JP7493005B2 - Machine tool control device and machine tool control method - Google Patents

Description

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

When using machine tools, workers usually perform machining tasks that involve manual work, so both hands are often occupied with the manual work. For example, when using a press brake to bend sheet metal (workpiece), workers may need to hold the workpiece with both hands or use measuring instruments while working. This can make it difficult to press the button to move on to the next process.

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 (see Patent Document 1). By using such a control device, even if a worker has both hands full, he or she can easily give instructions to the machine tool to proceed to the next process.

JP 2020-42420 A

However, if the contents of the operator's speech are recognized and the machine tool is made to execute the desired process, a process is also required in which the operator confirms whether the recognized contents of the speech are correct in order to prevent malfunction. On the other hand, depending on the work items performed using the machine tool, it may be necessary to perform multiple processes sequentially in order to complete the desired operation.

In this case, if the operator speaks instructions to proceed to the next process each time a number of processes are executed to complete the desired operation, and the control device recognizes the spoken content and checks whether the recognized spoken content is correct, there is a problem that it takes more time than if the process were executed manually. In view of this, it is desirable to have the machine tool efficiently execute the desired process based on the spoken content from the operator.

The machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments includes an item-specific process storage unit that stores information on multiple processes to be executed consecutively, which are preset for each item related to a machining operation to be executed by the machine tool to be controlled; an utterance content recognition unit that recognizes the contents of an utterance from an operator; a corresponding process identification unit that, when the utterance content recognition unit recognizes an item related to a predetermined machining operation as the contents of an utterance from the operator, identifies multiple processes corresponding to the recognized item from the item-specific process storage unit; and an operation control unit that causes the machine tool to execute the multiple processes identified by the corresponding process identification unit consecutively.

The above-mentioned machine tool control device can make the machine tool continuously and efficiently execute multiple processes corresponding to a specified machining operation based on the speech content of the worker.

In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the machine tool control method is such that the machine tool control device stores information on multiple processes to be executed consecutively, which are preset for each item related to the machining work executed by the machine tool to be controlled, and when it recognizes an item related to a specific machining work as speech from an operator operating the machine tool, it identifies multiple processes corresponding to the recognized item from the stored information, and causes the machine tool to execute the identified multiple processes consecutively.

The above-mentioned machine tool control method allows the machine tool to efficiently execute multiple processes corresponding to a specified machining operation in succession based on the speech content of the operator.

According to one or more embodiments of the machine tool control device and machine tool control method, the machine tool can be made to efficiently execute the desired processing based on speech from the operator.

1 is an overall view showing the configuration of a sheet metal processing system using an NC device as a machine tool control device of one or more embodiments. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sheet metal processing system using an NC device as a machine tool control device of one or more embodiments. 1 is a table showing information on a plurality of processes for each item related to bending work of a specified metal sheet W, the information being stored in advance in an NC device serving as a machine tool control device in one or more embodiments. 2 is a flowchart showing processing related to a bending operation of a metal sheet W, which is executed by an NC device as a machine tool control device in one or more embodiments in response to spoken instructions from an operator. 11A to 11D are examples of display information displayed on a tablet device connected to a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments.

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

Configuration of a sheet metal processing system according to one or more embodiments
1 is an overall view showing the configuration of a sheet metal processing system 1 using an NC device as a machine tool control device according to one or more embodiments. The sheet metal processing system 1 includes a press brake 10, an NC device 20, a headset device 30 used by an operator, and a tablet device 40 as a display device.

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. The press brake 10 used in this embodiment may also be configured to move up and down by a servo motor and a ball screw.

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 position of the upper table 11 and the positions of the abutment members 17L and 17R.

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 embodiment. Using Figure 2, an example of the functional configuration of the NC device 20, the headset device 30, and the tablet device 40 will be described. The NC device 20 has an itemized process storage unit 21, a first communication unit 22, a second communication unit 23, an executable process storage unit 24, and a first CPU 25.

The item-specific process memory unit 21 stores information on a plurality of processes to be executed in succession, which are preset for each item related to the machining work executed by the press brake 10 to be controlled. The first communication unit 22 communicates with the headset device 30 and the tablet device 40 wirelessly. The second communication unit 23 communicates with the press brake 10 wiredly. The first communication unit 22 may communicate with the headset device 30 or the tablet device 40 wiredly. The second communication unit 23 may communicate with the press brake 10 wirelessly. The executable process memory unit 24 stores information on processes that can be executed by the NC device 20 for each operating status of the press brake 10.

The first CPU 25 includes a speech content recognition unit 251, a corresponding process specification unit 252, an operation control unit 253, and a processing information acquisition unit 254. The speech content recognition unit 251 recognizes the speech content from the worker. When the speech content recognition unit 251 recognizes an item related to a specified processing work as the speech content from the worker, the corresponding process specification unit 252 specifies multiple processes corresponding to the recognized item from the item-specific process storage unit 21. The operation control unit 253 causes the press brake 10 to continuously execute the multiple processes specified by the corresponding process specification unit 252. The processing information acquisition unit 254 acquires operation status information of the press brake 10 from the operation control unit 253, acquires information on executable processes corresponding to the acquired operation status information from the executable process storage unit 24, and transmits the information to the tablet device 40.

Specifically, the operation control unit 253 causes the press brake 10 to execute one of the processes stored in the item-specific process storage unit 21 based on the content of a single manual operation performed by the worker. The operation control unit 253 also causes the press brake 10 to continuously execute multiple processes identified based on the items related to a specific processing operation recognized by a single utterance from the worker, specifically multiple processes stored in the item-specific process storage unit 21.

The worker wears the headset device 30 on his/her head. The headset device 30 has a sound pickup unit 31 and a third communication unit 32. The sound pickup unit 31 picks up the voice spoken by the worker. The sound pickup unit 31 is composed of a microphone. The third communication unit 32 communicates with the NC unit 20 wirelessly or via a wired connection.

The tablet device 40 is placed on the upper table 11 and has a second touch panel 41. The second touch panel 41 displays information about executable processes acquired by the process information acquisition unit 254.

Operation of the sheet metal processing system according to one or more embodiments
In one or more embodiments, a description will be given of operations executed by the sheet metal processing system 1. In this embodiment, the operator can use both manual input and speech input as an input method when inputting instructions related to bending work to the NC device 20.

In explaining the operation performed by the sheet metal processing system 1, information stored in advance in the item-specific processing storage unit 21 of the NC device 20 will be explained. Fig. 3 is a table showing information on a plurality of processes for each item related to bending processing work of sheet metal W, stored in the item-specific processing storage unit 21 of the NC device 20 in one embodiment. The table in Fig. 3 stores information on the items related to processing work, such as item No. 1 "Start of process [X]", item No. 2 "Start with handle enabled", item No. 3 "Playback", item No. 4 " Bending process [X] correction", item No. 5 "Start of [operation Y]", item No. 6 "Processing completed", and item No. 7 "Power off".

The table in Figure 3 also stores information on two processes, "(1) Process switching" and "(2) Start," as processes corresponding to item No. 1 "Start with process [X]." Information on two processes, "(1) Handle active" and "(2) Start," as processes corresponding to item No. 2 "Start with handle active."

As the process corresponding to item No. 3 "Playback", information on two processes "(1) Start" and "(2) Handle Enabled" is stored. As the process corresponding to item No. 4 " Bending Process [X] Correction", information on two processes "(1) Process Switching" and "(2) Correction" is stored.

As the process corresponding to item No. 5, "[Operation Y] Start", information on two processes, "(1) Switch to target operation" and "(2) Start", is stored. As the process corresponding to item No. 6, "Processing completed", information on two processes, "(1) Save/discard data" and "(2) Switch screens", is stored. As the process corresponding to item No. 7, "Power off", information on three processes, "(1) Switch screens", "(2) Save/discard data", and "(3) Press power off button", is stored.

The items related to these processing operations and the content of the processing corresponding to each item will be explained below. Item No. 1 "Start process [X]" is an item for starting one of the process [X] among multiple bending processes [1], [2] ... [n] performed on the metal sheet W to be processed. X indicates one of the numbers 1, 2 ... n that identifies the bending process to be started.

The process "(1) Process switching" corresponding to this item No. 1 "Start process [X]" is a process for switching the processing target of the press brake 10 to the specified bending process [X]. The process "(2) Start" corresponding to item No. 1 "Start bending process [X]" is a process for setting the abutment members 17L and 17R to predetermined positions in preparation for starting the bending process [X] that has been switched as the processing target, and for making the close foot switch 71 and the open foot switch 72 available for operation in order to execute the bending process.

Item No. 2 "Handle Valid Start" and item No. 3 "Playback" are items for preparing for a test bend for a specified bending process. "(1) Handle Valid" corresponding to item No. 2 "Handle Valid Start" is a process for validating the operation of the handle operator 60. "(2) Start" corresponding to item No. 2 "Handle Valid Start" is a process for making the close foot switch 71 and open foot switch 72 available for accepting operation in order to execute a test bend.

"(1) Start" corresponding to item No. 3 "Playback" is a process that makes the close foot switch 71 and the open foot switch 72 available for operation in order to perform a test bend, similar to "(2) Start" corresponding to item No. 2 "Handle enabled start". "(2) Handle enabled" corresponding to item No. 3 "Playback" is a process that enables handle operation, similar to "(1) Handle enabled" corresponding to item No. 2 "Handle enabled start".

In other words, test bending can be performed by preparing by processing item No. 2 "Handle enabled start" or item No. 3 "Playback".

Item No. 4 " Bending process [X] correction" is an item for correcting the processing content of one of the multiple bending processes [1], [2], ... [n] applied to the workpiece metal W. The process "(1) Process switching" corresponding to this No. 4 " Bending process [X] correction" is a process for switching the processing target of the press brake 10 to the designated bending process [X].

“(2) Correction”, which corresponds to item No. 4 “ Bending process [X] correction”, is a process for making the setting values related to the bending process [X] that has been switched to as the processing target, such as the dimensions of the bending point, the bending angle, or the correction values for the bending accuracy for each position, into a state in which they can be accepted.

Item No. 5 "Start [Operation Y]" is an item for starting a specified operation Y on the press brake 10. Operation Y is, for example, a return-to-origin operation for returning the die, backgauge, etc. to a specified position, an operation for executing a die installation assistance function for assisting in die installation, an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) setup operation for automatically replacing the die, etc. Die installation assistance is referred to as Tool Navigation.

The "(1) Switch to target operation" corresponding to item No. 5 "Start [Operation Y]" is a process for switching the processing target of the press brake 10 to the specified operation Y. The "(2) Start" process corresponding to item No. 5 "Start [Operation Y]" is a process for starting the operation Y that has been switched to as the processing target.

Item No. 6 "Processing Complete" is an item for completing the bending process currently being performed. "(1) Save/Discard Data" corresponding to this item No. 6 "Processing Complete" is a process for saving or discarding data related to the bending process currently being performed. Here, whether data related to the bending process currently being performed is saved or discarded when bending is completed is set in advance by a parameter. "(2) Screen Switch" corresponding to item No. 6 "Processing Complete" is a process for switching the information displayed on the first display unit 51 to information indicating processing completion.

Item No. 7 "Power Off" is an item for switching the power supply of the press brake 10 to the off state. "(1) Screen Switching" corresponding to this item No. 7 "Power Off" is a process for switching the information displayed on the first display unit 51 to information indicating that a power off operation has been received. "(2) Save/Discard Data" corresponding to item No. 7 "Power Off" is a process for saving or discarding data related to bending processing that has already been performed. Here, whether data related to bending processing that has already been performed is saved or discarded when the power is turned off is set in advance by a parameter. Also, "(3) Power Off Button Operation" corresponding to item No. 7 "Power Off" is a process for switching the power supply of the press brake 10 to the off state.

The processes (1), (2) ... corresponding to the above-mentioned items No. 1 to No. 7 are each executed in response to one manual operation by the operator.

The information pre-stored in the executable process storage unit 24 will be described. The executable process storage unit 24 pre-stores information on processes that can be executed by the NC device 20 for each operating status of the press brake 10. For example, information on return to origin processing, tool navigation function execution processing, ATC setup execution processing, and power off processing is stored as processes that can be executed during pauses in the preparation stage for bending, and information on support processing for mounting a die to be used in the next process is stored as a process that can be executed while the tool navigation function is being executed.

In addition, information on the start process of the bending process, the handle enable start process, and the power off process is stored as processes that can be executed while the bending process is paused, and information on the process of stopping operation is stored as a process that can be executed while any bending process is in operation.

With this information stored, the operation when an operator uses the sheet metal processing system 1 to manually instruct the bending work of the sheet metal W will be described. In this case, the operator performs an operation to instruct the execution of a desired process from the first touch panel 52, the operation unit 53, the handle operator 60, the close foot switch 71, or the open foot switch 72 connected to the NC device 20, and the first CPU 25 controls the operation of the press brake 10 based on the content of this operation.

For example, when the worker switches to process [1] on the first touch panel 52 or the operation unit 53 in order to start the bending process [1], the operation control unit 253 of the first CPU 25 recognizes process [1] as the process target.

After that, when the worker performs the start operation, the operation control unit 253 sends to the press brake 10 an instruction to set the backgauge to a predetermined position and an instruction to make the close foot switch 71 and the open foot switch 72 ready to accept operation, in preparation for starting the bending process [1] to be processed. Based on the instruction obtained from the NC device 20, the press brake 10 sets the backgauge to a predetermined position and makes the close foot switch 71 and the open foot switch 72 ready to accept operation.

In this way, each time the worker performs an operation related to one of the "corresponding processes" in Figure 3, the operation control unit 253 sends the corresponding instruction to the press brake 10, causing the specified process to be executed.

Next, we will explain the operation when a worker uses the sheet metal processing system 1 to give verbal instructions regarding the bending work of the sheet metal W. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the bending work of the sheet metal W that the NC device 20 executes in response to verbal instructions from the worker.

First, when the worker puts on the headset device 30 and speaks the words “Start process [1]” to start the bending process [1], the sound collection unit 31 picks up the spoken voice, and the third communication unit 32 transmits audio information based on the voice picked up by the sound collection unit 31 to the NC device 20 .

The speech content recognition unit 251 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 251 analyzes the acquired voice information and recognizes the speech content from the worker, "Start process [1]" (S2).

Next, the response processing identification unit 252 judges whether the recognized utterance content is an item related to processing work of the sheet metal W (S3). If the recognized utterance content corresponds to any of the "items related to bending work" stored in the item-specific processing storage unit 21, the response processing identification unit 252 judges that the utterance content is an item related to processing work of the sheet metal W.

Here, the response processing identification unit 252 determines that the recognized utterance content "Start process [1]" corresponds to item No. 1 stored in the item-specific processing storage unit 21, and that the utterance content is an item related to processing work on the metal sheet W ("YES" in S3).

Next, the corresponding process identification unit 252 identifies the processes "(1) Process Switching" and "(2) Start" as processes corresponding to the corresponding item No. 1 "Process [1] Start" (S4). The operation control unit 253 generates instructions for consecutively executing the identified processes "(1) Process Switching" and "(2) Start" and transmits them to the press brake 10 via the second communication unit 23.

Specifically, the operation control unit 253 generates and transmits instructions to switch the processing target of the press brake 10 to the specified bending process [1], and subsequently to set the backgauge to a predetermined position in preparation for starting the bending process [1], and to make the close foot switch 71 and the open foot switch 72 ready to accept operation (S5).

The press brake 10 switches the processing target to the specified bending process [1] based on the instructions obtained from the NC device 20, then sets the backgauge to a specified position and makes the close foot switch 71 and the open foot switch 72 available for operation. In other words, when the worker utters "Start process [1]" once, two processes, "(1) process switching" and "(2) start," are executed in succession, which would require two manual operations.

In step S3 described above, if the response processing identification unit 252 determines that the recognized utterance content is not related to processing work on the metal sheet W ("NO" in S3), the process returns to step S1.

In this way, the NC device 20 operates based on the worker's speech, allowing the worker to operate the press brake 10 simply and efficiently with fewer input instructions than if the worker were to input instructions manually. Even if the worker has both hands full or is working away from the operation pendant 50, the press brake 10 can be easily operated by speech. During bending work on a single metal sheet W, the worker can switch between manual operation and speech-based operation as appropriate depending on the work content.

The following describes the processing displayed on the tablet device 40 when the NC device 20 is operating as described above. When the NC device 20 is operating, the processing information acquisition unit 254 acquires operation status information of the press brake 10 from the operation control unit 253 at predetermined time intervals. For example, when the press brake 10 has not yet operated after being turned on, the operation status information "setup stage (idling)" is acquired, which indicates that the operation is suspended (idling) in the preparation stage for bending.

When the processing information acquisition unit 254 acquires the operation status information "setup stage (idle)" from the operation control unit 253, it acquires information on executable processes corresponding to this operation status information "setup stage (idle)" from the executable process storage unit 24. Here, the processing information acquisition unit 254 acquires information on the corresponding processes, namely, origin return process, tool navigation function execution process, ATC setup execution process, and power off process.

The processing information acquisition unit 254 generates display information D1 including text information "return to origin," "tool navigation," "ATC setup," and "power off" corresponding to the acquired executable processing, and displays the display information D1 on the second touch panel 41 of the tablet device 40. FIG. 5(a) is an example of display information D1 displayed on the second touch panel 41 of the tablet device 40.

When the processing information acquisition unit 254 acquires the operation status information "Tool navigation start", it acquires information on the attachment support process for the mold to be used in the next process as information on the executable process corresponding to this operation status information "Tool navigation start". The processing information acquisition unit 254 generates display information D2 including text information "Next mold" corresponding to the acquired executable process, and displays it on the second touch panel 41. Figure 5 (b) is an example of display information D2 displayed on the second touch panel 41 of the tablet device 40.

When the processing information acquisition unit 254 acquires the operation status information "Processing stage (idle)", it acquires information on the start processing of the bending process, the handle active start processing, and the power off processing as information on executable processes corresponding to the operation status information "Processing stage (idle)". The processing information acquisition unit 254 generates display information D3 including the text information "Specified process start", "Handle active start", and "Power off" corresponding to the acquired executable processes, and displays it on the second touch panel 41. FIG. 5(c) is an example of display information D3 displayed on the second touch panel 41 of the tablet device 40.

When the processing information acquisition unit 254 acquires the operation status information "start driving", it acquires information on a process to stop driving as information on an executable process corresponding to the operation status information "start driving". The processing information acquisition unit 254 generates display information D4 including text information "stop" corresponding to the acquired executable process, and displays it on the second touch panel 41. Fig. 5D is an example of display information D4 displayed on the second touch panel 41 of the tablet device 40.

By visually checking the information displayed on the tablet device 40, the worker can recognize the processing that the NC unit 20 can currently execute, and can utter appropriate content accordingly.

According to the above embodiment, the NC device 20 can efficiently cause the press brake 10 to execute the desired processing based on the speech content from the operator.

In the press brake 10, multiple bending processes may be performed on a single metal sheet W, and when manually instructing a process related to a specific bending process (e.g., "start" or "correction"), two operations are required: an operation to switch the processing target for the bending process to the specific bending process, and an operation to execute the process related to the switched bending process. In contrast, when instructing these processes by speech, it is possible to instruct, for example, the process to switch the processing target for the bending process and the process to execute the process related to the switched bending process with a single speech, improving operability for the worker.

In the above embodiment, the tablet device 40 is installed on the upper table 11 of the press brake 10, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the tablet device 40 may be carried by an operator. In this case, the tablet device 40 and the NC device 20 are connected for communication wirelessly or via a wire.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the executable process storage unit 24 that stores information to be displayed on the tablet device 40 and the process information acquisition unit 254 that generates information to be displayed on the tablet device 40 are provided within the NC device 20, but this is not limited to the above, and these functional units may be provided within the tablet device 40.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which manual input and spoken input can be used together as input methods when an operator inputs instructions related to bending work to the NC device 20. However, this is not limited to this, and the NC device 20 may be configured to be switchable between an operation input mode in which instructions can be input by manual operation by the operator and a voice input mode in which instructions can be input by the operator's voice, and the operator may input instructions based on the input method of either mode selected.

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 stretch 20 NC device 21 itemized process storage unit 22 first communication unit 23 second communication unit 24 executable process storage unit 25 first CPU
30 Headset device 31 Sound collection unit 32 Third communication unit 40 Tablet device 41 Second touch panel 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 251 Speech content recognition unit 252 Response processing specification unit 253 Operation control unit 254 Processing information acquisition unit

Claims (3)

A machine tool control device capable of using both manual operation input and speech input as a method for inputting instructions related to bending work,
an itemized process memory unit that stores information on a plurality of processes, including at least any of information on a process for setting a stopper member to a predetermined position, information on a process for making the close foot switch and the open foot switch ready to accept operation, information on a process for making the setting values related to the bending process ready to accept, information on a return to origin process for returning a die or a back gauge to a predetermined position, information on a process for executing a die mounting assistance function, and information on a process for starting a setup operation of a mechanism for automatically replacing dies, which are preset for each bending process as processes to be executed by the sheet metal bending machine to be controlled ;
a speech content recognition unit that recognizes speech content from an operator who operates the bending machine;
a corresponding process specifying unit that, when the speech content recognition unit recognizes a predetermined bending process as the speech content from the worker, specifies a plurality of processes corresponding to the recognized bending process from the item-specific process storage unit;
causing the bending machine to execute one of the processes stored in the itemized process storage unit based on the content of a single manual operation performed by an operator;
and an operation control unit that causes the bending machine to continuously execute a plurality of processes specified based on a bending process recognized from a single utterance by an operator. communicatively coupled to the display device;
an executable process storage unit that stores information on executable processes for each operating status of the bending machine;
The machine tool control device according to claim 1, further comprising a processing information acquisition unit that acquires operating status information of the bending machine, acquires information of executable processing corresponding to the acquired operating status information from the executable processing memory unit, and displays it on the display device. A machine tool control device capable of using both manual operation input and speech input as input methods for instructions regarding bending work,
storing information on a plurality of processes preset for each bending process as processes to be executed by the sheet metal bending machine to be controlled, the information including at least any of the following: information on a process for setting a stopper member to a predetermined position, information on a process for making the close foot switch and the open foot switch ready to accept operation, information on a process for making the setting values related to the bending process ready to accept, information on a return to origin process for returning a die or a back gauge to a predetermined position, information on a process for executing a die mounting assistance function, and information on a process for starting a setup operation of a mechanism for automatically replacing dies;
The bending machine executes one of the stored processes based on the content of a single manual operation performed by an operator.
A machine tool control method for continuously executing a plurality of processes specified based on a bending process recognized from a single utterance by an operator, in the bending machine .

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