阅读说明：本技术 网络物理系统型生产系统 (Network physical system type production system ) 是由 若园贺生 相马伸司 村上慎二 岩井英树 泽田浩之 近藤伸亮 高本仁志 于 2020-04-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供网络物理系统型生产系统。该网络物理系统型生产系统包含生产线和生产线计算机装置,该生产线计算机装置在虚拟世界中生成与生产线的实际生产状态对应的虚拟生产状态。生产线包含磨床、热处理炉和检查机、以及控制装置。生产线计算机装置与控制装置同步地获取生产指令值集,并通过基于获取到的生产指令值在虚拟世界中生成虚拟磨削加工处理、虚拟热处理以及虚拟检查处理,来生成虚拟生产状态。生产线计算机装置将最佳生产指令值集输出至控制装置,以满足生产线的生产条件。(The invention provides a network physical system type production system. The cyber-physical system type production system includes a production line and a production line computer device that generates a virtual production state corresponding to an actual production state of the production line in a virtual world. The production line comprises a grinding machine, a heat treatment furnace, an inspection machine and a control device. The line computer device acquires a production command value set in synchronization with the control device, and generates a virtual production state by generating a virtual grinding process, a virtual heat treatment, and a virtual inspection process in a virtual world based on the acquired production command value. The production line computer device outputs the optimal production instruction value set to the control device so as to meet the production conditions of the production line.)

1. A network physical system type production system is provided with:

a production line which is disposed in the real world and includes at least a machine tool to produce a workpiece; and

a production line computer device for generating a virtual production state in a virtual world corresponding to an actual production state of the workpiece generated on the production line,

the production line comprises:

the above machine tool;

an adjacent processing machine disposed at least one of upstream and downstream of the machine tool; and

a control device for controlling the machine tool and the adjacent processing machine based on the production instruction value set,

the production line computer device is communicably connected to the control device, acquires the production instruction value set in synchronization with the control device, generates the virtual production state by generating, in the virtual world, a virtual machining process and a virtual adjoining process corresponding to an actual machining process performed by the machine tool and an actual adjoining process performed by the adjoining processing machine based on the acquired production instruction value set, and outputs, to the control device, an optimal production instruction value set for correcting at least one factor production instruction value in the production instruction value set so as to satisfy production conditions of the production line.

2. The cyber physical system type production system according to claim 1,

the factor production command value is a production command value that affects the actual processing and the actual adjacent processing.

3. The cyber physical system type production system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the line computer device outputs at least one of the production instruction value set and the status information indicating the virtual production status to an external terminal device, and the external interrupt device is connected to the line computer device via a network and operates in a location different from the line.

4. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the production conditions include operation conditions for operating the production line so that a total production cost obtained by summing up production costs generated by the actual processing and the actual adjoining processing satisfies a preset reference total production cost,

the production line computer device generates the virtual processing process and the virtual adjacent process, determines the factor production command value related to the total production cost in the production command value set, and determines the optimum production command value set so that the total production cost satisfies the reference total production cost.

5. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the production conditions include operation conditions for operating the production line so that a total amount of electric power, which is obtained by summing up amounts of electric power consumed by the actual processing and the actual adjacent processing, satisfies a preset reference total amount of electric power,

the production line computer device generates the virtual machining process and the virtual adjacent process, determines the factor production command values related to the total electric power amount in the production command value set, and determines the optimum production command value set so that the total electric power amount satisfies the reference total electric power amount.

6. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the production conditions include operation conditions for operating the production line such that a total stop time obtained by summing up stop times associated with maintenance work for each of the actual processing and the actual adjacent processing satisfies a preset reference total stop time,

the production line computer device generates the virtual processing process and the virtual adjacent process, determines the factor production command values in the production command value set, which are related to the total stop time, and determines the optimum production command value set so that the total stop time satisfies the reference total stop time.

7. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the production conditions include quality conditions that the quality of the workpiece produced by the actual machining process and the actual adjoining process satisfies a predetermined reference quality,

the production line computer device generates the virtual machining process and the virtual adjacent process, determines the factor production command values in the production command value set relating to the quality of the workpiece, and determines the optimum production command value set so that the quality satisfies the reference quality.

8. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the production line computer device determines a plurality of optimal production instruction value sets that satisfy each of a plurality of production conditions, and outputs the optimal production instruction value set corresponding to the production condition selected from the plurality of production conditions for which the plurality of optimal production instruction value sets are determined to the control device.

9. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

the production line computer device comprises:

an acquisition unit that acquires the production instruction value set from the control device in synchronization with the control device at a predetermined cycle;

a generation unit that generates the virtual production state by generating the virtual machining process and the virtual adjacent process based on the production command value set acquired by the acquisition unit; and

and a determination unit configured to determine the optimal production command value set so as to satisfy the production conditions, and output the determined optimal production command value set to the control device.

10. The cyber physical system type production system according to claim 9,

the determination unit compares the virtual production state with a reference preset according to the production condition, and determines a production command value different from the reference in the set of production command values as the factor production command value.

11. The cyber physical system type production system according to claim 9 or 10,

the production line computer device includes an output unit that outputs at least one of the production instruction value set and the status information indicating the virtual production status to an external terminal device, and the external terminal device is connected to the production line computer device via a network.

12. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 9 to 11,

the determination unit determines a plurality of optimum production command value sets that satisfy each of the plurality of production conditions,

the controller outputs the optimal production instruction value set corresponding to the production condition selected from the plurality of production conditions for determining the plurality of optimal production instruction value sets to the controller.

13. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,

in the production line, at least the machine tool of the machine tool and the adjacent processing machine includes:

a machine body that machines the workpiece and is controlled by the control device based on the production command value set; and

a unit computer device for generating a virtual machining phenomenon corresponding to an actual machining phenomenon in the workpiece and the machine body in the virtual world,

the unit computer device is communicably connected to the control device, acquires the production command value set in synchronization with the control device, generates a future virtual machining phenomenon, which is the future virtual machining phenomenon, based on the acquired production command value set, and outputs an individual optimum command value for correcting the production command value set based on the future virtual machining phenomenon to the control device.

14. The cyber physical system type production system according to claim 13,

the unit computer device generates a current virtual machining phenomenon, which is the current virtual machining phenomenon, based on the acquired production instruction value set, and generates the future virtual machining phenomenon based on the current virtual machining phenomenon.

15. The cyber physical system type production system according to claim 14,

the unit computer device includes:

a synchronization unit for acquiring the production command value set at a predetermined cycle to synchronize the production command value set;

a machining phenomenon calculation unit that generates the future virtual machining phenomenon at an arbitrary timing later than a synchronization timing synchronized by the synchronization unit by performing a calculation based on the production instruction value set; and

an individual optimum command value determining unit that determines the individual optimum command value based on the future virtual machining phenomenon generated by the machining phenomenon calculating unit and outputs the determined individual optimum command value to the control device,

the control device is configured to acquire the individual optimal command value output from the individual optimal command value determining unit and control the machine body using the acquired individual optimal command value.

16. The cyber physical system type production system according to claim 15,

the machining phenomenon calculation unit generates the current virtual machining phenomenon at the synchronization timing, and generates the future virtual machining phenomenon by performing calculation based on the current virtual machining phenomenon.

17. The cyber physical system type production system according to claim 16,

the unit computer device includes a difference comparison unit that compares a difference generated between the actual machining phenomenon of the machine body and the current virtual machining phenomenon,

the synchronization unit synchronizes the production command value set when the difference does not satisfy a predetermined first reference value by the comparison of the difference comparison unit.

18. The cyber physical system type production system according to claim 17,

when the difference does not satisfy a predetermined second reference value as a result of the comparison by the difference comparing unit, the unit computer device outputs the production instruction value set including the difference to the line computer device.

19. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 15 to 18,

the unit computer device includes a determination unit that determines whether the future virtual machining phenomenon calculated by the machining phenomenon calculation unit is a predetermined machining phenomenon set in advance,

when the determination unit determines that the future virtual machining phenomenon is different from the predetermined machining phenomenon, the individual optimal command value determination unit determines the individual optimal command value and outputs the determined individual optimal command value to the control device.

20. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 1 to 19,

the machine tool comprises: a grinding machine including a grinding wheel, a grinding wheel holder for supporting the grinding wheel so as to be rotatable about an axis, and a headstock for supporting the workpiece so as to be rotatable about the axis,

a virtual grinding wheel corresponding to the grinding wheel, a virtual grinding wheel base corresponding to the grinding wheel base, a virtual headstock corresponding to the headstock, and a virtual workpiece corresponding to the workpiece are constructed in the virtual world.

21. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 1 to 20,

the production line computer device is disposed in a cloud space, and the cloud space is connected to the control device disposed in the real world via a network.

22. The cyber physical system type production system according to any one of claims 13 to 19,

the unit computer device is disposed in a cloud space, and the cloud space is connected to the control device disposed in the real world via a network.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cyber-physical system type production system.

Background

In general, a production line that sequentially conveys and produces workpieces is provided with various machines that respectively execute processing based on production command values set in advance according to production conditions. Various machines include a machine tool, and a grinding simulation device disclosed in japanese patent application laid-open publication No. 2018 to 153907, for example, can simulate a machining process of the machine tool. The simulation processing in advance enables the production command value according to the production conditions to be set with high accuracy, and as a result, the productivity of the production line can be improved.

However, in the above-described conventional production line in which the various machines constituting the production line independently perform processing, there is a case where the processing of a workpiece by a machine located on the upstream side of the production line affects the processing of a workpiece by a machine located on the downstream side. This influence continues until, for example, a production command value preset in the upstream machine is corrected by an operator. In order to ensure the quality of the workpiece, the machine on the downstream side needs to perform the processing while absorbing (excluding) the influence of the processing on the upstream side. In this case, during the operation of the conventional production line, there is a possibility that the production efficiency of the produced work is lowered, the production time is increased, or the production quality is lowered.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cyber physical system type production system having a production line that autonomously corrects a production instruction value to satisfy production conditions and operates.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cyber physical system type production system includes: a production line which is disposed in the real world and includes at least a machine tool to produce a workpiece; and a production line computer device that generates a virtual production state in the virtual world, the virtual production state corresponding to an actual production state in which the workpiece is produced in the production line. The production line is provided with: a machine tool; an adjacent processing machine disposed at least one of upstream and downstream of the machine tool; and a control device for controlling the machine tool and the adjacent processing machine based on the production instruction value set. The line computer device is communicably connected to the control device, acquires the production command value set in synchronization with the control device, and generates a virtual production state by generating, in the virtual world, a virtual machining process and a virtual adjoining process that correspond to the actual machining process by the machine tool and the actual adjoining process by the adjoining processing machine, respectively, based on the acquired production command value set. The production line computer means outputs an optimum production instruction value set for correcting at least one factor production instruction value in the production instruction value set to satisfy production conditions of the production line to the control means.

In this way, a control device for controlling the machine tools and the adjacent processing machines constituting the production line based on the production command value set is connected to the production line computer device that can communicate with each other. The line computer device generates a virtual production state by generating a virtual machining process and a virtual adjacent process corresponding to the actual machining process and the actual adjacent process, respectively, in the virtual world based on the production command value set acquired from the control device. The production line computer device determines an optimum production instruction value set for correcting the factor production instruction value so as to satisfy the production conditions when the workpiece is produced in the production line, and outputs the optimum production instruction value set to the control device.

Thus, the line computer device can collectively operate the machine tool and the adjacent processing machine by outputting the optimal production command value set to the control device so as to satisfy the production conditions. That is, the control device can cause the machine tool and the adjacent processing machine to operate autonomously by repeatedly acquiring the optimum production command value set from the line computer device. As a result, in a cyber physical system type production system including a machine tool, an adjacent processing machine, a control device, and a line computer device, a line can be autonomously operated while satisfying production conditions.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a network physical system type production system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a structure of the machine tool of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of the line computer device of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the cyber-physical system type production system.

Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration in which a network physical system is applied to a machine tool according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of the unit computer device of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a machine tool to which a network physical system is applied.

Detailed Description

(1. overview of cyber physical System type production System)

Hereinafter, a Cyber Physical production system (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "CPPS") will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in fig. 1, a CPPS (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "production system") includes a production line 10 disposed in the real world and a production line computer device 20 disposed in the virtual world.

(2. Structure of production line 10)

The production line 10 includes at least a grinding machine 11 as a machine tool, and includes, as adjacent processing machines, a heat treatment furnace 12 disposed upstream of the grinding machine 11, and an inspection machine 13 disposed downstream of the grinding machine 11, to generate a workpiece W. The production line 10 further includes a control device 14, and the control device 14 controls the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13 based on the production instruction value set PI. The controller 14 includes a controller 14a for controlling the grinding machine 11, a controller 14b for controlling the heat treatment furnace 12, and a controller 14c for controlling the inspection machine 13.

As shown in fig. 2, the grinding machine 11 includes a grinding wheel 111, a grinding wheel head 112, and a headstock 113. Although not shown, the grinding machine 11 is provided with a cooling device for cooling the periphery of the grinding point with a coolant. The grinding machine 11 performs grinding processing of grinding the peripheral surface of the workpiece W by bringing the peripheral surface of the grinding wheel 111 rotationally driven by the wheel head 112 into contact with the peripheral surface of the workpiece W rotationally driven by the head stock 113.

The grinding wheel 111 is formed in a disk shape from a large number of abrasive grains, and is supported by the grinding wheel base 112 so as to be rotatable about a grinding wheel axis Cg. The wheel head 112 rotates the grinding wheel 111 about the grinding wheel axis Cg in accordance with a production command value set PI from a control device 14 (control device 14a) that controls the operation of the grinding machine 11. The wheel bed 112 moves the grinding wheel 111 in the direction of the grinding wheel axis Cg and the feed direction (X-axis direction) in accordance with the production command value set PI from the control device 14 (control device 14 a). The headstock 113 may be movable in the feed direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the wheel head 112. The headstock 113 supports the workpiece W so as to be rotatable about the main axis Cw, and rotates the workpiece W about the main axis Cw in accordance with a production instruction value set PI from the control device 14 (control device 14 a).

The heat treatment furnace 12 has a known structure, and performs heat treatment by heating the workpiece W charged into the heating furnace. The heat treatment furnace 12 is controlled by the controller 14 (controller 14 b). The control device 14 (control device 14b) controls the temperature inside the heating furnace and the furnace moving speed of the workpiece W based on the production instruction value set PI.

The inspection machine 13 performs inspection by measuring the shape and properties of the workpiece W ground by the grinding machine 11. The inspection machine 13 includes a measurement head having an inspection camera, for example, and controls the operation of the measurement head by a control device 14 (control device 14 c). The control device 14 (control device 14c) operates the measuring head based on the production instruction value set PI to perform measurement at a preset inspection position of the workpiece W.

Here, the production command value set PI includes, for example, the positions of the workpiece W (headstock 113) and the grinding wheel 111 (wheel carrier 112), the rotation speed of the grinding wheel 111, the rotation speed of the spindle (workpiece W) of the headstock 113, the cutting speed, the timing of switching between the grinding steps (rough grinding, finish grinding, and micro grinding), the presence or absence of a coolant, the heat treatment temperature, the material of the workpiece W, and the diameter of the workpiece W.

The control device 14 operates the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13 constituting the production line 10, based on a production instruction value set PI set based on an arbitrary production condition. Then, the control device 14 outputs the production instruction value set PI to the line computer device 20. The control device 14 acquires an optimal production command value set PS output from a determination unit 23 of the line computer device 20, which will be described later, and controls the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13 using the acquired optimal production command value set PS.

(3. Structure of production line computer 20)

The line computer device 20 disposed in the virtual world (network world) includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, a storage device, and the like, and is connected to the control device 14 of the line 10 in the real world via a network. Here, the line computer device 20 is disposed in a cloud space to which the control device 14 can be connected via a network.

As shown in fig. 1, the line computer device 20 acquires the production instruction value set PI in synchronization with the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, 14 c). The line computer device 20 generates a virtual production state by generating a virtual grinding process, a virtual heat treatment, and a virtual inspection process in the virtual world based on the acquired production instruction value set PI. The virtual grinding process is a virtual machining process corresponding to an actual grinding process that is an actual machining process performed by the grinding machine 11, the virtual heat treatment is a virtual adjacent process corresponding to an actual adjacent process performed by the heat treatment furnace 12, and the virtual inspection process is a virtual adjacent process corresponding to an actual inspection process that is an actual adjacent process performed by the inspection machine 13. Further, the line computer device 20 outputs an optimal production instruction value set PS for correcting the at least one factor production instruction value PO in the production instruction value set PI to satisfy the production conditions of the line 10 to the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, 14 c).

Here, the factor production command value PO is a production command value that mutually affects between the grinding process as the actual machining process and the heat treatment and inspection processes as the actual adjacent processes. Specifically, the factor production command value PO is, for example, a production command value that influences the grinding process performed by the grinding machine 11 by the heat treatment performed by the heat treatment furnace 12. In this case, for example, the outer diameter of the workpiece W may increase due to the influence of heat treatment distortion or the like caused by the heat treatment of the workpiece W in the heat treatment furnace 12, and as a result, the grinding start diameter may increase when the workpiece W is ground by the grinding machine 11. In this case, the factor production command value PO may be, for example, a heat treatment temperature set in the heat treatment furnace 12 or a furnace movement speed of the workpiece W.

Further, the factor production command value PO may be a production command value that affects the grinding process performed by the grinding machine 11 on the inspection process performed by the inspection machine 13. Specifically, depending on the factor production command value PO, for example, the surface roughness may deteriorate when the workpiece W is ground by the grinding machine 11, and as a result, the measured value of the surface roughness when the workpiece W is inspected by the inspection machine 13 may exceed a standard value. In this case, the factor production command value PO includes, for example, the rotation speed, the cutting speed, and the like set in the grinding machine 11.

The production conditions may include an operation condition in which the production line 10 is operated so that a total production cost obtained by summing up production costs generated by the grinding process, the heat treatment, and the inspection process satisfies a reference total production cost set in advance. The production conditions may include an operation condition for operating the line 10 so that a total power amount obtained by summing up power amounts consumed in the grinding process, the heat treatment, and the inspection process satisfies a preset reference total power amount.

The production conditions may include an operation condition in which the production line 10 is operated such that a total stop time obtained by summing up stop times associated with maintenance work for each of the grinding process, the heat treatment, and the inspection process satisfies a preset reference total stop time. Further, the production conditions may include quality conditions under which the quality of the workpiece W produced through the grinding process, the heat treatment, and the inspection process satisfies a predetermined reference quality.

When the production conditions include an operation condition in which the total production cost satisfies the reference total production cost, the line computer 20 determines the optimum production command value set PS so that the tool cost in the production line 10 is reduced, for example. The tool cost includes, for example, replacement cost and regeneration cost of components (e.g., a grinding wheel, a furnace, an inspection camera, etc.) of the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13. Therefore, the line computer 20 determines the optimum production command value set PS so as to extend the life of the component parts and reduce the replacement frequency, for example.

In addition, when the production conditions include an operation condition in which the total power amount satisfies the reference total power amount, the line computer 20 determines the optimum production command value PS so that, for example, the power amount of the heat treatment furnace 12 having the largest power amount consumed in the line 10 is reduced. Further, when the production conditions include an operation condition in which the total stop time satisfies the reference total stop time, the line computer 20 determines the optimum production command value set PS so that, for example, the components (e.g., grinding wheels, bearings, etc.) of the grinding machine 11 are replaced in accordance with the stop time of the heat treatment furnace 12, which requires a long time for maintenance work on the production line 10. Further, when the production conditions include quality conditions in which the quality of the workpiece W satisfies the reference quality, the line computer 20 determines the optimal production command value set PS so as to improve the accuracy of the grinding process performed by the grinding machine 11 that most affects the quality of the workpiece W on the production line 10, for example.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, the line computer device 20 outputs at least one of the production command value set PI and the state information indicating the generated virtual production state to the external terminal device 30, and the external terminal device 30 is connected to the line computer device 20 via a network and operates in a place different from the line 10 (for example, a manufacturer who manufactures and maintains the grinding machine 11 and the like). Thus, for example, the manufacturer can acquire the production state of the production line 10 as big data via the external terminal device 30, and can provide services such as maintenance of the production line 10 at an appropriate timing.

The line computer 20 determines the optimal production command value set PS, outputs the determined optimal production command value set PS to the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, and 14c), and outputs the production command value set PI and the status information to the external terminal device 30. Therefore, as shown in fig. 3, the information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit 21, a generation unit 22, a determination unit 23, and an output unit 24.

The acquisition unit 21 acquires the production command value sets PI from the control devices 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, and 14c) in synchronization with each other at a predetermined cycle. Thus, the production line 10 disposed in the real world and the production line computer device 20 disposed in the virtual world have the synchronized production instruction value sets PI.

The generation unit 22 generates a virtual grinding process corresponding to the actual grinding process performed by the grinding machine 11 constituting the production line 10 in the virtual world, based on the production command value set PI acquired by the acquisition unit 21 from the control device 14 (control device 14 a). The generation unit 22 generates a virtual heat treatment corresponding to the actual heat treatment performed by the heat treatment furnaces 12 constituting the production line 10 in the virtual world, based on the production command value set PI acquired by the acquisition unit 21 from the control device 14 (control device 14 b).

The generation unit 22 generates a virtual inspection process corresponding to the actual inspection process performed by the inspection machine 13 constituting the production line 10 in the virtual world, based on the production command value set PI acquired by the acquisition unit 21 from the control device 14 (control device 14 c). The generation unit 22 generates a virtual production state corresponding to the actual production state in the virtual world by generating a virtual grinding process, a virtual heat treatment, and a virtual inspection process.

The determination unit 23 determines the optimum production command value set PS so as to satisfy the production conditions described above, and outputs the determined optimum production command value set PS to the control device 14 (at least one of the control devices 14a, 14b, and 14 c). The determination unit 23 compares the virtual production state with a reference preset according to the production condition, and determines a production command value different from the reference in the production command value set PI as the factor production command value PO.

Further, the determination unit 23 determines a plurality of optimum production command value sets PS that satisfy each of the plurality of production conditions as described above. Then, the determination unit 23 outputs, for example, the optimal production command value set PS corresponding to the production condition selected by the operator from the plurality of production conditions to the control device 14 (at least one of the control devices 14a, 14b, and 14 c).

The output unit 24 is communicably connected to an external terminal device 30 provided in a manufacturer, for example, via a network. The output unit 24 outputs at least one of the production command value set PI and the state information indicating the virtual production state generated by the generation unit 22 to the external terminal device 30 as big data.

(4. working of CPPS)

Next, the operation of the CPPS including the production line 10 disposed in the real world, more specifically, the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13, and the production line computer device 20 disposed in the virtual world will be described with reference to fig. 4. In the CPPS, an operator first inputs an arbitrary production condition to the control device 14. Thereby, the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, and 14c) generates a production instruction value set PI (NC program), and outputs the production instruction value set PI to the line computer device 20 via the network.

In the production line 10, the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13 are controlled by the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, and 14c) based on the production instruction value set PI. Thus, the workpiece W is heat-treated in the upstream heat treatment furnace 12, and thereafter, is ground by the grinding machine 11. After the grinding process by the grinding machine 11, the workpiece W is subjected to an inspection process by an inspection machine 13 on the downstream side of the grinding machine 11, and a product is produced.

On the other hand, in the line computer device 20, the acquisition unit 21 synchronously acquires the production instruction value sets PI from the control devices 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, and 14 c). Then, the line computer 20 starts generating the virtual production state in synchronization with the start of the actual production state by operating the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13 by the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, and 14 c).

That is, in the line computer device 20, the generation unit 22 generates the virtual grinding process, the virtual heat treatment, and the virtual inspection process based on the production command value set PI acquired from the control device 14 (the control devices 14a, 14b, and 14 c). The generation unit 22 generates a virtual production state using a virtual grinding process, a virtual heat treatment, and a virtual inspection process. Here, since the acquisition unit 21 acquires the production instruction value set in synchronization with the control device 14, the generation unit 22 generates a virtual production state in synchronization with the actual production state.

Here, the line computer 20 can generate the grinding process, the heat treatment, and the inspection process in the virtual world using the production command value set PI acquired from the control device 14 (the control devices 14a, 14b, and 14 c). Thus, the line computer 20 can predict (grasp), for example, an increase in the outer diameter dimension of the appearance of the workpiece W produced by the line 10 and a deterioration in the surface roughness of the workpiece W.

When the generation unit 22 generates the virtual production state, the determination unit 23 determines at least one of the production command value sets PI as the factor production command value PO so as to satisfy the production condition. Then, the determination unit 23 determines the optimum production command value set PS for the correction factor production command value PO, and outputs the determined optimum production command value set PS to the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, and 14 c).

As described above, the production conditions may include an operation condition in which the production line 10 is operated so that the total production cost obtained by summing the production costs generated by the grinding process, the heat treatment, and the inspection process satisfies a preset reference total production cost. In this case, the determination unit 23 determines the optimal production command value set PS so as to reduce the tool cost on the production line 10.

In this case, the determination unit 23 determines the production command value PO as a factor relating to the total production cost, for example, in order to extend the life of the grinding wheel 111, which is a component of the grinding machine 11, and to reduce the tool cost, in relation to the rotation speed and the machining resistance of the grinding wheel 111. Here, the determination unit 23 compares the generated virtual production state with a reference set in advance to reduce the total production cost, and determines a production command value relating to the rotation speed and the machining resistance of the grinding wheel 111.

Then, the determination unit 23 determines an optimum production command value set PS for the production command values relating to the rotation speed and the machining resistance of the grinding wheel 111 so as to increase the rotation speed of the grinding wheel 111 or decrease the machining resistance, and outputs the optimum production command value set PS to the control device 14 (for example, the control device 14 a). This can extend the life of the grinding wheel 111, which is a component of the grinding machine 11, and reduce the tool cost, and further, can make the total production cost of the production line 10 satisfy the reference total production cost.

The production conditions may include operation conditions for operating the production line 10 so that the total amount of electric power obtained by summing the amounts of electric power consumed by the grinding process, the heat treatment, and the inspection process satisfies a preset reference total amount of electric power. In this case, the determination unit 23 determines the optimum production command value set PS so as to reduce the amount of electric power of the heat treatment furnace 12 having the largest amount of electric power consumed in the production line 10.

In this case, the determination unit 23 determines the production command value related to the heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment furnace 12 and the furnace movement speed of the workpiece W, for example, as the production command value PO which is a factor related to the total power amount so that the amount of power consumed by the determined heat treatment furnace 12 can be reduced. Here, the determination unit 23 compares the generated virtual production state with a reference set in advance for reducing the total power amount, and determines a production command value related to the heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment furnace 12 and the furnace movement speed of the workpiece W.

Then, the determination unit 23 determines the optimum production command value set PS for the production command values related to the heat treatment temperature of the heat treatment furnace 12 and the furnace movement speed of the workpiece W so as to decrease the heat treatment temperature and decrease the furnace movement speed, and outputs the optimum production command value set PS to the control device 14 (for example, the control device 14 b). This reduces the amount of power consumed by the heat treatment furnace 12, and the total power of the production line 10 can satisfy the reference total power.

The production conditions may include an operation condition in which the production line 10 is operated such that a total stop time obtained by summing up stop times associated with maintenance work for each of the grinding process, the heat treatment, and the inspection process satisfies a preset reference total stop time. In this case, the determination unit 23 determines the optimum production command value set PS so as to perform replacement of the grinding wheel 111, the bearing, and the like of the grinding machine 11 in parallel with the stop time of the heat treatment furnace 12, which requires a long time for maintenance work on the production line 10.

In this case, the determination unit 23 determines the production command value PO as the factor relating to the total stop time, for example, relating to the rotation speed of the grinding wheel 111 of the grinding machine 11 and the rotation speed of the workpiece W so that the grinding process by the grinding machine 11 can be stopped. Then, the determination unit 23 determines an optimum production command value set PS for the production command values related to the rotational speed and rotational speed of the grinding machine 11 so as to stop the grinding machine 11, and outputs the optimum production command value set PS to the control device 14 (e.g., the control device 14 a).

Accordingly, the grinding wheel 111, the bearing, and the like can be replaced by stopping the operation of the grinding machine 11 in accordance with the stop of the heat treatment furnace 12, and the total stop time of the production line 10 can be reduced as compared with a case where the heat treatment furnace 12 and the grinding machine 11 are stopped separately. Therefore, the total stop time of the production line 10 can be made to satisfy the reference total stop time.

Further, the production conditions may include quality conditions under which the quality of the workpiece W produced through the grinding process, the heat treatment, and the inspection process satisfies a preset reference quality. In this case, the determination unit 23 determines the optimum production command value set PS so as to improve the accuracy of the grinding process performed by the grinding machine 11 that most affects the quality of the workpiece W on the production line 10.

In this case, as the quality-related factor production command value PO, the determination unit 23 determines the production command values related to, for example, the rotation speed of the grinding wheel 111 of the grinding machine 11, the rotation speed of the workpiece W, and the machining resistance so as to reduce the surface roughness, deformation, and the like generated during the grinding. Here, the determination unit 23 compares the generated virtual production state with a reference set in advance to satisfy the quality, and determines a production command value related to the rotation speed, and machining resistance of the grinding machine 11.

Then, the determination unit 23 determines an optimum production command value set PS for the production command values related to the rotation speed of the grinding wheel 111, the rotation speed of the workpiece W, and the machining resistance of the grinding machine 11 so as to reduce the rotation speed of the grinding wheel 111, the rotation speed of the workpiece W, and the machining resistance, and outputs the optimum production command value set PS to the control device 14 (for example, the control device 14 a). This can improve the machining accuracy of the workpiece W when the grinding machine 11 performs the grinding process, and can further satisfy the standard quality of the workpiece W produced in the production line 10.

Here, the above-mentioned production conditions may conflict with each other. For example, in the case where the total stop time of the production line 10 is shortened (in other words, the operating rate of the production line 10 is increased) in accordance with the production conditions to improve the efficiency of producing the workpiece W, the frequency of replacement of the constituent components of the grinding machine 11 is increased, and the total production cost is increased in some cases. Alternatively, when the quality of the workpiece W is improved according to the production conditions, the total power amount of the production line 10 may increase, or the frequency of replacement of the components may increase, and as a result, the total production cost of the production line 10 may increase. Therefore, the determination unit 23 allows the operator to select the required production conditions and generate the workpiece W satisfying the selected production conditions.

Therefore, the determination unit 23 determines the plurality of optimum production command value sets PS that satisfy each of the plurality of production conditions as described above. The determination unit 23 presents, for example, an operator who operates the production line 10 and selects and determines a plurality of production conditions of a plurality of optimum production command value sets PS. Then, the determination unit 23 outputs the optimal production command value set PS corresponding to the production condition selected by the operator to the control device 14 (the control devices 14a, 14b, and 14c), for example. This can sufficiently ensure the quality required by the operator, in other words, the quality required for the workpiece W.

The output unit 24 of the line computer device 20 outputs at least one of the production command value set PI and the state information indicating the generated virtual production state as big data to the external terminal device 30. This enables, for example, the manufacturer to easily grasp the production state of the production line 10. Therefore, the manufacturer can provide services such as maintenance of the production line 10 and replacement of components at appropriate timing according to the production load status of the production line 10.

As can be understood from the above description, according to the cyber physical system type production system, the control device 14 (the control devices 14a, 14b, and 14c) which controls the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13 constituting the production line 10 based on the production instruction value set PI is connected to the production line computer device 20 which can communicate with each other. The line computer device 20 can generate a virtual production state by generating a virtual grinding process, a virtual heat process, and a virtual inspection process corresponding to the grinding process, the heat process, and the inspection process in the virtual world based on the production command value set PI acquired from the control device 14 (the control devices 14a, 14b, and 14 c). The line computer 20 is capable of determining an optimum production command value set PS for correcting the factor production command value PO so as to satisfy the production conditions when the workpiece W is produced on the line 10, and outputting the optimum production command value set PS to the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, 14 c).

Thus, the line computer 20 can collectively operate the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13 by outputting the optimal production command value set PS to the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, and 14c) so as to satisfy the production conditions. That is, the control device 14 ( control devices 14a, 14b, and 14c) can operate the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13 autonomously by repeatedly acquiring the optimal production command value set PS from the line computer device 20. As a result, in the cyber physical system type production system including the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, the inspection machine 13, the control device 14 (the control devices 14a, 14b, and 14c), and the line computer device 20, the line 10 can autonomously operate while satisfying the production conditions.

(5. modified example of the embodiment)

Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be explained. In the modification, as shown in fig. 5, a unit computer 40 is provided for each of the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13. Thus, in the modification, the grinding machine 11, the heat treatment furnace 12, and the inspection machine 13 constitute a Cyber Physical System (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "CPS"). In the following description, a case will be described where the machine tool constituting the production line 10 is a CPS provided with the grinding machine 11 as a machine main body and the unit computer device 40.

The unit computer device 40 disposed in the virtual world (network world) includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, a storage device, and the like, and is connected to the control device 14a of the grinding machine 11 in the real world via a network. Here, the unit computer device 40 is disposed in a so-called cloud space to which the control device 14a can be connected via a network.

The unit computer device 40 synchronously acquires the production instruction value set PI from the control device 14a, and generates a virtual machining phenomenon corresponding to the actual machining phenomenon in the virtual world based on the acquired production instruction value set PI. Then, the unit computer device 40 generates a current virtual machining phenomenon, which is a current virtual machining phenomenon, based on the acquired production instruction value set PI, and generates a future virtual machining phenomenon, which is a future virtual machining phenomenon. Then, the unit computer device 40 outputs the individual optimum command value PK for correcting the production command value set PI based on the future virtual machining phenomenon to the control device 14 a.

Here, the current virtual machining phenomenon corresponds to the actual machining phenomenon of the workpiece W and the grinding machine 11 as the machine body. The future virtual machining phenomenon is a phenomenon (state) that will occur in the grinding machine 11 and the workpiece W as the machine main body in the future by machining (grinding).

As shown in fig. 6, the cell computer device 40 includes a synchronization unit 41, a model construction unit 42, a machining phenomenon calculation unit 43, a difference comparison unit 44, a determination unit 45, an individual optimum command value determination unit 46, and a database 47.

The synchronization unit 41 acquires the production command value set PI from the control device 14a at a predetermined cycle, thereby synchronizing the production command value set PI acquired at the previous cycle with the current production command value set PI (in particular, a parameter related to an actual machining phenomenon). Further, the synchronization unit 41 updatable stores the production instruction value set PI acquired from the control device 14a in the database 47.

The model building unit 42 creates the grinding machine 11 and the workpiece W installed in the real world on a computer to build a model. Specifically, the model constructing unit 42 constructs a model that reproduces a virtual grinding wheel corresponding to the grinding wheel 111 of the grinding machine 11, a virtual grinding wheel head corresponding to the grinding wheel head 112, a virtual headstock corresponding to the headstock 113, and a virtual workpiece corresponding to the workpiece W.

The model construction unit 42 constructs a model such that the virtual grinding wheel, the virtual wheel head, the virtual headstock, and the virtual workpiece coincide with the states of the grinding wheel 111, the wheel head 112, the headstock 113, and the workpiece W, that is, the current virtual machining phenomenon coincides with the actual machining phenomenon. In addition to the models representing the grinding machine 11 and the workpiece W, the model construction unit 42 may construct a machine behavior model representing the machine behavior, a static pressure control model representing the machining state of the grinding machine 11 in a static pressure state, a measurement model measuring the machining state of the grinding machine 11, and the like.

The machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 generates a future virtual machining phenomenon at an arbitrary timing later than the synchronization timing synchronized by the synchronization unit 41 by performing a calculation based on the production instruction value set PI. The machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 generates a future virtual machining phenomenon based on a stored production command value set PI, which is a production command value set PI updatably stored in the database 47.

The machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 operates the model reproduced by the model construction unit 42 based on the production instruction value set PI synchronized by the synchronization unit 41 or the stored production instruction value set PI stored in the database 47 to generate the current virtual machining phenomenon. Then, the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 generates a future virtual machining phenomenon based on the generated current virtual machining phenomenon.

Specifically, the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 performs calculations such as numerical analysis and simulation based on the production instruction value set PI or the current virtual machining phenomenon, and generates a future virtual machining phenomenon. Thus, the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 can generate a future virtual machining phenomenon reflecting an actual machining phenomenon that changes from moment to moment in the grinding machine 11 and the workpiece W. Then, the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 outputs the virtual production command value set PI in the case where the future virtual machining phenomenon occurs to the database 47 as the stored production command value set PI. Thus, the database 47 updates and stores the virtual production instruction value set PI as the storage production instruction value set PI.

The difference comparison unit 44 compares the difference between the production instruction value set PI acquired from the control device 14a and the virtual production instruction value set PI, which is the stored production instruction value set PI stored in the database 47. The difference comparing unit 44 compares the difference between the actual machining phenomenon of the grinding machine 11 and the current virtual machining phenomenon. Then, when the difference does not satisfy the predetermined reference value by the comparison of the difference comparing unit 44, the synchronizing unit 41 synchronizes the stored production instruction value set PI with the production instruction value set PI acquired from the control device 14 a.

The determination unit 45 determines whether or not the future virtual machining phenomenon calculated by the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 is a predetermined machining phenomenon set in advance. The determination unit 45 compares, for example, the size of the dummy workpiece (workpiece W) ground by the grinding process, the presence or absence of grinding burn or surface roughness of the dummy workpiece (workpiece W) ground by the grinding process, and the like as future dummy processing phenomena with predetermined processing phenomena which are predetermined references thereof.

The individual optimum command value determining unit 46 determines the individual optimum command value PK for correcting (correcting) the production command value set PI based on the future virtual machining phenomenon generated by the machining phenomenon calculating unit 43, and outputs the determined individual optimum command value PK to the control device 14 a. Specifically, when the determination unit 45 determines that the future virtual machining phenomenon is different from the predetermined machining phenomenon, the individual optimal command value determination unit 46 determines the individual optimal command value PK based on, for example, occurrence of grinding burn of the virtual workpiece (workpiece W), the life of the bearings of the virtual wheel head (wheel head 112) and the virtual head stock (head stock 113), and other abnormalities, and outputs the individual optimal command value PK to the control device 14 a.

In this case, the individual optimum command value PK is determined such that, for example, the rotation speed of the virtual grindstone (grindstone 111) is increased or the rotation speed of the virtual workpiece (workpiece W) is decreased. Then, the individual optimum command value determining unit 46 outputs the determined individual optimum command value PK to the control device 14 a. Thus, the controller 14a increases the rotation speed of the virtual grinding wheel (grinding wheel 111) or decreases the rotation speed of the virtual workpiece (workpiece W) based on the individual optimal command value PK, for example, to prevent the occurrence of grinding burn or the like in the actual machining phenomenon. Then, the control device 14a outputs the individual optimum command value PK to the unit computer device 40 as a new production command value, and the unit computer device 40 inputs a new production command value set PI including the individual optimum command value PK and synchronizes with the real-world grinding machine 11.

Here, for example, when the individual optimum command value PK is related to the quality of the workpiece W after grinding, the individual optimum command value determining unit 46 outputs the individual optimum command value PK at the time of grinding the workpiece W next time. On the other hand, for example, when a mechanical abnormality occurs in the grinding machine 11, the individual optimum command value determining unit 46 immediately outputs the individual optimum command value PK to stop the operation of the grinding machine 11 when the abnormality is serious, and outputs the individual optimum command value PK when the abnormality is slight in the next grinding process of the workpiece W.

Next, an operation of the CPS including the grinding machine 11 and the control device 14a, which are machine bodies disposed in the real world, and the unit computer device 40 disposed in the virtual world will be described with reference to fig. 7. In the CPS, an operator first inputs, for example, a cutting amount for each process, the rotation speed of the grinding wheel 111, the timing of switching the grinding process, the rotation speed of the headstock 113 (workpiece W), and information on the workpiece W to the control device 14a as processing conditions. Thereby, the control device 14a generates a production instruction value set PI (NC program), and outputs the production instruction value set PI to the unit computer device 40 via the network. The production command value set PI may include various data relating to the specification of the grinding machine 11, specifically, diameter data of the grinding wheel 111, coordinate data of the grinding wheel base 112 and the headstock 113 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, shape data of the workpiece W, and the like.

In the unit computer device 40, the production instruction value set PI is synchronously acquired from the control device 14a, and the acquired production instruction value set PI is stored as a stored production instruction value set PI in the database 47. In this case, the unit computer device 40 may output the acquired production instruction value set PI to the model constructing unit 42 and the machining phenomenon calculating unit 43 without storing it in the database 47.

The model constructing unit 42 generates a virtual grinding wheel, a virtual wheel head, a virtual headstock, and a virtual workpiece on a computer (network space) based on the stored production command value set PI stored in the database 47 or the production command value set PI acquired from the control device 14a, specifically, various data related to the specifications of the grinding machine 11. Thereby, a model is generated with the same specification as the grinding machine 11.

Then, the unit computer device 40 virtually starts the grinding process in synchronization with the control device 14a controlling the grinding machine 11 to start the grinding process. Specifically, in the real-world grinding machine 11, the control device 14a operates the grinding wheel 111, the wheel head 112, and the headstock 113 based on the production command value set PI to grind the workpiece W.

On the other hand, in the unit computer device 40, the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 generates a current virtual machining phenomenon corresponding to the actual machining phenomenon performed by the grinding machine 11, based on the production command value set PI acquired from the control device 14a or the stored production command value set PI stored in the database 47. Here, the generated current virtual machining phenomenon is generated in a state synchronized with the actual machining phenomenon.

Then, the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 generates a future virtual machining phenomenon based on the current virtual machining phenomenon. In this case, the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 may omit a portion for generating the current virtual machining phenomenon, and generate the future virtual machining phenomenon based on the production command value set PI acquired from the control device 14a or the stored production command value set PI stored in the database 47.

The machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 generates a future virtual machining phenomenon by performing a simulation related to grinding in a state where the model constructed by the model construction unit 42 is operated on a computer or performing a numerical calculation using the production command value set PI. For example, the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 calculates the burn depth of a virtual workpiece (i.e., the workpiece W ground by the grinding machine 11 that operates in synchronization) to simulate or numerically calculate the presence or absence of a grinding burn, which is a future virtual machining phenomenon.

When the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 executes the simulation, the real-world grinding machine 11 also continues to perform the grinding process on the workpiece W. Therefore, the synchronization unit 41 of the unit computer device 40 acquires the production instruction value set PI from the control device 14a at predetermined intervals. Alternatively, when the database 47 stores the stored production command value set PI, the difference comparison unit 44 compares the difference between the actual machining phenomenon, which is the production command value set PI acquired from the control device 14a, and the current virtual machining phenomenon, which is the stored production command value set PI. When the difference does not satisfy the predetermined first reference value, the synchronization unit 41 updates the stored production instruction value set PI stored in the database 47 to the production instruction value set PI acquired from the control device 14 a.

Thus, the model construction unit 42 can repeatedly generate a model synchronized with the grinding machine 11, and the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 can calculate and generate a future virtual machining phenomenon based on the current virtual machining phenomenon synchronized with the actual machining phenomenon or the synchronized production command value set PI.

Further, when the difference between the actual machining phenomenon, which is the production command value set PI acquired from the control device 14a, and the current virtual machining phenomenon, which is the stored production command value set PI, does not satisfy a predetermined second reference value that is larger than the predetermined first reference value, the difference comparison unit 44 outputs the production command value set PI including the difference to the line computer device 20. In this case, for example, the grinding machine 11 cannot synchronize the actual machining phenomenon and the current virtual machining phenomenon individually, and needs to correct the difference in the entire production line 10.

Therefore, when the difference between the actual machining phenomenon and the current virtual machining phenomenon does not satisfy the predetermined second reference value, the difference comparison unit 44 outputs the production instruction value set PI including the difference to the line computer device 20. Thus, the line computer 20 outputs the optimal production command value set PS to the controller 14 (controller 14b) of the upstream heat treatment furnace 12 or outputs the optimal production command value set PS to the controller 14 (controller 14c) of the downstream inspection machine 13, for example.

In the unit computer device 40, the determination unit 45 determines whether or not the future virtual machining phenomenon is a predetermined machining phenomenon (for example, a machining phenomenon in which grinding burn does not occur). When the determination unit 45 determines that the future virtual machining phenomenon is not the predetermined machining phenomenon, that is, when the occurrence of the grinding burn is predicted in the future virtual machining phenomenon, the individual optimal command value determination unit 46 determines the individual optimal command value PK so as to suppress the occurrence of the predicted grinding burn.

Then, the individual optimal command value determining unit 46 outputs the determined individual optimal command value PK to the control device 14a via the network. The control device 14a acquires the individual optimum command value PK from the individual optimum command value determining unit 46 of the unit computer device 40. Then, the control device 14a corrects the production command value set PI using the individual optimum command value PK and controls the grinding machine 11.

Here, the machining phenomenon calculation unit 43 of the unit computer device 40 can also generate (predict), as a future virtual machining phenomenon, a machining phenomenon such as generation of chatter vibration and deterioration of surface roughness during grinding by simulation or numerical calculation. The determination unit 45 can determine whether or not the future virtual machining phenomenon is a predetermined machining phenomenon by setting the machining phenomenon in which chatter vibration is not generated or surface roughness is not deteriorated as the predetermined machining phenomenon.

Thus, when the determination unit 45 determines that the future virtual machining phenomenon is not the predetermined machining phenomenon, that is, when the occurrence of chatter vibration and the deterioration of the surface roughness in the future virtual machining phenomenon are predicted, the individual optimum command value determination unit 46 determines the individual optimum command value PK so as to suppress the occurrence of the predicted chatter vibration and the deterioration of the surface roughness.

In this case, the individual optimum command value determining unit 46 determines, for example, an individual optimum command value PK for correcting the wear state of the abrasive grains of the virtual grindstone (the grindstone 111) and the rotation speeds of the virtual grindstone base (the grindstone base 112) and the virtual headstock (the headstock 113), and outputs the determined individual optimum command value PK to the control device 14 a. Since there is a possibility that the machine is abnormal when the occurrence of chattering vibration or the deterioration of the surface roughness is predicted, the individual optimum command value determining unit 46 may output the individual optimum command value PK for stopping the operation of the grinding machine 11, for example. In addition, when the life of the bearing as the mechanical abnormality is predicted, the individual optimum command value determining unit 46 may output maintenance information, which is requested to the manufacturer of the grinding machine 11 to inspect and replace the bearing, to an external terminal device of the manufacturer connected via a network, for example.

According to the CPPS of the above-described modification, the unit computer device 40 can generate the future virtual machining phenomenon based on the production command value set PI acquired in synchronization with the control device 14 (control device 14a) of the machine tool 11 disposed in the real world. Thus, the unit computer device 40 can reflect the actual machining phenomenon on the grinding machine 11 and the workpiece W disposed in the real world, and can more accurately generate and predict the future virtual machining phenomenon. The unit computer device 40 can output the individual optimum command value PK for correcting the production command value set PI based on the generated future virtual machining phenomenon to the control device 14 (control device 14a) of the grinding machine 11.

This makes it possible to correct the production command value set PI based on the correctly generated (predicted) future virtual machining phenomenon. Therefore, the control device 14 (control device 14a) acquires the individual optimum command value PK repeatedly output from the unit computer device 40 as a new production command value, and controls the grinding machine 11, thereby significantly improving the machining accuracy of the workpiece W and autonomously correcting the production command value set PI to operate the grinding machine 11.

In carrying out the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and the above modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the object of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment and the above modification, the machine body is the grinding machine 11. However, the machine body is not limited to the grinding machine 11, and other machine tools such as a cutting machine and a lathe may be used.

In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modification, the line computer device 20 is configured to include the output unit 24. However, the output unit 24 may be omitted.