality of steel strips held in stock can be effectively used to cut out blanks.

[0070] Furthermore, in the processing according to this example, the calculation unit 13 derives blank placement information so as to satisfy the tolerance conditions indicated by the blank information, by referring to: the blank information acquired in step S11 shown in Fig. 3; constraint conditions related to the position of the blanks derived by referring to the blank information acquired in step S11 and the steel material information acquired in step S12; and constraint conditions related to the orientation of the blanks derived by referring to the blank information acquired in step S11 and the steel material information acquired in step S12. Therefore, according to the nesting method including the above processing, in nesting technology for strip-shaped or plate-shaped steel materials, nesting can be performed so as to suitably satisfy the standards required for blanks.

[0071] [Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0072] (Nesting System) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a nesting system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8 , the nesting system 100 includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, a calculation unit 13, a storage unit 20, an input unit 40, and an output unit 50. The configurations of the first acquisition unit 11, the second acquisition unit 12, the calculation unit 13, the storage unit 20, the input unit 40, and the output unit 50 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the first acquisition unit 11, the second acquisition unit 12, the calculation unit 13, the storage unit 20, the input unit 40, and the output unit 50 are communicatively connected to one another via a communication network N. Examples of the communication network N are not intended to limit this embodiment, but include a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, a wide area network (WAN), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination thereof.

[0073] The nesting system 100 configured as above also provides the same effects as the nesting device 1 according to the above-described embodiment.

[0074] 8, a plurality of order terminals 111, 112, 113, etc. are connected to the nesting system 100 via a network N. Each of these order terminals may be operated by a different orderer, for example.

[0075] Generally, different orders result in differences in the blank shape and tolerance information indicated by the blank information. Therefore, as mentioned in the first embodiment, if blank information obtained by integrating blank information acquired from multiple orders is used, the diversity of information included in the blank information increases, which tends to improve the degree of freedom in nesting in the calculation unit 13. In this way, the nesting system 100 according to this embodiment can be suitably applied to nesting using blank information received from multiple orders.

[0076] [Embodiment 3] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0077] (Nesting System) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a nesting system (blanking system) 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the nesting system 100 according to this embodiment further includes a blanking device 60 in addition to the components included in the nesting system 100 shown in Fig. 8.

[0078] The blanking device 60 is a device that acquires the calculation result calculated by the calculation unit 13 and cuts out (blanks) one or more blanks from a strip-shaped or plate-shaped steel material so as to satisfy the calculation result. Note that, as a specific blanking method used by the blanking device 60, laser blanking technology can be adopted as an example, but this does not limit the present embodiment. Instead of part or all of the laser blanking, a die-punching technology may also be adopted.

[0079] According to the nesting system 100 configured as described above, in nesting technology for strip-shaped or plate-shaped steel materials, nesting is performed so as to preferably meet the standards required for blank materials, and blank materials can be preferably cut out based on the nesting.

[0080] <Additional Notes Regarding Effects of Each Embodiment> Although some of the effects have already been described, the effects achieved by each of the above-described embodiments will be described below.

[0081] (Effect 1) First, as described above, conventionally, manufacturers who perform blanking based on requests from clients decide the blanking arrangement of the blank material on the steel strip and order coils with the corresponding sheet width. Usually, it takes a long time from the ordering of the coils to their arrival, so it tends to take a long time to deliver the blank material to the client.

[0082] In general, the properties and dimensions of a steel strip may vary slightly at different locations within the strip. For example, a steel strip has a thickness distribution in the width direction called a crown, and the thickness at the edges tends to be smaller than that at the center in the width direction. Therefore, depending on the required specifications of the blank material, it may not be possible to use the entire width edge, which may result in a lower yield.

[0083] The blanking techniques according to the above-described embodiments can increase the yield rate in blanking. Furthermore, the above configurations can, for example, effectively utilize multiple steel strips held in stock to cut out blanks, thereby shortening the time from receiving an order for a blank to delivering it.

[0084] (Effect 2) Conventionally, strip- or plate-shaped steel materials have typically been shipped and transported in coil form, followed by slitting and blanking. This process tends to increase the overall number of processes and also creates issues such as scrap generation at each process. On the other hand, for example, the nesting system 100 according to embodiment 3 can be installed within the same factory. This configuration allows for shipping and transport in blank form rather than in coil form, thereby reducing the generation of excess carbon dioxide during transportation. Furthermore, it is easy to reuse the generated scrap, and as a result, the generation of scrap steel can be minimized, thereby effectively reducing the generation of carbon dioxide during steel production.

[0085] (Effect 3) Furthermore, the above-described technology calculates nesting conditions by referencing steel material information. Therefore, the steel material information includes information about the quality and defects of the steel material, and nesting conditions can be calculated by referencing this information. This effectively prevents defects from occurring in the blanks produced or the quality from falling below standards.

[0086] (Effect 4) Furthermore, according to the nesting system 100 according to the third embodiment, which has been described as an example, a series of processes from when the client places an order to when the blank material is cut out can be automatically performed in the nesting system 100. Therefore, compared to the conventional process in which the blank material is shipped and transported in a coiled state and then processed, it is possible to significantly shorten the construction time until the blank material is cut out.

[0087] [Example of implementation by software] The functions of the nesting device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 10).

[0088] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the program using the control device and storage device.

[0089] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0090] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0091] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0093] <Summary> The invention described in this specification includes the following configurations.

[0094] (Mode 1) A calculation method including: a first acquisition step of acquiring blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blank materials; a second acquisition step of acquiring steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation step of calculating, by referring to the blank information and the steel strip information, a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blank materials is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank material on the steel strip.

[0095] According to the above configuration, the blank information and the steel strip information are referenced to calculate a combination (arrangement combination) of the steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blank materials is arranged and the arrangement of the at least one blank material on the steel strip, thereby increasing the yield in blanking.

[0096] (Aspect 2) The calculation method according to Aspect 1, wherein the blank information includes specification information regarding specifications of the at least one blank piece, and the calculation step calculates the combination so that the specification of the at least one blank piece is satisfied.

[0097] According to the above configuration, the combination is calculated so that the specifications of at least one of the blank pieces are satisfied, so that the arrangement combination can be calculated so as to preferably satisfy the standards required of the blank pieces.

[0098] (Aspect 3) The calculation method according to Aspect 2, wherein the specification information includes information relating to at least one mechanical test value for the at least one blank material, and the at least one mechanical test value includes a value relating to at least one of plate thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio, and surface finish.

[0099] According to the above configuration, the at least one mechanical test value includes values ​​related to at least one of plate thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio, and surface finish, so that a configuration combination can be calculated that optimally meets the standards required for the blank material.

[0100] (Aspect 4) A calculation method according to aspect 3, wherein the specification information includes information regarding a tolerance specification for the at least one mechanical test value, the steel strip information includes information regarding a mechanical test value corresponding to the at least one mechanical test value and a variability in the mechanical test value of the steel strip, and the calculation step calculates the combination so that the tolerance specification is satisfied.

[0101] According to the above configuration, the combination is calculated so that the specified tolerance is satisfied, so that the arrangement combination can be calculated so as to preferably satisfy the standards required for the blank material.

[0102] (Aspect 5) The calculation method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of steel strips includes a steel strip having a strip width of 1500 mm or more.

[0103] The above configuration has the advantage that it is possible to calculate candidates for arrangements with sufficient diversity for blanks that are normally required.

[0104] (Aspect 6) The calculation method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein in the first acquisition step, a portion of the blank information and another portion of the blank information are acquired via different acquisition routes.

[0105] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the variety of blank information increases, so that more suitable nesting can be performed to meet the standards required for the blank material.

[0106] (Aspect 7) A calculation device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blank materials; a second acquisition unit that acquires steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation unit that, by referring to the blank information and the steel strip information, calculates a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blank materials is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank material on the steel strip.

[0107] According to the above configuration, the blank information and the steel strip information are referenced to calculate a combination (arrangement combination) of the steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blank materials is arranged and the arrangement of the at least one blank material on the steel strip, thereby increasing the yield in blanking.

[0108] (Aspect 8) A blanking system including a calculation device and a blanking device, wherein the calculation device comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blank materials; a second acquisition unit that acquires steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation unit that refers to the blank information and the steel strip information to calculate a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blank materials is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank material on the steel strip, and the blanking device cuts out the at least one blank material from the steel strip so as to satisfy the combination calculated by the calculation unit.

[0109] According to the above configuration, the yield in blanking can be increased.

[0110] (Aspect 9) A program for causing a computer to execute a calculation method, the program causing the computer to execute: a first acquisition step of acquiring blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blank materials; a second acquisition step of acquiring steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation step of calculating, by referring to the blank information and the steel strip information, a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blank materials is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank material on the steel strip.

[0111] According to the above configuration, the blank information and the steel strip information are referenced to calculate a combination (arrangement combination) of the steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blank materials is arranged and the arrangement of the at least one blank material on the steel strip, thereby increasing the yield in blanking.

[0112] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 nesting device 10 control unit 11 first acquisition unit 12 second acquisition unit 13 calculation unit 20 storage unit 30 communication unit 40 input unit 50 output unit 100 nesting system

Claims

1. A calculation method comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blanks; a second acquisition step of acquiring steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation step of calculating, by referring to the blank information and the steel strip information, a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blanks is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank on the steel strip, wherein the blank information includes specification information related to the specifications of the at least one blank, and the calculation step calculates the combination so that the specifications of the at least one blank are satisfied, and the specification information includes information related to at least one mechanical test value related to the at least one blank, and the at least one mechanical test value includes a value related to at least any of plate thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio, and surface finish.

2. A calculation method as described in claim 1, wherein the specification information includes information regarding a tolerance specification for the at least one mechanical test value, the steel strip information includes information regarding a mechanical test value corresponding to the at least one mechanical test value and a variability in the mechanical test value of the steel strip, and the calculation step calculates the combination so that the tolerance specification is satisfied.

3. The calculation method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of steel strips includes a steel strip having a width of 1500 mm or more.

4. A calculation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the first acquisition step, a portion of the blank information and another portion of the blank information are acquired via different acquisition routes.

5. A calculation device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blanks; a second acquisition unit that acquires steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation unit that refers to the blank information and the steel strip information to calculate a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blanks is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank on the steel strip, wherein the blank information includes specification information related to the specifications of the at least one blank, and the calculation unit calculates the combination so that the specifications of the at least one blank are satisfied, and the specification information includes information related to at least one mechanical test value related to the at least one blank, and the at least one mechanical test value includes a value related to at least any of plate thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio and surface finish.

6. A blanking system including a calculation device and a blanking device, wherein the calculation device comprises: a first acquisition unit that acquires blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blanks; a second acquisition unit that acquires steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation unit that refers to the blank information and the steel strip information to calculate a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blanks is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank on the steel strip, wherein the blank information includes specification information related to the specifications of the at least one blank, and the calculation unit calculates the combination so that the specifications of the at least one blank are satisfied, and the specification information includes information related to at least one mechanical test value related to the at least one blank, and the at least one mechanical test value includes a value related to at least any of plate thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio and surface finish, and the blanking device and cutting out at least one of the blank materials from the steel strip so as to satisfy the combination calculated by the calculation unit.

7. A program for causing a computer to execute a calculation method, the program causing the computer to execute the following steps: a first acquisition step of acquiring blank information including the shape of each of a plurality of blanks; a second acquisition step of acquiring steel strip information including the strip width of each of a plurality of steel strips; and a calculation step of calculating, by referring to the blank information and the steel strip information, a combination of a steel strip on which at least one of the plurality of blanks is to be arranged and an arrangement of the at least one blank on the steel strip, wherein the blank information includes specification information related to the specifications of the at least one blank, and the calculation step calculates the combination so that the specifications of the at least one blank are satisfied, and the specification information includes information related to at least one mechanical test value related to the at least one blank, and the at least one mechanical test value includes a value related to at least one of plate thickness, tensile strength, yield point, elongation, average plastic strain ratio, hole expansion ratio and surface finish.

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