JP2024055457A - Machine tool operation support device and machine tool operation support method - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a machine tool operation support device that supports an operator to easily and efficiently execute work on a machine tool. [Solution] A machine tool operation support device (NC device 20) includes a support information storage unit 21, an utterance content recognition unit 241, a process information acquisition unit 242, a support information acquisition unit 243, and an operation control unit 244. The support information storage unit 21 stores support information for an operator that is set in advance for each operation instruction content for the machine tool and for each work process executed by the machine tool. The utterance content recognition unit 241 recognizes the content of an utterance from the operator. The process information acquisition unit 242 acquires information on the work process currently being executed. The support information acquisition unit 243 acquires, from the support information storage unit 21, the operation instruction recognized by the operator and the support information corresponding to the acquired work process. The operation control unit 244 operates the machine tool or a device used by the operator to operate the machine tool based on the acquired support information. [Selected Figure] FIG. 2

Description

The present invention relates to a machine tool operation support device and a machine tool operation support method.

When using machine tools, workers usually perform machining tasks that involve manual work, and so both hands are often occupied with the manual work. For example, when using a press brake to bend sheet metal (workpieces), workers may need to hold the workpiece with both hands or use measuring instruments while working. This can make it difficult to manually operate buttons to move the work to the next process, or to check information about the work that is displayed on the display of the control device.

In light of this, there is a control device that recognizes speech from a worker regarding work and operates a machine tool based on the recognized content, or outputs information to be provided to the worker by voice (see Patent Document 1). By using such a control device, even if the worker's hands are occupied with machining work, information regarding the work can be easily recognized and instructions to proceed to the next process can be given to the machine tool.

JP 2020-42420 A

However, the time required for a worker to speak about the work he or she is doing is often longer than the time required for the button operation. Also, the time required to recognize the content of the worker's speech, identify the corresponding provided information, and output the identified provided information as audio is often longer than the time required for the worker to move to the display unit and visually confirm the provided information displayed on the display unit.

Therefore, while using voice information to carry out work on machine tools can reduce the number of manual operations and movements required by the worker, it also increases the time required for each process, resulting in a problem of reduced productivity. In light of this, it is desirable to provide support that enables workers to easily and efficiently carry out work on machine tools.

The machine tool operation support device according to one or more embodiments includes a support information storage unit that stores support information for supporting the work of a worker who operates the machine tool, the support information being preset for each operation instruction for the machine tool to be controlled and for each work process executed by the machine tool, a speech content recognition unit that recognizes speech from the worker, a process information acquisition unit that acquires information on a work process that is currently being executed among multiple work processes executed by the machine tool, a support information acquisition unit that acquires, when the speech content recognition unit recognizes an operation instruction for the machine tool as the speech content from the worker, from the support information storage unit the recognized operation instruction content and support information corresponding to the work process acquired by the process information acquisition unit, and an operation control unit that operates the machine tool or a device used by the worker to operate the machine tool based on the support information acquired by the support information acquisition unit.

In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the machine tool operation support method includes a machine tool operation support device that stores support information for supporting the work of a worker who operates the machine tool, the support information being preset for each operation instruction for the machine tool to be controlled and for each work process executed by the machine tool, acquires information on a work process currently being executed among a plurality of work processes executed by the machine tool, and, upon recognizing an operation instruction for the machine tool as a speech from the worker, acquires support information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction and the acquired information on the work process from among the stored information, and operates the machine tool or a device used by the worker to operate the machine tool based on the acquired support information.

The above-mentioned machine tool operation assistance device and machine tool operation assistance method can assist an operator in easily and efficiently performing work performed on a machine tool.

According to one or more embodiments of the machine tool operation assistance device and machine tool operation assistance method, it is possible to provide assistance to enable an operator to easily and efficiently perform work on a machine tool.

1 is an overall view showing the configuration of a sheet metal processing system using an NC device as an operation support device for a machine tool in one or more embodiments. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sheet metal processing system using an NC device as an operation support device for a machine tool according to one or more embodiments. This is a table showing an example of support information for each operation content related to bending processing work of a specified sheet metal W and for each bending process currently being performed, which is pre-stored in an NC device as an operation support device for a machine tool in one or more embodiments. 2 is a flowchart showing a process executed by an NC device serving as an operation support device for a machine tool in one or more embodiments when bending a metal sheet W. This is a table showing an example of pre-processing information for each operation content related to bending processing work of a specified sheet metal W and for each bending process currently being performed, which is pre-stored in an NC device as an operation support device for a machine tool in one or more embodiments. A table showing another example of support information for each operation content related to bending processing work of a specified sheet metal W and for each bending process currently being performed (2), which is pre-stored in an NC device as an operation support device for a machine tool in one or more embodiments. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an assistance process executed by an NC device as an operation assistance device for a machine tool in one or more embodiments in bending processing of an operation example (2). 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the support processing executed in bending processing of operation example (2) by the NC device as an operation support device of the machine tool in one or more embodiments.

Below, a sheet metal processing system using an NC device that functions as an operation support device for a bending machine (press brake), which is a machine tool according to one or more embodiments, and a method for operation support of a press brake will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

Configuration of a sheet metal processing system according to one or more embodiments
Fig. 1 is an overall view showing the configuration of a sheet metal processing system 1 using an NC device as an operation support device for a machine tool according to one or more embodiments. In Fig. 1, the sheet metal processing system 1 includes a press brake 10, an NC device 20, and a headset device 30 used by an operator.

The press brake 10 comprises an upper table 11 and a lower table 12. An upper die holder 13 is attached to the upper table 11, and a lower die holder 14 is attached to the lower table 12. The upper table 11 is configured to move up and down by hydraulic cylinders 15L and 15R provided on the left and right.

Three punches Tp consisting of punches Tp1 to Tp3, which are upper dies, are attached to the upper die holder 13, and two dies Td consisting of dies Td1 and Td2, which are lower dies, are attached to the lower die holder 14. The types and numbers of punches Tp and dies Td shown in FIG. 1, and the attachment positions of punches Tp and dies Td relative to the upper die holder 13 and lower die holder 14 are merely examples.

A back gauge 16 is provided behind the upper table 11 and the lower table 12. The back gauge 16 has abutment members 17L and 17R that move left and right along the stretch 18. The abutment members 17L and 17R are also configured to move in the height direction and the front and rear directions.

Before the worker places the metal sheet W on the die Td and bends the metal sheet W, the abutment members 17L and 17R move to a position corresponding to the die Td. The worker places the metal sheet W on the die Td so that the rear end of the metal sheet W abuts against the abutment members 17L and 17R. In other words, the abutment members 17L and 17R act to determine the front-to-rear position of the metal sheet W when it is placed on the die Td.

An operation pendant 50 having a first display unit 51, a first touch panel 52 attached to the front side of the first display unit 51, and an operation unit 53 including a plurality of operation buttons is connected to the NC device 20. The first touch panel 52 also functions as an operation unit. Operation input from the first touch panel 52 or the operation unit 53 is supplied to the NC device 20. A handle operator 60 is connected to the operation pendant 50 to adjust the amount of movement of the upper table 11 and the positions of the abutment members 17L and 17R, etc.

The NC device 20 is also connected to a foot switch 70 having a close foot switch 71 that lowers the upper table 11 and an open foot switch 72 that raises the upper table 11.

In the press brake 10 configured as described above, the worker places the metal sheet W to be processed on the die Td, as shown in FIG. 1. When the worker then steps on the close foot switch 71 to lower the upper table 11, the metal sheet W is sandwiched between the punch Tp and the die Td and bent. When the worker steps on the open foot switch 72, the upper table 11 can be raised.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sheet metal processing system 1 according to one or more embodiments. Using Figure 2, an example of the functional configuration of the NC device 20 and the headset device 30 will be described. The NC device 20 has a support information storage unit 21, a first communication unit 22, a second communication unit 23, and a first CPU 24.

The support information storage unit 21 stores support information for supporting the work of the worker operating the press brake 10, which is preset for each operation instruction content for the press brake 10 to be controlled and for each work process performed by the press brake 10. The first communication unit 22 communicates with the headset device 30 wirelessly. The second communication unit 23 communicates with the press brake 10 wiredly. The first communication unit 22 and the headset device 30 may communicate wired. The second communication unit 23 and the press brake 10 may communicate wirelessly.

The first CPU 24 includes a speech content recognition unit 241, a process information acquisition unit 242, a support information acquisition unit 243, and an operation control unit 244. The speech content recognition unit 241 recognizes the speech content from the worker. The process information acquisition unit 242 acquires information on the work process currently being executed among multiple work processes executed by the press brake 10. When the speech content recognition unit 241 recognizes the operation instruction content for the press brake 10 as the speech content from the worker, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the recognized operation instruction content and support information corresponding to the work process acquired by the process information acquisition unit 242 from the support information storage unit 21. The operation control unit 244 supplies the support information acquired by the support information acquisition unit 243 to the first communication unit 22 to support the work of the worker.

The operation control unit 244 causes the press brake 10 to execute a predetermined operation via the second communication unit 23 based on operation information input from the first touch panel 52, the operation unit 53, the handle operation device 60, the close foot switch 71, or the open foot switch 72. The process information acquisition unit 242 acquires information on the work process currently being executed from the operation control unit 244.

The headset device 30 is a device worn on the head by a worker to operate the press brake 10, and has a sound pickup unit 31, a speaker unit 32, and a third communication unit 33. The sound pickup unit 31 picks up the voice spoken by the worker. The sound pickup unit 31 is composed of a microphone. The speaker unit 32 outputs voice information acquired from the NC unit 20. The third communication unit 33 communicates with the NC unit 20 wirelessly or via a wired connection.

Operation of the sheet metal processing system according to one or more embodiments
Operational examples (1) and (2) will be described below in which the sheet metal processing system 1 in one or more embodiments performs multiple bending processes [1], [2], ... on a sheet metal W to create a product P.

[Example of operation (1)]
In operation example (1), when an operator speaks an instruction regarding a specific operation of the press brake 10, the NC device 20 receives the corresponding instruction and supports the operator in his/her work by providing the operator with information that is useful when the operator performs work related to the corresponding operation or information on matters that the operator should take note of.

In operation example (1), the support information stored in advance in the support information storage unit 21 of the NC device 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of support information for operation example (1) for each operation content related to the bending work of the metal sheet W and for each bending process currently being performed, which is stored in advance in the support information storage unit 21. In the table shown in FIG. 3, the operation instruction content, the bending process currently being performed, and the sound V1 are associated with each other.

In the table in Figure 3, for example, the information of voice V1, which is support information for the processing start instruction for process [1], is stored as information indicating that the instruction has been accepted, "(i) Operation will start," and additional information to be provided to the worker, "(ii) Bending the short side."

Similarly, in the table in Figure 3, the information of voice V1 for the machining start instruction for process [2] is stored as "(i) Starting operation" and "(ii) The butting position is the second step.". The information of voice V1 for the machining start instruction for process [3] is stored as "(i) Starting operation" and "(ii) Reverse follow-up bending.". The information of voice V1 for the machining start instruction for process [4] is stored as "(i) Starting operation" and "(ii) The target angle is 135°.". The information of voice V1 for the correction instruction for process [1] is stored as "(i) Correction" and "(ii) The target angle is 90° and the tolerance is 0.5°.". The information of voice V1 for the correction instruction for process [2] is stored as "(i) Correction" and "(ii) The target dimension is 30 mm and the tolerance is 0.2 mm.".

The following describes the process that the NC device 20 executes using the table in FIG. 3 when an operator bends the metal sheet W. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process that the NC device executes when bending the metal sheet W.

First, when the NC device 20 is processing the first bending process [1], the worker puts on the headset device 30 and speaks the words "Start processing" to start the bending process [1]. The sound pickup unit 31 picks up the spoken voice, and the third communication unit 33 transmits audio information based on the voice picked up by the sound pickup unit 31 to the NC device 20.

The speech content recognition unit 241 of the NC device 20 acquires the voice information transmitted from the headset device 30 via the first communication unit 22 ("YES" in S1). The speech content recognition unit 241 analyzes the acquired voice information and recognizes the speech content "Start processing" from the worker (S2).

Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 determines whether the recognized utterance content is an instruction regarding the processing work of the metal sheet W (S3). If the recognized utterance content corresponds to any of the "operation instruction content" stored in the support information storage unit 21, the support information acquisition unit 243 determines that the utterance content is an instruction regarding the processing work of the metal sheet W.

Here, the support information acquisition unit 243 determines that the recognized utterance content "Start processing" corresponds to the operation instruction content "Start processing" stored in the support information storage unit 21, and that the utterance content is an instruction regarding processing work on the metal sheet W ("YES" in S3).

Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the work process information "Process [1]" from the process information acquisition unit 242 as the work content currently being processed by the NC device 20 (S4). The support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of voice V1 "(i) Starting operation" and "(ii) Bending the short side" from the support information storage unit 21 as support information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction content "Start processing" and the work process information "Process [1]" acquired from the process information acquisition unit 242.

The operation control unit 244 then executes the support process by transmitting the voice V1 information acquired by the support information acquisition unit 243 to the headset device 30 via the first communication unit 22 to provide it to the worker (S5). The headset device 30 acquires the voice V1 information transmitted from the NC unit 20 via the third communication unit 33, and outputs the voice "Starting operation. Short side bending." from the speaker unit 32.

In this case, by listening to the output audio, the worker can recognize which side of the rectangular metal sheet W needs to be bent without having to perform confirmation tasks such as watching a simulation video of the processing at the start of the corresponding process [1], thereby improving work efficiency.

By similar processing, when the NC unit 20 recognizes the speech content from the worker, "Start machining," and acquires the information on the work process currently being processed, "Process [2]," the speaker unit 32 of the headset unit 30 outputs a voice message, "Starting operation. The stop position is the second step," based on the information sent from the NC unit 20.

In this case, by listening to the output audio, the worker can recognize at which position on the abutment members 17L and 17R the metal sheet W should be butted against, without having to perform confirmation work such as watching a simulation video of the processing at the start of the processing of the corresponding step [2], thereby improving work efficiency.

Furthermore, by using a similar process, when the NC unit 20 recognizes the speech content from the worker, "Start machining," and acquires the information on the work process currently being processed, "Process [3]," the speaker unit 32 of the headset unit 30 outputs a voice message, "Starting operation. Reverse tracking bending," based on the information sent from the NC unit 20.

In this case, by listening to the output audio, the worker can recognize that the bending direction is the reverse direction, which is different from the normal direction, at the start of the corresponding process [3], and can work safely by paying attention to the support position of the metal sheet W during bending.

Furthermore, by using a similar process, when the NC unit 20 recognizes the speech content from the worker, "Start machining," and acquires the information on the work process currently being processed, "Process [4]," the speaker unit 32 of the headset unit 30 outputs a voice message, "Starting operation. The target angle is 135°," based on the information sent from the NC unit 20.

In this case, the worker can recognize that the bending angle is different from normal at the start of the corresponding process [4] by listening to the output audio, and can work safely by paying attention to the support position of the metal sheet W during bending.

Furthermore, by using a similar process, when the NC unit 20 recognizes the speech content "correction" from the worker and acquires the information "process [1]" of the work process currently being processed, the speaker unit 32 of the headset unit 30 outputs a voice message "Making corrections. (ii) The target angle is 90° and the intersection is 0.5°" based on the information sent from the NC unit 20.

In this case, by listening to the output audio, the worker can recognize the target angle and tolerance without checking drawings, etc., when making corrections in the corresponding process [1], thereby improving the efficiency of the angle correction work.

Furthermore, by using a similar process, when the NC unit 20 recognizes the speech content "correction" from the worker and acquires the information "process [2]" of the work process currently being processed, the speaker unit 32 of the headset unit 30 outputs a voice message based on the information sent from the NC unit 20 saying "Correction will be made. The target dimensions are 30 mm and the tolerance is 0.2 mm."

In this case, by listening to the output audio, the worker can recognize the target dimensions and tolerances without having to check drawings, etc., when making corrections to the corresponding process [1], thereby improving the efficiency of the dimensional correction work.

[Example of operation (2)]
In the operation example (2), when the worker speaks an instruction regarding a predetermined operation of the press brake 10, the NC device 20 accepts the corresponding instruction, identifies pre-processing information for making it easier for the worker to perform the work related to the corresponding operation as support information, and executes the identified pre-processing. In the operation example (2), when identifying the corresponding support information, a dialogue process with the worker is used.

In operation example (2), the support information storage unit 21 of the NC device 20 pre-stores pre-processing information related to pre-processing of a specified operation of the press brake 10, which is preset for each operation instruction content for the press brake 10 and for each work process performed by the press brake 10, as support information. Figures 5 and 6 are tables showing examples of support information for operation example (2) for each operation content related to bending work of a specified sheet metal W and for each bending process currently being performed, stored in the support information storage unit 21. The tables shown in Figures 5 and 6 correspond to the operation instruction content, the bending process currently being performed, the judgment result of the specified item, the execution order, the voice V2, the response content, the voice V3, and the pre-processing content to be performed.

The table shown in FIG. 5 stores information that the target angle of the corresponding bending process is 90° and the tolerance is 0.5° as support information for the angle correction instruction of process [1]. The table stores voice V2 information "It is within the tolerance. Would you like to process the next process?", which is output when the measured value is within the tolerance in order to confirm the intention regarding the next work through dialogue with the worker, voice V3 information "Start the next process" which is output when the worker responds to the output of voice V2 by saying "Yes", and information on the pre-processing content to be executed "Process switching". The table stores voice V3 information "Stop" which is output when the worker responds to the output of voice V2 by saying "No", and information on the processing content to be executed "Stop".

The table stores the pre-processing content to be executed as the first process when the measured value is outside the tolerance: "Correct the bending program based on the measured value", the voice V2 information to be output as the second process: "Corrected. Do you want to re-strike?", and the voice V3 information to be output if the operator responds to the output of voice V2 with "Yes", "Restarting to re-strike". The table stores the pre-processing content to be executed to start the press brake 10 in a state suitable for re-strike: "Temporarily move the striking part aside, change the settings to slow down the bending speed, and set it to a state where re-strike is possible". The table also stores the voice V3 information to be output if the operator responds to the output of voice V2 with "No", "Stop", and the process content to be executed: "Stop".

The table shown in FIG. 6 stores information regarding the production result confirmation instruction for product P, which indicates that the planned production quantity of the corresponding product P is y sheets. The table stores voice V2 information "Do you want to re-angle the defective parts?", which is output when the production quantity does not reach the planned production quantity, voice V3 information "We will re-machine the defective parts" which is output when the worker responds to the output of voice V2 by saying "Yes," and information on the pre-processing content to be executed "Set the number of sheets that is short of the number of sheets to the operation quantity to make it possible to restart." The table stores voice V3 information "Stop" which is output when the worker responds to the output of voice V2 by saying "No," and information on the processing content to be executed "Stop."

The table stores voice V2 information "Do you want to process the next product?", which is output when the production volume has reached the planned production volume, and voice V3 information "Prepare to process the next product," which is output when the worker responds to the output of voice V2 with a "Yes," as well as information on the pre-processing content to be executed, "Call up the processing data for the next product, replace the mold, and prepare to start." The table stores voice V3 information "Stop," which is output when the worker responds to the output of voice V2 with a "No," as well as information on the processing content to be executed, "Stop."

The process that the NC device 20 executes using the information in the table in Figure 5 when the worker performs angle correction in bending process step [1] is explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4.

First, the NC unit 20 processes the first bending process [1]. When the bending process is completed, the worker measures the bending angle and speaks "angle correction, x°" from the headset unit 30 he is wearing along with the angle measurement value x° to correct the bending angle. The sound pickup unit 31 picks up the spoken voice, and the third communication unit 33 transmits audio information based on the voice picked up by the sound pickup unit 31 to the NC unit 20.

The speech content recognition unit 241 of the NC device 20 acquires the voice information transmitted from the headset device 30 via the first communication unit 22 ("YES" in S1), and analyzes the acquired voice information to recognize the speech content from the worker, "Angle correction, x°" (S2).

Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 determines whether the recognized utterance content is an instruction regarding the processing work of the metal sheet W (S3). If the recognized utterance content corresponds to any of the "operation instruction content" stored in the support information storage unit 21, the support information acquisition unit 243 determines that the utterance content is an instruction regarding the processing work of the metal sheet W.

Here, the support information acquisition unit 243 determines that the "angle correction" in the recognized utterance content corresponds to the operation instruction content "angle correction" stored in the support information storage unit 21, and that the utterance content is an instruction regarding the processing work of the metal sheet W ("YES" in S3).

Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the work process information "Process [1]" from the process information acquisition unit 242 as the work content currently being processed by the NC device 20 (S4). The support information acquisition unit 243 acquires support information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction content "Angle correction" and the work process information "Process [1]" acquired from the process information acquisition unit 242 from the support information storage unit 21.

The operation control unit 244 executes the support process based on the information acquired by the support information acquisition unit 243 (S5). Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the support process executed by the operation control unit 244.

When the support information acquisition unit 243 recognizes an angle correction instruction and an angle measurement value of x° from the worker's speech based on the acquired information ("YES" in S11), it determines whether the difference between the acquired measurement value x° and the target angle of 90° exceeds the set tolerance of 0.5°, i.e., is outside the tolerance (S12).

If the difference between the measured value x° and the target angle 90° is within the tolerance ("NO" in S12), the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V2 within the tolerance in the support information in FIG. 5, "Within the tolerance. Would you like to proceed to the next process?". The operation control unit 244 transmits the acquired information of the voice V2 to the headset device 30 via the first communication unit 22, and outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S13).

When the worker responds to this voice output by saying "No," the spoken voice is wirelessly transmitted to the NC unit 20.

In the NC device 20, the speech content recognition unit 241 acquires the voice information transmitted from the headset device 30 via the first communication unit 22 and recognizes the speech content "No" ("NO" in S14). Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V3 "Stop," which corresponds to the speech content "No," and the operation control unit 244 transmits the acquired information to the headset device 30 and outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S15). The operation control unit 244 also transmits an instruction to the press brake 10 to stop the operation of the press brake 10 as a process corresponding to the speech content "No" (S16).

When the worker responds to the voice output in step S13 by saying "yes", the spoken voice is wirelessly transmitted to the NC device 20, and the speech content recognition unit 241 recognizes the spoken content "yes" ("YES" in S14). The support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V3 "Start the next process" corresponding to the spoken content "yes", and transmits the information acquired by the operation control unit 244 to the headset device 30, which outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S17). The operation control unit 244 also switches the processing target of the press brake 10 to the next process as a process corresponding to the spoken content "yes" (S18).

Furthermore, if the difference between the measurement value x° and the target angle 90° is outside the tolerance in step S12 (YES in S12), the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires information on the first processing content outside the tolerance in the support information in FIG. 5, "Correct the bending program based on the measurement value x°." The operation control unit 244 corrects the bending program based on the measurement value x° based on the acquired information (S19).

Next, the operation control unit 244 and the support information acquisition unit 243 acquire information on the voice V2 "Corrected. Do you want to re-attach?", which corresponds to the second process outside the tolerance in the support information in FIG. 5. The operation control unit 244 transmits the acquired information on the voice V2 to the headset device 30, and causes it to be output from the speaker unit 32 (S20).

When the worker responds to this voice output by saying "No," the spoken voice is wirelessly transmitted to the NC unit 20.

In the NC device 20, the speech content recognition unit 241 acquires the voice information transmitted from the headset device 30 via the first communication unit 22 and recognizes the speech content "No" ("NO" in S21). Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V3 "Stop," which corresponds to the speech content "No," and the operation control unit 244 transmits the acquired information to the headset device 30 and outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S22). The operation control unit 244 also transmits an instruction to the press brake 10 to stop the operation of the press brake 10 as a process corresponding to the speech content "No" (S23).

When the worker responds to the voice V2 output in step S20 and says "Yes", the spoken voice is wirelessly transmitted to the NC device 20, and the speech content recognition unit 241 recognizes the spoken content "Yes" ("YES" in S21). The support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V3 "Restarting to re-attack", which corresponds to the spoken content "Yes", and transmits the information acquired by the operation control unit 244 to the headset device 30, which outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S24).

In response to the spoken content "Yes," the operation control unit 244 temporarily retracts the abutment members 17L and 17R, changes the settings to slow down the bending speed, and transmits an instruction to the press brake 10 to make it possible to perform rework (S25). When re-strikes an area that has already been bent, the abutment members 17L and 17R get in the way, so by retracting them to a specified position, it becomes easier for the worker to perform the re-strike. In addition, in the re-strike work, it is necessary to carefully align the die with the area that has already been bent, so the bending speed is slowed down, specifically, the descent speed of the upper table 11 is slowed down when the worker steps on the close foot switch 71, making it easier for the worker to perform the re-strike work for rework.

As described above, by performing interactive processing with the worker and identifying the pre-processing to be performed while taking into account the worker's wishes, appropriate pre-processing can be identified easily and accurately.

Next, the process that the NC device 20 executes using the information in the table in FIG. 6 when the worker checks the production results of product P will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4.

First, when the NC device 20 has completed processing multiple sheets of metal W and the production of multiple products P has been completed, the worker counts the number of sheets of metal W that he/she has recognized as defective during processing, and when he/she speaks "Production result, number of defective sheets is z sheets" to confirm the production result, the spoken voice is picked up by the sound pickup unit 31 and wirelessly transmitted to the NC device 20 via the third communication unit 33.

In the NC unit 20, the speech content recognition unit 241 acquires the voice information transmitted from the headset unit 30 via the first communication unit 22 ("YES" in S1), and analyzes the acquired information to recognize the speech content from the worker, "Production results, number of defective sheets is z sheets" (S2).

Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 determines whether the recognized utterance content is an instruction regarding the processing work of the metal sheet W (S3). If the recognized utterance content corresponds to any of the "operation instruction content" stored in the support information storage unit 21, the support information acquisition unit 243 determines that the utterance content is an instruction regarding the processing work of the metal sheet W.

Here, the support information acquisition unit 243 determines that the "production result" in the recognized utterance content corresponds to the operation instruction content "confirm production result" stored in the support information storage unit 21, and that the utterance content is an instruction regarding the processing work of the metal sheet W ("YES" in S3).

The support information acquisition unit 243 acquires information on the number of processed sheets of the target product "product P" from the process information acquisition unit 242 as information on the work process currently being executed by the NC device 20 (S4). The support information acquisition unit 243 then acquires "production plan number y sheets" from the support information storage unit 21 as support information corresponding to the target product information "product P". The support information acquisition unit 243 then acquires the corresponding support information from the support information storage unit 21 based on the recognized operation instruction content "confirm production result" and the information on the target product "product P".

The operation control unit 244 executes the support process based on the information acquired by the support information acquisition unit 243 (S5). Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the support process executed by the operation control unit 244.

When the support information acquisition unit 243 recognizes an instruction to check the production results and the number of defective sheets, z, from the worker's speech based on the acquired information ("YES" in S31), it determines whether the number of processed sheets of product P minus the number of defective sheets, z, reaches the production plan number, y sheets (S32).

When the number of processed products P minus the number of defective products z reaches the production planned number y (NO in S32), the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the corresponding voice V2 "Would you like to process the next product?" within the tolerance in the support information in FIG. 6. The operation control unit 244 transmits the information of the acquired voice V2 to the headset device 30 and outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S33).

When the worker responds to this voice output by saying "No," the spoken voice is wirelessly transmitted to the NC unit 20.

In the NC device 20, the speech content recognition unit 241 acquires the voice information transmitted from the headset device 30 via the first communication unit 22 and recognizes the speech content "No" ("NO" in S34). Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V3 "Stop," which corresponds to the speech content "No," and the operation control unit 244 transmits the acquired information to the headset device 30 and outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S35). The operation control unit 244 also transmits an instruction to stop the operation of the press brake 10 to the press brake 10 via the second communication unit 23 as a process corresponding to the speech content "No" (S36).

When the worker responds to the voice output in step S33 by saying "Yes", the voice is wirelessly transmitted to the NC device 20, and the speech content recognition unit 241 recognizes the speech content "Yes" ("YES" in S34). Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V3 "Preparing to process the next product" corresponding to the speech content "Yes", and transmits the information acquired by the operation control unit 244 to the headset device 30, which outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S37). Furthermore, as a process corresponding to the speech content "Yes", the operation control unit 244 transmits an instruction to the press brake 10 to call up the processing data for the next product, replace the die, and make it ready to start (S38).

In step S32, if the number of processed products P minus the number of defective products z does not reach the production plan number y (YES in S32), the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of voice V2 "Would you like to reprocess the defective products?" within the tolerance in the support information in FIG. 6. The operation control unit 244 transmits the information of the acquired voice V2 to the headset device 30 and outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S39).

When the worker responds to this voice output by saying "No," the spoken voice is wirelessly transmitted to the NC unit 20.

In the NC device 20, the speech content recognition unit 241 acquires the voice information transmitted from the headset device 30 via the first communication unit 22 and recognizes the speech content "No" ("NO" in S40). Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V3 "Stop," which corresponds to the speech content "No," and the operation control unit 244 transmits the acquired information to the headset device 30 and outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S41). The operation control unit 244 also transmits an instruction to the press brake 10 to stop the operation of the press brake 10 as a process corresponding to the speech content "No" (S42).

In addition, when the worker responds to the voice output in step S39 by saying "Yes", the spoken voice is wirelessly transmitted to the NC device 20, and the speech content recognition unit 241 recognizes the spoken content "Yes" ("YES" in S40). Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V3 "We will reprocess the defective parts" which corresponds to the spoken content "Yes", and the operation control unit 244 transmits the acquired information to the headset device 30, which outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S43).

In addition, as a process corresponding to the spoken content "Yes," the operation control unit 244 sets the number of sheets in operation to the number of sheets that is lacking, and sends an instruction to the press brake 10 to make it ready for reprocessing (S44).

According to the above embodiment, a worker performing bending processing using the press brake 10 can perform processing work simply and efficiently based on the support information provided.

Specifically, when the worker gives an instruction regarding a specific operation of the press brake 10 as in the above-mentioned operation example (1), the NC device 20 provides the worker with voice information about useful information and points to be aware of when performing the work, allowing the worker to perform the processing work simply and efficiently.

In addition, when the worker speaks an instruction regarding a specific operation of the press brake 10, as in the above-mentioned operation example (2), the NC device 20 executes pre-processing to make it easier for the worker to perform the work related to the corresponding operation, so that the worker can perform the processing work simply and efficiently.

The present invention is not limited to one or more of the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 sheet metal processing system 10 press brake 11 upper table 12 lower table 13 upper die holder 14 lower die holder 15L, 15R hydraulic cylinder 16 back gauge 17L, 17R abutment member 18 stretcher 20 NC device 21 support information storage unit 22 first communication unit 23 second communication unit 24 first CPU
30 Headset device 31 Sound pickup unit 32 Speaker unit 33 Third communication unit 50 Operation pendant 51 First display unit 52 First touch panel 53 Operation unit 60 Handle operation device 70 Foot switch 71 Closed foot switch 72 Open foot switch 241 Speech content recognition unit 242 Process information acquisition unit 243 Support information acquisition unit 244 Operation control unit

A machine tool operation assistance device according to one aspect of one or more embodiments includes an assistance information storage unit that stores assistance information for assisting the work of a worker operating the machine tool, the assistance information being preset for each content of an operation instruction for a machine tool to be controlled and for each work process performed by the machine tool; a speech content recognition unit that recognizes speech content from the worker; a process information acquisition unit that acquires information on a work process currently being executed among a plurality of work processes performed by the machine tool; a assistance information acquisition unit that, when the speech content recognition unit recognizes an operation instruction for the machine tool as the content of a speech from the worker, acquires from the assistance information storage unit assistance information corresponding to the recognized content of the operation instruction and the information on the work process acquired by the process information acquisition unit; and an operation control unit that operates the machine tool or a device used by the worker to operate the machine tool based on the assistance information acquired by the assistance information acquisition unit.

The first CPU 24 includes a speech content recognition unit 241, a process information acquisition unit 242, a support information acquisition unit 243, and an operation control unit 244. The speech content recognition unit 241 recognizes the speech content from the worker. The process information acquisition unit 242 acquires information on the work process currently being executed among the multiple work processes executed by the press brake 10. When the speech content recognition unit 241 recognizes an operation instruction for the press brake 10 as the speech content from the worker, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires support information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction content and the information on the work process acquired by the process information acquisition unit 242 from the support information storage unit 21. The operation control unit 244 operates the press brake 10 or a device used by the worker to operate the press brake 10 based on the support information acquired by the support information acquisition unit 243. In addition, the operation control unit 244 supplies the support information acquired by the support information acquisition unit 243 to the first communication unit 22 to support the work of the worker.

The table stores the pre-processing content to be executed as the first process when the measured value is outside the tolerance, namely, "Correct the bending program based on the measured value," the voice V2 information to be output as the second process, namely, "Corrected. Do you want to re-strike?", and the voice V3 information to be output when the operator responds to the output of the voice V2 with "Yes," namely, "Restart to re-strike." The table stores the pre-processing content to be executed in order to start the press brake 10 in a state suitable for re-strike, namely, "Temporarily move the butting member away, change the setting to slow down the bending speed, and set the state to be ready for re-strike." In addition, the table stores the voice V3 information to be output when the operator responds to the output of the voice V2 with "No," namely, "Stop," and the process content to be executed, namely, "Stop."

6 stores information regarding the production result confirmation instruction for product P, which indicates that the production planned number of pieces of the corresponding product P is y pieces. The table stores voice V2 information "Do you want to reprocess the defective parts?" to be output when the production number does not reach the production planned number, voice V3 information "We will reprocess the defective parts" to be output when the worker responds to the output of voice V2 by saying "Yes," and information on the pre-processing content to be executed "The number of pieces that is insufficient will be set as the number of pieces to be operated to make it possible to restart." The table stores voice V3 information "Stop" to be output when the worker responds to the output of voice V2 by saying "No," and information on the processing content to be executed "Stop."

Next, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires from the process information acquisition unit 242 the work process information "Process [1]" as the work content currently being processed by the NC device 20 (S4). The support information acquisition unit 243 acquires from the support information storage unit 21 support information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction content "angle correction" and the work process information "Process [1]" acquired from the process information acquisition unit 242.

When the support information acquisition unit 243 recognizes an angle correction instruction and an angle measurement value x° from the worker's speech based on the acquired information ("YES" in S11), it determines whether the difference between the acquired measurement value x° and the target angle 90° exceeds the set tolerance of 0.5°, i.e., is outside the tolerance (S12).

If the difference between the measured value x° and the target angle 90° is within the tolerance ("NO" in S12), the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V2 within the tolerance "Within the tolerance. Do you want to process the next step?" in the support information in Fig. 5. The operation control unit 244 transmits the information of the acquired voice V2 to the headset device 30 via the first communication unit 22, and outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S13).

Furthermore, if the difference between the measurement value x° and the target angle 90° is outside the tolerance in step S12 ("YES" in S12), the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires information on the first process content for "out of tolerance" in the support information in Fig. 5, "Correct the bending program based on the measurement value x°." The operation control unit 244 corrects the bending program based on the measurement value x° based on the acquired information (S19).

Next , the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires information on the voice V2 "Corrected. Do you want to re-attach?", which corresponds to the second process outside the tolerance in the support information in Fig. 5. The operation control unit 244 transmits the acquired information on the voice V2 to the headset device 30, and causes it to be output from the speaker unit 32 (S20).

The support information acquisition unit 243 acquires information on the number of processed sheets of the target product "product P" from the process information acquisition unit 242 as information on the work process currently being processed by the NC device 20 (S4). Then, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires "production plan number y sheets" from the support information storage unit 21 as support information corresponding to the target product information "product P". Then, the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires corresponding support information from the support information storage unit 21 based on the recognized operation instruction content "production result confirmation" and the information on the target product "product P".

When the number of processed products P minus the number of defective products z reaches the production planned number y (" YES " in S32), the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V2 "Would you like to process the next product?" in the support information in Fig. 6. The operation control unit 244 transmits the information of the acquired voice V2 to the headset device 30 and outputs it from the speaker unit 32 (S33).

In step S32, if the number of processed products P minus the number of defective products z does not reach the production planned number y ( NO in S32), the support information acquisition unit 243 acquires the information of the voice V2 "Do you want to reprocess the defective products?" in the support information in Fig. 6. The operation control unit 244 transmits the information of the acquired voice V2 to the headset device 30, and causes it to be output from the speaker unit 32 (S39).

In addition, as a process corresponding to the spoken content "Yes," the operation control unit 244 sets the number of sheets in operation to the shortage number and sends an instruction to the press brake 10 to make it ready for restart (S44).

Claims (5)

an assistance information storage unit that stores assistance information for assisting an operator in performing work of the machine tool, the assistance information being preset for each operation instruction content for the machine tool to be controlled and for each work process executed by the machine tool;
a speech content recognition unit that recognizes speech content from the worker;
a process information acquisition unit that acquires information on a work process that is currently being executed among a plurality of work processes executed by the machine tool;
a support information acquisition unit that acquires, when the speech content recognition unit recognizes an operation instruction for the machine tool as the speech content from the worker, support information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction content and the work process acquired by the process information acquisition unit from the support information storage unit;
and an operation control unit that operates the machine tool or a device used by the worker to operate the machine tool based on the support information acquired by the support information acquisition unit. the support information storage unit stores, as the support information, pre-processing information related to pre-processing of a predetermined operation of the machine tool, the pre-processing information being preset for each operation instruction content for the machine tool and for each work process executed by the machine tool;
when the speech content recognition unit recognizes an operation instruction content for the machine tool as the speech content from the worker, the support information acquisition unit acquires preprocessing information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction content and information on the work process acquired by the process information acquisition unit from the support information storage unit;
The machine tool operation support device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation control unit executes processing based on preprocessing information acquired by the support information acquisition unit. The machine tool is a sheet metal bending machine,
the support information storage unit stores information for putting the bending machine into a state corresponding to a bending angle correction operation as pre-processing information related to an angle correction instruction for a bending process in a predetermined work process;
the support information acquisition unit, when the speech content recognition unit recognizes an instruction to correct a bending angle as the speech content from the worker and the process information acquisition unit acquires information on the predetermined work process as information on the work process currently being executed, acquires information for putting the bending machine into a state corresponding to the bending angle correction work from the support information storage unit;
3. The machine tool operation support device according to claim 2, wherein the operation control unit executes an operation for putting the bending machine into a state suitable for an angle correction operation of a bending process based on the information acquired by the support information acquisition unit. The operation control unit, when the speech content recognition unit recognizes an operation instruction for the machine tool as the speech content from the worker, acquires from the support information storage unit support information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction content, the work process acquired by the process information acquisition unit, and the worker's intention regarding the next work recognized by dialogue processing with the worker. The operation control unit acquires from the support information storage unit support information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction content, the work process acquired by the process information acquisition unit, and the worker's intention regarding the next work recognized by dialogue processing with the worker. The operation support device for machine tools,
storing support information for supporting the work of an operator who operates the machine tool, the support information being preset for each operation instruction content for the machine tool to be controlled and for each work process executed by the machine tool;
Acquire information on a work process currently being executed among a plurality of work processes executed by the machine tool;
When an operation instruction for the machine tool is recognized as the speech content from the worker, support information corresponding to the recognized operation instruction content and the acquired information on the work process is acquired from among the stored information;
A machine tool operation support method, which operates the machine tool or a device used by the worker to operate the machine tool based on the acquired support information.

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