Production planning support system

Abstract

To provide a production support device capable of appropriately supporting planning of the production of a plurality of work pieces when the plurality of work pieces are processed with a process machine for production.SOLUTION: A production plan support device 3 supports planning of the production of a plurality of work pieces when the plurality of work pieces are processed with a process machine for production. The production plan support device 3 includes: charge sequence pattern generation means 32 for generating a plurality of charge sequence patterns indicating the sequence of charging the plurality of work pieces into the process machine; evaluation means 33 for performing evaluation based on a plurality of index values including a processing time required for the processing, a changeover time required for changeover work, and a waiting time for waiting for the processing or changeover work; and a display 4 as presentation means for presenting results of the evaluation performed by the evaluation means 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a production plan support device for assisting in formulating production plans for a plurality of workpieces.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various devices, systems, and methods related to formulating production plans for manufactured products have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] The process design method described in Patent Document 1 creates a plurality of process design plans using a database storing example information of design and production based on characteristic information in the design and production of an ordered product, and determines one process design plan based on the evaluation values of quality, processing cost, and delivery date obtained for each process design plan.

[0004] The production plan creation system described in Patent Document 2 creates a plan for the production order of a product based on information related to production facilities and workers, changes the production order of the production plan multiple times to output a production plan with the shortest production time, and creates a production plan for all processes from the receipt of raw materials for the product to the shipment of the product based on the output production plan and the information in the recording section.

[0005] The input plan creation support device described in Patent Document 3 creates a product group set by combining product types that include many common sub-processes, calculates the product group set production time required to produce each product group set based on the production quantity of each product type, the processing time of each sub-process, and the setup change time, and sets the production input order of the product groups.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0007] When producing multiple workpieces using processing machines such as grinders and machining centers, the setup time required for changing tools such as grinding wheels and cutting tools, and replacing machine parts, as well as the processing waiting time, can vary greatly depending on the order in which the workpieces are fed into the processing machines. Conventional production planning support devices have not been suitable for planning the production of multiple workpieces in this way. For example, production is carried out in order of the closest delivery date, or skilled workers determine the order in which workpieces are fed into the processing machines based on their experience.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a production planning support device that can appropriately support the planning of production schedules for multiple workpieces when multiple workpieces are produced by processing them with a processing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a method for processing multiple workpieces with different machining shapes. Grinding machine A production planning support device that assists in formulating a production plan for the plurality of workpieces when processing and producing them, wherein the plurality of workpieces Grinding machine An input sequence pattern generation means generates multiple input sequence patterns indicating the order in which inputs are made to a device; an evaluation means performs an evaluation of each of the multiple input sequence patterns based on multiple indicator values ​​including the processing time required for processing, the setup change time required for setup change operations, and the waiting time for processing or setup change operations; and a presentation means presents the results of the evaluation performed by the evaluation means. ,of Preparation The setup change time is the sum of the center change time for the headstock and tailstock of the grinding machine, the temporary support change time, and the grinding wheel change time, and the evaluation means evaluates the loading sequence pattern considering the variation in the setup change time due to differences in the loading sequence patterns of multiple workpieces. We provide production planning support equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The production planning support device according to the present invention makes it possible to appropriately plan the production of multiple workpieces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a factory equipped with a production planning support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the process from processing multiple workpieces to shipping them out. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a grinding machine configuration. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a production planning support system. [Figure 5] This is a tooling table showing which jigs and fixtures are currently attached to the grinding machine, and which jigs and fixtures are required to process the first to third workpieces. [Figure 6] This is a table showing the center change time, temporary support stand change time, grinding wheel change time, and the total changeover time for each machining step in each of the input sequence patterns from the 1st to the 6th. [Figure 7] This table shows the remaining days until delivery, the minimum waiting time before setup changes or processing can begin, the processing time, and the transportation time to the customer for each of the first to third workpieces. [Figure 8] In addition to the contents shown in Figures 6 and 7, this is a table showing the total time from the present to the completion of delivery, the delay in delivery, and the result of the determination of whether or not delivery will be completed by the deadline for each of the 1st to 6th input sequence patterns. [Figure 9] (a) is a schematic diagram showing the case where the second workpiece is machined with the second grinding wheel. (b) is a schematic diagram showing the case where the second workpiece is machined with the third grinding wheel. [Figure 10] (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams showing the processed shapes of the first to third workpieces processed by the two machining centers. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] [Embodiment] Embodiments and application examples of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. The embodiments and application examples described below are shown as preferred specific examples for implementing the present invention, and although there are parts that specifically illustrate various technically preferable technical matters, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this specific aspect.

[0013] <Outline of the production method using the production plan support device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a factory in which a production plan support device according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. In factory 1, a grinding machine 2 as an example of a processing machine is installed, and workpieces 11, 12, and 13, which are objects to be processed, are ground by this grinding machine 2 to be products 14, 15, and 16, which are finished products, and each product 14, 15, and 16 is packaged and shipped to customers 17, 18, and 19. Products 14, 15, and 16 are machined parts used in industrial machines such as construction machines and cargo transfer machines.

[0014] The production plan support device 3 is, for example, used by the operator 10 in the factory 1, formulates a production plan regarding in what order the workpieces 11, 12, and 13 should be processed, and presents it to the operator 10. The operator 10 inputs the workpieces 11, 12, and 13 into the grinding machine 2 in accordance with the presented production plan. In addition, although heat treatment, cutting, etc. are performed in addition to grinding before the workpieces 11, 12, and 13 reach the products 14, 15, and 16, here, these processes are omitted and simplified for explanation.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an overview of the process from processing a plurality of workpieces to shipping. In this flowchart, first, workpiece information such as the processing shape, required specifications (dimensional accuracy and surface roughness), and delivery date of the plurality of workpieces to be processed is obtained (step S1), and based on this information, it is selected which processing machine in Factory 1 will perform the processing (step S2). Next, for the selected processing machine, the cutting tools to be used for processing each of the plurality of workpieces are selected (step S3). Here, the cutting tools, with respect to the grinding machine 2, are grindstones, spindle heads, center supports, temporary supports, etc. which will be described later. Next, the workpiece information obtained in step S1 and the results of the selections in steps S2 and S3 are input into the production plan support device 3, and the production plan support device 3 is used to determine the processing order of the plurality of workpieces (step S4). Then, the plurality of workpieces are processed in accordance with the determined processing order (step S5), and shipped to each customer (step S6).

[0016] Note that the processing in steps S1 to S4 can also be performed at the quotation stage before receiving an order. In this case, based on the processing results of steps S1 to S4, the delivery date can be presented to the customer in a short time.

[0017] <Configuration of Grinding Machine 2> FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration example of the grinding machine 2. In FIG. 3, the state when processing the workpiece 11 is shown as an example. The grinding machine 2 includes a bed 20 which is a base, a spindle head 21, a center support 22, a vibration damper device 23, and a temporary receiving table 241 attached to the bed 20, a Z-axis table 25 that can move forward and backward in the Z direction (a direction parallel to the axial direction of the workpiece 11) with respect to the bed 20, an X-axis table 26 that can move forward and backward in the X direction (a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the workpiece 11) with respect to the Z-axis table 25, a grinding wheel motor 27 attached to the X-axis table 26, and a grinding wheel 281 that is rotationally driven by the grinding wheel motor 27.

[0018] The Z-axis table 25 moves in the Z-direction guided by Z-axis guide rails 253 and 254, guided by a ball screw 252 rotated by a Z-axis motor 251. The X-axis table 26 moves in the X-axis direction guided by X-axis guide rails 263 and 264, guided by a ball screw 262 rotated by an X-axis motor 261. The vibration damping device 23 has a rest 231 that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece 11, and the rest 231 suppresses vibration of the workpiece 11 during grinding.

[0019] The headstock 21 includes a headstock motor 210 for rotating the workpiece 11 and a headstock center 211 that fits into a center hole 11a formed at one axial end of the workpiece 11. The tailstock 22 includes a tailstock center 221 that fits into a center hole 11b formed at the other axial end of the workpiece 11. The headstock center 211 and the tailstock center 221 have conical tips, and when the headstock center 211 and the tailstock center 221 fit into the center holes 11a and 11b of the workpiece 11, the workpiece 11 is lifted off the temporary support 241 and centered, and is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis O.

[0020] Within Factory 1, replacement headstock centers 212, tailstock centers 222, and temporary support tables 242 are provided. The appropriate one is selected according to the length and size of the workpiece to be machined and fixed to the bed 20 for use. In addition, several grinding wheels 282 and 283 with different widths are provided, and the one suitable for machining the workpiece is used. Grinding wheels 281, 282, and 283 are one form of tool used for machining.

[0021] Hereinafter, the headstock centers 211 and 212 will be referred to as the first headstock center 211 and the second headstock center 212, respectively, and the tailstock centers 221 and 222 will be referred to as the first tailstock center 221 and the second tailstock center 222, respectively. Also, the temporary support bases 241 and 242 will be referred to as the first temporary support base 241 and the second temporary support base 242, respectively, and the grinding wheels 281, 282, and 283 will be referred to as the first to third grinding wheels 281, 282, and 283, respectively.

[0022] <Configuration and Functions of Production Planning Support System 3> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the production planning support device 3. The production planning support device 3 consists of, for example, a computer 30 and a display 4 connected to the computer 30 as a presentation means.

[0023] Computer 30 functions as a workpiece information acquisition means 31, an input order pattern generation means 32, an evaluation means 33, and a priority assignment means 34 by having a microprocessor execute a program 301 stored in a storage device 300. The storage device 300 is capable of adding, changing, and deleting stored contents, and is, for example, an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive). The display 4 presents the results of the evaluation performed by the evaluation means 33 and the priority assigned by the priority assignment means 34 to the user, the worker 10, in a visually recognizable manner.

[0024] The storage device 300 pre-stores tooling information 302 that shows the specifications of the first and second headstock centers 211, 212, the first and second tailstock centers 221, 222, the first and second temporary support tables 241, 242, and the first to third grinding wheels 281, 282, 283. The storage device 300 also stores customer information 303 that includes information on the transportation time (including the time required for packaging) required from the completion of products 14, 15, 16 until their arrival at customers 17, 18, 19, and information indicating the priority of each customer 17, 18, 19. The priority is pre-set, for example, by the operator 10, based on the importance of customers 17, 18, 19.

[0025] The workpiece information acquisition means 31 acquires information about the workpieces 11, 12, and 13 and stores it in the storage device 300 as workpiece information 304. The workpiece information 304 includes information on the position, shape, diameter, required precision, and delivery date of the workpieces 11, 12, and 13 to be ground by the grinding machine 2. The workpiece information acquisition means 31 can acquire this information, for example, by reading three-dimensional or two-dimensional CAD data of the workpieces 11, 12, and 13. Alternatively, the workpiece information acquisition means 31 may acquire this information by operating a pointing device such as a keyboard or mouse connected to the computer 30.

[0026] The input order pattern generation means 32 generates multiple input order patterns indicating the input order of multiple workpieces 11, 12, and 13 to the grinding machine 2, and stores the generated input order patterns in the storage device 300 as input order pattern information 305. For example, for three workpieces 11, 12, and 13, the input order pattern generation means 32 generates 3 × 2 = 6 input order patterns (the first to sixth input order patterns). If the number of workpieces is n (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), the input order pattern generation means 32 generates n factorial (n!) input order patterns.

[0027] The evaluation means 33 evaluates each of the multiple input sequence patterns generated by the input sequence pattern generation means 32 based on multiple indicator values, including the processing time required for processing the workpieces 11, 12, and 13, the setup change time required for setup change operations, the waiting time for processing or setup change operations, and the transportation time of the finished products 14, 15, and 16 to the customers 17, 18, and 19. The evaluation results are stored in the storage device 300 as evaluation result information 306. Details of the evaluation process performed by the evaluation means 33 will be described later.

[0028] The priority assignment means 34 assigns a priority to multiple input sequence patterns generated by the input sequence pattern generation means 32 if there are multiple input sequence patterns that do not cause delays in delivery to customers 17, 18, and 19. This priority is assigned, for example, based on the priority information of customers 17, 18, and 19 contained in customer information 303. The priority assigned by the priority assignment means 34 is presented to the worker 10 by the display 4 along with the results of the evaluation performed by the evaluation means 33.

[0029] Furthermore, if the worker 10 does not select the input sequence pattern to which the priority assignment means 34 has assigned the highest priority, the priority assignment means 34 accepts the selection result, performs a learning process to correct the priority information of customers 17, 18, and 19 included in the customer information 303, and reflects this in the priority assignment process in subsequent times. The priority assignment means 34 may also assign a higher priority to items with shorter setup times based on the length of the setup time.

[0030] <Processing by evaluation means 33> Next, a specific example of the evaluation process performed by the evaluation means 33 will be described. The setup changeover time, which is one of the index values ​​that the evaluation means 33 refers to when evaluating the input sequence pattern, is the time required to exchange the first and second headstock centers 211, 212, the first and second tailstock centers 221, 222, the first and second temporary support bases 241, 242, and the first to third grinding wheels 281, 282, 283 when the one attached to the grinding machine 2 is different from the one to be used for the next grinding operation. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first headstock center 211, the first tailstock center 221, the first temporary support 241, and the first grinding wheel 281 are mounted on the grinding machine 2. If these are used as they are for machining the next workpiece, the setup changeover time is 0. However, if, for example, the second grinding wheel 282 is to be used for machining the next workpiece, a setup changeover operation occurs in which the first grinding wheel 281 is replaced with the second grinding wheel 282.

[0031] The evaluation means 33 evaluates the input sequence pattern, taking into account the variation in setup change time due to differences in the processing order of the multiple workpieces 11, 12, and 13. If workpieces 11, 12, and 13 are processed in a processing sequence that does not require setup change work, or requires short setup change work, all processing of workpieces 11, 12, and 13 can be completed in a shorter time, and the workload of the worker 10 can be reduced. Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 8, specific examples of calculating setup change time will be explained. In the following explanation, workpieces 11, 12, and 13 will be referred to as the first to third workpieces 11, 12, and 13, respectively.

[0032] Figure 5 is a tooling table showing which jigs and fixtures are currently attached to the grinding machine 2 (at the time when the evaluation means 33 performs the evaluation process), and which jigs and fixtures are required to process each of the first to third workpieces 11, 12, and 13. In Figure 5 and Figures 6 to 8 described later, [0] indicates the current state, [1] indicates the first workpiece 11, [2] indicates the second workpiece 12, and [3] indicates the third workpiece 13.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 5, the grinding machine 2 is currently equipped with a second headstock center 212, a second tailstock center 222, a second temporary support 242, and a second grinding wheel 282, and these jigs and fixtures are also used for machining the second workpiece 12. Therefore, when machining the second workpiece 12 for the first time, no setup changes are required for that machining process.

[0034] On the other hand, the machining of the first workpiece 11 uses the first headstock center 211, the first tailstock center 221, the first temporary support 241, and the first grinding wheel 281, so when machining the first workpiece 11 for the first time, all of these jigs and fixtures must be replaced. Also, the machining of the third workpiece 13 uses the second headstock center 212, the second tailstock center 222, the second temporary support 242, and the third grinding wheel 283, so when machining the third workpiece 13 for the first time, the second grinding wheel 282 must be replaced with the third grinding wheel 283.

[0035] When machining the first to third workpieces 11 to 13, the operator 10 may, for example, decide which jig or fixture to use. Alternatively, information on which jig or fixture is suitable for machining each workpiece may be stored in advance as jig or fixture information 302, and the computer 30 may select the jig or fixture based on this information.

[0036] Figure 6 is a table showing the center change time for the headstock 21 and tailstock 22, the temporary support change time, the grinding wheel change time, and the total setup change time for each machining step of the first to sixth input sequence patterns. In this table, the center change time for the headstock 21 and tailstock 22, the grinding wheel change time, and the temporary support change time are each set to 0.25 days, and the machining of the first, second, and third workpieces is treated as one machining step, showing the change time for each jig and fixture and the setup change time. For example, when machining the first workpiece 11 first, center change, temporary support change, and grinding wheel change are required, so the setup change time is 0.75 days. Also, when machining the third workpiece 13 first, only grinding wheel change is required, so the setup change time is 0.25 days.

[0037] Figure 7 is a table showing the remaining days until delivery, the minimum waiting time for setting up the grinding machine 2 or before processing can begin using the grinding machine 2, the processing time required for processing using the grinding machine 2, and the transportation time to the customers 17, 18, and 19 for the first to third workpieces 11 to 13. Here, it is assumed that processing of other workpieces is currently being performed on the grinding machine 2, and the minimum waiting time until processing of those other workpieces is completed is set to 1 day.

[0038] Figure 8 is a table that, in addition to the contents shown in Figures 6 and 7, shows for each of the first to sixth input sequence patterns the total time from the present to the completion of delivery for the first to third workpieces 11 to 13 (sum of waiting time, processing time, transportation time, and setup time), the delivery delay time calculated by subtracting the total time from the remaining days until delivery, and the result of determining whether or not delivery will be completed by the deadline. The total time indicates the arrival dates of products 14, 15, and 16 to customers 17, 18, and 19. In other words, the evaluation means 33 includes the arrival date to customers 17, 18, and 19 as an evaluation item. In Figure 8, a - (minus) for the delivery delay time indicates that delivery will be completed earlier than the delivery date specified by the customer. Also, a ○ in the judgment result indicates that no delivery delay will occur, and a × indicates that a delivery delay will occur.

[0039] For example, in the first input sequence pattern, the waiting time for the first workpiece 11 to be processed first is 1 day, and the waiting time for the second workpiece 12 to be processed second is 5.75 days, which is the sum of the waiting time for the first workpiece 11 (1 day), the processing time for the first workpiece 11 (4 days), and the setup time for processing the second workpiece 12 (0.75 days). Furthermore, the waiting time for the third workpiece 13 is 8.5 days, which is the sum of the processing waiting time for the second workpiece 12 (5.75 days), the processing time for the second workpiece 12 (2 days), and the setup time for processing the third workpiece 13 (0.75 days).

[0040] The evaluation results from the evaluation means 33 are shown to the worker 10 on the display 4 screen in the format of a list as shown in Figure 8. In the example shown in Figure 8, only the fourth input sequence pattern does not result in any delays in delivery for any of the first to third workpieces 11 to 13. Therefore, the worker 10 adopts the fourth input sequence pattern and processes the second workpiece 12, the third workpiece 13, and the first workpiece 11 in that order using the grinding machine 2, and then ships the completed workpieces to customers 17, 18, and 19 in order.

[0041] As described above, the production planning support device 3 according to this embodiment calculates the total time for all input sequence patterns when processing multiple workpieces, and performs evaluations such as determining whether delivery will be completed by the deadline based on the calculation results, so that the appropriate processing sequence can be easily and accurately determined.

[0042] <First application example> Next, a first application example of the processing performed by the evaluation means 33 will be described. In the above embodiment, the case in which the grinding wheel to be used for grinding (any of the first to third grinding wheels 281, 282, and 283) is uniquely determined for the first to third workpieces 11 to 13 was described. In the first application example, the evaluation means 33 considers the possibility that the setup time can be shortened and the total time can be reduced depending on the grinding wheel used for grinding. This will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 9.

[0043] Figure 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing the case in which the second workpiece 12 is machined using the second grinding wheel 282. Figure 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing the case in which the second workpiece 12 is machined using the third grinding wheel 283. The second grinding wheel 282 is formed with a wider grinding wheel width than the third grinding wheel 283.

[0044] When grinding the second workpiece 12 with the second grinding wheel 282, the process can be completed in three plunge grinding passes, as shown in Figure 9(a). On the other hand, when grinding the second workpiece 12 with the third grinding wheel 283, four plunge grinding passes are required, as shown in Figure 9(b). Therefore, if we focus only on processing time, the second grinding wheel 282 is suitable for processing the second workpiece 12. However, if the second workpiece 12 is ground with the third grinding wheel 283, grinding wheel changes become unnecessary when processing the third workpiece 13 after the second workpiece 12, and when processing the second workpiece 12 after the third workpiece 13, thus reducing setup time and shortening the total processing time.

[0045] When the computer 30 performs such an examination as an evaluation means 33, it is not limited to those specified in the tooling table shown in Figure 5. In addition, patterns using other grinding wheels from the first to third grinding wheels 281, 282, and 283 that may be usable for machining are added as candidates, taking into account the quality such as the grinding wheel width and the roughness of the machined surface. The total time is also calculated for these patterns. Then, a determination is made as to whether or not delivery can be completed by the deadline.

[0046] Thus, in the first application example, if there are multiple grinding wheels that can be used for machining in the machining steps of the first to third workpieces 11 to 13, the evaluation means 33 calculates and evaluates the machining time and setup changeover time for each of the cases in which these multiple grinding wheels are used. This makes it possible to find a machining sequence with a shorter total time.

[0047] <Second application example> Next, a second application example of the processing performed by the workpiece information acquisition means 31, the input order pattern generation means 32, and the evaluation means 33 will be described. In the above example, the case in which the first to third workpieces 11 to 13 are processed and manufactured into a product using only one processing machine (grinding machine 2) was described, but in the second application example, parts of each of the first to third workpieces are processed using two processing machines (here, a grinding machine and a cutting machine).

[0048] Figures 10(a), (b), and (c) are configuration diagrams showing the processed shapes of the first to third workpieces 51 to 53 processed by two processing machines. The first workpiece 51 has cutting sections 511 and 512 that are cut and a grinding section 513 that is ground. The second workpiece 52 has a cutting section 521 that is cut and a grinding section 522 that is ground. The third workpiece 53 has a cutting section 531 that is cut and grinding sections 532 and 533 that are ground. The cutting sections 511, 512, 521, and 531 are processed by a cutting machine such as a machining center.

[0049] The workpiece information acquisition means 31 acquires information on the position, shape, diameter, and required accuracy of the cutting sections 511, 512 and grinding section 513 of the first workpiece 51, the cutting section 521 and grinding section 522 of the second workpiece 52, and the cutting section 531 and grinding sections 532, 533 of the third workpiece 53, and stores this information in the storage device 300 as workpiece information 304. Whether each processing section of the first to third workpieces 51 to 53 is cut or ground is indicated, for example, in the annotation information of the three-dimensional or two-dimensional CAD data of the first to third workpieces 51 to 53.

[0050] The input sequence pattern generation means 32 generates input sequence patterns for the first to third workpieces 51 to 53 for both the grinding machine and the cutting machine, by combining them. The total number of these input sequence patterns is 6 × 6 = 36. Note that, from a processing efficiency standpoint, it is impossible for the first workpiece to be ground and the first to be cut to be the same, so such input sequence patterns may be excluded.

[0051] When machining is performed using multiple processing machines, delays due to the completion of processing are likely to occur, for example, when a workpiece to be ground next is currently being cut and the machine must wait for the cutting process to finish. The evaluation means 33 calculates the waiting time taking into account cases where such delays due to the completion of processing occur. In addition, if there is only one operator performing the setup changeover, for example, the setup changeover of the grinding machine and the cutting machine cannot be performed simultaneously, so delays due to setup changeovers may also occur. The evaluation means 33 calculates the waiting time taking into account cases where such delays due to setup changeovers occur.

[0052] In this way, by calculating waiting times while considering the occurrence of waiting for processing completion or setup changes, and evaluating each input sequence pattern, it is possible to extract input sequence patterns from all input sequence patterns that are less likely to cause waiting for processing completion or setup changes, or where such waiting times are relatively short.

[0053] <Third application example> In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the case in which the processing time required for processing is uniquely set for each of the multiple workpieces was described. However, upper and lower limits of processing time may be set depending on the difference in processing method, and the evaluation means 33 may calculate the total time for each of these upper and lower limits and perform an evaluation. Differences in processing method include, for example, grinding speed. If grinding is performed at high speed while shortening the life of the grinding wheel, the processing time can be shortened, and if the grinding speed is slowed down and the processing time is increased, the life of the grinding wheel can be extended.

[0054] <Other application examples> In the above embodiment, the production planning support device 3 displays the evaluation results of the evaluation means 33 on the display 4, and the worker 10 loads the first to third workpieces 11, 12, and 13 into the grinding machine 2 according to the displayed information. However, the entire process up to the completion of processing may be automated by automating setup changes and loading and unloading of multiple workpieces into and from the processing machine. In this case, the production planning support device 3 presents the evaluation results of the evaluation means 33 to the controller that oversees the entire production system, for example, by transmitting electronic data.

[0055] Furthermore, the production planning support device 3 may be configured such that, if there is no input sequence pattern that allows all of the multiple workpieces to be produced without delay in delivery, the evaluation means 33 proposes shortening the processing time of at least one of the multiple workpieces. In this case, the evaluation means 33 selects, for example, an input sequence pattern with a relatively short delivery delay time, shortens the processing time of at least one of the multiple workpieces in the selected input sequence pattern, calculates the total time, and presents the modified processing time, which prevents delays in delivery, along with the input sequence pattern. Based on the presented information, the worker 10 revises the processing conditions so that processing can be performed in a short time even if the lifespan of the grinding wheel is shortened, and then performs the processing.

[0056] Furthermore, if, for example, the delivery of materials for one of several workpieces is delayed, and the loading of that workpiece into the processing machine is delayed compared to the plan, the processing of the workpiece whose materials were delayed may be interrupted to allow processing of the workpiece currently being processed. For example, the processing of the second workpiece may be interrupted after the rough machining of the first workpiece is completed, and the finishing of the first workpiece may be performed after the rough machining of the second workpiece is completed.

[0057] (Note) The present invention has been described above based on embodiments, but these embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. It should also be noted that not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential for solving the problem of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented by omitting some components, or by adding or substituting components, without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 11-13...First to third workpieces 17, 18, 19… Client 2…Grinding machine (machining machine) 3…Production planning support device 31...Workpiece information acquisition means 32...Input sequence pattern generation means 33…Evaluation methods 34…Method for assigning priority 4…Display (means of presentation)

Claims

1. A production planning support device that assists in formulating a production plan for multiple workpieces with different processing shapes when they are processed and produced using a grinding machine, A feeding sequence pattern generation means for generating a plurality of feeding sequence patterns indicating the order in which the plurality of workpieces are fed into the grinding machine, An evaluation means for each of the aforementioned multiple input sequence patterns, which performs an evaluation based on multiple indicator values ​​including the processing time required for processing, the setup change time required for setup change operations, and the waiting time for processing or setup change operations. The system includes a presentation means for presenting the results of the evaluation performed by the evaluation means, The aforementioned changeover time is the sum of the time required to change the centers of the headstock and tailstock of the grinding machine, the time required to change the temporary support, and the time required to change the grinding wheel. The evaluation means evaluates the input sequence pattern, taking into account the variation in the setup changeover time due to differences in the input sequence patterns of multiple workpieces. Production planning support device.

2. The aforementioned multiple indicator values ​​include the transportation time of the finished product to the customer. The evaluation means includes the date of arrival at the customer as an evaluation item. The production planning support device according to claim 1.

3. The evaluation means performs the evaluation taking into account the variation in setup time due to differences in the machining order of the multiple workpieces. A production planning support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The evaluation means, when there are multiple tools that can be used for the machining, calculates the machining time and the setup changeover time for each of the multiple tools used and performs the evaluation. A production planning support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The input sequence pattern generation means generates a plurality of input sequence patterns indicating the input sequence of the plurality of workpieces to the grinding machine and the cutting machine, respectively, when processing the plurality of workpieces using the grinding machine and the cutting machine. The evaluation means performs the evaluation for each of the plurality of input sequence patterns generated by the input sequence pattern generation means. The waiting time for the aforementioned setup change operation includes the time when the setup change operation cannot be performed simultaneously by a single worker. A production planning support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system includes a priority assignment means for assigning priority to multiple input sequence patterns when there are multiple input sequence patterns among the multiple input sequence patterns that do not cause delays in delivery to the customer. The presentation means presents the priority assigned by the priority assignment means along with the evaluation results. A production planning support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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