JP2002361326A - Operator support device for press brake - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make operators' security and productivity improvement of bending works compatible. SOLUTION: In a press brake 1 provided with a photoelectric safety device 10, an inter-blade opening distance determination means 41 determines an inter- blade opening distance required at the time of shifting from an arbitrary bending process to a succeeding bending process, and next, an inter-blade opening distance decision means 43 decides if the inter-blade opening distance determined by the determination means 41 is larger than an allowable interval prescribed in advance and, when the inter-blade opening distance decided larger than the allowable interval by the inter-blade opening distance decision means 43 performs the bending process, a guidance output means 44 warns the operators to get rid out of a prescribed zone in accordance with the operation of the photoelectric safety device 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for assisting a worker of a press brake applied to, for example, a press brake having a light beam type safety device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a press brake is configured such that one of the tables (movable table) is fixed to the other table (fixed table) while a work is positioned between a punch mounted on an upper table and a die mounted on a lower table. The work is bent to a predetermined angle by approaching the table to a predetermined distance. In such a press brake, a part of the body such as a finger or a hand of a worker performing a bending operation with a hand on a work is prevented from being seriously injured by being caught between a punch and a die. For this reason, there is a device equipped with a light beam type safety device.

[0003] In this type of light beam type safety device, when a worker is in a predetermined work area in which a bending operation is performed while standing in front of a press brake, an appropriate light beam is blocked by the worker so that the worker is blocked. A beam-type detecting means adapted to detect, and a table operation control means adapted to inhibit a high-speed approaching operation of the movable table when the light-type detecting means detects an operator in a predetermined work area. It is composed of When the distance between the punch and the die (the distance between the blades) becomes equal to or less than a predetermined allowable distance (for example, 6 mm) as a distance at which a human finger does not enter, even if the light beam type detecting means detects the worker. In addition, the table operation control means does not suppress the high-speed approach operation of the movable table, but performs the normal high-speed approach operation.

[0004] Therefore, a press brake provided with a light beam type safety device is used, for example, in a case where a work after a certain bending process is reversed and the next bending process is performed, the work which has been subjected to the first bending process is once punched / dies. Since the distance between the punch and the die is larger than the allowable distance in order to pull out from the gap, the operator temporarily retreats from the predetermined work area when positioning the inverted work between the punch and the die and performing the next bending process. Otherwise, the high-speed approaching operation of the movable table is suppressed, so that the safety of the worker can be achieved.

[0005] On the other hand, for example, when a workpiece that has been subjected to a certain bending process is to be subsequently bent, the interval between the punch and the die is set to an allowable distance between the first bending process and the subsequent bending process (following bending). Since the workpiece can be moved while maintaining the following, it is possible to perform the bending operation in a short time and efficiently by performing the high-speed approach operation of the movable table in the initial bending process and the subsequent bending process (follow-up bending). it can.

As described above, the press brake equipped with the light beam type safety device is designed to pursue work efficiency as far as the safety of the worker can be ensured, while maintaining the safety of the worker first. The aim is to ensure both worker safety and the pursuit of work efficiency.

[0007]

However, such a conventional device requires that the operator be sufficiently familiar with the operation of the light beam type safety device. First, when the distance between the punch and the die (between the blades) opened between the preceding bending and the subsequent bending is larger than an allowable distance (for example, 6 mm), a predetermined work area in which the worker blocks light beams. It is necessary to be familiar with the procedure of performing a bending operation in which the movable table is re-entered once, re-enters the work area, and performs a high-speed approach operation of the movable table. Also, the distance between the punch and the die that opens between the previous bending and the subsequent bending (inter-blade distance)
However, if the distance is less than the allowable interval (for example, 6 mm), it is necessary for the operator to be familiar with the procedure for performing the bending operation in which the movable table performs a high-speed approach operation while staying in the predetermined work area that blocks the light beam. It is. If the operator is not familiar with such a procedure, the following problem occurs.

That is, for example, when the distance between the punch and the die (between the blades) opened between the preceding bending and the subsequent bending is larger than the allowable distance (for example, 6 mm),
Workers do not know that they have to evacuate once from the predetermined work area that blocks the light beam.If the worker stays in the predetermined work area, high-speed approaching movement of the movable table is suppressed, thereby reducing productivity. It will drop significantly.

Further, for example, when the distance between the punch and the die (between the blades) opened between the preceding bending and the subsequent bending is less than an allowable distance (for example, 6 mm), the worker blocks the light beam. If the user does not know that it is sufficient to stay in the predetermined work area, and once retreats, enters the work area again and performs a bending operation, the evacuation time is wasted and productivity is greatly reduced.

Therefore, there is a problem that the productivity of the bending process cannot be improved unless the operator has to know whether to evacuate from the predetermined work area for each bending operation. .

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to ensure worker safety,
Provided is a press brake worker support device that can improve the productivity of bending work by accurately notifying a worker whether or not to retract from a predetermined work area for each bending work. It is in.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and the invention according to claim 1 is a press brake provided with a light beam type safety device. The blade opening distance determining means for determining the blade opening distance required when shifting to, and whether the blade opening distance determined by the blade opening distance determining means is greater than a predetermined allowable interval. Along with the execution of the bending step that requires the blade-to-blade opening distance determined by the blade-to-blade opening distance determining means and the blade-to-blade opening distance determining means to be greater than the allowable distance, And a guidance output means for informing the worker that the vehicle should be evacuated out of a predetermined area in response to the press brake.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a press brake provided with a light beam type safety device, wherein an inter-blade opening distance which is required when shifting from a plurality of bending steps to the next bending step is determined. Opening distance determining means, blade opening distance determining means for determining whether each blade opening distance determined by the blade opening distance determining means is greater than a predetermined allowable interval, and the blade opening distance With the execution of each bending step that requires the blade-to-blade opening distance determined by the distance determining means to be larger than the allowable distance, it is necessary to retreat outside the predetermined area in accordance with the operation of the light beam safety device each time. Notify the operator, and with the execution of each bending process that requires the blade-to-blade opening distance determined to be smaller than the permissible interval, the outside of a predetermined area according to the operation of the light beam type safety device. It is not necessary to save a worker support device of a press brake and a guidance output means to inform the each time worker.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the permissible interval is set to a value of about several mm so that the operator's finger or hand cannot enter. Person support device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or the second aspect of the present invention, the guidance output means works with a bending stroke of a press brake and operates a light beam of the light beam type safety device. This is a press brake worker assisting device that informs a worker using necessary voice guidance or display guidance in response to a detection signal that detects that a worker is blocking.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the inter-blade opening distance determining means is set when the input bending order, abutting direction, and bending are completed. This is a press brake operator support device that automatically calculates a necessary blade-to-blade opening distance based on bending information such as a shape and a direction of a flange to be bent next.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, when the work is determined to be reversed in the next bending step, the blade-to-blade opening distance determining means is provided after the previous bending step. Compare the opening distance required to extract the workpiece from between the blades with the opening distance required to insert the work between the blades before the next bending process, add a margin to the larger opening distance, and add This is a press brake operator support device that determines the blade opening distance.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of an entire system of a press brake provided with a worker assisting device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram thereof. While the P is mounted, the die D is mounted on the upper end of the lower table 3 and the lower table 3 is moved up and down by operating the appropriate table driving means 4 such as a hydraulic cylinder in a state where the work is positioned on the die D. By doing, punch P and die D
The work is bent in accordance with a predetermined angle formed between the punch and the die at the position where is closest.

The press brake system includes a light beam type safety device 10 disposed in front of the press brake 1 and a PC (personal computer) 20 having an NC function disposed in front of and above the press brake 1. The light beam type safety device 10 prevents an accident in which a part of a body, such as a finger or a hand, of a worker performing a bending operation with a hand on a work is caught between the punch P and the die D and seriously injured. In order to prevent this, an appropriate light beam 12 is set in a predetermined work area 11 where a bending operation is performed while standing in front of the press brake 1, and when the worker enters the work area 11, the light beam 12 is blocked by the worker. Is detected. The PC 20 receives a machining program from an appropriate program creating device 30 such as an automatic programming device connected to the network, and controls the operation of the press brake 1 according to the machining program. The worker support device 40 is configured as a part of the functions of the PC 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light beam safety device 10
The light detecting means 13 detects the worker by blocking the light beam 12 that is blocked when the worker enters the working area 11 and generates a detection signal.
The table driving means 4 of the press brake 1 is provided with a table operation control means 14 for generating a control signal for suppressing a high-speed approach operation of the lower table 3, ie, the die D, when an operator is detected.

Further, the PC 20 is provided with the program creating device 3.
A machining program storage unit 21 for storing a machining program input from 0 through a network or a machining program directly input to the PC 20;
And a machining program executing means 22 for causing the press brake 1 to execute a machining program to be executed from among the machining programs stored in the storage device.

The worker assisting device 40 is provided with a blade opening distance (or an arbitrary distance) required from each of a plurality of bending processes to the next bending process from among the machining programs stored in the storage means 21. The blade-to-blade opening distance determining means 41 for determining the blade-to-blade opening distance required when shifting from the bending step to the next bending step, and a finger or hand of an operator as an allowable interval of the blade-to-blade opening distance. The allowable gap setting means 42 which sets in advance a numerical value of about several mm (for example, 6 mm) and the blade-to-blade opening distance determined by the blade-to-blade opening distance determining means 41 are set in advance by the allowable gap setting means 42. Further, the blade-to-blade opening distance determining means 43 for determining whether or not each of the distances is larger than the allowable distance of 6 mm, for example.
And guidance output means 44.

The blade-to-blade opening distance determination means 41 is provided with a machining program input from the program
Based on various parameters included in the machining program directly input to C20, that is, bending information (various parameters) such as a bending order, an abutting direction, a shape expected when bending is completed, and a direction of a flange to be bent next. The required blade-to-blade opening distance is automatically calculated according to a predetermined algorithm and is determined in advance, and the blade-to-blade opening distance determined in advance prior to execution of the machining program is determined by the execution of the machining program. The program is stored in the machining program storage means 21 until it is passed to the means 22. That is, when the work is reversed in the next bending process, the blade-to-blade opening distance determining means 41 determines the opening distance required to pull out the work from between the blades after the previous bending process and the work before the next bending process. The opening distance required for insertion between the blades is compared, and a margin value is added to the larger opening distance to determine it as the inter-blade opening distance. In this case, the margin value is a numerical value of about several mm (for example, 6 mm) in which a finger or a hand of an operator cannot enter or a numerical value smaller than that (for example, 3 m).
m).

The blade-to-blade opening determining means 43 also determines in advance whether or not each blade-to-blade opening distance is larger than the allowable interval, and the result of the determination before the execution of the machining program. Are stored in the machining program storage means 21 until the machining program is passed to the execution means 22.

Further, the guidance output means 44 operates the light beam type safety device 10 in accordance with the execution of each bending process which requires the blade opening distance determined to be larger than the allowable distance by the blade opening distance determining means 43. In this case, the operator is informed of the need to evacuate out of the predetermined area. In addition, with execution of each bending process that requires the blade-to-blade opening distance determined by the blade-to-blade opening distance determination unit 43 to be smaller than the allowable interval, the blade is retracted outside the predetermined area in accordance with the operation of the light beam type safety device 10. It informs the worker that it is not necessary each time. That is, the guidance output means 44 is linked with the bending stroke operation of the press brake 1 and outputs a required sound (in response to a detection signal for detecting that the worker is blocking the light beam 12 of the light beam type safety device 10). The operator is informed by using the (audible) guidance or the displayed (visual) guidance.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the determination of the inter-blade opening distance by the inter-blade opening distance determining means 41. The inter-blade opening distance determining means 41 first refers to a bending step included in a machining program. Then, when shifting from the bending step to the next bending step, it is determined whether or not the work is to be reversed (step S12).

Next, when the work is reversed in the next bending step (YES in step S12), an opening distance h1 required for extracting the work from between the blades after the previous bending step is obtained (step S13). The opening distance h2 required to insert the work between the blades before the next bending process
Is obtained (step S14), and h1 is compared with h2, and the larger one is set as the open distance h (step S15).

On the other hand, if the workpiece is not turned over in the next bending step (NO in step S12), the opening distance h is set to h =
It is set to 0 (step S16).

In any case, a value obtained by adding a margin value α (for example, 3 mm) to the opening distance h is used as the inter-blade opening distance H.
(H = h + α) is determined and stored (step S1).
7). That is, when reversing the work, a value obtained by adding the margin value α to the larger opening distance h between extraction and insertion is determined as the inter-blade opening distance H (H = h + α). Is determined such that the margin value α (for example, 3 mm) is set as the inter-blade opening distance H.

Then, as long as there is a remaining bending process (YES in step S18), the operations in steps S11 to S17 are repeated, and when there are no remaining bending processes (NO in step S18), the process ends.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination of each blade opening distance by the blade opening distance determining means 43. The blade opening distance determining means 43 is first determined by the blade opening distance determining means 41. With reference to the blade-to-blade opening distance H required by the set bending process (step S21), the blade-to-blade opening distance H is compared with an allowable interval D (for example, 6 mm) preset by the allowable interval setting means 42. (Step S22), the size is determined (Step S23).

If the blade-to-blade opening distance H is larger than the allowable distance D (H> D), the bending step is stored with an appropriate index indicating "retreat required" (step S24). When H is smaller than the allowable interval D (H <D),
The bending process is stored with an appropriate index indicating “retreat unnecessary” (step S25).

Then, as long as there is a remaining bending process (YES in step S26), the operations in steps S21 to S25 are repeated, and when there are no remaining bending processes (NO in step S26), the process ends.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the contents of the guidance for the operator by the guidance output means 44. The press brake 1 starts executing the bending process based on the machining program from the machining program execution means 22 of the PC 20. At this time (step S31), the guidance output unit 44 determines whether the index given to the bending process indicates "retreat required" or "retreat unnecessary" (step S32).

When a bending process with an index indicating "retreat required" is executed, the guidance output means 44 at a predetermined timing of the bending process, "Please go back and retreat once." The voice guidance is output (step S33), and the display guidance of "evacuation from outside the light beam" is output (step S34). Of course, this guidance is output when the light beam detection means 13 of the light beam safety device 10 generates an operator detection signal by blocking the light beam 12. The reason is that when the light beam type detection means 13 generates a worker detection signal by blocking the light beam 12, the table operation control means 14 sends a control signal to the table driving means 4 of the press brake 1 and 3, ie, in a state in which the high-speed approaching operation of the die D is suppressed, the guidance signal is output to urge the worker to evacuate out of the work area 11, and when the worker evacuates, the detection signal is stopped and the control signal is also reduced. This is because the stop of the high-speed approaching operation of the lower table 3, ie, the die D, by the table driving means 4 is released, and the normal high-speed approaching operation can be realized.

On the other hand, when a bending process with an index indicating “retreat unnecessary” is performed, the guidance output means 44 performs “continuous bending as it is” at a predetermined timing of the bending process. Is output (step S35), and "continuous bending" is output.
Is output (step S36).
Of course, this guidance is also output when the light beam detection means 13 of the light beam safety device 10 generates a worker detection signal by blocking the light beam 12. The reason is that the worker working in the work area 11 does not need to
By urging the user not to retreat outside the work area 11 without knowing it well, it is possible to avoid unnecessary reduction in work efficiency.

Then, as long as there is a remaining bending process in the machining program executed by the press brake 1 (YES in step S37), the operations of steps S31 to S36 are repeated, and when there is no remaining bending process (step S37). NO), ends.

Accordingly, it is possible to ensure both the safety of the worker and the improvement of the bending productivity.

In the above-described embodiment, the lower table 3 is configured as a movable table so as to be moved up and down with respect to the upper table 2 which is a fixed table. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The movable table 2 may be configured to move up and down with respect to the lower table 3 which is a fixed table.

In the above-described embodiment, the "evacuation required"
The guidance output when executing the bending process of "Evacuate once." (Voice guidance) and "evacuate out of the light beam" (display guidance) are illustrated.
The content of the voice guidance and the display guidance is not limited thereto, and can be appropriately changed.
Further, for example, it is also possible to notify the worker by blinking of a red or yellow lamp.

In the above-described embodiment, the guidance output during execution of the “retreat unnecessary” bending process is as follows.
Although "Please bend continuously as it is." (Voice guidance) and "continuous bending" (display guidance) have been exemplified, the content of the voice guidance and the display guidance can be changed as appropriate. In addition, it is also possible to notify the operator by lighting a green lamp, for example.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the press brake provided with the light beam type safety device, the blade opening for determining the blade opening distance required when shifting from an arbitrary bending step to the next bending step. Distance determining means, blade opening distance determining means for determining whether the blade opening distance determined by the blade opening distance determining means is greater than a predetermined allowable interval, and the blade opening distance determining means When a bending step that requires the blade-to-blade opening distance determined to be larger than the permissible distance is performed, the worker is notified that it should be retracted out of a predetermined area according to the operation of the light beam type safety device. With the guidance output means, a worker assistance device for the press brake is configured, so that the worker can be assured of safety while maintaining a predetermined work schedule for each bending operation. It is very convenient and great value in pursuing work efficiency, especially for those who are not familiar with the work procedures of press brakes equipped with light beam safety devices Not only is it useful for workers who are familiar with the work procedure of press brakes equipped with light beam safety devices to work with peace of mind, even if workers of any type work, There is an effect that the productivity of bending can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of an entire system of a press brake including an operator support device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of that of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of determining each blade opening distance by a blade opening distance determining unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of determination of each blade opening distance by a blade opening distance determination unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of contents of guidance for an operator by a guidance output unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 press brake 2 upper table 3 lower table 4 table driving means 10 light beam safety device 11 work area 12 light beam 13 light beam detection means 14 table operation control means 20 PC (personal computer) 21 machining program storage means 22 machining program execution means 30 program Creating device 40 Worker support device 41 Blade opening distance determining means 42 Allowable interval setting means 43 Blade opening distance determining means 44 Guidance output means

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A press brake provided with a light beam type safety device, comprising: a blade opening distance determining means for determining a blade opening distance required when shifting from an arbitrary bending step to the next bending step; A blade opening distance determining unit that determines whether the blade opening distance determined by the opening distance determining unit is larger than a predetermined allowable interval, and the blade opening distance determining unit determines that the blade opening distance is larger than the allowable interval. Guidance output means for notifying an operator that the operator should retreat outside a predetermined area in accordance with the operation of the light beam type safety device in accordance with the operation of the light beam type safety device in accordance with the execution of the bending process which requires the set blade opening distance. A press brake operator support device. 2. A press brake provided with a light beam type safety device, comprising: a blade-to-blade opening distance determining means for determining a blade-to-blade opening distance required when each of a plurality of bending processes is shifted to the next bending process; A blade-to-blade opening distance determination unit that determines whether each blade-to-blade opening distance determined by the blade-to-blade opening distance determination unit is greater than a predetermined allowable interval; With the execution of each bending step that requires the blade-to-blade opening distance determined to be larger than the interval, notify the worker each time that the operator should retreat outside the predetermined area in accordance with the operation of the light beam safety device,
In addition, it is not necessary to retreat outside the predetermined area in accordance with the operation of the light beam safety device with each execution of each bending step that requires the blade opening distance determined to be smaller than the allowable distance. And a guidance output means for informing a worker of the press brake. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the allowable interval is set to a value of about several millimeters so that a finger or a hand of the operator cannot enter. 4. The guidance output means is linked to a bending stroke operation of a press brake, and outputs a required sound in response to a detection signal for detecting that an operator is blocking a light beam of the light beam type safety device. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operator is notified using guidance or display guidance. 5. The blade-to-blade opening distance determining means is required based on input bending order, abutting direction, bending information such as a shape expected when bending is completed and a direction of a flange to be bent next. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blade opening distance is automatically calculated and determined in advance. 6. The inter-blade opening distance determining means, when reversing a work in a next bending step, an opening distance required to pull out the work from between the blades after the previous bending step, and the next bending step. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: comparing an opening distance required for inserting the workpiece between the blades, adding a margin value to a larger opening distance, and determining the margin as an opening distance between the blades. 2. The press brake operator support device according to 2.