METHOD FOR OPERATING A MACHINING MACHINE AND SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a processing machine, in particular a woodworking machine. Such a processing machine is preferably configured to process workpieces made of wood or a wood-based material.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a processing machine, in particular a woodworking machine. Such a processing machine is preferably configured to process workpieces made of wood or a wood-based material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a processing machine, in particular a woodworking machine. State of the art

[0002] It is common practice to simulate CNC programs in advance, for example, to calculate machining times in advance. Simulation models are generally used for hardware-in-the-loop simulation, which are usually locally bound.

[0003] A method for operating an industrial machine is known from document WO 2006 / 128401 A1. At least part of the operation of the industrial machine is simulated using a simulation model, with simulation results and real data from the operation of the industrial machine being stored and / or compared. The simulation model can also be parameterized using a device for parameterizing the simulation model, with a data connection being established between the industrial machine and the device for parameterizing the simulation model using an intranet and / or internet connection. Description of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a method and a system with which high performance and / or high reliability can be ensured during production operation.

[0005] Claim 1 provides a corresponding method. Further preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] In particular, claim 1 provides a method for operating a processing machine, in particular a woodworking machine. With such a processing machine, workpieces made of wood or a wood-based material can be processed, in particular by machining or non-machining. The method comprises the steps: Performing machining of a workpiece based on a machining program executed by a control unit, and recording machining results, Carrying out a simulation of the machining of the workpiece using a simulation unit based on the machining plan, and recording simulation results, bidirectional communication between the control unit and the simulation unit.

[0007] The bidirectional communication between the control unit and the simulation unit makes it possible to coordinate a real and a simulated machining process. Furthermore, the control unit and the simulation unit can be located separately from each other, but can be interconnected and, if necessary, synchronized thanks to the bidirectional communication, which is provided in particular by a bidirectional communication channel. This leads to high performance and high reliability, especially high safety and error detection.

[0008] The method specifically involves comparing a real and a simulated machining process. This can be used, for example, to detect unexpected anomalies in the (real) process and draw conclusions that can be fed back to the operator or the machine control system.

[0009] To this end, it is particularly intended to ensure temporal synchronicity between simulation and processing (reality). A real processing machine or a real processing operation can be observed and monitored by a simulation model running in parallel.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a correction step is performed if there is a defined deviation between the machining results and the simulation results. For example, mechanical wear could be detected if a real and the corresponding simulated axis reach a defined target position at different speeds. An anomaly can also be detected if a specific physical parameter (e.g., current, force, or torque) exhibits elevated values ​​or trends toward increasing values. In these cases, counteraction can be taken, for example, by replacing a tool.

[0011] If a defined deviation of the machining results from the simulation results occurs, a visual and / or acoustic output can be generated to inform and, if necessary, warn the machine operator. The control unit can initiate an output on a display device of the machine and / or a display device of a (possibly portable) device, such as a smartphone or a display monitor.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the control unit accesses the simulation results at least temporarily to perform machining of the workpiece. One advantage lies in the feasibility of implementing so-called "virtual hardware." A "virtual sensor system," such as validating measurement sensors, can be mentioned as a possible application in this context. Thus, if a real sensor system fails, a virtual sensor system can temporarily maintain production operations until repairs can be carried out. A general use of a virtual sensor as a replacement for real hardware is also conceivable. This would be wear-free, not susceptible to contamination, and cost-effective. A concrete example would be an optical light barrier for detecting the position of a workpiece, which is replaced by a simulated, virtual position sensor and processed by the real control logic.

[0013] It is preferred that the simulation unit be spatially separated from the control unit. In particular, the simulation unit can be installed on a server unit.

[0014] Bidirectional communication can be achieved via a bidirectional communication channel, which is preferably designed as a communication channel between the control unit and the simulation unit. This communication channel enables parallel operation of a simulation model while avoiding interference with a real processing machine.

[0015] The workpiece machined within the scope of the present method is in particular a workpiece made at least partially of wood or a wood-based material, for example a plate-shaped workpiece which is machined using a machining unit of the processing machine.

[0016] According to a further aspect, a system is provided which is preferably configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising: a processing machine, in particular a woodworking machine, with a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to execute a processing program such that the processing machine carries out processing of a workpiece, a simulation unit which is configured to carry out a simulation of the processing of the workpiece based on the processing plan, wherein the system comprises a communication channel which is configured for bidirectional communication between the control unit and the simulation unit.

[0017] To perform machining on the workpiece, the control unit can access the simulation results at least temporarily. This allows for the provision of so-called "virtual hardware." Virtual sensor technology is a specific application for this. Thus, if a real sensor system fails, a virtual sensor system can temporarily maintain production until repairs can be carried out.

[0018] The simulation unit can be spatially separated from the control unit.

[0019] The bidirectional communication channel can be designed as a virtual channel between the control unit and the simulation unit.

[0020] For further aspects and advantages of the system, please refer to the explanations of the procedure described above.

[0021] The system is preferably configured to synchronize simulation and machining. This allows a real machining operation or a real machining process to be observed and monitored by a simulation model running in parallel. Short description of the drawing

[0022] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing. Fig. 1 is a schematic view for explaining an embodiment of the method according to the invention and the system according to the invention. Description of embodiments

[0023] Based on the schematic Fig. 1, a method for operating a processing machine is described below.

[0024] Such a processing machine is preferably a woodworking machine capable of processing workpieces made of wood or a wood-based material. For example, these are plate-shaped workpieces that are machined using a machining unit of the processing machine. It is also possible to apply a coating material to such a workpiece, particularly on the narrow side.

[0025] A processing machine can be designed as a so-called stationary machine or as a through-feed machine. In a stationary machine, workpieces are held at least temporarily during processing, whereas in through-feed machines, the workpieces move through the working area of ​​a processing unit.

[0026] The processing machine 10 comprises a control unit configured to execute a machining program so that a corresponding machining operation is performed on a workpiece. During such machining, the results of the machining are recorded. For example, the workpiece is scanned, the position of the machining unit is detected, the position of holding devices for holding the workpiece is determined, or the movement speed of the workpiece is determined. For these and other tasks, the processing machine 10 comprises corresponding sensors.

[0027] Furthermore, within the scope of the method according to the embodiment, a simulation unit 30 is used. The simulation unit 30 is configured to perform a simulation of the machining workpiece. For this purpose, the machining plan, which is also provided to the control unit 15, is used.

[0028] In this way, it is possible to ensure parallel operation of the processing machine 10 and the simulation sequence of the simulation unit 30.

[0029] The processing machine 10 and the simulation unit 30 are connected to each other via a communication channel 20, so that signals S1 of the processing machine 10 or the control unit 15 can be transmitted to the simulation unit 30, and further signals S2 of the simulation unit 30 to the processing machine 10 or the control unit 15.

[0030] The communication channel 20 can link the spatially separated units (processing machine 10 and simulation unit 30) and thereby ensures bidirectional communication between the control unit 15 and the simulation unit 30. Within the scope of the method, it is possible to perform a virtual production simulation. For this purpose, a simulation model is processed by the simulation unit 30. A production batch can be created spatially separate from the storage location of the simulation model and can be loaded by the simulation unit 30 via the communication channel 20. The simulation model is executed using a simulation tool developed for this purpose and stored in a data storage device. This enables needs-based, purpose-oriented access.

[0031] By operating the simulation model and the machining of a workpiece in parallel, anomaly detection is possible by comparing the state of the processing machine 10 and the simulation model. If a certain deviation arises, the anomaly can be recognized and displayed to the user. This could be a malfunction or a wear-related behavioral deviation. Furthermore, feedback is possible via the communication channel 20, for example, to counteract the anomaly and forward the status.

[0032] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that individual features described in different embodiments may also be implemented in a single embodiment, provided they are not structurally incompatible. Likewise, various features described in a single embodiment may also be provided in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2006 / 128401 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for operating a processing machine (10), in particular a woodworking machine, comprising the steps: Carrying out machining of a workpiece based on a machining program executed by a control unit (15), and recording results of the machining, Carrying out a simulation of the machining of the workpiece by means of a simulation unit (30) based on the machining plan, and recording simulation results, bidirectional communication (S1, S2) between the control unit (15) and the simulation unit (30). [2] The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: Comparing the machining results and the simulation results, especially to detect an anomaly. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein a correction step is carried out in case of a defined deviation of the results of the processing from the simulation results. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a visual and / or acoustic output is provided in the event of a defined deviation of the processing results from the simulation results. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the simulation and the processing are synchronized. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (15) accesses the simulation results at least temporarily to carry out a machining of the workpiece, in particular to provide a virtual sensor system. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the simulation unit (30) is provided spatially separated from the control unit (15). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bidirectional communication takes place by means of a bidirectional communication channel (20), wherein the bidirectional communication channel (20) is preferably designed as a communication channel between the control unit (15) and the simulation unit (30). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece is formed at least partially from wood or a wood-based material. [10] System comprising: a processing machine (10), in particular a woodworking machine, with a control unit (15), wherein the control unit (15) is configured to execute a processing program so that the processing machine (10) carries out processing of a workpiece, a simulation unit (30) which is configured to carry out a simulation of the machining of the workpiece based on the machining plan, wherein the system comprises a communication channel (20) configured for bidirectional communication (S1, S2) between the control unit (15) and the simulation unit (30). [11] System according to claim 10, wherein the control unit (15) is configured to access the simulation results at least temporarily to carry out a machining of the workpiece, in particular to provide a virtual sensor system. [12] System according to one of claims 10-11, wherein the bidirectional communication takes place by means of a bidirectional communication channel (20), wherein the bidirectional communication channel (20) is preferably designed as a virtual channel between the control unit (15) and the simulation unit (30). [13] System according to one of claims 10-12, wherein the simulation unit (30) is provided spatially separated from the control unit (15). [14] System according to one of claims 10-13, wherein the bidirectional communication channel (20) is designed as a virtual channel between the control unit (15) and the simulation unit (30). [15] System according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein the system is arranged to synchronize the simulation and the processing.

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