Processing schedule setting device

Abstract

To provide a processing schedule setting device allowing efficient operation of selecting a type of a carriage that supports a processing program.SOLUTION: A storage part 42 stores respective names of processing programs and carriage type specific information that specifies a type of a carriage included in a plurality of carriages where a work is loaded. A schedule setting part (CPU 41) sets, as a processing program for processing the work according to each schedule, the processing program selected from among the processing programs whose names are stored in the storage part 42. A display control part (CPU 41) controls a display part 44 to display carriage selection information for selecting the carriage included in the plurality of carriages and loading availability information corresponding to the carriage selection information. When the carriage where the work to be processed based on the processing program according to the carriage selection information has been selected, a setup setting part (the CPU 41) sets setup associating the processing program with the selected carriage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing schedule setting device.

Background Art

[0002] A processing system that continuously processes a plurality of workpieces and automatically discharges the processed workpieces as products has been put into practical use. The processing system includes a processing machine, a workpiece transfer robot, and a product discharge device. In front of the processing machine, a carriage for placing the workpieces to be processed by the processing machine is arranged. The workpiece transfer robot holds the workpiece placed on the carriage, transfers it to the processing machine, and transfers the processed workpiece to the product discharge device as a product. The product discharge device discharges the product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The processing system may execute a schedule operation in which a plurality of carriages are arranged in front of the processing machine, a plurality of processing programs are sequentially executed, and the workpiece transfer robot sequentially selects the carriage to which the workpiece to be transferred to the processing machine is placed while continuously processing a plurality of workpieces. There are a plurality of types of carriages with different ways of placing workpieces on the carriages. The plurality of carriages arranged in front of the processing machine may include different types of carriages. When the processing system executes a schedule operation, it is necessary to select one of the plurality of carriages corresponding to the processing program to be executed and correctly place the workpiece on the carriage corresponding to the type of the carriage.

[0005] The operation of selecting a carriage corresponding to such a machining program is complicated and burdensome for the operator. The emergence of a machining schedule setting device that can streamline such operations and reduce the burden on the operator is desired.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] One aspect of one or more embodiments is at least among the information constituting each machining program in a plurality of machining programs for machining a workpiece by a machine tool, which is stored in a machining program data server, the name of each machining program, and the type of carriage among a plurality of types of carriages on which the workpiece before machining by the machine tool is placed, which is set in each machining program. A storage unit for storing carriage type specifying information for specifying the type of carriage, and in response to an operation by an operator, among the plurality of machining programs whose names are stored in the storage unit, a machining program selected from the machining programs is used as a machining program for machining the workpiece in each schedule constituting the machining schedule. A schedule setting unit for setting, and a carriage on which the workpiece to be machined based on the machining program of any schedule set by the schedule setting unit is placed, and carriage selection information for selecting a carriage among a plurality of carriages arranged in front of the machine tool, and corresponding to the carriage selection information, a display control unit for controlling a display unit to display loadability information indicating whether or not a workpiece can be placed on each carriage among the plurality of carriages, and when a carriage on which the workpiece to be machined based on the machining program is placed is selected by the carriage selection information displayed on the display unit, a setup setting unit for setting a setup for associating the machining program with the selected carriage A machining schedule setting device including the above is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the machining schedule setting device according to one or more embodiments, the operation of selecting a carriage of a type corresponding to a machining program can be streamlined, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, a processing schedule setting device according to one or more embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a schematic configuration example of a processing system will be described using FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, a work transfer robot 6 is installed in front of a press brake 1 which is an example of a processing machine. In front of the work transfer robot 6, three carts 9a to 9c are arranged as an example. Any cart that does not specify any one of the carts 9a to 9c will be referred to as cart 9. There may be two or more carts 9. Here, since the press brake 1 is taken as an example of a processing machine, processing means bending processing.

[0010] On the right side of the press brake 1, an automatic die changer 8 is installed. The automatic die changer may be referred to as an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer), and hereinafter, the automatic die changer 8 will be abbreviated as ATC8. In front of the ATC8, a product unloading device 7 is installed. Here, the product unloading device 7 is a belt conveyor. Behind the ATC8, a robot controller 5 for controlling the work transfer robot 6, the product unloading device 7, and the ATC8 is installed.

[0011] Here, the robot controller 5 controls all of the work transfer robot 6, the product unloading device 7, and the ATC8, but the processing system may include individual controllers that individually control the work transfer robot 6, the product unloading device 7, and the ATC8. The controller for controlling the work transfer robot 6 and the product unloading device 7 may be one controller, the controller for controlling the work transfer robot 6 and the ATC8 may be one controller, or the controller for controlling the product unloading device 7 and the ATC8 may be one controller.

[0012] The press brake 1 includes an NC device 11 that controls the press brake 1 (press brake main body 12) and a mechanical terminal 3 connected to the press brake main body 12 by an arm. The NC device 11 and the mechanical terminal 3 are connected by wire and configured to cooperate with each other.

[0013] The press brake 1, the robot controller 5, most parts of the workpiece transfer robot 6, the product unloading device 7, the ATC 8, and the carts 9a to 9c are installed inside the safety fence 100. A part of the product unloading device 7 protrudes outside the safety fence 100. When the processing system is processing the workpiece, the operator cannot enter the inside of the safety fence 100. Typically, the workpiece is a sheet metal having a predetermined thickness. When the processing system is not processing the workpiece, the operator can enter the inside of the safety fence 100 by opening the doors 101 and 102 of the safety fence 100 and can take out the carts 9.

[0014] An operation panel 40 is attached between the columns 103 and 104 provided outside the safety fence 100. An operation terminal 4 is detachably provided on the operation panel 40. The operation terminal 4 can be configured as a tablet terminal. The operation terminal 4 functions as a processing schedule setting device according to one or more embodiments.

[0015] The details of the cart 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. As one type of the cart 9, there is a normal type in which the workpiece is placed so as to straddle the left and right placement surfaces 9L and 9R. As another type of the cart 9, there is a separate type in which the workpieces are separately placed on the left and right placement surfaces 9L and 9R. As shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the carts 9a to 9c shown in FIG. 1 are such that the cart 9a is of the normal type and the carts 9b and 9c are of the separate type. As shown in FIG. 3, as yet another type of the cart 9, there is a comb-tooth type in which comb-tooth members 96 are arranged on the placement surfaces 9L and 9R of the normal-type cart 9.

[0016] In the normal type of carriage 9, the corner of the workpiece is pressed against the corner between the left end face member 91 and the back plate 92 to position the workpiece, and a plurality of workpieces are stacked. In the separate type of carriage 9, the corner of the left workpiece is pressed against the corner between the left end face member 91 and the back plate 92 to position the left workpiece, and a plurality of workpieces are stacked. Further, in the separate type of carriage 9, the corner of the right workpiece is pressed against the corner between the split end face member 94 and the back plate 93 to position the right workpiece, and a plurality of workpieces are stacked. In the comb-tooth type of carriage 9, the workpiece is inserted into the concave portion of the comb-tooth member 96 in a standing state.

[0017] The split end face member 94 mounted between the back plates 92 and 93 in the separate type of carriage 9 is detachable. Therefore, by removing the split end face member 94 of the separate type of carriage 9, it can be made into the normal type of carriage 9. The comb-tooth member 96 in the comb-tooth type of carriage 9 is detachable. Therefore, by removing the comb-tooth member 96 of the comb-tooth type of carriage 9, it can be made into the normal type of carriage 9. The carriage 9 has a handle 95, and the carriage 9 can be pulled out from the inside of the safety fence 100 or entered into the inside of the safety fence 100 by holding the handle 95.

[0018] Using FIG. 4, a specific configuration example of the machine terminal 3 and the operation terminal 4, and the operation of the processing system will be described. The machine terminal 3 is composed of computer equipment and includes a central processing unit (hereinafter, CPU) 31, a storage unit 32, and a wireless transmission / reception unit 33. The storage unit 32 may be a temporary storage unit such as a RAM. Although not shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 1, the machine terminal 3 includes a display unit 34 and an operation unit 35 composed of a plurality of operation buttons. The display unit 34 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel and its drive circuit.

[0019] When the operator operates the operation unit 35, the CPU 31 causes the storage unit 32 to store the type of each of the carriages 9a to 9c. The storage unit 32 stores the types of the initial states of the carriages 9a to 9c, where the carriage 9a is of the normal type and the carriages 9b and 9c are of the separate type.

[0020] The operation terminal 4 is composed of a computer device such as a tablet terminal as described above, and includes a CPU 41, a storage unit 42, a wireless transceiver 43, a display unit 44, an operation unit 45, and a non-transitory storage medium 46. The storage unit 42 may be a temporary storage unit such as a RAM. The display unit 44 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel and its driving circuit. The operation unit 45 may be an operation button or a touch sensor. When the operation unit 45 is a touch sensor, the operation unit 45 is disposed on the upper surface of the display unit 44, and the display unit 44 and the operation unit 45 constitute a so-called touch panel. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the operation unit 45 is a touch sensor, and operating the operation unit 45 means touching the display unit 44. A schedule editing and setup program is stored in the non-transitory storage medium 46. The CPU 41 executes the schedule editing and setup program.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 5, when the CPU 41 executes the schedule editing and setup program, the CPU 41 functions as a control unit having a schedule setting unit 411, a display control unit 412, and a setup setting unit 413 as a functional configuration.

[0022] Returning to FIG. 4, the NC device 11 and the machine terminal 3 of the press brake 1 are wired-connected to the machining program data server 2. The machining program data server 2 is located at a position separated from the machining system, and the NC device 11 and the machine terminal 3 and the machining program data server 2 may be connected by a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The NC device 11 and the robot controller 5 cooperate with each other, the NC device 11 controls the press brake body 12, and the robot controller 5 controls the workpiece transfer robot 6, the product unloading device 7, and the ATC 8. The NC device 11 and the robot controller 5 may be integrated to control the press brake body 12, the workpiece transfer robot 6, the product unloading device 7, and the ATC 8.

[0023] The processing program data server 2 stores one or more processing programs for processing the workpiece by the press brake 1. Suppose the processing program data server 2 stores ten processing programs named "Processing Program 001", "Processing Program 002", "Processing Program 003", …, "Processing Program 010". Here, the names of the processing programs are conceptually shown, and usually names using alphabets and numbers are used.

[0024] The CPU 31 of the machine terminal 3 reads out ten processing programs from the processing program data server 2 and stores them in the storage unit 32. When the CPU 41 of the operation terminal 4 executes the schedule editing and setup program, the CPU 41 acquires various data that is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless transceiver 33 of the machine terminal 3 and wirelessly received by the wireless transceiver 43 of the operation terminal 4. The CPU 41 acquires and stores in the storage unit 42 at least the name of each processing program and the cart type identification information that identifies the type of the cart 9 on which the workpiece before processing should be placed, which is set in each processing program, among the information constituting the ten processing programs stored in the storage unit 32.

[0025] Thereby, the storage unit 42 stores the name of each processing program and the cart type identification information in the ten processing programs stored in the processing program data server 2.

[0026] The CPU 31 generates a loading position guidance image, which will be described later, indicating the loading position of the workpiece on the cart 9 based on the cart type identification information and the shape and size of the workpiece for each processing program. The CPU 41 acquires the loading position guidance image and stores it in the storage unit 42. The CPU 41 may further acquire the plate thickness of the workpiece processed by each processing program among the information constituting each processing program and store it in the storage unit 42.

[0027] The display control unit 412 causes the display unit 44 to display a setup screen 20 as shown in FIG. 6. The setup screen 20 has a machining program display area 21. The display control unit 412 causes the names of 10 machining programs whose names are stored in the storage unit 42 to be displayed in the machining program display area 21. The setup screen 20 has a schedule display screen 22 below the machining program display area 21. Initially, nothing is displayed on the schedule display screen 22.

[0028] The operator operates the operation unit 45 to add, for example, a machining program named "Machining Program 001" to the schedule display screen 22. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the display control unit 412 causes the number 1 and the name "Machining Program 001" to be indicated as the first schedule in one or more machining schedules within the schedule display screen 22. Further, the display control unit 412 causes a machining quantity setting column 23, a cart setting column 24, and a check column 25 to be displayed corresponding to the first schedule. As an example, if the name of the machining program is dragged into the schedule display screen 22, the machining program can be added to the schedule display screen 22 as a schedule.

[0029] The display control unit 412 causes cart display columns 29a to 29c corresponding to carts 9a to 9c arranged in front of the work transfer robot 6 to be displayed above the cart setting column 24. Since the cart 9a is of the normal type and the carts 9b and 9c are of the separate type as described above, the cart display column 29a is marked with an N indicating the normal type, and the cart display columns 29b and 29c are marked with an S indicating the separate type. Illustrations indicating that the carts are of the normal type or the separate type may be displayed in the cart display columns 29a to 29c.

[0030] When the name of the machining program is added to the schedule display screen 22, the schedule setting unit 411 sets the machining program with the added name as one of the schedules constituting the machining schedule and stores it in the storage unit 42.

[0031] The operator operates the operation unit 45 to input the number of workpieces to be processed into the workpiece number setting column 23. In the example shown in FIG. 7, 10 is input as the number of workpieces to be processed. The carriage setting column 24 that spans the entire width of the carriage display columns 29a to 29c indicates a state where none of the carriages 9a to 9c is selected. The carriage type specific information set in the machining program No. 1 is of the normal type, and the letter N is displayed in the carriage setting column 24.

[0032] When the operator touches, for example, the carriage setting column 24, the display control unit 412 causes the display unit 44 to display a carriage setting screen 30 as shown in FIG. 8. The carriage setting screen 30 may be displayed within the setup screen 20, may be displayed in place of the setup screen 20, or may be displayed at a position different from the setup screen 20. The carriage setting screen 30 is a screen for selecting a carriage 9 on which a workpiece to be machined based on any one of the machining programs set by the schedule setting unit 411 for the press brake 1 is placed.

[0033] Since the carriage type specific information set in the machining program No. 1 is of the normal type, the normal carriage is indicated on the carriage setting screen 30. The carriage setting screen 30 includes a selection unit 39a composed of sections marked with numbers 1 and 2 for selecting the carriage 9a, a selection unit 39b composed of sections marked with numbers 3 and 4 for selecting the carriage 9b, and a selection unit 39c composed of sections marked with numbers 5 and 6 for selecting the carriage 9c. The selection units 39a to 39c are an example of carriage selection information for selecting a carriage 9 among a plurality of carriages 9 arranged in front of the press brake 1.

[0034] The sections with numbers arranged side by side in the selection units 39a to 39c correspond to the left and right mounting surfaces 9L and 9R of the carriage 9. In the normal type carriage 9, since the workpiece is placed so as to span the left and right mounting surfaces 9L and 9R, only the sections marked with numbers 1, 3, and 5 corresponding to the left mounting surface 9L can be selected.

[0035] Above the sections marked with the numbers 1, 3, and 5 of the selection units 39a to 39c respectively, identification marks 301, 303, and 305 are displayed. The type currently set for the carriage 9a, which is the normal type, matches the type of the carriage 9 specified by the carriage type specifying information in the machining program. Also, no workpiece placement is assigned to the carriage 9a. Therefore, the identification mark 301 is colored to indicate that the type of the carriage 9a matches the type indicated by the carriage type specifying information, and it is in a placeable state where no workpiece placement is assigned but workpiece placement is possible. The color in the placeable state is, for example, green.

[0036] The types currently set for the carriages 9b and 9c are the separate type and do not match the type of the carriage 9 specified by the carriage type specifying information. No workpiece placement is assigned to the carriages 9b and 9c. The identification marks 303 and 305 are colored to indicate a non-matching state where, although no workpiece placement is assigned, the types of the carriages 9b and 9c do not match the type indicated by the carriage type specifying information. The color in the non-matching state is, for example, yellow.

[0037] When the operator touches the section marked with the number 1 of the selection unit 39a and then touches the decision button 308 to select the carriage 9a, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control unit 412 divides the carriage setting column 24 into the carriage setting columns 24a to 24c corresponding to the carriages 9a to 9c respectively, and causes "N1" to be displayed in the carriage setting column 24a. If the operator touches the cancel button 307, the carriage setting screen 30 is erased. If the carriage setting columns 24b and 24c are of the first color, the carriage setting column 24a displaying "N1" is preferably of a second color different from the first color. The second color indicates that the carriage 9 is being reserved. The numbers 1 to 6 below the carriage display columns 29a to 29c correspond to the numbers 1 to 6 on the carriage setting screen 30.

[0038] The setup configuration unit 413 sets up the setup that associates the machining program currently set as the schedule with the selected carriage 9a, and stores it in the storage unit 42. The setup means, at least, setting the carriage 9 on which the workpiece is placed when the press brake 1 processes the workpiece based on each machining program. Here, the carriage 9 on which the workpiece is placed is set, and the number of workpieces processed based on each machining program (that is, the number of workpieces placed on the carriage 9) is defined as the setup.

[0039] The carriage setting column 24a corresponding to the carriage 9a is displayed as N1, and the carriage setting columns 24b and 24c corresponding to the carriages 9b and 9c are left blank. Furthermore, the carriage setting column 24a has a different color from the carriage setting columns 24b and 24c. The schedule display screen 22 associates the name of the machining program set as one schedule in the machining schedule with information indicating the distinction between the selected carriage 9 and the non-selected carriage 9 among the carriages 9a to 9c. Therefore, the operator can easily recognize the carriage 9 used in each schedule and its type by looking at the schedule display screen 22.

[0040] As described above, according to the machining schedule setting device according to one or more embodiments, the operation of selecting the type of carriage 9 corresponding to the machining program can be made more efficient, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

[0041] When the operator performs a predetermined operation to display the loading position guidance image of the workpiece for the carriage 9a, the display control unit 412 causes the display unit 44 to display a guidance screen 50 as shown in FIG. 10. Inside the guidance screen 50, a schematic plan view 59a of the carriage 9a seen from above and a loading position guidance image 51a including a workpiece image 5Wa showing a state where the corner of the workpiece is pressed against the corner of the left end face member 91 and the back plate 92 and the workpiece is positioned are displayed within the plan view 59a. The guidance screen 50 may be displayed within the setup configuration screen 20, may be displayed instead of the setup configuration screen 20, or may be displayed at a position different from the setup configuration screen 20.

[0042] The operator can load the workpiece onto the cart 9a at the correct position by referring to the loading position guidance image 51a shown in FIG. 10. Since the operator can hold the operation terminal 4 by hand, approach the cart 9a, and load the workpiece onto the cart 9a while looking at the guidance screen 50 displayed on the operation terminal 4, it is easy to place the workpiece on the cart 9a.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11, when the operator loads 10 workpieces onto the cart 9a and checks the check box 25, the CPU 41 is input with the fact that the placement of the workpiece on the cart 9a has been completed. The display control unit 412 changes the color of the cart setting column 24a from the second color to the third color. The third color indicates that the workpiece has been loaded onto the cart 9. By causing the display control unit 412 to change the colors of the cart setting column 24a and other cart setting columns before and after the completion of the placement of the workpiece, the operator can easily recognize whether the placement of the workpiece has been completed.

[0044] FIG. 11 shows a state in which the operator operates the operation unit 45 to add, for example, a processing program named "processing program 002" to the schedule display screen 22. The display control unit 412 causes the number 2 and the name "processing program 002" to be displayed in contact with the first schedule below the first schedule as the second schedule in one or more processing schedules within the schedule display screen 22. Further, the display control unit 412 causes the processing quantity setting column 23, the cart setting column 24, and the check box 25 to be displayed corresponding to the second schedule.

[0045] Also in the second schedule, when the name of the processing program is added to the schedule display screen 22, the schedule setting unit 411 sets the processing program with the added name as one of the schedules constituting the processing schedule and stores it in the storage unit 42.

[0046] The operator operates the operation unit 45 and enters the number of processed sheets in the processed sheet number setting field 23 for the second schedule. In the example shown in FIG. 11, 12 is entered as the number of processed sheets. Assume that the cart type identification information set in the machining program No. 2 is also of the normal type. Therefore, an N is displayed in the cart setting field 24 that spans the entire width of the cart display fields 29a to 29c.

[0047] When the operator touches, for example, the cart setting field 24, the display control unit 412 causes the display unit 44 to display a cart setting screen 30 as shown in FIG. 12. Since the cart type identification information set in the machining program No. 2 is of the normal type, it is denoted as a normal cart on the cart setting screen 30. Since the placement of the workpiece has already been assigned to the cart 9a, the identification mark 301 is colored to indicate that the placement of the workpiece has been assigned and is in the assigned state. The color when in the assigned state is, for example, red.

[0048] The identification marks 301, 303, and 305 indicate the loadability information indicating whether a workpiece can be placed on each of the plurality of carts 9 corresponding to the cart selection information. The display control unit 412 controls the display unit 44 to select and display any one of the loadable state, the inconsistent state, and the assigned state as the loadability information.

[0049] The loadable state is a state in which the type of the cart currently set for each cart 9 matches the type of the cart 9 specified by the cart type identification information in the machining program, and the placement of the workpiece has not been assigned and the workpiece can be placed. The inconsistent state is a state in which, although the placement of the workpiece has not been assigned, the type of the cart 9 currently set for each cart 9 does not match the type of the cart 9 specified by the cart type identification information in the machining program. Since the types of the carts 9 do not match each other in the inconsistent state, it indicates that the workpiece cannot be placed as the type of the currently set cart 9. The assigned state is a state in which the placement of the workpiece has been assigned, indicating that the workpiece cannot be placed.

[0050] Also in FIG. 12, although the placement of the work is not assigned to the identification marks 303 and 305, they are colored (yellow) to indicate a mismatch state where the types of the carts 9b and 9c do not match the type indicated by the cart type specifying information. In such a case, as described above, since the separate type cart 9 can be made into the normal type cart 9 by removing the split end face member 94 of the cart 9, the operator can, for example, change the separate type cart 9b to the normal type and load the work.

[0051] When the operator touches the section with the number 3 of the selection unit 39a and touches the determination button 308 to select the cart 9b, as shown in FIG. 13, the display control unit 412 divides the cart setting column 24 into cart setting columns 24a to 24c that are corresponding sections for the carts 9a to 9c, respectively, and causes N3 to be displayed in the cart setting column 24b. The setup setting unit 413 sets a setup that associates the machining program currently set as the schedule with the selected cart 9b, and stores it in the storage unit 42.

[0052] The operator changes the separate type cart 9b to the normal type, causes the display unit 44 to display a guidance screen 50 similar to that in FIG. 10, looks at a loading position guidance image similar to the loading position guidance image 51a in FIG. 10, and loads the work on the cart 9b. In FIG. 13, when the operator loads 12 workpieces on the cart 9a and checks the check box 25, the display control unit 412 changes the color of the cart setting column 24b from the second color to the third color. At this time, the display control unit 412 changes the S indicating the separate type, which was displayed in the cart display column 29b, to N indicating the normal type and displays it.

[0053] The CPU 41 notifies the CPU 31 via the wireless transceiver units 43 and 33 that the cart 9b has been changed to the normal type. Thereby, the CPU 31 changes the type of the cart 9b stored in the storage unit 32 to the normal type. Therefore, the types of the carts 9a to 9c stored in the storage unit 32 are rewritten to the latest state.

[0054] Figure 14 shows a state where an operator operates the operation unit 45 to add a machining program named, for example, "Machining Program 003" to the schedule display screen 22. The display control unit 412 causes the number 3 and the name "Machining Program 003" to be displayed in a state of being in contact with the second schedule below the second schedule as the third schedule in one or more machining schedules within the schedule display screen 22. Further, the display control unit 412 causes the machining quantity setting column 23, the carriage setting column 24, and the check column 25 to be displayed corresponding to the third schedule.

[0055] Also in the third schedule, when the name of the machining program is added within the schedule display screen 22, the schedule setting unit 411 sets the machining program with the added name as one schedule constituting the machining schedule and stores it in the storage unit 42.

[0056] The operator operates the operation unit 45 to input the machining quantity into the machining quantity setting column 23 of the third schedule. In the example shown in FIG. 11, 40 is input as the machining quantity. It is assumed that the carriage type identification information set in the machining program No. 3 is of the separate type. Therefore, an S is displayed in the carriage setting column 24 that spans the entire width of the carriage display columns 29a to 29c.

[0057] When the operator touches, for example, the carriage setting column 24, the display control unit 412 causes the carriage setting screen 30 as shown in FIG. 15 to be displayed on the display unit 44. Since the carriage type identification information set in the machining program No. 3 is of the separate type, the carriage setting screen 30 is labeled as a separate carriage. Since the placement of the work has already been assigned to the carriages 9a and 9b, the identification marks 301 and 303 are colored (red) to indicate the assigned state.

[0058] The cart type identification information set in the machining program No. 3 is of the separate type, and since the cart 9c is of the separate type, not only the section marked with the number 5 but also the section marked with the number 6 can be selected. The identification mark 305 is a color (green) indicating that the type of the cart 9c matches the type indicated by the cart type identification information, and that it is in a mountable state where no workpiece is assigned to be mounted and it is possible to mount a workpiece.

[0059] When the operator touches the section marked with the number 5 of the selection unit 39a and then touches the decision button 308, the left mounting surface 9L of the cart 9c is selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the display control unit 412 divides the cart setting column 24 into cart setting columns 24a to 24c that are corresponding sections for the carts 9a to 9c respectively, and further divides the cart setting column 24c into a left mounting surface setting column 24c5 and a right mounting surface setting column 24c6. The display control unit 412 causes "S5" to be displayed in the left mounting surface setting column 24c5.

[0060] The CPU 41 determines that it is not possible to stack 40 workpieces only on the left mounting surface 9L or only on the right mounting surface 9R of the cart 9c based on the plate thickness of the workpiece and the number of workpieces to be machined in the third schedule (here, 40 pieces). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the display control unit 412 displays the third schedule in two stages. In the same manner as when the operator selects the left mounting surface 9L of the cart 9c, the display unit 44 is caused to display the cart setting screen 30, the operator touches the section marked with the number 6, and then touches the decision button 308 to select the right mounting surface 9R of the cart 9c. Thereby, the display control unit 412 causes "S6" to be displayed in the right mounting surface setting column 24c6 of the second stage.

[0061] When an operator performs a predetermined operation to display a work loading position guidance image for the carriage 9c, the display control unit 412 causes the display unit 44 to display a guidance screen 50 as shown in FIG. 17. Inside the guidance screen 50, there is a schematic plan view 59c of the carriage 9c seen from above, and a work image 5Wc showing a state where the corners of the work are pressed against the corners of the left end face member 91 and the back plate 92, and the corners of the divided end face member 94 and the back plate 93 within the plan view 59c, and the work is positioned. The operator can load the work at the correct positions on the left mounting surface 9L and the right mounting surface 9R of the carriage 9c by looking at the loading position guidance image 51c shown in FIG. 17.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 18, when the operator loads 40 workpieces on the carriage 9c and checks the two - stage check box 25, the CPU 41 is input with the fact that the placement of the work on the carriage 9c is completed. The display control unit 412 changes the colors of the left mounting surface setting column 24c5 and the right mounting surface setting column 24c6 from the second color to the third color.

[0063] FIG. 18 shows a state where the operator operates the operation unit 45 to add a machining program named, for example, "machining program 004" as the fourth schedule and a machining program named, for example, "machining program 005" as the fifth schedule to the schedule display screen 22. Assume that the machining schedule for the workpieces placed on the carriages 9a to 9c by the press brake 1 is five schedules from the first to the fifth. In the fourth and fifth schedules, only the carriages 9a and 9b are selected respectively, and the carriage setting columns 24a and 24b are in the second color.

[0064] When an operator touches the decision button 26 provided in the schedule display screen 22, the CPU 41 controls the wireless transceiver 43 to wirelessly transmit to the machine terminal 3 the schedule information indicating the processing schedule consisting of the first to fifth schedules stored in the storage unit 42 and the setup information indicating the setup corresponding to each schedule. The wireless transceiver 33 wirelessly receives the schedule information and the setup information, and the CPU 32 stores the schedule information and the setup information in the storage unit 32. The CPU 32 updates five processing programs from "processing program 001" to "processing program 005" among the 10 processing programs stored in the storage unit 32.

[0065] The machine terminal 3 commands the NC device 11 to sequentially process the workpieces placed on the carts 9a to 9c with the five updated processing programs according to the processing schedule indicated by the schedule information. The robot controller 5 controls the workpiece transfer robot 6 according to the processing program to transfer the workpiece placed on any of the carts 9a to 9c to the press brake body 12, and the NC device 11 processes the workpiece according to the processing program. The robot controller 5 controls the workpiece transfer robot 6 to carry out the processed workpiece to the product unloading device 7 according to the processing program. The robot controller 5 controls the ATC 8 to automatically exchange the mold consisting of the punch and the die used in the press brake body 12 according to the processing program.

[0066] Figures 19 and 20 show an example of a schedule list screen 60 that includes a list of processing schedules to be displayed on the display unit 44 in response to a predetermined operation by an operator. The schedule list screen 60 includes the same information as the schedule display screen 22 on the setup screen 20. The schedule list screen 60 includes the names of the machining programs set as the first to fifth schedules. The carriage display columns 69a to 69c correspond to the carriage display columns 29a to 29c of the schedule display screen 22. The carriage setting columns 64a and 64b, the left placement surface setting column 64c5, and the right placement surface setting column 64c6 correspond to the carriage setting columns 24a and 24b, the left placement surface setting column 24c5, and the right placement surface setting column 24c6 of the schedule display screen 22, respectively.

[0067] The wireless transmission / reception unit 43 of the operation terminal 4 receives at any time the progress status of the machining of the workpiece by the press brake 1 from the wireless transmission / reception unit 33 of the machine terminal 3. Therefore, the CPU 41 can recognize the progress status of the machining of the workpiece by the press brake 1. Figures 19 and 20 show a state in which the NC device 11 controls the press brake main body 12 to start machining the workpiece with a machining program named "machining program 001". The display control unit 412 changes the color of the carriage setting column 64a in the machining program named "machining program 001" from the third color to the fourth color. The fourth color indicates that the workpiece is being machined.

[0068] By the display control unit 412 making the colors of the carriage setting column 64a and other carriage setting columns different depending on whether the workpiece is being machined, the operator can easily recognize the progress status of the machining of the workpiece.

[0069] The schedule list screen 60 includes a legend 65 showing the definitions of the second to fourth colors. The schedule list screen 60 also includes a carriage display button 66a for displaying the set carriage 9 in the carriage setting columns 64a and 64b, the left placement surface setting column 64c5, and the right placement surface setting column 64c6, and an end time display button 66b for displaying the scheduled machining end time instead of the set carriage 9.

[0070] Figure 19 shows a state in which an operator touches the carriage display button 66a, and the set carriage 9 is displayed in the carriage setting columns 64a and 64b, the left placement surface setting column 64c5, and the right placement surface setting column 64c6. When the operator touches the end time display button 66b, as shown in Figure 20, the display control unit 412 displays the scheduled processing end time for each schedule calculated by the NC device 11 and transmitted from the machine terminal 3 in the carriage setting columns 64a and 64b, the left placement surface setting column 64c5, and the right placement surface setting column 64c6. Since the operator knows the scheduled processing end time, it is possible to leave the processing system and perform other work. In addition to the scheduled processing end time, the scheduled processing time may be displayed.

[0071] In Figure 18, five schedules from the first to the fifth are set, and the processing schedule is determined by touching the determination button 26, but the timing for determining the processing schedule is arbitrary. After the processing schedule is once determined, it is possible to add a schedule.

[0072] An example of a series of processes for selecting one or more processing programs as a schedule and starting the processing of a workpiece by the press brake 1 will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. In FIG. 21A, when the processing of the processing system is started, the machine terminal 3 sets to be able to receive data from the operation terminal 4 in step S10. The operator adds the processing program set in the processing schedule to the schedule display screen 22 by the operation terminal 4 in step S11. The operation terminal 4 displays the setup screen 20 on the display unit 44 in step S12. The operator inputs the number of processed sheets in step S13.

[0073] In step S14, the operation terminal 4 displays the carriage setting screen 30 on the display unit 44 in response to a predetermined operation by the operator. In step S15, the operator selects and determines the carriage 9. In step S16, the operator places the workpiece on the carriage 9 while looking at the loading position guidance image. When the placement of the workpiece on the carriage 9 is completed, in step S17, the operator inputs the completion of the placement by checking the check box 25.

[0074] Steps S21 to S27 are the same as steps S11 to S17. After step S27, the placement of the workpiece on two carriages 9, for example, carriages 9a and 9b among carriages 9a to 9c, is completed. In step S31, the operator carries out of the safety fence 100 the carriage 9c, which is the unloaded carriage 9, and closes the doors 101 and 102. In step S32, the operator temporarily finalizes the processing schedule by touching the determination button 26. In step S33, the operation terminal 4 transmits the processing schedule to the machine terminal 3. In step S34, the machine terminal 3 receives the processing schedule and commands the NC device 11 to start processing the workpiece. After step S34, the press brake 1 processes the workpiece according to the control by the NC device 11.

[0075] In FIG. 21B, in step S41, the operator adds the processing program set in the processing schedule by the operation terminal 4 to the schedule display screen 22. In step S42, the operation terminal 4 displays the setup screen 20 on the display unit 44. In step S43, the operator inputs the number of processed pieces. In step S44, the operation terminal 4 displays the carriage setting screen 30 on the display unit 44. In step S45, the operator selects and determines the carriage 9 (here, the carriage 9c). In step S46, the operator places the workpiece on the carriage 9c while looking at the loading position guidance image.

[0076] When the placement of the workpiece on the carriage 9 is completed, the operator operates a cycle stop button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 44 of the operation terminal 4 in step S51 to enable cycle stop. The machine terminal 3 commands the NC device 11 to stop the processing when the processing of the currently processed workpiece is completed in step S52. As a result, the press brake 1 temporarily stops the processing of the workpiece when the processing of the currently processed workpiece is completed. The operator operates the cycle stop button in step S53 to disable cycle stop. This is to prevent the processing of the workpiece from being stopped after the processing of the next workpiece.

[0077] In step S54, the operator opens the doors 101 and 102, carries the carriage 9c on which the workpiece has been placed into the safety fence 100, and closes the doors 101 and 102. In step S55, the operator inputs the completion of the placement by checking the check box 25. In step S56, the operator touches the decision button 26 to confirm the processing schedule. The operation terminal 4 transmits the processing schedule to the machine terminal 3 in step S57. In step S58, the operator presses the processing start button 401 provided on the operation panel 40. When the press brake 1 temporarily stops the processing after starting the processing, it is set to resume the processing by the operator pressing the processing start button 401.

[0078] In step S59, the operator operates the end time display button 66b to display the scheduled processing end time on the schedule list screen 60 and confirm the scheduled processing end time of each schedule. In step S60, the operator leaves the processing system to perform other work as needed. In step S70, the operator repeats the addition of the processing program as a schedule, the unloading of the carriage 9, the placement of the workpiece on the carriage 9, and the loading of the carriage 9 as needed to complete the processing of the workpiece according to the processing schedule and end the process.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the one or more embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0080] 1 Press brake 2 Processing program data server 3 Machine terminal 4 Operation terminal 5 Robot controller 6 Work transfer robot 7 Product unloading device 8 Automatic die changer 9a~9c Carts 11 NC device 12 Press brake body 31,41 Central processing unit 32,42 Storage unit 33,43 Wireless transceiver 34,44 Display unit 35,45 Operation unit 40 Control panel 46 Non-transitory storage medium 100 Safety fence 101,102 Doors 401 Processing start button 411 Schedule setting unit 412 Display control unit 413 Setup setting unit

Claims

1. Among the information constituting each of a plurality of machining programs for machining a workpiece by a machine tool, which are stored in a machining program data server, at least the name of each of the machining programs and the trolley type specifying information for specifying the type of trolley among a plurality of types of trolleys on which the workpiece before machining by the machine tool is placed, which is set in each of the machining programs, are stored in a storage unit; a schedule setting unit that, in response to an operation by an operator, sets, as a machining program for machining a workpiece in each schedule constituting a machining schedule, a machining program selected from among the plurality of machining programs whose names are stored in the storage unit; a display control unit that controls a display unit to display, for a trolley on which a workpiece to be machined based on a machining program of any one of the schedules set by the schedule setting unit is placed, trolley selection information for selecting a trolley among a plurality of trolleys arranged in front of the machine tool, and loading availability information indicating whether or not a workpiece can be placed on each of the plurality of trolleys corresponding to the trolley selection information; a setup setting unit that sets a setup for associating the machining program with the selected trolley when the trolley on which the workpiece to be machined based on the machining program is placed is selected by the trolley selection information displayed on the display unit; A machining schedule setting device comprising the above.

2. The machining schedule setting device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit to display, on the display unit, a schedule display screen in which the name of the machining program set as the schedule is associated with information for distinguishing between the selected trolley and the non-selected trolleys among the plurality of trolleys.

3. The display control unit displays, in the schedule display screen, a section for each trolley among the plurality of trolleys for each name of the machining program, and sets the color of the section of the selected trolley to a second color different from a first color of the section of the non-selected trolley; controls the display unit so that, when the completion of loading a workpiece onto the selected trolley is input, the color of the section of the selected trolley becomes a third color different from the second color. The machining schedule setting device according to claim 2.

4. From a machine terminal connected to an NC device that controls the processing machine, the name of each processing program and the carriage type identification information set in each processing program are received wirelessly, and schedule information indicating the processing schedule set by the schedule setting unit and setup information indicating the setup set by the setup setting unit are wirelessly transmitted to the machine terminal. The machine terminal commands the NC device to process a workpiece placed on a carriage indicated by the setup information according to the processing schedule based on the schedule information. The wireless transceiver receives from the machine terminal the progress status of the processing of the workpiece by the processing machine. When the wireless transceiver receives that the processing machine is processing the workpiece according to any schedule in the processing schedule, the display control unit controls the display unit to set the color of the section of the carriage corresponding to the schedule being processed to a fourth color different from the first to third colors. The processing schedule setting device according to claim 3.

5. The wireless transceiver receives from the machine terminal the scheduled processing end time for each schedule in the processing schedule calculated by the NC device. When an operation to display the scheduled processing end time for each schedule is performed, the display control unit controls the display unit to display the scheduled processing end time within the section of the selected carriage on the schedule display screen. The processing schedule setting device according to claim 4.

6. The display control unit As the loading availability information, A loadable state in which the type of carriage currently set for each carriage matches the type of carriage specified by the carriage type identification information in the processing program, and no workpiece placement has been assigned and it is possible to place a workpiece; A non-matching state in which no workpiece placement has been assigned, but the type of carriage currently set for each carriage does not match the type of carriage specified by the carriage type identification information in the processing program; An assigned state in which workpiece placement has already been assigned; The display unit is controlled to select and display any one of them. The processing schedule setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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