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

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manufacturing support system for transmitting component data to a supplier, a manufacturing support program and a control method of the manufacturing support system, and a terminal device for generating drawing data based on the component data.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for creating an estimate of sheet metal processing work. In this creation method, three-dimensional CAD data obtained by modeling a product with 3D CAD from an orderer is received. Then, referring to the three-dimensional view, the product is divided into a plurality of components. Further, a development drawing is created for each of the components divided into a plurality. Furthermore, when calculating the welding cost, the three-dimensional view divided into a plurality of components is read, the welding surface is indicated, and the welding length is calculated.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a sheet metal equipment sales system. In this system, design data such as CAD drawings is received, and a three-dimensional view is created. Then, the three-dimensional view is divided into three-dimensional views of components, and a development drawing is created by referring to the three-dimensional views of the components. Further, it is determined whether the component processing of the product is possible, and when it is determined that all component processing is possible, the welding points are extracted and the processing method is examined.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a robot system including a welding robot. In this system, a welding line for performing welding with a welding robot is automatically selected based on the work figure of the three-dimensional CAD data displayed on the display screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0006] When a user orders an item from a supplier that includes multiple parts joined by welding, the supplier must determine the welding locations based on the drawings before manufacturing begins. This results in a significant delay between receiving the order and starting production. Therefore, there is a need to quickly determine the welding locations and begin manufacturing the item. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A manufacturing support system according to one embodiment is a manufacturing support system for manufacturing an article which includes a plurality of parts that are joined by welding, and which transmits part data representing the geometric shape of each part to a supplier, comprising: data generation means for generating the part data such that the geometric shape includes a designated object that specifies a welding location in the article, and transmission means for transmitting the generated part data to the supplier.

[0008] Another embodiment of the manufacturing support program is a manufacturing support program for a manufacturing support system equipped with a computer, wherein the computer functions as a data generation means for generating the part data such that it includes a designated object that specifies a welding location in the article as part of the geometric shape, and a transmission means for transmitting the generated part data to the supplier.

[0009] Another control method relating to another embodiment is a control method for a manufacturing support system equipped with a computer, which involves transmitting part data representing the geometric shape of each part to a supplier, for manufacturing an article including a plurality of parts joined by welding, and causing the computer to generate the part data so that it includes a designated object that specifies a welding location in the article as part of the geometric shape, and transmitting the generated part data to the supplier.

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

[0011] This automatically generates part data that includes specified objects indicating welding locations, saving suppliers the trouble of determining welding locations and allowing for rapid commencement of manufacturing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the entire manufacturing support system. [Figure 2] A schematic block diagram of the manufacturing support system. [Figure 3] A schematic perspective view showing the entire item. [Figure 4] A schematic perspective view showing the entirety of the parts of an item. [Figure 5] A schematic plan view of the part to be manufactured. [Figure 6] A schematic perspective view showing the whole of the other items. [Figure 7] A schematic perspective view showing the entirety of the parts of another item. [Figure 8] Flowchart for manufacturing support processes. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0014] Figure 1 shows a manufacturing support system 100 that sends part data D3 (Figure 2) to a supplier for manufacturing an article containing multiple parts joined by welding. This part data D3 represents the geometric shape of each part. The article may be a finished product with a single unified function, or it may be a single part incorporated into a finished product. Furthermore, the article is composed of multiple parts and may include units, jigs, devices, and equipment.

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

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

[0017] The supplier terminal 30 is a computer device capable of network connection. For example, the supplier terminal 30 includes a stationary or book-type personal computer 31, a portable tablet terminal device 32, and the like. In addition, mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones (including smartphones) are included in the supplier terminal 30. By implementing various computer software, the supplier terminal 30 can enable the supplier to enjoy various services provided by the server 20. Further, the supplier terminal 30 can be connected to the server 20 via a predetermined network 50. Hereinafter, the case where the supplier terminal 30 is a personal computer 31 will be described.

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

[0019] The client terminal 40 is a computer device capable of network connectivity. For example, the client terminal 40 includes a stationary or book-type personal computer 41 and a portable tablet device 42. In addition, mobile devices such as mobile phones (including smartphones) are also included in the client terminal 40. By implementing various computer software, the client terminal 40 can allow users to enjoy various services provided by the server 20. Furthermore, the client terminal 40 can connect to the server 20 via a predetermined network 50.

[0020] Network 50 is configured to allow supplier terminals 30 and client terminals 40 to connect to server 20. For example, network 50 is configured to implement network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Specifically, a Local Area Network (LAN) connects server 20 to the Internet 51. The Internet 51, which acts as a Wide Area Network (WAN), and the Local Area Network LAN are connected via router 53. Network 50 may be a dedicated line, telephone line, corporate network, mobile communication network, other communication line, or a combination thereof, and may be wired or wireless. Supplier terminals 30 and client terminals 40 are also configured to connect to the Internet 51. Alternatively, the server units 21 of server 20 may be interconnected via the Internet 51 instead of or in addition to the Local Area Network LAN.

[0021] A user ordering goods sends the item's model data D1 (Figure 2) from the client terminal 40 to the server 20. The server 20 then receives and stores the model data D1 from the client terminal 40. Model data D1 is, for example, 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) data representing the shape of the item, and may include information such as the dimensions and positions of the elements that make up the item. Specifically, model data D1 is a shell model in which the parts that make up the item are a single unit, an unconnected model in which the parts that make up the item are separate, or an assembly model that includes multiple parts. Elements are, for example, parts that make up an item or component such as holes, shafts, steps, notches, corners, faces, and edges, and include shapes obtained by processing.

[0022] Furthermore, in addition to the manufacturing support server that generates part data D3, server 20 also includes a supplier support server. For example, the manufacturing support server of server 20 transmits part data D3 to the supplier terminal 30 via the supplier support server. Alternatively, the manufacturing support server of server 20 may function as a supplier support server. Moreover, the manufacturing support server of server 20 may function in cooperation with an external supplier support server. In the following examples, we will mainly describe an example in which server 20 includes both a manufacturing support server and a supplier support server, and the processing of each will sometimes be described simply as processing by server 20.

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

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

[0025] Furthermore, the client terminal 40 is equipped with a communication unit (not shown), which is an example of a communication device for sending and receiving data with the server 20. The client terminal 40 is also equipped with an input device (not shown) including a keyboard or various switches for inputting commands and data. A display device such as a touch panel may also function as an input device. As an example, the input device may be a keyboard, numeric keypad, and touch panel, and the user uses this input device to create or modify model data D1. The model data D1 created using the input device is then transmitted to and stored in the server 20.

[0026] [server] The server 20 comprises a server control unit 22 as a control means and a server storage unit 23 as a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium. The server control unit 22 is configured as a computer combining a processor that performs various calculations and operation controls according to a predetermined program, an internal storage unit necessary for the processor's operation, and other peripheral devices. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and controls the entire device and comprehensively controls various processes based on the control program stored in the server storage unit 23. Furthermore, the server control unit 22 performs various processes associated with setting welding conditions for articles based on the manufacturing support program PG stored in the server storage unit 23.

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

[0028] Furthermore, the server storage unit 23 stores the model data D1 of the article and the manufacturing data D2, which includes the parts data D3 for manufacturing the article. For example, the parts data D3 is data in SAT file format generated based on the model data D1, which is 3D CAD data. The parts data D3 is data in text file format that describes the geometric shape of each element of the model data D1. Then, using any 3D CAD program, 3D CAD data, 3D image data, and 2D image data of the parts can be created from the parts data D3. Alternatively, the parts data D3 may be 3D CAD data, 2D CAD data, etc.

[0029] The server control unit 22 is connected via wired or wireless connection to an operation unit (not shown) that includes a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data. The server control unit 22 is also connected via wired or wireless connection to a display unit (not shown) that displays the input status, setting status, measurement results, and various information of the server device. Furthermore, the server control unit 22 can also perform control according to programs stored on portable recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), CF (Compact Flash) cards, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) storage units, or external storage media such as cloud servers on the Internet.

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

[0031] In addition to the logical devices described above, the server control unit 22 also includes other logical devices (not shown) that control the switching of web page displays in response to operations on the supplier terminal 30. Furthermore, the server control unit 22 includes other logical devices such as an estimation unit that creates estimate information for goods, and a provision unit that provides users with image data generated based on model data D1. The server storage unit 23 also records various types of data (not shown) including user information, past estimate results, image data used to display web pages, and data containing information such as product or item model numbers, names, or characteristics.

[0032] [Data acquisition method] The data acquisition unit 22A acquires the model data D1 of an item. For example, the user uploads the model data D1 to the server 20. The server control unit 22 stores the model data D1 received from the user's client terminal 40 in the server storage unit 23. The data acquisition unit 22A then reads and acquires the model data D1 from the server storage unit 23. The item represented by the model data D1 includes at least two parts that are welded together. Furthermore, the item may include a part of a single component as a portion that is welded after being bent.

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

[0034] The data generation unit 22B generates part data D3, including a designated object SO (Figure 4) that specifies the welding location WA (Figure 3) in the article. As an example, the article shown in Figure 3 consists of a plate-shaped first part P1 and a plate-shaped second part P2 that is welded to the first part P1. The welding location WA is the boundary between the first part P1 and the second part P2, and is an area on the first part P1 along the longitudinal edge of the second part P2. The welding location WA may be a continuous area (e.g., a straight line or a curve) or a series of points (or spots) lined up.

[0035] Furthermore, the data generation unit 22B generates part data D3 so as to include the specified object SO as part of the geometric shape. As an example, Figure 4 virtually shows a rectangular area overlapping with the second part P2 on the first part P1 using dashed lines. Here, the welding location WA corresponds to two line segments along the longitudinal edge of the area. The specified object SO is positioned near both ends of these two line segments to specify the welding location WA. Therefore, in the example in Figure 4, four specified objects SO are positioned on the first part P1. These specified objects SO allow the supplier to visually recognize the welding location WA and reduce welding errors.

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

[0037] Furthermore, the designated object SO has size in three-dimensional space and is an element that protrudes from the surface of the part (e.g., the facade) or an element that is recessed relative to the surface of the part. For example, the designated object SO shown in Figure 4 is a cylinder. However, the designated object SO may have any shape as long as it is a three-dimensional shape. For example, the designated object SO may be a sphere, a polygonal prism such as a triangular or rectangular prism, a projection, a linear or curved rim, or a solid that imitates an arrow or teardrop shape. In addition, the designated object SO may be a hole or a groove. However, by having the designated object SO protrude from the surface of the part, it is possible to prevent the designated object SO from being mistakenly formed on the part. That is, if the dimensions of the part to be welded are specified, the designated object SO that protrudes from the surface of the part is clearly recognized as an element that will not be formed on the part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the designated object SO from being mistakenly formed on the part.

[0038] The designated object SO specifies the welding location WA in the article. That is, the part data D3 includes multiple designated objects SO as part of its geometric shape to indicate the start and end points of the welding location WA in the other part to which one part is welded. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 4, the designated object SO specifies the welding location WA on the first part P1 to which the second article P2 is welded, as the welding location WA in the article. For example, in Figure 4, one of the two designated objects SO aligned in the welding direction WD indicated by the arrows indicates the start point of the welding location WA, and the other indicates the end point of the welding location WA. Note that if there are multiple welding locations WA, some of them may not be specified by the designated object SO. Also, a part of one welding location WA may not be specified by the designated object SO.

[0039] Furthermore, each of the multiple designating objects SO that designate the same welding location WA has the same shape and / or at least some of the same dimensions. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 4, two multiple designating objects SO that designate one welding location WA have the same shape and the same dimensions. This allows the supplier to recognize the designating objects SO visually as distinct from other elements of the part, thereby reducing welding errors. However, the multiple designating objects SO only need to have similar shapes or dimensions. For example, the shape or dimensions of at least one of the multiple designating objects SO may differ from the shapes or dimensions of the other designating objects SO. Even in this case, the supplier can still recognize the designating objects SO visually as distinct from other elements of the part.

[0040] Upon recognizing the welding location WA, the supplier overlays the second part P2 onto the first part P1 and welds from the starting point indicated by one designated object SO to the ending point indicated by the other designated object SO. To this end, the supplier forms a mark WP on the part to be manufactured, as shown in Figure 5. As an example, the supplier uses a CAD or CAM system to generate 2D data for nesting, converting the designated objects SO corresponding to the start and end points of the weld into mark WPs. The method for forming the mark WPs on the part to be manufactured is pre-set in the supplier's CAD or CAM system. For example, the method for forming the mark WPs is set to process the part with an arrow shape as shown in Figure 5. In another example, the method for forming the mark WPs is set to apply paint to the part in the shape of an arrow as shown in Figure 5. The method for forming the mark WPs may also be arbitrarily determined by the supplier in their CAD or CAM system. Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view of the part to be manufactured, with arrow-shaped mark WPs formed at each of the four positions corresponding to the four designated objects. Furthermore, the shape of the mark WP is not limited to an arrow; it may also be a circle or a polygon. The shape of the mark WP may also be determined arbitrarily by the supplier in their CAD or CAM system. Additionally, the number of mark WPs formed at the position corresponding to a single designated object SO may be two or more.

[0041] Furthermore, the size and shape of the designated object SO are arbitrary and may be set to ensure that an area for forming the mark WP is secured. This prevents the inability to form the mark WP at the location where the designated object SO is placed in the part data D3. Note that welding of parts is not limited to continuous welding. The supplier may intermittently weld (for example, spot weld) multiple points aligned from the start point to the end point.

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

[0043] Furthermore, the designated object SO may specify the direction from the start point to the end point of the welding area WA, and / or the direction from the end point to the start point of the welding area WA. For example, the designated object SO is a solid with a tapering cross-section such as an ellipse, or an arrow-shaped solid, and is positioned in a orientation that points in each of the above directions. For example, if the designated object SO is an arrow-shaped solid, the designated object SO is positioned near each end of the welding area WA. The pair of designated objects SO are positioned so that their tapering portions face each other (i.e., they are plane-symmetrical with respect to the plane that crosses the welding area WA).

[0044] Furthermore, when one part is welded to another part, the designated object SO may specify the welding location WA of the other part in the part data D3 of the part being welded. For example, in the other article shown in Figure 6, the fourth part P4 is welded to the third part P3, but at the welding location WA1, the edges of the third part P3 and the fourth part P4 overlap. Therefore, there is no area in the XY plane extending in the X and Y directions of the third part P3 to place the designated object SO. Also, there is not enough area in the YZ plane extending in the Y and Z directions of the third part P3 to form a mark WP.

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

[0046] Furthermore, when specifying a welding location WA, the designated objects SO placed on each part may combine to form a single three-dimensional shape. That is, two designated objects SO that specify the same starting or ending point of the same welding location WA may be arranged to combine to form a larger three-dimensional shape. For example, in the article shown in Figure 6, a prismatic designated object SO (not shown) is placed on the XY plane of the third part P3 to specify welding location WA2. In addition, a designated object SO (not shown) of the same size and shape is placed on the XZ plane (not shown) of the fourth part P4 at a position where it touches the designated object SO of the third part P3. As a result, the designated object SO of the third part P3 and the designated object SO of the fourth part P4 combine to form a large prismatic shape. Therefore, the supplier can visually recognize the positions where the parts come into contact with each other, and welding errors can be suppressed.

[0047] The data generation unit 22B generates part data D3, which includes a specified object SO, based on the model data D1 of the article. For example, the data generation unit 22B directly generates part data D3 from the model data D1 of the article. Alternatively, the data generation unit 22B may indirectly generate part data D3 from the model data D1 of the article. In this case, the data generation unit 22B generates part data D3 from 3D model data of the part generated based on the model data D1 of the article.

[0048] As a specific example, the data generation unit 22B identifies areas in an article where welding is possible based on the model data D1. For example, the data generation unit 22B performs shape recognition processing on the model data D1. Then, in the shape recognition processing, the data generation unit 22B recognizes the shape of each element of the article based on the model data D1. Furthermore, the data generation unit 22B recognizes the shape of each element of each component that makes up the article. Subsequently, the data generation unit 22B creates pattern data having a topological structure. For example, the topological structure contains information on the connection relationships between parts, the adjacency relationships between parts, and the surface recognition of each part enclosed by lines.

[0049] The data generation unit 22B then identifies the welding location WA in the article. For example, the data generation unit 22B recognizes the boundary line between contacting parts as the welding location WA. Furthermore, the data generation unit 22B determines the position to place the designated object SO for each part so as to specify the start or end point of the identified welding location WA. At this time, the data generation unit 22B determines the placement position of the designated object SO so as to avoid surfaces where there is no area for placing the designated object SO or where there is not enough area for placement. The data generation unit 22B then generates part data D3 for each part constituting the article so as to include the designated object SO placed at the determined position.

[0050] Furthermore, the data generation unit 22B generates image data of the item. For example, the data generation unit 22B generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data of the item. The data generation unit 22B then stores the manufacturing data D2, which includes the image data of the item and the part data D3, in the server storage unit 23. However, the data generation unit 22B may also generate the part data D3 independently and store it in the server storage unit 23.

[0051] [Transmission method] The transmitting unit 22C transmits the component data D3 generated by the data generation unit 22B to the supplier. Specifically, the transmitting unit 22C causes the server communication unit 24 to transmit the manufacturing data D2, including the component data D3, to the supplier terminal 30. For example, the transmitting unit 22C causes the server 20 to transmit the manufacturing data D2 to the supplier terminal 30 via the supplier support server. Alternatively, the transmitting unit 22C may transmit the component data D3 to the supplier terminal 30 independently via the support server.

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

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

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

[0055] For example, the processor of the terminal control unit 37 is a CPU or MPU, and it controls the entire supplier terminal 30 and comprehensively controls various processes based on the control program stored in the terminal memory unit 34. The terminal memory unit 34 also includes RAM, which is a system work memory unit for the processor to operate, as well as storage devices such as ROM, HDD, and SSD for storing programs and system software. The terminal control unit 37 can also perform control according to programs stored on portable recording media such as CDs, DVDs, CF cards, and USB storage units, or external storage media such as cloud servers on the internet.

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

[0057] [Acquisition method] The acquisition unit 37A acquires part data D3 for manufacturing an article that includes multiple parts joined by welding, and which represents the geometric shape of each part. For example, the acquisition unit 37A acquires part data D3 included in manufacturing data D2 transmitted from the server 20. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 37A may acquire only the part data D3 transmitted from the server 20. The acquisition unit 37A may also automatically acquire manufacturing data D2 or part data D3 from the server 20 periodically or at any time. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 37A may acquire manufacturing data D2 or part data D3 from the server 20 in response to an operation by the supplier.

[0058] [Means for generating drawings] The drawing generation unit 37B generates drawing data for a part based on the part data D3 acquired by the acquisition unit 37A. The drawing generation unit 37B also stores the generated drawing data in the terminal storage unit 34. For example, the drawing data may be 3D image data or 3D CAD data and may include a mark WP corresponding to a specified object SO. For example, the drawing generation unit 37B receives the part data D3 acquired by the acquisition unit 37A as input. The drawing generation unit 37B then outputs the drawing data. The drawing generation unit 37B may also further generate 3D image data and / or 3D CAD data for displaying the entire article on the display device 36.

[0059] The input device 35 is a keyboard, numeric keypad, touch panel, etc. The display device 36 displays images based on drawing data etc. generated by the drawing generation unit 37B. Furthermore, the display device 36 displays web pages such as a settings screen and a confirmation screen for checking the details of an order from the user. The terminal communication unit 38 is an example of a communication device that sends and receives data with the server 20. For example, the terminal communication unit 38 receives manufacturing data D2 including part data D3 from the server 20. The terminal communication unit 38 also sends data related to the manufacture or supply of goods (for example, data indicating the shipping date of the goods) to the server 20. Alternatively, the terminal communication unit 38 may send and receive data directly with the client terminal 40.

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

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

[0062] Then, the transmission unit 22C of the server 20 instructs the server communication unit 24 to send the part data D3, which is included in the manufacturing data D2, to the supplier terminal 30 (S104). This completes the manufacturing support process. The acquisition unit 37A of the supplier terminal 30 then acquires the manufacturing data D2 transmitted from the server 20. The drawing generation unit 37B of the supplier terminal 30 generates drawing data of the part based on the part data D3. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 37 of the supplier terminal 30 may generate an operation pattern for a processing device for processing the article or part. The processing device may automatically form a mark WP on the part. After that, the supplier manufactures each part that makes up the article and welds the parts together to manufacture the article.

[0063] According to the manufacturing support system 100 described above, part data D3 is automatically generated, which includes a designated object SO that specifies the welding location WA. This eliminates the need for suppliers to determine the welding location WA, allowing them to quickly start manufacturing the goods. Furthermore, the designated object SO allows suppliers to visually recognize the welding location WA, thereby reducing welding errors.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Inventions modified within the scope that does not contradict the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each variation, as well as the technical means included in each embodiment or each variation, can be appropriately combined within the scope that does not contradict the present invention.

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

[0066] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0067] (Note 1) A manufacturing support system for producing an article containing multiple parts joined by welding, wherein part data representing the geometric shape of each part is transmitted to a supplier. Data generation means for generating part data such that, as part of the geometric shape, it includes a designating object that specifies a welding location in the article, A manufacturing support system comprising a transmission means for transmitting the generated part data to the supplier.

[0068] (Note 2) The data generation means generates the part data based on the model data of the article, The manufacturing support system according to Appendix 1, wherein the specified object is not included in the model data and its dimensions are set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

[0069] (Note 3) The part data includes a plurality of specified objects as part of the geometric shape, such that it indicates the start and end points of the welding location. The manufacturing support system according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of specified objects is the same in shape and / or in some dimensions.

[0070] (Note 4) Part data for manufacturing an article containing multiple parts joined by welding, wherein part data representing the geometric shape of each part is transmitted to a supplier, and the manufacturing support program for a manufacturing support system equipped with a computer, The aforementioned computer, Data generation means for generating part data such that, as part of the geometric shape, it includes a designating object that specifies a welding location in the article, A manufacturing support program that functions as a transmission means for sending the generated part data to the supplier.

[0071] (Note 5) Part data for manufacturing an article including multiple parts joined by welding, wherein part data representing the geometric shape of each part is transmitted to a supplier, and a control method for a manufacturing support system equipped with a computer is provided. To the aforementioned computer, The part data is generated such that, as part of the geometric shape, it includes a designated object that specifies the welding location in the article. A control method for causing the generated component data to be transmitted to the supplier.

[0072] (Note 6) Part data for manufacturing an article which includes multiple parts joined by welding, comprising acquisition means for acquiring part data representing the geometric shape of each part, The system includes drawing generation means for generating drawing data of the part based on the acquired part data, A terminal device wherein the part data includes a designating object that, as part of the geometric shape, specifies a welding location in the article. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 22: Server Control Unit (Computer) 22A: Data acquisition unit (data acquisition means) 22B: Data generation unit (data generation means) 22C: Transmitter (transmission means) 30: Supplier terminal (terminal device) 37A: Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 37B: Drawing generation unit (drawing generation means) 100: Manufacturing support system D1: Model data D3: Part data PG: Manufacturing Support Program SO: Specified object WA: Welding location WA1: Welding location WA2: Welding location

Claims

1. A manufacturing support system for producing an article containing multiple parts joined by welding, wherein part data representing the geometric shape of each part is transmitted to a supplier. A data generation means that generates the part data based on the model data of the article, such that the geometric shape includes a designated object that specifies a welding location in the article, The system includes a transmission means for transmitting the generated part data to the supplier, A manufacturing support system in which the specified object is not included in the model data and is dimensionally set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

2. The part data includes a plurality of specified objects as part of the geometric shape, such that it indicates the start and end points of the welding location. The manufacturing support system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of designated objects has the same shape and / or at least some of the same dimensions.

3. Part data for manufacturing an article containing multiple parts joined by welding, wherein part data representing the geometric shape of each part is transmitted to a supplier, and the manufacturing support program for a manufacturing support system equipped with a computer, The aforementioned computer, A data generation means that generates the part data based on the model data of the article, such that the geometric shape includes a designated object that specifies a welding location in the article, The generated part data is to function as a transmission means for sending it to the supplier. A manufacturing support program in which the specified object is not included in the model data and is dimensionally set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

4. Part data for manufacturing an article including multiple parts joined by welding, wherein part data representing the geometric shape of each part is transmitted to a supplier, and a control method for a manufacturing support system equipped with a computer is provided. To the aforementioned computer, The part data is generated based on the model data of the article, such that a designated object is included as part of the geometric shape, specifying a welding location in the article. The generated part data is sent to the supplier. A control method wherein the specified object is not included in the model data and its dimensions are set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

5. Part data for manufacturing an article including multiple parts joined by welding, comprising acquisition means for acquiring part data generated based on model data of the article and representing the geometric shape of each part, The system includes drawing generation means for generating drawing data of the part based on the acquired part data, The part data includes, as part of the geometric shape, a designating object that specifies the welding location in the article. A terminal device in which the specified object is not included in the model data and whose dimensions are set as part of the geometric shape represented by the part data.

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