Method and system for starting a machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (200), comprising a machine (220), in particular a machine tool having a safety zone (250), a sensor system (260), a control device (210), and a warning signal output device (240), wherein the control device (210) is configured to output a warning signal (235) via the warning signal output device (240) after receiving a start signal (205), to monitor the safety zone (250) using the sensor system (260), and to start the machine (220) after a predetermined delay time (215), and the control device (210) is configured to abort the start of the machine (220) if a danger is detected by the sensor system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for starting a machine, in particular a machine tool.

[0002] The invention also relates to a system for starting a machine, in particular a machine tool.

[0003] Machines, and in particular machine tools, often pose a danger to people during use, for example, moving parts of the machine may crush a person's body parts or laser beams may injure a person.

[0004] EP3865257A1 describes a method for monitoring and controlling an automated technical work system working together with a person.

[0005] When operating machinery that is not operated with people, less complex supervision is required. However, when starting the machine, a check should be carried out to ensure that no one is in the safety zone.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a system as mentioned at the beginning and a method as mentioned at the beginning, which improve the level of safety when starting a machine.

[0007] The object according to the invention is achieved by a method for starting a machine, in particular a machine tool, wherein at least one start signal is received, at least one acoustic and / or visual warning signal is output after the start signal is received, at least one safety zone of the machine is monitored by at least one sensor system, the machine is started at the earliest after a predetermined delay time after the start signal is received, and if a danger is detected by the sensor system, the starting of the machine is aborted.

[0008] The safety zone must be free of personnel when the machine is in use. This means that no personnel should be present within the safety zone when the machine is in use. The presence of personnel in the safety zone represents a potential danger not only to the personnel but also to the machine. A machine tool may be, for example, a laser cutting machine, a laser welding machine, a punching machine, or a bending machine. It is understood that a machine also includes automation devices belonging to the machine and some storage systems connected to the machine. It should be noted that monitoring of the safety zone does not need to be complete. In particular, there may be areas inside or under the machine where personnel may be present but not detected by the sensor system. The process is designed so that a warning signal prompts personnel in such locations to leave these locations within a delay time and move into an area monitored by the sensor system to abort the machine start.

[0009] The term "machine start" is used to refer to the initiation of a dangerous situation. For example, the movement of a machine part can cause a dangerous situation. An alternative example of initiating a dangerous situation is switching on or emitting a laser beam into a safety zone.

[0010] The acoustic and / or visual warning signal will startle anyone who may be within the safety zone but not be detected by the sensor system. This will motivate the person to trigger the sensor system, allowing the person to be detected by the startle reaction caused by their involuntary movement. The warning signal is preferably output in the immediate vicinity of the machine. This means that the warning signal can be recognized as belonging to this machine and cannot be mistaken for a warning signal from another machine.

[0011] In this way, the present invention makes it possible to increase the safety of machines. The sensor system can detect people within the safety zone. The warning signal can be used, for example, to startle a sleeping person or to prompt a person in a location that is difficult or inaccessible to the sensor system to trigger the sensor system, thereby improving person detection. This significantly reduces the chances of a person being injured by the machine. This procedure makes it possible to remotely trigger the start of the machine, since the delay time allows time for a person who cannot be detected by the sensor system to trigger the sensor system after the warning signal.

[0012] The delay time is preferably adapted to the specific machine and / or situation. For example, a large machine with many locations not visible to the sensor system may have a longer delay time than a machine where the entire safety zone is monitored by the sensor system. The delay time may also depend on which areas or parts of the machine move during startup or otherwise create a dangerous situation. For example, the delay time may be longer for faster moving parts of the machine than for slower moving parts, as faster moving parts generally pose a greater hazard. By adjusting the delay time, the delay time lasts for only the amount of time necessary to achieve improved safety, thereby increasing the productivity of the machine.

[0013] The delay time is preferably at least one second long, to ensure that the sensor system can detect a person and abort the machine start.

[0014] Preferably, the delay time after activation of the warning signal output is at least 1 second, which ensures that the warning signal can be effective and the machine startup can be stopped.

[0015] The warning signal is preferably output for at least one second, which ensures that anyone in the safety zone hears the warning signal.

[0016] The sensor system preferably includes a radar sensor, which is particularly well suited for monitoring safety zones because it is particularly good at detecting motion, which is a particularly good way to detect people.

[0017] The radar sensor is particularly preferably configured to detect minute movements. Radar sensors configured to detect minute movements are used, for example, in hospitals to monitor the breathing of patients. By using a radar sensor configured to detect minute movements and monitor safety zones, it is possible to detect unconscious people, for example, by their breathing movements. This makes it possible to detect people who are not startled by the warning signal.

[0018] Preferably, the sensor system comprises a light barrier, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor and / or a lidar sensor, which are particularly suitable for detecting people in the safety zone.

[0019] The sensor system preferably comprises several, preferably different, sensors. Using multiple sensors allows for improved coverage of the safety zone. Using different sensors allows for improved detection, taking advantage of the different advantages of the sensors. Overall, the monitoring of the safety zone is significantly improved.

[0020] Preferably, movement within the safety zone during the delay time is detected as a danger. Machine movement is preferably only permitted after the machine has started. Thus, movement during the delay time represents a danger and causes the machine to abort starting.

[0021] The start signal is preferably received via a network, in particular the Internet. The procedure allows starting the machine remotely via the network. The procedure means that you do not need to be present at the machine to start it, while ensuring safety in the safety zone.

[0022] The warning signal is preferably output acoustically as a siren and / or a voice message. Sirens are widely known as warning signals, so the warning effect is intuitive. Voice messages can be used to draw attention to specific dangers and / or specific danger locations, so that the warning signal is not ignored as unimportant.

[0023] Preferably, the warning signal comprises a flashing light and / or a visual marking, in particular a visual marking of a safety zone, which clearly highlights the safety zone where no one is allowed.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising a machine, in particular a machine tool having a safety zone, a sensor system, a control device and a warning signal output device, wherein the control device is configured to output a warning signal via the warning signal output device after receiving a start signal, to monitor the safety zone using the sensor system and to start the machine after a predetermined delay time, and wherein the control device is configured to abort the start of the machine if a danger is detected by the sensor system.

[0025] The sensor system preferably comprises a radar sensor, in particular a radar sensor configured to detect minute movements, communicatively connected to the control device, the radar sensor designed and configured to detect movements of at least a portion of the safety zone.

[0026] Preferably, the sensor system comprises a light barrier, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and / or a lidar sensor.

[0027] The warning signal output device is preferably located in the immediate vicinity of the machine.

[0028] The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the process sequence. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the system.

[0030] The same elements or elements with equivalent functions are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0031] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a process sequence 100. The method is described below in relation to the schematic diagram of a system 200 in FIG.

[0032] In a first step 110, an initiation signal 205 is received. The initiation signal 205 is received by a control device 210 of the machine 220. The control device 210 may be part of the machine 220 or may be communicatively coupled to the machine 220 as shown in FIG.

[0033] The initiation signal 205 can be transmitted to the controlling device 210, for example, from a remote master computer 230. The master computer 230 can be connected to the controlling device 210 via a network 215, particularly the Internet. As shown in Figure 2, the master computer 230 can automatically send the initiation signal 205 to the controlling device 210 based on a program sequence, or an operator 280 can initiate the sending of the initiation signal 205.

[0034] In a second step 120, a warning signal 235 is output. One or more warning signal output devices 240 are provided for outputting the warning signal 235. In FIG. 2, an audible warning signal output device 240a and a visual warning signal output device 240b are shown. The warning signal output devices 240 are connected to the control device 210. The warning signal 235 is sent by the control device 210 to the warning signal output device 240 and output by the warning signal output device 240. In this embodiment, the audible warning signal output device 240a is a bell that outputs a warning sound in the immediate vicinity of the machine. In this embodiment, the visual warning signal output device 240b is a lighted strip. The lighted strip defines a safety zone 250. The warning sound and the illumination of the lighted strip notify the person 270 that the machine 220 is about to start and that the person 270 should not enter the safety zone 250.

[0035] In a third step 130, the control device 210 waits a predetermined delay time 215 before starting the machine 220. During the predetermined delay time 215, the safety zone 250 is monitored by a sensor system 260. In this embodiment, the sensor system 260 comprises a radar sensor 260a and, additionally, a camera 260b. The sensor system 260 is connected to the control device 210. The radar sensor 260a is designed to detect minute movements. Using the radar sensor 260a, the control device 210 can detect an unconscious person 270 within the safety zone 250. The camera 260b captures an image of the safety zone 250, and the control device 210 can use image recognition to detect the person 270 or other dangers within the safety zone 250.

[0036] In a fourth step 140, the control device 210 checks whether a risk has been detected. The data recorded by the sensor systems 260 can be evaluated by the respective sensor systems and information regarding whether a risk has been detected can be transmitted by the sensor systems to the control device 210. Preferably, the data recorded by the sensor systems 260 is transmitted to the control device 210, which evaluates the data recorded by the sensor systems 260. The evaluation of the data by the control device 210 is advantageous as data from different sensor systems can be evaluated together, which can improve risk detection.

[0037] In a fifth step 150, after a predetermined delay time 215, the machine 220 is started 150a if no risk is detected, or the start is aborted 150b if a risk is detected. Thus, the machine 220 is started at the earliest after the predetermined delay time 215 has elapsed and only if no risk, in particular a person 270, has been detected in the safety zone 250. In this example, the person 270 is located within the safety zone 250. The person 270 within the safety zone 250 is detected by the control device 210 by the sensor system 260 during the predetermined delay time 215, and the start of the machine is aborted.

[0038] In an optional sixth step 160, the results of the method 100 are output. In this example, the control device 210 sends the results, in this example an abort of the start-up process, to the master computer 230. The master computer 230 can decide to start a new start-up process by sending a new start signal 205 to the control device 210 or by notifying the operator 280. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 100 Process Sequences 110 First Step 120 Second Step 130 Third Step 140 Fourth Step 150 The Fifth Step 150a Machine Start 150b Aborted start 160 Sixth Step 200 systems 205 Starting Signal 210 Control Device 215 Network 220 Machinery 225 Delay Time 230 Master Computer 235 Warning Signal 240 Warning signal output device 240a Bell 240b lighted strip 250 Safe Zone 260 Sensor System 260a radar sensor 260b camera 270 people 280 Operator

Claims

1. A method (100) for starting a machine (220), in particular a machine tool, wherein at least one start signal is received (110), at least one acoustic and / or visual warning signal (235) is output (120) after the start signal (205) is received, at least one safety zone (250) of the machine (220) is monitored by at least one sensor system (260), the machine (220) is started (150a) at the earliest after a predetermined delay time (215) after the start signal (205) is received, and the starting of the machine is aborted (150b) if a danger is detected by the sensor system (260).

2. The method (100) of claim 1, wherein the delay time (215) is adapted in a machine-specific and / or situation-specific manner.

3. The method (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor system (260) comprises a radar sensor (260a).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the radar sensor is configured to detect minute movements.

5. The method (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor system (260) comprises a light barrier, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera (260b), an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and / or a lidar sensor.

6. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor system (260) comprises several, preferably different, sensors (260a, 260b).

7. The method (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein movement within the safety zone (250) during the delay time (215) is detected as a danger.

8. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the triggering signal (205) is received via a network (215), in particular via the Internet.

9. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the warning signal (235) is output acoustically as a siren and / or a voice message.

10. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning signal (235) comprises a flashing light and / or a visual marking, in particular a visual marking of a safety zone.

11. 1. A system (200) comprising a machine (220), in particular a machine tool having a safety zone (250), a sensor system (260), a control device (210), and a warning signal output device (240), wherein the control device (210) is configured to output a warning signal (235) via the warning signal output device (240) after receiving a start signal (205), monitor the safety zone (250) using the sensor system (260), and start the machine (220) after a predetermined delay time (215), and the control device (210) is configured to abort the start of the machine (220) if a danger is detected by the sensor system.

12. The system (200) of claim 11, wherein the sensor system (260) comprises a radar sensor (260a), in particular a radar sensor configured to detect minute movements.

13. 13. The system (200) of claim 11 or 12, wherein the sensor system (260) comprises a light barrier, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera (260b), an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and / or a lidar sensor.

14. The system (200) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the warning signal output device (240) is provided in the immediate vicinity of the machine (220).

Images