Mechanical system maintenance procedure, mechanical system maintenance program, and machine control unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for maintaining a mechanical system that enables easy maintenance of a mechanical system without reducing safety or production efficiency. This method for maintaining a mechanical system involves performing maintenance on a mechanical system including a machine and a machine controller that controls the machine using a remote controller connected to a WAN. The method for maintaining a mechanical system further includes using the tethering function of a mobile terminal to connect the machine controller to the WAN, enable data transmission between the remote controller and the machine controller connected via the WAN, and control the machine controller using the remote controller.

Description

FIELDThe present disclosure relates to a method for maintaining a mechanical system, a program for maintaining a mechanical system, and a machine control device.PRIOR ARTIn recent years, a machine control device for controlling a machine such as a robot or a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tool has been generally connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) via a wired line such as Ethernet (Registered Trademark) or a wireless line such as Wi-Fi (Registered Trademark).Such a machine control device is not directly connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. If the machine control device is continuously connected to a WAN (e.g., the Internet), security is compromised and since a malicious third party is connected thereto, this may result in a security issue.In addition, a mechanical system including a machine and a machine controller must be tested or inspected regularly or upon the occurrence of a fault. In addition, it is necessary to update an application program (program) such as a machine controller in order to improve its function.In the present specification, the term "robot" includes various robots including industrial robots, collaborative robots, and the like. Furthermore, the term machine control device includes various machine control devices for controlling a machine, such as a robot, a CNC machine tool, and the like. Moreover, the term "maintenance" includes periodic testing and checking of a machine, a machine control device, etc., and updating of a program or the like executed by the machine control device. It should be noted that the term "mechanical system" refers to a system including the machine, the machine controller, and the like.Conventionally, various proposals have been made for a remote control technique for monitoring and operating an engine control apparatus from a remote location.[CITRID LIST][PATENT LITERATURE][PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2020-502636[PTL 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2014-184519[NON-PATENT LITERATURE][NPLT 1] BIGLOBE, "Whatman is tethering? At easy-to-under-health explantation for beginners! 'Shimugurashi' BIGLOBE MOBILE", BIGLOBE Top, Dels, BIGLOBE, TIPS 2017 / 06 / 06, [Searched on 22 September 2022], Internet, <URL:https: / / join.biglobe.ne.jp / mobile / sim / gurashi / whatman_is_t ethering170608 / >SUMMARY[TECHNICAL PROBLEM]As described above, maintenance of a mechanical system is generally not performed from the surface of security or protection via the Internet. Alternatively, for example, a manufacturer of a mechanical system or a dealer who has performed maintenance (mechanical system supplier) sends a field-expert service technician to perform maintenance.As described above, when a service technician is sent to a place where a machine and a machine controller are installed to perform maintenance of the mechanical system, not only labor and cost are required, but also a reduction in production efficiency is required to spend a corresponding time.Therefore, it is desirable to easily perform maintenance of a mechanical system (e.g., a machine and a machine controller) without impairing safety and reducing production efficiency.(SOLUTION TO PROBLEM)According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of maintaining a mechanical system for performing maintenance work on a mechanical system, including a machine and a machine controller for controlling the machine through a remote controller connected to a WAN. The method for maintaining a mechanical system includes connecting the machine controller to the WAN using a tethering function of a mobile terminal; enabling data transmission between the remote controller and the machine controller connected via the WAN; and controlling the machine controller through the remote controller.The objects and effects of the present invention are realized and attained by the use of the components and combinations set forth in the claims. Both the general description described above and the detailed description below are exemplary and descriptive and do not limit the invention described in the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS[FIG. 1 ] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a mechanical system to which a method for maintaining a mechanical system according to the present embodiment is applied.[FIG. 2 ] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a processing example in implementing the method for maintenance of a mechanical system according to the present embodiment.[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally illustrating a principal part in the configuration of an example of an engine control device according to the present embodiment.[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing in a program for maintenance of a mechanical system according to the present embodiment.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTSHereinafter, examples of a method for maintenance of a mechanical system, a program for maintenance of a mechanical system, and a machine control device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or similar constituent elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. Moreover, the embodiments described below do not limit the technical scope and meaning of the terms of the invention set forth in the claims.FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a mechanical system to which a method for maintenance of a mechanical system according to the present embodiment is applied, and specifically shows an example of a system of an industrial robot. As illustrated in FIG. 1, an industrial robot system 100, which is an example to which a method for maintaining a mechanical system according to the present embodiment is applied, includes an industrial robot (machine) 1, a robot controller (machine control device) 2, and a teaching pendant 3.A hand unit (end effector) 11A is provided at an end portion of an arm 11 of the industrial robot (robot) 1, and the hand unit 11A performs predetermined processing of a workpiece (object) 5 lying on a workbench 4. For example, a robot controller 2 controls the robot 1 based on a program (software program) installed in advance.In this case, a camera (not illustrated) for capturing the workpiece 5 or the like may be mounted in the vicinity of the hand unit 11A of the arm 11, and an image (video) including the workpiece 5 captured by the camera may be output to the robot controller 2. Moreover, various changes and modifications may be made depending on the type of machine and the machining required.The teaching pendant 3 includes a display screen 31 and an operation unit 32, and is connected to the robot controller 2 via a cable. The teaching pendant 3 can perform a predetermined operation on the robot 1 via the robot controller 2 by operating the operation unit 32 while an operator (teacher) confirms an image on the display screen 31.Note that the teaching pendant 3 in FIG. 1 is connected to the robot controller 2 via a cable, but may be wirelessly connected to the robot controller 2. The teaching pendant 3 is not limited to a specific teaching pendant as illustrated in FIG. 1, but a tablet (tablet computer) connected to the robot controller 2 via cable or wirelessly may be used, for example.FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a processing example in implementing the method for maintenance of a mechanical system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 6 denotes a USB cable, 7 a smartphone (mobile terminal), 8 a remote controller, 9 a service technician, and 21 a USB port.In this case, the remote controller 8 is provided, for example, in a service station of a manufacturer of the system of an industrial robot 100, a system provider for performing maintenance thereof, and the like, and is connected to a WAN such as the Internet. It should be noted that the service technician 9 is, for example, a technician on the system provider side that operates in the service station that is located far from a factory or the like in which the system of an industrial robot 100 is installed and that has knowledge of a person skilled in the art regarding the maintenance of the system.As illustrated in FIG. 2, in maintenance of the system of an industrial robot 100, for example, a USB cable 6 is used to connect the robot controller 2 to a smartphone 7. Specifically, the USB cable 6 connects a USB port (e.g., type-A) 21 of the robot controller 2 to a USB port (e.g., type-C) or Lighting port (registered trademark) 71 of the smartphone 7, and connects to the WAN via a USB tethering function of the smartphone 7.In this case, the tethering function of the smartphone 7 connecting the robot controller 2 to the WAN is not limited to USB tethering, and it is possible to use Wi-Fi tethering (registered trademark) or Bluetooth tethering (registered trademark). It should be noted that USB tethering via the USB cable 6 (wired) is preferable because USB tethering is less susceptible to trouble and connection is more stable than wireless tethering.Moreover, the smartphone 7 itself includes a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, and is not limited to being directly connected to the WAN, but may be connected to the WAN via a network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Moreover, the smartphone 7 can also be a mobile terminal with a tethering function, such as a tablet or a notebook.As described above, the remote controller 8 has a communication function and can be connected to the Internet (WAN). When the industrial robot system 100 is maintained, an operator of the industrial robot system uses, for example, the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7 to connect the robot controller 2 to the Internet. Specifically, the USB cable 6 connects the USB port 21 of the robot controller 2 to a USB port 71 of the smartphone 7, and temporarily connects the robot controller 2 to the Internet.In this case, the robot controller 2 is connected to, for example, a LAN in a factory or a company in which the system of an industrial robot 100 is installed. Therefore, when the robot controller 2 exchanges data with the remote controller 8, for example, via USB tethering of the smartphone 7, it is necessary to perform reliable communication via a firewall installed on the LAN.In particular, it is necessary to transmit and receive data through security-protected encrypted communication between the robot controller 2 and the remote controller 8. Therefore, for example, a predetermined program (first program) is installed on the robot controller 2, and the first program is preferably executed in the robot controller 2. Further, for example, a predetermined program (second program) is installed on the remote controller 8, and it is preferable to execute the second program on the remote controller 8.It should be noted that an OS (operating system) of the robot controller 2 and the remote controller 8 may be, for example, various types of OS such as Windows (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), or a special OS. Therefore, the first and second programs executed by the robot controller 2 and the remote controller 8 can be selected based on the respective operating system, the security software to be used, the firewall, and the like. The robot controller 2 can be connected only to a specific remote controller 8, so that safety or the like can be further improved.In this way, data transmission is temporarily established via the USB tethering of the smartphone 7 by the security-protected encrypted communication between the robot controller 2 and the remote controller 8. In this state, the industrial robot system 100 can be maintained, for example, by the remote controller 8 of the service station remote from the installation site of the industrial robot system 100.Note that maintenance of the system of an industrial robot 100 by the remote controller 8 may include, for example, a test or an inspection, and a simulation of the industrial robot 1, the robot controller 2, and the teaching pendant 3. The maintenance of the system of an industrial robot 100 by the remote control 8 can also comprise, for example, an update of a program executed by the robot controller 2 and the teaching hand device 3.Further, for example, the operation record (log) of the industrial robot 1 stored in the storage ( 24) of the industrial robot 1 and the suction of various data may be involved in the maintenance of the system of an industrial robot 100 by the remote controller 8. As described above, the maintenance of the system of an industrial robot 100 by the remote controller 8 may include various maintenance work performed by sending a service technician to an installation site of the system of an industrial robot 100.As described above, in the mechanical system maintenance method according to the present embodiment, the maintenance can be performed, for example, from a remote controller via USB tethering of a smartphone. Since the secure encrypted communication between a robot controller and the remote control is effected via USB tethering of a smartphone, the installation and setting of a router for the connection to the Internet can be omitted.In particular, in the method for maintaining a mechanical system according to the present embodiment, the security-protected encrypted communication between the machine control device and the remote control is temporarily established by USB tethering or the like of an easy-to-use smartphone. In the temporarily established security-protected encrypted communication between the machine control device and the remote controller, various maintenance operations can be performed on the mechanical system side from the remote controller side. Therefore, using the method for maintenance of a mechanical system according to the present embodiment, a maintenance operation can be performed by the service station or the like on the provider side of the mechanical system without having to send a service person to a place where the mechanical system is installed.FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a principal part of the configuration of an example of an engine control apparatus according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the machine control device (robot controller) 2 includes a USB (Input / Output) port 21, a communication control unit 22, a data acquisition unit 23, a storage (storage unit) 24, a program control unit 25, a test / inspection unit 26, and a robot control unit 27.The robot control unit 27 controls the industrial robot 1 to cause it to perform a certain work. In this case, the robot control unit 27 may also be used to control the industrial robot 1 based on an instruction of the teaching pendant 3. Further, each of the communication control unit 22, the data acquisition unit 23, the program control unit 25, the test / inspection unit 26, and the robot control unit 27 in the robot controller 2 may execute various functions in accordance with a program executed by an arithmetic processing unit (CPU: not illustrated).As described above, the USB connector 21 is connected to a USB connector 71 of the smartphone 7 via the USB cable 6, and connects the robot controller 2 to the Internet via the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7. The USB port 21 of the robot controller 2 is not limited to use for performing USB tethering of the smartphone 7, and may be used to connect to various other devices.The communication control unit 22 controls communication with a remote controller 8 connected to the Internet, for example, via USB tethering of the smartphone 7.The data acquisition unit 23 collects, for example, operation records, various data, and the like of the industrial robot 1, and stores the collected data in the memory 24.The memory 24 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and a nonvolatile memory such as a programmable read only memory (PROM) or a flash memory. In this case, the data collected by the data acquisition unit 23 and the program executed by the robot controller 2 may be stored in the flash memory, for example, and are maintained even when the power supply to the system of the industrial robot 100 is interruptedThe program control unit 25 controls the program executed by the robot controller 2 and updates the program of the robot controller 2 through the remote controller 8 via the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7. it should be noted that the teaching pendant 3 includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) and a memory, and when the teaching pendant 3 executes a unique program, the program control unit 25 may control update of the program of the teaching pendant 3.The test / inspection unit 26 tests and inspects the system of an industrial robot 100 at regular intervals or when a fault has occurred. Specifically, the test / inspection unit 26 tests and inspects the industrial robot 1, the robot controller 2, and the teaching pendant 3 with the remote controller 8, for example, via the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7. the data of the result of the test and inspection performed by the test / inspection unit 26 is transmitted to the remote controller 8 in real time, for example, via the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7.As described above, the data transmission between the remote control 8 and the robot control 2, which is connected via the Internet to the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7, takes place via a secure encrypted communication. In this case, the data transmission via the security-protected encrypted communication can be performed by executing the first program installed in the robot controller 2.Moreover, the data transmission through the security-protected encrypted communication can be performed by executing both the first program installed in the robot controller 2 and the second program installed in the remote controller 8. It should be noted that the first and second programs executed by the robot controller 2 and the remote controller 8 described above may be selected as appropriate programs based on the operating system, the security software to be used, the firewall, and the like. Moreover, the robot controller 2 may be connected only to a predetermined specific remote controller 8 to further improve safety or the like.Moreover, the remote controller 8 controls the robot controller 2, for example, the operation of the industrial robot 1 by the robot controller 2 can be simulated by the remote controller 8 through the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7. Specifically, for example, the robot controller 2 can be accessed from the remote controller 8 via the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7, and the screen of the teaching pendant 3 can be displayed on the remote controller 8 to operate the industrial robot 1.In the above descriptions, the robot controller 2 is not limited to the control of an industrial robot 1, but may control various robots including a cooperative robot and various machine control devices that control a machine such as a CNC machine tool. Therefore, in the machine control apparatus according to the present embodiment, the same maintenance operation can be performed by the service station or the like on the provider side of the mechanical system without the service technician having to be sent to a place where the mechanical system is installed.FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing in a mechanical system maintenance program according to the present embodiment. This example of a maintenance program for a mechanical system may be executed by, for example, a computing unit that performs each function of the robot controller 2 described in FIG. 3.As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the example of processing in the maintenance program of the mechanical system according to the present embodiment is started (START), in step ST 1, the robot controller 2 is connected to the Internet by using the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7.In this case, the robot controller 2 is connected to the Internet via the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7 when it is necessary to perform a test or inspection, for example, at regular intervals or when a fault has occurred. Alternatively, the programs of the robot controller 2 and the teaching pendant 3 are updated, or various data stored in the memory 24 of the robot controller 2 are retrieved on the teaching pendant 3 side.It should be noted that the robot controller 2 is temporarily connected to the Internet by using the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7, for example, by an operator or the like in a factory in which the system of an industrial robot 100 is installed. Therefore, the operator in the factory or the like can connect the robot controller 2 to the Internet by using the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7.The method then continues with step ST 2, in which the data transmission between the remote control 8 and the robot control 2 via the Internet is enabled. Specifically, the USB tethering function of the smartphone 7 is used to temporarily establish a security-protected encrypted communication between the robot controller 2 and the remote controller 8.This security-protected, encrypted communication is established, as described above, for example by the execution of a first program in the robot controller 2 and / or a second program in the remote control 8.The method proceeds to step ST 3, in which the robot controller 2 is controlled by the remote controller 8 via the temporarily established security-protected encrypted communication between the robot controller 2 and the remote controller 8. Moreover, in step ST 4, various maintenance work of the system of an industrial robot 100 can be performed from the remote controller 8 via the temporarily established security-protected encrypted communication between the robot controller 2 and the remote controller 8.As described above, maintenance of the system of an industrial robot 100, for example, from a service station outside the factory via the remote controller 8 can be performed by a service person 9 having skills. The detailed procedures of the above steps ST 1 to ST 4 are repeated in the explanations already given with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, so explanations thereof are omitted.It should be noted that the program for maintenance of a mechanical system according to the above-described embodiment may be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium or a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or may be provided via a wired or wireless method. In this case, as the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM or a hard disk, and the like can be used. Further, a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash memory (registered trademark), and the like are conceivable as nonvolatile semiconductor memories. In addition, the distribution from the server device may be via a wired or wireless wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), or via the Internet.As described above in detail, according to the method for maintenance of a mechanical system, the program for maintenance of a mechanical system, and the machine control device of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily perform maintenance of a mechanical system without jeopardizing safety and reducing production efficiency.Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments include various additions and substitutions without departing from the spirit and spirit of the invention, which are apparent from the contents described in the claims and their equivalents, and modifications, partial deletion, and the like are possible. In the above-described embodiments, for example, the order of the individual processes and the order of the individual methods are exemplified and not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values or equations are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.With respect to the above-described embodiments and variations, the following points are further disclosed.[Appendix 1]A method of maintaining a mechanical system for performing maintenance of a mechanical system (100) comprising a machine (1) and a machine controller (2) for controlling the machine (1) through a remote controller (8) connected to a WAN, the method of maintaining the mechanical system comprising:connecting the machine control device (2) to the WAN by utilizing a tethering function of a mobile terminal (7);enabling data transmission between the remote control (8) and the machine control device (2) connected via the WAN; andcontrolling the machine control device (2) by the remote control (8).[Appendix 2]The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to Appendix 1, wherein the connection of the machine control device (2) to the WAN is performed via USB tethering that connects a USB port (21) provided in the machine control device (2) to the mobile terminal (7) via a cable.[Appendix 3]The method for servicing a mechanical system according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the data transmission between the remote control (8) and the machine control device (2) connected via the WAN is effected by means of a security-protected encrypted communication.[Appendix 4]The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to Appendix 3, wherein the data transmission through the security-protected encrypted communication is performed by executing a first program installed in the machine control device (2).[Appendix 5]The method for maintenance of a mechanical system according to Appendix 4, wherein the data transmission through the security-protected encrypted communication is further performed by executing a second program installed on the remote controller (8).[Appendix 6]The method for maintenance of a mechanical system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the control of the machine control device (2) by the remote controller (8) is performed by simulating an operation of the machine (1) based on the mechanical control device (2) by the remote controller (8).[Appendix 7]The method for maintenance of a mechanical system according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein maintenance of the mechanical system (100) performed by the remote controller (8) includes a test and inspection of the machine control device (2) and the machine (1) and an update of a program executed by the machine control device (2).[Appendix 8]The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein a hand teaching device (3) configured to operate the machine (1) is connected to the machine control device (2), and maintenance of the mechanical system (100) performed by the remote controller (8) and including a test and an inspection of the teaching hand device (3) and an update of a program executed by the teaching hand device (3).[Appendix 9]The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of Facilities 1 to 8, wherein the machine control device (2) includes a memory (24) configured to acquire various data related to the machine (1) and store the acquired various data, andThe maintenance of the mechanical system (100) performed by the remote control (8) involves a suction of the various data stored in the memory (24).[Appendix 10]The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of the plants 1 to 9, wherein the machine control device (2) is configured to be connectable only to a specific, predetermined remote control (8).[Appendix 11]The method for servicing a mechanical system according to one of the installations 1 to 10, wherein the remote control (8) is provided in a service station of a provider side of the mechanical system (100) with the machine (1) and the machine control device (2).[Appendix 12]A mechanical system maintenance program for causing at least one arithmetic unit to execute the mechanical system maintenance method according to any one of the hangers 1 to 11.[Appendix 13]An engine control apparatus for controlling an engine, comprising an arithmetic processing unit and a memory (24), wherein the engine control apparatus (2) causes the arithmetic unit to execute the program for maintenance of a mechanical system according to Appendix 12.LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS1 Industrial robot (robot, machine) 2 robot controller (machine controller) 3 teaching pendant 4 workbench 5 workpiece (object) 6 USB cable 7 smartphone (mobile terminal) 8 remote controller 9 service technician 11 arm 11 ahand unit (end effector) 2 1 USB port (robot controller USB ports) 22 communication controller 23 data acquisition unit 24 memory (storage unit) 25 program controller unit 26 test / inspection unit 27 robot controller unit 31 display screen 32 operation unit 71 USB port (smartphone USB port) 100 industrial robot system (mechanical system)References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedJP 2014-184519

[0006] Cited Non-Patent LiteratureBIGLOBE, "Whatman is tethering? At easy-to-under-health explantation for beginners! 'Shimugurashi' BIGLOBE MOBILE", BIGLOBE Top, Dels, BIGLOBE, TIPS 2017 / 06 / 06, [Searched on September 22, 2022], Internet

[0007] https: / / join.biglobe.ne.jp / mobile / sim / gurashi / whatman_is_t ethering170608 /

[0007]

Claims

A method of maintaining a mechanical system for performing maintenance of a mechanical system, comprising a machine and a machine controller for controlling the machine by a remote controller connected to a WAN, the method of maintaining a mechanical system comprising: connecting the machine controller to the WAN via a tethering function of a mobile terminal; enabling communication between the remote controller and the machine controller connected via the WAN; and controlling the machine controller by the remote controller.The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to claim 1, wherein the connection of the machine control device to the WAN is effected via USB tethering, which connects a USB port provided in the machine control device to the mobile terminal via cables.The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the data transmission between the remote control and the machine control device connected via the WAN takes place via a security-protected encrypted communication.The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to claim 3, wherein the data transmission through the security-protected encrypted communication is performed by executing a first program installed in the machine control device.The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to claim 4, wherein the data transmission through the security-protected encrypted communication is further performed by executing a second program installed on the remote controller.The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control of the machine control device by the remote controller is performed by simulating an operation of the machine based on the mechanical control device by the remote controller.The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the maintenance of the mechanical system is performed by the remote controller and comprises a test and inspection of the machine controller and the machine and an update of a program executed by the machine controller.The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a hand teaching device configured to operate the machine is connected to the machine control device, and the maintenance of the mechanical system is performed by the remote controller, and comprises a test and an inspection of the teaching hand device and an update of a program executed by the teaching hand device.The method for maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the machine control device includes a memory configured to acquire various data related to the machine and store the acquired various data, and the maintenance of the mechanical system performed by the remote controller includes suctioning the various data stored in the memory.The method of maintaining a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the machine control device is configured to be connectable only to a particular predetermined remote control.The method for maintenance of a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the remote controller is provided in a service station of a provider side of the mechanical system including the machine and the machine controller.A mechanical system maintenance program for causing at least one computing unit to execute the mechanical system maintenance method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.An engine control apparatus for controlling an engine, comprising an arithmetic processing unit and a memory, wherein the engine control apparatus causes the arithmetic unit to execute the program for maintenance of a mechanical system according to claim 12.

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