Machine management method and machine component

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine management method (16) for carrying out planned activities (68) and unplanned activities (80) on a machine (12), in which workpieces (26) are produced and sorted according to a predetermined process plan (28), in which a production time of the workpieces (26) is predetermined by a machine management system (14) on the basis of production process data of a machining device (18), and in which the production time of the workpieces (26) is determined by the machine management system (14) on the basis of the production process data of the machining device (18). The machine management system (14) determines the manufacturing time and the extraction time for sorting the workpieces (26) on the basis of the extraction process data, and wherein the machine management system (14) changes a process plan (28) for the planned activity (68) on the basis of a comparison of the manufacturing time and the extraction time and transmits the process plan to a controller (46, 48) of the machine (12). The invention also relates to a machine component (10) configured for performing a machine management method (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a machine management method for performing an activity on a machine, wherein workpieces are manufactured by a processing device according to a predetermined process plan during a planned activity of the machine, and the manufactured workpieces are sorted from a removal area of ​​the machine into a storage area of ​​the removal device according to the predetermined process plan during another planned activity of the machine. The invention also relates to a machine component having a machine management system for performing such a machine management method. Background Art

[0002] Although not necessarily disclosed in the prior art, such methods and machines are sufficiently known to the applicant from the prior art.

[0003] Downtime and machine failure often result in significant economic losses and productivity losses. Therefore, machines are often run in a predetermined process plan to reduce time losses caused by manual operation and increase the level of automation.

[0004] Usually, in order to prevent downtimes, the predetermined process plans have a tight cycle in time and are optimized with respect to the desired productivity of the respective machine. As a result, important condition maintenance activities on the machine, such as maintenance, cleaning, diagnostics and / or calibration activities, are often not adequately taken into account, which increases the risk of machine failure and / or insufficient manufacturing quality. In addition, even in the case of predetermined process plans, unavoidable machine downtimes may occur if, for example, raw materials for manufacturing must be provided or a manufactured workpiece must be removed from the machine.

[0005] Furthermore, the predetermined process plans only enable an inadequate forecasting of the actual process of machine operation. For example, unforeseen circumstances, disruptions or necessary maintenance or diagnostic measures can lead to unplanned downtimes, which necessitate complex changes to the process plan. During reorganization, condition-based maintenance activities are often eliminated from the changed process in favor of higher machine productivity.

[0006] A different type of prior art is known from DE 10 2013 217 911 A1, which describes a tool head with an integrated operating data acquisition device. The operating data acquisition device collects data in order to plan maintenance intervals for the tool head. Downtimes can thus be stored. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device by means of which downtimes can be avoided and the productivity can be kept at a high level.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a machine tending method according to claim 1. This object is also achieved according to the invention by a machine component according to claim 14 .

[0009] In other words, the underlying task is achieved by a machine management method for executing planned activities on a machine, wherein workpieces are manufactured by a processing device according to a predetermined process plan during a planned activity of the machine, and the manufactured workpieces are sorted from a removal area of ​​the machine into a storage area according to the predetermined process plan during another planned activity of the machine,

[0010] wherein the manufacturing time for the workpiece is predetermined by the machine management system based on the manufacturing process data of the processing device, and the removal time for sorting the workpiece is predetermined by the machine management system based on the removal process data, and

[0011] In this case, a sequence plan for the planned activities is changed by the machine management system based on the comparison of the production time with the removal time and is transmitted to the control of the machine.

[0012] The method according to the invention thus provides for the predetermination of the start time, end time and duration of a machine activity, so that the actual machine process can be determined more accurately. By comparison with the predetermined process, the predetermination can have deviations from the planned process. Deviations may appear in the form of downtimes of the machine or at least of subcomponents of the machine and can then be used to improve productivity, manufacturing quality and / or machine status by changing the process plan.

[0013] Compared to conventional machine management methods, the process data of the machine is used to predetermine the manufacturing time and the removal time. This enables the machine management system to predetermine the manufacturing time and the removal time more accurately.

[0014] In addition, it can be provided that, when comparing the production time with the removal time, the loading time for loading the machine with the raw material is taken into account. In order to predetermine the loading time, the loading time process data of the machine can be used.

[0015] Planned activities are understood to be activities that are specified in a predetermined process plan and are to be performed by the machine. Planned activities typically include the execution of value-added activities, such as manufacturing workpieces and / or removing workpieces. In addition, non-value-added activities, such as condition maintenance activities such as maintenance, diagnostics, cleaning and / or calibration activities, may also be planned.

[0016] Extraction process data, loading process data and manufacturing process data usually originate from a machine, the actual process of which is predetermined by a machine management system. Extraction process data, loading process data and / or manufacturing process data can be detected manually and / or stored in the machine and / or machine management system, for example.

[0017] The manufactured workpieces can be removed from the machine manually or by the operator. Preferably, the manufactured workpieces are sorted by a removal device. The manufactured workpieces can be removed from the removal area of ​​the machine and stored in the storage area of ​​the removal device. This further improves the automation of the machine.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the machine tending method, it is provided that the production of the workpieces by the processing device is carried out simultaneously with the removal of the produced workpieces, in particular by the removal device. For this purpose, the produced workpieces are preferably transferred from the processing area of ​​the processing device to a removal area of ​​the processing device that is spaced apart in position. The released processing area can then be occupied by new sheet materials or raw materials from which the workpieces are produced. This makes it possible to sort the already produced workpieces in parallel while producing further workpieces. Compared with a sequential method, this can significantly increase the productivity.

[0019] In addition, in a preferred further improvement of the machine management method, the process plan is changed by adapting the manufacturing time of the processing device to the removal time, especially the removal time of the removal device. This is particularly important when the manufacturing time is significantly shortened relative to the removal time. By adjusting the manufacturing time or slowing down the manufacture of the workpiece by the processing device, the manufacturing quality of the workpiece can be improved. In addition, the process reliability can be improved by reducing the manufacturing speed of the machine. In addition, the machine can be operated within a lower consumption operating range, which can have a positive impact on the use of electricity and / or water consumption, cooling and other media. In a similar manner, it can be set so that the removal time matches the significantly longer manufacturing time. Thus, in a similar manner, the operational reliability when removing the workpiece from the removal area can be improved, removal failures can be prevented, and the use of energy and / or media can be reduced.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the machine management method, it is provided that the machine management system predetermines downtimes of the processing device and / or the removal device, wherein the machine management system changes the process plan by adding at least one unplanned activity during the downtime. The downtime preferably comprises the duration of the downtime and the starting point in time at which the downtime occurs. In order to prevent the expected downtime, it is provided in this case that additional activities are performed by the machine and / or the operator during this time period. The unplanned activities can, for example, include the production of additional workpieces, which can further increase the productivity of the machine.

[0021] Unplanned activities represent additional activities to be performed by the machine and / or operator that are not provided for in the predetermined process plan. Planned activities can also be added to the process plan in the form of unplanned activities. Unplanned activities are usually recurring functions that ensure that the machine can operate in optimal conditions.

[0022] Preferably, the machine management system can add unplanned activities in a distributed manner over multiple discontinuous downtimes. For example, it can be provided that, in the case of axis diagnosis for multiple machining axes of a machine, a separate diagnosis is performed for each machining axis of the machine during one downtime. This can further improve production efficiency.

[0023] A further development of the machine management method is preferred, in which the machine management system increases the downtime for performing at least one added unplanned activity by shifting the successive planned activities of the processing device and / or the removal device in time, in particular by changing the process sequence or the sequence of the planned activities. In other words, the planned activities are shifted so that two predetermined downtimes coincide with a common time period. As a result, unplanned activities that last too long for only one predetermined downtime period can be added to the process plan without production being invalidated. The time period for performing unplanned activities can also overlap with planned activities of the machine that are not relevant in terms of process technology. For example, it can be provided that the time period of diagnostic activities overlaps with the time period of pallet change activities, because the diagnosis is independent of the pallet change.

[0024] A preferred further development of the machine management method also provides that unplanned activities are added in the form of activities for monitoring and / or maintaining the state of the machine, in particular in the form of diagnostic activities, cleaning activities, calibration activities and / or lubrication activities. With the aid of diagnostic activities in the form of unplanned activities, impending failures of the machine can be eliminated at an early stage. Maintenance work can help prevent damage to the machine in a preventive manner. This means that any required maintenance measures can be carried out at a given time without production failures. Long failure times due to postponed condition maintenance activities are avoided.

[0025] It can also be provided that subsequent production is carried out within the scope of unplanned secondary activities due to unforeseen events. This can effectively prevent the replanning of the established process plan.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the machine management method, the production process data and / or the extraction process data are detected during the operation of the machine and evaluated by the machine management system. This enables the downtime to be predetermined even more accurately and to be flexibly adapted to possible disturbances occurring during the operation of the machine.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the machine management method, the machine management system determines the manufacturing time of at least one other machine based on the manufacturing process data of the other machine, and the machine management system determines the removal time of the other machine based on the removal process data of the other machine, and the machine management system changes the process plan of the planned activities based on the determined manufacturing time and the determined removal time and transmits the process plan to the controller of the corresponding machine. In other words, the machine management system can be used for two or more machines, especially a large number of machines, at the same time. This can reduce the cost of the machine management system.

[0028] In a preferred development of the machine management method, the machine management system transfers at least one planned activity from the process plan of a machine to the process plan of another machine as an unplanned activity, wherein at least one unplanned activity is added to the process plan of the machine instead of the transferred planned activity. This makes it possible to organize activities in a distributed manner across a plurality of machines. This enables activities to be redistributed during production peaks, in the event of machine failures and / or when urgent maintenance activities are being carried out. Thus, productivity losses can be reduced or completely prevented.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the machine tending method, the manufacturing time is generated as a function of the workpiece material, the workpiece thickness, the workpiece geometry, at least one manufacturing parameter of the machining device when manufacturing the workpiece, the manufacturing time, the state of the workpiece support, the position of the sheet on the pallet changer, faults occurring during manufacturing and / or manual interruptions during the manufacturing of the workpiece. In addition, the use of additional manufacturing process data can be provided. However, the manufacturing process data mentioned above have proven to be particularly useful in predetermining the manufacturing time.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of the machine tending method, the removal time is generated as a function of the workpiece material of the removed workpiece, the workpiece thickness of the removed workpiece, the number of removed workpieces, the number of different workpiece geometries of the removed workpieces, the workpiece geometry, the position of the sheet on the pallet changer, the movement of the removal device over the sheet during the removal of the workpiece and / or the number of workpiece removals. In addition, the use of additional removal process data can be provided. However, the previously mentioned removal process data have proven to be particularly useful in predetermining the removal time.

[0031] It is further preferred that the removal time can be generated depending on the raw material, the size of the raw material, in particular the thickness and / or the position of the raw material on the pallet changer. In addition, the use of additional loading process data can be provided. However, the above-mentioned loading process data have proven to be particularly useful in predicting the loading time. Preferably, when comparing the manufacturing time with the removal time, the loading time for loading the machine with the raw material can be taken into account. The loading time can be partially or completely attributed to the removal time and / or the manufacturing time. The loading time can vary depending on the raw material, in particular the size of the raw material. Preferably, the loading time, in particular the loading time of the raw material, can be determined by means of the planned manufacturing of the workpiece to be carried out by the machine. The downtime can thereby be predetermined even more accurately.

[0032] Further preferred is an embodiment of the machine management method in which the machine management system has a self-learning algorithm, in particular a neural network. This makes it possible to take into account a large number of influencing variables or process data for the production time and removal time to be predetermined, which makes the determination even more precise. In addition, the self-learning algorithm can be used to take into account a large number of influencing variables or process data for the possible loading time. This can further increase the accuracy of the prediction.

[0033] Preferably, the self-learning algorithm is trained using a large amount of manufacturing process data and extraction process data, the influence of which on the predetermined manufacturing time, loading time and / or the predetermined extraction time is known. In order to determine the influence of process data on the manufacturing time, loading time and / or extraction time, for example, a predetermined process plan of the machine can be used as a basis. In this case, for example, the theoretically required time in the predetermined process plan can be compared with the actual measured time for the activity, and the deviation can be evaluated as the influence of the influencing variable on the manufacturing time, loading time and / or extraction time. Preferably, the process data are collected over multiple process cycles to increase the accuracy of the predetermination. The process data can be provided manually by an operator or automatically by a machine. The process data are preferably transmitted from multiple machines and / or operators to a central data memory by means of known data transmission, and the central data memory is used as the basis for the self-learning algorithm.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the machine tending method, it is provided that the machine tending method is adapted for implementation on a flat-bed machine tool, in particular a laser beam cutting device or a punching device.

[0035] The underlying task is also achieved by a machine assembly having at least one machine and a machine management system, wherein the machine has a processing device which is designed to manufacture workpieces according to a predetermined process plan, and wherein the machine management system is configured to carry out the above-mentioned machine management method.

[0036] Preferably, the machine has a removal device which is designed to sort the workpieces from a removal area of ​​the machine into a storage area of ​​the removal device. This can increase the degree of automation.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the machine assembly, the machine is designed as a flatbed machine tool, in particular as a laser beam cutting device or a punching device. Such a device is particularly suitable for carrying out a machine tending method.

[0038] Further preferred is an embodiment of the machine arrangement in which the machine arrangement has two or more, in particular a plurality of, machines. This can reduce the costs of the machine management system and increase the efficiency of the machine management method.

[0039] Further features and advantages of the invention can be found in the description, the claims and the drawings. According to the invention, the features mentioned above and the features yet to be further described can be used alone or together in any desired advantageous combination in each case. The embodiments shown and described should not be understood as an exhaustive enumeration, but should be understood as having an exemplary character for describing the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 A machine assembly according to the invention with a machine and a machine management system is shown in a perspective view.

[0041] Figure 2 The method according to the invention is shown in a schematic flow chart.

[0042] Figure 3 An exemplary predetermined sequence plan for a machine with planned activities is shown schematically.

[0043] Figure 4 The actual flow of planned activities on the machine is shown schematically.

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first exemplary modified process plan with an unplanned activity added by the machine management system is shown.

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a second exemplary modified process plan with planned activities shifted in time and added unplanned activities is shown.

[0046] Figure 7 The schematic diagram shows a third exemplary modified process plan of a partial process plan with two machines, wherein planned activities from one machine are transferred to the other machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 A machine assembly 10 having a machine 12 and a machine management system 14 is shown to illustrate a machine management method 16 according to the present invention (see Figure 2 ).

[0048] The machine 12 , here a flatbed machine tool, has a processing device 18 in the form of a laser cutting machine, a removal device 20 , a removal area 22 of the processing device 18 and a storage area 24 of the removal device 20 . Figure 1 The machine 12 shown is to be understood as an exemplary embodiment. The feature description given here and below can be transferred to a punching machine, for example.

[0049] The processing device 18, which is designed in an exemplary manner, is designed to process the process according to a predetermined process plan 28 (see Figure 3 ) to manufacture workpieces 26 (for the sake of clarity, only one workpiece 26 is provided with a reference numeral). In order to monitor the manufacture of the workpieces 26, the flatbed machine 18 has a monitoring sensor device 30. The monitoring sensor device 30 can have a plurality of measuring devices, not shown in detail, which are configured to measure different manufacturing process data during the manufacture of the workpieces 26. For example, the workpiece material, the workpiece thickness, the workpiece geometry, the state of the workpiece support 32 and / or the position of the sheet 34 on the pallet changer 36 can be determined. In addition, it can be provided that these and other manufacturing process data are provided, such as the manufacturing time, the stored manufacturing parameters for manufacturing the workpiece 26, faults occurring during the manufacturing and / or manual interruption of the machine 12, in particular the processing device 18 and / or the removal device 20.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, a workpiece 26 previously produced in the machining device 18 is positioned on a workpiece support 32 in the removal region 22. The workpiece support 32 has, for example, a web support, as shown.

[0051] The removal device 20 designed by way of example has a gripper 38 which is movably arranged on an arm 40 and can be moved along an axis 44 between the removal area 22 and the storage area 24 by means of a guide rail 42. The gripper 38 can be moved translationally and rotationally relative to the arm 40.

[0052] The sorting of the workpieces 26 is predetermined in the process plan 28 and is performed by the gripper 38, which is moved by the removal control 46 of the removal device 20 until the workpieces 26 are removed from the removal area 22 and deposited in the storage area 24. The gripper 38 moves, for example, along the axis 44 above the removal area 22 and deflects in the vertical direction until the workpiece 26. The gripper 38 then grips, for example, one of the workpieces 26 and then moves upward in the vertical direction. The gripper 38 then moves along the axis 44 into the storage area 24 and deflects in the same manner here in order to deposit the picked-up workpiece 26.

[0053] The machine management system 14 is constructed as independent components, such as Figure 1 It can also be provided that the machine management system 14 is integrated into the machine 12, in particular into the removal controller 46 and / or the processing controller 48 of the processing device 18. In any case, the machine management system 14 is configured and constructed for communication with the machine 12. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the machine management system 14 forms a central controller of the machine 12, in particular a central controller of the processing device 18 and the removal device 20.

[0054] The predetermined process plan 28 can be stored for the entire machine 10 or a partial process plan can be set. For example, a partial process plan 50 (see Figure 3 ) as a manufacturing plan 52 (see Figure 3 ) and stores it in the processing controller 48 of the processing device 18, and can provide another partial process plan 50 as a removal process plan 54 (see Figure 3 ) and stores it in the taking-out controller 46 of the taking-out device 20.

[0055] A conventional method for manufacturing and removing workpieces 26 from a machine 12 can provide a process plan 28 in which workpieces 26 located on a pallet are manufactured as planned in the processing device 18, while already manufactured workpieces 26 located on another pallet are sorted as planned by the removal device 20. In other words, the manufacturing and removal of workpieces 26 can be carried out simultaneously or in parallel with each other. Once the planned activities of the machine 12 are completed, the completely removed pallet can be stored in the magazine 56. The pallet with the manufactured workpieces 26 can then take up a position in the removal area 22 of the processing device 18 via the pallet changer 36, and another pallet with workpieces 26 to be manufactured from the sheet 34 is supplied to the processing device 18. This method has a particularly high manufacturing rate.

[0056] Apart from Figure 1In addition to the illustrated automatic removal by the removal device 20, it can also be provided that the produced workpieces 26 are sorted manually by the operator of the machine 12. The removal device 20 can be omitted.

[0057] Figure 2 An exemplary sequence of a machine management method 16 according to the present invention is shown in a schematic diagram.

[0058] According to method step 58, a predetermined number of units for processing by the processing device 18 (see Figure 1 ) Manufacturing workpiece 26 (see Figure 1 ) is determined. For this purpose, manufacturing process data are provided, based on which the machine management system 14 determines or calculates the manufacturing time. In other words, the actual manufacturing time for removing the workpiece 26 can be determined, which actual manufacturing time may deviate from the manufacturing time assumed in the predetermined process plan 28. The predetermined manufacturing time can include a forecast of the start of manufacturing, the end of manufacturing and / or the duration of manufacturing.

[0059] In a further method step 60, a method for removing the device 20 (see Figure 1 ) The removal time for removing the workpiece 26. For this purpose, removal process data are provided, based on which the machine management system 14 determines or calculates the removal time. In other words, the actual removal time for removing the workpiece 26 can be determined, which may deviate from the predetermined process plan 28 (see Figure 3 ) The pre-determined removal time may include a prediction of the start of removal, the end of removal and / or the duration of removal.

[0060] Thus, by means of a predetermined removal time and a predetermined production time, unknown influences on the processing or removal speed before the start of production or removal, such as disturbances and / or deviations, can be taken into account during the operation of the machine.

[0061] The order of method steps 58 , 60 is to be understood as an example and can be exchanged, for example. Furthermore, it can be provided that method steps 58 , 60 are performed simultaneously.

[0062] After the predetermination of the production time and the removal time according to method steps 58 , 60 , there is method step 62 , in which the predetermined production time is compared with the predetermined removal time. Deviations from the predetermined sequence plan 28 can be determined in this process.

[0063] In a further method step 64, it is then provided that the predetermined sequence plan 28 is changed by the machine management system 14. For this purpose, the machine management system 14 can, for example, directly access the stored sequence plan 28 and modify it, in particular automatically, during execution by the machine 12. Another embodiment provides that the predetermined sequence plan 28 is changed only after approval by the operator of the machine 12.

[0064] It can also be provided that the machine management system 14 creates a modified process plan 66 (see Figure 5 ). This changed sequence plan can then be stored, for example, by the machine management system 14, in particular automatically stored in the machine 12. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the changed sequence plan 66 must first be confirmed by the operator of the machine 12.

[0065] Figure 3 An exemplary predetermined process plan 28 for a machine 12 is shown, which has two partial process plans 50. The process plan 28 or the partial process plan 50 provides planned activities 68. The first partial process plan 50 is implemented as a manufacturing process plan 52, and the second partial process plan 50 is implemented as a removal process plan 54. The manufacturing process plan 52 has three manufacturing activities 70. The manufacturing activities 70 each start, for example, with the production of a first workpiece 26 in a sheet 34 newly supplied to the processing device 18 and end with the production of a final workpiece 26 from this sheet 34.

[0066] The removal process plan 54 has three removal activities 72. The removal activities 72 each begin, for example, with the removal of a first workpiece 26 produced and located in the removal area 22 and end with the removal of the last workpiece 26.

[0067] According to the process plan 28 shown, the production activity 70 and the removal activity 72 are planned in chronological order one after the other and are separated by a pallet changing activity 74. The pallet changing activity 74 has the following steps: storing the sorted pallets in the warehouse 56 (see Figure 1 ) in; positioning the pallet having the manufactured workpiece 26 in the removal area 22; and supplying a new sheet material 34 to the processing device 18.

[0068] The manufacturing time of the manufacturing activity 70 and the removal time of the removal activity 72 are coordinated according to the illustrated process plan 28. In other words, the predetermined process plan 28 represents the ideal process of manufacturing and removal.

[0069] Figure 4An exemplary actual process 76 for producing and removing a workpiece 26 is shown, which has a partial process plan 50 designed as a production process plan 52 and a second partial process plan 50 designed as a removal process plan 54. The removal activity 72 and the production activity 70 are each separated from one another by a pallet changing activity 74.

[0070] The removal activity 72 has a significantly reduced removal time relative to the manufacturing time of the manufacturing activity 70. The reduced removal time can be controlled by the machine management system 14 (see Figure 1 ) is predetermined, and the time point of the downtime 78 and the duration of the downtime 78 can be determined.

[0071] The predetermined process plan 28 can then be changed by the machine management system 14 . For example, the production speed of the processing device 18 can be increased so that a greater number of workpieces 26 can be produced by the machine 12 .

[0072] On the contrary, what may happen in another actual process 76 is that the manufacturing time is significantly shortened compared to the removal time. In this case, it can be provided that, for example, the manufacturing speed of the processing device 18 is reduced, so that a higher manufacturing quality of the workpiece 26 can be achieved.

[0073] Figure 5 The machine management system 14 is shown based on Figure 4 The actual process 76 shown is the changed process plan 66. The machine management system 14 is in a downtime 78 (see Figure 4 ) time period, unplanned activities 80 are added to the removal process plan 54. The unplanned activities 80 may be in the form of maintenance activities, cleaning activities, calibration activities, and / or diagnostic activities, for example.

[0074] Unplanned activities 80 can be distributed over multiple downtimes 78. In addition, another unplanned activity can be set during each downtime 78.

[0075] Figure 6 An exemplary further modified sequence plan 66 is shown which is based on a significantly shorter production time of a production activity 70 compared to a removal time of a removal activity 72 .

[0076] The removal activity 72 of the removal process plan 54 is unchanged relative to the predetermined process plan 28. The manufacturing process plan 52 is changed in such a way that the start of the second manufacturing activity 70 takes place later than planned. This results in an extension of the time period between the first manufacturing activity and the second manufacturing activity 70, which can be used to perform the more time-consuming unplanned activity 80. The unplanned activity 80 can be selected so that the pallet change activity 74 can be performed without being affected.

[0077] Figure 7 A further modified process plan 66 is shown by way of example, having four partial process plans 50 , wherein the production process plan 52 a and the removal process plan 54 a as well as the production process plan 52 b and the removal process plan 54 b are executed on different machines 12 .

[0078] according to Figure 7 , the machine management system 14 can predetermine downtimes 78 in the manufacturing process plan 52a. The predetermined downtimes 78 can be set for transfer activities 68, here manufacturing activities 70 and pallet change activities 74. This can provide a time period for performing unplanned activities 80 in the manufacturing process 52b. Particularly advantageously, in this way required maintenance, calibration, diagnosis and / or cleaning can be performed without manufacturing failures.

[0079] Reference numerals list

[0080] Machine assembly 10; Axis 44;

[0081] The machine 12; the take-out controller 46 of the take-out device 14;

[0082] The machine management system 14; The processing controller 48 of the processing device 18;

[0083] Machine management method 16; Partial process plan 50 of process plan 28;

[0084] Processing device 18; Manufacturing process plan 52, 52a, 52b;

[0085] Removal device 20; Removal process plan 54, 54a, 54b;

[0086] a take-out area 22 of the machine 12; a magazine 56;

[0087] Removing the storage area 24 of the device 20; Method steps 58, 60, 62, 64;

[0088] Workpiece 26; Changed process plan 66;

[0089] Process plan 28; Planned activities 68;

[0090] Monitoring sensor device 30; Manufacturing activity 70;

[0091] Workpiece support 32; Removal activity 72;

[0092] Sheet material 34; Pallet changing activity 74;

[0093] Pallet changer 36; Actual process 76;

[0094] Clamp 38; Downtime 78;

[0095] Overhang 40; Unplanned activities 80.

[0096] Guide rail 42;

Claims

1. A machine management method (16) for executing a planned activity (68) on a machine (12), wherein: The processing device (18) manufactures workpieces (26) according to a predetermined process plan (28) during a planned activity (68) of the machine (12), and sorts the manufactured workpieces (26) from a removal area (22) of the machine (12) into a storage area (24) according to the predetermined process plan (28) during another planned activity (68) of the machine (12), wherein the manufacturing time of the workpiece (26) is predetermined by the machine management system (14) based on the manufacturing process data of the processing device (18), and the removal time for sorting the workpiece (26) is predetermined by the machine management system (14) based on the removal process data, and The process plan (28) for the planned activity (68) is changed by the machine management system (14) based on the comparison of the production time with the removal time and the process plan is transmitted to the controller (46, 48) of the machine (12).

2. The machine management method (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The production of the workpiece (26) by the processing device (18) and the removal of the produced workpiece (26) are carried out simultaneously.

3. The machine management method (16) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The process plan (28) is changed by adapting the production time of the processing device (18) to the removal time.

4. A machine management method (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that: A downtime (78) of the processing device (18) and / or the removal device (20) is predetermined by the machine management system (14), wherein the machine management system (14) changes the process plan (28) by adding at least one unplanned activity (80) during the downtime (78).

5. The machine management method (16) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The machine management system (14) increases the downtime (78) by shifting in time successive planned activities (68) of the processing device (18) and / or the removal device (20) for executing at least one additional unplanned activity (80).

6. The machine management method (16) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The unplanned activities (80) are added in the form of activities for monitoring and / or maintaining the state of the machine (12), in particular in the form of diagnostic activities, cleaning activities, calibration activities and / or lubrication activities.

7. A machine management method (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that: The production process data and / or the removal process data are detected during operation of the machine (12) and evaluated by the machine management system (14).

8. A machine management method (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that: The machine management system (14) determines a manufacturing time of at least one other machine (12) based on manufacturing process data of the other machine (12), and determines a removal time of the other machine (12) based on removal process data of the other machine (12), and the machine management system (14) changes a process plan (28) of the planned activity (68) based on the determined manufacturing time and the determined removal time and transmits the process plan to a controller (46, 48) of the corresponding machine (12).

9. The machine management method (16) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The machine management system (14) transfers at least one planned activity (68) from a process plan (28) of the machine (12) to a process plan (28) of the other machine (12) as an unplanned activity (80), and wherein at least one unplanned activity (80) is added to the process plan (28) of the machine (12) instead of the transferred planned activity (68).

10. A machine tending method (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The production time is generated as a function of the workpiece material, workpiece thickness, workpiece geometry, production parameters of the machining device (18) when producing the workpiece (26), production time, the state of the workpiece support (32), the position of the sheet (34) on the pallet changer (36), faults occurring during production and / or manual interruptions during production of the workpiece (26).

11. A machine tending method (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The removal time is generated as a function of the workpiece material of the removed workpiece (26), the workpiece thickness of the removed workpiece (26), the number of removed workpieces (26), the number of different workpiece geometries of the removed workpieces (26), the workpiece geometries, the position of the sheet metal (34) on the pallet changer (36), the movement of the removal device (20) over the sheet metal (34) during the removal of the workpiece (26) and / or the number of workpiece removals.

12. A machine tending method (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The machine management system (14) has a self-learning algorithm, in particular a neural network.

13. A machine tending method (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The machine tending method (14) is adapted to be carried out on a flat-bed machine tool, in particular a laser beam cutting device or a punching device.

14. A machine assembly (10) having at least one machine (12) and a machine management system (14), wherein: The machine (12) has a processing device (18) which is designed to produce a workpiece according to a predetermined process plan (28), wherein the machine management system (14) is configured to carry out a machine management method (16) according to any of the preceding claims.

15. The machine assembly (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The machine (12) is designed as a flatbed machine tool, in particular as a laser beam cutting device or a punching device.

16. The machine assembly (10) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The machine arrangement (10) has two or more, in particular a plurality of, machines (12).

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