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

Abstract

A machining program management device (2) includes: a scheduling unit (21) that reads a machining program to be executed in machining control of each of a plurality of plate materials, and performs scheduling to send out a plurality of machining programs in the order of machining the plurality of plate materials; a stack height prediction unit (22) that predicts the amounts of bending of machined plate materials on the basis of the machining programs, and predicts a stack height, which is the height of the entire stack resulting from stacking the machined plate materials, by calculation that incorporates predicted values of the amounts of bending; and an identification unit (30) that identifies which machining program, among the plurality of machining programs, will cause, when executed, the stack height to reach the maximum allowable stack height, on the basis of the prediction result of the stack height.

Description

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

[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 machining order.

[0002] In a system for processing plate materials, processed plate materials are loaded onto a loading location, and when the loading location is full, the loaded processed plate materials are sometimes transported all at once. For example, when processed plate materials are loaded onto a loading pallet placed at the loading location, by predicting when the loading pallet will be full, it is possible to prepare an empty loading pallet to be placed at the loading location next. In this case, a full loading pallet can be smoothly replaced with an empty loading pallet, reducing processing delays.

[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 the loading pallet will be fully loaded.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-170147

[0005] The processed plate materials may bend from their pre-processing state. Therefore, if the stacking height is calculated based on the dimensions of the plate materials before processing, the result of predicting the fully loaded state may differ significantly from the actual state due to the bend in the loaded plate materials. As such, with the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it may be difficult to accurately predict when the processed plate materials will be fully loaded.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a machining program management device that can accurately predict when a machined workpiece will be fully loaded.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the processing program management device of the present disclosure includes a scheduling unit that reads processing programs to be executed 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 stacking height, which is the height of the entire load when the processed plate materials are stacked, by calculation incorporating the predicted value of the amount of bending; and an identification unit that identifies which of the plurality of processing programs will cause the stacking height to reach the upper limit of the possible stacking height when executed, based on the predicted stacking height result.

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

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a plate material processing system according to embodiment 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the loading of plate materials after processing in the plate material processing system according to embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing program management device according to embodiment 1; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information used to predict a stacking height by a stacking height prediction unit of the machining program management device according to embodiment 1; FIG. 2 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 embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the plate material processing system when correcting an adjustment coefficient in embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing examples of a first adjustment coefficient and a second adjustment coefficient used when recalculating a predicted value of a stacking height by an adjustment coefficient correction unit of the machining program management device according to embodiment 1; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of determining an adjustment coefficient after correction by an adjustment coefficient correction unit of the machining program management device according to embodiment 1;

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A machining program management device, a plate material 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 accompanying drawings.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration 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 material 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 of the plate material to become a processed product. Here, a processed product is defined as 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 , hollow arrows represent the transport of plate materials or processed products. In FIG. 1 , 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 that sends out the multiple machining programs in the order in which the multiple plate materials are to be machined. The NC device 4 receives the machining programs sent out from the machining program management device 2 and controls the machining of the plate materials in accordance with the received machining programs. The NC device 4 sequentially executes the machining programs 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, the NC device 4 may repeatedly execute one machining program.

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

[0015] The sorting device 7 sorts 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 removes the metal pieces 13A, 13B from the processing pallet 12, thereby sorting the metal pieces 13A, 13B from the metal plate 14. As a result of sorting by the sorting device 7, the metal plate 14 remains on the processing pallet 12.

[0016] The fork device 8 operates two forks 8A, 8B to scoop up 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 loading device 9 is loaded with metal plates 14, which are plate materials after processing by the plate material processing machine 3. 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] Figure 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 Figure 2, the left side of the white arrow shows the state when metal plates 14 are loaded on the loading device 9. In Figure 2, the right side of the white arrow shows the state when multiple loaded metal plates 14 are removed from the loading device 9 for transport. 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 Figure 2.

[0018] The loading device 9 is equipped with a height sensor 15. The height sensor 15 is installed at a position corresponding to 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 a plurality of 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. The warning causes the loading of the metal plates 14 to be interrupted, thereby preventing problems that may occur when the metal plates 14 are loaded beyond the fully loaded state, such as the metal plates 14 falling from the loading pallet or the collapse of the load. Furthermore, damage to equipment, etc. due to the falling metal plates 14 or errors caused by the fallen metal plates 14 interfering with the transport of the loading pallet are prevented.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the metal plate 14 is transported with the metal plate 14 placed on each of the forks 8A and 8B of the fork device 8. The fork device 8 moves 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 load of processed workpieces will be full. The machining program management device 2 identifies the workpiece to be loaded last when the load of processed workpieces is full, and identifies the machining program to be executed when processing the last loaded workpiece. Hereinafter, such a machining program will be referred to as the machining program when the load of processed workpieces is full. The machining program management device 2 identifies the machining program when the load of processed workpieces is full, and outputs information indicating the identified machining program. In the workpiece processing system 1, based on the information output by the machining program management device 2, for example, arrangements are made for equipment to be used to transport a loaded pallet that has become full, or an empty loading pallet is prepared, as appropriate. Note that the output destination of the information indicating the identified machining program is not particularly limited.

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

[0022] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the machining program management device 2. 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 stack 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 stack weight prediction unit 29, and an identification unit 30.

[0023] The machining program management device 2 acquires a machining program created by a device or system external to the plate material processing system 1, such as a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) device or a computer-aided design (CAD) / 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 machining control of each of the plurality of plate materials. The scheduling unit 21 also executes scheduling to send out the plurality of machining programs in the machining order of the plurality of plate materials. The scheduling unit 21 sends out the plurality of machining programs to the NC device 4 in the machining order.

[0025] The stacking height prediction unit 22 acquires the processing program from the scheduling unit 21. The stacking height prediction unit 22 predicts the amount of bending of the processed plate material based on the processing program. The stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the sum of the thickness and the amount of bending of the processed plate material, and calculates the sum for each loaded plate material to predict the stacking height. In this way, the stacking height prediction unit 22 predicts the amount of bending of the processed plate material based on the processing program, and predicts the stacking height, which is the height of the entire load when the processed plate materials are loaded on the loading device 9, by calculation incorporating the predicted value of the amount of bending. The stacking height prediction unit 22 outputs information indicating the predicted stacking 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 the proportion of the portion of the plate material before processing that is used for the 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, a description will be given of a method for predicting the amount of bending by the stacking height predicting unit 22. The stacking height predicting unit 22 can predict the amount of bending based on at least one of the yield rate and the aspect ratio.

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

[0029] As an example, the area of ​​the processed metal plate 14A is assumed to be 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, resulting in a yield rate of 20%. Furthermore, the area of ​​the processed metal plate 14B is assumed to be 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, resulting in a yield rate of 70%. Since the area of ​​the processed plate material is smaller as the yield rate increases, the processed plate material is more likely to bend when subjected to an external force. In other words, the higher the yield rate, the greater 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 the metal plates 14A and 14B are made of the same material, have the same thickness, and have the same aspect ratio of their outer shapes, the metal plate 14B will bend more than the 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 that incorporates 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] 5 is a second diagram for explaining the 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. Two metal plates 11A and 11B are shown as examples of the metal plate 11 before machining. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the vertical length of the plate to the horizontal length of the plate. The vertical length of the metal plates 11A and 11B is defined as L, and the horizontal length of the metal plates 11A and 11B is defined as d.

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

[0033] For 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 it bends due to the external force it receives when it slides off the forks 8A and 8B. That is, 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 amount of bending of the metal plate 11A will be greater than that of the metal plate 11B.

[0035] In this way, the amount of bending of the plate material after processing varies depending on the aspect ratio of the plate material, so the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the predicted value of the 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 value of the 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 machining 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 this 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. Alternatively, 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 machining 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 stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the aspect ratio from information included in the machining program. The relationship between the aspect ratio and the amount of bending is determined in advance, and information indicating this relationship is stored in the stacking height prediction unit 22. 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 ​​representing the aspect ratio and the value of the amount of bending corresponding to each value representing the aspect ratio. Alternatively, 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 stacking 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 machining 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. The stacking height prediction unit 22 can also 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, or 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 enabling accurate prediction of the stacking height. Note that the stacking height prediction unit 22 may also 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 will be referred to as the 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, it will be assumed that 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 information indicating the thickness of the plate material and information indicating the material of the plate material from the machining program acquired by the stacking height prediction unit 22 from the scheduling unit 21. The first adjustment unit 23 reads 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 first 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 first adjustment coefficient obtained from the first adjustment unit 23. The thicker the plate material, the more difficult it is to bend, and the thinner the plate material, the more easily it bends. Furthermore, the greater the specific gravity of the plate material, the more difficult it is to bend, and the smaller the specific gravity of the plate material, the more easily it bends. The stacking 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 stacking 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 the 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 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 aspect ratio using the second adjustment coefficient. Hereinafter, the second adjustment coefficient is assumed to be 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 information indicating the thickness of the plate material and information indicating the material of the plate material from the machining program acquired by the stacking height prediction unit 22 from the scheduling unit 21. The second adjustment unit 24 reads a 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 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 can obtain an accurate predicted value of the amount of bending by adjusting the value of the amount of bending using the second adjustment coefficient according to the thickness and material of the plate material.

[0046] When predicting the amount of bending based on the yield rate, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch between whether or not to perform adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient. That is, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch between 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 stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch between whether or not to perform adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient. That is, the stacking height prediction unit 22 can switch between 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 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] The identifying unit 30 receives input of information indicating the loading height predicted by the loading height prediction unit 22. The identifying unit 30 identifies, based on the predicted loading height, which of the plurality of processing programs will cause the loading height to reach the upper limit of the possible loading height when executed. Alternatively, the identifying unit 30 receives input of information indicating the loading weight predicted by the loading weight prediction unit 29. The identifying unit 30 identifies, based on the predicted loading weight, which of the plurality of processing programs will cause the loading weight to reach the upper limit of the possible loading weight when executed.

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

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

[0052] The data holding unit 27 holds data used in the calculation by the stacking height prediction unit 22 and data obtained by the calculation by the stacking 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 correcting unit 28 corrects the adjustment coefficient based on the error between the predicted stack height and the actual stack height. The adjustment coefficient correcting unit 28 corrects at least one of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient. In this example, the adjustment coefficient correcting 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, from the identification unit 30, information indicating the machining program identified based on the stack height prediction result. Furthermore, when the stack height actually reaches the upper limit, the identification unit 30 identifies the machining program when the stack height actually reaches the upper limit. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 acquires, from the identification unit 30, information indicating the machining program when the stack height actually reaches the upper limit. A method for correcting the adjustment coefficients 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, the operation procedure of the machining program management device 2 when specifying a machining program when the machine is full of machined workpieces will be described. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation procedure of the machining program management device 2 when specifying a machining program in embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the workpieces before machining will be referred to as "raw material." Furthermore, the workpieces after machining will be referred to as "remnants."

[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 determines whether to identify a processing program based on a predicted stacking height. When the selection is made to identify a processing program based on a predicted stacking height between a predicted stacking height and a predicted load weight when the processing program is to be identified when the loaded pallet is fully loaded, the scheduling unit 21 determines that the processing program will be identified based on a predicted stacking height.

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

[0059] When the scheduling unit 21 determines that a machining program should be identified 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 machining information from the machining program. The stacking height prediction unit 22 selects a machining program to be targeted for predicting the amount of bending from among a series of machining programs executed in machining order. When selecting a machining program for the first time after starting the process of identifying a machining program by predicting the stacking height, the stacking height prediction unit 22 selects the machining program to be executed first from among the series of machining 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. Material information refers to information about the material included in the processing program. The stacking height prediction unit 22 acquires, as the material information, information indicating the length, width, thickness, quality, and specific gravity of the material. The length of the material refers to the length of the material in the vertical direction. The width of the material refers to the length of the material in the horizontal direction. Processing information refers to 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 determines whether to predict the amount of bending of the scrap based on the yield rate. When a prediction based on the yield rate is selected as the prediction of the amount of bending, the stacking height prediction unit 22 determines to predict the amount of bending of the scrap based on the yield rate. When predicting the amount of bending of the scrap based on the yield rate (step S4, Yes), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, when predicting the amount of bending of the scrap based on the yield rate is not performed (step S4, No), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S7.

[0062] In step S5, the stacking height prediction unit 22 determines whether or not to perform adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient. If 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 determines to perform adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient. If adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient is to be performed (step S5, Yes), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S6. In this case, the stacking height prediction unit 22 requests the first adjustment unit 23 to read the first adjustment coefficient. On the other hand, if adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient is not to be performed (step S5, No), the machining program management device 2 proceeds 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 from 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-out information from among the multiple first adjustment coefficients stored in the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25. The first adjustment unit 23 reads out the 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 stacking height prediction unit 22.

[0064] In step S7, the stacking height prediction unit 22 determines whether to predict the amount of bending of the scrap based on the aspect ratio of the material. When prediction based on the aspect ratio is selected as the prediction of the amount of bending, the stacking height prediction unit 22 determines 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 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 stacking height prediction unit 22 determines whether or not to perform adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient. If it is selected to adjust the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio using the second adjustment coefficient, the stacking height prediction unit 22 determines to perform adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient. If adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient is to be performed (step S9, Yes), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S10. In this case, the stacking height prediction unit 22 requests the second adjustment unit 24 to read the second adjustment coefficient. On the other hand, if adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient is not to be performed (step S9, No), the machining program management device 2 proceeds to step S11.

[0067] In step S10, the second adjustment unit 24 reads out a 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 from 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-out 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-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.

[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 calculates 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 assumed to be information indicating the relationship between the yield rate and a bending amount coefficient. The bending amount coefficient is a coefficient used to calculate the amount of bending. The product of the material thickness and the bending amount coefficient is the predicted value of the amount of bending. The stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the bending amount coefficient based on the yield rate and information indicating the relationship between the yield rate and the bending amount coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the predicted value of the amount of bending based on the yield rate by multiplying the material thickness by the calculated bending amount coefficient.

[0069] When predicting the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates 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 assumed to be information indicating the relationship between the aspect ratio and a bending amount coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates a bending amount coefficient based on the aspect ratio and the information indicating the relationship between the aspect ratio and the bending amount coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates a predicted value of the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio by multiplying the material thickness value by the calculated bending amount coefficient.

[0070] The stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates a predicted value of the height of one scrap P by, for example, the following formula (1): h Calculate P h is expressed by the formula (1) which indicates the sum of the thickness of the material and the predicted bending amount of the scrap material. h = T × {1 + (b yr × C1) + (b ar × C2)) ... (1)

[0071] In the 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 a bend coefficient for determining the bend based on the aspect ratio, C1 is a first variable, and C2 is a second variable.

[0072] The first variable is a variable related to the adjustment of the amount of bow 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 stack height prediction unit 22 assigns the first adjustment coefficient read out in step S6 to the first variable. If it is determined in step S5 that the adjustment using the first adjustment coefficient is not to be performed, the stack height prediction unit 22 assigns a preset value of 1.0 to the first variable. If it is determined in step S4 that the prediction based on the yield rate is not to be performed, the stack height prediction unit 22 assigns a preset value of zero to the first variable. If it is determined in step S4 that the prediction based on the yield rate is not to be performed, the stack height prediction unit 22 replaces the bow amount coefficient used to calculate the amount of bow based on the yield rate in equation (1) with zero.

[0073] The second variable is a variable related to adjusting the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio of the material. If it is determined in step S9 that adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient is to be performed, the stack height prediction unit 22 assigns the second adjustment coefficient read out in step S10 to the second variable. If it is determined in step S9 that adjustment using the second adjustment coefficient is not to be performed, the stack height prediction unit 22 assigns a preset value of 1.0 to the second variable. If it is determined in step S7 that prediction based on the aspect ratio of the material is not to be performed, the stack height prediction unit 22 assigns a preset value of zero to the second variable. If it is determined in step S7 that prediction based on the aspect ratio of the material is not to be performed, the stack height prediction unit 22 replaces the bending amount coefficient used to calculate the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio in equation (1) with zero. Note that the method for calculating the predicted value of the height per scrap sheet is not limited to the above method and may be any method.

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

[0075] The stacking height prediction unit 22 outputs the predicted value of the stacking height 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 predicted value of the stacking height input to the identification unit 30 has reached the upper limit of the stacking height.

[0076] If 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 procedures shown in Figures 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 (No at Step S13), the specifying 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 predicting unit 22. At Step S15, the stacking height predicting unit 22 determines whether or not prediction of the stacking height has been completed for all of the processing programs. The stacking height predicting unit 22 determines whether or not prediction of the stacking height has been completed for all of the series of processing programs executed in processing order.

[0078] If the 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 the 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 in which the machining programs are executed. If the 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 FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0079] In step S16, the scheduling unit 21 determines whether to identify a processing program based on the predicted load weight. When the selection is made to identify the processing program when the loading pallet is fully loaded based on the predicted load weight out of the prediction of the loading height and the prediction of the loading weight, the scheduling unit 21 determines to identify the processing program based on the predicted load weight.

[0080] When the machining program is identified based on the predicted 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 identified based on the predicted load weight (step S16, No), the machining program management device 2 ends the operation according to the procedure shown in FIGS.

[0081] When the scheduling unit 21 determines that a processing program should be identified 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 the first processing program after starting the process of identifying 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 weight of the scrap, P W Calculate P W =W-(W×yr)...(2)

[0083] In equation (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, using, for example, the following equation (3): W=L×d×T×g (3)

[0084] In the 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 weight of scrap to the predicted load weight. Here, the predicted load weight to which the weight of scrap is added is the predicted load weight obtained from the start of the process of identifying a machining program based on the predicted load weight to the present. If the predicted weight of scrap calculated in step S18 is the predicted value for the first machining program to be executed among the series of machining programs, the load weight prediction unit 29 adds the predicted weight of scrap 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 weight of the scrap material 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] If the predicted load weight reaches the upper limit of the load weight (Yes in step S20), in step S14, the identifying unit 30 identifies the machining program when the predicted load weight reaches the upper limit of the load weight, and outputs information indicating the identified machining program. This causes the machining program management device 2 to end the operation according to the procedures shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0088] On the other hand, if the predicted load weight value has not reached the upper limit of the load weight (No at step S20), the specifying 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. At step S21, the load weight prediction unit 29 determines whether or not prediction of the load weight has been completed for all of the 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 load weight prediction 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 load weight value reaches the upper load weight limit or until load weight prediction for all of the series of machining programs has been completed. The operation of predicting the load weight for each machining program by the machining program management device 2 is performed in the order in which the machining programs are executed. If load weight prediction for all machining programs has been completed (step S21, Yes), the machining program management device 2 ends the operation according to the procedures shown in FIGS. 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 machining program management device 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows an example of a first adjustment coefficient associated with the material quality and thickness of a material, and an example of a second adjustment coefficient associated with the material quality and thickness of a material. For example, in FIG. 8 , 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." The second adjustment coefficient set for the same material is "0.4." For example, in FIG. 8 , the first adjustment coefficient set for a material made of aluminum (AL) and having a thickness of 3 mm is "1.3." The second adjustment coefficient set for the same material is "0.7."

[0092] In the above description, when predicting the amount of bending by 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 using the first adjustment coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 may not adjust the value of the amount of bending using the first adjustment coefficient. The machining program management device 2 may omit the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25.

[0093] In the above description, 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 acquires a first adjustment coefficient corresponding to the thickness and material of the material. The stacking height prediction unit 22 may acquire a first adjustment coefficient corresponding only to the thickness of the material out of the thickness and material of the material, or may acquire a first adjustment coefficient corresponding only to the material material out of the thickness and material of the material. The first adjustment coefficient stored in the first adjustment coefficient storage 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 storage unit 25 a 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 quality of the material, acquire a first adjustment coefficient associated with the same material quality 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 description, when predicting the amount of bending through a calculation incorporating the aspect ratio, the stacking height prediction unit 22 adjusts the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio using the second adjustment coefficient. The stacking height prediction unit 22 may not adjust the value of the amount of bending using the second adjustment coefficient. The machining program management device 2 may omit the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26.

[0095] In the above description, when adjusting the value of the amount of bending calculated based on the aspect ratio using the second adjustment coefficient, the stacking height prediction unit 22 acquires the second adjustment coefficient corresponding to the material thickness and material quality. The stacking height prediction unit 22 may acquire the second adjustment coefficient corresponding only to the material thickness among the material thickness and material quality, or may acquire the second adjustment coefficient corresponding only to the material quality among the material thickness and material quality. The second adjustment coefficient stored in the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26 may be associated with at least one of the material thickness and material quality. The second adjustment unit 24 may acquire information indicating the material thickness, acquire from the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26 a 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 stacking height prediction unit 22. Alternatively, the second adjustment unit 24 may acquire information indicating the material quality of the material, acquire a second adjustment coefficient associated with the same material quality 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 description, 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 description, 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. It is sufficient for the stacking height prediction unit 22 to be able to incorporate at least one of the yield rate and the aspect ratio into the calculation of the predicted value of the amount of bending. That is, the stacking height prediction unit 22 may not predict the amount of bending based on a calculation that incorporates the yield rate, or may not predict the amount of bending based on a calculation that incorporates the aspect ratio. The machining program management device 2 may omit the first adjustment unit 23 or the second adjustment unit 24.

[0097] For example, when only plate materials with a small aspect ratio are processed, the stack height prediction unit 22 may incorporate the yield rate but not the aspect ratio into the calculation of the predicted value of the amount of bending. In this case, the 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 the stack 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 stack height can be accurately predicted.

[0098] Alternatively, when only plate materials with a low yield rate are processed, the stacking 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, 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 yield rate into the calculation, the calculation time can be reduced and the stacking height can be accurately predicted.

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

[0100] 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 examples of material information and machining information included in each of 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", thickness "5 mm", length "750 mm", width "1500 mm", and specific gravity "6.8 g / cm 3". The machining program with program number "1" includes, as machining information, information on the yield rate of "0.8". According to FIG. 9, the machining program with program number "4" includes, as material information, the material "AL", thickness "3 mm", length "750 mm", width "1500 mm", and specific gravity "2.7 g / cm 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 stacking height calculated by the stacking height prediction unit 22 of the machining program management device 2 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 10 shows an example of a predicted value of the stacking height for five machining programs having program numbers "1" to "5" when scraps are stacked 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 incorporating 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 incorporating 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 incorporating 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] 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 incorporated into the calculation is “26.0 mm.” For the processing program with program number “5,” the predicted stack height when only the yield rate is incorporated into the calculation is “40.4 mm.” For the processing program with program number “5,” the predicted stack height when only the aspect ratio is incorporated into 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 incorporated into the calculation is “54.7 mm.” Thus, the predicted stack height differs depending on whether the yield rate and the aspect ratio are incorporated into 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 incorporated into 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 incorporated into 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 machining program with program number "4" is executed is "32.1 mm." In other words, when the machining 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 machining program with program number "4" is executed.

[0108] When only the aspect ratio of the yield rate and the aspect ratio is incorporated into the calculation, the predicted value of the stack height when the machining program with program number "4" is executed is "32.8 mm." In other words, when the machining 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 aspect ratio 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 machining program with program number "4" is executed.

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

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

[0111] In the above description, the machining program management device 2 is capable of selecting one of an operation for specifying a machining program for when the machine is full of scrap materials based on a predicted stack height and an operation for specifying a machining program for when the machine is full of scrap materials based on a predicted load weight. The machining program management device 2 is only required to specify a machining program for when the machine is full of scrap materials based on a predicted stack height. In other words, the machining program management device 2 may not perform the operation for specifying a machining program for when the machine is full of scrap materials based on a predicted load weight. The machining program management device 2 may omit the load weight prediction unit 29.

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

[0113] Next, a method for correcting the adjustment coefficients by the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 will be described. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 corrects the adjustment coefficients based on the error between the predicted stack height and the actual stack height. Here, the adjustment coefficients are assumed to be 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 identifies a machining program for when the scraps are fully loaded based on the stacking height prediction by the stacking height prediction unit 22. The machining program management device 2 identifies the machining program through steps S3 to S15 described above.

[0116] In step S31, the NC device 4 executes the processing program. In the plate processing machine 3, the NC device 4 executes the processing program, thereby processing the plate using the processing unit 5. 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 determines whether the stacking height has reached the upper limit. If the stacking 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 stacking 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 using the NC device 4.

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

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

[0120] In step S35, the adjustment coefficient correcting unit 28 reads from the data holding unit 27 the predicted stack height for the machining program when the machine is fully loaded with scraps.

[0121] In step S36, the adjustment coefficient corrector 28 calculates the error between the upper limit value of the stacking height and the predicted value of the stacking height read out in step S35. The adjustment coefficient corrector 28 calculates 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 correcting unit 28 reads out the adjustment coefficient used to calculate the predicted value of the stacking height, which is the predicted value read out in step S35, from the data holding unit 27. The adjustment coefficient correcting unit 28 reads out the adjustment coefficient used to calculate the predicted value of the stacking height for each of the series of machining programs executed in machining order.

[0123] In step S38, the adjustment coefficient corrector 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, the adjustment coefficient corrector 28 calculates the correction coefficient by the following equation (4). If the error calculated in step S36 is a negative value, the adjustment coefficient corrector 28 calculates the correction coefficient by the following equation (5). K=C O ×N...(4) K=-C O × N ... (5)

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

[0125] In step S39, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 corrects the adjustment coefficients using the correction coefficients calculated in step S38. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 corrects each adjustment coefficient by adding the correction coefficient calculated in step S38 to each adjustment coefficient. As will be described later, the corrected correction coefficients are determined by the procedure from step S39 onwards. The correction of each adjustment coefficient in step S39 is considered a provisional correction. Hereinafter, each adjustment coefficient corrected in step S39 will be referred to as a provisional adjustment coefficient.

[0126] In step S40, the adjustment coefficient correcting unit 28 recalculates the predicted value of the stacking height using the provisional adjustment coefficient. The adjustment coefficient correcting 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 processing program identified based on the predicted value of the stacking height.

[0127] In step S41, the adjustment coefficient corrector 28 determines whether the difference between the predicted value recalculated in step S40 and the upper limit of the stack height is within an allowable range. The allowable range is set in advance, for example, from -1.0 mm to +1.0 mm.

[0128] If the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit 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 to calculate the temporary adjustment coefficient in step S39. The plate material processing system 1 then returns 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 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 of the stacking height is within the allowable range (step S41, Yes), the plate material processing system 1 proceeds to step S43.

[0129] In step S43, the adjustment coefficient correcting 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 material thickness and material quality 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 corrected adjustment coefficient 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 corrected adjustment coefficient in the data storage 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 the 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 "Yield Rate and Aspect Ratio" column in the "Stacking Height (mm)" column in FIG. 10. It is assumed that the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient shown in FIG. 8 were used when calculating the predicted value. It is assumed that the information shown in FIG. 9 was used to predict the stacking height.

[0132] 10, when both the yield rate and the aspect ratio are incorporated into 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, it is assumed that, in contrast to this prediction, when the machining program with program number "2" is executed, the actual measured value of the stack height exceeds the upper limit of 30.0 mm.

[0133] The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 acquires the program number "2" of the machining program when the scrap is 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 the scrap is 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 machining programs executed until the stack height exceeded the upper limit were the machining program with program number "1" and the machining program with program number "2." As shown in FIG. 9 , these machining programs are for a material made of "SPCC" material with 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 made of "SPCC" and the thickness of "5 mm" from the data storage unit 27. In FIG. 8 , the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient associated with the material made of "SPCC" and the thickness of "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 correcting the adjustment coefficient is 0.1. The allowable range for the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit of the stack height is from -1.0 mm to +1.0 mm. Because the calculated error of 8.4 mm is a positive value, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates the correction coefficient using the above formula (4). The correction factor used 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 calculated correction coefficient 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 of 0.8 and the second adjustment coefficient of 0.4.

[0137] The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 recalculates the predicted value of the stack height for the machining program with program number "2" using the tentative first adjustment coefficient and tentative second adjustment coefficient. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 determines 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 frequency and recalculates the tentative first adjustment coefficient and tentative second adjustment coefficient. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 also recalculates the predicted value of the stack height.

[0138] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing examples of first and second adjustment coefficients 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 assumed to be provisional first and second adjustment coefficients, respectively. The provisional first adjustment coefficient "1.2" and the provisional second adjustment coefficient "0.8" are provisional adjustment coefficients obtained when the correction frequency 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] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a predicted value of stack height recalculated by the adjustment coefficient corrector 28 of the machining program management device 2 according to the first embodiment. Here, an example of a predicted value of stack 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 stack 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 stack height falls within the range of "-1.0 mm to +1.0 mm."

[0140] Next, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 reads out values ​​that have been used in the past as adjustment coefficients from the data storage unit 27. In this example, the 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" indicated in the machining program with program number "2." The 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] 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 a material "SPCC" and a 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 in FIG. 14 indicates the values ​​of the temporary first adjustment coefficient and the temporary second adjustment coefficient when the difference between the recalculated predicted value and the upper limit value of the stack height falls within the allowable range. The "Current Adjustment Coefficient" row in FIG. 14 indicates the values ​​of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient currently in use. The value of the first adjustment coefficient currently in use is the value of the first adjustment coefficient stored in the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25. The value of the second adjustment coefficient currently in use is the value of the second adjustment coefficient stored in the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26.

[0143] 14 shows 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, this shows that the values ​​of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient, which are the "previous adjustment coefficient," were corrected in the past by adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 to the values ​​of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient, which are the "current adjustment coefficient."

[0144] The "adjustment coefficient after correction" row shown in Figure 14 indicates the values ​​of the first adjustment coefficient and second adjustment coefficient after correction, determined by the 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 the values ​​of the first adjustment coefficient and the second adjustment coefficient, which are the "previous adjustment coefficients," from the data storage unit 27. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates the average of the value "1.2" of the first adjustment coefficient, which is the "temporary adjustment coefficient," the value "0.8" of the first adjustment coefficient, which is the "current adjustment coefficient," and the value "0.7" of the first adjustment coefficient, which is the "previous adjustment coefficient." The value "0.9" of the first adjustment coefficient, which is the "corrected adjustment coefficient," is the result of this average. The adjustment coefficient correction unit 28 calculates the average of the value "0.8" of the second adjustment coefficient, which is the "temporary adjustment coefficient," the value "0.4" of the second adjustment coefficient, which is the "current adjustment coefficient," and the value "0.3" of the second adjustment coefficient, which is the "previous adjustment coefficient." The value "0.5" of the second adjustment coefficient, which is the "corrected adjustment coefficient," is the result of this average.

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

[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 correct the adjustment coefficient to gradually optimize the adjustment coefficient and reduce the error. The machining program management device 2 can predict with high accuracy the machining program when the stacking height is full of scraps.

[0148] Next, a description will be given of hardware that realizes 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, the control circuit shown in FIG. 15 . FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example 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 processing units of the machining program management device 2, namely, the scheduling unit 21, the stack height prediction unit 22, the first adjustment unit 23, the second adjustment unit 24, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28, the stack weight prediction unit 29, and the identification unit 30, are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 43. The processing circuit realizes the processing units 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 the 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. The machining program management program can also be considered a program that causes a computer to execute the procedures and methods of the machining program management device 2. Furthermore, the first adjustment coefficient storage unit 25, the second adjustment coefficient storage unit 26, and the data storage unit 27 are realized 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, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, processor, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 43 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, 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, namely, the scheduling unit 21, the stack height prediction unit 22, the first adjustment unit 23, the second adjustment unit 24, the adjustment coefficient correction unit 28, the stack weight prediction unit 29, and the determination unit 30, are realized by a dedicated circuit, i.e., a processing circuit 46. 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 combination thereof. The processing units of the machining program management device 2 may be realized by the processing circuit 46 separately for each function, or all functions may be realized collectively by the processing circuit 46. 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] The components of the plate material processing system 1 do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. The specific form of distribution and integration of the components is not limited to that shown in the figure. The components may be configured to be functionally or physically distributed in any unit, or may be configured to be integrated. For example, the function of the processing program management device 2 may be realized by the NC device 4. In other words, the components of the processing program management device 2 may be provided in the NC device 4, and the processing program management device 2 may be integrated into 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 workpieces and schedules the execution of the multiple workpieces in the order in which the multiple workpieces are machined; a stacking height prediction unit 22 that predicts the amount of bending of the machined workpieces based on the machining programs and predicts the stacking height, which is the overall height of the load when the machined workpieces are stacked, through a calculation incorporating the predicted amount of bending; and a determination unit 30 that determines, based on the predicted stacking height result, which of the multiple machining programs will cause the stacking height to reach the upper limit of the stackable height. By predicting the amount of bending of the machined workpieces and incorporating the predicted amount of bending into the calculation for predicting the stacking height, the machining program management device 2 can accurately predict the machining program when the stacking height reaches the upper limit. This allows the machining program management device 2 to accurately predict when the machined workpieces will be fully loaded.

[0157] The plate material processing system 1 can accurately predict when the load is full of processed plate materials, and therefore can perform preparations at the appropriate time for operations such as removing plate materials, which are required when the load is full of processed plate materials. The plate material processing system 1 can smoothly perform operations that are required when the load is full of processed plate materials. The plate material processing system 1 can shorten the time that operations are stopped from processing plate materials until the processed plate materials are loaded, for operations such as removing plate materials, and can reduce processing stagnation.

[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 unprocessed plate material that is used in the processed product. Since the amount of bending of the processed plate material 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] Furthermore, 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 associated with at least one of the thickness and material of the plate material. The stacking height prediction unit 22 adjusts the value of the amount of bending using an adjustment coefficient according to the thickness and material of the plate material, thereby obtaining an accurate predicted value of the amount of bending.

[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] Furthermore, the stacking height prediction unit 22 calculates the 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 associated with at least one of the thickness and material of the plate material. The stacking height prediction unit 22 adjusts the value of the amount of bending using an adjustment coefficient according to the thickness and material of the plate material, thereby obtaining an accurate predicted value of the amount of bending.

[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 stack height and the actual stack height. When the prediction of the machining program when the stack height reaches the upper limit differs from the actual stack 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 will be fully loaded.

[0163] The machining 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 workpieces are loaded. The identification unit 30 identifies, based on the load weight prediction result, which of the multiple machining programs will cause the load weight to reach the upper limit of the loadable weight when executed. The machining program management device 2 can identify the machining program when the machine is fully loaded with processed workpieces by predicting either the load height or the load weight. In circumstances where there is a high possibility that the load weight will reach the upper limit before the load height reaches the upper limit, the machining program management device 2 can identify the machining program when the machine is fully loaded with processed workpieces by predicting the load weight. In this case, the machining program management device 2 can omit the calculation to predict the load height, thereby shortening calculation time and identifying the machining program when the machine is fully loaded with processed workpieces.

[0164] The configurations described 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.

[0165] 1 Plate processing system, 2 Processing program management device, 3 Plate 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 Loading 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 Loading 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 machining program management device comprising: a scheduling unit that reads machining programs to be executed in the machining control of each of a plurality of plate materials, and executes a schedule for sending out the plurality of machining programs in the order in which the plurality of plate materials are to be machined; a loading height prediction unit that predicts the amount of bending of the plate materials after machining based on the machining programs, and predicts the stacking height, which is the height of the entire load when the processed plate materials are stacked, by calculation incorporating the predicted value of the amount of bending; and an identification unit that identifies, based on the predicted stacking height prediction result, which of the plurality of machining programs will be executed when the stacking height reaches the upper limit of the possible stacking height.

2. The processing program management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stacking height prediction unit calculates the 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 in the processed product.

3. The processing program management device according to claim 2, characterized in that the stacking height prediction unit calculates the predicted value of the amount of bending by adjusting the value of the amount of bending obtained based on the yield rate using an adjustment coefficient that corresponds to at least one of the thickness of the plate material and the material quality of the plate material.

4. The machining program management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stacking height prediction unit calculates the predicted value of the amount of bending based on the aspect ratio of the outer shape of the plate material before machining.

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

6. A machining program management device according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that it comprises an adjustment coefficient correction unit that corrects the adjustment coefficient based on the error between the predicted stack height and the actual stack height.

7. A processing program management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is provided with a load weight prediction unit that predicts the load weight, which is the weight of the entire load when the processed plate material is loaded, and the identification unit identifies, based on the load weight prediction result, which of the multiple processing programs will be executed when the load weight reaches the upper limit of the loadable weight.

8. A plate processing system comprising: a plate processing machine having a numerical control device that controls the processing of plate materials in accordance with a processing program and that processes the plate materials; a program management device that sends out the processing program to the numerical control device; and a loading device on which the plate materials after processing by the plate processing machine are loaded, wherein the program management device comprises: a scheduling unit that reads the processing program to be executed in the processing control of each of the plurality of plate materials and executes scheduling to send out the plurality of processing programs to the numerical control device in the order in which the plurality of plate materials are processed; a loading height prediction unit that predicts a loading height, which is the height of the entire load when the processed plate materials are loaded on the loading device, by calculation incorporating a result of predicting the amount of bending of the plate materials after processing based on the processing program; and an identification unit that identifies, based on the result of the loading height prediction, which of the plurality of processing programs is executed after the loading height reaches the upper limit of the possible loading height.

9. A processing program management method comprising the steps of: reading a processing program to be executed in processing control of each of a plurality of plate materials; predicting the amount of bending of the plate materials after processing based on the processing program, and predicting a stacking height, which is the height of the entire load when the processed plate materials are stacked, by calculation incorporating the predicted value of the amount of bending; and identifying, based on the predicted stacking height, which of the plurality of processing programs will cause the stacking height to reach the upper limit of the possible stacking height after being executed.

10. A processing program management program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: reading a processing program to be executed in the processing control of each of a plurality of plate materials; predicting the amount of bending of the plate materials after processing based on the processing program, and predicting the stacking height, which is the height of the entire load when the plate materials after processing are stacked, by calculation incorporating the predicted value of the amount of bending; and specifying, based on the predicted stacking height, which of the plurality of processing programs will reach the upper limit of the stackable height after being executed.

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