PROGRAM, PARTS SELECTION ASSISTANCE DEVICE, PARTS SELECTION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM, AND PARTS SELECTION ASSISTANCE METHOD

Abstract

The program causes the computer to function as: a part selection unit that selects data indicating at least one first part whose usable period is to be predicted, and at least one second part to be used in combination with the first part; an operation pattern receiving unit that receives data indicating the operation pattern of equipment combining the first part and the second part; a life calculation unit that calculates a first period during which the first part can be used with a first damage probability, and a second period during which the first part can be used with a second damage probability higher than the first damage probability, in equipment combining the first part and the second part, based on pre-stored data indicating the relationship between the life of the first part and the operation pattern and the operation pattern received by the operation pattern receiving unit; and an output unit that outputs data indicating the first period and the second period calculated by the life calculation unit to a display device or an external device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a parts selection support device, a parts selection support system, and a parts selection support method. [Background technology]

[0002] The design of a device is carried out by selecting components from a group of components and combining the selected components.

[0003] In order to easily select parts to be used in a device, Patent Document 1 discloses a product information providing system that narrows down and presents combinations of parts at the design stage when the specifications of the parts that make up the device are not yet determined, even though the specifications of the entire device are already determined. This product information providing system is also capable of displaying the approximate lifespan of the presented parts on a display screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-113628 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the product information providing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 can display the approximate lifespan of a part, but cannot display the detailed lifespan. Therefore, when an equipment designer selects a part taking into consideration the detailed lifespan of the part, if the equipment is mass-produced, it is possible to create a prototype and obtain the lifespan of the part through a durability test, but if the equipment is produced in small quantities, it is difficult to create a prototype. In addition, the equipment to be designed includes parts that need to be replaced before they break down, parts that are replaced when a sign of a breakdown is detected, and parts that can be replaced after they break down. For this reason, it is required to know in more detail the period during which parts can be used without creating a prototype.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a program, a parts selection support device, a parts selection support system, and a parts selection support method that calculate in more detail the period during which parts can be used in equipment, in order to select parts taking into account the lifespan of the parts used in equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to function as: a part selection unit that selects data indicating at least one first part whose usable period is to be predicted, and at least one second part that is to be used in combination with the first part; an operation pattern reception unit that receives data indicating an operation pattern of a device in which the first part and the second part are combined; a life calculation unit that calculates, in the device in which the first part and the second part are combined, a first period during which the first part can be used with a first damage probability, and a second period during which the first part can be used with a second damage probability higher than the first damage probability, based on pre-stored data indicating the relationship between the life of the first part and the operation pattern and the operation pattern received by the operation pattern reception unit; and an output unit that outputs data indicating the first period and the second period calculated by the life calculation unit to a display device or an external device; the component selection unit selects a plurality of first components as candidates, and the life calculation unit calculates, for each of the first components, a first period and a second period until the first components fail, based on the plurality of first components and the second components selected by the component selection unit and the operation pattern received by the operation pattern reception unit; Assist with part selection. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, in an equipment combining a first part and a second part, by providing a life calculation unit that calculates a first period during which the first part can be used with a first damage probability and a second period during which the first part can be used with a second damage probability that is higher than the first damage probability, the period during which the parts can be used can be calculated in more detail in order to select parts taking into account the lifespans of the parts used in the device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a parts selection support system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a parts selection support system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a motor DB according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a reducer DB according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an amplifier DB according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a life span of a reducer according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing a part selection support process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing machine specifications according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a driving pattern according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a safe period, a rated period, and a limit period of a reducer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing advice for extending the safe period, rated period, and limit period of a reducer according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates a modified driving pattern according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a parts selection support system according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a recommended driving pattern according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the life of a reduction gear according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a safe period, a rated period, and a limit period of a speed reducer according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a safe period, a rated period, and a limit period of a speed reducer according to a modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a parts selection support system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a component selection assistance device, a component selection method, and a program according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1, components selection support device 100 according to this embodiment includes control unit 110 that supports the selection of components constituting a device to be designed, input unit 120 that inputs data, output unit 130 that outputs data, and auxiliary storage unit 160 that stores components DB (Data Base) 161. Components selection support device 100 shows a user in more detail the period during which components can be used in the device, so that the user can select components taking into consideration the lifespan of the components when designing the device.

[0012] The component selection support device 100 can be used when designing equipment including electrical or mechanical components. Specifically, it can be used when designing a "ball screw unit" as an example of equipment. The "ball screw unit" includes a table, a ball screw that reciprocates the table, a "motor" that rotates the screw shaft of the ball screw, a "reduction gear" that converts the rotation speed of the "motor" and transmits it to the screw shaft of the ball screw, and an amplifier that controls the rotation of the "motor". Among the components that make up the "ball screw unit", the "reduction gear" has the highest failure probability. For this reason, the component selection support device 100 can indicate to the user the period during which the "reduction gear" can be used as the first component to be predicted and the "motor" as the second component to be used in combination with the first component. The second component may be an amplifier or another component instead of the "motor". In this embodiment, the design of a "ball screw unit" will be mainly described as an example of equipment, but the invention may be used when designing a "rack and pinion," "roll feed," "rotary table," "cart," "elevator," "hoist," "conveyor," "fan," "pump," or "crank." In addition, the first part will be mainly described as a "reduction gear," but examples of the first part include a "coupling," a "V-belt," a "toothed belt," or a "roller chain."

[0013] 2, the control unit 110 has a processor 140 that executes a program, a main memory unit 150 that is used as a working area for the processor 140, and an auxiliary memory unit 160 that stores various data and programs used in the processing of the processor 140. Both the main memory unit 150 and the auxiliary memory unit 160 are connected to the processor 140 via a bus 170.

[0014] The processor 140 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor 140 executes programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 160 to realize various functions of the parts selection support device 100.

[0015] The main memory unit 150 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). Programs are loaded into the main memory unit 150 from the auxiliary memory unit 160. The main memory unit 150 is used as a working area for the processor 140.

[0016] The auxiliary storage unit 160 includes a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). In addition to programs, the auxiliary storage unit 160 stores various data used in the processing of the processor 140. The auxiliary storage unit 160 supplies the data used by the processor 140 to the processor 140 in accordance with instructions from the processor 140, and stores the data supplied from the processor 140.

[0017] The input unit 120 includes an input device, such as a mouse, a touch panel, or a keyboard, that receives input through a user's operation, a serial port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and a Local Area Network (LAN) port, and outputs the input data to the processor 140.

[0018] The output unit 130 is a display device including a display or a printer, an output device capable of outputting data to another computer system or a control device, or a combination of these. The output unit 130 may output data to an external device.

[0019] By executing the program stored in the auxiliary memory unit 160, the control unit 110 functions as a specifications receiving unit 111, an operation pattern receiving unit 112, a part selection unit 113, a life calculation unit 114, and an advice output unit 115, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] The specification reception unit 111 receives data indicating the type and mechanical specifications of the equipment to be designed, input from the input unit 120, and stores the data in the main memory unit 150. The mechanical specifications are set for each type of equipment, and include the performance, specifications, size, or mass of the equipment. As an example, when a "ball screw unit" is selected as the equipment, the specification reception unit 111 refers to data indicating the items of the mechanical specifications of the "ball screw unit" stored in advance, and receives data indicating one or more items of the mass of the table, the load mass, the load reaction force, the ball screw lead, the ball screw diameter, the ball screw length, or the load moment of inertia of the ball screw. The items of the mechanical specifications of the equipment are stored in advance for each type of equipment.

[0021] The operation pattern receiving unit 112 receives data indicating the operation pattern of the equipment to be designed, input from the input unit 120, and stores it in the main memory unit 150. The operation pattern is a pattern for operating the equipment, and includes the movement amount, movement speed, acceleration, rotation speed, or torque over time. In the case where the equipment is a "ball screw unit", the operation pattern includes the feed amount of the table over elapsed time.

[0022] The part selection unit 113 refers to data indicating the type of parts required for each device, which is stored in advance in the part DB 161, and selects the parts required for the device from the group of parts stored in the part DB 161. In detail, the part selection unit 113 calculates the load capacity required to operate the device based on a calculation formula for calculating the load capacity, which is stored in advance in the part DB 161 for each type of device, and selects the parts based on the calculated load capacity. When the device is a "ball screw unit", the part selection unit 113 refers to data indicating the type of parts required for the "ball screw unit", which is stored in advance in the part DB 161, and specifies the necessary parts. In this example, the part selection unit 113 selects one each of "motor", "reducer", and amplifier as the types of necessary parts. Next, the part selection unit 113 calculates the load capacity required to operate the "ball screw unit", and selects a "motor" from the motor DB 161A, a "reducer" from the reducer DB 161B, and an amplifier from the amplifier DB 161C based on the calculated load capacity. More specifically, the part selection unit 113 refers to a formula for calculating the moment of inertia of the "ball screw unit" stored in advance in the part DB 161, and calculates the moment of inertia around the screw shaft of the ball screw based on the machine specifications of the "ball screw unit" received by the specification reception unit 111, such as the mass of the table, the load mass, the load reaction force, the ball screw lead, the ball screw diameter, the ball screw length, or the load moment of inertia of the ball screw. Next, based on the moment of inertia around the screw shaft and the operation pattern received by the operation pattern reception unit 112, a load capacity required when the "ball screw unit" is operated according to the operation pattern is calculated. The load capacity includes a torque required to rotate the screw shaft of the ball screw. The selection condition for the "motor" is that it is capable of outputting the calculated load capacity. The "reduction gear" is selected to correspond to the torque that the selected "motor" can output. The selection of the amplifier is performed by selecting an amplifier that is suitable for the output of the selected "motor".

[0023] The life calculation unit 114 calculates the period until failure, which is the life of a part included in the device. When the device is a "ball screw unit", the life calculation unit 114 calculates the maximum load when the "ball screw unit" is operated in an operation pattern, and refers to data indicating the life and maximum load of the "reduction gear" stored in the life information DB 162 shown in FIG. 6, and obtains the period until failure of the "reduction gear", which is a part included in the "ball screw unit". The maximum load is calculated based on the operation pattern. The life information DB 162 shown in FIG. 6 is an example of data indicating the relationship between the life of the first part and the operation pattern. The period until failure includes a safe period, which is a period during which no failure occurs in the device or part, a rated period, which is a period until replacement of the part is required, and a limit period, which is a period during which the part breaks down and replacement of the part is necessary. The safe period is a period during which the failure probability is less than 1%. The rated period is a period during which a part can be replaced when a precursor to failure is detected, thereby minimizing downtime required for part replacement and downtime due to failure; in this example, the period during which the failure probability is 10% or less. The critical period is a period during which costs associated with part replacement can be reduced by using the part until it fails; in this example, the failure probability is 80% or more. The safe period is an example of a first period during which a part can be used with a first damage probability, and the rated period is an example of a second period during which a part can be used with a second damage probability that is higher than the first damage probability.

[0024] The advice output unit 115 identifies items that affect the safe period, rated period, and limit period of the parts included in the equipment calculated by the life calculation unit 114, and outputs data indicating advice to extend the safe period, rated period, and limit period, which is stored in advance for each item, based on the items. The advice output unit 115 calculates the ratio of the output, rotation speed, or load when the equipment is operated with the operation pattern accepted by the operation pattern acceptance unit 112 to the maximum output, maximum rotation speed, or maximum load allowed by the parts stored in advance, and outputs data indicating advice based on the items for which the calculated ratio is equal to or greater than a reference value. The data indicating advice is stored in the advice DB 163 of the auxiliary storage unit 160 for each item. An example of advice includes suppressing the torque generated by reducing the maximum output, load torque, maximum speed, or acceleration / deceleration. The advice output unit 115 may also give points indicating the degree of influence on the life of each of the load torque, maximum speed, and acceleration / deceleration, and output the points as advice for items for which the points are equal to or greater than a reference value.

[0025] The auxiliary storage unit 160 stores a part DB 161, a life information DB 162, and an advice DB 163. The part DB 161 stores selectable products and their specifications for each of various parts. In this example, the part DB 161 includes a motor DB 161A, a reducer DB 161B, and an amplifier DB 161C. The motor DB 161A stores data indicating the model number, maximum output, maximum rotation speed, maximum torque, and failure rank for each "motor" as shown in FIG. 3. The reducer DB 161B stores data indicating the model number, reduction ratio, maximum input torque, maximum input rotation speed, and failure rank for each "reducer" as shown in FIG. 4. The amplifier DB 161C stores data indicating the model number, maximum output, maximum voltage, maximum current, and failure rank for each amplifier as shown in FIG. 5. The failure rank is an index indicating a failure rate, where A has the highest failure rate, B has a lower failure rate than A, C has a lower failure rate than B, and D has the lowest failure rate. The life information DB162 stores life information of the parts included in the part DB161. As an example, for a "reduction gear", the life information DB162 stores data indicating a relationship between a maximum load corresponding to an operation pattern and a life including a safe period, a rated period, and a limit period, as shown in FIG. 6. In this example, the amount of change in the rated period when the maximum load changes is greater than the amount of change in the safe period when the maximum load changes. The amount of change in the limit period when the maximum load changes is greater than the amount of change in the rated period when the maximum load changes. For this reason, the safe period does not extend much even if the maximum load is reduced, but the rated period extends more than the safe period when the maximum load is reduced. Furthermore, the limit period extends more than the rated period when the maximum load is reduced. The advice DB163 stores data indicating advice for each item that affects the safe period, the rated period, and the limit period.

[0026] Next, a parts selection support process executed by the parts selection support device 100 having the above configuration will be described.

[0027] In response to an instruction from a user to start the process, the component selection support device 100 starts the component selection support process shown in Fig. 7. The component selection support process executed by the component selection support device 100 will be described below with reference to an example of calculating the lifespan of a component employed in a "ball screw unit" which is an example of equipment. In this example, the "ball screw unit" includes a table, a ball screw that reciprocates the table, a "motor" that rotates the screw shaft of the ball screw, a "reduction gear" that converts the rotation of the "motor" and transmits it to the screw shaft of the ball screw, and an amplifier that controls the rotation of the "motor." The "reduction gear," which has a high probability of failure, is the first component for which the usable period is predicted, and the "motor" is the second component used in combination with the first component.

[0028] When the part selection support process is started, the specification receiving unit 111 receives data indicating the mechanical specifications of the "ball screw unit" input from the input unit 120 (step S101), and stores the data in the main memory unit 150. Here, the mechanical specifications of the "ball screw unit" include one or more items of the table mass, the load mass, the load reaction force, the ball screw lead, the ball screw diameter, the ball screw length, and the load moment of inertia of the ball screw, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0029] Next, the operation pattern receiving unit 112 receives data indicating the operation pattern shown in Fig. 9 input by the user from the input unit 120 (step S102), and stores the data in the main memory unit 150. Here, the operation pattern includes the feed amount of the table with respect to the elapsed time of the "ball screw unit".

[0030] Next, the part selection unit 113 calculates the load capacity required to operate the "ball screw unit" (step S103). In detail, first, the moment of inertia about the screw shaft of the ball screw is calculated based on the machine specifications of the "ball screw unit" received by the specification reception unit 111, such as the table mass, the load mass, the load reaction force, the ball screw lead, the ball screw diameter, the ball screw length, or the load moment of inertia of the ball screw. Next, based on the moment of inertia about the screw shaft and the operation pattern received by the operation pattern reception unit 112, the load capacity required when the "ball screw unit" is operated according to the operation pattern is calculated. The load capacity includes the torque required to rotate the screw shaft of the ball screw.

[0031] Next, the part selection unit 113 selects a "motor" from the motor DB 161A, a "reduction gear" from the reduction gear DB 161B, and an amplifier from the amplifier DB 161C based on the load capacity calculated in step S103 (step S104). Here, the selection condition for the "motor" is one that can output the load capacity calculated in step S103. The selection condition for the load capacity may be either the continuous effective torque or the maximum torque, or both may be used as the selection condition. If there are multiple "motors" that meet the conditions, multiple motors may be selected. In addition, additional conditions for the "motor" may be input so that the selection results can be further narrowed down from among the "motors" that meet the selection conditions. Additional conditions for the "motor" include an operable temperature range. In addition, the "reduction gear" is selected to correspond to the torque that the selected "motor" can output. In addition, the amplifier is selected to match the output of the selected "motor". As with the "motor", if there are multiple amplifiers that meet the conditions, multiple amplifiers may be selected. In addition, additional conditions for the amplifier may be input so that the selection results can be further narrowed down from among amplifiers that match the motor output. Additional conditions for the amplifier include whether or not it is network compatible. As shown in Fig. 10, the part selection unit 113 displays the model name of the "motor", the model name of the amplifier, and the model name of the "reducer" as the selection results of the "motor", the "reducer", and the amplifier. Here, if multiple "motors", "reducers", and amplifiers are selected, they may be displayed in a table format.

[0032] Next, the life calculation unit 114 calculates the period until failure, which is the life of the part with the highest failure rate among the parts included in the "ball screw unit" (step S105). The life calculation unit 114 refers to the failure ranks stored in the motor DB161A, the reducer DB161B, and the amplifier DB161C, and calculates the period until the "reducer" with the highest failure rank breaks down. In this example, the life calculation unit 114 refers to the data stored in the life information DB162 shown in FIG. 6, and calculates the period until the "reducer", which is a part included in the "ball screw unit", breaks down when the "reducer" is operated based on the load capacity obtained in step S103 and the operation pattern input in step S102. Note that the period until failure includes a safe period, a rated period, and a limit period, as shown in FIG. 6. The rated period is a period during which a part can be replaced when a sign of failure is detected, and downtime required for replacing the part and downtime due to failure can be suppressed, and in this example, it is a period during which the failure probability is 10% or less. The critical period is the period during which costs associated with replacing a part can be reduced by using the part until it breaks down, and in this example, the failure probability is 80% or more.

[0033] In detail, the life calculation unit 114 calculates the maximum load L1 based on the load capacity obtained in step S103 and the operation pattern input in step S102. Furthermore, the life calculation unit 114 refers to data showing the life of the reducer shown in Fig. 6, and calculates the safe period T11, the rated period T12, and the limit period T13 when operated at the maximum load L1.

[0034] Next, the life calculation unit 114 displays the safe period T11, rated period T12, and limit period T13 of the "reduction gear" calculated in step S105 (step S106), as shown in Fig. 10. This makes it possible to notify the user of the life of the "reduction gear" that matches the inputted mechanical specifications and operation pattern of the "ball screw unit".

[0035] Next, when the user clicks on the advice button 200 displayed as an icon as shown in Fig. 11, the advice output unit 115 displays advice on life extension (step S107). Specifically, the advice output unit 115 calculates the ratio of the output, rotation speed, or load when the equipment is operated in the operation pattern accepted by the operation pattern acceptance unit 112 to the maximum output, maximum rotation speed, or maximum load allowed by the pre-stored parts, and outputs data indicating advice by referring to the advice DB 163 based on the item in which the calculated ratio is equal to or greater than a reference value. As an example, the advice output unit 115 displays as advice that the load torque and maximum speed can be reduced, or the acceleration / deceleration can be made gentle, and the generated torque can be suppressed, thereby enabling the life to be extended.

[0036] Next, the advice output unit 115 judges whether or not an instruction to end has been received (step S108). If the user wishes to correct and input the mechanical specifications or operation pattern of the "ball screw unit" again based on the advice, an operation that does not end the part selection support process is executed. As a result, the advice output unit 115 judges that an instruction to end has not been received (step S108; No), returns to step S101, accepts the mechanical specifications or operation pattern of the "ball screw unit" corrected by the user based on the advice, and repeats steps S101 to S108.

[0037] As an example, if the user sees the advice to make the acceleration and deceleration gentle and wants to modify the operation pattern without changing the mechanical specifications of the "ball screw unit", the operation pattern is changed so that the table starts moving gently when it starts to feed, moves at a constant speed in the middle, and stops gently, as shown in FIG. 12, in order to make the acceleration gentle. This makes it possible to reduce the load torque. The user inputs data indicating the modified operation pattern in step S102. Note that in this example, the mechanical specifications input in step S101, in which only the operation pattern is changed, are the same data. After that, in step S103, the part selection unit 113 calculates the load capacity required to operate the "ball screw unit" based on the modified operation pattern. Next, in step S104, the part selection unit 113 selects a "motor", a "reduction gear" and an amplifier based on the calculated load capacity. Next, in step S105, the life calculation unit 114 calculates the life of the "reduction gear" based on the modified operation pattern. In this case, the life calculation unit 114 calculates the maximum load L2 based on the load capacity and the corrected operation pattern. When operating at the maximum load L2, the data shown in FIG. 6 is referred to and the safe period T21, the rated period T22, and the limit period T23 are calculated. Since the maximum load L2 is smaller than the maximum load L1, the safe period T21, the rated period T22, and the limit period T23 are greater than the safe period T11, the rated period T12, and the limit period T13. Next, in step S106, the life calculation unit 114 displays the calculated safe period T21, the rated period T22, and the limit period T23 of the "reducer". If the user determines that any one of the safe period T21, the rated period T22, or the limit period T23 is sufficient, the user decides to select the "reducer" and ends the part selection support process (step S108; Yes). Note that the user may display the advice again in step S107, return to step S101, and again input the mechanical specifications or operation pattern of the "ball screw unit" that have been corrected based on the advice, and repeat steps S101 to S108.

[0038] The component selection support device 100 having the above configuration can show a user a first period during which the first component can be used with a first damage probability and a second period during which the first component can be used with a second damage probability higher than the first damage probability in a device in which a first component and a second component are combined. Specifically, in a "ball screw unit" including a "motor" and a "reduction gear", the safe period, rated period, and limit period of the "reduction gear" which is the first component can be calculated, and the safe period, rated period, and limit period can be shown to the user. Therefore, the component selection support device 100 can notify the user of the life of the "reduction gear" which matches the machine specifications and operation pattern of the "ball screw unit" which is the design target. Therefore, by using the component selection support device 100, the time of failure and the time of part replacement in the usage method desired by the user can be grasped, and the cost of downtime can be taken into consideration. In addition, the component selection support device 100 can display advice on life extension by the advice output unit 115. The user can modify the mechanical specifications or operation pattern of the "ball screw unit" based on this advice. When the part selection support device 100 receives the modified mechanical specifications or operation pattern of the "ball screw unit", it can display to the user the safe period, rated period, and limit period based on the modified mechanical specifications or operation pattern. This enables the user to modify the mechanical specifications or operation pattern to obtain a more preferable mechanical specifications or operation pattern of the "ball screw unit".

[0039] (Modification) In the above embodiment, an example in which the component selection support device 100 displays advice on extending the life span has been described. Instead of displaying the advice, the component selection support device 100 may include a recommended operation pattern calculation unit 116 that calculates a recommended operation pattern, as shown in FIG. 13. The recommended operation pattern calculation unit identifies items that affect the safe period, rated period, or limit period, and calculates a recommended operation pattern that can extend at least one of the safe period, rated period, or limit period calculated by the life span calculation unit 114 based on the items. Specifically, the recommended operation pattern calculation unit 116 calculates the ratio of the output, rotation speed, or load when the equipment is operated with the operation pattern accepted by the operation pattern acceptance unit 112 to the maximum output, maximum rotation speed, or maximum load allowed by the component, and identifies items for which the calculated ratio is equal to or greater than a reference value. Thereafter, the recommended operation pattern is calculated based on the items that are equal to or greater than the reference value. If the maximum load is equal to or greater than the reference value, a region in the operation pattern where the load is equal to or greater than the reference value is specified, and the specified region is modified to a pattern where the load is equal to or less than the reference value, thereby calculating a recommended operation pattern that reduces the maximum load. If the original operation pattern is as shown in FIG. 9, the recommended operation pattern calculation unit 116 specifies a stop period in which the feed amount does not change and a moving period in which the feed amount changes. As shown in FIG. 14, the recommended operation pattern calculation unit 116 calculates a constant acceleration curve in which the acceleration in the specified moving period is constant, and calculates a recommended operation pattern with gentle acceleration and deceleration using the calculated constant acceleration curve. This recommended operation pattern has a smooth change in the feed amount and a smaller maximum load than the operation pattern shown in FIG. 9. In this way, a recommended operation pattern with a long failure time and part replacement period in a usage manner desired by the user can be obtained.

[0040] The component selection support device 100 may also include a target life acceptance unit 117 that accepts data indicating a target life required for the first component, and a sufficient operation pattern calculation unit 118 that calculates a sufficient operation pattern that satisfies the target life. The sufficient operation pattern calculation unit 118 identifies items that affect the safe period, rated period, or limit period until the first component breaks down, and calculates a sufficient operation pattern that satisfies the target life based on the items and the target life. In detail, the target life acceptance unit 117 accepts data indicating the type of the safe period, rated period, or limit period and the period as the target life. As an example, the rated period T3 is accepted as the target life. The sufficient operation pattern calculation unit 118 calculates the ratio of the output, rotation speed, or load when the equipment is operated in the operation pattern accepted by the operation pattern acceptance unit 112 to the maximum output, maximum rotation speed, or maximum load allowed by the component, and identifies items for which the calculated ratio is equal to or greater than a reference value. As an example, the load is identified as an item that is equal to or greater than a reference value. Next, the sufficient operation pattern calculation unit 118 refers to the data showing the life of the first part shown in Fig. 15 and calculates a load L3 that satisfies the rated period T3. Next, the sufficient operation pattern calculation unit 118 calculates an operation pattern that is smaller than the load L3 as a sufficient operation pattern. In this way, a sufficient operation pattern that satisfies the part replacement period desired by the user can be obtained.

[0041] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the part selection unit 113 selects the first part as a candidate. The part selection support device 100 may select a plurality of first parts as candidates and calculate the lifespan of each of the first parts. In this case, the part selection unit 113 selects a plurality of first parts as candidates. Furthermore, the lifespan calculation unit 114 calculates the safe period, rated period, or limit period until the first part breaks down for each of the first parts, i.e., "reducers", as shown in FIG. 16, based on the plurality of first parts and second parts selected by the part selection unit 113 and the operation pattern received by the operation pattern reception unit 112. In this way, the user can compare the plurality of first parts, i.e., "reducers", and select a part.

[0042] Furthermore, the part selection unit 113 may select a plurality of second parts as candidates. In this case, the life calculation unit 114 calculates the safe period, rated period, or limit period until the first part breaks down for each "motor" which is the second part, based on the first part, the plurality of second parts, and the operation pattern, as shown in FIG. 17. In this way, the user can compare the plurality of "motors" which are the second parts and select a part. This is effective when changing the "motor" which is the second part changes the life of the "reduction gear" which is the first part.

[0043] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which part selection unit 113 selects a part from a group of parts stored in part DB 161 of auxiliary storage unit 160. Part selection unit 113 may access an external database storing data indicating the first part or the second part via a communication line to acquire the data indicating the first part or the second part. In this way, part selection unit 113 can select a part not stored in part DB 161. In this case, the data indicating the first part or the second part includes data indicating the specifications of the part and data indicating the lifespan of the part.

[0044] In addition, in the component selection support device 100 according to the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the life information DB 162 stores data showing the relationship between the maximum load and the safe period, the rated period, and the limit period, as shown in Fig. 6. The life information DB 162 may store data capable of calculating the period during which the first component can be used. As an example, the life information DB 162 may store the rated life, the maximum speed, the rated speed, and the rated load, and the life calculation unit 114 may calculate the safe period, the rated period, and the limit period based on the rated life, the maximum speed, the rated speed, the rated load, and the speed or load obtained based on the operation pattern.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the "ball screw unit" is an example of a device, the "reduction gear" is a first part for which the usable period is predicted, and the "motor" is a second part used in combination with the first part. The device, the first part, and the second part are not limited to these examples, and may be any device, first part, and second part.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the part selection unit 113 selected the first part and the second part based on the device specifications received by the specification reception unit 111 and the operation pattern received by the operation pattern reception unit 112. The part selection unit 113 may receive data indicating parts selected by the user from the group of parts stored in the part DB 161, and select the parts selected by the user as the first part and the second part. In this manner, the user can select parts that are easy to obtain.

[0047] In the above embodiment, an example in which the parts selection support process is executed by the parts selection support device 100 has been described. The parts selection support process may be executed by a parts selection support system 300 shown in FIG. 18. The parts selection support system 300 includes a server 310 connected to the parts selection support device 100 so as to be able to transmit and receive data, and a terminal device 320 that can access the server 310. The server 310 is an on-premise server or a cloud server. The server 310 accepts data input from the terminal device 320 via a communication line, outputs the accepted data to the parts selection support device 100, and outputs data accepted from the parts selection support device 100 to the terminal device 320. The terminal device 320 includes a normal computer. The communication line includes the Internet or an intranet. In this case, the server 310 accepts data required for selecting the first part and the second part and data indicating a driving pattern from the terminal device 320 via the communication line. Furthermore, the server 310 outputs data indicating the first period and the second period to the terminal device 320 via the communication line.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the control unit 110 of the parts selection support device 100 is configured to include one processor 140, but a plurality of processors 140 may cooperate to execute the above-mentioned functions. The control unit 110 may also include a plurality of main storage units 150 and auxiliary storage units 160.

[0049] The parts selection support device 100 and the parts selection support system 300 can be realized by using a normal computer system, not by a dedicated system. For example, a computer program for executing the above-mentioned operations may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium (such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory)) and distributed, and the above-mentioned computer program may be installed in a computer to configure the parts selection support device 100 that executes the above-mentioned processes. Also, the above-mentioned computer program may be stored in a storage device of a server device on a communication network, and downloaded by a normal computer system to configure the parts selection support device 100 or the parts selection support system 300.

[0050] In addition, when the functions of the component selection support device 100 and the component selection support system 300 are realized by sharing the functions between the OS and an application program, or by cooperation between the OS and an application program, only the application program portion may be stored in a recording medium or storage device.

[0051] It is also possible to superimpose a computer program on a carrier wave and distribute it via a communication network. For example, the computer program may be posted on a bulletin board (BBS: Bulletin Board System) on the communication network and distributed via the communication network. Then, the computer program may be started and executed under the control of the OS in the same way as other application programs, thereby executing the above-mentioned processing.

[0052] Various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 100...part selection support device, 110...control unit, 111...specification reception unit, 112...operation pattern reception unit, 113...part selection unit, 114...life calculation unit, 115...advice output unit, 116...recommended operation pattern calculation unit, 117...target life reception unit, 118...satisfying operation pattern calculation unit, 120...input unit, 130...output unit, 140...processor, 150...main memory unit, 160...auxiliary memory unit, 161...part DB, 161A...motor DB, 161B...reduction gear DB, 161C...amplifier DB, 162...life information DB, DB163...advice, 170...bus, 200...advice button, 300...part selection support system, 310...server, 320...terminal device

Claims

1. Computer a part selection unit that selects data indicating at least one first part for which a usable period is to be predicted, and at least one second part to be used in combination with the first part; an operation pattern receiving unit that receives data indicating an operation pattern of a device including a combination of the first part and the second part; a life calculation unit that calculates, in a device combining the first part and the second part, a first period during which the first part can be used with a first damage probability and a second period during which the first part can be used with a second damage probability higher than the first damage probability, based on pre-stored data indicating a relationship between the life of the first part and the operation pattern and the operation pattern accepted by the operation pattern acceptance unit; an output unit that outputs data indicating the first period and the second period calculated by the life calculation unit to a display device or an external device; This program functions as a part selection tool to assist in the selection of parts.

2. the part selection unit selects a plurality of the first parts as candidates; the life calculation unit calculates, for each of the first parts, the first period and the second period until the first parts fail, based on the plurality of first parts and the second parts selected by the part selection unit and the operation pattern accepted by the operation pattern acceptance unit; The program according to claim 1.

3. the part selection unit selects a plurality of the second parts as candidates; the life calculation unit calculates, for each of the second parts, the first period and the second period until the first part breaks down, based on the first part and the plurality of second parts selected by the part selection unit and the operation pattern accepted by the operation pattern acceptance unit; 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. an advice output unit that identifies an item that affects the first period or the second period until the first part breaks down when the equipment is operated according to the operation pattern, and outputs data indicating advice for extending the first period or the second period, which is stored in advance for each item, to a display device or an external device based on the item; 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a recommended operation pattern calculation unit that calculates a recommended operation pattern capable of extending at least either the first period or the second period, by identifying an item that affects the first period or the second period until the first component breaks down when the equipment is operated according to the operation pattern, and correcting the load indicated by the item to a pattern that makes the load equal to or less than the reference value based on the item, when the load is equal to or less than the reference value; 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a target lifespan receiving unit that receives data indicating a target lifespan required for the first component; a sufficient operation pattern calculation unit that identifies an item that affects the first period or the second period until the first part breaks down when the equipment is operated according to the operation pattern, and calculates a sufficient operation pattern that satisfies the target life based on the item and the target life; The program according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

7. the part selection unit acquires data of the first part or the second part via an external device or a communication line; 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a part selection unit that selects data indicating at least one first part for which a usable period is to be predicted, and at least one second part to be used in combination with the first part; an operation pattern receiving unit that receives data indicating an operation pattern of a device including a combination of the first part and the second part; a life calculation unit that calculates, in a device combining the first part and the second part, a first period during which the first part can be used with a first damage probability and a second period during which the first part can be used with a second damage probability higher than the first damage probability, based on pre-stored data indicating a relationship between the life of the first part and the operation pattern and the operation pattern received by the operation pattern receiving unit; an output unit that outputs data indicating the first period and the second period calculated by the life calculation unit to a display device or an external device; A parts selection support device comprising:

9. A parts selection support device according to claim 8; A server connected to the parts selection support device so as to be able to transmit and receive data; A terminal device capable of accessing the server; A parts selection support system equipped with:

10. a part selection step of selecting data indicative of at least one first part for which a usable period is to be predicted and at least one second part to be used in combination with the first part; an operation pattern receiving step of receiving data indicating an operation pattern of a device including a combination of the first part and the second part; a life calculation step of calculating a first period during which the first part can be used with a first damage probability and a second period during which the first part can be used with a second damage probability higher than the first damage probability in an equipment combining the first part and the second part, based on pre-stored data indicating a relationship between the life of the first part and the operation pattern and the operation pattern received in the operation pattern receiving step; an output step of outputting data indicating the first period and the second period calculated in the life calculation step to a display device or an external device; A part selection support method comprising:

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