Control device, production system, and control method

Abstract

The control device (10A) comprises a thermal state prediction unit (20) that predicts the thermal state of at least one machine tool (3) to be predicted based on a machining command (V1) applied to the machine tool, which is installed inside a factory where air conditioning is managed; a machining accuracy prediction unit (30) that generates a plurality of virtual outside air conditions, which are virtual states of the air around the machine tool, and calculates simulation results by executing a machining accuracy simulation that predicts the machining accuracy of machining by the machine tool for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air conditions; and an air conditioning control command generation unit (40) that generates, based on the simulation results, a control command for controlling at least one air conditioner (2) that conditions the air inside the factory.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a production system, and a control method for controlling air conditioning equipment inside a factory where machine tools are installed. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, air conditioning (hereinafter sometimes referred to as air conditioning) control in factories where machine tools are installed has been in steady operation regardless of changes in the environment where the machine tools are installed. In this case, if the operating status of the machine tools changes, the machining accuracy changes. For this reason, it is desirable to control the air conditioning equipment inside the factory where the machine tools are installed so that the machining accuracy can be maintained even if the environment where the machine tools are installed changes.

[0003] The air conditioning control system described in Patent Document 1 generates a learning model through machine learning using state quantities that indicate the state of the environment in which the machine tool is installed, and then uses the learning model to infer a control method for the air conditioner, thereby performing air conditioning control that takes into account the environment in which the machine tool is installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-066135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 mentioned above controls air conditioning without taking into consideration the outside air conditions, i.e., the state of the air around the machine tool, and therefore has the problem of not being able to maintain accurate machining precision.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide a control device that can accurately maintain machining precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a control device disclosed herein includes a thermal state prediction unit that predicts the thermal state of at least one machine tool installed inside a factory where air conditioning is managed, based on a machining command applied to the machine tool as a prediction target. The control device disclosed herein also includes a machining accuracy prediction unit that generates multiple virtual outside air conditions, which are virtual conditions of the air around the machine tool, and calculates simulation results by performing a machining accuracy simulation that predicts the machining accuracy of machining by the machine tool for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air conditions. The control device disclosed herein also includes a control command generation unit that generates, based on the simulation results, a control command for controlling at least one air conditioning system that conditions the air inside the factory.

[0008] The production system disclosed herein also includes at least one machine tool to be predicted, which is installed inside a factory where air conditioning is managed, at least one air conditioning facility that provides air conditioning within the factory, and a control device that controls the air conditioning facility. The control device includes a thermal state prediction unit that predicts the thermal state of the machine tool based on a machining command applied to the machine tool. The control device also includes a machining accuracy prediction unit that generates multiple virtual outside air conditions, which are virtual conditions of the air around the machine tool, and calculates simulation results by performing a machining accuracy simulation that predicts the machining accuracy of machining by the machine tool for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air condition. The control device also includes a control command generation unit that generates control commands for controlling the air conditioning facility based on the simulation results.

[0009] The control method of the present disclosure also includes a thermal state prediction step in which the control device predicts the thermal state of at least one machine tool to be predicted based on a machining command applied to the machine tool installed inside a factory where air conditioning is managed.The control method of the present disclosure also includes a machining accuracy prediction step in which the control device generates a plurality of virtual outside air conditions, which are virtual states of the air around the machine tool, and calculates simulation results by performing a machining accuracy simulation to predict the machining accuracy of machining by the machine tool for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air conditions.The control method of the present disclosure also includes a control command generation step in which the control device generates, based on the simulation results, a control command to control at least one air conditioning device that conditions the air inside the factory. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The control device according to the present disclosure has the effect of being able to accurately maintain machining precision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a production system including a control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a process in which a thermal state prediction unit according to the first embodiment predicts a thermal state; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a thermal state predicted by a thermal state prediction unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a thermal state predicted by the thermal state prediction unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of machining accuracy predicted by a machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a target range for machining accuracy predicted by a machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout in a factory in which a machining accuracy prediction unit according to a first embodiment predicts machining accuracy. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a two-dimensional area set in a factory by a machining accuracy prediction unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a three-dimensional area set in a factory by a machining accuracy prediction unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of an outside air condition set in each area of ​​a factory by a machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the outside air conditions set in each area of ​​the factory by the machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a process in which a machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment predicts machining accuracy; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of machining accuracy predicted by a machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process in which a machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment predicts machining accuracy based on a thermal state of a cooling device. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a thermal state of a cooling device used by a machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment to predict machining accuracy; [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air-conditioning control command generation unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a target outdoor air condition that is set in the two-dimensional area shown in FIG. 8 by the air-conditioning control command generating unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 is a flowchart showing a control processing procedure of a control process executed by a control device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a production system including a control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an energy consumption prediction unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the energy consumption predicted by the energy consumption prediction unit according to the second embodiment; [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an air conditioning control command output by an air conditioning control command generation unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 23]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a production system including a control device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining energy consumption caused by air conditioning control in a production system according to a third embodiment to keep processing accuracy within a target range. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a production system including a control device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a result of determination as to whether or not air conditioning control is possible, determined by the control device according to the fourth embodiment; [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of a result of determination as to whether or not air conditioning control is possible, determined by the control device according to the fourth embodiment; [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of a result of determination as to whether or not air conditioning control is possible, determined by the control device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a result of determination as to whether or not air conditioning control is possible, determined by the control device according to the fourth embodiment; [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a production system including a control device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning control possibility image in which the control device according to the fifth embodiment visually displays an area in which air conditioning control is impossible. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a processing circuit provided in the control device according to the first to fifth embodiments when the processing circuit is realized by a processor and a memory. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing circuit when the processing circuit included in the control device according to the first to fifth embodiments is configured with dedicated hardware. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A control device, a production system, and a control method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Embodiment 1 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a production system including a control device according to embodiment 1. The production system 1A includes a control device 10A, an air conditioner 2 which is an air conditioning facility, and a machine tool 3 which is a processing machine.

[0014] The production system 1A may include only one machine tool 3 or multiple machine tools 3. The production system 1A may include only one air conditioner 2 or multiple air conditioners 2. That is, the production system 1A includes at least one machine tool 3 and at least one air conditioner 2.

[0015] The control device 10A controls the air conditioner 2 based on a processing command V1 input from outside. The processing command V1 is sent to the control device 10A, for example, from a numerical control device that controls the machine tool 3. The processing command V1 is also applied to the machine tool 3. In the production system 1A, the numerical control device controls the machine tool 3 based on the processing command V1, but the numerical control device is not shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] The machine tool 3 machines a workpiece (object to be machined) 4 based on a machining command V1 input from outside. The machining command V1 is a machining command given to the machine tool 3. The machining command V1 is a command for causing a tool used by the machine tool 3 to perform a specific operation (rotation, movement, etc.).

[0017] In the production system 1A, the air conditioner 2 and the machine tool 3 are located in a factory where air conditioning is managed. The control device 10A may be located inside the factory or outside the factory. The control device 10A may be located in a position close to at least one of the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2, or may be located on a server (not shown) separate from the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2.

[0018] The control device 10A may be operated offline in advance, or may be operated online. When the control device 10A is operated offline in advance, the control device 10A acquires a processing command V1 in advance and generates an air conditioning control command based on the acquired processing command V1. When the control device 10A is operated online, the control device 10A acquires the processing command V1 and generates an air conditioning control command based on the processing command V1. The air conditioning control command generated by the control device 10A is a control command for controlling the air conditioner 2.

[0019] In the production system 1A, an air conditioner 2, which is an air conditioning facility, performs air conditioning within the factory, thereby maintaining the ambient temperature of the machine tool 3 within a specific range. This enables the machine tool 3 to perform stable operations, and the machining precision of the workpiece 4 can be accurately maintained.

[0020] The factory in the first embodiment is not limited to one closed space or one building. The factory may be one structure having multiple closed spaces. Furthermore, the factory is not limited to one building, but may include two or more buildings. Furthermore, the factory is not limited to one business establishment having multiple buildings. The factory may include multiple production areas, or may include multiple business establishments.

[0021] The control device 10A has a thermal state prediction unit 20, a machining accuracy prediction unit 30, and an air conditioning control command generation unit 40. The thermal state prediction unit 20 receives a machining command V1 from an external device such as a numerical control device.

[0022] The thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts the thermal state of the machine tool 3 installed inside the factory based on the machining command V1 to the machine tool 3. Here, the thermal state is information indicating the thermal state, such as temperature, heat flow, and heat generation amount, of the machine tool 3, the workpiece 4, or the surrounding environment of the machine tool 3. The thermal state may be any information that characterizes the thermal state of the machine tool 3, the workpiece 4, or the surrounding environment of the machine tool 3.

[0023] The thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts the thermal state for each element included in the machine tool 3. If the thermal state is a temperature (state quantity), the thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts an average value at a specific time, and if the thermal state is a heat generation amount (non-state quantity), the thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts an accumulated value at a specific time. The thermal state prediction unit 20 sends the predicted thermal state for each element to the machining accuracy prediction unit 30.

[0024] The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 generates a plurality of patterns of outside air conditions (outside air temperature, etc.), which are virtual conditions of the air around the machine tool 3 to be predicted. The virtual outside air conditions generated by the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 are virtual outside air conditions. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 sets in advance a plurality of patterns of outside air conditions (outside air condition patterns) that may occur around the machine tool 3.

[0025] The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 performs a machining accuracy simulation based on the thermal state and the outdoor air state for each combination of the thermal state predicted by the thermal state prediction unit 20 and multiple outdoor air states, and predicts the machining accuracy. As a result, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 calculates the machining accuracy, which is the simulation result, for each combination of the thermal state and multiple outdoor air states. If multiple machine tools 3 are installed in the production system 1A, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 calculates the machining accuracy corresponding to the thermal state and outdoor air state for each machine tool 3. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 sends the calculated machining accuracy to the air conditioning control command generation unit 40.

[0026] The air conditioning control command generating unit 40 generates air conditioning control commands for controlling one or more air conditioners 2 based on the calculated multiple machining accuracies (simulation results). The air conditioning control command generating unit 40 generates air conditioning control commands for setting the outside air conditions around the machine tool 3 so that the machining accuracy (maximum machining error) is within a target range (tolerable range). In other words, the air conditioning control command generating unit 40 generates air conditioning control commands for bringing the outside air conditions around the machine tool 3 closer to the virtual outside air conditions set by the machining accuracy predicting unit 30, which will bring the machining accuracy within the target range. The air conditioning control command generating unit 40 generates air conditioning control commands for setting the difference between the actual outside air conditions around the machine tool 3 and the virtual outside air conditions to a specific value or less. When multiple air conditioners 2 are installed in the production system 1A, the air conditioning control command generating unit 40 generates an air conditioning control command for each air conditioner 2.

[0027] The air conditioning control command generating unit 40 stores in advance a correspondence relationship (correspondence information) between the outside air condition (target outside air condition) for keeping the machining accuracy within the target range and each air conditioning control command to one or more air conditioners 2 corresponding to this outside air condition. Then, when the air conditioning control command generating unit 40 determines the target outside air condition for keeping the machining accuracy within the target range, it calculates each air conditioning control command to one or more air conditioners 2 corresponding to this target outside air condition based on the correspondence information. The air conditioning control command generating unit 40 outputs the generated air conditioning control commands to the air conditioners 2. In this way, the control device 10A controls the air conditioning around the machine tool 3.

[0028] As described above, in the first embodiment, the machining accuracy predicting unit 30 prepares a plurality of outside air conditions in advance. Also, the machining accuracy predicting unit 30 calculates the machining accuracy for each outside air condition by performing a machining accuracy simulation based on a plurality of outside air conditions and thermal conditions.

[0029] The air conditioning control command generating unit 40 determines a target outdoor air condition that will bring the machining accuracy obtained by the machining accuracy simulation into the target range, based on the machining accuracy for each outdoor air condition. That is, the air conditioning control command generating unit 40 determines the outdoor air condition that corresponds to the machining accuracy obtained by the machining accuracy simulation and that falls within the target range as the target outdoor air condition. The air conditioning control command generating unit 40 then generates an air conditioning control command for bringing the actual outdoor air condition of the machine tool 3 into the target outdoor air condition, and outputs the command to the air conditioner 2.

[0030] 2 is a diagram for explaining the process of predicting a thermal state by the thermal state prediction unit according to the embodiment 1. Upon receiving a machining command V1, the thermal state prediction unit 20 determines which element of the machine tool 3 will be thermally affected by the received machining command V1, and predicts the thermal state of each element based on the machining command V1.

[0031] For example, if the machine tool 3 is configured to include elements eA and eB, the thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts the thermal state of element eA and the thermal state of element eB. For example, if a machining command V1 is a command to operate element eA of the machine tool 3, it is considered that element eA and elements arranged in the vicinity of element eA will be thermally affected by the machining command V1. The thermal state prediction unit 20 outputs the predicted thermal state of each element to the machining accuracy prediction unit 30.

[0032] 3 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a thermal state predicted by the thermal state prediction unit according to the first embodiment. The thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts, for example, a thermal state QX having a configuration as shown in FIG. 3. That is, the thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts time-series data of the heat generation amount in each element such as elements eA and eB as the thermal state QX.

[0033] 3 shows a case where the heat generation amount of element eA is q1A and the heat generation amount of element eB is q1B at time T1. Also, a case where the heat generation amount of element eA is q2A and the heat generation amount of element eB is q2B at time T2. Also, a case where the heat generation amount of element eA is q3A and the heat generation amount of element eB is q3B at time T3.

[0034] Here, time T1 is the period from the first time to the second time (for example, the period from time tx1 to tx2), time T2 is the period from the second time to the third time (for example, the period from time tx2 to tx3), and time T3 is the period from the third time to the fourth time (for example, the period from time tx3 to tx4). The thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts the cumulative value of the heat generation amount of the elements eA and eB at each time. Note that if the thermal state is a state quantity such as temperature, the thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts the average value of the temperature of the elements eA and eB at each time.

[0035] 4 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a thermal state predicted by the thermal state prediction unit according to the first embodiment. The thermal state prediction unit 20 may predict, for example, a thermal state QX having a configuration as shown in FIG. 4. That is, the thermal state prediction unit 20 may predict, as the thermal state QX, time-series data of information including the amount of heat generated in each element such as elements eA and eB and the position of the element.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a case where the heat generation amount of element eA at time T1 is heat generation amount q1A and the position of element eA is (X1A, Y1A, Z1A). It also shows a case where the heat generation amount of element eA at time T2 is heat generation amount q2A and the position of element eA is (X2A, Y2A, Z2A). It also shows a case where the heat generation amount of element eA at time T3 is heat generation amount q3A and the position of element eA is (X3A, Y3A, Z3A). Since each element of machine tool 3 may move due to the operation of machine tool 3, thermal state prediction unit 20 may predict time-series data of information including the heat generation amount and position of each element as thermal state QX.

[0037] The thermal state prediction unit 20 may predict the thermal state based on measurement data, or may predict the thermal state based on a mechanical model or a thermal model. When making a prediction based on measurement data, the thermal state prediction unit 20 uses a data-driven model such as a regression model or a neural network. The mechanical model and the thermal model are models that predict the thermal state of each element when the machine tool 3 operates using a machining command.

[0038] When predicting the thermal state based on measurement data, the thermal state prediction unit 20 may acquire in advance a correspondence relationship between a machining command and the thermal state measurement data when the machine tool 3 operates using this machining command. In this case, the thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts the thermal state QX based on this correspondence relationship and a machining command (here, machining command V1) received from an external device.

[0039] Furthermore, when predicting the thermal state based on a mechanical model or a thermal model, the thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts the thermal state QX of each element by inputting a machining command (here, machining command V1) received from an external device into the mechanical model or thermal model. The thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts the thermal state by, for example, using the mechanical model or the thermal model, calculating the input energy when the machine tool 3 is operated by the machining program, calculating the heat loss from the input energy, and calculating the heat transfer state from the heat loss.

[0040] It is desirable for the thermal state prediction unit 20 to predict the thermal state for all machine tools 3 in the factory, but this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to predict the thermal state for at least one of the machine tools 3 installed inside the factory.

[0041] As described above, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 performs machining accuracy simulation based on the thermal conditions and the ambient air conditions around the machine tool 3 for multiple ambient air conditions, and calculates the relationship (simulation results) between each ambient air condition and the machining accuracy.

[0042] Here, machining accuracy will be explained. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of machining accuracy predicted by the machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment. The machining accuracy predicted by the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 is, for example, a distance error indicating the difference (difference in distance between machining positions) between a command path Rc, which is a path on the machining command V1, and an actual path Rr, which is a path along which machining was actually performed. The command path Rc corresponds to the machining position by the machine tool 3 on the machining command V1, and the actual path Rr corresponds to the actual machining position by the machine tool 3.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a case where the command path Rc includes a straight path from machining position P1 to machining position P2 and a straight path from machining position P2 to machining position P3. In the command path Rc, the machining direction is changed at machining position P2. The position on the actual path Rr that corresponds to machining position P2 is machining position P4. The difference between machining position P2 and machining position P4 is the distance error.

[0044] In machine tool 3, if the air conditioning cooling is insufficient for the amount of heat generated (if the temperature setting is high and the air conditioning control command value is large), the machine tool 3 will be affected by displacement due to heat generation, resulting in a large distance error. In the first embodiment, control device 10A generates an air conditioning control command to achieve outside air conditions that will keep the distance error within a target range.

[0045] 6 is a diagram for explaining a target range for the machining accuracy predicted by the machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment. The machining accuracy predicted by the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 is, for example, at least one of the accuracy of the position of the machining path when the machine tool 3 machines the workpiece 4, the accuracy of the dimensions of the machined workpiece 4, the accuracy of the shape of the machined workpiece 4, and the accuracy of the surface roughness of the machined workpiece 4.

[0046] The positional accuracy of the machining path when the machine tool 3 machines the workpiece 4 corresponds to the difference between the command path Rc and the actual path Rr (distance error on the machining path). The dimensional accuracy of the machined workpiece 4 corresponds to the difference between the target dimension of the machined workpiece 4 and the actual dimension of the machined workpiece 4. The shape accuracy of the machined workpiece 4 corresponds to the difference between the target shape of the machined workpiece 4 and the actual shape of the machined workpiece 4. The surface roughness accuracy of the machined workpiece 4 corresponds to the difference between the target surface roughness of the machined workpiece 4 and the actual surface roughness of the machined workpiece 4.

[0047] The target range of machining accuracy predicted by the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 is the allowable range of distance error between the command path Rc and the actual path Rr, the dimensional tolerance Dc for the dimensions of the workpiece 4 when machining is completed, the geometric tolerance Gc for the shape (geometric characteristics) of the workpiece 4 when machining is completed, or the allowable range of surface roughness Sr.

[0048] When the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 calculates the positional accuracy of the machining path (distance error) as the machining accuracy, the target range of the machining accuracy is the allowable range of the distance error. When the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 calculates the dimensional accuracy (dimensional error) as the machining accuracy, the target range of the machining accuracy is the dimensional tolerance Dc, which is the allowable range of the dimensional error. When the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 calculates the shape accuracy (shape error) as the machining accuracy, the target range of the machining accuracy is the geometric tolerance Gc, which is the allowable range of the shape error. When the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 calculates the surface roughness accuracy (surface roughness error) as the machining accuracy, the target range of the machining accuracy is the allowable range of the surface roughness Sr. In this way, the dimensional tolerance Dc corresponds to the target range of the dimensional error of the workpiece 4, the geometric tolerance Gc corresponds to the target range of the shape error of the workpiece 4, and the surface roughness Sr corresponds to the target range of the surface roughness of the workpiece 4.

[0049] The dimensions of the workpiece 4 upon completion of machining include the length and angle of the workpiece 4, and the shape of the workpiece 4 upon completion of machining includes the squareness and parallelism of the workpiece 4. Figure 6 shows a case where the dimensional tolerance Dc is 30±0.005 mm and the surface roughness Sr is 6.3 μm in arithmetic mean roughness (Ra). Figure 6 also shows a case where the geometric tolerance Gc is the squareness between the bottom surface and right side surface of the workpiece 4, and the allowable value of this squareness is 90°±0.04°. In Figure 6, datum surface A is the bottom surface, so the right side surface is allowed an error of up to 90°±0.04° with respect to the bottom surface.

[0050] Here, the outside air conditions set by the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 will be described. The outside air conditions include, for example, the temperature, temperature distribution, humidity, wind speed, etc. The outside air conditions may include the thermal state of the machine tool 3 itself, or the state of the air around the machine tool 3 that affects the machining accuracy of the machine tool 3. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30, for example, divides the factory into a plurality of areas (sections) and sets the outside air conditions for each divided area.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a factory in which the machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment predicts machining accuracy. Fig. 7 shows the layout of the factory 100 when viewed from above. Here, a first machine tool M1, a second machine tool M2, a third machine tool M3, a fourth machine tool M4, and an air conditioner 2 are arranged in the factory 100. The first machine tool M1, the second machine tool M2, the third machine tool M3, and the fourth machine tool M4 are the machine tool 3 described above.

[0052] The processing accuracy prediction unit 30 divides the interior of the factory 100 into a plurality of areas, based on the layout of the factory 100 shown in Fig. 7. The processing accuracy prediction unit 30 divides the layout of the factory 100 shown in Fig. 7 into, for example, two-dimensional areas.

[0053] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining two-dimensional areas set in a factory by the machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment. Here, a case will be described in which the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 divides the factory 100 shown in Fig. 7 into two-dimensional areas. When dividing the factory 100 into two-dimensional areas, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 divides the factory 100 into areas of a two-dimensional grid, for example. Fig. 8 shows a case in which the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 divides the column direction of the factory 100 shown in Fig. 7 into column direction areas aA to aD and divides the row direction into row direction areas a1 to a3.

[0054] As a result of this division, for example, the first machine tool M1 will be placed across a rectangular area where the column-directional area aA and the row-directional area a1 overlap, and a rectangular area where the column-directional area aB and the row-directional area a1 overlap. Note that the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 may divide the factory 100 into three-dimensional areas.

[0055] 9 is a diagram for explaining a three-dimensional area set in a factory by the machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment. Note that in FIG. 9, the first machine tool M1, the second machine tool M2, the third machine tool M3, the fourth machine tool M4, and the air conditioner 2 are not shown.

[0056] When dividing the factory 100 into three-dimensional areas, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 divides the factory 100 into areas of a three-dimensional lattice, for example. Fig. 9 shows a case where the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 divides the column direction of the factory 100 into column direction areas aA to aD, the row direction into row direction areas a1 to a3, and the height direction into height direction areas b1 to b3.

[0057] As described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the machining accuracy predicting unit 30 may define each area in the factory 100 in two dimensions or in three dimensions.

[0058] 10 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the outside air conditions that the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 according to the first embodiment sets for each area of ​​the factory. Here, a case will be described in which the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 sets the outside air conditions for the two-dimensional area shown in FIG.

[0059] The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 sets outside air conditions PT1 to PTn (n is a natural number of 2 or more) as outside air conditions that may occur around the machine tool 3. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 sets the outside air conditions PT1 to PTn for each combination of row-direction areas and column-direction areas. Here, a case will be described in which the outside air conditions PT1 to PTn are temperatures around the machine tool 3.

[0060] Figure 10 shows a case where the outside air condition PT1 of the area defined by the combination of row-directional area a1 and column-directional area aA is 22°C, and the outside air condition PTn of the area defined by the combination of row-directional area a1 and column-directional area aA is 25°C.

[0061] In this way, the processing accuracy prediction unit 30 sets, for example, the outside air condition in the factory 100 as a parameter set of temperature set for each area. Note that the processing accuracy prediction unit 30 may set the outside air condition to a constant value over time, or may change it over time.

[0062] 11 is a diagram showing a second example of the outside air conditions set for each area of ​​the factory by the machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment. Here, a case will be described in which the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 sets the outside air conditions for the two-dimensional area shown in FIG.

[0063] The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 sets outside air conditions PT1 to PTn for each time range as patterns of outside air conditions that can occur around the machine tool 3. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 sets outside air conditions PT1 to PTn for each time range for each combination of row-direction areas and column-direction areas. Here, a case will be described in which the outside air conditions PT1 to PTn are temperatures around the machine tool 3.

[0064] 11 shows a case where the outside air condition PTn from time 0 to t1 in the area defined by the combination of row-directional area a1 and column-directional area aA is 26° C., and the outside air condition PTn from time t1 to t2 in the area defined by the combination of row-directional area a1 and column-directional area aA is 25° C. The outside air condition temperature in each time range is, for example, the average temperature in each time range.

[0065] The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 stores the outside air conditions PT1 to PTn in a storage unit (not shown) such as a memory. The outside air conditions PT1 to PTn may not only be set by the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 but also by the thermal condition prediction unit 20. The outside air conditions PT1 to PTn may not only be set by the control device 10A but also by another device.

[0066] When the processing accuracy prediction unit 30 sets the outside air conditions for each area, the air conditioning control command generation unit 40 extracts the outside air conditions that will bring the processing accuracy within the target range in all areas, and generates the air conditioning control commands corresponding to these outside air conditions.

[0067] 12 is a diagram for explaining a process in which the machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment predicts machining accuracy. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 receives the thermal state QX from the thermal state prediction unit 20. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 also receives the outside air states PT1 to PTn from a storage unit or the like.

[0068] Upon receiving the thermal condition QX and the outside air conditions PT1 to PTn, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the machining accuracy for each machine tool 3 based on the thermal condition QX and the outside air conditions PT1 to PTn. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the machining accuracy of each machine tool 3 for each outside air condition PT1 to PTn. In other words, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the machining accuracy of each machine tool 3 when the outside air conditions are PT1 to PTn. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the machining accuracy for each machine tool 3, such as the machining accuracy of the first machine tool M1 and the machining accuracy of the second machine tool M2, and outputs the machining accuracy and the outside air conditions to the air conditioning control command generation unit 40 in association with each other.

[0069] 13 is a diagram showing an example of machining accuracy predicted by the machining accuracy prediction unit according to embodiment 1. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts, for example, time-series data of the machining accuracy of each machine tool 3 for each of the outside air conditions PT1 to PTn as the machining accuracy.

[0070] The machining accuracy predicted by the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 does not have to be time-series data. In this case, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the machining accuracy assuming that the machining accuracy does not change over time.

[0071] 13 shows time-series data of machining accuracy in an outside air state PTX (X is 1 to n), which is one of the outside air states PT1 to PTn. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the maximum value of machining accuracy (maximum value of error) in the time range for each machine tool 3. Note that the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 may also predict the average value of machining accuracy (average value of error) in the time range for each machine tool 3.

[0072] 13, the machining accuracy of the first machine tool M1 from time 0 to time t1 is dL11, and the machining accuracy of the second machine tool M2 is dL21. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 may perform a machining accuracy simulation based on measurement data, or may perform a machining accuracy simulation based on a mechanical model or a thermal model. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the machining accuracy of each machine tool 3 for all outside air conditions PT1 to PTn and sends the predicted accuracy to the air-conditioning control command generation unit 40.

[0073] If the machine tool 3 is equipped with a cooling device (not shown) such as a chiller, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 may calculate the machining accuracy based on the thermal state of the cooling device. Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the process in which the machining accuracy prediction unit according to the first embodiment predicts the machining accuracy based on the thermal state of the cooling device.

[0074] The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 receives the thermal state QX, the outside air states PT1 to PTn, and the thermal state QY of the cooling device. The thermal state QY of the cooling device is information about the temperature, heat flow, heat generation amount, etc. of the cooling device or the surrounding environment of the cooling device. The thermal state QY of the cooling device may be any information that characterizes the thermal state of the cooling device or the surrounding environment of the cooling device.

[0075] When multiple machine tools 3 are equipped with cooling devices, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 receives the thermal state QY of each cooling device. That is, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 may receive multiple thermal states QY of each cooling device.

[0076] The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the machining accuracy for each machine tool 3 based on the thermal state QX, the outside air states PT1 to PTn, and the thermal state QY of the cooling device. In this case as well, the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the machining accuracy of each machine tool 3 for each outside air state PT1 to PTn. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 predicts the machining accuracy for each machine tool 3, such as the machining accuracy of the first machine tool M1 and the machining accuracy of the second machine tool M2, and outputs the predicted machining accuracy to the air conditioning control command generation unit 40.

[0077] 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of the thermal state of the cooling device used by the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 to predict the machining accuracy according to the first embodiment. The thermal state QY of the cooling device used by the machining accuracy prediction unit 30 to predict the machining accuracy may be predicted by the control device 10A or an external device other than the control device 10A.

[0078] The thermal state QY of the cooling device is predicted, for example, by the thermal state prediction unit 20. In this case, the thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts the thermal state QY of a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 15. That is, the thermal state prediction unit 20 predicts, as the thermal state QY, time-series data of information including the heat generation amount (heat generation amount including cooling and exhaust heat) of each element of the cooling device, such as elements CeA and CeB, and the position of each element. Note that the thermal state QY of the cooling device does not necessarily include the position of the elements of the cooling device.

[0079] FIG. 15 shows a case where the heat generation amount of element CeA at time T1 is heat generation amount -q1CA and the position of element CeA is (X1CA, Y1CA, Z1CA). It also shows a case where the heat generation amount of element CeA at time T2 is heat generation amount -q2CA and the position of element CeA is (X2CA, Y2CA, Z2CA). It also shows a case where the heat generation amount of element CeA at time T3 is heat generation amount -q3CA and the position of element CeA is (X3CA, Y3CA, Z3CA). Since each element of the cooling device may move due to the operation of the cooling device, the thermal state prediction unit 20 may predict time-series data of information including the heat generation amount and position of each element as the thermal state QY.

[0080] The thermal state prediction unit 20 may predict the thermal state QY of the cooling device based on measurement data, or may predict the thermal state QY of the cooling device based on a dynamic model or a thermal model.

[0081] It is desirable for the thermal state prediction unit 20 to predict the thermal state QY of the cooling device for all cooling devices in the factory, but this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to predict the thermal state QY of the cooling device for at least one of the cooling devices installed inside the factory.

[0082] The air conditioning control command generating unit 40 generates an air conditioning control command for controlling the air conditioner 2 that performs air conditioning inside the factory based on the result of the processing accuracy simulation. Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning control command generating unit according to the first embodiment.

[0083] The air conditioning control command generator 40 includes a target outside air state determiner 41 and command generators 4A1 to 4An. The target outside air state determiner 41 receives information associating processing accuracy with outside air conditions from the processing accuracy predictor 30. Here, the target outside air state determiner 41 receives from the processing accuracy predictor 30 combinations of processing accuracy R1 and outside air condition PT1 to combinations of processing accuracy Rn and outside air condition PTn. That is, the target outside air state determiner 41 receives from the processing accuracy predictor 30 combinations of processing accuracy RX (X is 1 to n) and outside air condition PTX. In this way, the target outside air state determiner 41 receives from the processing accuracy predictor 30 combinations of processing accuracy RX and outside air condition PTX for each area.

[0084] The target outside air condition determination unit 41 determines whether the processing accuracy corresponding to the received outside air condition falls within a target range. The target range of processing accuracy is stored in advance by the target outside air condition determination unit 41. The target range of processing accuracy may be stored in a device other than the target outside air condition determination unit 41. The target outside air condition determination unit 41 extracts, from the received outside air conditions, an outside air condition for which the processing accuracy corresponding to the outside air condition falls within the target range.

[0085] The target outside air condition determination unit 41 extracts, as the target outside air condition, any of the outside air conditions in which the processing accuracy falls within the target range. In other words, the target outside air condition determination unit 41 extracts, for example, the outside air condition corresponding to the processing accuracy that is the median value within the target range as the target outside air condition. The target outside air condition determination unit 41 sends the extracted target outside air condition to the command generation units 4A1 to 4An.

[0086] The command generators 4A1 to 4An are connected to the air conditioners 2-1 to 2-n, respectively. The command generators 4A1 to 4An generate air conditioning control commands to be output to the air conditioners 2-1 to 2-n based on the target outdoor air conditions. The command generators 4A1 to 4An output the air conditioning control commands to the air conditioners 2-1 to 2-n, respectively, causing the air conditioners 2-1 to 2-n to perform air conditioning corresponding to the air conditioning control commands.

[0087] The command generators 4A1 to 4An each store the correspondence between the target outdoor air condition and the air conditioning control commands they generate. That is, the command generator 4AX (X is 1 to n) stores in advance correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the target outdoor air condition and the air conditioning control command to the air conditioner 2-X (X is 1 to n). Note that this correspondence information may be stored in a device other than the command generators 4A1 to 4An.

[0088] The command generators 4A1 to 4An generate air conditioning control commands to be output to the air conditioners 2-1 to 2-n based on correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the target outdoor air state and the air conditioning control commands they generate, and the target outdoor air state received from the target outdoor air state determination unit 41. In this way, the command generators 4A1 to 4An calculate the air conditioning control commands to the air conditioners 2-1 to 2-n based on the target outdoor air state, the air conditioning control commands, and the correspondence information. For example, the command generator 4A1 generates an air conditioning control command to be output to the air conditioner 2-1 based on the correspondence between the target outdoor air state and the air conditioning control commands generated by the command generator 4A1, and the target outdoor air state received from the target outdoor air state determination unit 41.

[0089] The air conditioning control commands generated by the command generation units 4A1 to 4An include, for example, commands to control compressor rotation speed, commands to control air direction, commands to control air volume, etc. The command generation units 4A1 to 4An output the generated air conditioning control commands to the air conditioners 2-1 to 2-n. The target outdoor air state is an outdoor air state in which the processing accuracy falls within a target range, so by controlling the air conditioners 2-1 to 2-n to achieve the target outdoor air state, the processing accuracy falls within the target range.

[0090] The air conditioning control command generation unit 40 calculates target outdoor air conditions for each of the areas into which the interior of the factory is divided into multiple sections, so that the processing accuracy of the processing accuracy simulation falls within a predetermined target range, and generates air conditioning control commands based on these target outdoor air conditions.

[0091] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of target outdoor air conditions that the air conditioning control command generator according to the first embodiment sets for the two-dimensional areas shown in FIG. 8. The air conditioning control command generator 40 calculates target outdoor air conditions for each of the areas into which the interior of the factory is divided, so that the processing accuracy falls within the target range. FIG. 17 shows room temperatures set for each area as an example of the target outdoor air conditions. For example, for an area that belongs to both the column-directional area aA and the row-directional area a1, a room temperature of 24°C is calculated as the target outdoor air condition.

[0092] 18 is a flowchart showing a control processing procedure of the control processing executed by the control device according to embodiment 1. The thermal state prediction unit 20 of the control device 10A predicts the thermal state of the machine tool 3 based on the machining command V1 to the machine tool 3 (step S10).

[0093] The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 of the control device 10A generates a plurality of patterns of outside air conditions around the machine tool 3. The machining accuracy prediction unit 30 executes a machining accuracy simulation based on the thermal conditions and the outside air conditions, and predicts the machining accuracy for each outside air condition (step S20).

[0094] The air conditioning control command generation unit 40 of the control device 10A extracts an outdoor air state whose processing accuracy falls within a target range from among the processing accuracy of the outdoor air state. The air conditioning control command generation unit 40 sets the extracted outdoor air state as a target outdoor air state. The air conditioning control command generation unit 40 generates an air conditioning control command corresponding to the target outdoor air state (step S30). The air conditioning control command generation unit 40 outputs the generated air conditioning control command to the air conditioner 2.

[0095] In this way, the control device 10A of the first embodiment generates a plurality of virtual outside air conditions around the machine tool 3, and executes a machining accuracy simulation to predict the machining accuracy of machining by the machine tool 3 for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air condition. Then, the control device 10A generates an air conditioning control command for controlling the air conditioner 2 that conditions the air inside the factory based on the simulation results. In this way, the control device 10A controls the air conditioning using an air conditioning control command that takes into account the outside air conditions around the machine tool 3, and therefore can accurately maintain machining accuracy.

[0096] Furthermore, the control device 10A extracts machining accuracy that falls within the target range from the simulation results, and generates an air conditioning control command to bring the conditions around the machine tool 3 closer to the target outside air conditions that correspond to the extracted machining accuracy. As a result, the conditions around the machine tool 3 approach the target outside air conditions, and the control device 10A can maintain the machining accuracy within the target range.

[0097] The control device 10A also generates multiple virtual outside air conditions for each area obtained by dividing the interior of the factory into multiple sections, and performs machining accuracy simulations for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air conditions for each area.The control device 10A then generates control commands so that the machining accuracy in all areas falls within the target range.In this way, the control device 10A generates control commands so that the machining accuracy for each area falls within the target range, thereby enabling even more accurate maintenance of machining accuracy.

[0098] Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment will be described using Figures 19 to 22. In the second embodiment, the air conditioning control command generating unit 40 sets the target outdoor air state to the outdoor air state that allows air conditioning to be performed with the lowest energy consumption among the outdoor air states in which the processing accuracy falls within the target range.

[0099] Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a production system equipped with a control device according to embodiment 2. Among the components in Fig. 19, components that achieve the same functions as those in production system 1A of embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0100] Compared to production system 1A of embodiment 1, production system 1B of embodiment 2 includes a control device 10B instead of control device 10A. Control device 10B has the components included in control device 10A and an energy consumption prediction unit 50. That is, control device 10B has a thermal state prediction unit 20, a processing accuracy prediction unit 30, an air-conditioning control command generation unit 40, and an energy consumption prediction unit 50.

[0101] The control device 10B may be located inside or outside the factory. The control device 10B may be located in a position close to at least one of the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2, or may be located on a server remote from the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2. The control device 10B may be operated offline in advance, or may be operated online.

[0102] The air conditioning control command generation unit 40 is connected to the energy consumption prediction unit 50. The air conditioning control command generation unit 40 of the second embodiment sends to the energy consumption prediction unit 50 an air conditioning control command corresponding to an outside air condition in which the processing accuracy falls within a target range.

[0103] The energy consumption prediction unit 50 predicts the energy consumption of the air conditioners 2 installed inside the factory. The energy consumption prediction unit 50 predicts the energy consumption of the air conditioners 2 based on the air conditioning control commands sent from the air conditioning control command generation unit 40. The energy consumption prediction unit 50 calculates a predicted value of energy consumption based on, for example, the power value and current value predicted from the air conditioning control command.

[0104] When calculating the predicted value of energy consumption based on a power value, the energy consumption prediction unit 50 calculates the predicted value of energy consumption by integrating the power value over time. When calculating the predicted value of energy consumption based on a current value, the energy consumption prediction unit 50 calculates the predicted value of the power value based on the current value and a voltage value that is assumed to be a constant value. The energy consumption prediction unit 50 then calculates the predicted value of energy consumption by integrating the predicted power value over time. When multiple air conditioners 2 are installed in the production system 1B, the energy consumption prediction unit 50 calculates the predicted value of energy consumption for each air conditioner 2.

[0105] 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the energy consumption prediction unit according to the second embodiment. The energy consumption prediction unit 50 includes a power consumption prediction unit 51 and an integration unit 52. The power consumption prediction unit 51 receives an air conditioning control command sent from the air conditioning control command generation unit 40.

[0106] The power consumption prediction unit 51 calculates the power consumption per unit time of the air conditioner 2 based on the air conditioning control command. The power consumption prediction unit 51 sends the calculated power consumption to the integrator 52. The integrator 52 calculates the energy consumption over a specific time range by integrating the power consumption over a specific time range. The integrator 52 sends the calculated energy consumption to the air conditioning control command generator 40.

[0107] Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining the energy consumption predicted by the energy consumption prediction unit according to the second embodiment. In the upper graph shown in Fig. 21, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents an air conditioning control command. In addition, in the lower graph shown in Fig. 21, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents power consumption. Note that although Fig. 21 includes hatched portions in the graph, the hatching does not represent a cross section.

[0108] The air conditioner 2 performs air conditioning in accordance with the air conditioning control commands sent from the control device 10B. The air conditioning control commands sent from the control device 10B change over time. Therefore, the power consumption per unit time of the air conditioner 2 changes in accordance with the changes in the air conditioning control commands. In the air conditioner 2, the cumulative value of energy consumption increases over time.

[0109] The energy consumption prediction unit 50 may predict energy consumption based on measurement data such as power values ​​and current values, or may predict energy consumption based on a model of an electric circuit or the like. The energy consumption prediction unit 50 predicts energy consumption over a specific time range. The energy consumption prediction unit 50 calculates a predicted value of energy consumption for each air conditioning control command obtained from the air conditioning control command generation unit 40. The energy consumption prediction unit 50 associates the predicted energy consumption with the air conditioning control command and sends them to the air conditioning control command generation unit 40. The time scale of the energy consumption calculated by the energy consumption prediction unit 50 may be any unit, such as production units, hourly units, or daily units.

[0110] In the second embodiment, the air conditioning control command generator 40 acquires a predicted value of energy consumption for each air conditioning control command from the energy consumption predictor 50, and extracts and outputs an air conditioning control command based on the predicted value of energy consumption.

[0111] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the air conditioning control commands output by the air conditioning control command generation unit according to the second embodiment. In the upper, middle, and lower graphs shown in FIG. 22, the horizontal axis is time. In the upper graph shown in FIG. 22, the vertical axis is the air conditioning control command, in the middle graph the vertical axis is the power consumption, and in the lower graph the vertical axis is the distance error. The three graphs on the left side shown in FIG. 22 are graphs when the predicted value of energy consumption is not taken into account, and the three graphs on the right side shown in FIG. 22 are graphs when the predicted value of energy consumption is taken into account. Note that although some parts of the graph in FIG. 22 are hatched, the hatching does not represent a cross section.

[0112] The command generators 4A1 to 4An of the air conditioning control command generator 40 extract the air conditioning control command that minimizes the predicted energy consumption from among the air conditioning control commands that correspond to machining accuracy that falls within a predetermined target range. That is, the command generators 4A1 to 4An select the air conditioning control command that minimizes the predicted energy consumption and that minimizes the machining accuracy below the maximum allowable error, which is the maximum allowable error.

[0113] In this way, the air conditioning control command generator 40 extracts the air conditioning control command that minimizes energy consumption from among the air conditioning control commands that have processing accuracy within the target range. The outside air condition corresponding to the air conditioning control command that minimizes energy consumption is the target outside air condition in the second embodiment.

[0114] The air conditioning control command generator 40 of the second embodiment extracts an outside air condition that will result in processing accuracy within a target range, and generates an air conditioning control command corresponding to the extracted outside air condition. An example of an air conditioning control command generated by the air conditioning control command generator 40 is the air conditioning control command shown in the upper left corner of Figure 22.

[0115] The energy consumption prediction unit 50 calculates a predicted value of energy consumption based on the air conditioning control commands generated by the air conditioning control command generation unit 40. The energy consumption prediction unit 50 calculates a predicted value of energy consumption for each air conditioning control command generated by the air conditioning control command generation unit 40.

[0116] An example of a predicted value of energy consumption calculated by the energy consumption prediction unit 50 is the predicted value of energy consumption shown in the middle section on the left side of Fig. 22. The distance error (processing accuracy) at this time is the distance error shown in the lower section on the left side of Fig. 22. That is, the distance error shown in the lower section on the left side of Fig. 22 corresponds to the predicted value of energy consumption shown in the middle section on the left side of Fig. 22, and this predicted value of energy consumption corresponds to the air conditioning control command shown in the upper section on the left side of Fig. 22.

[0117] The air conditioning control command generator 40 extracts, from among the air conditioning control commands for which the processing accuracy falls within the target range, an air conditioning control command for which the distance error, which is an example of processing accuracy, is equal to or less than the maximum allowable error and for which the predicted value of energy consumption is the smallest. In other words, from among the air conditioning control commands for which the processing accuracy falls within the target range, the air conditioning control command generator 40 extracts an air conditioning control command for which energy consumption is the smallest.

[0118] The air conditioning control command that the air conditioning control command generation unit 40 sends to the energy consumption prediction unit 50 is an air conditioning control command that makes the distance error equal to or less than the maximum allowable error. Therefore, the air conditioning control command generation unit 40 obtains from the energy consumption prediction unit 50 a predicted value of energy consumption that makes the distance error equal to or less than the maximum allowable error.

[0119] The air conditioning control command generation unit 40 extracts the air conditioning control command that minimizes the predicted value of energy consumption from among the air conditioning control commands whose distance error is equal to or less than the maximum allowable error, such as the distance error shown in the lower right part of Figure 22.

[0120] The predicted value of energy consumption shown in the middle right section of Fig. 22 corresponds to the distance error shown in the lower right section of Fig. 22. Furthermore, the air conditioning control command shown in the upper right section of Fig. 22 corresponds to the predicted value of energy consumption shown in the middle right section of Fig. 22. The air conditioning control command generator 40 extracts and outputs the air conditioning control command shown in the upper right section of Fig. 22.

[0121] As described above, in the second embodiment, the control device 10B controls the air conditioner 2 using the air conditioning control command that can perform air conditioning with the lowest energy consumption among the air conditioning control commands that bring the machining accuracy within the target range. This allows the control device 10B to accurately maintain machining accuracy while preventing excessive cooling or heating by the air conditioner 2. Therefore, the control device 10B can accurately maintain machining accuracy while suppressing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0122] Embodiment 3 Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. In the third embodiment, the control device uses the thermal displacement compensation amount to compensate for the machining position of the machine tool 3, and also generates an air conditioning control command for compensating for machining errors that cannot be compensated for by the thermal displacement compensation amount.

[0123] Fig. 23 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a production system equipped with a control device according to embodiment 3. Among the components in Fig. 23, components that achieve the same functions as those in production system 1A of embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0124] Compared to the production system 1A of the first embodiment, the production system 1C of the third embodiment includes a control device 10C instead of the control device 10A. The control device 10C has the components included in the control device 10A and a thermal displacement correction amount generation unit 60. That is, the control device 10C has a thermal state prediction unit 20, a machining accuracy prediction unit 30, an air-conditioning control command generation unit 40, and a thermal displacement correction amount generation unit 60.

[0125] The control device 10C may be located inside or outside the factory. The control device 10C may be located in a position close to at least one of the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2, or may be located on a server remote from the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2. The control device 10C may be operated offline in advance, or may be operated online.

[0126] The thermal displacement correction amount generating unit 60 is connected to the machining accuracy predicting unit 30 and the air conditioning control command generating unit 40. The thermal displacement correction amount generating unit 60 receives the predicted value of machining accuracy from the machining accuracy predicting unit 30.

[0127] The thermal displacement compensation amount generation unit 60 calculates a thermal displacement compensation amount to be used when numerically controlling the machine tool 3, based on the predicted value of machining accuracy received from the machining accuracy prediction unit 30. When multiple machine tools 3 are arranged in the production system 1C, the thermal displacement compensation amount generation unit 60 calculates a thermal displacement compensation amount for each machine tool 3. The thermal displacement compensation amount calculated by the thermal displacement compensation amount generation unit 60 is used by the machine tool 3 when correcting thermal displacement.

[0128] For example, if a specific element of the machine tool 3 elongates by 10 μm in the Z-axis direction due to thermal displacement, the thermal displacement correction amount generating unit 60 calculates 10 μm in the Z-axis direction as the thermal displacement correction amount. That is, if the machining accuracy predicting unit 30 calculates an error of 10 μm in the Z-axis direction as the predicted value of machining accuracy, the thermal displacement correction amount generating unit 60 calculates 10 μm in the Z-axis direction as the thermal displacement correction amount.

[0129] The thermal displacement correction amount generating unit 60 outputs the calculated thermal displacement correction amount as a control command to the machine tool 3. In addition, the thermal displacement correction amount generating unit 60 outputs the generated thermal displacement correction amount to the air conditioning control command generating unit 40.

[0130] The machine tool 3 receives a thermal displacement compensation amount from the thermal displacement compensation amount generation unit 60. The machine tool 3 also receives a machining command V1 input from an external device such as a numerical control device. The machine tool 3 adds the thermal displacement compensation amount (for example, 10 μm in the Z-axis direction) to the coordinates indicating the control position before compensation, and performs machining on the coordinates after the addition. In other words, the machine tool 3 adds 10 μm, which is the thermal displacement compensation amount in the Z-axis direction, to the command for the Z-axis direction (Z-axis command) included in the machining command V1, and sets the coordinates after the addition as the machining position. This allows the production system 1C to obtain the desired machining results.

[0131] In the production system 1C, there are cases where the desired machining results cannot be obtained using only the thermal displacement compensation amount. That is, in the production system 1C, errors may occur in the machining accuracy even when the maximum value of the thermal displacement compensation amount is used.

[0132] Fig. 24 is a diagram for explaining the energy consumption generated by the air conditioning control for keeping the machining accuracy within a target range in the production system according to the third embodiment. In the first, second, third, and fourth graphs shown in Fig. 24, the horizontal axis represents time. In the first graph shown in Fig. 24, the vertical axis represents the air conditioning control command, and in the second graph, the vertical axis represents the thermal displacement correction amount. In addition, in the third graph shown in Fig. 24, the vertical axis represents the distance error, and in the fourth graph, the vertical axis represents the power consumption.

[0133] The four graphs on the left side of Fig. 24 are graphs when no change in air conditioning control command is applied, and the four graphs on the right side of Fig. 24 are graphs when a change in air conditioning control command is applied. Note that although some graphs in Fig. 24 are hatched, the hatching does not represent a cross section.

[0134] The air conditioning control command generating unit 40 may generate a certain air conditioning control command as shown in the first row on the left side of Fig. 24 based on the predicted value of machining accuracy received from the machining accuracy predicting unit 30. The thermal displacement correction amount generating unit 60 calculates the thermal displacement correction amount for the machine tool 3 based on the predicted value of machining accuracy received from the machining accuracy predicting unit 30. The second row on the left side of Fig. 24 shows an example of the thermal displacement correction amount calculated by the thermal displacement correction amount generating unit 60.

[0135] The thermal displacement compensation amount generation unit 60 does not calculate a thermal displacement compensation amount greater than the maximum compensation amount, because a thermal displacement compensation amount greater than the maximum compensation amount cannot be applied to the machine tool 3. The maximum compensation amount is the maximum value of the thermal displacement compensation amount that the thermal displacement compensation amount generation unit 60 can set.

[0136] Even when the machine tool 3 performs compensation with the maximum amount of thermal displacement compensation, the distance error may exceed the maximum allowable error. The third row on the left side of Fig. 24 shows an example of the distance error when the distance error exceeds the maximum allowable error.

[0137] Even if the distance error exceeds the maximum allowable error, the power consumption remains constant unless the air conditioning control command generator 40 changes the air conditioning control command. The fourth row on the left side of Figure 24 shows an example of the power consumption when the air conditioning control command generator 40 does not change the air conditioning control command.

[0138] In the third embodiment, if the distance error does not become equal to or less than the maximum allowable error even after correction with the maximum correction amount of thermal displacement correction, the air conditioning control command generator 40 changes the air conditioning control command. In the third embodiment, the thermal displacement correction amount generator 60 calculates a thermal displacement correction amount equal to or less than the maximum correction amount, as shown in the second row on the right side of Fig. 24, and the air conditioning control command generator 40 changes the air conditioning control command as shown in the first row on the right side of Fig. 24. The air conditioning control command generator 40 generates an air conditioning control command to eliminate the distance error that remains even after correction with the maximum correction amount of thermal displacement correction.

[0139] In Fig. 24, the air conditioning control command is changed to an air conditioning control command to lower the temperature, as shown in the first row on the right side of Fig. 24. This causes the distance error to become equal to or less than the maximum allowable error, as shown in the third row on the right side of Fig. 24.

[0140] The fourth row on the right side of Fig. 24 shows an example of power consumption when the air conditioning control command generator 40 changes the air conditioning control command to make the distance error equal to or less than the maximum allowable error. When the air conditioning control command generator 40 changes the air conditioning control command, power consumption (energy consumption) increases, but the distance error becomes equal to or less than the maximum allowable error.

[0141] As shown in the graph on the left side of Figure 24, when thermal displacement correction and a constant value air conditioning control command are used, the distance error also exceeds the maximum allowable error in the region where the thermal displacement correction amount exceeds the maximum correction amount.

[0142] On the other hand, in embodiment 3, as shown in the graph on the right side of Figure 24, if the distance error does not fall within the allowable error range by thermal displacement correction alone, the control device 10C changes the air conditioning control command for the time when the distance error does not fall within the allowable error range, thereby bringing the distance error below the maximum allowable error value.

[0143] If the distance error is controlled to be equal to or less than the maximum allowable error using only the air conditioning control command without thermal displacement correction, the power consumption will be greater than the energy consumption shown in the fourth row on the right side of FIG.

[0144] The air conditioning control command generator 40 generates an air conditioning control command based on a value obtained by subtracting the thermal displacement compensation amount from the machining accuracy error. For example, if the maximum thermal displacement compensation amount is 10 μm in the Z-axis direction and a specific element of the machine tool 3 elongates 15 μm in the Z-axis direction due to thermal displacement, the thermal displacement compensation amount generator 60 generates a thermal displacement compensation amount of (15 μm - 10 μm) = 5 μm in the Z-axis direction. In other words, if the machining accuracy predictor 30 calculates an error of 15 μm in the Z-axis direction as the predicted value of machining accuracy, the thermal displacement compensation amount generator 60 generates a thermal displacement compensation amount of 5 μm in the Z-axis direction.

[0145] In this way, the air conditioning control command generator 40 of the third embodiment corrects the air conditioning control command only when the amount of thermal displacement correction exceeds the maximum correction amount. This allows the control device 10C to suppress power consumption through thermal displacement correction, while keeping the machining accuracy within the target range even when the amount of thermal displacement correction exceeds the maximum correction amount.

[0146] Embodiment 4 Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 29. In the fourth embodiment, it is determined whether or not an air conditioning control command can be generated that allows the machining accuracy obtained by the machining accuracy simulation to fall within a target range.

[0147] Fig. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a production system equipped with a control device according to embodiment 4. Among the components in Fig. 25, components that achieve the same functions as those in production system 1A of embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0148] Compared to production system 1A of embodiment 1, production system 1D of embodiment 4 includes a control device 10D instead of control device 10A. Control device 10D includes the components included in control device 10A and an evaluation unit 70. That is, control device 10D includes a thermal state prediction unit 20, a processing accuracy prediction unit 30, an air-conditioning control command generation unit 40, and the evaluation unit 70.

[0149] The control device 10D may be located inside or outside the factory. The control device 10D may be located in a position close to at least one of the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2, or may be located on a server remote from the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2. The control device 10D may be operated offline in advance, or may be operated online.

[0150] In the fourth embodiment, the air conditioning control command generation unit 40 sends the determined target outdoor air condition to the evaluation unit 70. The evaluation unit 70 is connected to the air conditioning control command generation unit 40. The evaluation unit 70 receives the target outdoor air condition sent from the air conditioning control command generation unit 40. That is, the evaluation unit 70 receives from the air conditioning control command generation unit 40 the target outdoor air condition, which is the outdoor air condition determined to be within the target range for processing accuracy. The evaluation unit 70 also obtains the actual outdoor air condition in each area when the air conditioner 2 is controlled by the air conditioning control command corresponding to the target outdoor air condition sent from the air conditioning control command generation unit 40.

[0151] The evaluation unit 70 determines whether the target outdoor air condition received from the air conditioning control command generation unit 40 has been controlled to a target outdoor air condition that keeps the processing accuracy within a target range. Specifically, the evaluation unit 70 determines whether the difference between the target outdoor air condition received from the air conditioning control command generation unit 40 and the actual outdoor air condition is within an acceptable range. In other words, the evaluation unit 70 determines whether the air conditioning control command has been generated that keeps the processing accuracy within the target range.

[0152] The evaluation unit 70 determines whether or not an air conditioning control command that brings processing accuracy within a target range has been generated for each of the areas obtained by dividing the interior of the factory into multiple sections. In other words, the evaluation unit 70 determines whether or not the difference between the target outdoor air condition and the actual outdoor air condition is within an allowable range for each of the areas obtained by dividing the interior of the factory into multiple sections.

[0153] The evaluation unit 70 determines that the desired air conditioning control command cannot be generated if the difference between the target outdoor air state and the actual outdoor air state is greater than a specific value, and determines that the desired air conditioning control command can be generated if the difference between the target outdoor air state and the actual outdoor air state is equal to or less than the specific value. The evaluation unit 70 outputs an air conditioning control feasibility result W1 that indicates the determination result of whether the air conditioning control command can be generated.

[0154] For example, when a two-dimensional area such as that shown in Fig. 8 is set in a factory, the evaluation unit 70 determines whether or not air conditioning control is possible for each area shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing a first example of the determination result of whether or not air conditioning control is possible, determined by the control device according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 26 shows the determination result when the evaluation unit 70 determines whether or not air conditioning control is possible for the two-dimensional area shown in Fig. 8.

[0155] The evaluation unit 70 determines whether air conditioning control is possible for each area and registers the determination result in the air conditioning control possibility result W1. In the air conditioning control possibility result W1, "not possible" or "possible" is registered as whether air conditioning control is possible.

[0156] "Not possible" in the air conditioning control availability column indicates that the machining accuracy cannot be kept within a predetermined target range due to issues such as the air conditioning layout or the maximum output of the air conditioner 2. In other words, "Not possible" in the air conditioning control availability column indicates that an air conditioning control command cannot be generated to control the air to a target outdoor air condition that will keep the machining accuracy within the target range.

[0157] On the other hand, "Yes" in the air conditioning control availability column indicates that the processing accuracy can be kept within a predetermined target range. In other words, "Yes" in the air conditioning control availability column indicates that an air conditioning control command can be generated to control the outdoor air to a target condition that allows the processing accuracy to be kept within the target range.

[0158] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a second example of the result of the determination of whether air conditioning control is possible, determined by the control device according to embodiment 4. As shown in Fig. 27, the evaluation unit 70 may create an air conditioning control possibility result W2 that extracts only areas where the air conditioning control possibility is "not possible."

[0159] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing a third example of the result of the determination of whether air conditioning control is possible, determined by the control device according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 28, the evaluation unit 70 may extract only areas where the air conditioning control possibility is "not possible," and create an air conditioning control possibility result W3 that includes the target outside air state and the actual outside air state (actual outside air state) of the air around the machine tool 3. The target outside air state is the target outside air state set by the air conditioning control command generation unit 40, and the actual outside air state is the actual outside air state obtained from actual measurements or the like.

[0160] The evaluation unit 70 may generate an air conditioning controllability result W1 shown in FIG. 26 that includes the target outdoor air state and the actual outdoor air state for both "unavailable" and "available" air conditioning controllability, without extracting only areas where the air conditioning controllability is "unavailable." In other words, the evaluation unit 70 may include the target outdoor air state and the actual outdoor air state in the air conditioning controllability result W1 shown in FIG. 26.

[0161] Fig. 29 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the result of the determination of whether or not air conditioning control is possible, determined by the control device according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 29, the evaluation unit 70 may create an air conditioning control possibility result W4 by adding the operating status of the machine tool 3 to the air conditioning control possibility result W2. The operating status of the machine tool 3 included in the air conditioning control possibility result W4 registers the operating state of the machine tool 3.

[0162] The evaluation unit 70 may create the air conditioning controllability result W1 or W3 by adding the operating status of the machine tool 3 to the air conditioning controllability result W1 or W3. Furthermore, when automatic operation is in progress using a machining program, the evaluation unit 70 may add the number of executed lines of the machining program to the air conditioning controllability result W4.

[0163] In this way, the control device 10D of embodiment 4 determines whether or not it is possible to generate air conditioning control commands that can keep the processing accuracy within the target range, and is therefore able to output air conditioning control feasibility results W1 to W4, which are the determination results of whether or not the air conditioning control commands could be generated.

[0164] Embodiment 5 Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 30 and 31. In the fifth embodiment, the control device displays an image showing the air conditioning control feasibility result W1.

[0165] Fig. 30 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a production system equipped with a control device according to embodiment 5. Among the components in Fig. 30, components that achieve the same functions as those in production system 1D of embodiment 4 shown in Fig. 25 are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0166] Compared to the production system 1D of the fourth embodiment, the production system 1E of the fifth embodiment includes a control device 10E instead of the control device 10D. The control device 10E has the components included in the control device 10D and a display unit 80. That is, the control device 10E has a thermal state prediction unit 20, a processing accuracy prediction unit 30, an air-conditioning control command generation unit 40, an evaluation unit 70, and the display unit 80.

[0167] The control device 10E may be located inside or outside the factory. The control device 10E may be located in a position close to at least one of the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2, or may be located on a server remote from the machine tool 3 and the air conditioner 2. The control device 10E may be operated offline in advance, or may be operated online.

[0168] Display unit 80 is connected to evaluation unit 70. Evaluation unit 70 sends air conditioning control feasibility result W1, which is the evaluation result by evaluation unit 70, to display unit 80. Air conditioning control feasibility results W2 to W4 may also be sent to display unit 80.

[0169] The display unit 80 displays an air conditioning controllability image (evaluation image) G1 corresponding to the air conditioning controllability result W1. That is, the display unit 80 creates and displays the air conditioning controllability image G1 that visualizes whether or not an air conditioning control command has been generated that can control the outside air to a target state such that the processing accuracy of the processing accuracy simulation falls within a predetermined target range, for each of the areas obtained by dividing the interior of the factory into multiple sections.

[0170] The display unit 80 may display an air conditioning control possibility image corresponding to one of the air conditioning control possibility results W2 to W4. The display unit 80 may also display the air conditioning control possibility image corresponding to the air conditioning control possibility results W1 to W4 on an internal monitor provided in the control device 10E, or on an external PC (Personal Computer) or external monitor.

[0171] Furthermore, the display unit 80 may visually highlight areas where air conditioning control is "not possible" by displaying the areas where air conditioning control is "not possible" in a specific color.

[0172] Fig. 31 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning control feasibility image when a control device according to the fifth embodiment visually displays areas where air conditioning control is not possible. Of the components in Fig. 31, components that achieve the same functions as the components of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 8 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Note that although Fig. 31 shows hatched areas in the air conditioning control feasibility image G1, the hatching does not represent a cross section.

[0173] The control device 10E generates and displays an air conditioning control possibility image G1 in which a specific color is applied to areas where the air conditioning control possibility is "not possible." Figure 31 shows the air conditioning control possibility image G1 in which a specific color is applied to a rectangular area Fa where the column direction area aA and the row direction area a1 overlap, and a rectangular area Fb where the column direction area aD and the row direction area a1 overlap.

[0174] In this way, the control device 10E of embodiment 5 displays the air conditioning control feasibility image Z1 corresponding to the air conditioning control feasibility result W1, so that the user can easily check whether or not an air conditioning control command has been generated that can keep the processing accuracy within the target range.

[0175] Here, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the control devices 10A to 10E according to the first to fifth embodiments. The control devices 10A to 10E are realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor and memory that executes a program stored in a memory, or may be dedicated hardware.

[0176] 32 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a processing circuit when the processing circuit included in the control device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments is realized by a processor and a memory. A processing circuit 90 illustrated in FIG.

[0177] When the processing circuit 90 is configured with a processor 91 and a memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a data processing program and stored in the memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the data processing program stored in the memory 92. That is, the processing circuit 90 includes the memory 92 for storing a data processing program that results in the processing of the control devices 10A to 10E. This data processing program can also be said to be a program that causes the control devices 10A to 10E to execute each function realized by the processing circuit 90. This data processing program may be provided by a storage medium on which the data processing program is stored, or by other means such as a communication medium.

[0178] Here, the processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. Furthermore, the memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically EPROM), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0179] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing circuit provided in the control device according to the first to fifth embodiments, configured with dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 93 illustrated in FIG. 33 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processing circuit 93 may be partially implemented with dedicated hardware and partially implemented with software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit 93 can realize each of the above-described functions by dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0180] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1A to 1E production system, 2, 2-1 to 2-n air conditioner, 3 machine tool, 4 workpiece, 4A1 to 4An command generation unit, 10A to 10E control device, 20 thermal state prediction unit, 30 machining accuracy prediction unit, 40 air conditioning control command generation unit, 41 target outside air condition determination unit, 50 energy consumption prediction unit, 51 power consumption prediction unit, 52 integration unit, 60 thermal displacement correction amount generation unit, 70 evaluation unit, 80 display unit, 90, 93 processing circuit, 91 processor, 92 memory, 100 factory, CeA, CeB, eA, eB element, Dc dimensional tolerance, Fa, Fb rectangular area, G1 air conditioning control feasibility image, Gc geometric tolerance, P1 to P4 machining position, PT1 to PTn outside air condition, QX, QY thermal state, R1 to Rn Machining accuracy, Rc command path, Rr actual path, T1~T3 time, V1 machining command, W1~W4 air conditioning control result, a1~a3 row direction area, aA~aD column direction area, b1~b3 height direction area, dL11, dL21 machining accuracy, q1A, q1B, q2A, q2B, q3A, q3B heat generation.

Claims

1. a thermal state prediction unit that predicts a thermal state of at least one machine tool that is a prediction target, the machine tool being installed in a factory where air conditioning is managed, based on a machining command applied to the machine tool; a machining accuracy prediction unit that generates a plurality of virtual outside air conditions, which are virtual states of the air around the machine tool, and calculates a simulation result by executing a machining accuracy simulation for predicting the machining accuracy of the machining by the machine tool for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air conditions; a control command generating unit that generates a control command for controlling at least one air conditioning facility that performs air conditioning inside the factory based on a result of the simulation; Equipped with A control device comprising:

2. The control command generation unit extracting a machining accuracy within a target range from the machining accuracy included in the simulation result, and generating the control command for bringing the condition around the machine tool closer to a target outside air condition, which is the virtual outside air condition corresponding to the extracted machining accuracy. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. The processing accuracy prediction unit a plurality of virtual outside air conditions are generated for each of the areas obtained by dividing the inside of the factory into a plurality of sections, and the machining accuracy simulation is executed for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air conditions for each of the areas; The control command generation unit generating the control command so that the machining accuracy falls within the target range in all of the areas; 3. The control device according to claim 2.

4. and an energy consumption prediction unit that predicts, based on the control command, energy consumption of the air conditioning equipment when the air conditioning equipment is controlled to achieve the target outdoor air state. The control command generation unit generating a control command that minimizes the energy consumption; 4. The control device according to claim 3.

5. The machining accuracy is at least one of the accuracy of a machining path when the machine tool machines a workpiece, the accuracy of a dimension of the workpiece after machining, the accuracy of a shape of the workpiece after machining, and the accuracy of a surface roughness of the workpiece after machining. The control device according to claim 1 .

6. a thermal displacement correction amount calculation unit that calculates a thermal displacement correction amount for correcting the thermal displacement of the machine tool based on the machining accuracy, the thermal displacement compensation amount calculation unit compensates for thermal displacement of the machine tool using the thermal displacement compensation amount; the control command generating unit generates the control command based on the machining accuracy and the thermal displacement compensation amount.

6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control unit.

7. and an evaluation unit that determines whether a difference between an actual outdoor air state in the area when the air conditioning equipment is controlled by the control command and the target outdoor air state corresponding to the control command is within an allowable range.

4. The control device according to claim 3.

8. Further comprising a display unit that displays an image corresponding to the evaluation result by the evaluation unit. The control device according to claim 7 .

9. At least one machine tool to be a prediction target installed inside a factory where air conditioning is controlled; At least one air conditioning system for conditioning the interior of the factory; A control device for controlling the air conditioning equipment; having The control device includes: a thermal state prediction unit that predicts a thermal state of the machine tool based on a machining command applied to the machine tool; a machining accuracy prediction unit that generates a plurality of virtual outside air conditions, which are virtual states of the air around the machine tool, and calculates a simulation result by executing a machining accuracy simulation for predicting the machining accuracy of the machining by the machine tool for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air conditions; a control command generating unit that generates a control command for controlling the air conditioning equipment based on the simulation result; Equipped with A production system comprising:

10. a thermal state prediction step in which the control device predicts a thermal state of at least one machine tool to be predicted based on a machining command applied to the machine tool, the machine tool being installed inside a factory where air conditioning is managed; a machining accuracy prediction step in which the control device generates a plurality of virtual outside air conditions, which are virtual states of the air around the machine tool, and executes a machining accuracy simulation for predicting the machining accuracy of the machining by the machine tool for each combination of the thermal state and the virtual outside air conditions to calculate a simulation result; a control command generating step of generating, by the control device, a control command for controlling at least one air conditioning facility that performs air conditioning inside the factory based on a result of the simulation; Including, A control method comprising:

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