JP2007283450A - Safety device for coexistent work of human and robot - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable safe and efficient work even in an environment where a robot and a worker come very close to each other or work one after the other in terms of time by surely and simply setting a movable range of the robot and a no-entry area of the worker in an arbitrary area using a sensor and a safety controller regardless of the structure of the robot, and further changing the movable range and the no-entry area at any time. <P>SOLUTION: This safety device for coexistent work of a human and a robot includes one or more sets of entering detectors including robot entering detecting devices 11, 16, and worker entering detecting devices 12, 17, wherein the set of the entering detectors are disposed to cover an opening part allowing the worker to enter within the movable range of the robot, a non-safety informing signal 32 is generated when either the robot or the worker enter the areas between the robot entering detecting devices 11, 16 and the worker entering detecting devices 12, 17, and the operation of the robot is stopped or the operating speed is limited based on the non-safety informing signal 32, thereby preventing the danger of a collision with the worker. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to safety of industrial robots that share a work space with humans, and more particularly to a safety device for coexisting human robots.

  The main cause of occupational accidents involving workers in industrial robots is contact accidents between robots and workers. In order to prevent this, conventionally, safety protection measures based on occupational safety and health rules and safety guidelines based on the Industrial Safety and Health Act have been established.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a safety protection fence 4 is installed at a sufficient distance from the movable range 2 of the industrial robot 1 so as to surround it, and a light-type safety device 5 or mat is provided at an opening such as an entrance / exit. It is obliged to prevent the operator 3 from entering the movable range 2 during the operation of the robot by arranging the switch 6 or the like.

  In addition, as a definition of the movable range 2 at that time, in consideration of the possibility of robot runaway, it is determined that the range is not limited by a robot control program, but is limited by a mechanical or electrical stopper. It has been.

  As described above, severe restrictions are imposed on the installation method of industrial robots, so there has been a mistake in the conventional robot automatic operation, or a series of operations have been completed and it has become necessary to change the setup or supply parts. In this case, in order for the worker 3 to enter the movable range 2 and work on the work table 7, it is necessary to completely stop the operation of the robot, which causes a significant reduction in the operation rate and work efficiency of the robot.

  In order to solve this, for example, the movable range of the robot is divided into a plurality of protected areas by a movable stopper, and when a person enters each protected area, the robot's entry into the corresponding protected area is stopped. In each protection section, a robot braking device and a braking method have been proposed that allow a robot and a person to work in a switched manner and minimize a decrease in the operation rate of the robot (Patent Literature). 1).

  However, in this method using the movable stopper, it is difficult to set the arbitrary movable range in two dimensions or three dimensions because the movable range of all the movable parts of the robot cannot be restricted collectively. .

  Also, for example, when the robot consists of many joints and the range of movement is difficult to understand, or when the work object is handled or the hand tool is changed, the actual size becomes larger than the original robot In some cases, the movable range of the robot is wider than expected, resulting in a disaster due to an unexpected collision with the worker.

  Moreover, there is a problem that it is not possible to prevent a disaster due to contact if the robot already exists and an operator enters the working area only by stopping the approach of the robot.

  As another method, when an intrusion detection sensor is provided in the work area of the robot to detect the operator's intrusion and stop the operation of the robot to make it safe, the robot movement range is similar to the above example. There was a risk of unexpected collisions when it was difficult to understand or when it was unexpectedly large.

  In order to prevent such unexpected collisions using the conventional method, it is necessary to estimate the expected range of movement of the robot considerably large and make the invasion prohibition area set by the sensor sufficiently wide. It is difficult to work in close proximity to each other, or to divide both work areas in three dimensions or in time, which hinders efficient work.

In other words, in order to improve the operation rate and work efficiency of industrial robots, there is a need for a means to create a coexistence work environment where people and robots can coexist in close proximity and can work safely even when they are switched at any time. It was.
JP 63-28591 A

  In view of the above problems, the present invention reliably and easily sets the movable range of the robot and the intrusion prohibition region of the worker in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional arbitrary region by a sensor and a safety controller regardless of the structure of the robot, In addition, the movable range and intrusion prohibited area can be changed at any time. As a result, safe and efficient work can be performed even in an environment where the robot and the worker are close to each other or work in time. It is an object to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention includes at least one intrusion detection device set including a robot intrusion detection device and an operator intrusion detection device, and the intrusion device set is within the movable range of the robot. Is a safety device for a robot that is arranged so as to cover an opening that can be entered, and is a two-dimensional plane sandwiched between the intrusion detection device of the robot and the intrusion detection device of the worker or Regardless of whether the robot or the worker enters an area set arbitrarily in the three-dimensional space, an unsafe notification signal is issued, and the operation of the robot is stopped or the operation speed is limited based on the unsafe notification signal. Provided is a robot safety device characterized by preventing the danger of a collision with a person.

  Two or more sets of the intrusion detection devices are arranged, the validity and invalidity of the two or more intrusion detection devices are sequentially switched, and the space where the worker and the robot can work freely can be switched at any timing. It is preferable.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a worker or an area sensor for detecting an intrusion of a robot in an intrusion prohibited area arbitrarily set in a two-dimensional plane or three-dimensional space within the movable range of the robot. The robot safety device is arranged so as to cover the opening portion where the robot can enter, and an unsafe notification signal is issued when either the robot or the operator enters the intrusion prohibited area. Provided is a robot safety device characterized in that the operation is stopped or the operation speed is limited to prevent a collision with an operator.

  It is preferable that two or more area sensors are arranged, the validity and invalidity of the two or more area sensors are sequentially switched, and the space where the worker and the robot can work freely can be switched at an arbitrary timing.

  It is preferable to cause the robot to perform an avoidance operation based on the unsafe notification signal, to reduce and change the movable area of the robot, and to avoid danger in advance without stopping the robot.

  The present invention can easily and reliably limit the movable range of the robot to any two-dimensional or three-dimensional region by arranging the sensors even when the robot performs complex operations or the movable range is not clearly known in advance. Even if a robot enters the invasion prohibited area due to unexpected movements, the operation is immediately restricted within the intrusion prohibited area, so it is safe even if an operator is working in a nearby area outside Is ensured.

  Similarly, when an operator enters the invasion prohibited area due to carelessness, the robot operation is restricted while the operator is in the intrusion prohibited area. Even if it has, it has the advantage that a worker's safety is ensured.

  Also, if there is a warning area, even if the worker inadvertently approaches the intrusion prohibited area, the worker will notice the warning in advance and stop further intrusion, avoiding the risk of collision and unintentionally. The robot can be stopped. Alternatively, if the robot performs autonomous avoidance operations, switch between multiple prepared intrusion prohibition setting areas to reduce the movable range and continue the work in the remaining areas while avoiding danger without stopping the robot It has the advantage of being able to.

  Also, when workers and robots work by exchanging in time, the movable range is switched by enabling / disabling multiple intrusion prohibited areas to switch the intrusion prohibited and permitted areas at any time. The set movable range of the robot and the work area of the worker can always be separated and the work can be performed safely.

  As a result, an operator can enter the work area while continuing another work without stopping the robot even if the worker has been working after entering the work area after stopping the robot. Thus, there is an advantage that efficient work can be realized without lowering the operation rate of the robot.

  Embodiments of the safety device for human robot coexistence work according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings based on the embodiments. In the present specification, the right and left are the right and left in the plane of FIGS.

  2 and 3 show the outline of the configuration of the first embodiment of the safety device for coexistence of human robots according to the present invention.

  2 and 3, 1 is an articulated industrial robot, 7 is a work table within the original movable range of the robot, 11 is a beam-type safety device (robot intrusion detection device) for limiting the left robot movable range, 12 is a light safety device for left worker intrusion detection (worker intrusion detection device), 13 is a light safety device for warning the left worker, 14 is a right mat switch, 15 is a movable range during right work, 16 is Light beam safety device (robot intrusion detection device) for restricting the right robot movement range, light beam safety device (worker intrusion detection device) 17 for right worker intrusion detection, and beam safety device 18 for right worker warning , 19 is a left mat switch, 20 is a movable range during left work, 31 is a safety controller, 32 (arrow) is an unsafe notification signal, 41 is a worker during left work, and 42 is a worker during right work.

  Light safety device 11 for limiting the left robot movement range, light safety device 12 for detecting the left worker's intrusion, light safety device 13 for warning the left worker, light safety device 16 for limiting the right robot movement range, right worker The intrusion detection light beam safety device 17 and the right worker warning light beam safety device 18 each have a projector and a light receiver, and the light beam (detection light beam) projected from the light projector is received by the light receiver. It is a light-type safety device that detects the presence of an operator or an object based on whether or not it is blocked.

  The left robot movable range limiting beam safety device 11 and the left worker intrusion detection beam safety device 12 can be combined with each other as a first intrusion detection device set so that an operator can enter within the movable range of the robot. It arrange | positions so that the opening part which becomes may be covered.

  Similarly, the right robot movable range limiting beam safety device 16 and the right worker intrusion detection beam safety device 1 are combined with each other as a second intrusion detection device group within the robot movable range. It arrange | positions so that the opening part which can enter can be covered.

  The set of the first intrusion detection device and the set of the second intrusion detection device can be set so as to be switched between valid (operable) and invalid (non-operation), respectively. One or more sets of such intrusion detection devices are provided.

  Each of the right mat switch 14 and the left mat switch 19 is a device that generates a detection signal when a person gets on.

  The safety controller 31 is a controller configured by a microcomputer or a relay circuit in which a control program is installed, and performs logical switching and control operation. The safety controller 31 is particularly reliable assuming use in a control system related to safety. It ensures safety in the event of a failure and complies with the necessary safety standards.

  And if the safety controller 31 uses the safety component required for the safety measures of a machine or an equipment conventionally used for detection of closure of a mechanical guard, confirmation of approach to a person's danger zone, and construction of a safety circuit, good. Examples of such safety components include a safety controller “F3SX” (trade name, manufactured by OMRON Corporation), a safety relay unit “G9SA” (trade name, manufactured by OMRON Corporation), and the like.

  In the safety device for human robot coexistence work according to the present invention, the safety controller 31 includes a left-type robot movable range limiting beam-type safety device 11, a left-worker intrusion-detecting beam-type safety device 12, and a left-worker warning beam. From the safety device 13, the right mat switch 14, the light safety device 16 for limiting the right robot movement range, the light safety device 17 for detecting the right worker intrusion, the light safety device 18 for warning the right worker, and the left mat switch 19. Each device receives a detection signal (intrusion detection signal), sends a control signal (unsafety notification signal 32) to the robot 1, and controls (stops) its operation.

  For example, the configuration of the safety controller 31 in relation to the right mat switch 14 will be described. An operator intrusion into the movable range 15 at the time of right work is detected, and this detection signal is sent to the safety controller 31 to detect the detection signal. The safety controller 1 sends a control signal (unsafety notification signal 32) for stopping the operation of the robot 1 to the robot 1. Thereby, the operator's safety is ensured by detecting the operator's entry into the right opening in advance and stopping the operation of the robot 1.

  The relationship between the safety controller 31 and the safety devices 11 to 13 and 16 to 18 is the same, and the details will be described below through the description of the operation.

(Function)
When it is desired to perform the work of the worker 41 on the work table 7, first, the robot 1 is moved to an undetected place on the right side of the detection light beam so as not to be detected by the left robot movable range limiting light beam safety device 11. . After that, the safety controller 31 enables the left robot movable range limiting beam safety device 11 and enables the left worker intrusion detection beam safety device 12.

  As a result, the area sandwiched between the detection light beams of these two light safety devices 11 and 12 becomes an intrusion prohibited area, and the robot 1 itself or an object handled by this area due to runaway or other unexpected reasons. Alternatively, if a hand tool or the like that has been replaced has entered from the right side of the detection beam of the left-side robot movable range limiting beam-type safety device 11, this is detected, and the safety controller 31 immediately notifies the unsafe notification signal. 32 is issued to stop the operation of the robot 1 or limit the operation speed.

  That is, it can be said that the substantial movable range of the robot 1 is limited to the movable range 15 at the time of the right operation shown in FIG. 2 with the same certainty as the mechanical stopper and the electrical stopper. Of course, the robot 1 can limit its operation range by a program or the like in response to the change of the movable range by the safety controller 31 and continues the work within the set right movable range 15. It is desirable to do. However, since the program always has a risk of runaway, it is necessary to restrict the movable range as described above.

  On the other hand, when the operator 41 inadvertently attempts to enter the intrusion prohibited area from the left side of the detection light beam of the left worker intrusion detection light beam safety device 12, the left worker warning light beam safety device 13 preliminarily Then, an approach to the intrusion prohibited area is detected and a warning is issued to the worker 41 to avoid inadvertent intrusion.

  If the operator 41 approaches further without noticing this and passes through the left-hand worker intrusion detection beam-type safety device 12, the operation of the robot 1 is immediately restricted in the same manner as described above. Stops before passing through the intrusion prohibited area, or slows down to avoid collision and ensure safety.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, when the worker 42 tries to work on the right side of the work table 7, the safety controller 31 first activates the left mat switch 19 disposed in the left opening, and the left robot The beam-type safety devices 11, 12, 13 for limiting the movable range are disabled.

  Thereafter, the right robot movable range limiting beam safety device 16, the right worker intrusion detection beam safety device 17 or the right worker warning beam safety device 18 is enabled, and the right mat placed in the right opening. Switch 14 is disabled. Alternatively, when it can be confirmed that there is no worker around, the above switching may be performed simultaneously.

  Thus, in the same way as in the case of FIG. 2, the movable area of the robot 1 is now substantially limited to the left working movable range 20, and even if the operator 42 works in the right area of the work table 7, As in the case described above, the safety of the worker 42 on the right side is ensured.

  Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, a plurality of pairs of left-side robot movable range limiting beam safety devices 11, 12, and 13 as shown in FIG. 2 are prepared and arranged in layers at the opening. It is also possible.

  In this case, even when an operator's entry into the warning area is detected on the outermost side, the robot receives a warning and performs a retreat operation before reaching the entry prohibition area. The light safety device is effectively switched and the outermost safety device set is disabled. As a result, the robot can continue working in another area without emergency stop.

  In addition, the arrangement of the left-type robot movable range limiting light safety devices 11, 12, and 13 is not limited to a two-dimensional planar arrangement as shown in FIG. 2, but is arranged in a three-dimensional arrangement as shown in FIG. It is also possible. In that case, as shown in FIG. 5, the work is performed by arbitrarily dividing a three-dimensional space, such as a space where a robot works on the upper side (or outside) of a certain place and a space where a worker works on the lower side (or inside). An area can be defined.

  Further, the region can be set in a shape other than a straight line in combination with a plurality of light safety devices or mirrors. In that case, it is possible to set the work space by dividing the area into various shapes in consideration of the work environment, the robot, and the operation range of the worker.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the safety device for coexistence of human robots according to the present invention. In FIG. 4, 14 is a right mat switch, 19 is a left mat switch, 31 is a safety controller, 32 (arrow) is an unsafe notification signal, 51 is a right warning area sensor, 52 is a right intrusion detection area sensor, and 53 is The right warning area, 54 is a right entry prohibition area, 55 is a left warning area sensor, and 56 is a left entry detection area sensor.

  In the present embodiment, the right warning area sensor 51 and the right intrusion detection area sensor 52 each detected intrusion into the set area using a laser range sensor that uses a laser as a detection light beam.

(Function)
The configuration of the safety device for human robot coexistence work according to the second embodiment will be further described together with the operation. The safety device for the coexistence work of the human robot according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the operation first embodiment.

  That is, when an operator wants to work on the right side of the work table 7 within the original movable range of the robot 1, the safety controller 31 enables the left mat switch 19 to enter the operator from the left opening. To prevent the danger of collision by enabling the right intrusion detection area sensor 52 to detect the intrusion of the robot or the worker into the intrusion prohibited area 54 and limiting the robot stop or operation speed. To do.

  Further, the right warning area sensor 51 is enabled to detect in advance the approach of the worker to the intrusion prohibited area, and a warning is issued to avoid inadvertent intrusion.

  When the operator wants to work on the left side of the work table 7, the safety controller 31 enables the right mat switch 14 to detect the left intrusion detection area sensor 56 and the left warning area sensor as in the first embodiment. 55 is enabled, the left mat switch 19 is disabled, the right intrusion detection area sensor 52 and the right warning area sensor 51 are disabled, and the movable range of the robot is limited to the right side. Realize safe work.

  As the area sensors 51 and 52, an area sensor using a two-dimensional image sensor including a press brake V4000 manufactured by SICK can be used.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to set an intrusion detection area and a warning area having a complicated shape in a two-dimensional plane or a three-dimensional space by using one or a plurality of area sensors. Similarly to the first embodiment, by switching the set of area sensors in time, it is possible to efficiently switch the work area and continue the work of the worker and the robot safely.

  The best mode of the safety device for coexistence of human robots according to the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and the technical scope described in the claims is not limited thereto. It goes without saying that there are various embodiments within the scope of the matter.

  The human robot coexistence work safety device according to the present invention is suitable as a work robot because it is configured as described above, and can also be applied to various industrial robots such as other transport robots. .

It is a figure which shows the example of the safeguarding measure of the conventional industrial robot. 1 shows a first embodiment of a human robot coexistence safety device according to the present invention, and shows a case where an operator performs work on the left side and a robot performs work on the right side. FIG. In Example 1, the figure in case an operator performs the operation | work on the right side and the robot performs the operation | work on the left side is shown. Example 2 of the safety device for human robot coexistence work according to the present invention is shown, and a diagram in the case where an area sensor is used instead of the beam-type safety device is shown. In Example 1, the figure at the time of arrange | positioning the human robot coexistence safety device in three dimensions is shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Robot 2 Robot movable range 3 Worker 4 Safety guard 5 Light beam safety device 6 Mat switch 7 Work table 11 Left robot movable range restriction beam safety device 12 Left worker intrusion detection beam safety device 13 Left operation Light safety device for worker warning 14 Right mat switch 15 Movable range during right work 16 Light safety device for right robot movement range limitation 17 Light safety device for right worker intrusion detection 18 Light safety device for right worker warning 19 Left mat switch 20 Movable range during left work 31 Safety controller 32 Unsafe notification signal 41 Worker during left work 42 Worker during right work 51 Right warning area sensor 52 Right intrusion detection area sensor 53 Right warning area 54 Right intrusion prohibited area 55 Left warning area sensor 56 Left intrusion detection area sensor

Claims (5)

One or more intrusion detection device sets each including a robot intrusion detection device and an operator intrusion detection device are provided, and the intrusion device set covers an opening portion that allows an operator to enter within the movable range of the robot. It is a safety device for a robot that is arranged as follows:
Unsafe notification when either a robot or an operator enters a region arbitrarily set in a two-dimensional plane or a three-dimensional space sandwiched between the robot intrusion detection device and the worker intrusion detection device A robot safety device that emits a signal, stops the operation of the robot or limits the operation speed based on the unsafe notification signal, and prevents a danger of a collision with an operator.   Two or more sets of the intrusion detection devices are arranged, the validity and invalidity of the two or more intrusion detection devices are sequentially switched, and the space where the worker and the robot can work freely can be switched at any timing. The robot safety device according to claim 1. An area sensor that detects entry of an operator or robot into an invasion-prohibited area arbitrarily set in a two-dimensional plane or three-dimensional space covers an opening that allows an operator to enter within the movable range of the robot. It is a safety device for a robot that is arranged as follows:
An unsafe notification signal is issued when either a robot or an operator enters the intrusion prohibited area, and the operation of the robot is stopped or the operation speed is limited, thereby preventing the danger of a collision with the operator. Robot safety device.   Two or more of the area sensors are arranged, the validity and invalidity of the two or more area sensors are sequentially switched, and the space where the worker and the robot can work freely can be switched at an arbitrary timing. The robot safety device according to claim 3.   5. The robot according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the robot performs an avoidance operation based on the unsafe notification signal, reduces the movable region of the robot, and avoids danger in advance without stopping the robot. The robot safety device described.

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