Selection device, selection method, and computer program

Abstract

This selection device comprises: a servo amplifier selection unit that selects a servo amplifier corresponding to specifications and operating conditions for at least one motor in a servo system and mechanical conditions of a machine in which the motor is provided; a regenerative energy calculation unit that calculates information pertaining to the regenerative energy that is estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier; a determination unit that, on the basis of the information pertaining to the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit, determines whether or not it is necessary to provide the servo amplifier with a regenerative resistor for consuming the regenerative energy; and a regenerative resistor selection unit that selects a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information pertaining to the regenerative energy as a selected regenerative resistor when the determination unit determines that it is necessary to provide the servo amplifier with the regenerative resistor.

Description

Selection device, selection method, and computer program

[0001] This disclosure relates to a selection device, a selection method, and a computer program.

[0002] Selection devices are known that automatically select the configuration of a servo system, including a servo amplifier and a servo motor, or assist the user in making that selection.

[0003] International Publication No. 2014 / 054142, International Publication No. 2018 / 154763, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-306901, International Publication No. 2015 / 173955

[0004] Normally, the regenerative energy generated during the deceleration of a servo motor is either consumed by a regenerative resistor or returned to the AC power supply. When configuring a servo system, it is necessary to select whether to use a resistor-regenerative type servo amplifier that consumes the regenerative energy by a regenerative resistor, or a power-regenerative type servo amplifier that returns the regenerative energy to the AC power supply. Furthermore, if a resistor-regenerative type servo amplifier is used, it is necessary to select an appropriate regenerative resistor. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that allows for easy selection of whether or not a regenerative resistor is necessary in a servo system, and if so, easy selection of an appropriate regenerative resistor.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the selection device includes: a servo amplifier selection unit that selects a servo amplifier corresponding to the specifications and operating conditions of at least one motor in a servo system and the mechanical conditions of a machine on which the motor is installed; a regenerative energy calculation unit that calculates information related to regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier; a determination unit that determines whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy based on the information related to regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit; and a regenerative resistor selection unit that, if the determination unit determines that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, selects a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information related to regenerative energy as a selected regenerative resistor.

[0006] This is a block diagram illustrating a selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a circuit diagram illustrating a servo system including a servo amplifier with a regenerative resistor. This is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a diagram showing a first configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a diagram showing a second configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a diagram showing a third configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a diagram showing a fourth configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a diagram showing a fifth configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a diagram showing a sixth configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a circuit diagram illustrating a case in which a plurality of servo motors are provided in a servo system including a servo amplifier with a regenerative resistor. This is a diagram showing a seventh configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a diagram showing an eighth configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a diagram showing a ninth configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] The following describes embodiments of the selection device, selection method, and computer program with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. The drawings have been scaled appropriately for ease of understanding.

[0008] Furthermore, in the following description, terms are defined in consideration of the function in the embodiments of this disclosure, and therefore terms may differ depending on the intent or convention of the user or operator. For example, "connected" means "electrically connected." A converter that converts AC power supplied from an AC power source into DC power and outputs it may be called a "rectifier," "rectifier device," "rectifier circuit," or "forward converter." An inverter that converts DC power into AC power and outputs it may be called an "inverse converter." "DC link" refers to the circuit portion that electrically connects the DC output side of the converter and the DC input side of the inverter. "DC link" may be called a "DC link section," "DC link," "DC bus," or "DC intermediate circuit." "DC link voltage" refers to the potential difference between the positive potential on the positive power line of the DC link and the negative potential on the negative power line. A regenerative resistor that consumes regenerative energy may be called a "regenerative discharge resistor" or "discharge resistor." "Closing" a switch means that the switch closes, forming an electrical circuit through that switch. "Opening" a switch means that the switch opens, interrupting the electrical circuit through that switch. In the following explanation, a servo motor will simply be referred to as a "motor." "Speed" of a motor means the rotational speed or angular velocity of the motor's rotor or rotating shaft. "Acceleration" of a motor means the rotational acceleration or angular acceleration of the motor's rotor or rotating shaft. The numerical examples given below are just examples, and other values ​​may be used. The units of each parameter may also be omitted.

[0009] <Regenerative Resistor> Before describing embodiments of this disclosure, a regenerative resistor will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a servo system including a servo amplifier equipped with a regenerative resistor.

[0010] The servo system 100 includes a servo amplifier and a servo motor (hereinafter simply referred to as "motor") 300. The servo system 100 is also provided with a converter 101 as a power supply unit for supplying DC power to the servo amplifier.

[0011] Converter 101 converts the AC power input from AC power supply 200 into DC power and supplies this DC power to inverter 102 via DC link. Examples of converter 101 include diode rectifiers, PWM switching control type rectifiers, and 120-degree energization type rectifiers. PWM switching control type rectifiers and 120-degree energization type rectifiers can selectively perform a rectification operation that converts the AC power input from AC power supply 200 into DC power and outputs it to the DC link, and a power regeneration operation that converts the DC power of the DC link into AC power and returns it to AC power supply 200. Diode rectifiers can perform a rectification operation that converts the AC power input from AC power supply 200 into DC power and outputs it to the DC link. In addition, although not shown here, circuit breakers, electromagnetic contactors, reactors, and filters may be provided on the AC input side of converter 101.

[0012] The servo amplifier comprises an inverter 102 for supplying AC power to the motor 300, a servo control circuit (not shown) for controlling the inverter 102, various other circuits (not shown), and a housing (not shown) for housing these components. The inverter 102 is connected to the converter 101 via a DC link. In response to a command from the servo control circuit, the inverter 102 selectively performs a powering operation, which converts the DC power of the DC link into AC drive power and supplies it to the motor 300, and a regenerative operation, which converts the AC regenerative power generated by the motor 300 into DC power and returns it to the DC link.

[0013] A capacitor 103 is connected to the DC link between the converter 101 and the inverter 102. The capacitor 103 is sometimes referred to as a "DC link capacitor," "DC link capacitor," or "smoothing capacitor." The capacitor 103 has the function of suppressing the oscillation component of the DC output of the converter 101 and the function of storing the DC power used by the inverter 102 to generate AC power. A pre-charging circuit for pre-charging the capacitor 103 may be provided, but it is not shown in the diagram.

[0014] When the motor 300 decelerates, regenerative energy is returned to the DC link via the inverter 102, causing the DC link voltage to rise. This rise in DC link voltage can potentially damage components within the servo system 100. Therefore, the servo system either uses a converter 101 composed of a PWM switching control rectifier and a 120-degree energizing rectifier to regenerate power, or, as shown in Figure 2, a regenerative resistor 104 is provided in the DC link to dissipate the regenerative energy, thereby suppressing the rise in DC link voltage.

[0015] In a resistor-regenerative servo amplifier, a regenerative resistor 104 is provided in the DC link, as shown in Figure 2. A switch 105 is connected in series with the regenerative resistor 104. When the DC link voltage is above the discharge start level during the regenerative operation of the inverter 102, the switch 105 closes, causing conduction between the regenerative resistor 104 and the DC link, and the regenerative energy from the motor 300 is consumed as heat by the regenerative resistor 104. After the consumption of regenerative energy by the regenerative resistor 104 begins, when the DC link voltage falls below the discharge end level, the switch 105 opens, electrically disconnecting the regenerative resistor 104 from the DC link, and thus the consumption of regenerative power by the regenerative resistor 104 ends.

[0016] <Overall Configuration of the Selection Device According to the Embodiments of the Disclosure> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the selection device according to the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] In the selection method according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the process of determining whether or not a regenerative resistor is necessary in the servo system 100 including a servo amplifier and a servo motor, and the process of selecting an appropriate regenerative resistor if one is necessary, are performed on a computer having at least one processor and at least one memory.

[0018] The selection device 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is implemented on a computer having at least one processor 10 and at least one memory. The selection device 1 includes a servo amplifier selection unit 11, a regenerative energy calculation unit 12, a determination unit 13, a regenerative resistance selection unit 14, a reception unit 15, a display control unit 16, a comparison unit 17, an input unit 20, a display unit 30, and a storage unit 40. The power supply that provides power to drive the selection device 1 is not shown in the figures.

[0019] The servo amplifier selection unit 11, regenerative energy calculation unit 12, determination unit 13, regenerative resistance selection unit 14, reception unit 15, display control unit 16, and comparison unit 17 are provided within the processor 10. In addition to the above, various other processing units are provided within the processor 10. In the illustrated example, each of these units is provided within the same processor 10, but each of these units may be provided in multiple processors. Examples of processors 10 include ICs, LSIs, CPUs, MPUs, and DSPs. Each of these units in the processor 10 is a functional module realized by a program executed on the processor. For example, if the servo amplifier selection unit 11, regenerative energy calculation unit 12, determination unit 13, regenerative resistance selection unit 14, reception unit 15, display control unit 16, comparison unit 17, and other processing units are constructed in computer program format, the functions of each unit can be realized by operating the processor 10 according to this computer program. The computer programs for executing each process in the servo amplifier selection unit 11, the regenerative energy calculation unit 12, the determination unit 13, the regenerative resistance selection unit 14, the reception unit 15, the display control unit 16, the comparison unit 17, and other processing units may be provided in the form of a computer program product stored (recorded) on a computer-readable storage medium (recording medium), such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic storage medium (magnetic recording medium), or an optical storage medium (optical recording medium). Alternatively, the servo amplifier selection unit 11, the regenerative energy calculation unit 12, the determination unit 13, the regenerative resistance selection unit 14, the reception unit 15, the display control unit 16, the comparison unit 17, and other processing units may be implemented as semiconductor integrated circuits on which computer programs realizing the functions of each unit are written.

[0020] Furthermore, the selection device 1 is provided with at least one memory, which is a storage device (recording device). The memory includes a storage unit 40. The memory also includes a servo amplifier selection unit 11, a regenerative energy calculation unit 12, a determination unit 13, a regenerative resistance selection unit 14, a reception unit 15, a display control unit 16, a comparison unit 17, an input unit 20, a display unit 30, and various other storage units (recording units) within the processing unit. The memory may be an electrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (registered trademark), or a high-speed read / write random access memory such as DRAM or SRAM. The storage device may also have a configuration such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive). The memory stores the selection results from the servo amplifier selection unit 11, the calculation results from the regenerative energy calculation unit 12, the determination results from the determination unit 13, the selection results from the regenerative resistance selection unit 14, and the comparison results from the comparison unit 17. The memory stores information regarding the specifications of the motor 300 received by the reception unit 15. The memory stores information regarding the operating conditions of the motor 300 received by the reception unit 15. The memory stores information regarding the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed, received by the reception unit 15. The memory stores a table (hereinafter referred to as the "servo amplifier table") which defines multiple sets consisting of the specifications of the motor 300, the operating conditions of the motor 300, the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed, and the corresponding servo amplifiers. The memory stores a table (hereinafter referred to as the "regenerative resistor table") which lists multiple types of regenerative resistors as candidate products. The memory stores formulas for calculating the value of regenerative energy and the value of regenerative power. The memory stores various data necessary for display control processing by the display control unit 16.

[0021] Furthermore, the memory stores a computer program and various data for causing the computer to execute the selection process by the selection device 1. The computer program for causing the computer to execute the selection process by the selection device 1 includes the steps of: selecting a servo amplifier corresponding to the specifications and operating conditions of at least one motor 300 in the servo system 100 and the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed; calculating information related to the regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor 300 operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier; determining whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy based on the information related to the regenerative energy; and, if it is determined that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, selecting a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information related to the regenerative energy as a selected regenerative resistor. Furthermore, the computer program for causing the computer to execute the selection process by the selection device 1 includes a step of controlling the display unit 30 to display the information related to the regenerative energy. Furthermore, the computer program for causing the computer to execute the selection process by the selection device 1 includes a step of controlling the display unit 30 to display information related to the selected regenerative resistor. Furthermore, the computer program for causing the computer to execute the selection process by the selection device 1 includes a step of controlling the display unit 30 to display the settings required for the servo amplifier to correspond to the selected regenerative resistor. Furthermore, the computer program for causing the computer to execute the selection process by the selection device 1 includes a step of controlling the display unit 30 to display the cooling performance required for the cooling device for cooling the selected regenerative resistor. Furthermore, if there is at least one regenerative resistor among the multiple candidate regenerative resistors that is smaller in size and cheaper than the selected regenerative resistor, the computer program for causing the computer to execute the selection process by the selection device 1 includes a step of controlling the display unit 30 to display the specifications and operating conditions of the motor 300 corresponding to at least one of the regenerative resistors that is smaller in size and cheaper than the selected regenerative resistor.

[0022] <Configuration and Operation of Each Part in the Selection Device According to the Embodiments of This Disclosure> Next, the configuration and operation of each part in the selection device 1 shown in Figure 1 will be described in detail.

[0023] The processor 10, input unit 20, display unit 30, and storage unit 40 are electrically connected to each other via a bus. Within the processor 10, the servo amplifier selection unit 11, regenerative energy calculation unit 12, determination unit 13, regenerative resistance selection unit 14, reception unit 15, display control unit 16, comparison unit 17, and other processing units are connected in such a way that various data and commands can be transferred to each other.

[0024] The input unit 20 is used by an operator to input various data to the selection device 1 and to operate the selection device 1. The input unit 20 includes at least one of the following: a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, and a lever. If the input unit 20 is composed of a touch panel, the touch panel also functions as a display unit 30.

[0025] The display unit 30 is used to show the operator the operation menu of the selection device 1, the determination results by the selection device 1, the selection results by the selection device 1, and other information. Examples of the display unit 30 include a touch panel display monitor, a standalone display monitor, a display monitor attached to the servo system 100, a display monitor attached to a higher-level control device (not shown) that controls the servo system 100, and a display monitor attached to a personal computer and a mobile terminal. If the display unit 30 is composed of a touch panel display monitor, the touch panel also has the function of an input unit 20.

[0026] The reception unit 15 receives various information regarding the specifications and operating conditions of the motor 300, as well as the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed, via the input unit 20, which is entered by the operator. Examples of machines in which the motor 300 is installed include robots and industrial machinery.

[0027] Examples of specifications for motor 300 include the product name, model number, and input voltage information of motor 300, as well as information regarding the presence or absence of dynamic brakes and friction brakes, but other information may also be included.

[0028] Examples of operating conditions for the motor 300 include information regarding the motor 300's operating time, speed, acceleration, torque, and operating pattern, but other information may also be included.

[0029] Examples of mechanical conditions for a machine equipped with motor 300 include the machine's product name, model number, shape, efficiency, operating pattern, type of moving part driven by motor 300, reduction ratio of the moving part driven by motor 300, various parameters related to components attached to the moving part driven by motor 300, friction coefficient of the moving part driven by motor 300, amount of movement of an object acted upon by the moving part driven by motor 300, moment of inertia and torque of the moving part driven by motor 300, and information regarding the load acted upon the moving part driven by motor 300. However, other information may also be included.

[0030] The servo amplifier selection unit 11 selects a servo amplifier that corresponds to the specifications of the motor 300, the operating conditions of the motor 300, and the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed. A servo amplifier table is prepared in advance, which defines multiple sets of motor 300 specifications, motor 300 operating conditions, mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed, and corresponding servo amplifiers, and this servo amplifier table is stored in the storage unit 40. Based on the information received by the reception unit 15, the servo amplifier selection unit 11 selects an appropriate servo amplifier by referring to the servo amplifier table stored in the storage unit 40. A motor selection unit (not shown) may also be provided in the processor 10 to select a model of the motor 300 itself that corresponds to the specifications of the motor 300, the operating conditions of the motor 300, and the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed.

[0031] The regenerative energy calculation unit 12 calculates information related to the regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor 300 operates under the control of the servo amplifier selected by the servo amplifier selection unit 11. The information related to regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 is used in the determination process of the determination unit 13 and the selection process of the regenerative resistance selection unit 14.

[0032] Information related to the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 includes two types: the value of the regenerative power amount and the value of the regenerative power.

[0033] The value of the electric energy refers to the amount of work done by the current in an electric circuit, and its unit is joule "J". The value of the electric power refers to the work done by the current per unit time in an electric circuit (i.e., the work rate), and its unit is watt "W". When the electric power is integrated over time, it becomes the electric energy. In other words, the electric energy is the value obtained by integrating the electric power over time. The unit of electric power "W" can be expressed as "J / s" using the unit of electric energy "J".

[0034] The mathematical formulas used to calculate the regenerative power amount generated when the motor 300 decelerates vary depending on the type and configuration of the machine. Here, as an example, Formula 1 and Formula 2 are illustrated, but other mathematical formulas may be used to calculate the regenerative power amount.

[0035] When the moving direction of the operating part of the machine driven by the motor 300 is horizontal, the rotor inertia of the motor 300 is J a , , m ,

[0036] , h ,

[0037] , -1 , [kg·m 2 ], the motor shaft conversion inertia of the load is J L [kg·m 2 ], the motor rotation speed during fast forward is V m [min -1 ], the fast forward acceleration / deceleration time is t a [sec], and the frictional torque (motor conversion) of the machine is T L [N·m]. Then, the regenerative power amount E1 [J] generated when the motor 300 decelerates can be expressed as in Formula 1.

[0036]

[0037] When the moving direction of the operating part of the machine driven by the motor 300 is vertical, the torque supported by the motor 300 upward during fast forward descent is T h [N·m], the motor rotation speed during fast forward is V m [min -1 ], and the positioning time is t aIf we set it to [sec], the regenerative energy E1 [J] generated when the motor 300 decelerates can be expressed as shown in Equation 2.

[0038]

[0039] The formulas used to calculate the regenerative power generated when the motor 300 decelerates vary depending on the type and configuration of the machine. Here, formulas 3 and 4 are shown as examples, but regenerative power may also be calculated using formulas other than formulas 3 and 4.

[0040] When the direction of movement of the moving part of the machine driven by motor 300 is horizontal, the regenerative power P1 [W] when the rapid traverse acceleration / deceleration frequency is set to once during F "sec" can be expressed as shown in Equation 3. In Equation 3, the rotary inertia of motor 300 is J m [kg・m 2 ], the motor shaft equivalent inertia of the load is J L [kg・m 2 ], the motor rotation speed during fast forward is V m [min -1 ], fast-forward acceleration / deceleration time t a [sec], the friction torque of a machine (motor equivalent) is T L Let it be [N・m].

[0041]

[0042] When the direction of movement of the moving part of the machine driven by motor 300 is vertical, the regenerative power P2 [W] when the operating duty cycle in the rapid traverse downward direction is D "%" can be expressed as shown in Equation 4. However, the operating duty cycle D "%" is a maximum of 50%, and is usually 50% or less. The torque that motor 300 provides to support upward during rapid traverse downward is T. h [N・m], V is the motor rotation speed during fast forward. m [min -1 ]

[0043]

[0044] Among the information regarding regenerative energy, the value of regenerative energy is the regenerative operation of motor 300 for one cycle (time t in equations 1 and 2). aThis is the amount of work done by the regenerative current generated during the period indicated by the symbol, and is used in the determination process by the determination unit 13. Based on the value of the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12, the determination unit 13 determines whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy. For example, if the value of the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 is small, even if a regenerative resistor is not provided in the DC link, the regenerative energy generated from the motor 300 may be consumed by the resistance components of the inverter 102 and the DC link, and the DC link voltage may not rise significantly. Therefore, a power threshold is set to switch whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier. The determination unit 13 compares the value of the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 with the power threshold, and if the value of the regenerative energy is greater than the power threshold, it determines that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier. The power threshold can be set appropriately, for example, by simulating the servo system 100 using a computer, or by operating the servo system 100 during trial operation or actual operation. The power threshold may be stored in a rewritable memory device (not shown) and rewritable by an external device, and even after the power threshold has been set, it can be changed to an appropriate value as needed.

[0045] Furthermore, among the information regarding regenerative energy, the value of regenerative power is the work (i.e., power) done by the regenerative current per unit time, and is used in the selection process by the regenerative resistance selection unit 14. If the determination unit 13 determines that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, the regenerative resistance selection unit 14 selects a regenerative resistor corresponding to the value of regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 as the selected regenerative resistor.

[0046] Regenerative resistors are classified into various types based on their power consumption (rated power), rated power consumption, resistance value, electrical resistivity, withstand voltage, size, price, material, characteristics, and the cooling performance of a cooling device suitable for cooling the regenerative resistor. Of these, power consumption refers to the power consumed by the regenerative resistor, and rated power consumption refers to the maximum power that the regenerative resistor can consume. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a regenerative resistor table listing multiple types of regenerative resistors as candidates is prepared in advance and stored in the storage unit 40. The candidate regenerative resistors specified in the regenerative resistor table stored in the storage unit 40 include at least one regenerative resistor that corresponds to information related to regenerative energy. In the regenerative resistor table, power consumption (rated power), rated power consumption, resistance value, electrical resistivity, withstand voltage, size, price, material, characteristics, and the cooling performance of a cooling device suitable for cooling the regenerative resistor are linked and specified for each regenerative resistor. If the determination unit 13 determines that a regenerative resistor is necessary to be installed in the servo amplifier, the regenerative resistor selection unit 14 selects a selected regenerative resistor from among multiple candidate regenerative resistors corresponding to the information related to regenerative energy specified in the regenerative resistor table. If there are multiple regenerative resistors in the regenerative resistor table that correspond to the regenerative power value calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12, the regenerative resistor selection unit 14 may select at least one of the regenerative resistors that has the smallest size and the lowest price as the selected regenerative resistor.

[0047] The display control unit 16 controls the display unit 30 to display the regenerative energy value and / or regenerative power value, which are information related to regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12.

[0048] Furthermore, the display control unit 16 controls the display unit 30 to display information regarding the selected regenerative resistor. Examples of information regarding the selected regenerative resistor include the product name, manufacturer name, model number, power consumption (rated power), rated power consumption, resistance value, electrical resistivity, withstand voltage, size, price, material, and characteristics of the selected regenerative resistor, but other information may also be displayed.

[0049] Furthermore, the display control unit 16 controls the display unit 30 to display the settings required for the servo amplifier to correspond to the selected regenerative resistor. Generally, in a servo amplifier, an alarm is output if the power consumed by the regenerative resistor exceeds a predetermined reference value, as this may cause the regenerative resistor to burn out. Since the reference value differs depending on the performance of the regenerative resistor, the servo amplifier may be provided with a switch for setting the reference value. Therefore, the display control unit 16 displays the recommended setting for the alarm switch on the display unit 30 as the settings required for the servo amplifier to correspond to the selected regenerative resistor. Another example of settings required for the servo amplifier to correspond to the selected regenerative resistor is a setting specific to a machine equipped with a motor 300.

[0050] Furthermore, the display control unit 16 controls the display unit 30 to display the required cooling performance for the cooling device used to cool the selected regenerative resistor. By referring to the required cooling performance displayed on the display unit 30, the operator can easily select a cooling device suitable for cooling the selected regenerative resistor.

[0051] Furthermore, even after selecting a selected regenerative resistor, the selection device 1 may suggest that "it may be possible to select a new selected regenerative resistor that is smaller in size or has a lower price by changing either the specifications and operating conditions of the motor 300 or the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed." In this case, the memory unit 40 stores in advance multiple sets consisting of information related to regenerative energy and a regenerative resistor corresponding to that information related to regenerative energy. The comparison unit 17 then compares the size and price of at least one of the selected regenerative resistors selected by the regenerative resistor selection unit 14 with the multiple regenerative resistors stored in the memory unit 40. If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit 17, there is at least one regenerative resistor among the multiple regenerative resistors stored in the storage unit 40 that is smaller in size and cheaper than the selected regenerative resistor, the display control unit 16 controls the display unit 30 to display the specifications, operating conditions, and machine conditions corresponding to at least one of the regenerative resistors that is smaller in size and cheaper.

[0052] <Operation Flow of the Selection Device According to the Embodiment of the Disclosure> Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the selection device according to the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0053] In step S101, the servo amplifier selection unit 11 receives various information regarding the specifications and operating conditions of the motor 300, as well as the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed, via the input unit 20, which is input by the operator. Based on this, the servo amplifier selection unit 11 selects an appropriate servo amplifier by referring to the servo amplifier table stored in the storage unit 40, based on the information received by the reception unit 15.

[0054] In step S102, the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 calculates the estimated value of the amount of regenerative power that is generated when the motor 300 operates under the control of the servo amplifier selected by the servo amplifier selection unit 11.

[0055] In step S103, the determination unit 13 determines, based on the value of the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12, whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy.

[0056] If it is determined in step S103 that a regenerative resistor needs to be installed in the servo amplifier, in step S104 the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 calculates the value of regenerative power estimated to be generated when the motor 300 operates under the control of the servo amplifier selected by the servo amplifier selection unit 11. Then, in step S105, the regenerative resistance selection unit 14 selects a regenerative resistor corresponding to the value of regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 as the selected regenerative resistor. In step S106 following step S105, the display control unit 16 controls the display unit 30 to display information regarding the selected regenerative resistor. In step S106, the display control unit 16 may also control the display unit 30 to display the value of regenerative energy and / or the value of regenerative power, which are information related to regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12. In step S106, the display control unit 16 may also control the display unit 30 to display the settings required for the servo amplifier to correspond to the selected regenerative resistor. Furthermore, in step S106, control may be performed to display on the display unit 30 the cooling performance required for the cooling device for cooling the selected regenerative resistor. Also, in step S106, if there is at least one regenerative resistor among the multiple regenerative resistors stored in the storage unit 40 that is smaller in size and has a lower price than the selected regenerative resistor, control may be performed to display on the display unit 30 the specifications, operating conditions and mechanical conditions corresponding to at least one of the regenerative resistors that is smaller in size and has a lower price.

[0057] If it is determined in step S103 that it is not necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, then in step S106, the display control unit 16 controls the display unit 30 to display that it is not necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier.

[0058] <Screens displayed by the display unit in the selection device according to the embodiments of this disclosure> In the selection device 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure, various screens are displayed on the display unit 30 under the control of the display control unit 16. Here, some examples of the forms of screens displayed on the display unit 30 are listed. The numerical values, names, items, and layouts shown in the screens below are examples, and other display contents may also be used.

[0059] Figure 4 shows a first configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the screen 31 of the display unit 30 displays, as item 51, information about the servo amplifier selected by the servo amplifier selection unit 11, and as item 52, the value of the regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12. According to the first embodiment, the operator can refer to the value of the regenerative power displayed on the screen 31 and review, as necessary, the specifications of the motor 300, the operating conditions of the motor 300, and / or the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed, which were previously input via the input unit 20.

[0061] Figure 5 shows a second configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the screen 31 of the display unit 30 displays, as item 51, information about the servo amplifier selected by the servo amplifier selection unit 11; as item 52, the value of the regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12; and as item 54, a graph showing the time trend of the value of the regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12. The screen 31 of the display unit 30 also displays, as item 53, information about the selected regenerative resistor selected by the regenerative resistor selection unit 14. The screen 31 of the display unit 30 also displays, as item 55, the settings required for the servo amplifier to correspond to the selected regenerative resistor. The screen 31 of the display unit 30 also displays, as item 56, the cooling performance required for the cooling device to cool the selected regenerative resistor. In the illustrated example, the name of the cooling device having the required cooling performance is shown. According to the second embodiment, the operator can easily grasp the information about the selected regenerative resistor by referring to item 53. Furthermore, by referring to item 54, the worker can easily grasp the time-dependent changes in the regenerative power value and, if necessary, review the specifications of the motor 300, the operating conditions of the motor 300, and / or the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed, which were previously input via the input unit 20. Additionally, by referring to item 55, the worker can easily grasp the required settings for the servo amplifier. Furthermore, by referring to item 56, the worker can easily identify a cooling device suitable for cooling the selected regenerative resistor, which can be used to assist in the selection of the cooling device.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a third configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] In the third embodiment, the screen 31 of the display unit 30 displays, as item 51, information about the servo amplifier selected by the servo amplifier selection unit 11; as item 52, the value of the regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12; as item 53, information about the selected regenerative resistor selected by the regenerative resistor selection unit 14; and as item 54, a graph showing the time trend of the value of the regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12. In addition, the screen 31 of the display unit 30 displays, as item 57, a suggestion indicating that at least one of the regenerative resistors with a smaller size and a lower price can be selected by changing the specifications, operating conditions and / or mechanical conditions. As described above, the comparison unit 17 compares at least one of the size and price of the selected regenerative resistor selected by the regenerative resistor selection unit 14 and the multiple regenerative resistors stored in the storage unit 40. If, as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit 17, the display control unit 16 finds at least one regenerative resistor among the multiple regenerative resistors stored in the storage unit 40 that is smaller in size and lower in price than the selected regenerative resistor, it controls the display unit 30 to display the specifications, operating conditions, and machine conditions corresponding to at least one of the smaller-sized and lower-priced regenerative resistors. According to the third embodiment, even after selecting a selected regenerative resistor once, the worker can select a new selected regenerative resistor that is smaller in size or lower in price by referring to item 57 and reviewing either the specifications and operating conditions for the motor 300 or the machine conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed.

[0065] Figure 7 shows a fourth configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] In the fourth embodiment, the screen 31 of the display unit 30 displays, as item 51, information regarding the servo amplifier selected by the servo amplifier selection unit 11; as item 52, the value of the regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12; and as item 53, information regarding the selected regenerative resistor selected by the regenerative resistor selection unit 14. The screen 31 of the display unit 30 also displays, as item 58, a suggested method for mounting the regenerative resistor to the base member of the servo amplifier or the panel portion of the machine. The screen 31 of the display unit 30 also displays, as item 58, the required cooling performance for the cooling device used to cool the selected regenerative resistor. According to the fourth embodiment, by referring to item 58, the worker can easily understand how to safely and reliably mount the regenerative resistor to the base member of the servo amplifier or the panel portion of the machine. Furthermore, by referring to item 58, the worker can understand the required cooling performance for cooling the selected regenerative resistor, thereby reducing the burden of selecting a cooling device with that cooling performance.

[0067] Figure 8 shows a fifth configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] In the fifth embodiment, the screen 31 of the display unit 30 displays a field for inputting the operating conditions of the motor 300 as item 61. In the illustrated example, item 61 displays a field for inputting the operating conditions of the motor 300, but a field for inputting the specifications of the motor 300 and / or the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed may also be displayed. Once the operating conditions of the motor 300 are entered in item 61, the regenerative power value is displayed as item 52, the selected regenerative resistor is displayed as item 53, and a graph showing the time trend of the regenerative power value is displayed as item 54. In addition, multiple candidate regenerative resistors are displayed in item 63, and the selected regenerative resistor (regenerative resistor model B in the illustrated example) is highlighted in particular. Furthermore, if the specifications of the motor 300, the operating conditions of the motor 300, and / or the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed are re-entered via item 61, item 54 may simultaneously display both a graph showing the time progression of the regenerative resistance value before the re-entry and a graph showing the time progression of the regenerative resistance value after the re-entry. This allows the operator to easily grasp the effect of re-entering the specifications of the motor 300, the operating conditions of the motor 300, and / or the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed.

[0069] Figure 9 shows a sixth configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] In the sixth embodiment, an adjustment bar for changing the operating conditions of the motor 300 is displayed as item 61 on the screen 31 of the display unit 30. In the illustrated example, item 61 displays an adjustment bar for changing the operating conditions of the motor 300, but an adjustment bar for changing the specifications of the motor 300 and / or the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed may also be displayed. Each parameter can be easily changed by moving the adjustment bar left or right with a mouse or finger touch. In accordance with the movement of the adjustment bar of item 61, the graph showing the time trend of the regenerative power value of item 52, the selected regenerative resistance of item 53, and the regenerative power value of item 54 is displayed and changes in real time. In addition, multiple candidate regenerative resistances are displayed in item 63, and the highlighting of the selected regenerative resistance changes in real time in accordance with the movement of the adjustment bar of item 61. According to the sixth embodiment, the operator can easily and quickly grasp the effects of changing the specifications of the motor 300, the operating conditions of the motor 300, and / or the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor 300 is installed.

[0071] <Modification of the Selection Device According to the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> The selection device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is also applicable to a servo system including a plurality of servo motors. Figure 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating a case in which a plurality of servo motors are provided in a servo system including a servo amplifier equipped with a regenerative resistor.

[0072] In a servo system 100 for a machine with multiple axes, multiple motors are provided to correspond to the multiple axes. In this case, multiple servo amplifiers may be provided to correspond to the multiple motors. In the example shown in Figure 10, the case with two motors is described as an example, but the following explanation is also applicable when the number of motors is three or more.

[0073] A servo amplifier with inverter 102-X is provided for the motor 300-X for the X-axis of the machine, and a servo amplifier with inverter 102-Y is provided for the motor 300-Y for the Y-axis of the machine. Converter 101 is connected to inverters 102-X and 102-Y via the same DC link. The DC link is provided with a capacitor 103, a regenerative resistor 104, and a switch 105, as described with reference to Figure 2. The configuration and operation of inverters 102-X and 102-Y are as described for inverter 102 shown in Figure 2. The configuration and operation of converter 101 and AC power supply 200 are as described for converter 101 and AC power supply 200 shown in Figure 2. However, for a servo system provided with multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y, the operation of each part of the selection unit 1 is applied as described for each part with reference to Figure 1, but with "value of regenerative power" replaced by "total value of regenerative power".

[0074] With respect to a servo system equipped with multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y, the reception unit 15 receives various information via the input unit 20, including the specifications and operating conditions of the multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y, as well as the mechanical conditions of the machine equipped with the multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y.

[0075] The servo amplifier selection unit 11 selects a servo amplifier that corresponds to the specifications of the multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y, the operating conditions of the multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y, and the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y are installed.

[0076] The regenerative energy calculation unit 12 calculates information related to the regenerative energy estimated to be generated when multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y operate under the control of the servo amplifiers selected by the servo amplifier selection unit 11. More specifically, the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 calculates the total value of regenerative energy generated by the multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y, and the total value of regenerative power generated by the multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y, as information related to regenerative energy. Examples of formulas for calculating information related to regenerative energy include formulas 1 to 4, but other formulas may also be used to calculate information related to regenerative energy.

[0077] The determination unit 13 determines whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy, based on the total value of the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12. More specifically, the determination unit 13 compares the total value of the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12 with an energy threshold, and if the total value of the regenerative energy is greater than the energy threshold, it determines that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier. The energy threshold is as explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0078] If the determination unit 13 determines that a regenerative resistor needs to be installed in the servo amplifier, the regenerative resistor selection unit 14 extracts a regenerative resistor from among multiple candidate regenerative resistors specified in the regenerative resistor table that corresponds to the total value of regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12, and selects this as the selected regenerative resistor.

[0079] The display control unit 16 controls the display unit 30 to display the total value of regenerative energy and / or total value of regenerative power, which are information related to regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12. The display control unit 16 also controls the display unit 30 to display information regarding the selected regenerative resistor, the settings required for the servo amplifier to correspond to the selected regenerative resistor, and the cooling performance required for the cooling device to cool the selected regenerative resistor. Furthermore, if, as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit 17, there is at least one regenerative resistor among the multiple regenerative resistors stored in the storage unit 40 that is smaller in size and cheaper than the selected regenerative resistor, the display control unit 16 controls the display unit 30 to display the specifications, operating conditions, and mechanical conditions corresponding to at least one of the regenerative resistors that is smaller in size and cheaper.

[0080] The seventh to ninth forms of the display screen in the selection device according to the embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to a servo system including a plurality of servo motors.

[0081] Figure 11 shows a seventh configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] In the seventh embodiment, the screen 31 of the display unit 30 displays, as item 51, information regarding the servo amplifier for the X axis and the servo amplifier for the Y axis selected by the servo amplifier selection unit 11. The screen 31 of the display unit 30 also displays, as item 52, the total value of regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12, as item 53, information regarding the selected regenerative resistor selected by the regenerative resistance selection unit 14, and as item 54, a graph showing the time trend of the total value of regenerative power calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit 12. The screen 31 of the display unit 30 also displays, as item 57, a suggestion indicating that by changing the specifications, operating conditions, and / or mechanical conditions of multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y, at least one regenerative resistor can be selected from among regenerative resistors with smaller size and lower price. According to the seventh embodiment, even after a selected regenerative resistor has been selected, the worker can select a new selected regenerative resistor that is smaller in size or lower in price by referring to item 57 and reviewing either the specifications and operating conditions for the multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y or the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the multiple motors 300-X and 300-Y are installed.

[0083] Figure 12 shows an eighth configuration of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] In the eighth embodiment, the screen 31 of the display unit 30 displays fields for inputting the operating conditions of the X-axis motor 300-X and the Y-axis motor 300-Y as item 61. In the illustrated example, field 61 displays fields for inputting the operating conditions of motors 300-X and 300-Y, but field 61 may also display fields for inputting the specifications of motors 300-X and 300-Y, and / or the machine conditions of the machine in which motors 300-X and 300-Y are installed. Once the operating conditions of motors 300-X and 300-Y are entered in field 61, the total value of regenerative power is displayed as item 52, the selected regenerative resistor is displayed as item 53, and a graph showing the time trend of the regenerative power value is displayed as item 54. In addition, multiple candidate regenerative resistors are displayed in item 63, and the selected regenerative resistor (regenerative resistor model B in the illustrated example) is highlighted in particular. Furthermore, if the specifications of motors 300-X and 300-Y, the operating conditions of motors 300-X and 300-Y, and / or the mechanical conditions of the machine equipped with motors 300-X and 300-Y are re-entered via item 61, item 54 may simultaneously display both a graph showing the time progression of the regenerative resistance value before the re-entry and a graph showing the time progression of the regenerative resistance value after the re-entry. This allows the operator to easily grasp the effect of re-entering the specifications of motors 300-X and 300-Y, the operating conditions of motors 300-X and 300-Y, and / or the mechanical conditions of the machine equipped with motors 300-X and 300-Y.

[0085] Figure 13 shows a ninth form of the screen of the display unit in the selection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] In the ninth embodiment, the screen 31 of the display unit 30 displays adjustment bars for changing the operating conditions of the X-axis motor 300-X and adjustment bars for changing the operating conditions of the Y-axis motor 300-Y as item 61. In the illustrated example, item 61 displays adjustment bars for changing the operating conditions of motors 300-X and 300-Y, but adjustment bars for changing the specifications of motors 300-X and 300-Y, and / or the machine conditions of the machine in which motors 300-X and 300-Y are installed may also be displayed. Each parameter can be easily changed by moving the adjustment bars left or right with mouse operation or finger touch. In accordance with the movement of the adjustment bars in item 61, the graph showing the time trend of the total regenerative power in item 52, the selected regenerative resistance in item 53, and the total regenerative power in item 54 is displayed in real time. In addition, multiple candidate regenerative resistances are displayed in item 63, and the highlighting of the selected regenerative resistance changes in real time in accordance with the movement of the adjustment bars in item 61. According to the ninth embodiment, the operator can easily and quickly grasp the specifications of motors 300-X and 300-Y, the operating conditions of motors 300-X and 300-Y, and / or the effects of changing the mechanical conditions of the machine in which motors 300-X and 300-Y are installed.

[0087] <Advantages of Embodiments and Modifications of the Disclosure> According to the selection device according to the embodiments and modifications of the disclosure, by simply having an operator input the motor specifications, motor operating conditions, and mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor is installed, the system can automatically determine whether or not a regenerative resistor is necessary in the servo system, and if a regenerative resistor is necessary, it can automatically select an appropriate regenerative resistor. Conventionally, operators had to calculate the regenerative power themselves by looking at the servo amplifier specifications and servo motor specifications, and then decide whether or not a regenerative resistor was necessary and to select the appropriate regenerative resistor based on the results. In contrast, according to the selection device according to the embodiments and modifications of the disclosure, the calculation of regenerative energy, calculation of regenerative power, determination of whether or not a regenerative resistor is necessary, and selection of the regenerative resistor are performed automatically, thus reducing the burden on operators in designing the servo system. Operators can easily review the motor specifications, motor operating conditions, and / or mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor is installed, which were previously input via the input unit, by referring to the regenerative power value or its total value displayed on the screen of the selection device's display unit. Furthermore, workers can easily grasp information regarding the selected regenerative resistors by referring to the screen displayed on the selection device's display unit. They can easily understand graphs showing the time progression of the regenerative power value or its total value, the settings required for the servo amplifier, suitable cooling devices for cooling the selected regenerative resistors, and methods for safely and securely mounting the regenerative resistors to the servo amplifier base or the machine's control panel, thereby reducing the burden on workers in designing the servo system.

[0088] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments and modifications described above. These embodiments and modifications can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications can be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments and modifications described above are shown as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments and modifications described above.

[0089] <Note> The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiments and modifications.

[0090] (Note 1) A selection device comprising: a servo amplifier selection unit that selects a servo amplifier corresponding to the specifications and operating conditions of at least one motor in a servo system and the mechanical conditions of the machine on which the motor is installed; a regenerative energy calculation unit that calculates information related to the regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier; a determination unit that determines whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy based on the information related to the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit; and a regenerative resistor selection unit that, if the determination unit determines that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, selects a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information related to the regenerative energy as a selected regenerative resistor. (Note 2) The selection device according to Note 1, further comprising a reception unit that receives input of specifications and operating conditions, wherein the regenerative energy calculation unit calculates information related to regenerative energy using data including specifications, operating conditions and mechanical conditions input via the reception unit. (Note 3) The regenerative energy calculation unit calculates the value of the amount of regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier, as information related to regenerative energy used in the determination process by the determination unit, and calculates the value of the regenerative power estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier, as information related to regenerative energy used in the selection process by the regenerative resistance selection unit, as the selection device described in Note 2. (Note 4) The regenerative resistance selection unit selects a selected regenerative resistor from among a plurality of candidate regenerative resistors corresponding to the information related to regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit using data including specifications, operating conditions and mechanical conditions input via the reception unit, as the selection device described in Note 2. (Note 5) The regenerative resistance selection unit selects at least one regenerative resistor from among a plurality of candidate regenerative resistors, which is the regenerative resistor with the smallest size and which is the regenerative resistor with the lowest price, as the selected regenerative resistor, as the selection device described in any one of Notes 1 to 4.(Note 6) A selection device according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, comprising: a display unit; a display control unit that controls the display unit to display at least one of the following: information related to regenerative energy; information related to selected regenerative resistors; settings required for a servo amplifier to correspond to the selected regenerative resistors; and cooling performance required for a cooling device for cooling the selected regenerative resistors. (Note 7) The selection device as described in Note 6, comprising: a storage unit that stores multiple sets consisting of information related to regenerative energy and regenerative resistors corresponding to the information related to regenerative energy; a comparison unit that compares at least one of the size and price of the selected regenerative resistors selected by the regenerative resistor selection unit with the multiple regenerative resistors stored in the storage unit; and a display control unit that, as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, if there is at least one regenerative resistor among the multiple regenerative resistors stored in the storage unit that is smaller in size and has a lower price than the selected regenerative resistors, controls the display unit to display the specifications, operating conditions and machine conditions corresponding to at least one of the regenerative resistors that is smaller in size and has a lower price. (Note 8) A computer program for causing a computer to perform a selection process comprising: a step of selecting a servo amplifier corresponding to the specifications and operating conditions of at least one motor in a servo system and the mechanical conditions of the machine on which the motor is installed; a step of calculating information related to regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier; a step of determining whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy based on the information related to regenerative energy; and, if it is determined that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, a step of selecting a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information related to regenerative energy as a selected regenerative resistor. (Note 9) A computer program for causing a computer to perform the selection process described in Note 8, further comprising a step of controlling the display unit to display the information related to regenerative energy.(Note 10) A computer program for causing a computer to execute the selection process described in Note 9, further comprising the step of controlling the display unit to show information regarding selected regenerative resistors. (Note 11) A selection method for causing a computer having at least one processor and at least one memory to execute a process comprising: selecting a servo amplifier corresponding to the specifications and operating conditions of at least one motor in a servo system and the mechanical conditions of the machine on which the motor is installed; calculating information related to regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier; determining whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume regenerative energy based on the information related to regenerative energy; and, if it is determined that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, selecting a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information related to regenerative energy as a selected regenerative resistor.

[0091] 1 Selection device 10 Processor 11 Servo amplifier selection unit 12 Regenerative energy calculation unit 13 Judgment unit 14 Regenerative resistor selection unit 15 Reception unit 16 Display control unit 17 Comparison unit 20 Input unit 30 Display unit 40 Memory unit 100 Servo system 101 Converter 102, 102-X, 102-Y Inverter 103 Capacitor 104 Regenerative resistor 105 Switch 200 AC power supply 300, 300-X, 300-Y Motor

Claims

1. A selection device comprising: a servo amplifier selection unit that selects a servo amplifier corresponding to the specifications and operating conditions of at least one motor in a servo system and the mechanical conditions of the machine in which the motor is installed; a regenerative energy calculation unit that calculates information related to regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier; a determination unit that determines whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy based on the information related to the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit; and a regenerative resistor selection unit that, if the determination unit determines that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, selects a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information related to the regenerative energy as a selected regenerative resistor.

2. The selection device according to claim 1, comprising a receiving unit for receiving input of the specifications, operating conditions and mechanical conditions, wherein the regenerative energy calculation unit calculates information related to the regenerative energy using data including the specifications, operating conditions and mechanical conditions input via the receiving unit.

3. The selection device according to claim 2, wherein the regenerative energy calculation unit calculates, as information related to the regenerative energy used in the determination process by the determination unit, the value of the regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier, and as information related to the regenerative energy used in the selection process by the regenerative resistance selection unit, the value of the regenerative power estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier.

4. The selection device according to claim 2, wherein the regenerative resistance selection unit selects the selected regenerative resistor from a plurality of candidate regenerative resistors corresponding to the information related to the regenerative energy calculated by the regenerative energy calculation unit using data including the specifications, operating conditions and mechanical conditions input via the reception unit.

5. The selection device according to claim 4, wherein the regenerative resistor selection unit selects at least one regenerative resistor from among the plurality of candidate regenerative resistors, which has the smallest size and which has the lowest price, as the selected regenerative resistor.

6. A selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a display unit; a display control unit that controls the display unit to display at least one of the following: information related to the regenerative energy; information related to the selected regenerative resistor; settings required for the servo amplifier to correspond to the selected regenerative resistor; and cooling performance required for a cooling device for cooling the selected regenerative resistor.

7. The selection device according to claim 6, comprising: a storage unit that stores a plurality of sets consisting of information related to the regenerative energy and a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information related to the regenerative energy; a comparison unit that compares at least one of the size and price of the selected regenerative resistor selected by the regenerative resistor selection unit with the plurality of regenerative resistors stored in the storage unit; and a display control unit that, as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, finds at least one of the regenerative resistors stored in the plurality of regenerative resistors that is smaller in size and lower in price than the selected regenerative resistor, controls the display unit to display the specifications, operating conditions and machine conditions corresponding to at least one of the regenerative resistors that is smaller in size and lower in price.

8. A computer program for causing a computer to perform a selection process comprising: selecting a servo amplifier corresponding to the specifications and operating conditions of at least one motor in a servo system and the mechanical conditions of a machine in which the motor is installed; calculating information related to regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier; determining, based on the information related to regenerative energy, whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy; and, if it is determined that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, selecting a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information related to regenerative energy as a selected regenerative resistor.

9. A computer program for causing a computer to perform the selection process according to claim 8, further comprising the step of controlling the display unit to display information related to the regenerative energy.

10. A computer program for causing a computer to perform the selection process according to claim 9, further comprising the step of controlling the display unit to display information regarding the selected regenerative resistors.

11. A selection method for causing a computer having at least one processor and at least one memory to execute a process comprising: selecting a servo amplifier corresponding to the specifications and operating conditions of at least one motor in a servo system and the mechanical conditions of the machine on which the motor is installed; calculating information related to regenerative energy estimated to be generated when the motor operates under the control of the selected servo amplifier; determining, based on the information related to regenerative energy, whether or not it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier to consume the regenerative energy; and, if it is determined that it is necessary to provide a regenerative resistor in the servo amplifier, selecting a regenerative resistor corresponding to the information related to regenerative energy as a selected regenerative resistor.

Images