Method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant, method for commissioning a production plant, configuration device and production plant

Abstract

Method for the computer-aided simulation of a production plant (1), wherein the production plant (1) has at least one conveyor line (2), characterized in that CAD line data (9) are read into a processing unit (12), wherein the CAD line data (9) are faulty, that a set of rules has rules for error correction of the faulty CAD line data (9), and that these rules are applied to the CAD line data (9) in a computer-implemented manner to generate the line layout (43), and that a line layout (43) is generated from the CAD line data (9) in a computer-implemented manner, which describes a logical conveying flow of the conveyor line (2) in a computer-readable manner, and that the line layout (43) is transferred to a control unit (18) and used to control transport units (3) of the production plant (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant, a method for commissioning a production plant, a configuration device and a production plant.

[0002] Such procedures are well known and are used to check the operational sequence of a plant before commissioning. This allows errors that must be eliminated before production starts to be identified and eliminated in advance.

[0003] US 2006 / 0080827 A1 describes a layout arrangement system that creates an automatic layout of a system consisting of assembly units. In particular, a layout arrangement system that can communicate with a plurality of connectable conveyors, comprising a module for detecting connected conveyors, a module for acquiring information regarding detected conveyors, and a module for laying out the detected conveyors.

[0004] US 2008 / 0154456 A1 describes a method for operating a system having at least one path comprising path sections. Vehicles can travel along the path, and an electronic circuit is included that controls at least the speed of the vehicle. Codes are located along the path, and the vehicle contains at least one sensor, e.g., for detecting the codes, which is connected to the electronic circuit. Data exchange is possible between one or more vehicles and at least one stationary unit.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of automating the engineering design and / or commissioning of production plants.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention in a method by the features of claim 1, 5 and / or 6, in a method for commissioning a production plant by the features of claim 15, in a configuration device by the features of claim 16 and in a production plant by the features of claim 21.

[0007] Important features of the invention of a method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant, wherein the production plant has at least one conveyor line, are that CAD line data is read into a processing unit and that a line layout is generated from the CAD line data in a computer-implemented manner, which describes a logical conveyor flow of the conveyor line in a computer-readable manner. The advantage here is that the line layout provides data that can be further used for computer-aided simulation, display, monitoring, and / or control of travel operation on the conveyor line and / or a conveyor flow on the conveyor line. Thus, the invention makes it possible to provide a line layout that can be used for parameterizing, testing, simulating, controlling, and / or modifying movement sequences. The planning and commissioning of a production plant are thus considerably simplified.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that, to generate the route layout in the logical conveyor flow, successive route elements of the CAD route data are logically linked. This is advantageous in that a relationship between the route elements can be determined and defined. Thus, a sequence of route elements in the logical conveyor flow can be defined in a computer-readable manner. It is particularly advantageous if the route elements are linked at connection points, preferably at all connection points of each route element. This makes it easy to create connected sections of the route layout that describe or specify a logical conveyor flow.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the route layout can contain two- or three-dimensional position information for route elements of the route layout. This is advantageous because the route layout can be used to adjust the actual position of transport units to a target position. For this purpose, the respective transport unit can be configured to extract target positions for its own, preferably measured or determined, actual position.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an at least locally one-dimensional, computer-readable description of the logical conveyor flow is derived from the route layout. Thus, an intrinsic description of the conveyor route, i.e., without reference to the location, course, and / or spatial embedding of the conveyor route, can be provided and / or used. With a locally one-dimensional description, branches and / or switches are permissible, and the description is one-dimensional beyond the branches and / or switches. A sequence in the logical conveyor flow can thus be described or specified with minimal data expenditure.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the route layout, at least in parameter form, is transferred to a vehicle control system of a transport unit traveling along the conveyor line. This is advantageous because the transport units can be parameterized, set up, and / or commissioned automatically. Manual processing steps are largely or even completely dispensable.

[0012] In this case, the vehicle control system can be configured to control the transport unit based on a comparison of the actual position of the transport unit with a target position described by the route layout. The advantage here is that the two-dimensional position information of the route layout, derived from the CAD route data, can be used for track guidance.

[0013] According to the invention, the route layout is transferred to a control unit and used to control transport units of the production plant. This is advantageous because manual commissioning of the production plant is eliminated.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, important features of the invention of a method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant, wherein the production plant has at least one conveyor line, are that CAD line data is read into a processing unit, that the CAD line data is automatically displayed in a virtual reality, and that control data is automatically provided at an interface designed for at least one element from the group of material flow computer, higher-level control unit, external simulation unit, and parts list / calculation unit. An advantage here is that the production plant can be simulated in a virtual reality. This makes it possible to parameterize the control programs of the production plant accordingly.

[0015] Important features of the invention of a method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant, in particular as described above and / or according to claim 1, wherein the production plant has at least one conveyor line, are alternatively or additionally that CAD line data is read into a processing unit, wherein the CAD line data comprises at least line elements from which the conveyor line is formed, and that the line elements are automatically linked to a line layout using a set of rules and provided for a computer-aided simulation of the conveyor line. The advantage here is that the line layout can be obtained automatically. This reduces the overall workload required up to the start of the plant simulation. Allocation errors when creating the line layout can also be avoided.

[0016] In the invention, the processing unit is preferably designed as a data processing unit or in some other way for automated operation.

[0017] For the automatic generation of the route layout from the CAD route data, computer-based, evaluable rules are stored that are applied to the CAD route data. The terms "first route element," "second route element," and "further route element" are used in this description as placeholders for the respective rules described.

[0018] According to the invention, the CAD route data contains errors, a set of rules, for example the one already mentioned, contains rules for correcting the errors in the CAD route data, and these rules are applied in a computer-implemented manner to the CAD route data to generate a route layout, for example the one already mentioned. The CAD route data may contain errors, for example, because the CAD models were not created with the required accuracy. Storing rules has the advantage that the CAD route data can be processed in an automated process for use in a downstream control system.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a first connection point of a first track element is automatically linked to a second connection point of a second track element if the first connection point of the first track element is located within a first distance threshold value from the second connection point of the second track element. This is advantageous in that separate track elements can be automatically identified and recognized in the CAD drawing as being adjacent to one another in the conveyor track. The distance threshold value is preferably selected such that random gaps in the conveyor track due to drawing inaccuracies in the CAD track data can be automatically distinguished from intentionally left gaps over which no conveyor track runs.For example, the first distance threshold may be a fraction, for example less than half or less than one tenth, of an average or minimum length of the track elements.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a first connection point of a first line element is linked to a second connection point of a second line element if the first connection point of the first line element is within a second distance threshold value from the second connection point of the second line element and if no third connection point of a third line element is within the first distance threshold value or a first distance threshold value from the first and / or second connection point. The advantage here is that unbranched connections, which have a gap due to the drawing, can be automatically distinguished from branches.

[0021] Thus, for the line elements of the CAD line data, it can be checked automatically and preferably recursively or sequentially whether a connection point of a line element is located within a first distance threshold to a connection point of another line element.

[0022] It may be planned to remove switches from the CAD track data before the track layout is created. This has the advantage of eliminating the need to identify and differentiate between the different switch types that may occur.

[0023] Alternatively, or in support of this, switch types can be identified and / or classified using a feature and / or pattern recognition algorithm. This enables even greater accuracy in the automated setup of branching points in the track layout.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a switch element or a branching element is automatically inserted into the route layout if a connection point of a first route element is linked to a connection point of at least two further route elements. Through the insertion, the connection points involved are thus indirectly linked (via the inserted element). The advantage here is that branches can be automatically detected and incorporated into the route layout without the need for complex feature or pattern recognition. In general, a branching element differs from a switch element in that in a branching element at least three route elements are permanently connected, whereas in a switch element different connections between individual route elements can be established through different states.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that for the line elements of the CAD line data that have at least one connection point to which no connection point of another line element is located within the or a (first) distance threshold, an automated check is carried out to determine whether this connection point of the line element is located within a second distance threshold to a connection point of another line element. Thus, branches can be automatically distinguished from random gaps. The second distance threshold is preferably selected to be greater than the first distance threshold. If there is only a single further connection point within the second distance threshold, it can be provided that an unwanted gap in the CAD drawing is automatically detected and this further connection point is automatically linked to the previously mentioned connection point.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that, for a first connection point of a first route element for which no connection point of a further route element can be found within the second distance threshold, an automated check is carried out to determine which route element lies within a third distance threshold from the first connection point. This has the advantage that even larger gaps in the route in the CAD route data, which have arisen, for example, after deleting a switch element, can be processed. Preferably, the third distance threshold is greater than the second distance threshold and particularly preferably selected to be so large that all occurring or usable switch elements have an extent that is smaller than the third distance threshold. Thus, the connection points that are connected via a branching or switch element can be automatically identified.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a first connection point of a first track element is linked to a second connection point of a second track element if the first connection point lies within one or the fourth distance threshold value from the second track element and the second connection point lies within the fourth distance threshold value from the first track element. Thus, an automated method for connecting track elements can be implemented, which automatically identifies and connects track elements that are laterally offset from one another with respect to a direction of travel of the conveyor track. The fourth distance threshold value can, for example, be selected to be equal to the second distance threshold value.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a parameter of a route element in which a first connection point is linked to exactly one second connection point of another route element is changed until the first connection point lies within the first distance threshold to the second connection point. This is advantageous because random overlaps of route elements in the CAD route data can be automatically eliminated in the route layout.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a first line element is divided into two further line elements at a division point if a connection point of a second line element lies within a fifth distance threshold value from the first line element but outside a sixth distance threshold value from the connection points of the first line element, wherein each of the two further line elements receives a connection point from the first line element and receives a further connection point at the division point, wherein these further connection points are linked to one another. An advantage here is that missing branching points at locations where a second line element meets a first line element can be generated automatically. The fifth distance threshold value can, for example, be selected to be equal to the first or second distance threshold value.The sixth distance threshold can, for example, be selected to be equal to the second or third distance threshold. The sixth distance threshold can be a fraction, for example, half or one-third, of a typical, average, or minimum dimension of the track elements. This makes it easy to automatically detect when a connection point of the second track element on the first track element is approximately midway between its connection points.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that, using travel direction information for a route element, a connection point of this route element is characterized as a starting point and another connection point of this route element as an end point. This is advantageous because automatic consistency checks can be performed. For example, it can be checked whether the starting points of a route element are connected to the end points of the neighboring route element in the route layout.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that, for a first route element, travel direction information is derived from travel direction information of a second route element in such a way that a starting point is linked to an end point. This is advantageous because missing travel direction information can be automatically obtained or automatically reconstructed.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a tangent to a line element is calculated at a connection point of this line element. This is advantageous because line elements that are incorrectly spaced from a line element in the CAD line data can be identified. Based on the calculated tangent, a connection point can also be selected for linking between several connection points of other line elements.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a branching, switch, and / or crossing element is / are automatically selected based on the calculated tangents of the relevant connection points. This has the advantage that branching points can be created at the correct positions in the route layout with a low error rate. The invention takes advantage of the fact that switches and branches can be described and / or classified for automatic processing by the relative position of the tangents at the connection points. The tangent at a connection point can be calculated or determined by analyzing the course of the associated route element in the immediate vicinity of the connection point.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a control program for transport units traveling on the conveyor line is created and / or output for the line layout. This is advantageous because a simulation of the system operation can be executed after the automated processing of the CAD line data has been completed.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the control program can be used to control a material flow computer. This is advantageous because a material flow on the production plant can be simulated or controlled during operation using the results of preparing or processing the CAD route data.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the control program can be used to program a control unit of the production plant and / or a simulation unit configured to simulate the operating sequence of a conveyor line with transport units. The advantage here is that the prepared CAD line data can be further processed.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, the route elements can be extracted from the CAD route data and written to a separate layer. This is advantageous because the route elements can be processed individually to generate the route layout. By using layers, the position information of the route elements can be retained during extraction from the CAD route data.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, an error check can be performed, in which a unique and / or compatible assignment of travel direction information with linked route elements is checked for each route element. Thus, assignment errors can be automatically detected.

[0039] The invention finds application in a method for commissioning a production plant with at least one transport unit movable along a conveyor line and a control unit, wherein a method according to the invention for simulating a production plant, in particular as described above and / or according to one of the claims directed to a method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant, generates a route layout and transfers data of the route layout to the at least one transport unit and / or the control unit. Preferably, two-dimensional position information relating to route elements of the route layout is transmitted to the at least one transport unit, and at least locally one-dimensional position information is transmitted to the control unit. The advantage here is that the minimum required data volumes can be transferred.

[0040] Important features of the invention of a configuration device, with a data input for inputting CAD route data and a data output for outputting a route layout, are that a processing unit is designed and configured to execute a method according to the invention, in particular as described above and / or according to one of the claims directed to a method for simulating a production plant. It is advantageous in this case that a means for automated, for example computer-aided, processing of the method according to the invention can be provided. For example, the configuration device can be provided by a computer configured to execute the method according to the invention, in particular configured by configuration and / or programming.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, the CAD route data can comprise route elements each provided with two connection points. This is advantageous because it allows for automatic linking of related route elements. Preferably, the CAD route data additionally comprises route elements provided with metadata, such as travel direction information, the positions of waypoints, and similar route-related metadata.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, a distance determination means can be configured to determine a distance between a connecting point of a line element and another line element. This advantageously allows adjacent line elements to be identified. For example, the distance determination means can be configured to calculate or determine a Euclidean distance between the connecting points or to calculate or determine a maximum of a difference between the X coordinates of the connecting points and a difference between the Y coordinates of the connecting points.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, in an advantageous embodiment, a comparison means can be configured to compare a distance between a connecting point of a track element and another track element with a distance threshold. For example, this distance threshold can be at least one element from the group of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth distance thresholds. Advantageously, this allows for automatic differentiation between related track elements and non-related track elements. The distance can have been previously determined using the described distance determination means.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, a variation means can be configured to vary a parameter of a track element. These parameters can be, for example, the length or the radius of curvature, or similar measurements describing the shape of a track element. This is advantageous because display errors in the CAD track data can be automatically corrected. Preferably, the track layout is corrected until discontinuities, such as lateral offsets, and kinks, such as discontinuities in a first derivative of the course of the conveyor track, are eliminated or can be eliminated in the conveyor track or tracks.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, a tangent calculation means can be provided for calculating a tangent at a connection point between a track element and the track element. Advantageously, a means for extrapolating the track layout is provided, with which adjacent track elements separated by random or intentional gaps can be identified as belonging together and linked—for example, via a switch element.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, a subdivision means for dividing a route element into two further route elements at a division point can be provided. This is advantageous because branching points missing from the CAD route data can be subsequently reconstructed.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, an assignment means can be configured to assign direction information to a route element. It is advantageous that the route layout can be equipped with direction information, for example, for error and / or plausibility checks.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, a material flow computer and / or a calculation tool and / or a control unit and / or a simulation tool can be connected or connectable to the data output. This advantageously allows for computer-assisted further processing of the calculated route layout.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a storage medium, in particular a database, with metadata on route elements of the CAD route data can be connected to the data input or another data input. This is advantageous because additional information for identifying and / or linking the route elements can be provided.

[0050] Important features of the invention for a production plant with at least one transport unit movable along a conveyor line are that a control unit is connected for control purposes to a configuration device according to the invention, in particular as described above and / or according to one of the claims directed to a configuration device. Advantageously, the production plant can be controlled by recourse to the line layout used in the simulation. This avoids errors that could arise when transferring the line layout to the control unit.

[0051] Important features of the invention for a production plant with at least one transport unit movable along a conveyor line are, alternatively or additionally, that a control unit with a configuration device according to the invention can be programmed by a configuration device, in particular as described above and / or according to one of the claims directed to a configuration device. Advantageously, a control program created and / or used during the simulation can be used in the programming of the production plant.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the route layout can be transferred, at least in parameter form, to a vehicle control system of the transport unit. In this case, it can be provided that the vehicle control system is configured to control the transport unit based on a comparison of the actual position of the transport unit with a target position described by the route layout. Driverless transport systems and other systems with trackless transport units can thus be operated. The actual position is preferably determinable, for example, measurable, with respect to a guide conductor and / or markers, and / or is determined, for example, measured.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the route layout can be transferred to the control unit and used to control transport units of the production plant. It is advantageous in this case that the control unit receives data with which a control of the production plant can be carried out. It is particularly advantageous if the route layout, in particular separately for each route element of the conveyor line, contains area data which describe or specify a travel behavior in the route element. For example, a cyclic travel behavior, a continuous travel behavior, a bead chain travel behavior in which a travel movement of one transport unit is coupled to a travel movement of another transport unit, and / or a synchronous travel behavior or combinations of these travel behaviors can be specified. Other travel behaviors can also advantageously be specified.Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the, or at least a locally one-dimensional, computer-readable description of the logical conveyor flow can be transferred to the control unit and used to control transport units of the production plant. This is advantageous because the amount of data is reduced. In particular, the control unit does not require any spatial positioning data if the transport units determine their path independently and / or if the transport units are track-guided.

[0054] Further advantages emerge from the dependent claims. The invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. Further possible combinations of claims and / or individual claim features and / or features of the description and / or the figures will become apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly from the problem and / or the problem posed by comparison with the prior art.

[0055] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows: Fig. 1: a CAD representation of a production plant with a conveyor line, Fig. 2: a representation of the CAD line data of the conveyor line from Fig. 1 in a separate layer, Fig. 3: the CAD route data according to Fig. 2 with additional markers and an enlarged view of a branch, Fig. 4: a virtual reality with a track layout to the CAD track data according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, Fig. 4a: Detail A from Fig. 4, Fig. 4b: Detail B from Fig. 4, Fig. 5: a highly simplified schematic diagram of a process step for linking track elements to the track layout according to Fig. 4, Fig. 6: a highly simplified schematic diagram of a process step for detecting CAD drawing errors in the form of partially overlapping line elements, Fig. 7: a highly simplified schematic diagram of a process step for correcting CAD drawing errors in the form of a complete overlap of line elements, Fig. 8: a highly simplified schematic diagram of a process step for correcting CAD drawing errors in the form of free connection points, Fig. 9: a highly simplified schematic diagram to explain a further process step for correcting CAD drawing errors in the form of free connection points involving a curved or non-rectilinear line element, Fig. 10: two overlapping track elements, Fig. 11: the track elements according to Fig. 10 after correcting a CAD drawing error by changing parameters, Fig. 12: two overlapping line elements, one of which has a non-rectilinear or curved course, Fig. 13: a variant of the correction of the CAD drawing error in the form of an overlap according to Fig. 12, whereby the course of the curved or non-rectilinear line element is changed, Fig. 14: a correction of the CAD drawing error according to Fig. 12, where the course of the curved or non-rectilinear line element is unchanged, Fig. 15: a branch in the route layout, Fig. 16: a branch with a CAD drawing error where a connection point is missing, Fig. 17: a highly simplified schematic diagram to explain a process step for inserting a switch element or a branching element into the track layout, Fig. 18: another highly simplified schematic diagram to explain a process step in which a switch element or a branching element is automatically inserted into the track layout, Fig. 19: a schematic representation of a branch in the route layout with travel direction information, Fig. 20: a highly simplified schematic diagram of a configuration device according to the invention and Fig. 21: a highly schematically simplified representation of a production plant according to the invention.

[0056] Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a CAD drawing of a production plant designated as a whole by 1. The production plant 1 is also shown in Fig. 21 is outlined in a highly simplified manner.

[0057] The production plant 1 has a conveyor line 2 on which transport units 3 can be moved.

[0058] The transport units 3, which are only shown schematically here, can be guided along the conveyor line 2, for example, mechanically, inductively or in some other way.

[0059] The CAD drawing according to Fig. 1 contains all data relevant for the construction of the conveyor line, such as envelope curves, dimensions and explanations, and the like.

[0060] The CAD drawing according to Fig. 1 contains, in addition to the conveyor line 3, surrounding systems, for example supply and discharge conveyor technology 4.

[0061] The CAD drawing according to Fig. 1 also contains structural features such as walls 5 and rooms 6.

[0062] Fig. 20 shows a highly simplified schematic diagram of a configuration device designated as a whole by 7.

[0063] The configuration device 7 has a data input 8. CAD route data 9 can be entered via the data input 8, in particular by computer-assisted data input.

[0064] For this purpose, the CAD route data 9 from the CAD drawing are taken according to Fig. 1 is placed in a separate layer, which is Fig. 2. This layer is a grouping element in the CAD drawing.

[0065] Out of Fig. 2 shows that conveyor line 3 is branched. However, the branching elements or switch elements are not stored in this layer.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, this is due to the fact that the branching elements or switch elements are present as solid blocks in the CAD drawing and do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about connection points with the conveyor line 3.

[0067] Fig. 3 shows a further representation of the separated layer with the CAD route data 9 for conveyor line 3.

[0068] In the enlargement of a branch 10 in the conveyor line 2 in Fig. 3 shows that the conveyor line 2 is enriched with metadata for the system function, which is defined as marker 11.

[0069] The position of the markers 11, the marker type and any user-defined attributes attached to the marker 11 contain, for example, relevant information for the system configuration such as the position of RFID transponder chips, the code of the transponder, the start of the barcode tape for position detection, the end of the barcode tape for position detection and / or the direction of the conveyor line 2. Depending on the information content of the CAD line data 9, some or all of the above-mentioned information can be displayed at the branches 10, of which Fig. 3 only one is explicitly designated, or the markers 11 are stored.

[0070] In the method according to the invention for computer-aided simulation of the production plant 1, the CAD route data 9 are fed via the data input 8 into a processing unit 12 (see Fig. 20) and displayed and output in a virtual reality 13 on a screen 14 or the like.

[0071] In a manner to be described in more detail, control data 15 are generated from the CAD route data 9, which are provided at a data output 16 for a material flow computer 17, a higher-level control unit 18, an external simulation unit 19 and / or a parts list / calculation unit 20 for parameterizing or programming the aforementioned units.

[0072] For this purpose, the mentioned units 17, 18, 19, 20 and / or further units are connected to the data output 16 via an interface 21.

[0073] The CAD route data 9 can be stored and provided in a storage device 22. The data input 8 is configured here for reading the storage device 22.

[0074] The control data 15 and / or a route layout 43 created from the CAD route data 9 (see Fig. 4) can be stored in a storage device 23 and made available for further processing. Data output 16 is configured to write output data to the storage device 23.

[0075] In a further storage means 24, metadata relating to the CAD route data 9, for example metadata relating to the markers 11 and / or metadata relating to the branches 10 or other metadata, can be provided for processing in the method according to the invention.

[0076] As already mentioned, the CAD route data 9 are according to Fig. 3 in a separate layer at data input 8.

[0077] For further processing, the CAD route data 9 are preferably converted into the DXF data exchange format. This can be done before the data is made available at the data input 8 or after the CAD route data 9 has been read into the configuration device 7.

[0078] The course of the conveyor line 2 is thus available in the configuration device 7. Fig. 4 shows a highly simplified representation of a virtual reality 13 into which the conveyor line 2 was imported in this way.

[0079] The conveyor line 2 is composed of straight line elements 25 and curved line elements 26. For reasons of clarity of the illustration, Fig. 4, Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b, only some track elements are provided with reference symbols. In further embodiments, track elements with other shapes are also present. Fig. Figure 4b shows examples of possible track elements: straight, curve, exit switch, entry switch, tunnel area, transfer point. Other track elements can also be used.

[0080] Each track element 25, 26 has connection points 27 at its ends, at which the track elements 25, 26 are to be connected to form a continuous conveyor track 2.

[0081] With the method according to the invention and in the configuration device according to the invention, these connections between the track elements 25, 26 are established automatically at the connection points 27 without the need for an operator to intervene.

[0082] Before these connections between the track elements 25, 26 are automatically determined, the configuration device 7 does not yet have any information about which track element 25, 26 is located in front of or behind another track element 25, 26 along the conveyor line 2. Furthermore, there is no travel direction information for the track elements 25, 26 that defines the direction of travel for each track element 25, 26 in the conveyor line 2.

[0083] However, the markers 11 already described and the associated metadata from the storage means 24 are available for the route elements 25, 26.

[0084] In the method according to the invention, the conveyor line 2 is now assembled from the line elements 25, 26. Upon completion, the connection points 27 define, in a computer-readable manner, how the line elements 25, 26 are connected and follow one another. A logical conveyor flow is thus simulated in the conveyor line 2.

[0085] Since the CAD route data 9 contains errors, a set of rules for correcting the error-prone CAD route data 9 is stored. These rules are stored in computer-readable form and can be applied to the computer-implemented solution of the CAD route data 9 to generate a route layout 43, for example, the aforementioned one.

[0086] For this purpose, a first line element 25, 26 is first selected. This can, for example, be a line element 25, 26 distinguished by its position, for example, the topmost or bottommost element on a Y-axis or the topmost or bottommost element on an X-axis. This first line element 25, 26 can also be manually selected by a user or determined in another way.

[0087] For this route element 25, 26, a direction of travel information 28 is now read in or entered, which specifies the correct direction of travel for this route element 25, 26.

[0088] Fig. 5 shows in the upper half an example of a section of a conveyor line 2 with a straight line element 25.

[0089] To explain the invention, it should be assumed that this track element 25 is the first track element just mentioned.

[0090] The track element 25 has a connection point 27 at each of its ends.

[0091] Furthermore, there is a travel direction information 28 for the route element 25, which indicates a direction of travel in Fig. 5 defined from left to right.

[0092] Due to this travel direction information 28, the left connection point 27 of the route element 25 is a starting point, while the right connection point 27 of the route element 25 is an end point.

[0093] The processing unit 12 of the configuration device 7 now searches from the read-in CAD route data 9 for the route element which follows the selected route element 25 in the conveyor line 2.

[0094] Out of Fig. 5 it can be seen that a curved track element 26 is arranged adjacent to the track element 25.

[0095] The curved section element 26 also has a connection point 27 at each of its ends.

[0096] Since the line element 25 is not yet linked to the line element 26, the adjacent connection points 27 are in Fig. 5 shown and labeled separately.

[0097] The processing unit 12 now checks, for the right connection point 27 of the straight line element 25, which is identified as the end point by the direction of travel information 28, whether another connection point 27 of another line element can be found within a first distance threshold value from the right connection point 27 of the line element 25. The distance threshold value is defined such that the connection points arranged within a rectangle with predetermined side lengths around this connection point 27 are accepted as adjacent to the connection point and linked to it.

[0098] In other words, the distance threshold refers to a distance between two points in a two-dimensional grid, which is defined by the larger of the two values of the magnitude of the difference in the X-coordinates of the points on the one hand and the magnitude of the difference in the Y-coordinates of the points on the other hand.

[0099] In further embodiments, the distance threshold is based on other distance definitions, for example, the Euclidean distance, which is the square root of the sum of the square of the difference between the X coordinates and the square of the difference between the Y coordinates. This results in a circular window.

[0100] In further embodiments, a tangent to the line element 25 is first calculated at the right connection point 27 of the line element 25 in order to identify further connection points as candidates for a link by extrapolation or in another way.

[0101] As soon as the line element 25 is linked to the line element 26 via the connection points 27 in this way, the described method is continued with the still free connection point 27 of the line element 26, i.e. the still unlinked connection point 27.

[0102] This results in the situation according to the lower half of Fig. 5.

[0103] Now for the right connection point 27, the end point, of the line element 26 in Fig. 5 checks whether another connection point 30 can be found within the specified distance threshold.

[0104] In this way, the further line element 29 is found, to which the further connection point 30 belongs.

[0105] This further line element 29 is then linked to the line element 26 via the connection points 27, 30.

[0106] The route elements 26, 29 and further route elements connected in this way inherit travel direction information from the respective preceding route element 25, 26, 29 in such a way that the direction of travel specified, for example, in the travel direction information 28 of the first route element is continued.

[0107] In other words, the route elements 26, 29 automatically receive travel direction information 28, by means of which a connection point is designated as the starting point and a connection point 27 as the end point for each route element 25, 26, 29, wherein an end point of a route element 25, 26, 29 is linked to a starting point of the route element 25, 26, 29 following in the conveyor line 2.

[0108] This described method is continued until no further connection point 30 corresponding to a connection point 27 can be found within the first distance threshold.

[0109] In this way, a continuous part of the conveyor line 2 is provided as line layout 43.

[0110] The created route layout is then transferred to a vehicle control system of transport unit 3 (not shown in detail, but known per se). The vehicle control system can then compare the actual position of transport unit 3 with a target position described by route layout 43. The result of this comparison can be displayed on a display unit and / or used to control the operational sequence. It is thus easy to implement, for example, a display device that determines the actual position and assigns it to a route element using computer implementation based on its position information.

[0111] Thus, the invention simultaneously implements a method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant 1, wherein the production plant 1 has at least one conveyor line 2, CAD line data 9 is read into a processing unit 12, and a line layout 43 is generated from the CAD line data 9 in a computer-implemented manner, which describes a logical conveyor flow of the conveyor line 2 in a computer-readable manner. The advantage here is that a separate setup of the production plant is dispensable.

[0112] The connection points 27, 30 in the route layout 43 clearly define how the route elements 25, 26, 29 are connected, i.e., which route elements 25, 26, 29 follow which route elements 25, 26, 29. Thus, the route layout 43 defines a logical conveyor flow.

[0113] In the method described so far, the first distance threshold is chosen to be so small that it can be safely ruled out that two connection points 27, 30 spaced apart within the distance threshold do not belong to a simple line of the conveyor line 2, but to a switch or branch.

[0114] If there are still free connection points 27, a check is carried out to determine whether these connection points have remained free, i.e., unlinked, only due to drawing errors. For this purpose, a check is carried out to determine whether further connection points can be found for these connection points within a second distance threshold. For connection points for which only exactly one further connection point can be found within the second distance threshold, a drawing error is detected, and these connection points are linked. The second distance threshold is preferably selected to be smaller than a gap in a switch or branching element.

[0115] In the next step, the branches are searched for.

[0116] For this purpose, for all connection points 27 for which no adjacent connection point 27, 30 lies within the first or second distance threshold, it is checked whether a connection point 27, 30 can be found within a third distance threshold that is greater than the first distance threshold.

[0117] This situation is in Fig. 17 shown.

[0118] There, it can be seen that the third distance threshold defines a window 31. It can be seen that the connection point 27 of the line element 26 and the connection point 30 of the line element 29 are located within the third distance threshold to the connection point 27 of the line element 25.

[0119] It is further apparent that there is no further connection point in the window 31 which is arranged so closely adjacent to the connection point 27 of the line element 25 that it would be within the first or second distance threshold value to the connection point 27 of the line element 25.

[0120] This is the criterion for the processing unit 12 that a switch must be inserted in the route layout 43 within the window 31.

[0121] The processing unit 12 now inserts a switch element (not shown in detail) in such a way that the connection point 27 of the track element 25 is connected or linked to the connection point 27 of the track element 26 and to the connection point 30 of the track element 29.

[0122] In order to determine the type of switch element, for example whether it is a branch 10 which leads from the track element 25 to the track element 26 on the one hand and to the track element 29 on the other hand or from the track element 26 to the track element 25 on the one hand and to the track element 29 on the other hand or from the track element 29 to the track element 26 on the one hand and the track element 25 on the other hand, the Fig. 18 schematically illustrated procedures are used.

[0123] First, for each of the connecting points 27 and for the connecting point 30, the tangent 32, 33, 34 to the corresponding line element 25, 26 or 29 is calculated.

[0124] The type of switch can be clearly determined based on the angles that the tangents - possibly extended to an intersection point - enclose with each other.

[0125] The corresponding switch element or branching element or crossing element if there are more than three connection points involved is then selected by the processing unit 12.

[0126] To calculate the tangents 32, 33, 34, a tangent calculation means 35 is formed in the processing unit 12.

[0127] To calculate the aforementioned distance, a distance determination means 36 is provided in the processing unit 12 for determining a distance between a connection point 27, 30 of a track element and another connection point 27, 30 of another track element 25, 26, 29, for example by suitable programming.

[0128] In order to determine whether a connection point 27, 30 is arranged within a distance threshold or outside a distance threshold to another connection point 27, 30, a comparison means 37 is formed in the processing unit 12, for example by suitable programming.

[0129] This process step is now carried out for all free connection points 27, 30 in the conveyor line 2.

[0130] In this way, a coherent, branched part of the conveyor line 2 is depicted in the line layout 43.

[0131] The route layout 43 calculated in this way can now still have free connection points 27.

[0132] This is because the original CAD route data 9 may contain drawing errors resulting from inaccurate placement of the connection points 27, 30.

[0133] For example, the situation may change according to Fig. 8 or the situation according to Fig. 9 result.

[0134] In these Fig. 8, Fig. 9 it is evident that the further track element 29 would have to be linked to the straight track element 25 or to the curved track element 26, but that an incorrect lateral offset of the track elements 25, 26, 29 from one another results in the adjacent connection points 27, 30 not being recognized as adjacent to one another.

[0135] In this situation, the distance determining means 36 determines the distance h of the further connection point 30 from the straight line element 25 in Fig. 8 or from the curved track elements 26 in Fig. 9 and all other line elements (not shown) of the CAD line data 9. It is assumed that the line element 25 in Fig. 8 or the track element 26 in Fig. 9 each form the nearest route element.

[0136] In the example, this distance h is determined, i.e. calculated, as the length of the perpendicular to the respective line element 25 or 26.

[0137] The comparison means 37 then checks whether this distance is smaller than a fourth distance threshold. In the example, the fourth distance threshold is set to be greater than the first distance threshold.

[0138] If this is the case, the further connection point 30 is located within the fourth distance threshold to the straight line element 25 in Fig. 8 or the curved section element 26 in Fig. 9.

[0139] Now, conversely, the distance of the connection point 27 of the straight line element 25 in Fig. 8 or the curved section element 26 in Fig. 9 to the further line element 29 is determined, i.e. calculated. For this purpose, the length of the perpendicular to the line element 29 is also calculated.

[0140] The comparison means 37 is now used to check whether this distance also lies within the fourth distance threshold.

[0141] If this is the case, the connection point 27 is in Fig. 8 or Fig. 9 within the fourth distance threshold to the further route element 29.

[0142] If both criteria are met, i.e., if the further connection point 30 is within the fourth distance threshold to the line element 25 or 26 and the connection point 27 is within the fourth distance threshold to the further line element 29, the connection point 27 is linked to the further connection point 30. For many purposes, it is sufficient if the fourth distance threshold is selected to be equal to the second distance threshold.

[0143] This process step is now carried out for all still free connection points 27, 30 in the route layout 43.

[0144] This reduces the number of free connection points 27, 30 in the CAD route data 9.

[0145] For the connection points 27, 30 linked in this way, the coordinates of the connection points 27, 30 are changed in an error correction so that the linked connection points 27, 30 have matching coordinates.

[0146] For this purpose, the processing unit 12 has a variation means 38 with which a parameter of the line elements 25, 26, 29, for example a length, a curvature, an extension along the X-coordinate and / or an extension along the Y-coordinate or another parameter, can be changed.

[0147] This change is in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 symbolically represented.

[0148] In Fig. 10 shows the case where the track elements 25, 29 are aligned with each other, but the connecting points 27 and 30 which are actually to be linked or linked with each other are not arranged at the same location.

[0149] An arrow indicates the action of the variation means 38. The variation means 38 shortens the length of the additional line element 29 as a parameter until the additional connection point 30 has the same coordinates as the connection point 27.

[0150] With the described method, partial overlaps of route elements can be determined according to Fig. 6 or complete overlaps according to Fig. 7 and can be processed automatically.

[0151] Fig. 12 to 14 shows schematically the function of the variation means 38 in a situation analogous to Fig. 9.

[0152] In Fig. 12 are after the Fig. The calculation routine explained in section 9 links the connection points 27 and 30.

[0153] In order to align the connecting points 27, 30, the length of the further line element 29 can be shortened with the variation means 38 until the connecting point 27 is at the same location as the further connecting point 30. This results in the situation according to Fig. 13.

[0154] Alternatively or additionally, the radius of curvature of the curved section element 26 or the curved shape of the curved section element 26 can be changed with the variation means 38 until the connection point is brought into alignment with the further connection point 30.

[0155] While the procedure according to Fig. 13 has the advantage that the radius of curvature of the curved section element 26 is not changed, the method according to Fig. 14 has the advantage that the length of the straight line element 29 remains unchanged (and thus as large as possible).

[0156] The already mentioned special case according to Fig. 7 is the complete overlap of two line elements 25, 29. This results in the connection points 27 of the shorter line element 25 both lying on the longer line element 29. In this case, the processing unit 12 completely removes the shorter line element 25.

[0157] Branching points 39 may be marked in the CAD route data 9, particularly if they concern ground transport systems, i.e. systems without mechanical track guidance. Fig. 15 shows such a branching point 39.

[0158] This branching point 39 is recognized by the processing unit 12 in that three connection points, namely a connection point 27 of the line element 25, a connection point 27 of the line element 26 and a connection point 30 of the line element 29, are arranged within the first distance threshold value.

[0159] However, such a branch 39 may be in the situation according to Fig. 16 cannot be correctly recognized by the processing unit 12, since the track elements 25, 29 in Fig. 19 are not separated from each other by a connecting point 27, but instead there is a single straight, continuous line element 25.

[0160] At the point where the curved line element 26 branches off, no corresponding connection point 27 of the line element 25 can be found. In other words, a branch cannot be correctly detected if a connection point is missing in the CAD line data 9.

[0161] The solution to this problem is similar to the previously described overlap of two track elements 25, 26, 29 according to Fig. 9.

[0162] The connection point 27 of the line element 26 has no suitable connection point.

[0163] The distance determination means 36 again calculates the distance of this connection point 27 of the line element 26 to the line element 25 by orthogonal projection of the point onto all line elements 25, 26, 29 of the CAD line data 9.

[0164] If the distance calculated in this way falls below a fifth distance threshold, which can be selected, for example, to be equal to the first distance threshold or second distance threshold or a distance threshold below the first distance threshold, the processing unit 12 assumes that the connection point 27 lies on the route element 25. At the same time, it is checked whether the considered connection point 27 lies further away from the connection points 27 of the route element 25 than a sixth distance threshold. If this is the case, it can be ruled out that a situation according to Fig. 9 or Fig. 12 is present.

[0165] To rule out that it is a crossbreed, you can, as for Fig. As described in Figure 18, tangents 32, 33, and 34 are calculated to the connecting points 27 of line elements 25, 26. If these are equal or lie within a specified angular range, a branching occurs. An intersection, on the other hand, has significantly different tangents.

[0166] In the processing unit 12, a subdivision means is formed, with which a further connection point 27 can be formed in a line element 25, 26, 29 between the associated connection points 27, 30, whereby the processed line element 25, 26, 29 is divided and separated into two line elements.

[0167] In the situation according to Fig. 16, this additional connection point is inserted as a division point 41 such that its position coincides with the connection point 27 of the line element 26.

[0168] In this way, the situation is Fig. 15 reconstructed.

[0169] Fig. 19 explains how the travel direction information 28 is transmitted at a branching point 39 from one route element 25 to the following route elements 26 and 29.

[0170] For this purpose, the tangents 32, 33, 34 are connected to the line elements 25, 26, 29 at the common connection point 27 in an analogous manner to Fig. 18 calculated.

[0171] It is then checked whether the travel direction information 28 for the track element 25, i.e. the track element arranged first in the direction of travel of the conveyor line 2, defines a travel direction that is aligned parallel (in the same direction) or antiparallel (in the opposite direction) to the tangent 32 of the track element 25.

[0172] If the direction of travel of the direction information 28 is aligned in the same direction as the tangent 32, the direction of travel information of the route elements 26 and 29 are selected such that the associated direction of travel is aligned parallel, i.e. in the same direction, to the respective tangents 33 and 34, respectively.

[0173] In the other case, the direction of travel information of the track elements 26, 29 is determined in such a way that a direction of travel is given that runs antiparallel, i.e. in the opposite direction, to the tangent 33 or 34.

[0174] As already mentioned, the situation can be Fig. 16 in the processing unit 12 may be characterized in that the connection point 27 of the route element 26 lies within a fifth distance threshold value to the route element 25 and at the same time the connection point 27 of the route element 26 lies outside a sixth distance threshold value to the connection points 27 of the route element 25.

[0175] The fifth distance threshold may be equal to the first distance threshold or smaller than the first distance threshold or selected in another way.

[0176] The sixth distance threshold can be chosen to be equal to a fraction of a typical length of a track element, for example equal to half or two-thirds of this length.

[0177] In the previously described subdivision of the track element 25 into two track elements, a division point 41 is inserted into the track element 25, which marks the transition of one track element part formed by the subdivision from the other, remaining track element part. Two connection points are automatically created from this division point 41, each of which is assigned to one of the new track elements created from the track element 25.

[0178] After the described processing steps have been completed, the CAD route data 9 are automatically converted by the processing unit 12 into a route layout 43 of the conveyor line 2, wherein in the route layout 43 the route elements 25, 26, 29 of the conveyor line 2 are linked at connection points 27, 30 and provided with travel direction information 28 such that the conveyor line 2 is reproduced in the virtual reality 13.

[0179] This route layout 43 is now output via the data output 16 into the storage means 23 and is made available there for further processing in the form of control data 15.

[0180] Via the interface 21, the route layout 43 can be fed to a material flow computer 17 in the form of control data 15 tailored to or adapted to the material flow computer 17, in which the material flow in the conveyor line 2 can be calculated or simulated. In this case, the route layout 43, or at least a relevant part thereof, is converted in a conventional manner into a data format that is tailored to the material flow computer 17. The control data 15 then represents the information portion of the route layout 43 required by the material flow computer 17 in this data format.

[0181] Alternatively or additionally, the route layout 43 can be supplied via the interface 21 to a control unit 18 in the form of control data 15 tailored to or adapted to the control unit 18, with which the production plant 1 can be controlled according to the data from the route layout 43. In this case, the route layout 43 is converted into control data 15 for the control unit 18 in a manner known per se.

[0182] Alternatively or additionally, the route layout 43 can be transmitted via the interface 21 to a simulation unit 19 in the form of control data 15 tailored to or adapted to the simulation unit 19, in which process sequences of the production plant 1 can be simulated using the data of the route layout 43. In this case, the route layout 43 is converted into control data 15 for the simulation unit 19 in a manner known per se.

[0183] The route layout 43 can alternatively or additionally be transmitted via the interface 21 to a parts list / calculation unit in which, for example, parts lists for the conveyor line 2 to be constructed and / or calculations for the conveyor line 2 are automatically calculated using the data of the route layout 43, which are present in the form of control data 15 generated from the route layout 43 in a manner known per se.

[0184] The control data 15 can generally be transmitted as parameters.

[0185] The invention thus also enables a method according to the invention in which the route layout 43 is transferred at least in parameter form or completely to a vehicle control of a transport unit 3 traveling in the conveyor line 2. For this purpose, the user can, for example, select the menu item “Device parameterization” in Fig. 4a for the corresponding part of production plant 1 (for example, the transport units “AGV_01” to “AGV_05” or for the part “SC”).

[0186] Here, the vehicle control system can be configured to control the transport unit 3 based on a comparison of an actual position of the transport unit 3 with a target position described by the route layout 43. The vehicle control system can be configured to perform a corresponding evaluation of the route layout 43, for example, to extract target positions from the route layout 43.

[0187] For further processing in the control data, it can be provided that the route layout 43 and / or the or an at least locally one-dimensional, computer-readable description of the logical conveyor flow is transferred to a control unit 18 and used or provided to control transport units 3 of the production plant 1. The advantage here is that manual steps during commissioning can be avoided and / or reduced.

[0188] It should also be mentioned that after completion of the route layout 43, an error check is performed in the processing unit 12. This check checks for each route element 25, 26, 29 to determine whether the associated travel direction information 28 is compatible with each other and with the link. For example, it can be checked here whether an exit switch or rather an entry switch should actually be provided at a specific location, since both route elements differ in the travel direction information.

[0189] There are various diagnostic tools available. In the menu item “Diagnosis” in the menu, Fig. 4a (ie in the left window “A” in Fig.4) A user can choose between a diagnosis via the control unit 18 ("PLC diagnosis") or via a portable graphical operator panel ("LSI diagnosis"). The route layout 43 with the current positions of the transport units 3 can be displayed on the portable graphical operator panel, allowing a user to immediately identify which part of the production system 1 a current piece of information or message refers to.

[0190] When applying the invention to a method for commissioning a production plant 1 with at least one transport unit 3 movable along a conveyor line and a control unit 18, it can be provided that a route layout 43 is generated using a method according to the invention and data of the route layout 43 are transferred to the at least one transport unit 3 and / or the control unit 18. Manual, time-consuming intermediate steps are dispensable.

[0191] In the described embodiments, it can be provided that the route layout 43 is transferred to a vehicle control system of the transport unit 3. In this case, the data of the route layout 43 can be simply transmitted in parameter form. In this case, it can be provided that the vehicle control system is configured to control the transport unit 3 based on a comparison of an actual position of the transport unit 3 with a target position described by the route layout 43. In this case, no lane guidance is required; instead, the lane guidance results from the data of the route layout 43.

[0192] To commission the control unit 18, the route layout 43 is converted into a locally one-dimensional, computer-readable description of the logical conveyor flow. This description is then transferred to the control unit 18. The computer-readable description represents a set of control data 15.

[0193] Based on this control data, the transport units 3 of the production plant 1 are controlled.

[0194] In the method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant 1, it is proposed to read in CAD route data 9 of a conveyor line 2 using a configuration device 7 and to automatically convert them into a route layout 43 composed of route elements 25, 26, 29, which are linked at connection points 27, 30, and to make them available for further processing. List of reference symbols 1 production facility 2 conveyor line 3 transport unit 4 Conveyor technology 5 Wall 6 rooms 7 Configuration setup 8 Data input 9 CAD route data 10 Branching 11 markers 12 processing unit 13 virtual reality 14 screen 15 Control data 16 Data output 17 material flow calculators 18 Control unit 19 Simulation Unit 20 Bill of materials / calculation unit 21 Interface 22, 23, 24 Storage means 25, 26 track element 27 connection point 28 Direction information 29 route element 30 connection point 31 windows 32, 33, 34 Tangent 35 Tangent calculation tools 36 distance determination devices 37 comparison means 38 means of variation 39 branching point 40 subdivision means 41 Division point 42 allocation funds 43 Track layout

Claims

[1] Method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant (1), wherein the production plant (1) has at least one conveyor line (2), characterized by that CAD route data (9) are read into a processing unit (12), wherein the CAD route data (9) are faulty, that a set of rules has rules for error correction of the faulty CAD route data (9) and that these rules are applied to the CAD route data (9) in a computer-implemented manner to generate the route layout (43), and that a route layout (43) is generated from the CAD route data (9) in a computer-implemented manner, which describes a logical conveyor flow of the conveyor line (2) in a computer-readable manner, and that the route layout (43) is transferred to a control unit (18) and used to control transport units (3) of the production plant (1). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat, in order to generate the route layout (43) in the logical conveyor flow, successive route elements (25, 26, 29) of the CAD route data (9) are logically linked, in particular at connection points (27, 30). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the route layout (43) contains two- or three-dimensional position information on route elements (25, 26, 29) of the route layout (43) and / or that an at least locally one-dimensional, computer-readable description of the logical conveyor flow is derived from the route layout (43). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the route layout (43) is transferred at least in parameter form to a vehicle control of a transport unit (3) traveling in the conveyor route (2), in particular wherein the vehicle control is set up to control the transport unit (3) based on a comparison of an actual position of the transport unit (3) with a target position described by the route layout (43), and / or that the or an at least locally one-dimensional, computer-readable description of the logical conveyor flow is transferred to a control unit (18) and used or provided to control transport units (3) of the production plant (1). [5] Method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the CAD route data (9) are automatically displayed in a virtual reality (13) and that control data (15) are automatically provided at an interface (21) designed for at least one element from the group of material flow computer (17), higher-level control unit (18), external simulation unit (19) and parts list / calculation unit (20). [6] Method for computer-aided simulation of a production plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the CAD route data (9) comprise at least route elements (25, 26, 29) from which the conveyor route is formed, and that the route elements (25, 26, 29) are automatically linked to a route layout (43) using a set of rules and are provided for a computer-aided simulation of the conveyor route (2). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a first connection point (27, 30) of a first route element (25, 26, 29) is automatically linked to a second connection point (27, 30) of a second route element (25, 26, 29) if the first connection point (27, 30) of the first route element (25, 26, 29) is within a first distance threshold value to the second connection point (27, 30) of the second route element (25, 26, 29), and / or that a first connection point (27, 30) of a first route element (25, 26, 29) is linked to a second connection point (27, 30) of a second route element (25, 26, 29) if the first connection point (27, 30) of the first route element (25, 26, 29) is within a second distance threshold value to the second connection point (27, 30) of the second section element (25, 26, 29) and if there is no third connection point (27,30) of a third route element is within the or a first distance threshold to the first and / or second connection point (27, 30). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a switch element or a branching element is automatically inserted into the route layout (43) if a connection point (27, 30) of a first route element (25, 26, 29) is linked to a connection point (27, 30) of at least two further route elements (25, 26, 29), and / or that for a first connection point (27, 30) of a first route element (25, 26, 29), for which no connection point (27, 30) of a further route element (25, 26, 29) can be found within the second distance threshold value, it is automatically checked which route element (25, 26, 29) lies within a third distance threshold value from the first connection point (27, 30). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a first connection point (27, 30) of a first route element (25, 26, 29) is linked to a second connection point (27, 30) of a second route element (25, 26, 29) if the first connection point (27, 30) lies within one or the third distance threshold value to the second route element (25, 26, 29) and the second connection point (27, 30) lies within the third distance threshold value to the first route element (25, 26, 29), and / or that a parameter of a route element (25, 26, 29), in which a first connection point (27, 30) is linked to exactly one second connection point (27, 30) of a further route element (25, 26, 29), is changed until the first connection point (27, 30) lies within the first distance threshold value to the second connection point (27, 30). [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a first route element (25, 26, 29) is divided into two further route elements (25, 26, 29) at a dividing point (41) if a connection point (27, 30) of a second route element (25, 26, 29) lies within a fourth distance threshold value to the first route element (25, 26, 29) but outside a fifth distance threshold value to the connection points (27, 30) of the first route element (25, 26, 29), wherein each of the two further route elements (25, 26, 29) receives a connection point (27, 30) from the first route element (25, 26, 29) and receives a further connection point (27, 30) at the dividing point (41), wherein these further connection points (27, 30) are linked to one another, and / or that with a travel direction information (28) of a track element (25, 26, 29), a connection point (27, 30) of this track element (25, 26, 29) as a starting point and a further connection point (27, 30) of this track element (25, 26,29) is characterized as an endpoint. [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that, for a first route element (25, 26, 29), travel direction information (28) is derived from travel direction information (28) of a second route element (25, 26, 29) in such a way that a starting point is linked to an end point, and / or that a tangent (22, 33, 34) to this route element (25, 26, 29) is calculated at a connection point (27, 30) of a route element (25, 26, 29). [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a branching, switching and / or crossing element is automatically selected on the basis of the calculated tangents (32, 33, 34) of the connection points (27, 30) involved and / or that a control program for transport units (3) that can be moved on the conveyor line (2) is created and / or output for the line layout (43). [13] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a material flow computer (17) is controlled with the control program and / or that a control unit (18) of the production plant (1) and / or a simulation unit (19) which is set up to simulate an operating sequence of a conveyor line (2) with transport units (3) is / are programmed with the control program and / or that the line elements (25, 26, 29) are extracted from the CAD line data (9) and written into a separate layer and / or that an error check is carried out in which an assignment of travel direction information (28) which is unique and / or compatible with linked line elements (25, 26, 29) is checked for each line element (25, 26, 29). [14] Method for commissioning a production plant (1) with at least one transport unit (3) movable along a conveyor line and a control unit (18), characterized bythat a route layout (43) is generated using a method according to one of the preceding claims and data of the route layout (43) are transferred to the at least one transport unit (3) and / or the control unit (18). [15] Configuration device (7), with a data input (8) for inputting CAD route data (9) and a data output (16) for outputting a route layout (43), characterized by that a processing unit (12) is designed and configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. [16] Configuration device (7) according to claim 15, characterized bythat the CAD route data (9) each have two connection points (27, 30) and route elements (25, 26, 29) preferably additionally provided with metadata and / or that a distance determination means (36) for determining a distance between a first connection point (27, 30) of a first route element (25, 26, 29) and a second connection point (27, 30) of a second route element (25, 26, 29) and / or a comparison means (37) for comparing a distance between a first connection point (27, 30) of a first route element (25, 26, 29) and a second connection point (27, 30) of a second route element (25, 26, 29) with one or the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and / or sixth distance threshold value is / are formed. [17] Configuration device (7) according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized bythat a distance determination means (36) for determining a distance between a connection point (27, 30) of a track element (25, 26, 29) and a further track element (25, 26, 29) and / or a comparison means (37) for comparing a distance between a connection point (27, 30) of a track element (25, 26, 29) and a further track element (25, 26, 29) with a second distance threshold value is / are designed and / or that a variation means (38) is / are designed to vary a parameter of a track element (25, 26, 29). [18] Configuration device (7) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized bythat a tangent calculation means (35) is designed to calculate a tangent (32, 33, 34) at a connection point (27, 30) of a line element (25, 26, 29) to the line element (25, 26, 29) and / or that a subdivision means (40) is designed to divide a line element (25, 26, 29) at a division point (41) into two further line elements (25, 26, 29). [19] Configuration device (7) according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized bythat an assignment means (42) is designed to assign travel direction information (28) to a route element (25, 26, 29) and / or that a material flow computer (17) and / or a parts list / calculation unit (20) and / or a control unit (18) and / or a simulation unit (19) is / are connected or connectable to the data output (16) and / or that a storage means (24), in particular a database, with metadata on route elements (25, 26, 29) of the CAD route data (9) is connectable to the data input (8) or a further data input. [20] Production plant (1) with at least one transport unit (3) movable along a conveyor line, characterized by that a control unit (18) is in control connection with a configuration device (7) according to one of claims 15 to 19 and / or is programmable by a configuration device (7) according to one of claims 15 to 19. [21] Production plant (1) according to claim 20, characterized by that the route layout (43) can be transferred at least in parameter form to a vehicle control of the transport unit (3), in particular wherein the vehicle control is set up to control the transport unit (3) based on a comparison of an actual position of the transport unit (3) with a target position described by the route layout (43) and / or that the route layout (43) and / or the or an at least locally one-dimensional, computer-readable description of the logical conveyor flow can be transferred to the control unit (18) and can be used to control transport units (3) of the production plant (1).

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