Machining program management device, plate material processing system, machining program management method, and machining program management program

Abstract

The processing program management device (2) includes a scheduling unit (21) that reads in a processing program to be executed in the processing control of each of a plurality of plate materials and executes a schedule for sending out the plurality of processing programs in the processing order of the plurality of plate materials; a loading height prediction unit (22) that predicts the amount of bending of the processed plate material based on the processing program and predicts the loading height, which is the height of the entire load when the processed plate materials are loaded, by calculation incorporating the predicted amount of bending; and an identification unit (30) that identifies which of the plurality of processing programs is executed when the loading height will reach the upper limit of the possible loading height, based on the loading height prediction result.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machining program management device, a plate material machining system, a machining program management method, and a machining program management program that executes scheduling to send out a plurality of machining programs in a machining order. [Background technology]

[0002] In a system for processing plate materials, processed plate materials are loaded onto a loading area, and when the loading area is fully loaded, the loaded processed plate materials are sometimes transported together. For example, when processed plate materials are loaded onto a loading pallet placed at the loading area, it is possible to prepare an empty loading pallet to be placed at the loading area next by predicting when the loading pallet will be fully loaded. In this case, it is possible to smoothly exchange a fully loaded loading pallet for an empty loading pallet, thereby reducing stagnation of processing.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a system that obtains information indicating the dimensions of the plate material before processing from a processing program and calculates the loading height based on the dimensions of the plate material, thereby predicting whether a loading pallet will be fully loaded. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-170147 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The processed plate material may bend from its pre-processed state. Therefore, if the loading height is calculated based on the dimensions of the plate material before processing, the loaded plate material may be bent, and the result of predicting the time when the plate material will be fully loaded may be significantly different from the actual state. Thus, according to the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it may be difficult to accurately predict when the processed plate material will be fully loaded.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to provide a machining program management device that can accurately predict when a machined plate will be fully loaded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the processing program management device of the present disclosure includes a scheduling unit that reads in the processing control of each of a plurality of plate materials and executes a schedule to send out the plurality of processing programs in the processing order of the plurality of plate materials, a loading height prediction unit that predicts the amount of bending of the plate material after processing based on the processing program and predicts the loading height, which is the height of the entire load when the processed plate materials are loaded, by calculation incorporating the predicted amount of bending, and an identification unit that identifies which of the plurality of processing programs is executed when the loading height will reach the upper limit of the possible loading height, based on the loading height prediction result. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The machining program management device according to the present disclosure has the effect of being able to accurately predict when the machined workpieces will be fully loaded. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a plate processing system according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining loading of processed plate materials in the plate material processing system according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a machining program management device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a first diagram for explaining prediction of a bending amount by a stacking height prediction unit of a machining program management device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining prediction of the amount of bending by the stacking height prediction unit of the machining program management device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of a machining program management device when a machining program is specified in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of a machining program management device when a machining program is specified in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a first adjustment coefficient and a second adjustment coefficient used in predicting a stacking height by a stacking height predicting unit of the machining program management device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of information used for predicting a stacking height by a stacking height predicting unit of the machining program management device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a predicted value of a stacking height calculated by a stacking height prediction unit of the machining program management device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 11] A flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the plate material processing system when correcting the adjustment coefficient in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing examples of a first adjustment coefficient and a second adjustment coefficient used when recalculating a predicted value of a stack height by an adjustment coefficient correction unit of the machining program management device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a predicted value of a stack height recalculated by an adjustment coefficient correction unit of the machining program management device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of determining a post-correction adjustment coefficient by an adjustment coefficient correction unit of the machining program management device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control circuit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a hardware circuit according to a first embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A machining program management device, a workpiece machining system, a machining program management method, and a machining program management program according to embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a plate material processing system 1 according to embodiment 1. The plate material processing system 1 is a system that processes plate material, which is a flat material. The plate material processing system 1 includes a processing program management device 2, a plate material processing machine 3, a supply device 6, a sorting device 7, a fork device 8, and a loading device 9.

[0012] The plate processing machine 3 is a processing machine that processes plate materials. The plate processing machine 3 includes a numerical control (NC) device 4 and a processing unit 5. The NC device 4 is a computer that controls the processing unit 5. The processing unit 5 processes the plate materials according to commands from the NC device 4. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the processing unit 5 performs processing to cut out a portion to be a processed product from the plate material. Here, the processed product is a piece cut out from the plate material by processing. There are cases where one processed product is cut out from one plate material, and cases where two or more processed products are cut out. It should be noted that the processing performed by the processing unit 5 is not limited to the example shown here. In FIG. 1, the outline arrows represent the transfer of the plate material or the processed product. In FIG. 1, the line arrows represent the transmission of information.

[0013] The machining program management device 2 sends out a machining program to the NC device 4. The machining program is executed in the machining control of each of the multiple plate materials. The machining program management device 2 manages the multiple machining programs by executing a schedule to send out the multiple machining programs in the machining order of the multiple plate materials. The NC device 4 receives the machining program sent out from the machining program management device 2 and controls the machining of the plate materials according to the received machining program. The NC device 4 sequentially executes the machining program corresponding to each of the multiple plate materials to be machined. The NC device 4 executes one machining program for one plate material. When machining is repeated when the material and thickness of the plate materials are all the same and the shape of the machined product is also the same, one machining program may be repeatedly executed in the NC device 4.

[0014] The supply device 6 supplies the plate material to the processing section 5. The metal plate 11 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of the plate material. The metal plate 11 is placed on a processing pallet 12 and supplied to the processing section 5. When processing in the processing section 5 is completed, the processed product is removed from the processing section 5. After processing, that is, after the processed product has been cut off, the plate material is removed from the processing section 5 together with the processed product. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the metal pieces 13A and 13B, which are the processed product, and the metal plate 14 after the processed product has been cut off are placed on the processing pallet 12 and removed from the processing section 5.

[0015] The sorting device 7 separates the processed products from the plate materials remaining after the processed products have been cut. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the sorting device 7 separates the metal pieces 13A, 13B from the metal plate 14 by removing the metal pieces 13A, 13B from the processing pallet 12. As a result of sorting by the sorting device 7, the metal plate 14 is left on the processing pallet 12.

[0016] The fork device 8 operates two forks 8A, 8B to scoop up the metal plates 14 from the processing pallet 12 after the processed products have been removed. The fork device 8 transfers the metal plates 14 to the loading device 9. The metal plates 14, which are plate materials after processing by the plate material processing machine 3, are loaded onto the loading device 9. When the loading device 9 is fully loaded with multiple metal plates 14, the loading device 9 issues a warning indicating that the loading device 9 is fully loaded.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the loading of processed plate materials in the plate material processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 2, the left side of the white arrow shows a state when metal plates 14 are loaded on the loading device 9. In Fig. 2, the right side of the white arrow shows a state when multiple loaded metal plates 14 are removed from the loading device 9 for transportation. As an example, a loading pallet is installed on the loading device 9. Multiple metal plates 14 are loaded on the loading pallet and transported together with the loading pallet. The loading pallet is not shown in Fig. 2.

[0018] The loading device 9 includes a height sensor 15. The height sensor 15 is installed at a position of the upper limit of the loading height. The height sensor 15 detects whether the loading height has reached the position of the height sensor 15. The loading height is the height of the entire load, which is the multiple metal plates 14 loaded on the loading device 9. When the loading height reaches the position of the height sensor 15, the loading device 9 issues a warning indicating that the device is fully loaded. By interrupting the loading of the metal plates 14 due to the warning, problems caused by the metal plates 14 being loaded beyond the fully loaded state, such as the metal plates 14 falling from the loading pallet or the collapse of the load, are prevented. Furthermore, damage to the device, etc. due to the falling of the metal plates 14, or errors caused by the fallen metal plates 14 interfering with the transfer of the loading pallet, are prevented.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the metal plate 14 is transferred with the metal plate 14 placed on each of the forks 8A and 8B of the fork device 8. The fork device 8 operates the forks 8A and 8B in directions away from each other above the loading device 9. When the forks 8A and 8B move away from each other to a certain extent, the weight of the metal plate 14 causes the metal plate 14 to slide off the forks 8A and 8B. As a result, the metal plate 14 falls onto the loading device 9. In this way, each of the multiple metal plates 14 is loaded onto the loading device 9. When the metal plate 14 slides off the forks 8A and 8B, the metal plate 14 bends downward, which may cause the metal plate 14 to bend as shown in FIG. 2.

[0020] The machining program management device 2 shown in FIG. 1 predicts the timing when the plate materials after processing will be fully loaded. The machining program management device 2 identifies the plate materials to be loaded last when the plate materials after processing will be fully loaded, and identifies the machining program to be executed when processing the plate materials to be loaded last. Hereinafter, such a machining program is referred to as the machining program when the plate materials after processing will be fully loaded. The machining program management device 2 identifies the machining program when the plate materials after processing will be fully loaded, and outputs information indicating the identified machining program. In the plate material processing system 1, for example, the arrangement of equipment used to transport the loaded pallet in the fully loaded state, or the preparation of an empty loaded pallet, etc. are appropriately performed based on the information output by the machining program management device 2. It should be noted that the output destination of the information indicating the identified machining program is not particularly limited.

[0021] The plate materials loaded in the loading device 9 are, for example, scraps left over from processing. In addition, the plate materials loaded in the loading device 9 may be plate materials in the process of processing. In other words, the plate materials loaded in the loading device 9 may be plate materials that will be further processed after loading. In the first embodiment, "after processing" refers to after processing in the processing section 5. In the first embodiment, the plate materials after processing include not only scraps that have completed their role as targets for processing, but also plate materials that will be targets for further processing.

[0022] Next, a configuration of the machining program management device 2 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the machining program management device 2 according to the first embodiment. The machining program management device 2 includes a scheduling unit 21, a loading height prediction unit 22, a first adjustment unit 23, a second adjustment unit 24, a first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25, a second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26, a data storage unit 27, an adjustment coefficient correction unit 28, a loading weight prediction unit 29, and an identification unit 30.

[0023] The machining program management device 2 acquires a machining program created by an external device or system of the plate material processing system 1, such as a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) device or a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) / CAM system. The machining program management device 2 acquires a plurality of machining programs. The plurality of machining programs differ from each other in at least one of the material of the plate material to be processed, the thickness of the plate material to be processed, and the shape of the processed product.

[0024] The scheduling unit 21 reads a machining program to be executed in the machining control of each of the multiple plate materials. The scheduling unit 21 also executes a schedule to send out the multiple machining programs in the machining order of the multiple plate materials. The scheduling unit 21 sends out the multiple machining programs to the NC device 4 in the machining order.

[0025] The loading height prediction unit 22 acquires the processing program from the scheduling unit 21. The loading height prediction unit 22 predicts the amount of bending of the processed plate material based on the processing program. The loading height prediction unit 22 calculates the sum of the thickness and the amount of bending of the processed plate material, and predicts the loading height by adding up the sums of the plate material thickness and the amount of bending of each loaded plate material. In this way, the loading height prediction unit 22 predicts the amount of bending of the processed plate material based on the processing program, and predicts the loading height, which is the height of the entire load when the processed plate material is loaded on the loading device 9, by a calculation incorporating the predicted value of the amount of bending. The loading height prediction unit 22 outputs information indicating the predicted loading height to the identification unit 30.

[0026] The stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates a predicted value of the amount of bending based on a yield rate, which is a ratio of a portion of the plate material before processing that is used for a processed product. The stacking height prediction unit 22 also calculates a predicted value of the amount of bending based on an aspect ratio of the outline of the plate material before processing.

[0027] Here, there will be described a method for predicting the amount of bowing by the stacking height predicting unit 22. The stacking height predicting unit 22 can predict the amount of bowing based on at least one of the yield rate and the aspect ratio.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a first diagram for explaining prediction of the amount of bending by the stacking height prediction unit 22 of the machining program management device 2 according to the embodiment 1. Fig. 4 shows two metal plates 14A and 14B as examples of the processed metal plate 14. The yield rate is defined as the ratio of the area of ​​the processed product to the area of ​​the plate material before machining.

[0029] For example, the area of ​​the processed metal plate 14A corresponds to 80% of the area of ​​the metal plate 11 before processing. In this case, 20% of the metal plate 11 before processing is used in the processed product, and the yield rate is 20%. The area of ​​the processed metal plate 14B corresponds to 30% of the area of ​​the metal plate 11 before processing. In this case, 70% of the metal plate 11 before processing is used in the processed product, and the yield rate is 70%. Since the area of ​​the processed plate material is smaller as the yield rate is higher, the processed plate material is more likely to bend when subjected to an external force as the yield rate is higher. In other words, the higher the yield rate, the larger the amount of bending of the processed plate material. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the metal plate 14B has a higher yield rate than the metal plate 14A. If metal plate 14A and metal plate 14B are made of the same material, have the same thickness, and have the same aspect ratio of their outer shapes, metal plate 14B will bend more than metal plate 14A.

[0030] In this way, since the amount of bending of the processed plate material varies depending on the yield rate, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the predicted value of the amount of bending by a calculation incorporating the yield rate. That is, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the predicted value of the amount of bending based on the yield rate.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a second diagram for explaining prediction of the amount of bending by the stacking height prediction unit 22 of the machining program management device 2 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows two metal plates 11A and 11B which are examples of the metal plate 11 before machining. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the vertical length of the plate material to the horizontal length of the plate material. The vertical length of the metal plates 11A and 11B is L, and the horizontal length of the metal plates 11A and 11B is d.

[0032] Here, the direction in which the two forks 8A and 8B of the fork device 8 face each other when they scoop up the metal plate 14, which is the processed metal plates 11A and 11B, is defined as the vertical direction. One end of the metal plate 14 in the vertical direction is placed on the fork 8A. The other end of the metal plate 14 in the vertical direction is placed on the fork 8B. For reference, FIG. 5 shows the forks 8A and 8B when the metal plates 11A and 11B are scooped up by the forks 8A and 8B after processing. In FIG. 5, the double-headed arrows next to each of the forks 8A and 8B indicate the direction in which each of the forks 8A and 8B operates. The direction in which the two forks 8A and 8B face each other is the same as the direction in which each of the forks 8A and 8B operates. The horizontal direction is a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the thickness direction of the metal plates 11A and 11B.

[0033] As an example, the vertical length of metal plate 11A is 1500 mm, and the horizontal length of metal plate 11A is 750 mm. In this case, the aspect ratio of the outer shape of metal plate 11A is 1500 mm / 750 mm=2.0. Also, the vertical length of metal plate 11B is 1500 mm, and the horizontal length of metal plate 11B is 1500 mm. In this case, the aspect ratio of the outer shape of metal plate 11B is 1500 mm / 1500 mm=1.0.

[0034] The larger the aspect ratio of the metal plate 14, the more easily the metal plate 14 bends due to an external force received when the metal plate 14 slides off the forks 8A and 8B. In other words, the larger the aspect ratio, the greater the amount of bending of the plate material after processing. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the aspect ratio of the metal plate 11A is greater than that of the metal plate 11B. If the metal plates 11A and 11B are made of the same material, have the same thickness, and have the same yield rate, the metal plate 11A will bend more than the metal plate 11B.

[0035] In this way, since the amount of bending of the plate material after processing varies depending on the aspect ratio of the plate material, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the predicted amount of bending by a calculation that incorporates the aspect ratio of the plate material before processing. In other words, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the predicted amount of bending based on the aspect ratio.

[0036] When predicting the amount of bending based on the yield rate, the stacking height prediction unit 22 acquires information indicating the yield rate from the processing program. The relationship between the yield rate and the amount of bending is determined in advance, and the stacking height prediction unit 22 stores information indicating the relationship. The information indicating the relationship between the yield rate and the amount of bending is, for example, a table indicating the correspondence between several values ​​indicating the yield rate and the values ​​of the amount of bending corresponding to each value indicating the yield rate. In addition, the information indicating the relationship between the yield rate and the amount of bending may be information indicating a formula for calculating the amount of bending from the yield rate. The stacking height prediction unit 22 obtains a predicted value of the amount of bending based on the information indicating the yield rate included in the processing program and the relationship between the yield rate and the amount of bending.

[0037] When predicting the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio, the loading height prediction unit 22 calculates the aspect ratio from information included in the processing program. The relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending is determined in advance, and the loading height prediction unit 22 stores information indicating the relationship. The information indicating the relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending is, for example, a table indicating the correspondence between several values ​​indicating the aspect ratio and the value of the amount of bending corresponding to each value indicating the aspect ratio. In addition, the information indicating the relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending may be information indicating a formula for calculating the amount of bending from the aspect ratio. The loading height prediction unit 22 obtains a predicted value of the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio calculated from the information included in the processing program and the relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending.

[0038] The stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch whether to incorporate the yield rate into the calculation of the predicted value of the amount of bending. Also, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch whether to incorporate the aspect ratio into the calculation of the predicted value of the amount of bending. This allows the stacking height prediction unit 22 to predict the amount of bending based on at least one of the yield rate and the aspect ratio. The stacking height prediction unit 22 can predict the amount of bending by selecting one of a calculation that incorporates the yield rate and the aspect ratio, a calculation that incorporates only the yield rate, and a calculation that incorporates only the aspect ratio.

[0039] The stacking height prediction unit 22 predicts the amount of bending based on at least one of the yield rate and the aspect ratio, and calculates the stacking height based on the thickness of the plate material before processing and the predicted amount of bending. The stacking height prediction unit 22 predicts the stacking height taking into account the amount of bending of the plate material after processing, thereby making it possible to accurately predict the stacking height. Note that the stacking height prediction unit 22 may assume that there is no amount of bending of the plate material after processing, and predict the stacking height based only on the thickness of the plate material before processing.

[0040] The stacking height prediction unit 22 may use an adjustment coefficient to adjust the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the yield rate and the relationship between the yield rate and the amount of bending. Hereinafter, the adjustment coefficient for adjusting the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the yield rate is referred to as a first adjustment coefficient. The first adjustment coefficient is associated with at least one of the thickness of the plate material and the material of the plate material. The stacking height prediction unit 22 may calculate the predicted value of the amount of bending by adjusting the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the yield rate using the first adjustment coefficient. Hereinafter, the first adjustment coefficient is associated with both the thickness of the plate material and the material of the plate material.

[0041] The first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25 stores a plurality of first adjustment coefficients. Each first adjustment coefficient stored in the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25 is associated with information indicating the thickness of the plate material and information indicating the material of the plate material.

[0042] The first adjustment unit 23 reads out information indicating the thickness of the plate material and information indicating the material of the plate material from the processing program acquired by the loading height prediction unit 22 from the scheduling unit 21. The first adjustment unit 23 reads out a first adjustment coefficient associated with the same information as the read out information from the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25. The first adjustment unit 23 passes the read out first adjustment coefficient to the loading height prediction unit 22. The loading height prediction unit 22 adjusts the value of the amount of bending using the first adjustment coefficient obtained from the first adjustment unit 23. The thicker the plate material is, the harder it is to bend, and the thinner the plate material is, the easier it is to bend. In addition, the greater the specific gravity of the plate material, the harder it is to bend, and the smaller the specific gravity of the plate material, the easier it is to bend. The loading height prediction unit 22 adjusts the value of the amount of bending using the first adjustment coefficient according to the thickness and material of the plate material, thereby obtaining an accurate predicted value of the amount of bending.

[0043] The loading height prediction unit 22 may use an adjustment coefficient to adjust the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio and the relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending. Hereinafter, the adjustment coefficient for adjusting the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio is referred to as a second adjustment coefficient. The second adjustment coefficient is associated with at least one of the thickness of the plate material and the material of the plate material. The loading height prediction unit 22 may calculate the predicted value of the amount of bending by adjusting the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio using the second adjustment coefficient. Hereinafter, the second adjustment coefficient is associated with both the thickness of the plate material and the material of the plate material.

[0044] The second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26 stores a plurality of second adjustment coefficients. Each second adjustment coefficient stored in the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26 is associated with information indicating the thickness of the plate material and information indicating the material of the plate material.

[0045] The second adjustment unit 24 reads out information indicating the thickness of the plate material and information indicating the material of the plate material from the processing program acquired by the stacking height prediction unit 22 from the scheduling unit 21. The second adjustment unit 24 reads out a second adjustment coefficient associated with the same information as the read-out information from the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26. The second adjustment unit 24 passes the read-out second adjustment coefficient to the stacking height prediction unit 22. The stacking height prediction unit 22 adjusts the value of the amount of bending using the second adjustment coefficient obtained from the second adjustment unit 24. The stacking height prediction unit 22 adjusts the value of the amount of bending using the second adjustment coefficient according to the thickness and material of the plate material, thereby obtaining an accurate predicted value of the amount of bending.

[0046] When predicting the amount of bending based on the yield rate, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch whether or not to perform adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient. That is, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch whether or not to adjust the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the yield rate using the first adjustment coefficient.

[0047] When predicting the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio, the loading height prediction unit 22 can switch whether or not to perform adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient. That is, the loading height prediction unit 22 can switch whether or not to adjust the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio using the second adjustment coefficient.

[0048] The load weight prediction unit 29 acquires the processing program from the scheduling unit 21. The load weight prediction unit 29 predicts the load weight, which is the weight of the entire load when the processed plate materials are loaded. The load weight prediction unit 29 predicts the weight of the processed plate materials based on the processing program, and predicts the load weight by summing up the weights of each loaded plate material. The load weight prediction unit 29 outputs information indicating the predicted load weight to the identification unit 30.

[0049] Information indicating the loading height predicted by the loading height prediction unit 22 is input to the identification unit 30. The identification unit 30 identifies, based on the result of the prediction of the loading height, which of the multiple processing programs is executed when the loading height reaches the upper limit of the loadable height. Alternatively, information indicating the loading weight predicted by the loading weight prediction unit 29 is input to the identification unit 30. The identification unit 30 identifies, based on the result of the prediction of the loading weight, which of the multiple processing programs is executed when the loading weight reaches the upper limit of the loadable weight.

[0050] The machining program management device 2 can switch between predicting the loading height by the loading height prediction unit 22 and predicting the loading weight by the loading weight prediction unit 29. The machining program management device 2 specifies the machining program when the plate material after processing is fully loaded by predicting the loading height or by predicting the loading weight.

[0051] When the processing program when the processed plate materials are fully loaded is specified by predicting the loading height, the specifying unit 30 specifies the processing program when the loading height reaches the upper limit based on the predicted loading height. When the processing program when the processed plate materials are fully loaded is specified by predicting the loading weight, the specifying unit 30 specifies the processing program when the loading weight reaches the upper limit based on the predicted loading weight.

[0052] The data holding unit 27 holds data used in the calculation by the loading height prediction unit 22 and data obtained by the calculation by the loading height prediction unit 22. Hereinafter, the data held by the data holding unit 27 will be referred to as performance data. Details of the performance data will be described later.

[0053] The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 corrects the adjustment coefficient based on the error between the predicted stacking height and the actual stacking height. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 corrects at least one of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient. Here, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 corrects both the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient.

[0054] The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out the performance data from the data storage unit 27. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 acquires information indicating the processing program identified based on the prediction result of the stacking height from the identification unit 30. In addition, when the stacking height actually reaches the upper limit, the identification unit 30 identifies the processing program when the stacking height actually reaches the upper limit. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 acquires information indicating the processing program when the stacking height actually reaches the upper limit from the identification unit 30. A method of correcting the adjustment coefficient by the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 will be described later. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 stores the corrected first adjustment coefficient in the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 stores the corrected second adjustment coefficient in the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26.

[0055] Next, an operation procedure of the machining program management device 2 when specifying a machining program when the workpieces after machining are fully loaded will be described. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of an operation procedure of the machining program management device 2 when specifying a machining program in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the workpieces before machining are referred to as materials. Moreover, the workpieces after machining are regarded as scraps.

[0056] 6, the scheduling unit 21 reads a machining program to be executed in the machining control of each of a plurality of plate materials. The scheduling unit 21 sequentially reads the plurality of machining programs.

[0057] In step S2, the scheduling unit 21 judges whether to specify a processing program by predicting the loading height. When the selection is made to specify the processing program when the loaded pallet is in a fully loaded state by predicting the loading height out of predicting the loading height and predicting the loading weight, the scheduling unit 21 judges to specify the processing program by predicting the loading height.

[0058] When the machining program is identified by predicting the stacking height (step S2, Yes), the machining program management device 2 advances the procedure to step S3. On the other hand, when the machining program is not identified by predicting the stacking height (step S2, No), the machining program management device 2 advances the procedure to step S16 shown in FIG.

[0059] When the scheduling unit 21 determines that a processing program is to be specified by predicting the stacking height, it instructs the stacking height prediction unit 22 to predict the stacking height. In step S3, the stacking height prediction unit 22 acquires material information and processing information from the processing program. The stacking height prediction unit 22 selects a processing program to be subjected to prediction of the amount of bending from among a series of processing programs executed in processing order. When selecting a processing program for the first time after starting the process of specifying a processing program by predicting the stacking height, the stacking height prediction unit 22 selects the processing program to be executed first from among the series of processing programs.

[0060] The stacking height prediction unit 22 acquires the selected processing program from the scheduling unit 21, and acquires material information and processing information from the acquired processing program. The material information is information about the material included in the processing program. The stacking height prediction unit 22 acquires, as the material information, information indicating each of the length, width, thickness, quality, and specific gravity of the material. The length of the material is the length of the material in the vertical direction. The width of the material is the length of the material in the horizontal direction. The processing information is information about processing. The stacking height prediction unit 22 acquires, as the processing information, information indicating the yield rate.

[0061] In step S4, the stacking height prediction unit 22 judges whether or not to predict the amount of bend in the scrap based on the yield rate. When a prediction based on the yield rate is selected as a prediction of the amount of bend, the stacking height prediction unit 22 judges to predict the amount of bend in the scrap based on the yield rate. When the amount of bend in the scrap is predicted based on the yield rate (step S4, Yes), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, when the amount of bend in the scrap is not predicted based on the yield rate (step S4, No), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S7.

[0062] In step S5, the stacking height prediction unit 22 judges whether or not to perform adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient. When it is selected to adjust the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the yield rate using the first adjustment coefficient, the stacking height prediction unit 22 judges to perform adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient. When adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient is to be performed (step S5, Yes), the processing program management device 2 advances the procedure to step S6. In this case, the stacking height prediction unit 22 requests the first adjustment unit 23 to read out the first adjustment coefficient. On the other hand, when adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient is not to be performed (step S5, No), the processing program management device 2 advances the procedure to step S7.

[0063] In step S6, the first adjustment unit 23 reads out a first adjustment coefficient in response to a request from the stacking height prediction unit 22. The first adjustment unit 23 acquires information indicating the thickness of the material and information indicating the material quality of the material from among the material information acquired by the stacking height prediction unit 22. The first adjustment unit 23 searches for a first adjustment coefficient associated with the same information as the read information from among the multiple first adjustment coefficients stored in the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25. The first adjustment unit 23 reads out a first adjustment coefficient associated with the same information as the read information from the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25. The first adjustment unit 23 passes the read out first adjustment coefficient to the stacking height prediction unit 22.

[0064] In step S7, the loading height prediction unit 22 judges whether or not to predict the amount of bending of the scrap based on the aspect ratio of the material. When a prediction based on the aspect ratio is selected as a prediction of the amount of bending, the loading height prediction unit 22 judges to predict the amount of bending of the scrap based on the aspect ratio of the material. When predicting the amount of bending of the scrap based on the aspect ratio of the material (step S7, Yes), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, when predicting the amount of bending of the scrap based on the aspect ratio of the material is not performed (step S7, No), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S11.

[0065] In step S8, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the aspect ratio of the material. The stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the aspect ratio of the material based on the length and width of the material indicated in the material information acquired by the stacking height prediction unit 22.

[0066] In step S9, the loading height prediction unit 22 judges whether or not to perform adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient. When it is selected to adjust the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio using the second adjustment coefficient, the loading height prediction unit 22 judges to perform adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient. When adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient is to be performed (step S9, Yes), the processing program management device 2 advances the procedure to step S10. In this case, the loading height prediction unit 22 requests the second adjustment unit 24 to read the second adjustment coefficient. On the other hand, when adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient is not to be performed (step S9, No), the processing program management device 2 advances the procedure to step S11.

[0067] In step S10, the second adjustment unit 24 reads out the second adjustment coefficient in response to a request from the stacking height prediction unit 22. The second adjustment unit 24 acquires information indicating the thickness of the material and information indicating the material quality of the material from among the material information acquired by the stacking height prediction unit 22. The second adjustment unit 24 searches for a second adjustment coefficient associated with the same information as the read information from among the multiple second adjustment coefficients stored in the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26. The second adjustment unit 24 reads out the second adjustment coefficient associated with the same information as the read information from the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26. The second adjustment unit 24 passes the read out second adjustment coefficient to the stacking height prediction unit 22.

[0068] In step S11, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates a predicted value of the amount of bending of the scrap material. When predicting the amount of bending based on the yield rate, the stacking height prediction unit 22 obtains a predicted value of the amount of bending based on the yield rate based on the yield rate indicated in the processing information and information indicating the relationship between the yield rate and the amount of bending. Here, the information indicating the relationship between the yield rate and the amount of bending is information indicating the relationship between the yield rate and the amount of bending coefficient. The amount of bending coefficient is a coefficient for obtaining the amount of bending. The product of the thickness of the material and the amount of bending coefficient is the predicted value of the amount of bending. The stacking height prediction unit 22 obtains the amount of bending coefficient based on the yield rate and information indicating the relationship between the yield rate and the amount of bending coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 obtains the predicted value of the amount of bending based on the yield rate by multiplying the value of the thickness of the material by the obtained amount of bending coefficient.

[0069] When predicting the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio, the stacking height prediction unit 22 obtains a predicted value of the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio based on the aspect ratio calculated in step S8 and information indicating the relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending. Here, the information indicating the relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending is information indicating the relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 obtains a bending amount coefficient based on the aspect ratio and information indicating the relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 obtains a predicted value of the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio by multiplying the thickness value of the material by the obtained bending amount coefficient.

[0070] The stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates a predicted value of the height of one scrap piece P by, for example, the following formula (1): h Calculate P h is expressed by equation (1), which shows the sum of the material thickness and the predicted amount of bending of the end material. P h =T×{1+(b yr ×C 1 )+(b ar ×C 2 )} ···(1)

[0071] In formula (1), T is the thickness of the material, b yr is the bending coefficient for determining the bending amount based on the yield rate, b ar is the bending coefficient for calculating the bending amount based on the aspect ratio, C 1 is the first variable, and C 2 represents the second variable.

[0072] The first variable is a variable related to the adjustment of the amount of bending based on the yield rate. If it is determined in step S5 that the adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient is to be performed, the stacking height prediction unit 22 substitutes the first adjustment coefficient read out in step S6 into the first variable. If it is determined in step S5 that the adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient is not to be performed, the stacking height prediction unit 22 substitutes a preset value of 1.0 into the first variable. If it is determined in step S4 that the prediction based on the yield rate is not to be performed, the stacking height prediction unit 22 substitutes a preset value of zero into the first variable. If it is determined in step S4 that the prediction based on the yield rate is not to be performed, the stacking height prediction unit 22 replaces the bending amount coefficient for obtaining the amount of bending based on the yield rate in formula (1) with zero.

[0073] The second variable is a variable related to the adjustment of the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio of the material. In step S9, if it is determined that the adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient is to be performed, the stacking height prediction unit 22 substitutes the second adjustment coefficient read out in step S10 into the second variable. In step S9, if it is determined that the adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient is not to be performed, the stacking height prediction unit 22 substitutes a preset value of 1.0 into the second variable. In step S7, if it is determined that the prediction based on the aspect ratio of the material is not to be performed, the stacking height prediction unit 22 substitutes a preset value of zero into the second variable. In step S7, if it is determined that the prediction based on the aspect ratio of the material is not to be performed, the stacking height prediction unit 22 replaces the bending amount coefficient for obtaining the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio in formula (1) with zero. Note that the method of calculating the predicted value of the height per scrap is not limited to the above method and is arbitrary.

[0074] In step S12, the stacking height prediction unit 22 adds the predicted value of the amount of bending calculated in step S11 to the predicted value of the stacking height for the series of processing programs executed in the processing order. Specifically, the stacking height prediction unit 22 adds the predicted value of the height per scrap, that is, the sum of the thickness of the material and the predicted value of the amount of bending of the scrap, to the predicted value of the stacking height. Here, the predicted value of the stacking height to which the predicted value of the amount of bending is added is the predicted value of the stacking height obtained from the start of the process of identifying the processing program by the stacking height prediction to the present. If the predicted value of the amount of bending calculated in step S11 is the predicted value for the processing program executed first among the series of processing programs, the stacking height prediction unit 22 adds the predicted value of the amount of bending calculated in step S11 to zero, which is the initial value of the stacking height.

[0075] The loading height prediction unit 22 outputs the loading height prediction value to which the predicted value of the amount of bending has been added in step S12 to the identification unit 30. In step S13, the identification unit 30 determines whether the loading height prediction value input to the identification unit 30 has reached the upper limit of the loading height.

[0076] When the predicted value of the stacking height reaches the upper limit of the stacking height (Yes in step S13), in step S14, the identifying unit 30 identifies the machining program when the predicted value of the stacking height reaches the upper limit of the stacking height, and outputs information indicating the identified machining program. This causes the machining program management device 2 to end the operation according to the procedure shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0077] On the other hand, if the predicted value of the stacking height has not reached the upper limit of the stacking height (step S13, No), the identification unit 30 outputs information indicating that the predicted value of the stacking height has not reached the upper limit of the stacking height to the stacking height prediction unit 22. In step S15, the stacking height prediction unit 22 determines whether or not the prediction of the stacking height has been completed for all of the processing programs. The stacking height prediction unit 22 determines whether or not the prediction of the stacking height has been completed for all of the series of processing programs executed in the processing order.

[0078] If prediction of the stacking height for all machining programs has not been completed (step S15, No), the machining program management device 2 returns the procedure to step S3. The machining program management device 2 repeats steps S3 to S13 and step S15 until the predicted value of the stacking height reaches the upper limit of the stacking height or until prediction of the stacking height for all of the series of machining programs is completed. The operation of predicting the stacking height for each machining program by the machining program management device 2 is performed in the order of execution of the machining programs. If prediction of the stacking height for all machining programs has been completed (step S15, Yes), the machining program management device 2 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0079] In step S16, the scheduling unit 21 judges whether to specify a processing program by predicting the load weight. When the selection is made to specify the processing program when the loaded pallet is in a fully loaded state by predicting the load weight out of predicting the load height and predicting the load weight, the scheduling unit 21 judges to specify the processing program by predicting the load weight.

[0080] When the machining program is specified by predicting the load weight (step S16, Yes), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, when the machining program is not specified by predicting the load weight (step S16, No), the machining program management device 2 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0081] When the scheduling unit 21 determines that a processing program is to be specified by predicting the load weight, it instructs the load weight prediction unit 29 to predict the load weight. In step S17, the load weight prediction unit 29 acquires material information and processing information from the processing program. The load weight prediction unit 29 selects a processing program to be subjected to weight prediction from a series of processing programs executed in processing order. When selecting a processing program for the first time after starting the process of specifying a processing program by predicting the load weight, the load weight prediction unit 29 selects the processing program to be executed first from the series of processing programs.

[0082] In step S18, the load weight prediction unit 29 calculates a predicted value of the weight of the scrap. The load weight prediction unit 29 calculates the predicted value of the scrap weight P W Calculate. P W = W – (W × yr) (2)

[0083] In addition, in formula (2), W represents the weight of the material, and yr represents the yield rate. The loaded weight prediction unit 29 calculates the weight of the material, W, by, for example, the following formula (3). W = L × d × T × g (3)

[0084] In formula (3), L represents the length of the material, d represents the width of the material, T represents the thickness of the material, and g represents the specific gravity of the material.

[0085] In step S19, the load weight prediction unit 29 adds the predicted value of the scrap weight to the predicted value of the load weight. Here, the predicted value of the load weight to which the scrap weight is added is the predicted value of the load weight obtained from the start of the process of identifying a processing program by predicting the load weight to the present. If the predicted value of the scrap weight calculated in step S18 is the predicted value for the processing program that is executed first among the series of processing programs, the load weight prediction unit 29 adds the predicted value of the scrap weight calculated in step S18 to zero, which is the initial value of the load weight.

[0086] The load weight prediction unit 29 outputs the predicted load weight to which the predicted value of the scrap weight has been added in step S19 to the identification unit 30. In step S20, the identification unit 30 determines whether the predicted load weight input to the identification unit 30 has reached the upper limit of the load weight.

[0087] When the predicted value of the load weight reaches the upper limit of the load weight (step S20, Yes), in step S14, the identifying unit 30 identifies the machining program when the predicted value of the load weight reaches the upper limit of the load weight, and outputs information indicating the identified machining program. Thereby, the machining program management device 2 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0088] On the other hand, if the predicted load weight value has not reached the upper limit of the load weight (step S20, No), the identification unit 30 outputs information indicating that the predicted load weight value has not reached the upper limit of the load weight to the load weight prediction unit 29. In step S21, the load weight prediction unit 29 determines whether or not prediction of the load weight has been completed for all processing programs. The load weight prediction unit 29 determines whether or not prediction of the load weight has been completed for all of the series of processing programs executed in processing order.

[0089] If the prediction of the load weight for all machining programs has not been completed (step S21, No), the machining program management device 2 returns the procedure to step S17. The machining program management device 2 repeats steps S17 to S21 until the predicted value of the load weight reaches the upper load weight limit or until the prediction of the load weight for all of the series of machining programs is completed. The operation of predicting the load weight for each machining program by the machining program management device 2 is performed in the order of execution of the machining programs. If the prediction of the load weight for all machining programs has been completed (step S21, Yes), the machining program management device 2 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0090] Next, an example of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient used in predicting the stacking height will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient used in predicting the stacking height by the stacking height predicting unit 22 of the processing program management device 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows an example of a first adjustment coefficient associated with the material and thickness of a material, and an example of a second adjustment coefficient associated with the material and thickness of a material. According to FIG. 8, for example, the first adjustment coefficient set for a material made of SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial) and having a thickness of 5 mm is "0.8". Also, the second adjustment coefficient set for the same material is "0.4". According to FIG. 8, for example, the first adjustment coefficient set for a material made of aluminum (AL) and having a thickness of 3 mm is "1.3". Also, the second adjustment coefficient set for the same material is "0.7".

[0092] In the above, when predicting the amount of bending by a calculation incorporating the yield rate, the stacking height prediction unit 22 adjusts the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the yield rate by using the first adjustment coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 may not adjust the value of the amount of bending by using the first adjustment coefficient. The machining program management device 2 may omit the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25.

[0093] In the above, the stacking height prediction unit 22 acquires the first adjustment coefficient corresponding to the thickness and material of the material when adjusting the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the yield rate using the first adjustment coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 may acquire the first adjustment coefficient corresponding only to the thickness of the material among the thickness and material of the material, or may acquire the first adjustment coefficient corresponding only to the material material among the thickness and material of the material. The first adjustment coefficient held in the first adjustment coefficient holding unit 25 may be associated with at least one of the thickness and material of the material. The first adjustment unit 23 may acquire information indicating the thickness of the material, acquire from the first adjustment coefficient holding unit 25 the first adjustment coefficient associated with the same thickness as the thickness indicated in the acquired information, and pass the acquired first adjustment coefficient to the stacking height prediction unit 22. Alternatively, the first adjustment unit 23 may acquire information indicating the material of the material, acquire a first adjustment coefficient corresponding to the same material as the material indicated in the acquired information from the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25, and pass the acquired first adjustment coefficient to the loading height prediction unit 22.

[0094] In the above, when predicting the amount of bending by a calculation incorporating the aspect ratio, the loading height prediction unit 22 adjusts the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio by using the second adjustment coefficient. The loading height prediction unit 22 may not adjust the value of the amount of bending by using the second adjustment coefficient. The machining program management device 2 may omit the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26.

[0095] In the above, when the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio is adjusted using the second adjustment coefficient, the loading height prediction unit 22 acquires the second adjustment coefficient corresponding to the thickness and material of the material. The loading height prediction unit 22 may acquire the second adjustment coefficient corresponding only to the thickness of the material among the thickness and material of the material, or may acquire the second adjustment coefficient corresponding only to the material material among the thickness and material of the material. The second adjustment coefficient stored in the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26 may be associated with at least one of the thickness and material of the material. The second adjustment unit 24 may acquire information indicating the thickness of the material, acquire from the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26 the second adjustment coefficient associated with the same thickness as the thickness indicated in the acquired information, and pass the acquired second adjustment coefficient to the loading height prediction unit 22. Alternatively, the second adjustment unit 24 may acquire information indicating the material of the material, acquire a second adjustment coefficient corresponding to the same material as the material indicated in the acquired information from the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26, and pass the acquired second adjustment coefficient to the loading height prediction unit 22.

[0096] In the above, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch whether to incorporate the yield rate into the calculation of the predicted value of the amount of bending. Also, in the above, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch whether to incorporate the aspect ratio into the calculation of the predicted value of the amount of bending. The stacking height prediction unit 22 may incorporate at least one of the yield rate and the aspect ratio into the calculation of the predicted value of the amount of bending. In other words, the stacking height prediction unit 22 may not predict the amount of bending by a calculation that incorporates the yield rate, or may not predict the amount of bending by a calculation that incorporates the aspect ratio. The machining program management device 2 may omit the first adjustment unit 23, or may omit the second adjustment unit 24.

[0097] For example, when only plate materials with a small aspect ratio are processed, the stacking height prediction unit 22 may incorporate the yield rate into the calculation of the predicted value of the amount of bending without incorporating the aspect ratio. In this case, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can reduce the calculation time compared to when both the yield rate and the aspect ratio are incorporated into the calculation. Since the stacking height prediction unit 22 can predict the amount of bending with high accuracy without incorporating the aspect ratio into the calculation, the calculation time can be reduced and the stacking height can be accurately predicted.

[0098] Alternatively, when only plate materials with low yield rates are processed, stack height prediction unit 22 may incorporate the aspect ratio into the calculation of the predicted value of the amount of bending without incorporating the yield rate. In this case, stack height prediction unit 22 can reduce the calculation time compared to when both the yield rate and the aspect ratio are incorporated into the calculation. Since stack height prediction unit 22 can predict the amount of bending with high accuracy without incorporating the yield rate into the calculation, it is possible to reduce the calculation time and accurately predict the stack height.

[0099] Next, a description will be given of an example of a predicted value of the loading height calculated by the loading height prediction unit 22. Here, an example of information used to predict the loading height and an example of a predicted value of the loading height calculated based on the information will be described.

[0100] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information used for predicting the stacking height by the stacking height predicting unit 22 of the machining program management device 2 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 shows an example of material information and machining information included in each machining program for five machining programs having program numbers "1" to "5". The five machining programs are executed in ascending order of program numbers.

[0101] According to FIG. 9, for example, the machining program with program number “1” includes, as material information, the material “SPCC”, the thickness “5 mm”, the length “750 mm”, the width “1500 mm”, and the specific gravity “6.8 g / cm 3The machining program with program number "1" includes information on the yield rate of "0.8" as machining information. According to FIG. 9, the machining program with program number "4" includes information on the material quality of "AL", thickness of "3 mm", length of "750 mm", width of "1500 mm", and specific gravity of "2.7 g / cm3" as material information. 3 The machining program with program number "4" includes information on the yield rate of "0.8" as machining information.

[0102] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a predicted value of the loading height calculated by the loading height prediction unit 22 of the machining program management device 2 according to the embodiment 1. Fig. 10 shows an example of a predicted value of the loading height for five machining programs having program numbers "1" to "5" when scraps are loaded after machining by executing each machining program.

[0103] In FIG. 10, the values ​​listed in the "Yield rate and aspect ratio" column of the "Stack height (mm)" column are predicted values ​​obtained by calculations that incorporate both the yield rate and the aspect ratio. The values ​​listed in the "Yield rate" column of the "Stack height (mm)" column are predicted values ​​obtained by calculations that incorporate only the yield rate out of the yield rate and the aspect ratio. The values ​​listed in the "Aspect ratio" column of the "Stack height (mm)" column are predicted values ​​obtained by calculations that incorporate only the aspect ratio out of the yield rate and the aspect ratio. The values ​​listed in the "Thickness" column of the "Stack height (mm)" column are predicted values ​​when neither the yield rate nor the aspect ratio is included in the calculation. The predicted stack height when neither the yield rate nor the aspect ratio is included in the calculation is the sum of the thicknesses of the materials shown in FIG. 9.

[0104] For reference, Fig. 10 shows aspect ratio values ​​calculated for five processing programs. The aspect ratio values ​​are calculated based on the length and width information shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 10 also shows examples of weight values ​​calculated by the load weight prediction unit 29 for the five processing programs. The weight values ​​are calculated based on the thickness, length, width, and specific gravity information shown in Fig. 9.

[0105] According to FIG. 10, for example, the aspect ratio and weight calculated for the processing program with program number "5" are "1.0" and "12.2 kg". For the processing program with program number "5", the predicted stack height when neither the yield rate nor the aspect ratio is included in the calculation is "26.0 mm". For the processing program with program number "5", the predicted stack height when only the yield rate is included in the calculation is "40.4 mm". For the processing program with program number "5", the predicted stack height when only the aspect ratio is included in the calculation is "40.3 mm". For the processing program with program number "5", the predicted stack height when both the yield rate and the aspect ratio are included in the calculation is "54.7 mm". Thus, the predicted stack height differs depending on whether the yield rate and the aspect ratio are included in the calculation.

[0106] Here, assume that the upper limit of the stacking height is 30.0 mm. If neither the yield rate nor the aspect ratio is taken into account in the calculation, the predicted value of the stacking height when the machining program with program number "5" is executed is "26.0 mm." In other words, the predicted value of the stacking height when the machining program with program number "5" is executed is smaller than the upper limit of the stacking height. In this way, if neither the yield rate nor the aspect ratio is taken into account in the calculation, it is predicted that the stacking height will not reach the upper limit when the machining program with program number "5" is executed.

[0107] When only the yield rate out of the yield rate and the aspect ratio is incorporated into the calculation, the predicted value of the stack height when the processing program with program number "4" is executed is "32.1 mm." In other words, when the processing program with program number "4" is executed, the predicted value of the stack height becomes larger than the upper limit. In this way, when only the yield rate out of the yield rate and the aspect ratio is incorporated into the calculation, the stack height is predicted to reach the upper limit when the processing program with program number "4" is executed.

[0108] When only the aspect ratio of the yield rate and the aspect ratio is taken into account in the calculation, the predicted stack height when the processing program with program number "4" is executed is "32.8 mm." In other words, when the processing program with program number "4" is executed, the predicted stack height becomes larger than the upper limit. In this way, when only the aspect ratio of the yield rate and the aspect ratio is taken into account in the calculation, the stack height is predicted to reach the upper limit when the processing program with program number "4" is executed.

[0109] When both the yield rate and the aspect ratio are incorporated in the calculation, the predicted value of the stack height when the machining program with the program number "3" is executed is "33.6 mm." In other words, when the machining program with the program number "3" is executed, the predicted value of the stack height is greater than the upper limit. In this way, when both the yield rate and the aspect ratio are incorporated in the calculation, the stack height is predicted to reach the upper limit when the machining program with the program number "3" is executed.

[0110] In this way, depending on whether or not the yield rate and the aspect ratio are incorporated in the calculation, the result of predicting which of the multiple processing programs will be executed when the stacking height reaches the upper limit will differ. By incorporating the yield rate or the aspect ratio in the calculation of the predicted value of the stacking height, the processing program management device 2 can accurately predict the processing program when the stacking height reaches the upper limit, compared to the case where neither the yield rate nor the aspect ratio is incorporated in the calculation. By incorporating both the yield rate and the aspect ratio in the calculation of the predicted value of the stacking height, the processing program management device 2 can more accurately predict the processing program when the stacking height reaches the upper limit.

[0111] In the above, the machining program management device 2 is capable of selecting one of an operation of specifying a machining program when scraps are fully loaded by predicting the loading height and an operation of specifying a machining program when scraps are fully loaded by predicting the loading weight. The machining program management device 2 is sufficient as long as it specifies a machining program when scraps are fully loaded by predicting the loading height. In other words, the machining program management device 2 may not perform an operation of specifying a machining program when scraps are fully loaded by predicting the loading weight. The loading weight prediction unit 29 may be omitted from the machining program management device 2.

[0112] Next, the performance data held by the data holding unit 27 will be described. The data holding unit 27 holds the data used in the calculation by the loading height prediction unit 22 and the data obtained by the calculation by the loading height prediction unit 22. The data used in the calculation by the loading height prediction unit 22 includes the material information such as the length, width, thickness, and quality of the material, and the processing information such as the yield rate. The data obtained by the calculation by the loading height prediction unit 22 includes the information of the aspect ratio, the first adjustment coefficient, the second adjustment coefficient, the amount of bending, and the predicted value of the loading height.

[0113] Next, a method of correcting the adjustment coefficient by the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 will be described. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 corrects the adjustment coefficient based on the error between the predicted stacking height and the actual stacking height. Here, the adjustment coefficients are each a first adjustment coefficient and a second adjustment coefficient.

[0114] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the plate material processing system 1 when correcting the adjustment coefficient in the first embodiment.

[0115] In step S30, the machining program management device 2 specifies a machining program for when the scraps are fully loaded based on the prediction of the loading height by the loading height prediction unit 22. The machining program management device 2 specifies the machining program by the above steps S3 to S15.

[0116] In step S31, the NC device 4 executes the processing program. In the plate material processing machine 3, the NC device 4 executes the processing program, and the processing unit 5 processes the plate material. The processed scrap material is loaded on the loading device 9. The height sensor 15 detects whether the loading height has reached the position of the height sensor 15, i.e., the upper limit of the loading height.

[0117] In step S32, the loading device 9 judges whether the loading height has reached the upper limit. If the loading height has reached the upper limit (step S32, Yes), the plate material processing system 1 proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if the loading height has not reached the upper limit (step S32, No), the plate material processing system 1 returns to step S31. The plate material processing system 1 executes the next processing program by the NC device 4.

[0118] When the loading height reaches the upper limit, the loading device 9 outputs information indicating that the loading height has reached the upper limit to the processing program management device 2. In step S33, the identification unit 30 identifies the processing program when the scraps are fully loaded. The identification unit 30 sends information indicating the processing program when the scraps are fully loaded to the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28. In addition, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 obtains information indicating the processing program identified based on the predicted value of the loading height in step S30 from the identification unit 30.

[0119] In step S34, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 judges whether the processing program when the scraps are fully loaded, which is the processing program specified in step S33, is the same as the processing program specified based on the predicted value of the stacking height in step S30. If the processing program when the scraps are fully loaded is the same as the processing program specified based on the predicted value of the stacking height (step S34, Yes), the workpiece processing system 1 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in FIG. 11. In this case, the workpiece processing system 1 does not correct the adjustment coefficient by the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28. On the other hand, if the processing program when the scraps are fully loaded is different from the processing program specified based on the predicted value of the stacking height (step S34, No), the workpiece processing system 1 proceeds to the procedure of step S35.

[0120] In step S35, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out from the data storage unit 27 a predicted stack height for the processing program when the scraps are fully loaded.

[0121] In step S36, adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 obtains an error between the upper limit value of the stacking height and the predicted value of the stacking height read out in step S35. Adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 obtains the error by subtracting the predicted value read out in step S35 from the upper limit value of the stacking height.

[0122] In step S37, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out the adjustment coefficient used in calculating the predicted value of the stacking height, which is the predicted value read out in step S35, from the data storage unit 27. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out the adjustment coefficient used in calculating the predicted value of the stacking height for each of the series of processing programs executed in the processing order.

[0123] In step S38, adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates a correction coefficient to be used for correcting each adjustment coefficient read out in step S37. If the error calculated in step S36 is a positive value, adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates a correction coefficient by the following equation (4). If the error calculated in step S36 is a negative value, adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates a correction coefficient by the following equation (5). K=C O ×N ···(4) K=-C O ×N (5)

[0124] In equations (4) and (5), K is a correction coefficient, C O is the correction unit, and N is the correction power. The correction unit is a predefined minimum correction amount, such as 0.1. The correction power is an integer that indicates the degree of correction. The initial value of the correction power is 1.

[0125] In step S39, adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 corrects the adjustment coefficients using the correction coefficients found in step S38. Adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 corrects each adjustment coefficient by adding the correction coefficients found in step S38 to each adjustment coefficient. As will be described later, the correction coefficients after correction are determined in the procedure following step S39. The correction of each adjustment coefficient in step S39 is regarded as a provisional correction. Hereinafter, each adjustment coefficient after correction in step S39 will be referred to as a provisional adjustment coefficient.

[0126] In step S40, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 recalculates the predicted value of the stacking height using the provisional adjustment coefficient. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 replaces the adjustment coefficient used in calculating the predicted value of the stacking height with the provisional adjustment coefficient, and recalculates the predicted value of the stacking height for the specified processing program based on the predicted value of the stacking height.

[0127] In step S41, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 determines whether the difference between the predicted value recalculated in step S40 and the upper limit value of the stacking height is within an allowable range. As the allowable range, for example, a range such as "-1.0 mm to +1.0 mm" is set in advance.

[0128] If the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit value of the stacking height is not within the allowable range (step S41, No), the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 increases the correction frequency in step S42. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 increases the correction frequency by adding 1 to the correction frequency of the correction coefficient used when obtaining the tentative adjustment coefficient in step S39. Then, the plate material processing system 1 returns the procedure to step S38. The plate material processing system 1 repeats steps S38 to S42 until the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit value of the stacking height falls within the allowable range. On the other hand, if the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit value of the stacking height is within the allowable range (step S41, Yes), the plate material processing system 1 advances the procedure to step S43.

[0129] In step S43, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out the value of the adjustment coefficient used in the past from the data storage unit 27. Here, the value read out is the value used in the past as the adjustment coefficient associated with the thickness and the material quality of the material indicated in the processing program specified based on the predicted value of the stack height.

[0130] In step S44, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 determines the adjustment coefficient after correction by averaging the adjustment coefficient used in the recalculation in step S40 and the adjustment coefficient read out in step S43. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 stores the determined adjustment coefficient after correction in the data holding unit 27. With the above, the plate material processing system 1 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in FIG.

[0131] Next, an example of adjustment coefficient correction by adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the predicted value of the stacking height is calculated by a calculation incorporating both the yield rate and the aspect ratio, as described in the column "Yield rate and aspect ratio" in the column "Stacking height (mm)" in Fig. 10. It is assumed that the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient shown in Fig. 8 were used when the predicted value was calculated. It is assumed that the information shown in Fig. 9 was used to predict the stacking height.

[0132] In the example shown in Fig. 10, when both the yield rate and the aspect ratio are incorporated in the calculation, it is predicted that the stack height will reach the upper limit when the machining program with program number "3" is executed. In this example, in contrast to this prediction, the actual measured stack height exceeds the upper limit of 30.0 mm when the machining program with program number "2" is executed.

[0133] The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 acquires the program number "2" of the machining program when scraps are fully loaded from the identification unit 30. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 also acquires the program number "3" of the machining program identified based on the predicted value of the stacking height from the identification unit 30. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 determines that the machining program when scraps are fully loaded is different from the machining program identified based on the predicted value of the stacking height.

[0134] The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out the predicted stack height value of "21.6 mm" for the machining program with program number "2" from the data storage unit 27. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates the error between the upper limit of the stack height, 30.0 mm, and the read out predicted value of "21.6 mm." The error is calculated as 30.0 mm - 21.6 mm = 8.4 mm.

[0135] In the example described here, the processing programs executed until the stacking height exceeds the upper limit are the processing program with program number "1" and the processing program with program number "2". As shown in FIG. 9, each of these processing programs is a processing program for a material with a material "SPCC" and a thickness of "5 mm". The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient associated with the material "SPCC" and the thickness "5 mm" from the data storage unit 27. In FIG. 8, the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient associated with the material "SPCC" and the thickness "5 mm" are "0.8" and "0.4", respectively. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out the first adjustment coefficient "0.8" and the second adjustment coefficient "0.4" from the data storage unit 27.

[0136] Here, the correction unit for the adjustment coefficient correction is 0.1. The allowable range of the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit of the stack height is from -1.0 mm to +1.0 mm. Since the calculated error of 8.4 mm is a positive value, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates the correction coefficient by the above formula (4). The correction factor when calculating the correction coefficient for the first time after the process for correcting the adjustment coefficient is started is set to the initial value of 1. The correction coefficient calculated in this case is 0.1. Therefore, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates a tentative first adjustment coefficient and a tentative second adjustment coefficient by adding 0.1 to each of the first adjustment coefficient 0.8 and the second adjustment coefficient 0.4.

[0137] The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 recalculates the predicted value of the stack height for the processing program with program number "2" using the tentative first adjustment coefficient and the tentative second adjustment coefficient. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 judges whether the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit value of the stack height is within the range of "-1.0 mm to +1.0 mm". If the difference is not within the range of "-1.0 mm to +1.0 mm", the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 adds 1 to the correction degree and recalculates the tentative first adjustment coefficient and the tentative second adjustment coefficient. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 also redoes the recalculation of the predicted value of the stack height.

[0138] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient used when the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 of the machining program management device 2 according to the first embodiment recalculates the predicted value of the stack height. In FIG. 12, the first adjustment coefficient "1.2" and the second adjustment coefficient "0.8" associated with the material "SPCC" and the thickness "5 mm" are the provisional first adjustment coefficient and the provisional second adjustment coefficient, respectively. The provisional first adjustment coefficient "1.2" and the provisional second adjustment coefficient "0.8" are provisional adjustment coefficients obtained when the correction degree is "4". In FIG. 12, the three first adjustment coefficients other than the provisional first adjustment coefficient and the three second adjustment coefficients other than the provisional second adjustment coefficient are the same as those shown in FIG. 8.

[0139] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the predicted value of the stacking height recalculated by the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 of the machining program management device 2 according to the first embodiment. Here, an example of the predicted value of the stacking height recalculated for each of the machining programs with program numbers "1" and "2" using the provisional first adjustment coefficient "1.2" and provisional second adjustment coefficient "0.8" shown in Fig. 12 is shown. In this case, the predicted value of the stacking height for the machining program with program number "2" is "30.4 mm". At this time, the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit value of the stacking height is within the range of "-1.0 mm to +1.0 mm".

[0140] Next, adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out values ​​that have been used in the past as adjustment coefficients from data storage unit 27. In this example, adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out values ​​that have been used in the past as adjustment coefficients associated with the material "SPCC" and the thickness "5 mm" shown in the machining program with program number "2". Adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 determines the post-correction adjustment coefficient by averaging the adjustment coefficient used in the recalculation and the adjustment coefficient used in the past.

[0141] Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of determining a corrected adjustment coefficient by the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 of the machining program management device 2 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 shows an example of an adjustment coefficient associated with the material "SPCC" and the thickness "5 mm". Here, it is assumed that the adjustment coefficient associated with the material "SPCC" and the thickness "5 mm" has been corrected once in the past.

[0142] The "Temporary Adjustment Coefficient" row shown in FIG. 14 indicates the value of the provisional first adjustment coefficient and the value of the provisional second adjustment coefficient when the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit value of the loading height falls within the allowable range. The "Current Adjustment Coefficient" row shown in FIG. 14 indicates the value of the first adjustment coefficient and the value of the second adjustment coefficient currently used. The value of the first adjustment coefficient currently used is the value of the first adjustment coefficient held in first adjustment coefficient holding unit 25. The value of the second adjustment coefficient currently used is the value of the second adjustment coefficient held in second adjustment coefficient holding unit 26.

[0143] 14 indicates the value of the first adjustment coefficient used before being corrected to the "current adjustment coefficient" and the value of the second adjustment coefficient used before being corrected to the "current adjustment coefficient." That is, it indicates that in the past, the values ​​of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient, which are the "previous adjustment coefficient," were corrected to the values ​​of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient, which are the "current adjustment coefficient."

[0144] The row "adjustment coefficient after correction" shown in Figure 14 indicates the values ​​of the corrected first adjustment coefficient and second adjustment coefficient determined by adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 based on the values ​​of the "temporary adjustment coefficient," "current adjustment coefficient," and "previous adjustment coefficient."

[0145] The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out each value of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient, which are the "previous period adjustment coefficient", from the data storage unit 27. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates the average of the first adjustment coefficient value "1.2", which is the "temporary adjustment coefficient", the first adjustment coefficient value "0.8", which is the "current adjustment coefficient", and the first adjustment coefficient value "0.7", which is the "previous period adjustment coefficient". The first adjustment coefficient value "0.9", which is the "corrected adjustment coefficient", is the result of calculating this average. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates the average of the second adjustment coefficient value "0.8", which is the "temporary adjustment coefficient", the second adjustment coefficient value "0.4", which is the "current adjustment coefficient", and the second adjustment coefficient value "0.3", which is the "previous period adjustment coefficient". The second adjustment coefficient value "0.5", which is the "corrected adjustment coefficient", is the result of calculating this average.

[0146] The method of correcting the adjustment coefficient is not limited to the above. In the above, the provisional adjustment coefficient is calculated by adding the correction coefficient to the adjustment coefficient, but the provisional adjustment coefficient may be calculated by multiplying the adjustment coefficient by the correction coefficient, for example.

[0147] When the prediction of the machining program when the stacking height reaches the upper limit differs from the actual one, the machining program management device 2 can gradually optimize the adjustment coefficient by correcting the adjustment coefficient, thereby reducing the error. The machining program management device 2 can predict with high accuracy the machining program when the scraps are fully loaded.

[0148] Next, a description will be given of hardware for realizing the machining program management device 2. The machining program management device 2 is realized by using a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a circuit in which a processor executes software, or may be a dedicated circuit.

[0149] When the processing circuit is realized by software, the processing circuit is, for example, a control circuit shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control circuit 40 according to the first embodiment. The control circuit 40 includes an input unit 41, a processor 42, a memory 43, and an output unit 44. The input unit 41 is an interface circuit that receives data from outside the control circuit 40 and provides the data to the processor 42. The output unit 44 is an interface circuit that sends data from the processor 42 or the memory 43 to outside the control circuit 40.

[0150] When the processing circuit is the control circuit 40 shown in FIG. 15, the scheduling unit 21, the loading height prediction unit 22, the first adjustment unit 23, the second adjustment unit 24, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28, the loading weight prediction unit 29, and the identification unit 30, which are the processing units of the machining program management device 2, are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory 43. The processing circuit realizes the processing unit of the machining program management device 2 by the processor 42 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 43. That is, the processing circuit includes a memory 43 for storing a machining program management program, which is a program that results in the processing of the machining program management device 2 being executed. The machining program management program can also be said to be a program that causes a computer to execute the procedure and method of the machining program management device 2. In addition, the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25, the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26, and the data storage unit 27 are realized by using the memory 43. The memory 43 is also used as a temporary memory when the processor 42 executes various processes.

[0151] The processor 42 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 42 may be a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 43 may be, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0152] When the processing circuit is a dedicated circuit, the machining program management device 2 is realized by, for example, a hardware circuit shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hardware circuit 45 according to the first embodiment.

[0153] The processing units of the machining program management device 2, that is, the scheduling unit 21, the loading height prediction unit 22, the first adjustment unit 23, the second adjustment unit 24, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28, the loading weight prediction unit 29, and the determination unit 30, are realized by a processing circuit 46, which is a dedicated circuit. The processing circuit 46 is 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 circuit combining these. The processing units of the machining program management device 2 may be realized by the processing circuit 46 by function, or each function may be realized by the processing circuit 46 together. The processing unit of the machining program management device 2 may be realized by combining the control circuit 40 shown in FIG. 15 and the processing circuit 46 shown in FIG. 16.

[0154] The machining program management program according to the first embodiment may be provided by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD-ROM. The machining program management program according to the first embodiment may be provided by being stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and being downloaded via the network such as the Internet. The machining program management program according to the first embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0155] Each component of the plate material processing system 1 does not need to be physically configured as shown in the figure. The specific form of distribution and integration of each component is not limited to that shown in the figure. Each component may be functionally or physically distributed in any unit, or may be integrated. For example, the function of the machining program management device 2 may be realized by the NC device 4. In other words, the machining program management device 2 may be integrated into the NC device 4 by providing each component of the machining program management device 2 in the NC device 4.

[0156] According to the first embodiment, the machining program management device 2 includes a scheduling unit 21 that reads machining programs executed in the machining control of each of the multiple plate materials and executes a schedule for sending out the multiple machining programs in the machining order of the multiple plate materials, a loading height prediction unit 22 that predicts the amount of bending of the plate materials after machining based on the machining programs and predicts the loading height, which is the height of the entire load when the plate materials after machining are loaded, by a calculation incorporating the predicted value of the bending amount, and a determination unit 30 that determines which of the multiple machining programs is executed when the loading height reaches the upper limit of the loadable height based on the predicted loading height. The machining program management device 2 predicts the amount of bending of the plate materials after machining and incorporates the predicted value of the bending amount into the calculation for predicting the loading height, thereby accurately predicting the machining program when the loading height reaches the upper limit. This allows the machining program management device 2 to accurately predict when the plate materials after machining will be fully loaded.

[0157] The plate material processing system 1 can accurately predict when the plate material after processing will be fully loaded, and therefore can perform preparations at an appropriate time, such as the work of removing plate materials, which is required when the plate material after processing is fully loaded. The plate material processing system 1 can smoothly perform the work required when the plate material after processing is fully loaded. The plate material processing system 1 can reduce the time during which operations are stopped from processing plate materials to loading the plate materials after processing for the work of removing plate materials, etc., and can reduce stagnation of processing.

[0158] Furthermore, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates a predicted value of the amount of bending based on a yield rate, which is the proportion of the portion of the plate material before processing that is used for the processed product. Since the amount of bending of the plate material after processing varies depending on the yield rate, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can accurately predict the stacking height by calculating a predicted value of the amount of bending based on the yield rate.

[0159] Moreover, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates a predicted value of the amount of bending by adjusting the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the yield rate using an adjustment coefficient corresponding to at least one of the thickness and the material of the plate material. The stacking height prediction unit 22 can obtain an accurate predicted value of the amount of bending by adjusting the value of the amount of bending using an adjustment coefficient corresponding to the thickness and the material of the plate material.

[0160] Furthermore, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates a predicted value of the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio of the outer shape of the plate material before processing. Since the amount of bending of the plate material after processing varies depending on the aspect ratio, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can accurately predict the stacking height by calculating a predicted value of the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio.

[0161] The stacking height prediction unit 22 also calculates a predicted value of the amount of bending by adjusting the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio using an adjustment coefficient corresponding to at least one of the thickness and material of the plate material. The stacking height prediction unit 22 can obtain an accurate predicted value of the amount of bending by adjusting the value of the amount of bending using an adjustment coefficient corresponding to the thickness and material of the plate material.

[0162] The machining program management device 2 also includes an adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 that corrects the adjustment coefficient based on the error between the predicted stacking height and the actual stacking height. When the prediction of the machining program when the stacking height reaches the upper limit differs from the actual stacking height, the machining program management device 2 can reduce the error by correcting the adjustment coefficient. The machining program management device 2 can predict with high accuracy when the machined plate material will be fully loaded.

[0163] The processing program management device 2 also includes a load weight prediction unit 29 that predicts the load weight, which is the weight of the entire load when the processed plate materials are loaded. The identification unit 30 identifies which of the multiple processing programs is executed when the load weight reaches the upper limit of the loadable weight, based on the prediction result of the load weight. The processing program management device 2 can identify the processing program when the processed plate materials are fully loaded by one of the prediction of the load height and the prediction of the load weight. When there is a circumstance in which the load weight is likely to reach the upper limit before the load height reaches the upper limit, the processing program management device 2 can identify the processing program when the processed plate materials are fully loaded by predicting the load weight. In this case, the processing program management device 2 can omit the calculation for predicting the load height, thereby shortening the calculation time, and can identify the processing program when the processed plate materials are fully loaded.

[0164] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are examples of the contents of the present disclosure. The configurations of the embodiments can be combined with other known technologies. Part of the configurations of the embodiments can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1 Plate material processing system, 2 Processing program management device, 3 Plate material processing machine, 4 NC device, 5 Processing unit, 6 Supply device, 7 Sorting device, 8 Fork device, 8A, 8B Fork, 9 Loading device, 11, 11A, 11B, 14, 14A, 14B Metal plate, 12 Processing pallet, 13A, 13B Metal piece, 15 Height sensor, 21 Scheduling unit, 22 Load height prediction unit, 23 First adjustment unit, 24 Second adjustment unit, 25 First adjustment coefficient storage unit, 26 Second adjustment coefficient storage unit, 27 Data storage unit, 28 Adjustment coefficient correction unit, 29 Load weight prediction unit, 30 Identification unit, 40 Control circuit, 41 Input unit, 42 Processor, 43 Memory, 44 Output unit, 45 Hardware circuit, 46 Processing circuit.

Claims

1. A scheduling unit reads the processing program to be executed in the processing control of each of the multiple sheet materials and performs scheduling to send out the multiple processing programs in the processing order of the multiple sheet materials, A loading height prediction unit predicts the amount of bending of the plate material after processing based on the processing program, and predicts the loading height, which is the total height of the load when the plate material is loaded after processing, by calculations incorporating the predicted amount of bending. The system includes a specification unit that identifies, based on the prediction result of the loading height, which of the multiple processing programs will cause the loading height to reach the upper limit of the loading height when the processing program is executed. A processing program management device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned loading height prediction unit calculates the predicted value of the bending amount based on the yield rate, which is the percentage of the sheet material before processing that is used for the processed product. The processing program management device according to feature 1.

3. The loading height prediction unit calculates the predicted value of the bending amount by adjusting the value of the bending amount, which is determined based on the yield rate, using an adjustment coefficient that is associated with at least one of the thickness of the plate material and the material of the plate material. The processing program management device according to feature 2.

4. The loading height prediction unit calculates a predicted value for the amount of curvature based on the aspect ratio of the outer dimensions of the sheet material before processing. The processing program management device according to feature 1.

5. The loading height prediction unit calculates the predicted value of the bending amount by adjusting the value of the bending amount, which is determined based on the aspect ratio, using an adjustment coefficient that corresponds to at least one of the thickness of the plate material and the material of the plate material. The processing program management device according to feature 4.

6. The system includes an adjustment coefficient correction unit that corrects the adjustment coefficient based on the error between the predicted loading height and the actual loading height. The processing program management device according to claim 3 or 5.

7. It includes a load weight prediction unit that predicts the total load weight, which is the weight of the entire load when the processed plate material is loaded, The identifying unit determines, based on the prediction result of the load weight, which of the multiple processing programs will cause the load weight to reach the upper limit of the loadable weight when the processing program is executed. A processing program management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A sheet metal processing machine that processes sheet metal, having a numerical control device that controls the processing of sheet metal according to a processing program, A program management device that sends the aforementioned processing program to the numerical control device, The system includes a loading device on which the sheet metal processed by the sheet metal processing machine is loaded, The program management device is A scheduling unit reads the processing program to be executed in the processing control of each of the multiple sheet materials and performs scheduling to send the multiple processing programs to the numerical control device in the processing order of the multiple sheet materials, A loading height prediction unit predicts the total height of the load when the processed plate material is loaded on the loading device, by performing calculations that incorporate the result of predicting the amount of bending of the processed plate material based on the processing program, The system includes a specification unit that identifies, based on the prediction result of the loading height, which of the multiple processing programs will be executed before the loading height reaches the upper limit of the loading height. A sheet metal processing system characterized by the following features.

9. A step of reading the processing program to be executed in the processing control of each of the multiple sheet materials, A step of predicting the amount of bending of the plate material after processing based on the processing program, and predicting the loading height, which is the total height of the load when the plate material is loaded after processing, by calculations incorporating the predicted amount of bending, The process includes the step of determining, based on the prediction result of the loading height, which of the multiple processing programs will be executed before the loading height reaches the upper limit of the loading height. A processing program management method characterized by the following.

10. A step of reading the processing program to be executed in the processing control of each of the multiple sheet materials, A step of predicting the amount of bending of the plate material after processing based on the processing program, and predicting the loading height, which is the total height of the load when the plate material is loaded after processing, by calculations incorporating the predicted amount of bending, The computer is instructed to perform the following steps: determine, based on the prediction result of the loading height, which of the multiple processing programs will be executed before the loading height reaches the upper limit of the loading height; A processing program management program characterized by the following features.

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