Method for producing a plurality of workpieces, computer program, data processing device, and machine tool

Abstract

A method for producing a plurality of workpieces (110, 112), and a computer program, a data processing device and a machine tool (104) each configured to carry out the method.

Description

[0001] Title: Method for producing multiple workpieces, computer program, data processing device and machine tool

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method for producing a plurality of workpieces and to a computer program, a data processing device and a machine tool, each of which is designed to carry out the method.

[0004] DE 10 2013 103 121 A1 discloses a method for removing workpieces from a processing machine. The workpieces are produced from a plate-shaped material resting on a workpiece support by means of a processing device by means of separating and cutting. After the first workpiece has been separated, a removal device, which has a plurality of holding elements for each holding a workpiece, is positioned in a receiving position for receiving the first workpiece. The first workpiece is then picked up by the removal device by means of a holding element. After picking up the first workpiece, the removal device is moved from the receiving position to a waiting position outside and adjacent to the processing area of ​​the processing device.After cutting another workpiece, the removal device moves from the waiting position to the receiving position, and another holding element picks up the additional workpiece. After picking up at least two consecutively produced workpieces or after processing the sheet material, the removal device moves to the unloading station.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing multiple workpieces, which, in particular, enables cost-effective production of the multiple workpieces. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a computer program, a data processing device, and a machine tool, each of which is configured to carry out the method.

[0006] The invention solves this problem by providing a method having the features of claim 1, a computer program having the features of claim 10, a data processing device having the features of claim 11, a machine tool having the features of claim 12 and a production system having the features of claim 13. Advantageous developments and / or embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] A method according to the invention is suitable for producing a plurality of workpieces using a machine tool. The machine tool is designed to produce the plurality of workpieces from a number, for example 1, 2, 3 or 4, of material sheets. The method comprises the step: a) specifying a production sequence for producing the plurality of workpieces using the machine tool from the material sheets. The specified production sequence comprises: a first production process with a number, for example 1, 2, 3 or 4, of production steps for producing a first number of the plurality of workpieces, a first sorting process which comprises removing and depositing the produced first number of the plurality of workpieces, wherein the depositing of the first number of the plurality of workpieces can be carried out at least partially simultaneously with a subsequent production process, a second production process with a number, for example 1,2, 3 or 4, of manufacturing steps for producing a second number of the plurality of workpieces, a second sorting process comprising removing and depositing the produced second number of the plurality of workpieces, wherein the depositing of the second number of the plurality of workpieces can be carried out at least partially simultaneously with a subsequent manufacturing process, a third manufacturing process with a number, for example 1, 2, 3 or 4, of manufacturing steps for producing a third number of the plurality of workpieces, and a third sorting process comprising removing and depositing the produced third number of the plurality of workpieces, wherein the depositing of the third number of the plurality of workpieces can be carried out at least partially simultaneously with a subsequent manufacturing process. It is provided that each manufacturing process that follows an sorting process in the manufacturing sequence,is carried out at least partially simultaneously with the depositing of the previous sorting process in the production sequence. The method further comprises the steps of: b) determining a process duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces; c) determining a process duration of the second production process; d) if the determined process duration of step b) is greater than the determined process duration of step c): adapting the production sequence for the purpose of reducing a production duration of the plurality of workpieces and / or for the purpose of utilizing a waiting time during which no production step of the predetermined production sequence can be carried out and which occurs as a result of the depositing of the produced first number of the plurality of workpieces; and e) producing the plurality of workpieces by executing the production sequence using the machine tool.

[0008] Advantageously, the method achieves the reduction or complete elimination of waiting times during which the machine tool cannot carry out a manufacturing process. For example, the method can almost entirely or completely avoid the situation where, after the second manufacturing process has been carried out, the manufactured second number of the plurality of workpieces cannot be removed from the machine tool and thus the third manufacturing process cannot be initiated or started because a removal device for carrying out the second sorting process is occupied with depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces. In other words, the method achieves the situation where the machine tool can carry out a manufacturing process almost continuously because, in particular, the process durations of the sorting processes and the process durations of the manufacturing processes are coordinated with one another.By eliminating waiting times, the production of multiple workpieces is shortened, and the machine tool is occupied for a shorter period of time. This results in lower machine tool costs for the production of multiple workpieces, thus achieving cost-effective production of multiple workpieces.

[0009] The method can be a computer-implemented method, in particular a method executed by a computer. The machine tool can be designed as a punching machine, a punching laser machine, a laser cutting machine, or a laser cutting system. The machine tool can have a processing device, in particular in the form of a punching head and / or a laser processing head. The machine tool can be designed to produce the plurality of workpieces by cutting and / or punching the number of material sheets.

[0010] Each material sheet may be a sheet metal. In particular, the width and / or length of the material sheet may be more than five times, in particular ten times, the thickness of the material sheet.

[0011] The multiple workpieces can each be a stamped or bent part. The multiple workpieces can be at least three workpieces. The multiple workpieces can be, for example, three, five, ten, twenty, or more workpieces. The multiple workpieces can all be the same or different from one another.

[0012] The manufacturing sequence can specify a sequence of operations that the machine tool performs to produce the plurality of workpieces. The manufacturing sequence can be determined by specifying a digital model or digital models of the plurality of workpieces to be manufactured, as well as a number of the plurality of workpieces to be manufactured and dimensions of the material sheet. When determining the manufacturing sequence, the plurality of workpieces can be divided into the first number of the plurality of workpieces, the second number of the plurality of workpieces, and the third number of the plurality of workpieces. In other words, the first number of the plurality of workpieces, the second number of the plurality of workpieces, and the third number of the plurality of workpieces together form the plurality of workpieces.The division of the plurality of workpieces into the first number of the plurality of workpieces, the second number of the plurality of workpieces and the third number of the plurality of workpieces can, for example, be carried out in such a way that the first number, the second number and the third number are the same.

[0013] The manufacturing sequence can be transmitted to the machine tool for manufacturing the multiple workpieces. After transmitting the manufacturing sequence, the machine tool can manufacture the multiple workpieces by executing the manufacturing sequence.

[0014] The manufacturing sequence can specify an order for initiating or starting the individual operations of the manufacturing sequence. In other words, the individual operations of the manufacturing sequence can be initiated or started sequentially by the machine tool when executing the manufacturing sequence. An individual operation of the manufacturing sequence cannot be initiated or started before a preceding operation is initiated or started. After initiation or starting, the individual initiated or started operations of the manufacturing sequence can be executed at least partially simultaneously or sequentially by the machine tool.

[0015] For example, after initiating or starting a sorting process in the manufacturing sequence, a manufacturing process following the sorting process in the manufacturing sequence can be initiated or started. This allows the machine tool to execute the sorting process and the subsequent manufacturing process at least partially simultaneously.

[0016] In particular, the manufacturing sequence may provide that after initiating or starting the first sorting process, the second manufacturing process is initiated or started and that after initiating or starting the second sorting process, the third manufacturing process is initiated or started.

[0017] For example, a subsequent sorting process for the manufactured workpieces cannot be initiated or started before a manufacturing process in the manufacturing sequence is completed. This can prevent the sorting of workpieces that have not yet been manufactured.

[0018] In particular, the manufacturing sequence can be designed so that the first sorting process is not initiated or started before the end of the first manufacturing process, that the second sorting process is not initiated or started before the end of the second manufacturing process, and that the third sorting process is not initiated or started before the end of the third manufacturing process. The manufacturing steps can include preparatory steps for preparing the machine tool and machining steps for machining the number of material sheets. The machine tool can be prepared for carrying out the machining steps by means of the preparatory steps. A preparatory step can, for example, be inserting or changing a tool. A machining step can, for example, be punching out an opening or cutting out a contour.

[0019] In particular, a manufacturing step may involve cutting or punching a plurality of workpieces from the plurality of material sheets. In particular, each manufacturing process may include a manufacturing step that involves cutting or punching a plurality of workpieces from the plurality of material sheets.

[0020] The manufacturing sequence may include further manufacturing processes for producing additional workpieces using the machine tool. The further manufacturing processes may be performed entirely or partially before the first manufacturing process in the manufacturing sequence. Alternatively or additionally, the further manufacturing processes may be performed entirely or partially after the third manufacturing process in the manufacturing sequence.

[0021] The removal of the manufactured number of the multiple workpieces from a respective sorting process can be carried out by removing the manufactured number of the multiple workpieces from a machining area of ​​the machine tool. The removal of the manufactured number of the multiple workpieces can be carried out by means of a removal device having a gripper for gripping the workpieces.

[0022] Removing the manufactured number of multiple workpieces can include removing a remainder of the material sheet from which the manufactured number of multiple workpieces was manufactured. In this case, removing the manufactured number of multiple workpieces can be referred to as a pallet exchange. If removing the manufactured number of multiple workpieces occurs together with the remainder of the material sheet, a material sheet that has not yet been machined can be inserted into the machine tool at the same time as the removal for the purpose of producing the remaining workpieces. While removing the manufactured number of multiple workpieces from the machining area, for example, the machine tool cannot perform any manufacturing step. This can prevent a collision when removing the manufactured number of multiple workpieces.In particular, this can prevent a collision between a removal device, which removes the manufactured number of the multiple workpieces, and the machine tool.

[0023] After the number of workpieces produced has been removed from the processing area, the workpieces can be stored. For example, the removed workpieces can be placed in a designated location, such as a pallet.

[0024] Depositing can follow immediately after removal. For example, depositing a number of workpieces can begin when the workpiece leaves the processing area.

[0025] In other words, the processing area can divide each sorting process into a removal and a deposit of the produced number of multiple workpieces. A removal of the number of multiple workpieces can occur if the number of multiple workpieces is located within the processing area. A deposit of the number of multiple workpieces can occur if the removed and not yet deposited number of multiple workpieces is located outside the processing area.

[0026] A collision cannot occur when depositing the manufactured number of multiple workpieces, especially since the multiple workpieces are located outside the machining area of ​​the machine tool. In particular, no collision can occur between the removal device and the machine tool during depositing. Therefore, the depositing of the manufactured number of multiple workpieces and a subsequent manufacturing step can be carried out at least partially simultaneously.

[0027] In particular, the manufacturing sequence may provide for the deposition of the first number of the plurality of workpieces to be carried out at least partially simultaneously with the second manufacturing process. In particular, the manufacturing sequence may provide for the deposition of the second number of the plurality of workpieces to be carried out at least partially simultaneously with the third manufacturing process.

[0028] Determining the operation duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces can be a retrieval of a stored operation duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces. The stored operation duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces can be determined by means of experiments that were carried out, in particular, before executing the manufacturing sequence for the purpose of determining operation durations. Alternatively, determining the operation duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces can be determined by a computer-implemented simulation of depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces using a removal device. In particular, the operation duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces can be measured in the computer-implemented simulation of depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces.Alternatively, the process duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces can be determined by calculating the process duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces. In particular, the process duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces can be calculated using a removal device.

[0029] Determining the operation duration of the second manufacturing process can be a retrieval of a stored operation duration of the second manufacturing process. The stored operation duration of the second manufacturing process can be determined by means of experiments that were carried out, in particular, before executing the manufacturing sequence for the purpose of determining operation durations. Alternatively, the operation duration of the second manufacturing process can be determined by a computer-implemented simulation of the execution of the second manufacturing process with the machine tool. In particular, the operation duration of the second manufacturing process can be measured in the computer-implemented simulation of the second manufacturing process. Alternatively, the operation duration of the second manufacturing process can be determined by a calculation of the second manufacturing process.In particular, the operation duration for performing the second manufacturing process using the machine tool can be calculated. Adapting the manufacturing sequence can involve changing the manufacturing sequence. In particular, adapting the manufacturing sequence can involve changing the order of the manufacturing processes and / or the sorting processes. Additionally or alternatively, adapting the manufacturing sequence can involve shifting at least one manufacturing step from one manufacturing process in the manufacturing sequence to another manufacturing process in the manufacturing sequence.

[0030] Adapting the manufacturing sequence for the purpose of reducing a manufacturing time of the plurality of workpieces can, for example, comprise the steps of: determining a first manufacturing time for executing the predetermined manufacturing sequence by means of the machine tool, generating a modified manufacturing sequence by changing the predetermined manufacturing sequence, determining a second manufacturing time for executing the modified manufacturing sequence by means of the machine tool, and replacing the predetermined manufacturing sequence with the modified manufacturing sequence if a value of the first manufacturing time is greater than a value of the second manufacturing time.

[0031] The manufacturing time of a manufacturing sequence can be determined by a computer-implemented simulation of the execution of the manufacturing sequence using the machine tool. In particular, the manufacturing time can be measured in the computer-implemented simulation of the execution of the manufacturing sequence using the machine tool. Alternatively, the manufacturing time of a manufacturing sequence can be determined by calculating the execution of the manufacturing sequence using the machine tool.

[0032] The production of several workpieces by carrying out the production sequence by means of the machine tool can be an execution of the individual operations of the production sequence by the machine tool.

[0033] In a further development of the method, adapting the manufacturing sequence in step d) comprises the step: d1) shifting a number of manufacturing steps from the first manufacturing process and / or shifting a number of manufacturing steps from the third manufacturing process to the second manufacturing process. A value of a process duration of the number of manufacturing steps shifted in step d1) is greater than or equal to a value of a difference formed by subtracting the process duration determined in step c) from the process duration determined in step b).

[0034] By shifting the manufacturing steps, the number of manufacturing steps in the second manufacturing process can be increased, thereby increasing the duration of the second manufacturing process. This can prevent the depositing of the first number of the multiple workpieces from taking longer than the second manufacturing process. In particular, this can prevent machine tool waiting times.

[0035] By shifting the number of manufacturing steps from the first manufacturing process to the second manufacturing process, the first number of the plurality of workpieces of the first manufacturing process can be reduced in value and the second number of the plurality of workpieces of the second manufacturing process can be increased in value.

[0036] By shifting the number of manufacturing steps from the third manufacturing process to the second manufacturing process, the third number of the plurality of workpieces of the third manufacturing process can be reduced in value and the second number of the plurality of workpieces of the second manufacturing process can be increased in value.

[0037] After the shifting, a difference formed by subtracting a process duration of the second manufacturing process from the process duration of depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces may be zero or negative.

[0038] For example, the first number of the plurality of workpieces, the second number of the plurality of workpieces, the third number of the plurality of workpieces, and the number of material sheets may each be equal to one. In other words, the plurality of workpieces may be three workpieces sequentially cut out from a material sheet. A first workpiece of the three workpieces may be manufactured by cutting out from the material sheet, so the first manufacturing process includes the manufacturing step of cutting out from the material sheet. A second workpiece of the three workpieces may be manufactured by making an opening and cutting out from the material sheet, so the second manufacturing process includes the manufacturing steps of making the opening and cutting out from the material sheet.A third of the three workpieces can be manufactured by creating two openings and cutting them out of the material sheet, which is why the third manufacturing process comprises the manufacturing steps of creating the opening, creating the additional opening, and cutting them out of the material sheet. Shifting the number of manufacturing steps from the third manufacturing process to the second manufacturing process of step d1) can, for example, involve shifting the manufacturing step of creating the additional opening. This allows the opening of the third workpiece to be created in the second manufacturing process while the first workpiece is being deposited.

[0039] For example, the first number of the plurality of workpieces, the second number of the plurality of workpieces, and the third number of the plurality of workpieces may each be five. The number of material sheets may be three. The first five workpieces may be manufactured by cutting out a first material sheet of the three material sheets, so the first manufacturing process includes the cutting out of the material sheet manufacturing step five times. The second five workpieces may be manufactured by cutting out a second material sheet of the three material sheets, so the second manufacturing process includes the cutting out of the material sheet manufacturing step five times. The third five workpieces may be manufactured by cutting out a third material sheet of the three material sheets, so the third manufacturing process includes the cutting out of the material sheet manufacturing step five times.Shifting the number of manufacturing steps from the first manufacturing process to the second manufacturing process of step d1) can, for example, involve shifting one of the five cutouts from the material sheet. As a result, the first manufacturing process can include the cutting-out-from-the-material-sheet manufacturing step four times, and the second manufacturing process can include the cutting-out-from-the-material-sheet manufacturing step six times. As a result, the first number of the plurality of workpieces can be reduced by one and the second number of the plurality of workpieces can be increased by one.

[0040] In a further development of the method, the machine tool has a first removal device and a second removal device. The production sequence provides for carrying out the first sorting process and the second sorting process by means of the first removal device. The production sequence provides for carrying out the third sorting process by means of the second removal device. A production step of the second production process causes the second number of the plurality of workpieces to be separated from the material sheet by means of the machine tool. Adapting the production sequence of step d) comprises the step: d2) postponing the production step of the second production process, which causes the second number of the plurality of workpieces to be separated from the material sheet, and the second sorting process after the third sorting process.In other words, the order of the manufacturing sequence is changed by step d2) such that the manufacturing step of the second manufacturing process, which causes the separation of the second number of the plurality of workpieces from the material sheet, and the second sorting process are provided after the third sorting process.

[0041] Through step d2), the order of the production sequence can advantageously be changed such that the first removal device and the second removal device alternately perform an absorption process. This allows each removal device more time to perform an absorption process.

[0042] The first removal device and the second removal device can carry out an absorption process independently of each other.

[0043] The first removal device can have a gripper for gripping the workpieces. The gripper can have a suction gripper, in particular a vacuum suction gripper, and / or a magnetic gripper. Removing the workpieces with the first removal device can comprise gripping the workpieces with the gripper.

[0044] The second removal device can have a flap and a removal hole, wherein the flap closes the removal hole in a closed position and releases the removal hole in an open position. Removing the workpieces with the second removal device can comprise discharging the workpieces from the machine tool through the removal hole by moving the flap into the open position. Alternatively, the second removal device can have a further gripper for gripping the workpieces. The further gripper can have a suction gripper, in particular a vacuum suction gripper, and / or a magnetic gripper. Removing the workpieces with the second removal device can comprise gripping the workpieces with the further gripper.Step d2) may be equivalent to postponing the third manufacturing process and the third sorting process before the second manufacturing process which causes the second number of the plurality of workpieces to be separated from the material sheet.

[0045] In a further development of the method, the manufacturing steps of the first manufacturing process result in the production of the first number of the plurality of workpieces from a first material sheet based on a first sheet layout. The removal of the first sorting process comprises removing the first material sheet in the form of a first residual skeleton together with the produced first number of the plurality of workpieces. The manufacturing steps of the second manufacturing process result in the production of the second number of the plurality of workpieces from a second material sheet based on a second sheet layout. The removal of the second sorting process comprises removing the second material sheet in the form of a second residual skeleton together with the produced second number of the plurality of workpieces.The manufacturing steps of the third manufacturing process result in the production of the third number of the plurality of workpieces from a third material sheet based on a third sheet configuration. The removal of the third sorting process comprises removing the third material sheet in the form of a third residual skeleton together with the produced third number of the plurality of workpieces. The process duration of step b) additionally includes the depositing of the first residual skeleton.

[0046] Determining the operation duration of step b) can be referred to as determining the operation duration of depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces and depositing the first residual skeleton.

[0047] The removal of the finished workpieces can be designed as a pallet exchange. While removing the finished workpieces, a material sheet for subsequent processing can be inserted into the machine tool at the same time.

[0048] After removal, the manufactured workpieces and the residual skeleton can be placed in a buffer area. From the buffer area, the manufactured workpieces and the residual skeleton can be deposited manually by one or more people and / or mechanically using a gripper. During deposit, the buffer area can be occupied by the manufactured workpieces and / or the residual skeleton, preventing subsequently manufactured workpieces with residual skeletons from being removed from the machine tool.

[0049] The first sheet layout may be referred to as nesting, boxing, or interleaving of the first number of the plurality of workpieces. The first sheet layout may specify a space-saving arrangement for producing the first number of the plurality of workpieces from the first sheet of material. The second sheet layout may be referred to as nesting, boxing, or interleaving of the second number of the plurality of workpieces. The second sheet layout may specify a space-saving arrangement for producing the second number of the plurality of workpieces from the second sheet of material. The third sheet layout may be referred to as nesting, boxing, or interleaving of the third number of the plurality of workpieces. The third sheet layout may specify a space-saving arrangement for producing the third number of the plurality of workpieces from the third sheet of material. The first sheet layout, the second sheet layout, and the third sheet layout may be predetermined.

[0050] In a further development of the method, the adaptation of the production sequence of step d) comprises the step: d3) postponing the first production process and the first sorting process after the second sorting process, in particular if a value of a determined production time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence before the postponing of the first production process and the first sorting process is greater than a value of a determined production time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence after the postponing of the first production process and the first sorting process;or d4) postponing the third manufacturing process and the third sorting process after the first sorting process, in particular if a value of a determined manufacturing time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the manufacturing sequence before postponing the first manufacturing process and the first sorting process is greater than a value of a determined manufacturing time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the manufacturing sequence after postponing the third manufacturing process and the third sorting process.;

[0051] For example, step d3) may be carried out if a value of a difference formed by subtracting the operation duration determined in step c) from the operation duration determined in step b) is greater than a value of a difference formed by subtracting an operation duration of the third manufacturing operation from the operation duration determined in step b).

[0052] For example, step d4) may be carried out if a value of a difference formed by subtracting the operation duration determined in step c) from the operation duration determined in step b) is greater than a value of a difference formed by subtracting the operation duration determined in step c) from a operation duration of the third manufacturing process.

[0053] In a further development of the method, the adaptation of the production sequence of step d) comprises the step: d5) changing the first sheet layout, the second sheet layout and / or the third sheet layout, in particular if a value of a determined production time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence before changing the first sheet layout, the second sheet layout and / or the third sheet layout is greater than a value of a determined production time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence after changing the first sheet layout, the second sheet layout and / or the third sheet layout.

[0054] By changing the sheet layouts, the number of multiple workpieces produced from a material sheet can change. For example, the sheet layout can be changed such that the operation duration of the second production process is equal to or greater than the operation duration for depositing the first number of the multiple workpieces and the residual skeleton. For example, the sheet layouts can be changed such that the difference between the operation durations of the production processes after changing the sheet layout is smaller than before changing the sheet layout.

[0055] In a further development of the method, adapting the manufacturing sequence of step d) comprises the step: d6) adapting the manufacturing steps of the first manufacturing process such that the manufacturing steps of the first manufacturing process result in the production of at least two workpieces adjacent in the first sheet layout with at least one connecting element for jointly depositing the adjacent workpieces. By depositing the adjacent workpieces together, the process duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces can advantageously be reduced. The adjacent workpieces connected to one another by the connecting element can be separated from one another during or after depositing; for example, the separation of the adjacent workpieces from one another can occur by breaking the connecting element.

[0056] The connecting element can be referred to as a connecting bridge. The connecting element can be designed as a nanojoint or a microjoint. The connecting element can form at least one holding point at which the adjacent workpieces are not completely separated from each other.

[0057] In a further development of the method, the adaptation of the production sequence of step d) comprises the step: d7) changing a process parameter of at least one production step of the second production process for the purpose of increasing the process duration of the second production process.

[0058] In particular, the process parameter can be changed such that the duration of the second manufacturing process is increased. By increasing the duration of the second manufacturing process, a waiting time of the machine tool that occurs between the first manufacturing process and the removal of the second number of the plurality of workpieces can advantageously be avoided. By increasing the duration of the second manufacturing process, energy can be saved and / or a higher quality of the manufactured workpieces can be achieved.

[0059] The process parameter of the manufacturing step of the second manufacturing process can be changed in such a way that the process duration of the second manufacturing process increases by at least a value which is equal to a value of a difference which is formed by subtracting the process duration determined in step c) from the process duration determined in step b).

[0060] For example, the process parameter can be a cutting parameter for cutting workpieces from a number of material sheets. The cutting parameter can be modified to increase the cutting time of the workpieces while improving the quality of the produced cut edge. The cutting parameter can be a focus diameter, laser power, nozzle-focus distance, nozzle-workpiece distance, feed rate, gas pressure, nozzle diameter, or gas type.

[0061] In a further development of the method, adapting the manufacturing sequence of step d) comprises the step: d8) inserting an energy-saving process before or after the second manufacturing process, which initiates an energy-saving mode of at least one device of the machine tool that is not required for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces. The duration of the energy-saving process is equal to a difference calculated by subtracting the duration determined in step c) from the duration determined in step b).

[0062] The energy-saving process can advantageously save energy. The device not required for the deposition process can, for example, be a laser device for generating a laser beam for cutting the number of material sheets.

[0063] A computer program according to the invention comprises instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute a previously described method. The computer program can be stored, for example, on a data storage medium. The data storage medium can be a hard disk, a memory card, or a USB mass storage device.

[0064] The specified manufacturing sequence can be stored on the computer, in particular on the data storage medium, or in a memory of the machine tool. If the specified manufacturing sequence is stored on the computer, the manufacturing sequence can be transmitted to the machine tool after the method has been executed. If the specified manufacturing sequence is stored in the machine tool's memory, the computer can access the machine tool's memory via a data connection and execute the method based on the manufacturing sequence stored in the machine tool's memory.

[0065] A data processing device according to the invention is configured to execute a method described above. The device can be designed as a computer, cloud computer, or control device. A machine tool according to the invention is configured to execute a method described above. In particular, the machine tool can have a control device configured to execute the method described above.

[0066] A production system according to the invention comprises a production controller configured to carry out a method described above. Furthermore, the production system comprises a machine tool configured to produce the plurality of workpieces from the number of material sheets.

[0067] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be gathered from the figures, their description, and the claims. All features disclosed in the figures, their description, and the claims can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination. They show:

[0068] Fig. 1 is an oblique view of a production system for producing several workpieces using a machine tool,

[0069] Fig. 2 is another oblique view of the production system of Fig. 1,

[0070] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a first workpiece to be produced with the production system,

[0071] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a further second workpiece to be produced with the production system,

[0072] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a time sequence of the production of the workpieces of Fig. 3 and 4 with the machine tool of Fig. 1,

[0073] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a further time sequence of the production of the workpieces of Fig. 3 and 4 with the machine tool of Fig. 1,

[0074] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a further time sequence of the production of the workpieces of Fig. 3 and 4 with the machine tool of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is an oblique view of a variant of the production system of Fig. 1 with a machine tool,

[0075] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of table layouts for the production of several workpieces using the machine tool of Fig. 8,

[0076] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a time sequence of the production of the several workpieces of Fig. 9 with the machine tool of Fig. 8,

[0077] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a further time sequence of the production of the several workpieces of Fig. 9 with the machine tool of Fig. 8,

[0078] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of a time sequence of the production of the plurality of workpieces of a further embodiment,

[0079] Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of adapted table layouts for the production of several workpieces of a further embodiment,

[0080] Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of a time sequence of the production of the multiple workpieces based on the adapted sheet layouts of Fig. 13,

[0081] Fig. 15 is a schematic representation of an adapted first sheet layout for the production of several workpieces of a further embodiment,

[0082] Fig. 16 is a schematic representation of a time sequence of the production of the plurality of workpieces based on the adapted first sheet layout of Fig. 15,

[0083] Fig. 17 is a schematic representation of a first table layout for the production of several workpieces of a further embodiment, and

[0084] Fig. 18 is a schematic representation of a time sequence for producing the plurality of workpieces based on the first sheet layout of Fig. 17. Fig. 1 shows a production system 100 with a production controller 102 and a machine tool 104. The machine tool 104 is designed to produce a plurality of workpieces from a number of material sheets in the form of sheet metal sheets.

[0085] The machine tool 104 is a punch-laser machine. The punch-laser machine 104 combines the advantages of punching with those of laser processing. The machine tool 104 thus has a punching device 106 with a punching head and a laser device 108 with a laser processing head.

[0086] A workpiece can be produced by means of the punching device 106 and / or by means of the laser device 108. For this purpose, the material sheets are processed, in particular punched or cut, by means of the punching head and / or the laser processing head.

[0087] The machine tool 104 is intended to produce a first workpiece 110 twice and a second workpiece 112 once. The first workpiece 110 is shown at the top in Fig. 3, and the second workpiece 112 is shown at the top in Fig. 4.

[0088] In Figs. 3 and 4 below, a sequence is schematically illustrated that the machine tool 104 executes to produce one of the workpieces 110, 112. The two sequences each comprise a production sequence 114, 115, a removal 116, 117 of the produced workpiece 110, 112, and a deposit 118, 119 of the produced workpiece 110, 112.

[0089] The length of the manufacturing process 114, 115, removal 116, 117, or placement 118, 119 shown below in Figs. 3 and 4 is representative of the duration of the respective operation. Fig. 3 below and Fig. 4 below show that the placement 118 of the first workpiece 110 takes longer than the placement 119 of the second workpiece 112.

[0090] Fig. 1 shows that the machine tool 104 has a tool table 120 on which a manufactured workpiece rests after production. If the manufactured workpiece is a first workpiece 110, the manufactured first workpiece 110 is removed from the machine tool 104 and placed therein by a first removal device 122 arranged next to the machine tool 104. In other words, the manufacturing process 114 is carried out by means of the machine tool 104, and the removal 116 and the placement 118 are carried out by means of the first removal device 122.

[0091] The first removal device 122 has a gripper 124 for gripping the workpieces. Fig. 2 shows the first removal device 122 performing the removal 116 of a manufactured workpiece. The manufactured workpiece is removed from a processing area of ​​the machine tool 104 by means of the first removal device 122. During the removal 116 of the workpiece from the processing area, the machine tool 104 cannot perform any manufacturing step. This prevents a collision between the machine tool 104 and the first removal device 122 during the removal 116. The removal 116 is complete when the first removal device 122 has left the processing area together with the workpiece.

[0092] The removal 116, 117 is immediately followed by the deposit 118, 119 of the produced workpiece. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the first workpieces 110 are deposited onto pallets 126 by the first removal device 122.

[0093] If the manufactured workpiece is a second workpiece 112, the manufactured second workpiece 112 is removed from the machine tool 104 and placed therein using a second removal device 128.

[0094] The second removal device 128 has a flap 130 that closes a hole in the tool table 120. Once the second workpiece 112 has been produced, the machine tool 104 positions the second workpiece 112 on the flap 130, which then opens. The second workpiece 112 falls through the hole onto a conveyor belt 132 of the second removal device 128. In other words, the flap 130 ejects the second workpiece 112 from the machining area of ​​the machine tool 104. Thus, the removal 117 of the second workpiece 112 includes positioning the second workpiece 112 on the flap 130 and ejecting the second workpiece 112. During the removal 117 of the second workpiece 112, the machine tool cannot perform any manufacturing step.

[0095] The conveyor belt 132 then transports the removed second workpiece 112 into a container 134 of the second removal device 128. Thus, the depositing 119 of the second workpiece 112 comprises transporting the second workpiece 112 into the container 134.

[0096] When the first workpiece 110 or the second workpiece 112 is deposited 118, 119, no collision can occur. Therefore, the depositing 118, 119 of the manufactured workpieces and a manufacturing process 114, 115 following the depositing 118, 119 can be performed at least partially simultaneously.

[0097] In order to produce the first two workpieces 110 and the second workpiece 112 from material sheets using the machine tool 104, a production sequence is specified for the production control system 102. The production sequence has a first production process for producing the first of the first two workpieces 110, which comprises the production sequence 114. The first production process contains the production step "cutting a first workpiece 110 from the material sheet" of the production sequence 114. This is followed by a first sorting process, which comprises the removal 116 and depositing 118 of the produced first workpiece 110 using the first removal device 122. Simultaneously with the depositing 118 of the produced first workpiece 110, the production sequence provides for a second production process for producing the second of the first two workpieces 110, which comprises the production sequence 114.The second manufacturing process includes the manufacturing step "cutting a first workpiece 110 from the material sheet" of manufacturing process 114. This is followed by a second sorting process, which includes the removal 116 and depositing 118 of the manufactured first workpiece 110 by means of the first removal device 122. Simultaneously with the depositing 118 of the manufactured first workpiece 110, the manufacturing sequence provides for a third manufacturing process for producing the second workpiece 112, which includes manufacturing process 115. The third manufacturing process includes the manufacturing steps "115.1 Producing an opening 136" and "115.2 Cutting a second workpiece 112 from the material sheet" of the manufacturing process 115. This is followed by a third sorting process, which includes the removal 117 and the depositing 119 of the manufactured second workpiece 112 by means of the second removal device 128.

[0098] If the machine tool 104 produces the first two workpieces 110 and the second workpiece 112 by sequentially executing the individual operations of the manufacturing sequence, the time sequence shown in Fig. 5 would result. Fig. 5 a) shows the sequence for producing the first of the first two workpieces 110, Fig. 5 b) shows the sequence for producing the second of the first two workpieces 110, and Fig. 5 c) shows the sequence for producing the second workpiece 112.

[0099] In Fig. 5 b), it can be seen that between the production process of the second of the two first workpieces 110 and the removal 116, a waiting time 138 occurs, during which the produced second of the two first workpieces 110 lies on the tool table 120 and cannot be removed from the machine tool 110 because the first removal device 122 is occupied with the deposit 118 of the first of the two first workpieces 110. Execution of the third production process is also not possible because the second of the two first workpieces 110 has not yet been removed. Therefore, a production time 140 of the two first workpieces 110 and the second workpiece 112 includes the waiting time 138.

[0100] To shorten the production time 140, the production control system 102 executes a method for reducing or completely avoiding the waiting time 138 before producing the workpieces 110, 112. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, the production control system 102 is configured as a computer, and the method is a computer-implemented method.

[0101] The method comprises the step: b) determining a process duration for depositing 118 the first of the first two workpieces 110. The process duration is determined by a computer-implemented simulation of depositing 118 the first of the first two workpieces 110.

[0102] The method comprises the step: c) determining a process duration of the manufacturing process of the second of the first two workpieces 110. The process duration is determined by a computer-implemented simulation of the manufacturing process of the second of the first two workpieces 110.

[0103] Since the determined process duration of step b) is greater than the determined process duration of step c), the production control system 102 executes the step: d) adapting the manufacturing sequence to reduce the manufacturing duration 140 of the workpieces 110, 112. The adaptation of the manufacturing sequence of step d) is carried out by the step: d1) shifting the manufacturing step "115.1 Producing an opening 136" from the third manufacturing process to the second manufacturing process. As a result, when the manufacturing sequence is executed in the second manufacturing process, the manufacturing process 114 is executed completely and the manufacturing process 115 is executed partially. In other words, the second of the first two workpieces 110 is manufactured together with the opening 136 of the second workpiece 112.

[0104] By postponing the manufacturing step "115.1 Producing an opening 136," the number of manufacturing steps in the second manufacturing process increases and the number of manufacturing steps in the third manufacturing process decreases. Since the value of the process duration of the manufacturing step "115.1 Producing an opening 136" postponed in step d1) is equal to the waiting time 138, the waiting time 138 is completely avoided.

[0105] The process of the adapted manufacturing sequence is shown in Fig. 6. A manufacturing time 142 of the adapted manufacturing sequence is shorter than the manufacturing time 140 of the specified manufacturing sequence. For better comparison, the manufacturing time 140 of the specified manufacturing sequence is also shown in dashed lines in Fig. 6.

[0106] Furthermore, the production control system 102 adapts the predetermined production sequence by a step d2): d2) Postponing the production step "cutting a first workpiece 110 from the material sheet" of the second production process and the second sorting process after the third sorting process. This changes the order of the production sequence such that the first of the first two workpieces 110 is produced first, then the second workpiece 112, and then the second of the first two workpieces 110. The adapted production sequence is shown in Fig. 7.

[0107] Since the first workpieces 110 are removed by means of the first removal device 122 and the second workpiece 112 by means of the second removal device 128, the depositing 118 of a first workpiece 110 can take place at least partially simultaneously with the removal 117 of a second workpiece 112 and the depositing 119 of a second workpiece 112 can take place at least partially simultaneously with the removal 116 of a first workpiece 110.

[0108] A manufacturing time 144 of the adjusted manufacturing sequence in Fig. 7 is shorter than the manufacturing time 140 of the specified manufacturing sequence. For better comparison, the manufacturing time 140 of the specified manufacturing sequence is also shown in dashed lines in Fig. 7.

[0109] The production control 102 is configured to compare the production duration 142 of Fig. 6 with the production duration 144 of Fig. 7 and to replace the predetermined production sequence with the adapted production sequence, which has a shorter production duration 142, 144. In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7, a value of the production duration 142 of Fig. 6 is smaller than a value of the production duration 144 of Fig. 7, which is why the production control 102 replaces the predetermined production sequence with the adapted production sequence of Fig. 6.

[0110] The method comprises the step: e) producing the workpieces 110, 112 by executing the manufacturing sequence using the machine tool 104. For this purpose, the production control 102 transmits the manufacturing sequence of Fig. 6 to the machine tool 104, which then executes the transmitted manufacturing sequence and thereby produces the workpieces 110, 112.

[0111] In a further, not shown, embodiment, step d1) and step d2) can be performed consecutively. For example, the manufacturing step of the second manufacturing process, which causes the separation of the second number of the plurality of workpieces from the material sheet, and the second sorting process can be postponed after the third sorting process, and subsequently, a number of manufacturing steps from the first manufacturing process and / or a number of manufacturing steps from the third manufacturing process can be postponed to the second manufacturing process.

[0112] Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the production system 100 described by means of Figs. 1 to 7, wherein the same reference numerals are used for identical and functionally equivalent elements and in this respect reference can be made to the above explanations regarding Figs. 1 to 7, so that essentially only the existing differences are discussed.

[0113] The machine tool 104 shown in Fig. 8 is a laser cutting system with a processing chamber 146 containing the processing area of ​​the machine tool 104. The production system 100 has a material storage area 148 and a buffer area 150 arranged between the material storage area 148 and the processing chamber 146.

[0114] Material storage 148 contains material sheets from which machine tool 104 produces workpieces.

[0115] The production of workpieces using the machine tool 104 is carried out by removing a material sheet from the material storage 148 and placing the removed material sheet on a first pallet 152 located in the buffer area 150. Subsequently, a pallet exchange takes place with a second pallet 154 located in the processing space 146. The pallet exchange involves removing the second pallet 154 from the processing space 146 and inserting the first pallet 152 together with the material sheet into the processing space 146. During the pallet exchange, the machine tool 104 cannot perform any manufacturing step. After the pallet exchange, the machine tool 104 can produce workpieces by machining the material sheet.

[0116] If the machine tool 104 has already produced workpieces from a material sheet prior to the pallet exchange, these workpieces are located on the second pallet 154 in the buffer area 150 together with a scrap skeleton after the pallet exchange. A gripper 156 of the production system 100 deposits the produced workpieces and the scrap skeleton, with the produced workpieces being placed on a pallet 158.

[0117] With the machine tool 104, a first number of multiple workpieces are to be produced from a first material sheet 160, a second number of multiple workpieces from a second material sheet 162, and a third number of multiple workpieces from a third material sheet 164. The material sheets 160, 162, 164 and their respective predetermined sheet layouts are schematically illustrated on the left in Fig. 9. This shows that the first number of multiple workpieces is eight, the second number of multiple workpieces is nine, and the third number of multiple workpieces is nine. In other words, a total of 26 workpieces are to be produced.

[0118] Fig. 9 (right) shows the schematic sequence associated with the material sheets 160, 162, 164, which the machine tool 104 executes to produce the workpieces. These two sequences each comprise a production sequence 166, 168, 170, a removal 172, 174, 176 of the produced workpieces, and a deposit 178, 180, 182 of the produced workpieces and the remaining skeleton.

[0119] A length of the manufacturing process 166, 168, 170, removal 172, 174, 176 or depositing 178, 180, 182 shown on the right in Fig. 9 is representative of a duration of the respective process.

[0120] The respective removal 172, 174, 176 is performed by pallet exchange. The pallet exchange is independent of the number or complexity of manufactured workpieces, which is why the durations of the removal 172, 174, 176 of the material sheets 160, 162, 164 are the same. The duration of the respective production process 166, 168, 170 depends on the number and complexity of the workpieces to be produced from the associated material sheet 160, 162, 164, which is why the durations of the production processes 166, 168, 170 differ from one another. A duration of the respective depositing 178, 180, 182 depends on how many workpieces are to be deposited by means of the gripper 156 and what distances the gripper 156 has to cover to deposit a respective workpiece, which is why the durations of the depositing 178, 180, 182 are different from one another.

[0121] In order to produce the workpieces using the machine tool 104 from the material sheets 160, 162, 164, a production sequence and the sheet layouts shown in Fig. 9 are specified to the production control system 102. The production sequence has a first production process for producing the first number of multiple workpieces, which comprises the production sequence 166. This is followed by a first sorting process, which comprises the removal 172 and the depositing 178 of the produced first number of multiple workpieces. Simultaneously with the depositing 178 of the produced first number of multiple workpieces, the production sequence provides for a second production process for producing the second number of multiple workpieces, which comprises the production sequence 168. This is followed by a second sorting process, which comprises the removal 174 and the depositing 180 of the produced second number of multiple workpieces.Simultaneously with the depositing 180, the manufacturing sequence provides for a third manufacturing process to be carried out for producing the third number of multiple workpieces, which comprises the manufacturing process 170. This is followed by a third sorting process, which comprises the removal 176 and the depositing 182.

[0122] The first manufacturing process produces the first number of the plurality of workpieces from the first material sheet 160 based on the first sheet layout. The removal 172 of the first sorting process comprises removing the first material sheet 160 in the form of a first residual skeleton together with the produced first number of the plurality of workpieces, and the depositing 178 of the first sorting process comprises depositing the first residual skeleton. The second manufacturing process produces the second number of the plurality of workpieces from a second material sheet 162 based on the second sheet layout. The removal 174 of the second sorting process comprises removing the second material sheet 162 in the form of a second residual skeleton together with the produced second number of the plurality of workpieces, and the depositing 180 of the second sorting process comprises depositing the second residual skeleton.The third manufacturing process results in the production of the third number of the plurality of workpieces from a third material sheet 164 based on the third sheet layout. The removal 176 of the third sorting process comprises removing the third material sheet 164 in the form of a third residual skeleton together with the produced third number of the plurality of workpieces, and the depositing 182 of the third sorting process comprises depositing the third residual skeleton.

[0123] If the machine tool 104 produces the workpieces by sequentially executing the individual operations of the production sequence, the time sequence shown in Fig. 10 would result. Fig. 10 a) shows the sequence for producing the first number of multiple workpieces, Fig. 10 b) shows the sequence for producing the second number of multiple workpieces, and Fig. 10 c) shows the sequence for producing the third number of multiple workpieces.

[0124] In Fig. 10 b), it can be seen that between the production sequence 168 and the removal 174, a waiting time 138 occurs, during which the manufactured second number of multiple workpieces are located on the pallet within the processing space 146. The removal 174 of the second number of multiple workpieces from the processing space 146 is not possible because the buffer area 150 is occupied by the not yet completely sorted first number of multiple workpieces. Therefore, a production duration 140 of the multiple workpieces includes the waiting time 138.

[0125] In order to shorten the manufacturing time 140, the production controller 102 executes a method for reducing or completely avoiding the waiting time 138 before manufacturing the plurality of workpieces.

[0126] The method comprises the step: b) determining a process duration for depositing 178 the first number of multiple workpieces and the first residual skeleton. The process duration is determined by a computer-implemented simulation of the deposit 178 of the first number of multiple workpieces and the first residual skeleton.

[0127] The method comprises the step: c) determining a process duration of the second manufacturing process. The process duration is determined by a computer-implemented simulation of the second manufacturing process.

[0128] Since the determined operation duration of step b) is greater than the determined operation duration of step c), the production control 102 carries out the step: d) adapting the production sequence for the purpose of reducing the production duration 140 of the plurality of workpieces.

[0129] The adaptation of the production sequence of step d) is carried out by the step: d4) Postponing the third production process and the third sorting process after the first sorting process.

[0130] The adapted manufacturing sequence is shown in Fig. 11. The manufacturing time 142 of the adapted manufacturing sequence is shorter than the manufacturing time 140 of the predetermined manufacturing sequence. For better comparison, the manufacturing time 140 of the predetermined manufacturing sequence is additionally shown in dashed lines in Fig. 11. The production controller 102 is designed to compare the manufacturing time 140 with the manufacturing time 142 and to replace the predetermined manufacturing sequence with the adapted manufacturing sequence, since the adapted manufacturing sequence has a shorter manufacturing time 142. The method has the step: e) Producing the plurality of workpieces by executing the manufacturing sequence using the machine tool 104. For this purpose, the production controller 102 transmits the manufacturing sequence of Fig. 11 to the machine tool 104, which then executes the transmitted manufacturing sequence and thereby produces the plurality of workpieces.

[0131] Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of a time sequence of a further embodiment of the production system 100 described by means of Figs. 8 to 11, wherein the same reference numerals are used for identical and functionally equivalent elements and in this respect reference can be made to the above explanations regarding Figs. 8 to 11, so that essentially only the existing differences are discussed.

[0132] Before producing the multiple workpieces, the production control system 102 executes the method for utilizing the waiting time 138. To this end, the production sequence is adapted instead of step d4) by the step: d8) Inserting an energy-saving operation 184 of the machine tool 104 between the production sequence 170 and the removal 174.

[0133] A process duration of the energy saving process 184 is equal to a difference formed by subtracting the process duration determined in step c) from the process duration determined in step b).

[0134] The energy-saving process 184 utilizes the waiting time 138 by saving energy. The production time 140 remains unchanged.

[0135] Figs. 13 and 14 show adapted sheet layouts of a further embodiment and a chronological sequence for the production of the plurality of workpieces based on the adapted sheet layouts of Fig. 13. The same reference numerals are used for identical and functionally equivalent elements, and reference can be made to the above explanations regarding Figs. 8 to 11, so that essentially only the existing differences are discussed. The adaptation of the production sequence takes place instead of step d4) by step d5) changing the second sheet layout and the third sheet layout.

[0136] The production control 102 is designed to determine a duration for the production of individual workpieces of the panel layouts.

[0137] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 13 and 14, the production control system 102 determines the duration for producing individual workpieces of the third sheet configuration and the duration for producing individual workpieces of the second sheet configuration. Subsequently, the production control system 102 changes the second and third sheet configurations by shifting workpieces from the second sheet configuration to the third sheet configuration and by shifting workpieces from the third sheet configuration to the second sheet configuration. In other words, the workpieces contained in the second and third sheet configurations are partially interchanged.

[0138] Fig. 9 shows the original and specified panel layout, and Fig. 13 shows the adjusted panel layout. The two workpieces located at the bottom left and center left in the original third panel layout are shifted to the top left and top center in the adjusted second panel layout. Conversely, the four workpieces located at the top left, center left, top center, and center center in the original second panel layout are shifted from the bottom left to the second-to-last top left in the adjusted third panel layout.

[0139] The sequences for the modified sheet layouts are shown on the right in Fig. 13. Below the sequence for the second material sheet 162 and below the sequence for the third material sheet 164, the sequence before the second and third sheet layouts were changed is shown in dashed lines. Changing the second and third sheet layouts lengthens the duration of the production sequence 168 for the second sheet layout and shortens the duration of the production sequence 170 for the third sheet layout.

[0140] Fig. 14 shows that by changing the sheet layouts, the waiting time 138 and thus the production time 142 for producing the multiple workpieces based on the changed sheet layout is shortened. Due to the shortened production time 142, the production control 102 replaces the predetermined sheet layouts with the changed sheet layouts. Figs. 15 and 16 show an adapted first sheet layout of a further exemplary embodiment and a time sequence for producing the multiple workpieces based on the adapted first sheet layout of Fig. 15, wherein the same reference numerals are used for identical and functionally equivalent elements and in this respect reference can be made to the above explanations regarding Figs. 8 to 11, so that essentially only the existing differences will be discussed.

[0141] The manufacturing sequence is adapted instead of step d4) by step d6) of adapting the manufacturing steps of the first manufacturing process such that the manufacturing steps of the first manufacturing process result in the production of at least two workpieces adjacent in the first sheet layout with at least one connecting element for jointly depositing the adjacent workpieces. This results in the adapted first sheet layout.

[0142] In the embodiment of Fig. 15, the workpieces arranged at the bottom in the adapted first panel layout are each connected to one another by a connecting element 186 in the form of a connecting web. Each connecting element 186 forms a holding point at which the adjacent workpieces are not completely separated from one another. As a result, the three interconnected workpieces are deposited together, thereby shortening the depositing time 178.

[0143] The right side of Fig. 15 shows a sequence executed by machine tool 104 to produce the workpieces of the adjusted first sheet layout. Below the sequence for the adjusted first sheet layout, the sequence before executing step d6) is shown in dashed lines.

[0144] Fig. 16 shows that the adjusted first sheet layout eliminates the waiting time 138, thus shortening the production time 142 for producing the multiple workpieces based on the adjusted first sheet layout. Due to the shorter production time 142, the production control system 102 replaces the first sheet layout with the adjusted first sheet layout.

[0145] Fig. 17 and 18 show the second panel layout with an adapted manufacturing process

[0146] 168 of the second panel layout and a chronological sequence of the production of the plurality of workpieces based on the adapted production sequence 168 of the second panel layout, wherein the same reference numerals are used for identical and functionally equivalent elements and in this respect reference can be made to the above explanations regarding Figs. 8 to 11, so that essentially only the existing differences are discussed.

[0147] Before producing the plurality of workpieces, the production control system 102 executes the method for utilizing the waiting time 138. For this purpose, the production sequence is adapted instead of step d4) by the step: d7) changing a process parameter of at least one production step of the second production process for the purpose of increasing the process duration of the second production process.

[0148] In the embodiment of Figs. 17 and 18, the process parameter is a cutting parameter for cutting the workpieces from the second material sheet 162. The cutting parameter is changed in such a way that the duration of cutting the workpieces is increased while improving the quality of a produced cut edge. This increases the duration of the production sequence 168 of the second sheet coating and thus the duration of the second production process.

[0149] The process parameter of the manufacturing step of the second manufacturing process is changed in such a way that the duration of the manufacturing process 168 is increased by the amount of the waiting time 138. This avoids the waiting time 138.

[0150] The right side of Fig. 17 shows a sequence that the machine tool 104 executes to produce the workpieces of the second material sheet 162. Below the sequence for the second material sheet 162, the sequence before the execution of step d7) is shown in dashed lines.

[0151] Fig. 18 shows that by increasing the duration of the second manufacturing process, the waiting time 138 is eliminated. The manufacturing time 140 remains unchanged. By increasing the duration of the second manufacturing process, energy is saved and / or a higher quality of the manufactured workpieces is achieved.

[0152] In further embodiments not shown, at least one of steps d5) to d8) can be performed in addition to step d4). In a further embodiment not shown, a computer program comprises instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method.

[0153] In a further embodiment, not shown, a data processing device is configured to carry out the method.

[0154] In a further embodiment, not shown, a machine tool is designed to carry out the method.

Claims

Claims 1. A method for producing a plurality of workpieces (110, 112) by means of a machine tool (104) which is designed to produce the plurality of workpieces (110, 112) from a number of material sheets (160, 162, 164), the method comprising the steps of: a) specifying a production sequence for producing the plurality of workpieces (110, 112) by means of the machine tool (104) from the material sheets (160, 162, 164), the specified production sequence comprising: a first production process with a number of production steps for producing a first number of the plurality of workpieces, a first sorting process which comprises removing and depositing the produced first number of the plurality of workpieces, the depositing of the first number of the plurality of workpieces being executable at least partially simultaneously with a subsequent production process,a second manufacturing process with a number of manufacturing steps for producing a second number of the plurality of workpieces, a second sorting process, which comprises removing and depositing the produced second number of the plurality of workpieces, wherein the depositing of the second number of the plurality of workpieces can be carried out at least partially simultaneously with a subsequent manufacturing process, a third manufacturing process with a number of manufacturing steps for producing a third number of the plurality of workpieces, and a third sorting process, which comprises removing and depositing the produced third number of the plurality of workpieces, wherein the depositing of the third number of the plurality of workpieces can be carried out at least partially simultaneously with a subsequent manufacturing process, wherein it is provided that each manufacturing process that follows an absorbing process in the manufacturing sequence,is carried out at least partially simultaneously with the depositing of the previous sorting process in the production sequence; b) determining a process duration for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces; c) determining a process duration for the second production process;, d) if the determined operation duration of step b) is greater than the determined operation duration of step c): adapting the production sequence for the purpose of reducing a production duration (140) of the plurality of workpieces (110, 112) and / or for the purpose of utilizing a waiting time during which no production step of the predetermined production sequence can be carried out and which occurs as a result of the depositing of the produced first number of the plurality of workpieces; and e) producing the plurality of workpieces (110, 112) by executing the production sequence by means of the machine tool (104).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adaptation of the manufacturing sequence of step d) comprises the step: d1) shifting a number of manufacturing steps from the first manufacturing process and / or shifting a number of manufacturing steps from the third manufacturing process to the second manufacturing process, wherein a value of a process duration of the number of manufacturing steps shifted in step d1) is greater than or equal to a value of a difference formed by subtracting the process duration determined in step c) from the process duration determined in step b).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine tool (104) has a first removal device (122) and a second removal device (128), wherein the manufacturing sequence provides for carrying out the first sorting process and the second sorting process by means of the first removal device (122), wherein the manufacturing sequence provides for carrying out the third sorting process by means of the second removal device (128), wherein a manufacturing step of the second manufacturing process causes the second number of the plurality of workpieces to be separated from the material sheet by means of the machine tool, wherein the adaptation of the manufacturing sequence of step d) comprises the step of: d2) postponing the manufacturing step of the second manufacturing process, which causes the second number of the plurality of workpieces to be separated from the material sheet, and the second sorting process after the third sorting process.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing steps of the first manufacturing process result in the production of the first number of the plurality of workpieces from a first material sheet (160, 162, 164) based on a first sheet layout, wherein the removal of the first sorting process comprises removing the first material sheet (160, 162, 164) in the form of a first residual skeleton together with the manufactured first number of the plurality of workpieces, wherein the manufacturing steps of the second manufacturing process result in the production of the second number of the plurality of workpieces from a second material sheet (160, 162, 164) based on a second sheet layout, wherein the removal of the second sorting process comprises removing the second material sheet (160, 162, 164) in the form of a second residual skeleton together with the manufactured second number of the plurality of workpieces,wherein the manufacturing steps of the third manufacturing process effect the production of the third number of the plurality of workpieces from a third material sheet (160, 162, 164) based on a third sheet layout, wherein the removal of the third sorting process comprises removing the third material sheet (160, 162, 164) in the form of a third residual skeleton together with the produced third number of the plurality of workpieces, wherein the process duration of step b) additionally comprises depositing the first residual skeleton.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the adaptation of the production sequence of step d) comprises the step: d3) postponing the first production process and the first sorting process after the second sorting process, in particular if a value of a determined production time (140) of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence before the postponing of the first production process and the first sorting process is greater than a value of a determined production time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence after the postponing of the first production process and the first sorting process; or d4) postponing the third production process and the third sorting process after the first sorting process, in particular if a value of a determined production time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence before the postponing of the first production process and the first sorting process is greater than a value of a determined production time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence after postponing the third production process and the third sorting process.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the adaptation of the production sequence of step d) comprises the step: d5) changing the first sheet layout, the second sheet layout and / or the third sheet layout, in particular if a value of a determined production time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence before changing the first sheet layout, the second sheet layout and / or the third sheet layout is greater than a value of a determined production time of the plurality of workpieces by means of the production sequence after changing the first sheet layout, the second sheet layout and / or the third sheet layout.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein adapting the manufacturing sequence of step d) comprises the step of: d6) adapting the manufacturing steps of the first manufacturing process such that the manufacturing steps of the first manufacturing process result in the manufacture of at least two workpieces adjacent in the first panel layout with at least one connecting element (186), in particular a nanojoint and / or a microjoint, for jointly depositing the adjacent workpieces.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein adapting the manufacturing sequence of step d) comprises the step of: d7) changing a process parameter of at least one manufacturing step of the second manufacturing process for the purpose of increasing the process duration of the second manufacturing process.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptation of the manufacturing sequence of step d) comprises the step: d8) inserting an energy-saving process (184) before or after the second manufacturing process, which brings about an energy-saving mode of at least one device of the machine tool (104) which is not required for depositing the first number of the plurality of workpieces, wherein a process duration of the energy saving process (184) is equal to a difference formed by subtracting the process duration determined in step c) from the process duration determined in step b).

10. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

11. A data processing device configured to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. Machine tool, wherein the machine tool is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

13. Production system (100), comprising: a production controller (102) configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9, the machine tool (104) configured to produce the plurality of workpieces (110, 112) from the number of material sheets (160, 162, 164).

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