Press machine and method for assisting operation of press machine

Abstract

The invention provides a press machine and the like capable of presenting an operation process meeting conditions required by a user. The press machine includes: an operation content recording unit that records history data including operation content and operation time of an operation performed on the press machine; a database generation unit that extracts, from the recorded history data, data corresponding to a series of operations including an operation as a starting point and an operation as an end point of an operation process, which is an operation assistance object, and generates a database of the operation process; an operation process acquisition unit that acquires, from the database, an operation process that satisfies the determination criterion specified by the user; and an operation process output unit that outputs the acquired operation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a press and an auxiliary operation method of the press. Background Art

[0002] Technologies that assist users with operations and judgment, similar to driver assistance systems in automobiles, are becoming increasingly common. Furthermore, in press operations, the issue of skill transfer (inheriting operational experience and skills) among experienced operators is becoming increasingly prominent. When operating a press, the process varies depending on the scale of the system and the type of mold, forcing users to explore efficient procedures. Alternatively, there are cases where improvements cannot be made from pre-defined automated procedures.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for assisting press machine operation by outputting individual operation information according to pre-set, prescribed procedures to guide the operation process. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for presenting operation procedures for production equipment by learning the operation procedures and updating them based on the operating time.

[0004] Prior art literature Patent Literature [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-53798 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-67182 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the operating procedures are presented in a single pattern determined by the operator, making it unclear whether this is the most efficient operating procedure. Furthermore, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, since only operating time is considered, there is a risk that operating procedures may be omitted or that unconventional operating procedures may be employed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a press machine and a press machine operation support method that can present an operation process that meets the conditions required by the user.

[0006] Means of solving technical problems (1) The press machine according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes: an operation content recording unit that records historical data including the operation content and operation time of operations performed on the press machine; a database generating unit that extracts data corresponding to a series of operations including an operation auxiliary object, i.e., an operation process as a starting point and an operation as an end point from the recorded historical data to generate a database of the operation process; an operation process acquiring unit that acquires the operation process that meets the judgment criteria specified by the user from the database; and an operation process output unit that outputs the acquired operation process.

[0007] Furthermore, the operation assistance method for a press involved in the present invention is characterized in that it includes: an operation content recording step, which records historical data including the operation content and operation time of the operation performed on the press; a database generating step, which extracts data corresponding to a series of operations including the operation assistance object, i.e., the operation process, as the starting point and the operation as the end point from the recorded historical data, and generates a database of the operation process; an operation process obtaining step, which obtains the operation process that meets the judgment criteria specified by the user from the database; and an operation process output step, which outputs the obtained operation process.

[0008] According to the present invention, by acquiring and outputting the operating procedures that meet the judgment criteria specified by the user from the operating procedure database, the operating procedures that meet the conditions required by the user can be presented and appropriate operation assistance can be performed.

[0009] (2) In the press and the press operation assisting method according to the present invention, the judgment criterion that the user can specify may be any one of the time required for the operation, the order in which the operations are performed, the frequency of the operations, the stability after the operation is completed, the simplicity of the operation, and the time period of the operation.

[0010] (3) In the press and the operation assisting method for the press according to the present invention, the database generating unit (in the database generating step) may also extract data corresponding to a series of operations including an operation as a starting point, an operation as a passing point, and an operation as an end point of the operation assisting object, i.e., the operation process, from the recorded historical data.

[0011] (4) In the press and press operation support method according to the present invention, the operation procedure acquisition unit (in the operation procedure acquisition step) may acquire the operation procedure from the database based on a plurality of judgment criteria with priorities specified by a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a press machine according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the processing unit.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of IDs set in the operation contents.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of historical data.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of historical data.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of operation procedure data stored in a database.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of the displayed operation process.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the selection of an operation process.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a diagram for explaining the selection of an operation process.

[0021] Figure 10 It is a diagram for explaining the selection of an operation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 This figure shows an example of the structure of a press (servo press) according to this embodiment. The press 1 converts the rotation of a servo motor 10 into vertical reciprocating motion (reciprocating linear motion, lifting motion) of a slide 17 using an eccentric mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion. The workpiece is then pressed using this reciprocating motion. The press 1 includes a servo motor 10, an encoder 11, a drive shaft 12, a drive gear 13, a main gear 14, a crankshaft 15, a connecting rod 16, a slide 17, a pad 18, a press controller 30, an operating panel 40, a processing unit 100 (which constitutes an operation assistance device), a user interface 110, a display 120, and a storage unit 130. The press is not limited to a servo press; for example, it may be a mechanical press using a flywheel or a linear press using a ball screw. In this case, the encoder may be provided at the end of the crankshaft 15 or the end of the ball screw.

[0024] The drive shaft 12 is connected to the rotating shaft of the servo motor 10, and the drive gear 13 is connected to the drive shaft 12. A main gear 14 meshes with the drive gear 13, a crankshaft 15 is connected to the main gear 14, and a connecting rod 16 is connected to the crankshaft 15. The rotating shafts of the drive shaft 12 and crankshaft 15 are supported by appropriately arranged bearings (not shown). The crankshaft 15 and connecting rod 16 form an eccentric mechanism. This eccentric mechanism allows a slider 17 connected to the connecting rod 16 to be raised and lowered relative to a stationary backing plate 18. One or more upper molds 20 are mounted on the slider 17, and one or more lower molds 21 are mounted on the backing plate 18.

[0025] The press controller 30 (control device) controls the action of the press machine 1 based on the operation information from the operating panel 40. Furthermore, the press controller 30 controls the lifting and lowering motion of the slider 17 based on the given slider motion stored in the storage unit. As an example, the press controller 30 is composed of control devices such as a PLC, a servo controller, and a servo amplifier. In more detail, the press controller 30 calculates the motor rotation position instruction value based on the instruction of the position or speed of the slider 17 specified by the slider motion, and controls the rotation position, rotation speed and current of the servo motor 10 based on the rotation position instruction. The rotation position of the servo motor 10 is detected by an encoder 11 mounted on the servo motor 10.

[0026] The operation panel 40 is used to perform various settings and operations on the press machine 1 and includes input / output devices such as a touch panel, lighted switches, and keys. Operation information input through the operation panel 40 is output to the press controller 30 .

[0027] The user interface 110 (operation unit) is used by the user to input operation information and outputs the input operation information to the processing unit 100. The functions of the user interface 110 can be implemented by hardware such as a keyboard, a mouse, buttons, and a touch panel.

[0028] The display 120 (display unit) displays an image generated by the processing unit 100 , and its function can be realized by an LCD, a touch panel that also functions as the user interface 110 , or the like.

[0029] The storage unit 130 stores programs and various data for causing the computer to function as each unit of the processing unit 100 , and functions as a work area for the processing unit 100 . Its functions can be realized by a hard disk, RAM, or the like.

[0030] The processing unit 100 includes an operation content recording unit 101, a database generating unit 102, an operation procedure acquiring unit 103, and an operation procedure output unit 104. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by various processors (CPU, etc.) and programs.

[0031] The operation content recording unit 101 records history data including the operation content (input information) and operation time of the operation performed on the operation panel 40 of the press machine 1. The recorded history data is stored in the storage unit 130.

[0032] The database generation unit 102 extracts data corresponding to a series of operations including an operation as a starting point and an operation as an end point of an operation procedure (i.e., an operation assistance target) from the historical data stored in the storage unit 130, thereby generating a database of operation procedures. The generated database is stored in the storage unit 130. Alternatively, the database generation unit 102 may extract data corresponding to a series of operations including an operation as a starting point, an operation as a passing point, and an operation as an end point of an operation procedure (i.e., an operation assistance target) from the historical data. The user pre-enters the user interface 110 (or the operation panel 40) with information defining each operation as a starting point, a passing point, and an end point of the operation procedure.

[0033] The operation procedure acquisition unit 103 acquires an operation procedure that satisfies a user-specified criterion (one of the following: operation time, operation order, operation frequency, stability after completion of the operation, simplicity of operation, and time period of operation) from a database stored in the storage unit 130. The operation procedure output unit 104 outputs information for guiding the operation procedure acquired by the operation procedure acquisition unit 103 to the display 120 or the operation panel 40.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the processing unit 100 . Figure 2 Steps S10 and S11 are the processing when generating the database of the operation process. After the stamping operation starts, the input information (operation content) of the operation performed on the operating panel 40 is stored once by the stamping controller 30, and the operation content recording unit 101 receives the operation content from the stamping controller 30 in sequence, and records the received operation content in a time series in association with the time information (operation time), thereby generating historical data (step S10). Figure 3 As shown, set an ID for each operation content, such as Figure 4 As shown, the history data 200 stores an ID corresponding to the operation content and the time (year, month, day, hour, minute, and second) when the operation was performed in association with each other.

[0035] Next, the database generator 102 extracts data corresponding to a series of operations including the operation as a starting point, operations as passing points, and operations as an end point of the operation process to be assisted from the history data 200 and generates a database (step S11 ).

[0036] Figure 5 、 Figure 6The following is an example of extraction when the operation process, which is the object of operation assistance, is "Mold replacement operation". In this example, the operation as the starting point of the operation process is defined as "Slider adjustment access (ID: 2400)", the operation as the passing point is defined as "Upper mold fixture selection (ID: 2409)", and the operation as the end point is defined as "Continuous preparation button (ID: 1003)". In this case, Figure 5 The data corresponding to a series of operations from the operation (ID: 2400) as the starting point, the operation (ID: 2409) as the passing point, to the operation (ID: 1003) as the end point are extracted from the history data 200 shown, and an image is generated. Figure 6 The data 300 of the operation process as shown is not extracted. In addition, the data corresponding to the operation (ID: 2402) that is repeated continuously and the data corresponding to the operation (ID: 11, 21, 41, 1002, 2000) that is designated as the operation to be excluded in advance are not extracted. Furthermore, in order to judge the judgment standard (stability after the operation is completed) mentioned later, information related to the stability after the operation is completed (for example, the number of operation stops within a certain period of time after the operation as the end point, the number of operations within the certain period of time) is added to the extracted data 300. Figure 6 The data 300 for the operation process shown stores the time (in minutes) elapsed since the start of the operation as the operation time. In this way, data 300 corresponding to a series of operations including the start and end points of the operation process, which is the target of operation assistance, is extracted from the historical data 200 to create a database for the operation process.

[0037] Figure 2 Steps S12 to S16 are the processing for assisting operation. The operation procedure acquisition unit 103 determines whether a judgment criterion has been input to the user interface 110 (step S12). If such input has been made ("Y" in step S12), the operation procedure that satisfies the judgment criterion specified by the input is acquired (selected) from the operation procedure database (step S13). The user can specify any one of (1) the time required for the operation, (2) the order in which the operations are performed, (3) the frequency of the operations, (4) the stability after the operation is completed, (5) the simplicity of the operation, and (6) the time period in which the operation is performed as the judgment criterion.

[0038] When (1) the time required for the operation is specified as the judgment criterion, the operation process acquisition unit 103 selects the operation process with the shortest time from the start of the operation to the completion of the operation from the operation process database as the operation process that meets the judgment criterion. Figure 8When selecting from the operation steps "A" to "C" shown, the operation step "B" having the shortest time from the start operation (ID: 2400) to the end operation (ID: 1003) is selected.

[0039] Furthermore, when (2) the order of operations is specified as the judgment criterion, the operation process acquisition unit 103 selects the operation process with the highest ratio of the operated processes (the consistency ratio with other operation processes) (i.e., the process that is operated the most) from the operation process database as the operation process that meets the judgment criterion. Figure 9 When selecting from the following operating procedures "A" to "E," the agreement rates for "A" and "B," "A" and "C," "A" and "D," and "A" and "E" are calculated. These agreement rates are then summed up to obtain the total agreement value for "A." Similarly, the total agreement value for operating procedures "B" to "E" is calculated. Then, among "A" to "E," the operating procedure with the highest total agreement value is selected. Note that "A" and "B" have the same process, so the agreement rate is high (80%). However, "A" and "E" have different processes, so the agreement rate is low (50%).

[0040] Furthermore, when (3) the frequency of operation is specified as the judgment criterion, the operation process acquisition unit 103 selects the operation process with the lowest frequency of operation from the start of the operation to the completion of the operation (the process with the least non-routine operation in the process) from the operation process database as the operation process that meets the judgment criterion. Figure 8 When selecting from the operation steps "A" to "C" shown in FIG, the operation step "A" which is operated least frequently is selected. Figure 8 Among the operation steps shown, the operation step most frequently performed is "C".

[0041] Furthermore, when (4) stability after completion of the operation is specified as the judgment criterion, the operation process acquisition unit 103 selects an operation process with the highest stability after completion of the operation as the end point from the operation process database (for example, the frequency of stopping operation after restarting operation after performing the operation as the end point is the lowest, and the number of operations recorded within a certain period of time after performing the operation as the end point is the smallest) as the operation process that meets the judgment criterion.

[0042] Furthermore, when (5) simplicity of operation is specified as the judgment criterion, the operation process acquisition unit 103 selects the operation process with the least repeated operations from the operation process database as the operation process that meets the judgment criterion. Figure 10When selecting from the operation steps "A" to "C" shown, the total number of repeated operations for each ID is calculated for each of "A" to "C", and the operation step "B" with the smallest total number of repeated operations is selected.

[0043] Furthermore, when the time period (6) in which the operation is performed is specified as the judgment criterion, the operation process acquisition unit 103 selects an operation process consisting of a series of operations recorded within the specified time period (for example, March to September 2023, etc.) from the operation process database as an operation process that meets the judgment criterion.

[0044] The operation procedure acquisition unit 103 may also use a learning model that has been machine-learned to select operation procedures that meet the input judgment criteria from a database. By inputting the user-specified judgment criteria into the learning model, the operation procedures that meet the input judgment criteria are retrieved from the database. Machine learning algorithms that can be used include AI technologies such as neural networks, deep learning, large-scale language models (LLMs), and random forests.

[0045] Furthermore, the user may specify multiple judgment criteria with priority (for example, specifying (3) the frequency of operation as the judgment criterion with the first priority, specifying (1) the time required for operation as the judgment criterion with the second priority, and specifying (2) the order of operation as the judgment criterion with the third priority). In this case, the operation process acquisition unit 103 acquires the operation process from the database based on the multiple judgment criteria with priority specified by the user. For example, for each of the multiple judgment criteria specified, the top given number of operation processes that meet the judgment criteria are selected. For each of the selected given number of operation processes, the higher the priority of the judgment criterion and the higher the ranking (the higher the degree of satisfaction of the judgment criterion), the higher the score is given. Finally, the operation process with the highest total score is selected (acquired). For example, when "B" is selected as the first-ranked operation process (score: 100) that satisfies the judgment criteria of the designated priority 1, "A" is selected as the second-ranked operation process (score: 80), and "C" is selected as the third-ranked operation process (score: 60), and when "A" is selected as the first-ranked operation process (score: 50) that satisfies the judgment criteria of the designated priority 2, "D" is selected as the second-ranked operation process (score: 40), and "C" is selected as the third-ranked operation process (score: 30), the score of the operation process "A" is "130 (80+50)", the score of the operation process "B" is "100", the score of the operation process "C" is "90 (60+30)", and the score of the operation process "D" is "40", so the operation process "A" with the highest score is ultimately selected.

[0046] Return to Figure 2, the operation process output unit 104 monitors the operation of the operating panel 40 and determines whether the operation as the starting point of the operation process obtained (selected) by the operation process acquisition unit 103 has been performed (step S14). When it is detected that the operation as the starting point has been performed ("Y" in step S14), operation assistance is started and the obtained operation process is output (step S15). The operation process output unit 104 can display an image representing the operating panel 40 on the display 120, and perform a display for guiding the operation process (a display showing the operation to be performed next) in the image, or use the touch panel or lighted switch of the operating panel 40 to perform a display or light up to guide the operation process. The time interval for displaying the operation process is based on the time (operation time) contained in the data 300 of the operation process. For example, after obtaining Figure 6 In the case of the operation process shown in FIG, when the operation of ID "2400" as the starting point is detected, the operation assistance starts and the operation of guiding ID "2402" is displayed. Figure 7 As shown, the target time and duration until the next operation, ID "2005: Start operation", are displayed on the display 120. Then, the elapsed time is displayed in the form of 0:00, 0:01, etc., counting up to guide the operation. When the operation is completed, the counting up of the next operation begins. In this way, a method of indicating the next operation process based on the elapsed time of each operation content can be obtained. In addition, for example, Figure 7 As shown, a method of assisting the operation by inverting the row of the current operation target, ie, the ID "2410", so that the operator can visually recognize it easily can also be considered.

[0047] Next, the operation procedure output unit 104 determines whether to terminate operation assistance (step S16). If operation assistance is to continue ("Y" in step S16), the process proceeds to step S15. If the operation that marks the end of the operation procedure has been reached or the user has performed a predetermined operation to cancel operation assistance ("N" in step S16), operation assistance terminates.

[0048] This embodiment retrieves and outputs operating procedures that meet user-specified criteria from a database of past operating procedures, enabling the presentation of operating procedures that meet the user's requirements and providing appropriate operational assistance. Furthermore, by defining the starting points, transit points, and endpoints of the operating procedures—the objects of operational assistance—and extracting the corresponding data, it is possible to prevent interference with the operating procedures stored in the database.

[0049] Furthermore, while the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present invention.

[0050] Description of Reference Numerals 1. Press, 10. Servo motor, 11. Encoder, 12. Drive shaft, 13. Drive gear, 14. Main gear, 15. Crankshaft, 16. Connecting rod, 17. Slider, 18. Pad, 20. Upper die, 21. Lower die, 30. Stamping controller, 40. Operation panel, 100. Processing unit, 101. Operation content recording unit, 102. Database generation unit, 103. Operation process acquisition unit, 104. Operation process output unit, 110. User interface, 120. Display, 130. Storage unit.

Claims

1. A press, characterized in that: include: an operation content recording unit, which records historical data including the operation content and operation time of operations performed on the press; a database generating unit for extracting data corresponding to a series of operations including an operation as a starting point and an operation as an end point of an operation procedure, which is an operation assistance target, from the recorded history data, and generating a database of the operation procedure; an operation procedure acquisition unit that acquires the operation procedure that satisfies a judgment criterion specified by a user from the database; and An operation procedure output unit outputs the acquired operation procedure.

2. The press according to claim 1, characterized in that: The judgment criterion that can be specified by the user is any one of time required for operation, order of operation, frequency of operation, stability after completion of operation, simplicity of operation, and time period of operation.

3. The press according to claim 1, wherein: The database generating unit extracts data corresponding to a series of operations including an operation as a starting point, an operation as a passing point, and an operation as an end point of an operation procedure that is an operation support target from the recorded history data.

4. The press according to claim 1, wherein: The operation procedure acquisition unit acquires the operation procedure from the database based on a plurality of judgment criteria with priorities specified by a user.

5. A method for assisting the operation of a press, characterized in that: include: Operation content recording step, recording the historical data including the operation content and operation time of the operation performed on the press; a database generation step of extracting data corresponding to a series of operations including an operation assisting object, i.e., an operation process, as a starting point and an operation as an end point, from the recorded historical data to generate a database of the operation process; an operation procedure obtaining step of obtaining the operation procedure satisfying the judgment criterion specified by the user from the database; and The operation process output step outputs the acquired operation process.

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