Work machine control apparatus

Abstract

To provide a work machine control apparatus which can generate an execution schedule for execution of processing in an order of delivery dates as to a plurality of works loaded on a plurality of palettes and having different delivery dates of processed products.SOLUTION: A work machine control apparatus has a work group information acquiring unit 311a, and an execution schedule generating unit 311b. The work group information acquiring unit 311a acquires identification information of loaded work groups of each palette and information of a loading order of the work groups, and information of a product delivery date after processing of each work group. The execution schedule generating unit 311b generate an execution schedule of the processing with giving priority to the work groups with early delivery dates, and, if it is determined among the plurality of pallets there is a pallet with the work group with the earliest delivery date not loaded at the uppermost position, generates the execution schedule, recognizing the delivery date of the work group loaded at an upper position as compared with the work group with the earliest delivery date in the pallet, as the same delivery date as the work group with the earliest delivery date.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool control device. [Background technology]

[0002] In a machining system equipped with multiple machine tools, pallets loaded with workpieces to be machined are moved automatically or manually between different machine tools via an automated warehouse, and machining is performed on the workpieces at each machine tool.

[0003] For example, after a first machine tool performs the processing of step I on a plurality of workpieces, the processed workpieces are loaded one after another onto a pallet and stored in an automated warehouse. The stored pallet is then removed from the automated warehouse at a predetermined timing and transported to a second machine tool, which then sequentially removes the workpieces loaded on the pallet from the top and performs the processing of step II.

[0004] In such a machining system, machining processes for multiple types of workpieces may be performed in parallel. Each of these multiple types of workpieces has a set delivery date for the machined product. In response to this, there is a technique in which the control device of each machine tool generates an execution schedule so that the workpieces stored in the automated warehouse are machined in order of delivery date (for example, Patent Document 1). By using this technique, the machining system can produce products according to a schedule that corresponds to the delivery date of the machined products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6074234 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-described processing system, when multiple types of workpieces with different delivery dates are loaded onto the same pallet after being processed in process I, the workpiece with the earliest delivery date may not be loaded at the top. In this case, the execution schedule for process II cannot be generated with priority given to the workpiece with the earliest delivery date, and the processing system cannot perform processing in process II according to the delivery date of the processed product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A machine tool control device according to one aspect of one or more embodiments includes a work group information acquisition unit that acquires, for each of a plurality of pallets, identification information for the work group to be processed and information on the loading order of the work groups, as well as information on the delivery date of the processed product, which is preset for each of the work groups to be processed, and an execution schedule generation unit that generates an execution schedule for processing by giving priority to the work group with the earliest delivery date.When the execution schedule generation unit determines, based on the information acquired by the work group information acquisition unit, that there is a pallet among the plurality of pallets in which the work group with the earliest delivery date is not loaded in the topmost position, it recognizes the delivery date of the work group loaded in this pallet above the work group with the earliest delivery date as being the same as the delivery date of the work group with the earliest delivery date, and generates the execution schedule. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the machine tool control device, an execution schedule can be generated for performing processing on multiple workpieces loaded on multiple pallets and having different delivery dates for the processed products in an order according to the delivery dates. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view showing the configuration of a machining system using a machining control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2]1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a machining system using a machining control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a machine tool control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a schedule generation process executed by a machine tool control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a delivery date setting process for schedule generation executed by a machine control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing information on delivery dates of workpieces loaded on a pallet before and after a machining control terminal serving as a machine tool control device in one or more embodiments executes a delivery date setting process for schedule generation. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing information on delivery dates of workpieces loaded on a pallet before and after a machining control terminal serving as a machine tool control device in one or more embodiments executes a delivery date setting process for schedule generation. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a pallet on which a group of workpieces is loaded, stored in an automated warehouse that is communicatively connected to a processing machine control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing an execution order determination process [1] executed by a machine tool control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an execution order determination process [2] executed by a machine tool control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 10A] 10 is a flowchart showing an execution order determination process [3] executed by a machine tool control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 10B]10 is a flowchart showing an execution order determination process [3] executed by a machine tool control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 11] 1 is a table showing execution schedules [1], [2], and [3] generated by a machine tool control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 12] 10 is a table illustrating an execution schedule [4] generated by a machine tool control terminal as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a machining system using a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments and a method for generating an execution schedule for machining processing by a machine tool will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] <Configuration of a machining system using a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments> 1 is an overall view showing the configuration of a processing system 1 using a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. The processing system 1 includes machine tools (punching machine 10, laser processing machine 20, and bending machine 30), machine tool control devices (first processing machine control terminal 11, second processing machine control terminal 21, and third processing machine control terminal 31), an automated warehouse 40, a warehouse PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 41, and a warehouse control device 42. The first processing machine control terminal 11, the second processing machine control terminal 21, the third processing machine control terminal 31, the warehouse PLC 41, and the warehouse control device 42 are connected via a switching hub 50.

[0012] Within the processing system 1, multiple pallets loaded with workpieces to be processed are automatically or manually moved between different processing machines via the automated warehouse 40, and processing is performed on each workpiece in the order of Process I, which is the first processing process, and Process II, which is the second processing process. In Process I, the processing system 1 performs punching as blanking using the punching machine 10, and laser processing using the laser processing machine 20. In Process II, the processing system 1 also performs bending. Furthermore, within the processing system 1, multiple workpieces of the same shape used to produce the same product are recognized as a single workpiece group, and multiple workpieces in the same workpiece group are processed consecutively and loaded onto the same pallet.

[0013] For example, the processing system 1 causes a plurality of workpieces loaded on a pallet within the automated warehouse 40 to be removed from the automated warehouse 40, where the punching machine 10 performs punching, and then loads the processed workpieces onto the pallet and stores it in the automated warehouse 40. The processing system 1 also causes a pallet loaded with punched workpieces to be removed from the automated warehouse 40, where the laser processing machine 20 performs laser processing, and then loads the processed workpieces onto the pallet and stores it in the automated warehouse 40. The processing system 1 also causes a pallet loaded with workpieces that have been punched and laser processed, that is, workpieces that have been processed in step I, to be removed from the automated warehouse 40 as appropriate, and then the bending machine 30 performs bending as step II.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the first processing machine control terminal 11, the second processing machine control terminal 21, the third processing machine control terminal 31, and the warehouse control device 42.

[0015] The first processing machine control terminal 11 is a terminal that controls the punching machine 10, and has a first CPU 111. The first CPU 111 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in a general-purpose microcomputer, and constitutes one or more information processing units described below by reading and executing a predetermined processing program.

[0016] The first CPU 111 has a workpiece group information acquisition unit 111a and an operation control unit 111b. The workpiece group information acquisition unit 111a monitors the inventory status of workpieces in the automated warehouse 40, and when it detects that there is a workpiece group to be processed by the punching machine 10, it acquires identification information of the pallet on which the workpiece group to be processed is loaded, identification information of the workpiece group loaded on this pallet, and information on the loading order of the workpiece groups from the warehouse control device 42, and sends a transport request to the warehouse control device 42 to transport this pallet from the automated warehouse 40 to the punching machine 10.

[0017] The operation control unit 111b controls the punching machine 10 so that the workpieces loaded on the pallet transported to the punching machine 10 in response to a transport request are sequentially removed from the top position and punched.

[0018] The second processing machine control terminal 21 is a terminal that controls the laser processing machine 20, and has a second CPU 211. The second CPU 211 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in a general-purpose microcomputer, and constitutes one or more information processing units described below by reading and executing a predetermined processing program.

[0019] The second CPU 211 has a workpiece group information acquisition unit 211a and an operation control unit 211b. The workpiece group information acquisition unit 211a monitors the inventory status of the workpieces in the automated warehouse 40, and when it detects that there is a workpiece group to be processed by the laser processing machine 20, it acquires identification information of the pallet on which the workpiece group to be processed is loaded, identification information of the workpiece group loaded on this pallet, and information on the loading order of the workpiece groups from the warehouse control device 42, and sends a transport request to the warehouse control device 42 to transport this pallet from the automated warehouse 40 to the laser processing machine 20.

[0020] The operation control unit 211b controls the laser processing machine 20 so that the workpieces loaded on the pallet transported to the laser processing machine 20 in response to the transport request are sequentially removed from the top position and laser processed.

[0021] The third processing machine control terminal 31 is a terminal that controls the bending machine 30, and includes a third CPU 311 and an execution schedule storage unit 312. The third CPU 311 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in a general-purpose microcomputer, and constitutes one or more information processing units described below by reading and executing a predetermined processing program.

[0022] The third CPU 311 has a workpiece group information acquisition unit 311a, an execution schedule generation unit 311b, and an operation control unit 311c. The workpiece group information acquisition unit 311a monitors whether the inventory status of the workpiece groups in the automated warehouse 40 has changed, specifically, whether a workpiece group that has undergone the punching and laser processing processes (Process I) has been stored in the automated warehouse 40. When the workpiece group information acquisition unit 311a detects that a workpiece group that has undergone the processing of Process I has been stored in the automated warehouse 40, the workpiece group information acquisition unit 311a acquires, from the warehouse control device 42, identification information of the workpiece group, identification information of the pallet on which the workpiece group is loaded, information on the loading order of the workpiece group on the pallet, and information on a predetermined delivery date for the processed product of the workpiece group, and generates and transmits to the warehouse control device 42 a transport request to transport the pallet from the automated warehouse 40 to the bending machine 30. Here, the delivery date for the processed product may be the delivery date for shipping the product or the process delivery date for moving to the next process.

[0023] The execution schedule generation unit 311b generates an execution schedule for bending processing, giving priority to the workpiece group with the earliest due date based on the information acquired by the workpiece group information acquisition unit 311a. In this case, if the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines that there is a pallet among the multiple pallets stored in the automated warehouse 40 in which the workpiece group with the earliest due date is not loaded in the uppermost position, the execution schedule generation unit 311b recognizes the due date of the workpiece group loaded in a position higher than the workpiece group with the earliest due date in this pallet as being the same as the due date of the workpiece group with the earliest due date, and generates an execution schedule. The execution schedule generation unit 311b stores information about the generated execution schedule in the execution schedule storage unit 312.

[0024] The operation control unit 311c controls the bending machine 30 to sequentially pick up the workpieces loaded on the pallet that has been transported to the bending machine 30 in response to a transport request, based on the schedule stored in the execution schedule memory unit 312, and perform bending processing.

[0025] The automated warehouse 40 has space for storing workpieces as inventory, empty pallets, and pallets loaded with workpieces to be processed that are waiting until the next processing operation is executed. The automated warehouse 40 also has a mechanism (not shown) for storing and retrieving workpieces, empty pallets, and pallets loaded with workpiece groups. The warehouse PLC 41 controls the mechanism for storing and retrieving workpieces and pallets in and out of the automated warehouse 40.

[0026] The warehouse control device 42 has a management database storage unit 421 and a fourth CPU 422. The management database storage unit 421 stores identification information of pallets stored in the automated warehouse 40, identification information of the work groups loaded on each pallet, information on the loading order of the work groups on each pallet, information on delivery dates set in advance for the processed products of each work group, and information indicating the progress of processing of each work group.

[0027] The fourth CPU 422 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in a general-purpose microcomputer, and constitutes one or more information processing units described below by reading and executing a predetermined warehouse management program.

[0028] The fourth CPU 422 has an inside information acquisition unit 422a, a database update unit 422b, a data processing unit 422c, and a transport information transmission unit 422d.

[0029] When the internal information acquisition unit 422a detects a pallet that has entered the automated warehouse 40, it acquires the identification information of this pallet, the identification information of the work groups loaded on this pallet, and information on the loading order of the work groups on this pallet. Furthermore, when the internal information acquisition unit 422a detects a pallet that is being released from the automated warehouse 40, it acquires the identification information of this pallet, the identification information of the work groups loaded on this pallet, and information on the loading order of the work groups on this pallet.

[0030] The database update unit 422b updates the information in the management database storage unit 421 using the information acquired by the in-storage information acquisition unit 422a.

[0031] The data processing unit 422c transmits the information stored in the management database storage unit 421 to the first processing machine control terminal 11, the second processing machine control terminal 21, and the third processing machine control terminal 31.

[0032] When the transport information sending unit 422d receives a transport request for a specific pallet from the first processing machine control terminal 11, the second processing machine control terminal 21, or the third processing machine control terminal 31, it sends transport information to the warehouse PLC 41 to transport the requested pallet to the processing machine controlled by the control terminal that sent the transport request.

[0033] Operation of a machining system using a machine tool controller according to one or more embodiments In the processing system 1, information for each work group to be processed is stored in advance in the management database storage unit 421 of the warehouse control device 42. This information for each work group includes identification information for each work group, identification information for the pallet on which the work groups are loaded, information on the loading order of the work groups on the pallet, information on the delivery date set in advance for the processed products, and information indicating the progress of the processing.

[0034] When the processing by the processing system 1 starts, first, the punching machine 10 takes out the pallet on which the group of workpieces to be processed is loaded from the automated warehouse 40, and performs punching as step I.

[0035] Specifically, the first processing machine control terminal 11 monitors the information in the management database storage unit 421 in the automated warehouse 40, and when it detects that a group of workpieces to be processed by the punching machine 10 is present in the automated warehouse 40, it obtains identification information for the pallet on which the group of workpieces to be processed is loaded, identification information for the workpieces loaded on this pallet, and information on the loading order of the workpieces. The first processing machine control terminal 11 also transmits a transport request to the warehouse control device 42, requesting that the pallet on which the group of workpieces to be processed is loaded be transported from the automated warehouse 40 to the punching machine 10.

[0036] In the warehouse control device 42, the transport information sending unit 422d sends to the warehouse PLC 41, based on the transport request acquired from the first processing machine control terminal 11, delivery information for transporting the requested pallet to the punching machine 10. The warehouse PLC 41 controls the automated warehouse 40 based on the acquired delivery information, and causes the pallet requested by the transport request to be delivered from the automated warehouse 40 and transported to the punching machine 10.

[0037] The punching machine 10 sequentially removes the workpieces loaded on the transported pallet from the top, punches them, and loads the processed workpieces onto the pallet one after the other. When the punching machine 10 has finished punching all of the workpieces, the warehouse control device 42 transmits warehousing information to the warehouse PLC 41 for storing the pallet on which the punched workpieces are loaded into the automated warehouse 40. The warehouse PLC 41 controls the automated warehouse 40 based on the acquired warehousing information, and stores the pallet on which the punched workpieces are loaded into the automated warehouse 40.

[0038] Similarly, the laser processing machine 20 appropriately removes the pallet loaded with the workpiece group after punching from the automated warehouse 40, and performs laser processing as step I. The pallet loaded with the workpiece group after laser processing is stored in the automated warehouse 40.

[0039] 3 is a flowchart showing the main processing executed by the third processing machine control terminal 31 that controls the bending machine 30 while the processing system 1 is in operation. When the third processing machine control terminal 31 is in operation ("YES" in S1) and is performing the first processing since starting operation ("YES" in S2), or when it is the second or subsequent processing and the bending machine 30 in the automated warehouse 40 detects a change in the group of workpieces to be processed ("NO" in S2 → "YES" in S3), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0040] This "when the bending machine 30 detects a change in the group of workpieces to be processed" means when it detects a new pallet that has been loaded with a group of workpieces for which process I has been completed and stored in the automated warehouse 40.

[0041] If this is the second or subsequent processing since the start of operation and there is no change in the work group to be processed by the bending machine 30 in the automated warehouse 40 ("NO" in S2 → "NO" in S3), the third processing machine control terminal 31 repeats the processing of steps S1 to S3. Then, when the work group for which processing of process I has been completed is stored in the automated warehouse 40, the work group information acquisition unit 311a of the third processing machine control terminal 31 detects this and proceeds to step S4.

[0042] In step S4, the work group information acquisition unit 311a transmits a management data request to the warehouse control device 42, requesting identification information of the work group for which processing in step I has been completed, identification information of the pallet on which this work group is loaded, information on the loading order of the work groups on this pallet, and information on the delivery date set in advance for the processed products of this work group. If there are multiple pallets on which work groups for which processing in step I has been completed are loaded, the work group information acquisition unit 311a transmits management data requests for all of these pallets and the work groups loaded thereon.

[0043] Based on the management data request received from the third processing machine control terminal 31, the data processing unit 422c of the warehouse control device 42 reads out the management data corresponding to the management data request from the management database memory unit 421 and transmits it to the third processing machine control terminal 31.

[0044] In the third processing machine control terminal 31, the workpiece group information acquisition unit 311a acquires the management data transmitted from the warehouse control device 42 (S4) and sends it to the execution schedule generation unit 311b. The execution schedule generation unit 311b uses the acquired management data to execute (a) a schedule generation process that shows an execution schedule for bending by the bending machine 30 (S5).

[0045] 4 is a flowchart showing (a) schedule generation processing executed by the execution schedule generation unit 311b. When the execution schedule generation unit 311b starts (a) schedule generation processing, it first executes (b) delivery date setting processing for schedule generation (S51).

[0046] 5 is a flowchart showing the (b) process of setting delivery dates for schedule generation executed by the execution schedule generating unit 311b. When the execution schedule generating unit 311b starts the (b) process of setting delivery dates for schedule generation, it identifies the work group with the earliest delivery date among the work groups loaded on each pallet to be processed.

[0047] The execution schedule generating unit 311b determines whether there is a pallet on which the identified work group is not loaded in the uppermost position (S511). If the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines that there is a pallet on which the identified work group is not loaded in the uppermost position ("YES" in S511), it recognizes the due date of the work group loaded in a position above the work group with the earliest due date on this pallet as being the same as the due date of the work group with the earliest due date, and performs the subsequent processing (S512).

[0048] For example, as shown on the left side of the arrow in Fig. 6A, a case will be described in which, from bottom to top, pallet P301 is loaded with a group A1 of 10 workpieces due on July 10, a group A2 of 5 workpieces due on July 5, and a group A3 of 10 workpieces due on July 8. Here, "A1", "A2", and "A3" are information that identify the products after processing.

[0049] Here, the execution schedule generation unit 311b identifies workpiece group A2 as the workpiece group with the earliest due date among the workpiece groups loaded on the processing target pallet P301, and determines that this workpiece group A2 is not loaded in the uppermost position on the pallet P301. In this case, as shown to the right of the arrow in Fig. 6A, the execution schedule generation unit 311b recognizes the due date of workpiece group A3, which is loaded in a position above workpiece group A2, as being the same as the due date of workpiece group A2, "July 5th."

[0050] Similarly, as shown to the left of the arrow in Figure 6B, we will explain the case where pallet P302 is loaded with, from the bottom up, a group of five workpieces C1 with a due date of July 5th, a group of five workpieces B2 with a due date of July 7th, and a group of ten workpieces B1 with a due date of July 6th.

[0051] Here, the execution schedule generation unit 311b identifies workpiece group C1 as the workpiece group with the earliest due date among the workpiece groups loaded on the processing target pallet P302, and determines that this workpiece group C1 is not loaded in the uppermost position on the pallet P302. In this case, as shown to the right of the arrow in Figure 6B, the execution schedule generation unit 311b recognizes the due dates of workpiece groups B2 and B1, which are loaded in positions above workpiece group C1, as being the same as the due date of workpiece group C1, "July 5th."

[0052] Returning to the flowchart of Fig. 4, the execution schedule generation unit 311b executes (c) execution order determination processing (S52). Here, as shown in Fig. 7, a case will be described in which seven pallets loaded with workpiece groups for which processing in step I has been completed are stored in the automated warehouse 40, and (c) execution order determination processing [1] to [3] is executed for the multiple workpiece groups loaded on these pallets.

[0053] Seven pallets, P301, P302, P303, P401, P402, P403, and P404, are stored within the automated warehouse 40. Pallet P301 is loaded, from bottom to top, with a work group A1 of 10 pieces due on 7 / 10, a work group A2 of 5 pieces due on 7 / 8, and a work group A3 of 10 pieces due on 7 / 5. Pallet P302 is loaded, from bottom to top, with a work group C1 of 5 pieces due on 7 / 7, a work group B2 of 5 pieces due on 7 / 6, and a work group B1 of 10 pieces due on 7 / 5. Pallet P303 is loaded with a work group A3 of 50 pieces due on 7 / 5. Pallet P401 is loaded with a work group A4 of 20 pieces due on 7 / 5. Pallet P402 is loaded with, from the bottom up, a workpiece group A1 of 5 due on 7 / 10, and a workpiece group B2 of 30 due on 7 / 6. Pallet P403 is loaded with, from the bottom up, a workpiece group B3 of 50 due on 7 / 15, a workpiece group B4 of 20 due on 7 / 12, and a workpiece group C1 of 20 due on 7 / 7. Pallet P404 is loaded with a workpiece group B1 of 20 due on 7 / 6. All of these workpiece groups have completed processing in process I.

[0054] After the processing of step I is completed, these multiple pallets are stored in the automated warehouse 40 in the order of the lowest pallet number, that is, P301 → P302 → P303 → P401 → P402 → P403 → P404.

[0055] [(c) Execution order determination process [1]] 8 is a flowchart showing the (c) execution order determination process [1] executed by the execution schedule generation unit 311b. When the (c) execution order determination process [1] starts, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines whether there are multiple pallets for which the work group loaded in the uppermost position has the earliest due date among the pallets for which execution order determination has not been processed (S521).

[0056] 7, the execution order determination has not yet been processed, and of these, the work groups loaded in the top positions of four pallets, pallets P301, P302, P303, and P401, have the earliest due date of July 5. As a result, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines that there are multiple pallets for which the work groups loaded in the top positions have the earliest due dates ("YES" in S521).

[0057] The execution schedule generating unit 311b determines the execution order as first to fourth in the order in which the information on the workpiece groups at the top positions of these pallets P301, P302, P303, and P401 was recognized as the object to be processed by the bending machine 30, specifically, in the order of workpiece group A3 on pallet P301 → workpiece group B1 on pallet P302 → workpiece group A3 on pallet P303 → workpiece group A4 on pallet P401, which is the order in which the loaded pallets were stored in the automated warehouse 40 (S522). Hereinafter, "workpiece group A3 on pallet P301" will be referred to as "workpiece group [P301 / A3]," and "workpiece group B1 on pallet P302" will be referred to as "workpiece group [P302 / B1]."

[0058] Thereafter, since there are work groups for which execution order determination has not been processed ("YES" in S523), the process returns to step S521, and the same process is repeated for the work groups for which execution order determination has not been processed to sequentially determine the execution order. At this time, if the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines in step S521 that there is only one pallet with the earliest due date for the work group loaded in the uppermost position ("NO" in S521), the information of the work group in the uppermost position of this pallet is added and the execution order is determined (S523).

[0059] By this (c) execution order determination process [1], the execution schedule generation unit 311b generates an execution schedule [1] in which the execution order is "work group [P301 / A3]" → "work group [P302 / B1]" → "work group [P303 / A3]" → "work group [P401 / A4]" → "work group [P302 / B2]" → "work group [P402 / B2]" → "work group [P404 / B1]" → "work group [P302 / C1]" → "work group [P403 / C1]" → "work group [P301 / A2]" → "work group [P301 / A1]" → "work group [P402 / A1]" → "work group [P403 / B4]" → "work group [P403 / B3]".

[0060] [(c) Execution order determination process [2]] 9 is a flowchart showing the (c) execution order determination process [2] executed by the execution schedule generation unit 311b. When the (c) execution order determination process [2] starts, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines whether there are multiple pallets for which the work group loaded in the uppermost position has the earliest due date among the pallets for which execution order determination has not been processed (S531).

[0061] When the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines that there are multiple pallets with the shortest due dates for the workpiece groups loaded in the top positions ("YES" in S531), it determines whether there are multiple workpiece groups with the fewest number of workpieces among the workpiece groups loaded in the top positions (S532). For example, among pallets P301, P302, P303, and P401 with the shortest due dates for the workpiece groups loaded in the top positions shown in FIG. 7, the workpiece group A3 in the top position of pallet P301 and the workpiece group B1 in the top position of P302 have the fewest number of workpieces, both at 10. In this case, the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines that there are multiple workpiece groups with the fewest number of workpieces among the workpiece groups loaded in the top positions ("YES" in S532).

[0062] The execution schedule generating unit 311b determines the execution order of the workpiece groups that are determined to have the fewest number of workpieces among the workpiece groups at the top position in step S532, in the order in which they were received on the pallet (S533). Specifically, the execution order is determined to be first, second, etc. in the order of workpiece group [P301 / A3] → workpiece group [P302 / B1].

[0063] Thereafter, since there are work groups for which execution order determination has not been processed ("YES" in S534), the process returns to step S531, and the same process is repeated for the work groups for which execution order determination has not been processed to sequentially determine the execution order. At that time, if the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines in step S532 that there is only one work group with the fewest number of sheets among the work groups at the top position ("NO" in S532), the information of this work group with the fewest number of sheets is sequentially added to determine the execution order (S535).

[0064] Also, in step S531, when the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines that there is only one pallet with the earliest due date for the work group loaded in the top position ("NO" in S531), the execution order is determined by sequentially adding information about the work group in the top position of this pallet (S536).

[0065] By this (c) execution order determination process [2], the execution schedule generation unit 311b generates an execution schedule [1] in which the execution order is "work group [P301 / A3]" → "work group [P302 / B1]" → "work group [P401 / A4]" → "work group [P303 / A3]" → "work group [P302 / B2]" → "work group [P404 / B1]" → "work group [P402 / B2]" → "work group [P302 / C1]" → "work group [P403 / C1]" → "work group [P301 / A2]" → "work group [P402 / A1]" → "work group [P301 / A1]" → "work group [P403 / B4]" → "work group [P403 / B3]".

[0066] [(c) Execution order determination process [3]] 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing the (c) execution order determination process [3] executed by the execution schedule generation unit 311b. When the (c) execution order determination process [3] starts, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines whether there are multiple pallets for which the work group loaded in the uppermost position has the earliest due date among the pallets for which execution order determination has not been processed (S541).

[0067] When the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines that there are multiple pallets with the earliest due date for the work group loaded in the uppermost position ("YES" in S541), it determines whether or not there is a single pallet loaded with only one work group among these multiple pallets (S542). For example, among pallets P301, P302, P303, and P401 with the earliest due date for the work group loaded in the uppermost position shown in FIG. 7, pallets P303 and P401 are single-loaded. In this case, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines that there is a single-loaded pallet ("YES" in S542).

[0068] If there are multiple pallets determined to be single-loaded in step S542 ("YES" in S543), the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines whether there are multiple workpiece groups with the fewest number of workpieces among the workpiece groups loaded on these pallets (S544). For example, among pallets P303 and P401 shown in FIG. 7, the only workpiece group with the fewest number of workpieces loaded is [P401 / A4] ("NO" in S544). In this case, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines the execution order of the workpiece group with the fewest number of workpieces loaded on the single-loading pallet as first (S545).

[0069] If the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines in step S544 that there are multiple workpiece groups with the fewest number of workpieces among the workpiece groups loaded on a single pallet ("YES" in S544), it determines the execution order of these workpiece groups based on the order in which the pallets were received (S546). The processing of steps S543 to S546 is repeated until it is determined in step S543 that there is only one single pallet.

[0070] If the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines in step S543 that there is only one single pallet ("NO" in S543), it sequentially adds the workpieces loaded on this single pallet and determines the execution order (S547). This completes the process of determining the execution order for the single pallet.

[0071] When the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines in step S542 that there is no single-loading pallet among the pallets with the earliest due date for the work group loaded at the top position ("NO" in S542), or when the process of determining the execution order for single-loading pallets is completed, it proceeds to step S548.

[0072] In step S548, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines whether or not the pallet with the earliest due date for the work group loaded in the uppermost position contains a mixed pallet loaded with multiple work groups. For example, among the work groups shown in FIG. 7, pallets P301 and P302 contain the work group in the uppermost position with the earliest due date and are mixed. In this case, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines that a mixed pallet exists ("YES" in S548).

[0073] If there are multiple pallets determined to be mixed loads in step S548 ("YES" in S549), the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines whether there are multiple pallets among these pallets with the earliest due date for the work group loaded one pallet below the topmost pallet (S550). For example, the due date of July 8 for work group A2 loaded one pallet below mixed load pallet P301 shown in FIG. 7 is different from the due date of July 6 for work group B2 loaded one pallet below pallet P302. In this case, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines that there is only one pallet with the earliest due date for the work group loaded one pallet below the topmost pallet ("NO" in S550), and adds information about the work group in the topmost position of this pallet to determine the execution order (S551).

[0074] If the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines in step S550 that there are multiple pallets with the earliest due date for the work group loaded one position below the top position ("YES" in S550), it determines whether there is a work group loaded one position below these multiple pallets (S552).If the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines in step S552 that there is a work group loaded one position below the multiple pallets ("YES" in S552), it returns to step S550.

[0075] If the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines in step S552 that there is a pallet that does not have a workpiece group loaded below it ("NO" in S552), it determines the execution order of the workpiece groups in the top positions of these pallets based on the order in which the pallets were received (S553). The processing of steps S549 to S553 is repeated until it is determined in step S549 that there is only one mixed pallet.

[0076] If the execution schedule generating unit 311b determines in step S549 that there is only one mixed pallet ("NO" in S549), it sequentially adds the workpieces in the top position of this pallet and determines the execution order (S554). This completes the process of determining the execution order for the mixed pallet.

[0077] When the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines in step S548 that there is no mixed pallet among the pallets with the earliest due date for the work group loaded in the top position ("NO" in S548), or when the process of determining the execution order for the mixed pallet is completed, if there is a work group for which execution order determination has not been processed ("YES" in S555), it returns to step S541.

[0078] Also, in step S541, when the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines that there is only one pallet among the unprocessed work groups with the earliest due date for the work group loaded in the top position ("NO" in S541), the execution order is determined by sequentially adding the work group in the top position of this pallet (S556).

[0079] By this (c) execution order determination process [3], the execution schedule generation unit 311b generates an execution schedule [3] in which the execution order is "work group [P401 / A4]" → "work group [P303 / A3]" → "work group [P302 / B1]" → "work group [P301 / A3]" → "work group [P404 / B1]" → "work group [P302 / B2]" → "work group [P402 / B2]" → "work group [P302 / C1]" → "work group [P403 / C1]" → "work group [P301 / A2]" → "work group [P301 / A1]" → "work group [P402 / A1]" → "work group [P403 / B4]" → "work group [P403 / B3]".

[0080] Figure 11 is a table showing information on work groups arranged by execution order for each of the execution schedules [1], [2], and [3], along with the number of pieces and due date for each work group, and the timing of when each pallet becomes empty.

[0081] In execution schedule [2], pallet P404 becomes empty earlier than in execution schedule [1]. In addition, in execution schedule [3], pallets P401, P303, and P404 become empty earlier than in execution schedules [1] and [2]. In this way, by having pallets become empty earlier in the second process, these empty pallets can be replenished earlier as pallets to be used in the first process.

[0082] In addition to the above-mentioned execution schedules [1] to [3], the execution schedule generating unit 311b may generate an execution schedule so that processing is performed continuously on multiple workpiece groups that are the same product to be processed and have the same processing content. The execution schedule generating unit 311b may also generate an execution schedule so that processing is performed continuously as much as possible on workpiece groups loaded on the same pallet.

[0083] For example, in the execution schedule [3], by switching the execution order of the sixth work group [P302 / B2] and the seventh work group [P402 / B2], the pallets of the eighth work group [302 / C1] and the seventh work group [P302 / B2] will be the same. This eliminates the need to switch pallets between the seventh and eighth work groups, thereby shortening the processing time.

[0084] Furthermore, the execution schedule generating unit 311b may generate an execution schedule by prioritizing the workpiece group loaded on a pallet being removed from the automated warehouse 40. By generating an execution schedule in this manner, it is possible to improve the efficiency of processing and reduce the overall processing time.

[0085] The execution schedule generation unit 311b may also classify work groups whose due dates have passed since the time of generation of the execution schedule and work groups whose due dates are today as a first group with the highest priority, and work groups whose due dates are close, for example, the next day, as a second group with the next highest priority, and generate an execution schedule for each group using one of the execution order determination processes [1] to [3] described above. If there are no work groups that fall into the first group, the work groups that fall into the second group are given the highest priority.

[0086] The execution schedule generating unit 311b may also classify work groups whose due dates are a predetermined period (e.g., two days) from the day of or the day after the execution date of the processing as a third group, and work groups whose due dates fall within a predetermined period (e.g., every two days) thereafter as a fourth group, a fifth group, etc., and generate an execution schedule for each group using one of the execution order determination processes [1] to [3] described above. If there are no work groups that fall into the first and second groups, the top priority is given to the work group that falls into the third group or the earliest period thereafter.

[0087] By generating an execution schedule in this manner, it is possible to give priority to processing workpieces whose deadlines are high because they are behind schedule or have a short time until their deadline.

[0088] The worker may check the generated execution schedule and manually change the execution schedule at his / her discretion, which allows for emergency processing to be handled when a group of workpieces arises.

[0089] Returning to the flowchart of Figure 4, the execution schedule generation unit 311b provisionally confirms the execution schedule generated from one of the above-mentioned execution schedules [1] to [3] (S53). Here, the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines whether the number of empty pallets (hereinafter referred to as "empty pallets") currently in the automated warehouse 40 is equal to or less than a predetermined set value (S54). This predetermined set value is the minimum number of empty pallets that should be secured in the automated warehouse 40, which is set in advance so that there is no shortage of pallets to be used in process I.

[0090] When the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines that the number of empty pallets in the automated warehouse 40 is less than or equal to a set value (S55), it classifies the work groups in the provisionally confirmed execution schedule by delivery date group, for example, the above-mentioned third group, fourth group, etc., and rearranges the work groups within the classified groups in order of the earliest occurrence of empty pallets. Specifically, the execution schedule generation unit 311b classifies each group into (i) work groups loaded on single-loading pallets, (ii) work groups loaded on pallets that will become empty within the group, and (iii) work groups loaded on other pallets, and rearranges them in the order of (i) → (ii) → (iii), and rearranges the classified work groups in order of the fewest total number of sheets loaded on the pallets.

[0091] For example, when the execution schedule [3] in Figure 11 is tentatively confirmed, the execution schedule generation unit 311b classifies the 14 work groups into a third group G3 containing nine work groups with due dates between July 5th and July 7th, a fourth group G4 containing three work groups with due dates between July 8th and July 10th, and a fifth group G5 containing two work groups with due dates after July 11th.

[0092] The execution schedule generation unit 311b rearranges the workpiece groups within groups G3, G4, and G5 in the order (i) → (ii) → (iii) described above, resulting in the execution schedule [4] shown in Figure 12. In this execution schedule [4], three empty pallets, P401, P404, and P303, are generated by the processing operations performed early on. This generates more empty pallets earlier than in execution schedule [3], and the processing system 1 can operate smoothly without running short of the empty pallets required for process I.

[0093] Furthermore, in this execution schedule [4], multiple workpiece groups loaded on pallets that become empty within the same group, such as pallet P302, are processed consecutively, thereby reducing the number of pallet changes in bending machine 30. As a result, if one pallet change takes 5 minutes, the time required for pallet changes within the processing of all workpiece groups can be reduced from 55 minutes in execution schedule [3] to 40 minutes in execution schedule [4].

[0094] After rearranging the work groups in the execution schedule in step S55, the execution schedule generation unit 311b finalizes the rearranged execution schedule and stores it in the execution schedule storage unit 312 (S56). Furthermore, when the execution schedule generation unit 311b determines in step S54 that the number of empty pallets in the automated warehouse 40 is greater than a predetermined set value ("NO" in S54), the execution schedule generation unit 311b finalizes the execution schedule tentatively finalized in step S53 and stores it in the execution schedule storage unit 312 (S56).

[0095] The execution schedule generation unit 311b generates a transport request to transport the pallet carrying the group of workpieces to be bent from the automated warehouse 40 to the bending machine 30, and transmits the request to the warehouse control device 42. In the warehouse control device 42, when the transport information transmission unit 422d acquires the transport request transmitted from the third machine control terminal 31, it transmits transport information to the warehouse PLC 41 for transporting the requested pallet to the bending machine 30 controlled by the third machine control terminal 31. Based on the transport information transmitted from the warehouse control device 42, the warehouse PLC 41 transports the requested pallet to the bending machine 30.

[0096] When a pallet loaded with a group of workpieces to be bent is transported to the bending machine 30, the operation control unit 311c of the third machine control terminal 31 controls the bending machine 30 so that the workpieces are sequentially picked up and bent according to the execution schedule stored in the execution schedule memory unit 312.

[0097] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the third machining machine control terminal as a machine tool control device according to this embodiment includes a work group information acquisition unit that acquires, for each of a plurality of pallets, identification information of the work groups to be machined loaded and information on the loading order of the work groups, and information on the delivery dates of the machined products that is preset for each of the work groups to be machined, and an execution schedule generation unit that generates an execution schedule for machining by giving priority to work groups with the earliest delivery dates.When the execution schedule generation unit determines, based on the information acquired by the work group information acquisition unit, that there is a pallet among the plurality of pallets in which the work group with the earliest delivery date is not loaded in the uppermost position, the execution schedule generation unit recognizes the delivery date of the work group loaded in a position higher than the work group with the earliest delivery date in this pallet as being the same as the delivery date of the work group with the earliest delivery date, and generates an execution schedule.

[0098] As a result, the third machine control terminal automatically generates an execution schedule for processing workpiece groups loaded on multiple pallets, taking into account the delivery date for each workpiece group. The operator simply operates the operation instructions to execute the processing of these workpiece groups according to their delivery dates, thereby reducing the operator's burden. Even if workpiece groups with earlier delivery dates are loaded below the top of the pallet, the execution schedule can be generated by taking this into consideration and prioritizing the workpiece groups with earlier delivery dates. Performing processing based on this generated execution schedule increases the number of pallet changes in the machine, lengthening the operating time, but allows the system to operate smoothly while taking into account the delivery dates of the processed products in subsequent stages.

[0099] In addition, the execution schedule generation unit may perform the process of generating the execution schedule when the storage state of pallets in an automated warehouse that stores pallets loaded with workpieces waiting to be processed changes.

[0100] This means that when a new pallet containing a group of workpieces that have completed process I is placed into the automated warehouse during operation, the execution schedule is automatically updated, enabling continuous, appropriate operation.

[0101] In addition, when there are multiple pallets among the multiple pallets with the earliest due date for the work group at the top position, the execution schedule generation unit may generate the execution schedule by giving priority to the work group with the smallest number of works, the work group loaded on a single pallet that has only one work group loaded on it, the work group loaded one level below that has the earliest due date, or the work group loaded on a pallet that is being shipped out from an automated warehouse that stores pallets loaded with work groups waiting to be processed.

[0102] This allows an execution schedule to be generated so that processing is carried out efficiently while taking into consideration the delivery date for each work group.

[0103] In addition, the execution schedule generation unit may generate the execution schedule so that processing is continuous for multiple work groups with the same processing content among the work groups at the top positions of multiple pallets, or for multiple work groups loaded on the same pallet.

[0104] This allows an execution schedule to be generated that allows the processing machines to be operated efficiently while taking into consideration the delivery date for each work group.

[0105] Furthermore, when the number of empty pallets falls below a predetermined value, the execution schedule generating unit may generate an execution schedule by rearranging information about the group of workpieces to be machined in order of the earliest occurrence of empty pallets.

[0106] This allows the system to operate smoothly, ensuring that there are no shortages of empty pallets to be used in the preceding step I.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to one or more of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Processing System 10 Punching machine 11 First processing machine control terminal 20 Laser processing machine 21 Second processing machine control terminal 30 Bending machine 31 Third processing machine control terminal 40 Automated Warehouse 42 Warehouse control device 50 Switching Hub 111 1st CPU 111a Work group information acquisition unit 111b Operation control unit 211 2nd CPU 211a Work group information acquisition unit 211b Operation control unit 301 Processing Department 311 3rd CPU 311a Work group information acquisition unit 311b Execution schedule generation unit 311c Operation control unit 312 Execution schedule memory unit 421 Management database storage unit 422 4th CPU 422a Warehouse information acquisition unit 422b Database Update Department 422c Data Processing Unit 422d Transport information transmission unit

Claims

1. a work group information acquisition unit that acquires, for each of a plurality of pallets, identification information of the work group to be processed and information on the loading order of the work group, as well as information on the delivery date of the processed product that is preset for each of the work group to be processed; an execution schedule generation unit that generates an execution schedule for processing by giving priority to the work group with the earliest delivery date; When the execution schedule generation unit determines, based on the information acquired by the work group information acquisition unit, that there is a pallet among the plurality of pallets in which the work group with the earliest due date is not loaded at the top, the execution schedule generation unit recognizes the due date of the work group loaded at a position higher than the work group with the earliest due date within this pallet as being the same as the due date of the work group with the earliest due date, and generates the execution schedule.

2. 2. The machine tool control device according to claim 1, wherein the execution schedule generation unit performs the generation process of the execution schedule when a storage state of a pallet in an automated warehouse that stores pallets loaded with workpieces waiting to be processed changes.

3. 2. The machine tool control device according to claim 1, wherein, when there are multiple pallets among the multiple pallets with the shortest delivery date for the work group in the uppermost position, the execution schedule generation unit generates the execution schedule by giving priority to the work group with the smallest number of workpieces, the work group loaded on a single pallet carrying only one work group, the work group loaded one level below with the shortest delivery date, or the work group loaded on a pallet being removed from an automated warehouse that stores pallets carrying work groups waiting to be processed.

4. 2. The machine tool control device according to claim 1, wherein the execution schedule generation unit generates the execution schedule so that machining processes for multiple work groups with the same machining content, or multiple work groups loaded on the same pallet, among the work groups at the top positions of multiple pallets, are continuous.

5. 2. The machine tool control device according to claim 1, wherein, when the number of empty pallets falls below a predetermined value, the execution schedule generation unit generates the execution schedule by rearranging information about the group of workpieces to be machined in order of the earliest occurrence of empty pallets.

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