Machine system maintenance method, machine system maintenance program, and machine control device

Abstract

The invention provides a mechanical system maintenance method which can easily perform maintenance of a mechanical system without causing reduction of safety or safety and production efficiency. According to the mechanical system maintenance method, maintenance of a mechanical system including a machine and a machine control device for controlling the machine is performed by a remote device connected to a WAN. In a machine system maintenance method, a machine control device is connected to a WAN using a network sharing function of a portable terminal device, data transmission and reception between a remote device and the machine control device connected via the WAN can be performed, and the machine control device is controlled by the remote device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mechanical system maintenance method, a mechanical system maintenance program, and a mechanical control device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a mechanical control device that controls a machine such as a robot or a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tool is generally connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) via a wired line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless line such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0003] Such a mechanical control device is not directly connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. That is, if the mechanical control device is always connected to a WAN (for example, the Internet), security becomes vulnerable, and connections made by malicious third parties can be caused, so there are also problems in terms of security.

[0004] However, a mechanical system including a machine and a mechanical control device etc. needs to be tested or inspected regularly, or tested or inspected when a certain failure etc. occurs. Also, it is necessary to update the application program (program) of the mechanical control device etc. to improve the function.

[0005] In addition, in this specification, the term "robot" includes various robots typified by industrial robots and collaborative robots. Also, the term "mechanical control device" includes various mechanical control devices that control machines such as robots and CNC machine tools. And the term "maintenance" includes: regularly testing and inspecting a machine or a mechanical control device etc., and updating the program executed on the mechanical control device etc. In addition, the term "mechanical system" refers to a system including the above-mentioned machine and mechanical control device etc.

[0006] Conventionally, as remote control technologies for monitoring and operating a mechanical control device from a remote location, various solutions have been proposed.

[0007] Prior Art Documents

[0008] Patent Documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-502636

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-184519

[0011] Non-Patent Documents

[0012] Non-Patent Document 1: BIGLOBE, "What is Tethering? An easy-to-understand explanation for beginners! [Shimugurashi] BIGLOBE Mobile", BIGLOBE homepage, information obtained, BIGLOBE, TIPS2017 / 06 / 06, [searched on September 22, Reiwa 4], Internet, <URL:https: / / join.biglobe.ne.jp / mobile / sim / gurashi / what_is_tethering170608 / > Summary of the Invention

[0013] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] As described above, usually from the perspective of safety or security, the maintenance of mechanical systems is not carried out via the Internet. As an alternative, for example, generally, manufacturers of mechanical systems or maintenance providers (the provider side of mechanical systems) send service personnel with professional knowledge to the site to carry out maintenance work.

[0015] In this way, if service personnel are sent to the place where the machine and the machine control device are installed to maintain the mechanical system, it will not only cost labor and expenses, but also take a considerable amount of time, thus resulting in a reduction in production efficiency.

[0016] Therefore, it is desired to be able to easily maintain mechanical systems (machines and machine control devices, etc.) without causing a reduction in safety or security and production efficiency.

[0017] Means for Solving the Problems

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a mechanical system maintenance method for maintaining a mechanical system through a remote device connected to a WAN, wherein the mechanical system includes a machine and a machine control device for controlling the machine. In this mechanical system maintenance method, the machine control device is connected to the WAN using the network sharing function of a portable terminal device, data can be transmitted and received between the remote device connected via the WAN and the machine control device, and the machine control device is controlled by the remote device.

[0019] By using the components and combinations specifically pointed out in the claims, the object and effects of the present invention can be understood and obtained. The above general description and the following detailed description are both exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the present invention described in the claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing an example of a mechanical system to which the mechanical system maintenance method of this embodiment is applied.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing when implementing the mechanical system maintenance method of this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a block diagram functionally showing the main part structure in an embodiment of the mechanical control device of this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing in the mechanical system maintenance program of this embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the mechanical system maintenance method, the mechanical system maintenance program, and the mechanical control device of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar constituent elements. In addition, the embodiments described below do not limit the technical scope of the invention described in the claims and the meanings of the terms.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a mechanical system to which the mechanical system maintenance method of this embodiment is applied, showing an example of an industrial robot system. As Figure 1 shown, an industrial robot system 100 as an example of applying the mechanical system maintenance method of this embodiment includes: an industrial robot (machine) 1, a robot control device (mechanical control device) 2, and a teaching operation panel 3.

[0026] At the front end of the arm 11 of the industrial robot (robot) 1, an end effector 11A is provided, and through this end effector 11A, for example, a prescribed process is performed on a workpiece (object) 5 placed on a workbench 4. The robot control device 2 controls the robot 1, for example, according to a pre-installed program (software program), etc.

[0027] Here, a camera (not shown) for photographing the workpiece 5, etc. can be installed near the end effector 11A in the arm 11, and an image (video) including the workpiece 5 photographed by this camera is output to the robot control device 2. And, of course, various changes and deformations can be made according to the type of machine applied and the required process.

[0028] The teaching operation panel 3 has a display screen 31 and an operation unit 32, and is connected to the robot control device 2 by wire. This teaching operation panel 3 is used for an operator (teacher) to operate the operation unit 32 while confirming the image on the display screen 31, and thereby, for example, teach a prescribed action to the robot 1 via the robot control device 2.

[0029] In addition, in Figure 1In this case, the teaching operation panel 3 is connected to the robot control device 2 by wire, but it may also be configured to be connected to the robot control device 2 wirelessly. In addition, the teaching operation panel 3 is not limited to Figure 1 a dedicated teaching operation panel as shown. For example, it may also be a tablet (tablet computer) or the like that is connected to the robot control device 2 by wire or wirelessly.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing when implementing the mechanical system maintenance method of this embodiment. In Figure 2 this case, reference numeral 6 denotes a USB cable, 7 denotes a smartphone (portable terminal device), 8 denotes a remote device, 9 denotes a service person, and 21 denotes a USB terminal.

[0031] Here, the remote device 8 is, for example, installed at a service station on the system provider side such as the manufacturer of the industrial robot system 100 or the merchant in charge of maintenance, and is connected to a WAN such as the Internet. In addition, the service person 9 is, for example, a technician on the system provider side who works at a service station at a distance from a factory or the like where the industrial robot system 100 is installed and has professional knowledge related to system maintenance.

[0032] As Figure 2 shown, when performing maintenance on the industrial robot system 100, for example, the robot control device 2 is connected to the smartphone 7 using the USB cable 6. That is, the USB (e.g., Type-A) terminal 21 of the robot control device 2 and the USB (e.g., Type-C or Lightning (registered trademark)) terminal 71 of the smartphone 7 are connected through the USB cable 6, and the USB network sharing function of the smartphone 7 is used to connect to the WAN.

[0033] Here, the network sharing function of the smartphone 7 that connects the robot control device 2 to the WAN is not limited to USB network sharing, and may also be Wi-Fi (registered trademark) network sharing, Bluetooth (registered trademark) network sharing, etc. However, USB network sharing based on the USB cable 6 (wired) is not easily affected by noise and the connection is stable, so it is preferred over wireless network sharing.

[0034] In addition, the smartphone 7 itself has a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module Card), and is not limited to directly connecting to the WAN, and may also be connected to the WAN via a network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). And as the smartphone 7, it may also be a portable terminal device such as a tablet or a laptop computer that has a network sharing function.

[0035] As described above, the remote device 8 has a communication function and is connected to the Internet (WAN). Also, when performing maintenance on the industrial robot system 100, for example, the operator of the industrial robot system uses the USB network sharing function of the smartphone 7 to connect the robot control device 2 to the Internet. That is, the USB terminal 21 of the robot control device 2 is connected to the USB terminal 71 of the smartphone 7 via the USB cable 6, and the robot control device 2 is temporarily connected to the Internet.

[0036] Here, the robot control device 2 is connected to, for example, the LAN in the factory or enterprise where the industrial robot system 100 is installed. Therefore, in order for the robot control device 2 to perform data transmission and reception with the remote device 8 via the USB network sharing of the smartphone 7, reliable communication needs to be carried out, for example, through the firewall set in the LAN.

[0037] That is, it is necessary to perform data transmission and reception of secure encrypted communication between the robot control device 2 and the remote device 8. Therefore, for example, it is preferable to install a prescribed program (first program) on the robot control device 2 and execute this first program. And, for example, it is more preferable to install a prescribed program (second program) on the remote device 8 and execute this second program.

[0038] Here, the OS (Operating System) of the robot control device 2 and the remote device 8 uses various OSs such as Windows (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), or a dedicated OS. Therefore, the first program and the second program executed by the robot control device 2 and the remote device 8 select appropriate programs according to their respective OSs, the security software used, and the firewall, etc. In addition, the robot control device 2 can only be connected to a predetermined specific remote device 8, whereby security and the like can be further improved.

[0039] In this way, via the USB network sharing of the smartphone 7, data transmission and reception of secure encrypted communication are temporarily established between the robot control device 2 and the remote device 8. In this state, for example, maintenance of the industrial robot system 100 can be performed by the remote device 8 at a service station far from the installation site of the industrial robot system 100.

[0040] In addition, as maintenance of the industrial robot system 100 performed by the remote device 8, for example, testing, inspection, and simulation of the industrial robot 1, the robot control device 2, and the teaching operation panel 3 can be cited. Also, as maintenance of the industrial robot system 100 performed by the remote device 8, for example, program updates executed by the robot control device 2 or the teaching operation panel 3 can also be cited.

[0041] Also, as maintenance of the industrial robot system 100 performed by the remote device 8, for example, it may include extraction of the operation record (log) or various data of the industrial robot 1 stored in the memory (24) of the industrial robot 1. Thus, maintenance of the industrial robot system 100 performed by the remote device 8 may include various maintenance operations that were previously carried out by dispatching service personnel to the installation site of the industrial robot system 100.

[0042] As described above, according to the mechanical system maintenance method of the present embodiment, maintenance based on the remote device can be performed, for example, via the USB network sharing of a smartphone. Also, secure encrypted communication between the robot control device and the remote device is performed via the USB network sharing of the smartphone, so it is not necessary to set up or configure a router for connecting to the Internet.

[0043] That is, according to the mechanical system maintenance method of the present embodiment, a temporarily established secure encrypted communication is established between the mechanical control device and the remote device using easily available means such as the USB network sharing of a smartphone. In this temporarily established secure encrypted communication between the mechanical control device and the remote device, various maintenance operations on the mechanical system side are performed from the remote device side. Thus, according to the mechanical system maintenance method of the present embodiment, the same maintenance operations can be performed from a service station or the like on the provider side of the mechanical system without dispatching service personnel to the site where the mechanical system is installed.

[0044] Figure 3 It is a block diagram functionally showing the main part structure in an embodiment of the mechanical control device of the present embodiment. As Figure 3 shown, the mechanical control device (robot control device) 2 has: a USB terminal (I / O) 21, a communication control unit 22, a data collection unit 23, a memory (storage unit) 24, a program control unit 25, a test / check unit 26, and a robot control unit 27.

[0045] The robot control unit 27 controls the industrial robot 1 to perform a prescribed operation. Here, the robot control unit 27 is also used, for example, to control the industrial robot 1 according to the instructions of the teaching operation panel 3. In addition, the communication control unit 22, data collection unit 23, program control unit 25, test / check unit 26, and robot control unit 27 in the robot control device 2 perform their respective functions through programs executed by an arithmetic processing device (CPU: not shown).

[0046] As described above, the USB terminal 21 is connected to the USB terminal 71 of the smartphone 7 via the USB cable 6, and the robot control device 2 is connected to the Internet through the USB network sharing function of the smartphone 7. In addition, the USB terminal 21 of the robot control device 2 is not limited to being used for the USB network sharing of the smartphone 7, but is also used for connecting to various devices.

[0047] The communication control unit 22 controls the communication with the remote device 8 connected to the Internet, for example, via the smartphone 7 after USB network sharing. In addition, the communication control unit 22 also controls the communication with the upper control device that controls the industrial robot system 100 via the LAN, for example.

[0048] The data collection unit 23 collects, for example, the action records, various data, etc. of the industrial robot 1 and stores them in the memory 24. In addition, the data collected by the data collection unit 23 is not limited to the data of the industrial robot 1 itself, and can also be environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity or various other information.

[0049] The memory 24 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and a non-volatile memory such as a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) and a flash memory. Here, the data collected by the data collection unit 23 and the programs executed by the robot control device 2 are stored in the flash memory, for example, and the data is retained even when the power of the industrial robot system 100 is turned off.

[0050] The program control unit 25 controls the programs executed by the robot control device 2, and the program of the robot control device 2 is updated by the remote device 8 via the USB network sharing function of the smartphone 7. In addition, it can also be configured that the teach pendant 3 has a computing processing device (CPU) and a memory, and when a unique program is executed on the teach pendant 3, the program control unit 25 controls the program update of the teach pendant 3.

[0051] The test / check unit 26 performs tests and inspections on the industrial robot system 100 regularly or when a certain failure occurs, etc. That is, the test / check unit 26 performs tests and inspections on the industrial robot 1, the robot control device 2, and the teach pendant 3 via the USB network sharing function of the smartphone 7 through the remote device 8, for example. In addition, the result data of the tests and inspections by the test / check unit 26 is sent to the remote device 8 in real time via the USB network sharing function of the smartphone 7, for example.

[0052] As described above, data transmission and reception between the remote device 8 connected via the Internet and the robot control device 2 based on the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7 is performed through secure encrypted communication. Here, data transmission and reception based on secure encrypted communication can be performed by executing a first program installed in the robot control device 2.

[0053] In addition, data transmission and reception based on secure encrypted communication can also be performed by executing both the first program installed in the robot control device 2 and the second program installed in the remote device 8. Further, as described above, regarding the first program and the second program executed by the robot control device 2 and the remote device 8, appropriate programs are selected according to their respective operating systems, security software used, firewalls, etc. In addition, the robot control device 2 can only be connected to a predetermined specific remote device 8, which can further improve security, etc.

[0054] Regarding controlling the robot control device 2 by the remote device 8, for example, via the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7, the remote device 8 can simulate the operation of the industrial robot 1 by the robot control device 2. That is, for example, via the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7, the remote device 8 can access the robot control device 2, and display the screen of the teach pendant 3 on the remote device 8 to operate the industrial robot 1.

[0055] As described above, the robot control device 2 is not limited to controlling the industrial robot 1, and can also control various robots represented by collaborative robots, and can also be various mechanical control devices for controlling machines such as CNC machine tools. Thus, according to the mechanical control device of the present embodiment, the same maintenance work can be performed from a service station on the provider side of the mechanical system without sending service personnel to the place where the mechanical system is installed.

[0056] Figure 4 It is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing in the mechanical system maintenance program of the present embodiment. An example of this mechanical system maintenance program is executed, for example, by an arithmetic processing device that exhibits each function of the robot control device 2 described with reference to Figure 3 explanation.

[0057] As Figure 4 shown, if an example of the processing in the mechanical system maintenance program of the present embodiment starts (START), then in step ST1, the robot control device 2 is connected to the Internet using the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7.

[0058] Here, for example, when it is necessary to perform testing or inspection regularly or when certain failures occur, etc., the robot control device 2 is connected to the Internet using the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7. Or, it is a case where the program of the robot control device 2 or the teaching operation panel 3 is updated, or various data stored in the memory 24 of the robot control device 2 is extracted to the remote device 3 side, etc.

[0059] In addition, the person who temporarily connects the robot control device 2 to the Internet using the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7 is, for example, an operator in a factory where the industrial robot system 100 is installed. That is, in a factory or the like, the operator uses the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7 to connect the robot control device 2 to the Internet.

[0060] Next, proceed to step ST2, where data transmission and reception between the remote device 8 connected via the Internet and the robot control device 2 can be performed. That is, using the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7, a securely protected encrypted communication is temporarily established between the robot control device 2 and the remote device 8.

[0061] As described above, for example, by executing the first program in the robot control device 2 and / or the second program in the remote device 8, this securely protected encrypted communication is performed.

[0062] And, proceed to step ST3, where the robot control device 2 is controlled by the remote device 8 in the securely protected encrypted communication temporarily established between the robot control device 2 and the remote device 8. Then, proceed to step ST4, where various maintenance operations of the industrial robot system 100 are performed from the remote device 8 in the securely protected encrypted communication temporarily established between the robot control device 2 and the remote device 8.

[0063] In this way, a service person 9 with professional knowledge can perform maintenance operations on the industrial robot system 100 via the remote device 8, for example, from a service station far from the factory. In addition, the detailed processing in each of the above steps ST1 to ST4 is repeated with the content already referred to Figure 2 and Figure 3 described, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0064] The mechanical system maintenance program of the above-described embodiment can be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium or a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and can also be provided via wire or wirelessly. Here, as the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, for example, optical discs such as CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) and DVD-ROM, or hard disk devices, etc. are conceivable. In addition, as the non-volatile semiconductor memory, PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc. are conceivable. And, as the distribution from the server device, it is conceivable to provide via a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN such as the Internet.

[0065] As described in detail above, according to the mechanical system maintenance method, mechanical system maintenance program, and mechanical control device of the present embodiment, the maintenance of the mechanical system can be easily performed without causing a decrease in safety, security, and production efficiency.

[0066] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described respective embodiments. These embodiments can be subjected to various additions, replacements, changes, partial deletions, etc. within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, or within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content recited in the claims and its equivalents. In addition, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each action and the order of each process are shown as an example, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the same applies to the case where numerical values or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0067] Regarding the above-described embodiments and modification examples, the following supplementary notes are also disclosed.

[0068] [Supplementary Note 1]

[0069] A mechanical system maintenance method for maintaining a mechanical system (100) by a remote device (8) connected to a WAN, wherein the mechanical system (100) includes a machine (1) and a mechanical control device (2) that controls the machine (1), and wherein

[0070] the mechanical control device (2) is connected to the WAN using the network sharing function of a portable terminal device (7),

[0071] data transmission and reception can be performed between the remote device (8) connected via the WAN and the mechanical control device (2),

[0072] the mechanical control device (2) is controlled by the remote device (8).

[0073] [Supplementary Note 2]

[0074] The mechanical system maintenance method according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein,

[0075] Connect the mechanical control device (2) to the WAN through USB network sharing, wherein the USB network sharing means: connecting the USB terminal (21) provided on the mechanical control device (2) to the portable terminal device (7) in a wired manner.

[0076] [Supplementary Note 3]

[0077] The mechanical system maintenance method according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein,

[0078] Data transmission and reception between the remote device (8) connected via the WAN and the mechanical control device (2) is performed through secure encrypted communication.

[0079] [Supplementary Note 4]

[0080] The mechanical system maintenance method according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein,

[0081] Data transmission and reception based on the secure encrypted communication is performed by executing the first program installed in the mechanical control device (2).

[0082] [Supplementary Note 5]

[0083] The mechanical system maintenance method according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein,

[0084] Data transmission and reception based on the secure encrypted communication is also performed by executing the second program installed in the remote device (8).

[0085] [Supplementary Note 6]

[0086] The mechanical system maintenance method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein,

[0087] The remote device (8) simulates the mechanical control device (2) operating the machine (1), thereby controlling the mechanical control device (2) through the remote device (8).

[0088] [Supplementary Note 7]

[0089] The mechanical system maintenance method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein,

[0090] Maintenance of the mechanical system (100) by the remote device (8) includes: testing and inspection of the mechanical control device (2) and the machine (1), and program updates executed by the mechanical control device (2).

[0091] [Appendix 8]

[0092] In the mechanical system maintenance method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7,

[0093] Connect the teach pendant (3) for operating the machine (1) to the mechanical control device (2),

[0094] Maintenance of the mechanical system (100) by the remote device (8) includes: testing and inspection of the teach pendant (3), and program updates executed by the teach pendant (3).

[0095] [Appendix 9]

[0096] In the mechanical system maintenance method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8,

[0097] The mechanical control device (2) has: a memory (24) that collects various data associated with the machine (1) and stores the collected various data,

[0098] Maintenance of the mechanical system (100) by the remote device (8) includes: extraction of the various data stored in the memory (24).

[0099] [Appendix 10]

[0100] In the mechanical system maintenance method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9,

[0101] The mechanical control device (2) can only be connected to a predetermined specific remote device (8).

[0102] [Appendix 11]

[0103] In the mechanical system maintenance method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10,

[0104] The remote device (8) is provided at a service station on the provider side of the mechanical system (100), where the mechanical system (100) includes the machine (1) and the mechanical control device (2).

[0105] [Appendix 12]

[0106] A mechanical system maintenance program, where

[0107] For causing at least one arithmetic processing device to execute the mechanical system maintenance method described in any one of Appendices 1 to 11.

[0108] [Appendix 13]

[0109] A mechanical control device (2) that controls a machine and has an arithmetic processing device and a memory (24), wherein

[0110] Causes the arithmetic processing device to execute the mechanical system maintenance program described in Appendix 12.

[0111] Explanation of reference numerals

[0112] 1 Industrial robot (robot, machine)

[0113] 2 Robot control device (mechanical control device)

[0114] 3 Teach pendant

[0115] 4 Workbench

[0116] 5 Workpiece (object)

[0117] 6 USB cable

[0118] 7 Smart phone (portable terminal device)

[0119] 8 Remote device

[0120] 9 Service personnel

[0121] 11 Arm

[0122] 11A Mechanical hand (end effector)

[0123] 21 USB terminal (USB terminal of the robot control device)

[0124] 22 Communication control unit

[0125] 23 Data collection unit

[0126] 24 Memory (storage unit)

[0127] 25 Program control unit

[0128] 26 Test / check unit

[0129] 27 Robot control unit

[0130] 31 Display screen

[0131] 32 Operation unit

[0132] 71 USB terminal (USB terminal of the smart phone)

[0133] 100 Industrial robot system (mechanical system).

Claims

1. A method for maintaining a mechanical system, which is used to maintain the mechanical system through a remote device connected to a WAN, wherein, the mechanical system includes a machine and a mechanical control device for controlling the machine, and is characterized in that, the mechanical control device is connected to the WAN using the network sharing function of a portable terminal device, data transmission and reception can be performed between the remote device connected via the WAN and the mechanical control device, and the mechanical control device is controlled by the remote device.

2. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the mechanical control device is connected to the WAN through USB network sharing, where the USB network sharing means: the USB terminal provided on the mechanical control device is wired-connected to the portable terminal device.

3. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, data transmission and reception are performed between the remote device connected via the WAN and the mechanical control device through secure encrypted communication.

4. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to claim 3, characterized in that, data transmission and reception based on the secure encrypted communication are performed by executing a first program installed in the mechanical control device.

5. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to claim 4, characterized in that, data transmission and reception based on the secure encrypted communication are also performed by executing a second program installed in the remote device.

6. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, the remote device is used to simulate the operation of the machine by the mechanical control device, so as to control the mechanical control device through the remote device.

7. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, the maintenance of the mechanical system performed by the remote device includes: testing and inspecting the mechanical control device and the machine, and updating the program executed by the mechanical control device.

8. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, a teaching operation panel for operating the machine is connected to the mechanical control device, the maintenance of the mechanical system performed by the remote device includes: testing and inspecting the teaching operation panel, and updating the program executed by the teaching operation panel.

9. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, the mechanical control device has: a memory, which collects various data related to the machine and stores the collected various data, the maintenance of the mechanical system performed by the remote device includes: extracting the various data stored in the memory.

10. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, the mechanical control device can only be connected to a pre-determined specific remote device.

11. The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The remote device is provided at a service station on the provider side of the mechanical system, where the mechanical system includes the machine and the machine control device.

12. A mechanical system maintenance program, characterized in that it is used to cause at least one arithmetic processing device to execute the mechanical system maintenance method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A machine control device that controls a machine and has an arithmetic processing device and a memory, characterized in that it causes the arithmetic processing device to execute the mechanical system maintenance program according to claim 12.

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