DE102009027269A1 - System and method for monitoring the state of a machine - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method for condition monitoring of one or more machine tools (1a-1n), in which state information of the machine tools (1a-1n) are detected and evaluated, it is provided according to the invention that the state information of at least one of the machine tools (1a-1n) is evaluated locally and This locally evaluated state information is also transmitted to at least one of the other machine tools (1a-1n), preferably to all other machine tools (1a-1n). According to the invention, in the system (30) of several machine tools (1a-1n) at least one of the machine tools (1a-1b) has its own local evaluation device (19), and the local evaluation devices (19) of the machine tools (1a-1n) are connected to each other via a communication link (36).

Description

The The invention relates to a method, a computer program product and a system for condition monitoring of several machines of a Machinery.

The Increasing automation in the machine tool industry leads for having machines in the absence of a machine operator for hours Can process orders. Complete machinery can be supervised by a single employee, the various tasks, such. B. the loading and unloading of machines, or troubleshooting. To the productivity and Quality will be ensured by surveillance systems On the one hand the machine condition and on the other hand monitor the quality of the processing result.

1 shows a known machine 1 using a numerical control device 2 is controlled. For automation of the machine 1 is an automation device 3 provided, their control also via the control device 2 he follows.

The control device 2 Hardware includes an MMC (man-machine communication) control unit 4 with a control computer designed as an industrial PC 5 and an operating device 6 with a screen 7 as a display unit and a keyboard 8th as input unit. Furthermore, the control device comprises 2 a machine control panel 9 for manual operation of the machine 1 and the automation device 3 as well as an NCU module 10 (Numerical Control Unit) with integrated NC control unit 11 and PLC (Programmed Logic Controller) control unit 12 ,

The control device 2 includes a software software operating software 13 for controlling the machine 1 , an operating software 14 for controlling the automation device 3 , a program manager 15 for the management of NC programs and software modules 16 for order management, tool management and pallet management. In addition, other applications, such as a design system, a programming system, or a combined design and programming system, may be present on the control computer 5 be installed.

For monitoring the machine 1 and the automation device 3 is a monitoring device 17 intended. Via a communication connection 18 the measurement data are sent to the control computer 5 the MMC control unit 4 transmitted.

The Concept of so-called condition monitoring is based on a regular recording of the machine condition a machine by measuring meaningful quantities, which is also called condition monitoring. In the Condition monitoring is between process monitoring and machine monitoring. The process monitoring aims at the quality of the machining process, whereas machine monitoring protects the machine and their components. Condition monitoring follows two goals: safety and machine efficiency. Based on the Sensor data analyzed in real time can be a reliable and very fast reacting security system (emergency shutdown, Engl. "Trip") can be realized. In comparison to it Previous systems (eg vibration sensors) are usually imprecise and they do not deliver afterwards Contribution to the clarification of the claim. Online Condition Monitoring allows emergency shutdown based on the collected data and thus an analysis of the disturbance factor. The supervision The machine condition is the mandatory requirement for a condition-based maintenance. This strategy triggers the usual preventive maintenance, at fixed intervals the machine in question Shut down and parts checked or replaced were. This type of machine maintenance often led to that intact components replaced and existing residual maturities were thus given away.

The Condition monitoring consists of several substeps together: state detection, state comparison and diagnosis. The Condition detection is the measurement and documentation of machine parameters, the current state of the means of production (or the processing process) reflect. The state comparison represents the comparison of the actual state with a given reference value. This reference value can be both a target value to be met as well as a not to be exceeded Limit value. The setpoint will vary depending on the parameter being investigated either determined at the machine acceptance or by given Sizes set. Limits are usually from Manufacturer or user of the machine determined empirically. task the diagnosis is based on the results of the state comparison possibly existing errors as early as possible locate and determine their cause to necessary maintenance measures to be able to plan ahead of time.

The patent DE 69231097 T2 discloses a system of machines in a processing chain, in particular an integrated machine system, which includes a carting machine for weighing products, such as e.g. Food products or industrial machinery parts, and a packaging machine for packaging such products, such as a grocery shipping line, whose operations are tuned to improve the performance of the machines in the system. Each of the integrated machines of the system has a display and an input device, as well as a communication device that allows information exchange between the machines. Thus, the operating modes (for example, processing speed, filling quantities) of all machines in the processing chain can be changed from any machine, for. For example, in order to slow down the process flow of other machines in the event of a short failure of one machine or to calibrate the filling quantity on the carriage machine when working on a weight checking device.

The German patent application DE 44 47 288 A1 discloses a machine fault diagnostic system that is intended to help ensure effective equipment or machine maintenance. Several technologies have been integrated to increase the versatility and reliability of the machine fault diagnosis system. The main technique used for fault diagnosis is a fault diagnosis network based on a modified ARTMAP neural network architecture. It is disclosed that a hypothesis and test method based on fuzzy logic and representational bearing models operates with the fault diagnosis network to detect errors that can not be detected by the fault diagnosis network and to analyze complex machine conditions. The method described here is capable of providing accurate fault diagnosis for both one and multiple fault conditions. Further, a transputer-based parallel processing technique is used in which the fault diagnosis network is implemented or implemented in a network of four T800-25 transputers.

A generic system and a generic method for monitoring the machine condition of at least two machines are known from the monitoring system of Silverstroke. This in 2 shown, known monitoring system 20 is used to monitor the machine states of a first machine 21a and a second machine 21b , Every machine 21a . 21b is with a detection device 22a . 22b and a display device 23a . 23b fitted. The monitoring system 20 includes a control room 24 who has a communication connection 25a with the first machine 21a and via a communication connection 25b with the second machine 21b connected is. The machine state of a machine 21a . 21b is via the associated detection device 22a . 22b monitored and by means of the display device 23a . 23b the respective machine 21a . 21b For example, displayed on the operating device. About the communication links 25a . 25b will display error messages and other information about the machine health on the display 23a . 23b also be displayed directly to the control console 24 which transmits the acquired status information of the machines 21a . 21b evaluated centrally. The control room 24 shows the machine states of all connected machines at a glance 21a . 21b at. An error message is sent to the responsible employee without loss of time, for example, by email or SMS. The notified employee must confirm receipt of the error message. He can accept or reject the error correction. If the informed employee does not answer within a pre-set time or rejects taking over the troubleshooting, the error message is forwarded to another employee. For each machine, the assignment to the responsible employees and the notification path are predetermined in case of an error message. The individual notification steps, the answers of the respective employees and the response times are logged for each error message.

The Object of the present invention is in contrast therein, a system and method for monitoring the Machine state of at least two machine tools to the effect continue to develop that the periods in which error messages and error conditions of machine tools discovered and resolved will be reduced even further and the machinery without Control room gets by.

These The object is achieved according to the invention that the state information of at least one of the machine tools is evaluated locally and this locally evaluated state information also to at least one of the other machine tools, preferably to all other machine tools becomes.

advantageously, may according to claim 2 to at least some, preferably on all machine tools the obtained, locally evaluated state information are displayed.

Of Furthermore, it is advantageous according to claim 3, if the state information into different categories, depending on the status of the urgency required operator intervention, displayed in an orderly manner, to ensure a clear presentation. For example, in analogy to the traffic light status red (Machine stop and no further processing without operator intervention), status Yellow (soon to be expected machine downtime, eg due to order completion or necessary maintenance) and status green (processing proceeds according to plan).

Furthermore can advantageously according to claim 4 of at least one of the machine tools operating functions one of the remaining Machine tools are running, z. For example non-critical, to acknowledge non-safety-related errors or messages to leave.

To Claim 5, it is also advantageous if the operator the display the state information on at least one of the others Force machines, for example, to other operators on to draw attention to a critical error on a machine, which he has discovered, but can not fix.

Of Furthermore, it is advantageous according to claim 6, if the obtained, locally evaluated state information on one of the machine tools be displayed separate display device. Thus it is for example possible for the supervisor of the machine operator, From the office, the overview of the machinery or for an operator who is currently working as a CAD / CAM programmer is working to determine that he is troubleshooting one of the machine tools is needed.

To Claim 7 are combined on one separate from the machine tools Display and input device both the obtained, locally evaluated Status information displayed as well as operating functions at least one, preferably all machine tools running. Thereby is it for an operator z. B. possible, simple Acknowledge error messages, if this is possible from a safety point of view is while he is working on a CAD / CAM machine.

The The invention also relates to a computer program product, which code means having to carry out all the steps of the above-described are adapted to the method according to the invention, if the program runs on a data processing system.

In In another aspect, the invention also relates to a system of several machine tools for carrying out the invention described above Method, wherein at least one of the machine tools has its own having local evaluation device, which the state information the machine tool evaluates locally, and that the at least one local evaluation device via a communication connection with at least one of the other machine tools, preferably with all other machine tools, is connected. According to the invention are therefore the local evaluation devices, for example expert systems or simpler programs for status recognition, locally in the machine tools integrated and via a communication link with each other connected.

Out The claims 10 and 12, the same advantages as from the method claims.

advantageously, are according to claim 11 or 13, the machine tools, display, or combined Display and input devices via machine status distributor connected with each other. This is a device in particular a software product or an electronic card (plug-in card), which has been adapted to different local evaluation facilities read from different machine tools, and about the communication link with other machine status distributors Information according to the invention Exchange procedures. It is very simple the machine tools or to provide display devices with machine status distributors, as these are adapted to different local evaluation facilities and as easy-to-install software products or electronic cards (Plug-in cards) can be formed.

Further Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject invention are the description, the drawing and the claims removable. Likewise, the aforementioned and the features further mentioned according to the invention respectively individually for yourself or for several in any combination Find use. The embodiments shown and described are not meant to be an exhaustive list but rather have exemplary character for the Description of the invention.

It demonstrate:

1 a known machine tool with a numerical control device;

2 a known monitoring system for monitoring the machine condition of two machine tools;

3 from 1 known machine tool with the monitoring system according to the invention;

4 an embodiment of the monitoring system according to the invention for monitoring the machine state of at least two machine tools; and

5 the inventive method for monitoring the machine condition of the machine tools of 4 in the form of a drain slide program;

3 shows the off 1 known machine tool 1 , their control computer 5 a local evaluation device 19 and a machine status dispatcher 32 includes the information of the monitoring device 17 or from the NCU module 10 evaluate and this locally evaluated state information of the machine 1 on the screen 8th can represent.

4 shows a monitoring system 30 for monitoring the machine condition of at least two machine tools 1a - 1n , These can be different machine tools 1a - 1n act. The MMC control units 4 of machine tools 1 each include a detection device 31 , a local evaluation facility 19 and a display device 33 All of which can be designed differently from machine to machine. Furthermore, in all MMC control units 4 a machine status dispatcher 32 integrated. The monitoring system 30 optionally includes one or more external display devices 34 with connected machine status distributor 32 ,

Every machine 1 is via a communication connection 35 with the detection device 31 connected. Measurement data and other information about the machine are transmitted via the communication link 35 to the detection device 31 transmitted. The data from the capture device 31 are sent to the associated local evaluation device 19 forwarded and the resulting locally evaluated state information subsequently passed to the machine status distributor 32 , This can, in this embodiment, as part of the local evaluation device 19 or be designed as a stand-alone device. The machine status distributor 32 directs the locally evaluated, updated state information over a communication link 36 to all other machine status distributors 32 further. Furthermore, the machine status distributor ensures 32 for being on its respective display device 33 the current, from the other machine status distributors 32 or their respective local evaluation facility 19 obtained state information on the machine state of all machines can be displayed. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain information from the local evaluation device 19 to select that only on the respective associated display device 33 are to be displayed, for. B. Detailed information that can not be displayed in the overview list for reasons of space. This information can be accessed via the respective machine status distributor 32 or via a direct connection to the display device 33 be passed on.

This allows a machine operator, regardless of which of the machines 1 he is currently working, an overview of the machine state of all with the communication link 36 connected machine tools 1 receive. This reduces the downtime in the machine park because an operator, regardless of which machine he is working on, immediately gets an error / standstill on another machine. In addition, the machine park comes in this arrangement without a control station; However, it is possible to have additional computer with display device 34 and machine status dispatcher 32 to the communication link 36 to join.

Furthermore, it is possible for the machine operator to use any display device 33a - 33n . 34 if this is designed as a combined display / input device (eg touch screen) or contains an additional input device, inputs via the communication link 36 to any machine status distributor 32 to send. Because the machine status distributors 32 , as in 3 represented in the control computer 5 are integrated and thus access to the NCU module 10 or operating devices 13 - 16 In this way it is possible, for example, to acknowledge non-safety-relevant errors or to enter data necessary for further processing, without having to contact the MMC control unit 4 the respective machine 1 to have to change. Furthermore, it is possible for an operator to alert other operators to relevant error messages, e.g. By highlighting error messages that are currently not being edited.

5 shows a method according to the invention for monitoring the machine state of the at least two machine tools 1a - 1n from 4 in the form of a flowchart. In the example, the sequence of machine tool 1a outgoing. This is analogous to all other machine tools 1 , In a step S1, with the aid of the detection device 31a Information about the machine 1a recorded, such. B. sensor data, processing progress, processing parameters, fuel consumption, etc., hereinafter referred to as machine state information. The status information is sent to the local evaluation device in a step S2 19a transmitted. The local evaluation device 19a For example, it may include an expert system that allows automated evaluation of the machine information, or a simpler program for reading and storing error messages. With the help of the local evaluation device 19a the transmitted state information is evaluated in a step S3 and saved. In one step 54 It checks if the current machine state is an immediate shutdown of the machine 1a requires. If an immediate shutdown of the machine 1a is required (Y in step S4), transmits the local evaluation device 19a in a step S5 a corresponding shutdown command to the MMC control unit 4a the machine 1a and the machine 1a is turned off in a step S6. After step S6 or if the machine is shut down 1a is not required (N in step S4), the machine status dispatcher transmits 32 in one step 57 a summary of the evaluated status information stored in step S3 on the current machine state of the machine 1a to all machine status distributors associated with it 32 , In one step 58 becomes the evaluated state information about the current machine state of the machine 1a from the machine status distributors 32 to their respective display devices 33 . 34 transmitted and displayed in step S9.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 69231097 T2 [0009]
• - DE 4447288 A1 [0010]

Claims (13)

Method for condition monitoring of one or more machine tools ( 1a - 1n ), wherein state information of the machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) are detected and evaluated, characterized in that the state information of at least one of the machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) is evaluated locally and this locally evaluated state information to at least one of the other machine tools ( 1a - 1n ), preferably to all other machine tools ( 1a - 1n ). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that on at least some, preferably on all machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) the obtained locally evaluated state information is displayed. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that the state information is based on the status of urgency categorized as required by a required operator intervention become. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) Operating functions of at least one of the remaining machine tools ( 1a - 1n ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) an indication of locally evaluated state information on at least one of the remaining machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) is enforced. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the obtained, locally evaluated state information on one of the machine tools ( 1a-1n ) separate display device ( 34 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on one of the machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) separate combined display and input device ( 34 ) display both the obtained, locally evaluated state information, as well as operating functions of at least one, preferably all machine tools ( 1a - 1n ). Computer program product comprising code means, to perform all the steps of the method one of claims 1 to 7 are adapted when the program runs on a data processing system. System ( 30 ) of several machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) own local evaluation device ( 19 ), which locally evaluates the state information of the machine tool, and that the at least one local evaluation device ( 19 ) via a communication connection ( 36 ) with at least one of the other machine tools ( 1a - 1n ), preferably with all other machine tools ( 1a - 1n ), connected is. System according to claim 9, characterized in that each local evaluation device ( 19 ) with the display device ( 33 ) of their respective machine tool ( 1a - 1n ) connected is. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that each machine tool ( 1a - 1n ) via a machine status distributor ( 32 ) to the communication link ( 36 ) connected. System according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the machine tools ( 1a - 1n ) separate display or combined display and input device ( 34 ) to the communication link ( 36 ) connected. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the display or combined display and input device ( 34 ) via a machine status distributor ( 32 ) to the communication link ( 36 ) connected.