Manufacturing support system, manufacturing support program, control method, and terminal device

Abstract

To save time and effort for a supplier to determine a welding portion by automatically generating component data including a designation object for designating the welding portion.SOLUTION: A manufacturing support system 100 transmits, to a supplier, component data D3 that is for manufacturing an article including a plurality of components to be welded together by welding and represents a geometric shape of each component, and includes: data-generation means 22B for generating the component data so as to include a designation object SO for designating a welding portion WA in the article as a part of the geometric shape; and transmission means 22C for transmitting the generated component date to the supplier.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a manufacturing support system that transmits part data to a supplier, a manufacturing support program and control method for the manufacturing support system, and a terminal device that generates drawing data based on the part data. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of creating an estimate for sheet metal processing work. In this method, 3D CAD data, which is a product modeled using 3D CAD, is received from an orderer. Then, the product is divided into multiple parts by referring to a three-dimensional appearance drawing. In addition, a development drawing is created for each of the multiple divided parts. Furthermore, when calculating welding costs, the three-dimensional appearance drawing of the multiple divided parts is read, the welding surface is specified, and the welding length is calculated.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a sheet metal equipment product sales system. In this system, design data such as CAD drawings are received and a three-dimensional drawing is created. The three-dimensional drawing is then divided into three-dimensional drawings of parts, and a development drawing is created by referring to the three-dimensional drawings of the parts. Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the product's parts can be processed, and when it is determined that all parts can be processed, welding points are extracted and processing methods are considered.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a robot system including a welding robot. In this system, a welding line to be welded by the welding robot is automatically selected based on a workpiece shape of three-dimensional CAD data displayed on a display screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-203007 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-157820 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2010-184278 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When a user places an order with a supplier for an item that includes multiple parts that are joined by welding, the supplier who receives the order looks at the drawing and decides where to weld before manufacturing the item. This means that it takes a significant amount of time from receiving the order to starting to manufacture the item. Therefore, it is required to quickly decide where to weld and start manufacturing the item. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A manufacturing support system according to one embodiment is a manufacturing support system that transmits part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing the geometric shape of each part to a supplier, the manufacturing support system comprising: a data generation means that generates the part data so as to include, as part of the geometric shape, a designated object that designates a welding location in the article; and a transmission means that transmits the generated part data to the supplier.

[0008] Furthermore, a manufacturing support program according to another embodiment is a manufacturing support program for a manufacturing support system including a computer that transmits part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing the geometric shape of each part to a supplier, and causes the computer to function as a data generating means that generates the part data so as to include a designated object that specifies a welding location in the article as part of the geometric shape, and as a transmitting means that transmits the generated part data to the supplier.

[0009] Another embodiment of a control method is a control method for a manufacturing support system including a computer, the control method comprising: transmitting part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing a geometric shape of each part to a supplier; and causing the computer to generate the part data to include, as part of the geometric shape, a designated object that specifies a welding location on the article; and causing the computer to transmit the generated part data to the supplier.

[0010] In addition, a terminal device according to another embodiment includes an acquisition means for acquiring part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing the geometric shape of each part, and a drawing generation means for generating drawing data of the parts based on the acquired part data, the part data including a designation object that designates a welding location in the article as part of the geometric shape. Effect of the Invention

[0011] This allows part data including a designated object that specifies the welding locations to be automatically generated, eliminating the need for the supplier to take the time to determine the welding locations, and enabling the supplier to quickly start manufacturing the article. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an entire manufacturing support system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a manufacturing support system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an entire article. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an entire part of an article. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the part to be manufactured; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the whole of another article. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an entire part of another article. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart of a manufacturing support process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be set arbitrarily and can be changed according to the configuration of the device or method to which the present invention is applied, or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below. In the following description, the identification information is information that uniquely identifies an object to be identified. As an example, the identification information is composed of letters, numbers, symbols, etc.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a manufacturing support system 100 that transmits part data D3 (FIG. 2) to a supplier for manufacturing an article including multiple parts joined by welding. This part data D3 represents the geometric shape of each part. Note that the article may be a finished product that itself has a single integrated function, or an article that is incorporated into a finished product. Furthermore, the article is composed of multiple parts and includes units, jigs, devices, and equipment.

[0015] The manufacturing support system 100 is configured as a network system or a client-server system equipped with a server 20 including a manufacturing support server. The server 20 functions as a server device, and is configured as a single logical server device by combining, for example, a plurality of server units 21 serving as computers. However, the server 20 may be configured by a single server unit 21. Alternatively, the server 20 may be configured logically by using cloud computing.

[0016] The server 20 transmits the part data D3 to the supplier terminal 30 used by the supplier, thereby transmitting the part data D3 to the supplier. The server 20 also provides various services including an article manufacturing support service, such as transmitting various data used in the manufacture of an article. These services include a distribution service that distributes a program or data to the supplier terminal 30 via the network 50, and a storage service that stores data received from the supplier terminal 30. For example, the distribution service is a service that distributes data for updates.

[0017] The supplier terminal 30 is a computer device capable of being connected to a network. For example, the supplier terminal 30 includes a desktop or notebook personal computer 31 and a portable tablet terminal device 32. In addition, the supplier terminal 30 includes a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone). The supplier terminal 30 can allow the supplier to enjoy various services provided by the server 20 by implementing various computer software. The supplier terminal 30 can also be connected to the server 20 via a predetermined network 50. The following describes the case where the supplier terminal 30 is a personal computer 31.

[0018] Furthermore, the server 20 provides various services, including an item quotation service, to the client terminal 40 used by a user who orders an item, or to a user who uses the client terminal 40. These services include a distribution service that distributes programs or data to the client terminal 40 via the network 50, and a storage service that stores data received from the client terminal 40. For example, the distribution service is a service that distributes data for updates. Furthermore, the server 20 may execute processes such as arranging for the ordered item, issuing delivery instructions, and billing for the purchase price in response to a request from the user.

[0019] The client terminal 40 is a computer device that can be connected to a network. For example, the client terminal 40 includes a desktop or notebook personal computer 41 and a portable tablet terminal device 42. In addition, the client terminal 40 includes a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone). The client terminal 40 can allow a user to enjoy various services provided by the server 20 by implementing various computer software. The client terminal 40 can also be connected to the server 20 via a predetermined network 50.

[0020] The network 50 is configured to connect the supplier terminal 30 and the client terminal 40 to the server 20. As an example, the network 50 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Specifically, a local area network (LAN) connects the server 20 to the Internet 51. The Internet 51 as a WAN (Wide Area Network) and the local area network LAN are connected via a router 53. The network 50 may be any of a dedicated line, a telephone line, an in-house network, a mobile communication network, other communication lines, and combinations thereof, and may be wired or wireless. The supplier terminal 30 and the client terminal 40 are also configured to be connected to the Internet 51. Alternatively, the server units 21 of the server 20 may be connected to each other by the Internet 51 instead of or in addition to the local area network LAN.

[0021] A user who orders an item transmits model data D1 (FIG. 2) of the item from a client terminal 40 to the server 20. The server 20 then receives and stores the model data D1 from the client terminal 40. The model data D1 is, for example, three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) data that represents the shape of the item, and may include information such as dimensions and positions of elements that constitute the item. Specifically, the model data D1 is a shell model in which the parts that constitute the item are integrated, a non-bonded model in which the parts that constitute the item are separate, or an assembly model that includes multiple parts. In addition, the elements are, for example, parts that constitute an item or part, such as holes, shafts, steps, notches, corners, faces, and ridges, and include shapes obtained by processing.

[0022] In addition, the server 20 includes a supplier support server in addition to the manufacturing support server that generates the parts data D3. For example, the manufacturing support server of the server 20 transmits the parts data D3 to the supplier terminal 30 via the supplier support server. Alternatively, the manufacturing support server of the server 20 may function as the supplier support server. Furthermore, the manufacturing support server of the server 20 may function in cooperation with an external supplier support server. In the following example, an example in which the server 20 includes a manufacturing support server and a supplier support server will be mainly described, and the respective processes of both may be simply described as processes by the server 20.

[0023] [Control system] Next, a schematic configuration of a control system of the manufacturing support system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the manufacturing support system 100 includes a server 20. Furthermore, the manufacturing support system 100 may include a supplier terminal 30 and a client terminal 40.

[0024] [Client terminal] The client terminal 40 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the client terminal 40, and a storage unit (not shown) that stores a control program for the client terminal 40. The control unit is a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined program, and other peripheral devices. The client terminal 40 also includes a display device (not shown).

[0025] Furthermore, the client terminal 40 includes a communication unit (not shown) which is an example of a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from the server 20. The client terminal 40 also includes an input device (not shown) including a keyboard or various switches for inputting commands and data. Note that a display device such as a touch panel may function as the input device. As an example, the input device is a keyboard, numeric keypad, touch panel, etc., and the user creates or modifies the model data D1 using the input device. The model data D1 created using the input device is then transmitted to and stored in the server 20.

[0026] [server] The server 20 includes a server control unit 22 as a control means, and a server storage unit 23 as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The server control unit 22 is configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined program, an internal storage unit required for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and controls the entire device based on a control program stored in the server storage unit 23, and also controls various processes in an integrated manner. Furthermore, the server control unit 22 executes various processes associated with setting the welding conditions for the article based on the manufacturing support program PG stored in the server storage unit 23.

[0027] The server storage unit 23 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) which is a system work storage unit for operating the processor, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs and system software, as well as storage devices such as a HDD (Hard Disc Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive). However, the server storage unit 23 is not limited to being provided as a part of the server 20, and may be provided as a database server that cooperates with the server 20.

[0028] The server storage unit 23 also stores model data D1 of an article and manufacturing data D2 including part data D3 for manufacturing the article. As an example, the part data D3 is data in a SAT file format generated based on the model data D1, which is three-dimensional CAD data. The part data D3 is data in a text file format that describes the geometric shape of each element of the model data D1. Then, using any three-dimensional CAD program, three-dimensional CAD data, three-dimensional image data, two-dimensional image data, etc. of the part can be created from the part data D3. Alternatively, the part data D3 may be three-dimensional CAD data, two-dimensional CAD data, etc.

[0029] An operation unit (not shown) including a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data is connected to the server control unit 22 via wired or wireless connection. A display unit (not shown) for displaying the input state, setting state, measurement results, and various information of the server device is also connected to the server control unit 22 via wired or wireless connection. The server control unit 22 can also perform control according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a CF (Compact Flash) card, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) storage unit, or an external storage medium such as a cloud server on the Internet.

[0030] The manufacturing support program PG stored in the server storage unit 23 causes the server control unit 22, which is a computer, to function as a data acquisition unit 22A which is an example of a data acquisition means, a data generation unit 22B which is an example of a data generation means, a transmission unit 22C which is an example of a transmission means, and an ID creation unit 22D which is an example of an ID creation means. That is, the server control unit 22 has the data acquisition unit 22A, the data generation unit 22B, the transmission unit 22C, and the ID creation unit 22D as a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and software.

[0031] In addition to the above logical devices, the server control unit 22 also has a logical device (not shown) that controls switching of the display of a web page in response to an operation of the supplier terminal 30. The server control unit 22 also has, as other logical devices, an estimation unit that creates quotation information for an item, and a provision unit that provides the user with image data generated based on the model data D1, etc. The server storage unit 23 also records various data (not shown) such as user information, past quotation results, image data used to display a web page, and data including information such as the model number, name, or features of a product or item.

[0032] [Method of data collection] The data acquisition unit 22A acquires model data D1 of an article. As an example, a user uploads the model data D1 to the server 20. The server control unit 22 also stores the model data D1 received from the user's client terminal 40 in the server storage unit 23. The data acquisition unit 22A then reads and acquires the model data D1 from the server storage unit 23. The article represented by the model data D1 includes at least two parts that are welded together. Furthermore, the article may include a part of an integral part as a portion that is welded after bending.

[0033] [Method of data generation] Next, the data generating unit 22B will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 7. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the whole of an article to be manufactured. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the whole of one part of the article, which is displayed on the screen based on data. Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the part to be manufactured. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the whole of another article to be manufactured, which is different from the article shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the whole of one part of the other article, which is displayed on the screen based on data.

[0034] The data generating unit 22B generates the part data D3 so as to include a specified object SO (FIG. 4) that specifies a welding point WA (FIG. 3) on the article. As an example, the article shown in FIG. 3 is composed of a plate-shaped first part P1 and a plate-shaped second part P2 that is welded to the first part P1. The welding point WA is the boundary between the first part P1 and the second part P2, and is an area on the first part P1 that is along a side of the second part P2 extending in the longitudinal direction. Note that the welding point WA may be a continuous area (e.g., a straight line or a curved line, etc.) or may be a plurality of points (or spots) arranged side by side.

[0035] Further, the data generating unit 22B generates the part data D3 so as to include the designated object SO as a part of the geometric shape. As an example, in FIG. 4, a rectangular area on the first part P1 that overlaps with the second part P2 is virtually shown by a dashed line. Here, the welding point WA corresponds to two line segments along the sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the area. The designated object SO is placed near both ends of the two line segments so as to designate the welding point WA. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 4, four designated objects SO are placed on the first part P1. The designated objects SO allow the supplier to visually recognize the welding point WA, and thus reduce welding errors.

[0036] The designated object SO is not included in the geometric shape represented by the model data D1 of the article, and is a virtual element that is not formed in the article that is actually manufactured. The dimensions of the designated object SO are set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data D3. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the designated object SO has dimensions in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. As an example, the dimensions in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are 1.5 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less. Furthermore, when the designated object SO protrudes from the surface of the part, the protrusion amount of the designated object SO (for example, the height in the Z direction in FIG. 4) is 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. This allows the supplier to visually distinguish the designated object SO from the surface of the part. Alternatively, the designated object SO may be an element having a two-dimensional shape that does not have a dimension in the Z direction (i.e., the direction away from the surface of the part).

[0037] Moreover, the designated object SO has a size in three-dimensional space, and is an element that protrudes from a surface (e.g., a presentation surface) of a part or an element that is recessed into the surface of the part. For example, the designated object SO shown in FIG. 4 is a cylinder. However, the designated object SO may have any shape as long as it is a three-dimensional shape. As an example, the designated object SO may be a sphere, a polygonal prism such as a triangular prism or a square prism, a protrusion, a linear or curved rim, and a solid that imitates an arrow or a teardrop. Furthermore, the designated object SO may be a hole or a groove. However, the designated object SO protruding from the surface of the part can prevent the designated object SO from being erroneously formed on the part. In other words, if the dimensions of the part to be welded are specified, the designated object SO protruding from the surface of the part is clearly recognized as an element that is not formed on the part. Therefore, the designated object SO can be prevented from being erroneously formed on the part.

[0038] The designated object SO designates a welding point WA in the article. That is, the part data D3 includes a plurality of designated objects SO as a part of a geometric shape so as to indicate the start point and the end point of the welding point WA in the other part to which one part is welded. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the designated object SO designates the welding point WA on the first part P1 to which the second part P2 is welded as the welding point WA in the article. For example, one of two designated objects SO arranged in the welding direction WD shown by the arrow in FIG. 4 indicates the start point of the welding point WA, and the other indicates the end point of the welding point WA. Note that when there are a plurality of welding points WA, some of them may not be designated by the designated object SO. Also, a portion of one welding point WA may not be designated by the designated object SO.

[0039] Furthermore, each of the multiple designated objects SO that specify the same welding spot WA has the same shape and / or at least some of the dimensions. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 4, two multiple designated objects SO that specify one welding spot WA have the same shape and the same dimensions. This allows the supplier to recognize the designated object SO by visually distinguishing it from other elements of the part, thereby reducing welding errors. However, it is sufficient that the multiple designated objects SO have similar shapes or dimensions. For example, the shape or dimensions of at least one of the multiple designated objects SO may be different from the shapes or dimensions of the other designated objects SO. Even in this case, the supplier can recognize the designated object SO by visually distinguishing it from the elements of the part.

[0040] The supplier who has recognized the welding location WA puts the second part P2 on the first part P1 and welds from the start point indicated by one designated object SO to the end point indicated by the other designated object SO. For this purpose, the supplier forms a mark WP on the part to be actually manufactured, as shown in FIG. 5. As an example, the supplier uses a CAD system or a CAM system to generate two-dimensional data to be used for nesting so that the designated object SO corresponding to the positions of the start point and end point of welding is converted into a mark WP. The method of forming the mark WP for the part to be actually manufactured is set in advance in the CAD system or CAM system on the supplier's side. For example, the method of forming the mark WP is set so that the part is machined in the shape of an arrow as shown in FIG. 5 by marking. In another example, the method of forming the mark WP is set so that paint is applied to the part in the shape of an arrow as shown in FIG. 5. The method of forming the mark WP may be arbitrarily determined by the supplier in the CAD system or CAM system on the supplier's side. In FIG. 5, a schematic plan view of the part to be actually manufactured is shown, and an arrow-shaped mark WP is formed at each of four positions corresponding to the four designated objects. The shape of the mark WP is not limited to an arrow, but may be a circle, a polygon, etc. The shape of the mark WP may be arbitrarily determined by the supplier in the supplier's CAD system or CAM system. Furthermore, the number of marks WP formed at a position corresponding to one designated object SO may be two or more.

[0041] The size and shape of the designated object SO may be arbitrary and may be set so as to secure an area for forming the mark WP. This prevents the mark WP from being unable to be formed at the location where the designated object SO is placed in the part data D3. The welding of the parts is not limited to continuous welding. The supplier may intermittently weld (for example, spot weld) multiple points aligned from the start point to the end point.

[0042] Also, each designated object SO is positioned so as not to overlap with the welding area WA. Furthermore, the end of each designated object SO is positioned so as to be aligned in a straight line with the start point or end point of the welding area WA. In the example of FIG. 4, the end SOE of the designated object SO is positioned so as to be aligned in a straight line with the start point or end point WAE of the welding area WA. This allows the supplier to visually recognize the start point or end point WAE of the welding area WA, thereby reducing welding errors.

[0043] The designated object SO may further specify a direction from the start point to the end point of the welding area WA and / or a direction from the end point to the start point of the welding area WA. As an example, the designated object SO is a solid having a tapered cross section such as an ellipse, or an arrow-shaped solid, and is placed in a position pointing in each of the above directions. For example, if the designated object SO is an arrow-shaped solid, the designated object SO is placed near each of both ends of the welding area WA. The pair of designated objects SO are placed in a position where their tapered portions face each other (i.e., in a position where they are plane-symmetrical with respect to a plane that crosses the welding area WA).

[0044] Furthermore, when one part is welded to another part, the designated object SO may designate a welding location WA of the other part in the part data D3 of the one part to be welded. As an example, in another article shown in FIG. 6, a fourth part P4, which is one of the parts, is welded to a third part P3, but an edge of the third part P3 overlaps an edge of the fourth part P4 at a welding location WA1. Therefore, there is no area in the XY plane extending in the X and Y directions of the third part P3 to place the designated object SO. Also, there is no area sufficient to form a mark WP in the YZ plane extending in the Y and Z directions of the third part P3.

[0045] Therefore, the designated object SO that specifies the welding area WA1 of the third part P3 is included in the part data D3 of the fourth part P4, which is another part. The designated object SO that is included in the part data D3 of the fourth part P4, which is another part, specifies the welding area WA1 of the third part P3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, in the part data D3 of the fourth part P4, the designated object SO that specifies the welding area WA1 of the third part P3 is placed on the YZ plane. This allows the welding area WA1 to be specified by the designated object SO even if there is not enough area to place the designated object SO.

[0046] In addition, when specifying a welding point WA, the specified objects SO placed on each part may be combined to form one three-dimensional shape. That is, two specified objects SO that specify the same start point or end point of the same welding point WA may be combined to form a large three-dimensional shape. For example, in the article shown in FIG. 6, a rectangular column-shaped specified object SO (not shown) is placed on the XY plane of the third part P3 to specify the welding point WA2. Furthermore, a specified object SO (not shown) of the same size and shape is placed on the XZ plane (not shown) of the fourth part P4 at a position where it contacts the specified object SO of the third part P3. As a result, the specified object SO of the third part P3 and the specified object SO of the fourth part P4 are combined to form a large rectangular column. Therefore, the supplier can visually recognize the position where the parts contact each other, and can suppress welding errors.

[0047] The data generation unit 22B generates part data D3 including the specified object SO based on the article model data D1. As an example, the data generation unit 22B generates the part data D3 directly from the article model data D1. Alternatively, the data generation unit 22B may generate the part data D3 indirectly from the article model data D1. In this case, the data generation unit 22B generates the part data D3 from three-dimensional model data of the part generated based on the article model data D1.

[0048] As a specific example, the data generating unit 22B identifies a location on the article where welding is possible based on the model data D1. For example, the data generating unit 22B executes a shape recognition process for the article on the model data D1. Then, in the shape recognition process, the data generating unit 22B recognizes the shape of each element of the article based on the model data D1. Furthermore, the data generating unit 22B recognizes the shape of each element of each part that constitutes the article. Next, the data generating unit 22B creates pattern data having a topology structure. For example, the topology structure has information on the connection relationship between the parts, the adjacency relationship between the parts, and face recognition of each part surrounded by lines.

[0049] Then, the data generating unit 22B identifies the welding points WA in the article. As an example, the data generating unit 22B recognizes the boundary line between the contacting parts as the welding point WA. Furthermore, the data generating unit 22B determines the position of the designated object SO of each part so as to specify the start point or the end point of the identified welding point WA. At this time, the data generating unit 22B determines the position of the designated object SO so as to avoid a surface that does not have an area for placing the designated object SO or does not have a sufficient area for placing the designated object SO. Then, the data generating unit 22B generates part data D3 of each part constituting the article so as to include the designated object SO placed at the determined position.

[0050] Furthermore, the data generating unit 22B generates image data of the item. For example, the data generating unit 22B generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data of the item. Then, the data generating unit 22B stores the manufacturing data D2 including the image data of the item and the part data D3 in the server storage unit 23. However, the data generating unit 22B may generate the part data D3 alone and store it in the server storage unit 23.

[0051] [Transmission method] The transmission unit 22C transmits the part data D3 generated by the data generation unit 22B to the supplier. Specifically, the transmission unit 22C causes the server communication unit 24 to transmit the manufacturing data D2 including the part data D3 to the supplier terminal 30. For example, the transmission unit 22C causes the server communication unit 24 to transmit the manufacturing data D2 to the supplier terminal 30 via the supplier support server of the server 20. The transmission unit 22C may also cause the part data D3 to be transmitted independently to the supplier terminal 30 via the support server.

[0052] Furthermore, the transmission unit 22C may directly transmit the manufacturing data D2 or the part data D3 to the supplier terminal 30. Alternatively, the transmission unit 22C may store the manufacturing data D2 or the part data D3 in the supplier support server or the manufacturing support server. In this case, the supplier downloads the manufacturing data D2 or the part data D3 from the supplier support server or the manufacturing support server.

[0053] [ID creation method] The ID creation unit 22D creates identification information (hereinafter also referred to as an item ID) for identifying an item and a data name of the part data D3. The item ID and the data name are composed of letters, numbers, symbols, etc. The item ID is linked to the manufacturing data D2 of each item stored in the server storage unit 23 and to order information indicating the contents of an order by a user. The data name is linked to the part data D3 of each part stored in the server storage unit 23. Furthermore, the part data D3 or its data name is linked to the item ID. As an example, the data name is the file name of the part data D3 in the SAT file format. The item ID can be set arbitrarily, and may be automatically determined by the ID creation unit 22D or set by the user or the administrator of the server 20.

[0054] [Supplier terminal] Returning to Fig. 2, the supplier terminal 30 includes a terminal control unit 37 that controls the supplier terminal 30, and a terminal storage unit 34 that stores a control program. The terminal control unit 37 is a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined program, and other peripheral devices. The supplier terminal 30 also includes an input device 35, a display device 36, and a terminal communication unit 38.

[0055] As an example, the processor of the terminal control unit 37 is a CPU or MPU, which controls the entire supplier terminal 30 and also centrally controls various processes based on a control program stored in the terminal storage unit 34. The terminal storage unit 34 includes a RAM, which is a system work storage unit for the processor to operate, and storage devices such as a ROM, HDD, and SSD that store programs and system software. The terminal control unit 37 can also perform control according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, CF card, and USB storage unit, or an external storage medium such as a cloud server on the Internet.

[0056] The terminal storage unit 34 is an external storage device including a non-volatile storage medium (a non-transient storage medium readable by a computer) such as a hard disk and a semiconductor storage device. In addition to the control program, the terminal storage unit 34 also stores various programs such as a viewer software for displaying image data of the article included in the manufacturing data D2 on the display device 36, and a web browser. The program stored in the terminal storage unit 34 causes the terminal control unit 37, which is a computer, to function as an acquisition unit 37A, which is an example of an acquisition means, and a drawing generation unit 37B, which is an example of a drawing generation means. That is, the terminal control unit 37 has the acquisition unit 37A and the drawing generation unit 37B as logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware and software. In addition to the above logical devices, the terminal control unit 37 has a logical device (not shown) for displaying a web page on the display device 36.

[0057] [Acquisition method] The acquiring unit 37A acquires part data D3 for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data D3 representing the geometric shape of each part. As an example, the acquiring unit 37A acquires the part data D3 included in the manufacturing data D2 transmitted from the server 20. Alternatively, the acquiring unit 37A may acquire only the part data D3 transmitted from the server 20. The acquiring unit 37A may automatically acquire the manufacturing data D2 or the part data D3 from the server 20 periodically or at any timing. Furthermore, the acquiring unit 37A may acquire the manufacturing data D2 or the part data D3 from the server 20 in response to an operation by a supplier.

[0058] [Drawing generation method] The drawing generating unit 37B generates drawing data of the part based on the part data D3 acquired by the acquiring unit 37A. The drawing generating unit 37B also stores the generated drawing data in the terminal storage unit 34. As an example, the drawing data may be three-dimensional image data or three-dimensional CAD data, and may include a mark WP corresponding to the designated object SO. For example, the part data D3 acquired by the acquiring unit 37A is input to the drawing generating unit 37B. Then, the drawing generating unit 37B outputs the drawing data. The drawing generating unit 37B may further generate three-dimensional image data and / or three-dimensional CAD data for displaying the entire article on the display device 36.

[0059] The input device 35 is a keyboard, a numeric keypad, a touch panel, or the like. The display device 36 displays an image based on the drawing data generated by the drawing generation unit 37B. The display device 36 displays web pages such as a setting screen and a confirmation screen for confirming the contents of an order from a user. The terminal communication unit 38 is an example of a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from the server 20. For example, the terminal communication unit 38 receives manufacturing data D2 including part data D3 from the server 20. The terminal communication unit 38 transmits data related to the manufacture or supply of an item (for example, data indicating the shipping date of the item) to the server 20. Alternatively, the terminal communication unit 38 may directly transmit and receive data to and from the client terminal 40.

[0060] [Manufacturing support processing] Next, the manufacturing support process by the manufacturing support system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. First, a user uploads model data D1 to the server 20. Then, the server control unit 22 of the server 20 stores the model data D1 in the server storage unit 23. Thereafter, at a predetermined timing (for example, timing when an order is received from the user), the data acquisition unit 22A of the server 20 acquires the model data D1 from the server storage unit 23 (S101).

[0061] Next, the data generation unit 22B of the server 20 generates part data D3 so as to include the specified object SO (S102). Furthermore, the data generation unit 22B generates image data of the item (S103). Then, the data generation unit 22B associates the manufacturing data D2 including the image data and the part data D3 with the item ID and stores it in the server storage unit 23. Note that the data generation unit 22B may generate the image data before generating the part data D3, or may generate the image data simultaneously with the part data D3.

[0062] Then, the transmitting unit 22C of the server 20 causes the server communication unit 24 to transmit the part data D3 included in the manufacturing data D2 to the supplier terminal 30 (S104). This ends the manufacturing support process. Then, the acquiring unit 37A of the supplier terminal 30 acquires the manufacturing data D2 transmitted from the server 20. Furthermore, the drawing generating unit 37B of the supplier terminal 30 generates drawing data of the part based on the part data D3. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 37 of the supplier terminal 30 may generate an operation pattern of a processing device for processing the article or part. The processing device may automatically form a mark WP on the part. Thereafter, the supplier manufactures each part that constitutes the article and welds the parts to manufacture the article.

[0063] According to the manufacturing support system 100 described above, part data D3 including a designated object SO that designates the welding points WA is automatically generated. This saves the supplier the trouble of deciding the welding points WA, and allows the supplier to quickly start manufacturing the article. In addition, the designated object SO allows the supplier to visually recognize the welding points WA, and reduces welding errors.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Inventions modified without violating the present invention and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. In addition, each embodiment and each modified form, and technical means included in each embodiment or each modified form can be appropriately combined without violating the present invention.

[0065] For example, at least a part of the data acquisition unit 22A, the data generation unit 22B, and the ID creation unit 22D may be provided in the supplier terminal 30. In this case, the acquisition of the model data D1 and the generation of the part data D3 are performed in the supplier terminal 30. The drawing generation unit 37B may be provided in the server 20. In this case, the drawing data is generated in the server 20, and the transmission unit 22C transmits the drawing data to the supplier terminal 30.

[0066] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0067] (Appendix 1) A manufacturing support system that transmits part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing a geometric shape of each of the parts, to a supplier, a data generating means for generating the part data so as to include a designation object that designates a welding point on the article as a part of the geometric shape; a transmission means for transmitting the generated part data to the supplier.

[0068] (Appendix 2) the data generation means generates the part data based on model data of the article; 2. A manufacturing support system as described in Appendix 1, wherein the specified object is not included in the model data and has dimensions set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

[0069] (Appendix 3) the part data includes a plurality of the designated objects as part of the geometric shape so as to indicate start and end points of the welds; A manufacturing support system as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein each of the multiple designated objects has the same shape and / or at least some dimensions.

[0070] (Appendix 4) A manufacturing support program of a manufacturing support system including a computer, the manufacturing support program transmitting part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing a geometric shape of each of the parts to a supplier, The computer, a data generating means for generating the part data so as to include a designation object that designates a welding point on the article as a part of the geometric shape; a manufacturing support program that causes the program to function as a transmission means for transmitting the generated part data to the supplier;

[0071] (Appendix 5) A method for controlling a manufacturing support system including a computer, the manufacturing support system transmitting part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing a geometric shape of each of the parts to a supplier, the method comprising: The computer includes: generating the part data to include, as part of the geometric shape, designation objects that designate weld locations on the article; A control method for causing the generated part data to be transmitted to the supplier.

[0072] (Appendix 6) An acquisition means for acquiring part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts to be joined by welding, the part data representing a geometric shape of each of the parts; a drawing generating means for generating drawing data of the part based on the acquired part data; The part data includes a designation object that designates a weld location on the article as part of the geometric shape, the terminal device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 22: Server control unit (computer) 22A: Data acquisition unit (data acquisition means) 22B: Data generation unit (data generation means) 22C: Transmitter (transmitting means) 30: Supplier terminal (terminal device) 37A: Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 37B: Drawing generation unit (drawing generation means) 100: Manufacturing support system D1: Model data D3: Parts data PG: Manufacturing Support Program SO : Specified object WA: Welding point WA1: Welding point WA2: Welding point

Claims

1. 1. A manufacturing support system that transmits part data to a supplier, the part data being for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing a geometric shape of each of the parts, a data generating means for generating the part data based on model data of the article so as to include, as part of the geometric shape, a designated object that designates a welding point on the article; a transmitting means for transmitting the generated parts data to the supplier; A manufacturing support system, wherein the specified object is not included in the model data and has dimensions set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

2. the part data includes a plurality of the designated objects as part of the geometric shape so as to indicate start and end points of the welding portion; The manufacturing support system according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of designated objects has the same shape and / or at least some dimensions.

3. A manufacturing support program for a manufacturing support system including a computer, the manufacturing support program transmitting part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing a geometric shape of each part to a supplier, The computer a data generating means for generating the part data based on model data of the article so as to include, as part of the geometric shape, a designated object that designates a welding point on the article; functioning as a transmitting means for transmitting the generated part data to the supplier; The manufacturing support program, wherein the specified object is not included in the model data and has dimensions set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

4. 1. A method for controlling a manufacturing support system including a computer, the method comprising: transmitting part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data representing a geometric shape of each part to a supplier; The computer, generating the part data based on model data of the article so as to include, as part of the geometric shape, a designation object that designates a welding location on the article; transmitting the generated part data to the supplier; A control method in which the specified object is not included in the model data and has dimensions set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

5. an acquisition means for acquiring part data for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, the part data being generated based on model data of the article and representing the geometric shape of each part; a drawing generation means for generating drawing data of the part based on the acquired part data, the part data includes, as part of the geometric shape, a designation object that designates a welding location on the article; A terminal device in which the specified object is not included in the model data and has dimensions set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

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