Teaching pendant

Abstract

To provide a teaching pendant that can transmit machine tool information to an external network. [Solution] The teaching pendant of this disclosure comprises a first wireless communication interface capable of communicating with a machine tool, a second wireless communication interface capable of communicating with an external network to which an external device is connected but to which a machine tool is not connected, and a control device that transmits machine tool information acquired from the machine tool via the first wireless communication interface to the external device via the second wireless communication interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technology of a teaching pendant for operating a machine tool.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a teaching pendant that performs wireless communication with a plurality of robots. Each robot in Patent Document 1 is connected to a robot control device that controls the operation of the robot. The teaching pendant performs wireless communication with each robot control device, and transmits data necessary for controlling the operation of the robot to the robot control device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a problem occurs in a machine tool or the like, there is a case where it is desired to check logs, setting information, and the like stored in the machine tool from a remote location. For this reason, a technology capable of transmitting information of a machine tool to an external network is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a teaching pendant capable of transmitting information of a machine tool to an external network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, this specification discloses a teaching pendant comprising: a first wireless communication interface capable of communicating with a machine tool; a second wireless communication interface capable of communicating with an external network to which the machine tool is not connected but to which an external device is connected; and a control device that transmits machine tool information acquired from the machine tool via the first wireless communication interface to the external device via the second wireless communication interface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the teaching pendant of this disclosure, machine tool information can be transmitted to an external network. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing a machine tool system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram of a teaching pendant according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A flowchart of the communication process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the selection screen for selecting a machine tool. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the error history screen. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a pop-up screen. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the automatic switching of sub-communication. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a machine tool system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Block diagram of a teaching pendant according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart of the communication processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart of the communication processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Flowchart of pre-transmission processing. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the recipient acceptance screen. [Figure 14]A diagram showing the screen for receiving the purpose of sending. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the screen for receiving transmission information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the teaching pendant of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a machine tool system 10 having a teaching pendant 11 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the teaching pendant 11. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the machine tool system 10 comprises a teaching pendant 11, a plurality of machine tools 13, a maintenance PC 15, and a support PC 16.

[0010] The teaching pendant 11 is a portable terminal device that can communicate with the machine tool 13 via wireless communication and receives instructions from the operator to be executed by the machine tool 13. Details of the teaching pendant 11 will be described later.

[0011] Multiple machine tools 13 are installed, for example, in a single production factory and constitute one or more production lines. The machine tool system 10 of this embodiment includes three machine tools 13. When describing the three machine tools 13 separately, they will be referred to as machine tools 13A, 13B, and 13C, and when referring to the three machine tools 13 collectively, they will be referred to as machine tool 13.

[0012] As the machine tool 13, a lathe including a turret device and a workpiece spindle device can be adopted. Note that the machine tool 13 of the present disclosure is not limited to a lathe. For example, the machine tool 13 of the present disclosure may be a milling machine that rotates a cutting tool such as a drill or an end mill, or a machining center provided with an ATC (automatic tool changer function). Further, the machine tool 13 may be a drilling machine, a grinding machine, a gear cutting machine, or the like. Further, the machine tool 13 may be a multi-tasking machine including a lathe and a machining center. Further, the machine tool system 10 may be configured to include only one machine tool 13, or may be configured to include two, or four or more machine tools 13.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the teaching pendant 11 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, a user IF (abbreviation for interface) 23, an imaging device 24, a battery 25, a first wireless communication IF 26, and a second wireless communication IF 27. The control device 21, the storage device 22, the user IF 23, the imaging device 24, the battery 25, the first wireless communication IF 26, and the second wireless communication IF 27 can communicate with each other via a communication bus 28.

[0014] The control device 21 is, for example, a processing board including a CPU, a RAM, and the like, and comprehensively controls the teaching pendant 11. The storage device 22 is, for example, a ROM or a flash memory, and stores a control program 31 executed by the control device 21. The control device 21 controls the operation of the teaching pendant 11 by causing the CPU to execute the control program 31 read from the storage device 22. Hereinafter, the teaching pendant 11 in which the CPU of the control device 21 executes the control program 31 may be simply referred to as "teaching pendant 11". For example, the description that "the teaching pendant 11 executes wireless communication with the machine tool 13 via the first wireless communication IF 26" means that "the teaching pendant 11 executes the control program 31 on the CPU of the control device 21, controls the first wireless communication IF 26 by the control device 21, and executes wireless communication with the machine tool 13 via the first wireless communication IF 26".

[0015] Furthermore, the storage device 22 stores connection destination information 32. The connection destination information 32 contains the information necessary for connecting using wireless communication. Details of the connection destination information 32 will be described later. Note that the configuration of the storage device 22 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the storage device 22 may be configured to include an HDD or an SSD.

[0016] The user IF23 is equipped with, for example, a touch panel and operation keys such as push buttons. Based on the control of the control device 21, the user IF23 displays information related to the teaching pendant 11 and the machine tool 13 on the touch panel. The user IF23 also outputs signals to the control device 21 in response to operation inputs to the touch panel and operation keys. This allows the operator operating the teaching pendant 11 to operate the machine tool 13, which is connected via wireless communication through the first wireless communication IF26, using the teaching pendant 11. For example, by operating the user IF23 on the teaching pendant 11, the operator can control the changing of cutting tools in the turret device, the sliding movement of the turret, the opening and closing of the chuck in the work spindle device, and the rotation of the workpiece. The operator can also change the position of the workpiece transfer robot and control the workpiece chuck of the machine tool 13 by operating the user IF23.

[0017] Furthermore, the configuration of the User IF23 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the User IF23 may have only a touch panel. Alternatively, the User IF23 may have no touch panel, but instead have an LCD panel and control keys. In addition, the User IF23 can employ various types of control buttons other than push buttons, such as rotary switches.

[0018] The imaging device 24 is, for example, a camera equipped with an image sensor such as a CIS or CCD. The imaging device 24 performs imaging based on the control of the control device 21 and outputs the captured image data to the control device 21. The imaging device 24 is used for the authentication of the machine tool 13, which will be described later. The battery 25 supplies power to each device of the teaching pendant 11. The teaching pendant 11 can be used even when not connected to a power source by supplying power to each device from the battery 25.

[0019] The first wireless communication interface IF26 is a wireless interface that can communicate wirelessly with the machine tool 13. For example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be used as the wireless method for the first wireless communication interface IF26. The teaching pendant 11 connects to, for example, the access point of the LAN to which the machine tools 13A-13C are connected, via the first wireless communication interface IF26. This LAN is, for example, the LAN within the factory where the machine tools 13A-13C are installed, and is a network to which the maintenance PC 15 and support PC 16 are not connected. The connection destination information 32 stores, for example, the access point's SSID (Service Set Identifier), encryption key, the private IP address set for each of the machine tools 13A-13C, and the machine tool name. The teaching pendant 11 displays the private IP address and machine tool name stored in the connection destination information 32 on the touch panel of the user interface 23 and accepts the selection of the machine tool 13 to connect to (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, the teaching pendant 11 controls the system so that, while wireless communication is being performed with any of the three machine tools 13A to 13C, it cannot connect to any other machine tools 13. In other words, the teaching pendant 11 can only connect to one machine tool 13 at a time.

[0020] The communication method of the first wireless communication IF26 described above is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate. The wireless communication method connecting the teaching pendant 11 and the machine tool 13 is not limited to Wi-Fi®. For example, the first wireless communication IF26 may be configured to directly communicate with the machine tool 13 via Wi-Fi® Direct. In this case, the SSID of each machine tool 13 may be registered as connection destination information 32. Alternatively, the first wireless communication IF26 may be configured to communicate with the machine tool 13 using other wireless methods such as Bluetooth® or NFC. In this case, necessary connection information such as the Bluetooth® address may be stored as connection destination information 32. Furthermore, the teaching pendant 11 may be configured to communicate with multiple machine tools 13 simultaneously.

[0021] The second wireless communication interface IF27 is a wireless communication interface that can communicate with an external network to which external devices are connected, but to which machine tools 13A-13C are not connected. In this embodiment, maintenance PC 15 and support PC 16 are provided as examples of external devices. The external network is a wide area network, for example, the Internet 17. The second wireless communication interface IF27 is connected to a wireless router 18 connected to the Internet 17, for example, via Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The connection destination information 32 stores information such as the SSID and encryption key of the access point of the wireless router 18. In this embodiment, the teaching pendant 11 performs communication to the Internet 17 via the second wireless communication interface IF27 only while communication with the machine tool 13 is established via the first wireless communication interface IF26.

[0022] The communication method of the second wireless communication IF27 described above is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the second wireless communication IF27 may be configured to perform mobile communication with the support PC 16 and maintenance PC 15 via the base station 19. In this case, the teaching pendant 11 may be configured to accept a SIM card, or it may be configured to incorporate an eSIM. As for the mobile communication method, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc., can be used. In this case, the mobile communication network used by the teaching pendant 11 is an example of an external network in this disclosure. Furthermore, the external network is not limited to a public line such as the Internet 17, but may also be a dedicated line for transmitting data from the machine tool 13. In addition, the teaching pendant 11 may be configured to connect to multiple external networks, such as the Internet 17 and mobile communication. Furthermore, the teaching pendant 11 may be configured to perform communication to the external network via the second wireless communication IF27 even when it is not establishing communication with the machine tool 13 via the first wireless communication IF26. Furthermore, the external devices included in the machine tool system 10 may consist of either the maintenance PC 15 or the support PC 16. Also, the machine tool system 10 may be configured to include three or more external devices.

[0023] The maintenance PC 15 is a personal computer installed in a maintenance department, for example, which is responsible for the maintenance and management of machine tools 13. By operating the maintenance PC 15, workers in the maintenance department collect information about machine tools 13, determine the need for maintenance, and manage their operating status.

[0024] Support PC 16 is, for example, a personal computer installed in the support center of the manufacturer of machine tool 13. Support center staff use Support PC 16 to address errors occurring with machine tool 13 and arrange for repairs to the machine tool 13.

[0025] (Regarding communication processing) Next, the communication processing performed by the teaching pendant 11 will be described. For example, after the teaching pendant 11 is powered on and the control program 31 is executed by the CPU of the control device 21 to start the teaching pendant 11 system, the processing shown in Figure 3 begins. By performing the communication processing shown in Figure 3, the teaching pendant 11 communicates with the machine tools 13A to 13C and external devices. In the following description, the case in which a support PC 16 is used as an example of an external device will be described. The same processing can be performed if a maintenance PC 15 is used as the external device. Furthermore, the conditions for starting the processing in Figure 3 are not limited to the conditions for starting the teaching pendant 11 system as described above. For example, the teaching pendant 11 may start the processing in Figure 3 on the condition that a predetermined operation input is received from the user IF 23.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, when the teaching pendant 11 starts the process shown in Figure 3, it first determines in step 1 whether or not it has received a connection request to the machine tool 13. Hereafter, steps will be simply referred to as S. When the teaching pendant 11 receives a predetermined operation input from the user IF23, for example, it displays the selection screen 41 shown in Figure 4 on the touch panel of the user IF23.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the teaching pendant 11 displays three selection buttons 43A, 43B, and 43C, a connect button 44, and a disconnect button 45 on the selection screen 41. The selection buttons 43A, 43B, and 43C correspond to the three machine tools 13A, 13B, and 13C in that order. The selection buttons 43A, 43B, and 43C display the machine name and private IP address of each machine tool 13. The teaching pendant 11 displays this information on the selection buttons 43A, 43B, and 43C based on the connection destination information 32. This helps to prevent the operator from selecting the wrong machine tool 13 to connect to.

[0028] Figure 4 shows the state in which the selection button 43B is selected. As shown in Figure 4, the teaching pendant 11 displays and highlights the selected selection button 43B in a different color from the other selection buttons 43A, 43C, for example. The connect button 44 is used to establish wireless communication with the machine tool 13 selected by the selection buttons 43A, 43B, and 43C. The disconnect button 45 is used to disconnect communication with the machine tool 13.

[0029] In S1, the teaching pendant 11 makes a negative judgment (S1: NO) until one of the selection buttons 43A, 43B, or 43C is selected and the connection button 44 is operated, and repeatedly executes the judgment process of S1. On the other hand, when one of the selection buttons 43A, 43B, or 43C is selected and the connection button 44 is operated (S1: YES), the teaching pendant 11 executes S2. Furthermore, if the disconnect button 45 is operated, the teaching pendant 11 executes a process to disconnect communication with the connected machine tool 13, similar to S17 described later.

[0030] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the operator selects the selection button 43B, that is, selects machine tool 13B, and then operates the connect button 44. In this case, the teaching pendant 11 establishes wireless communication with machine tool 13B via the first wireless communication IF 26. In S2, if the teaching pendant 11 is already connected via wireless communication with a machine tool 13 other than the machine tool 13 selected in S1, it disconnects that communication. As described above, the teaching pendant 11 controls itself so that it cannot connect to any of the three machine tools 13A to 13C while it is performing wireless communication with any of the machine tools 13. For example, if the teaching pendant 11 is already performing wireless communication with machine tools 13A, 13C other than the machine tool 13B selected in S1, it performs the process of disconnecting that wireless communication (S2). After performing S2, the teaching pendant 11 performs S3. Furthermore, if the teaching pendant 11 is not performing wireless communication with any machine tool 13 other than the machine tool 13 selected in S1, S2 is omitted and S3 is executed.

[0031] In S3, the teaching pendant 11 performs authentication with the machine tool 13 selected in S1, and if authentication is successful, establishes communication via wireless communication. In this embodiment, the teaching pendant 11 performs authentication using the imaging device 24 as the authentication method for the machine tool 13. For example, each of the three machine tools 13A to 13C is provided with an authentication code 46 (see Figure 1) associated with authentication information. The authentication code 46 is, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a DMC (Data Matrix Code).

[0032] For example, the connection destination information 32 includes a private IP address, a machine tool name, and information about a two-dimensional code. When the connection button 44 is operated, the teaching pendant 11 activates the imaging device 24 and requests the operator to read the authentication code 46. When the authentication code 46 provided on the machine tool 13 is captured by the imaging device 24, the teaching pendant 11 performs authentication of the machine tool 13 based on the authentication information associated with the authentication code 46 detected from the imaging data of the imaging device 24.

[0033] For example, the operator uses the imaging device 24 to capture the authentication code 46 of the machine tool 13 to be connected. The teaching pendant 11 determines that authentication is successful if the authentication information of the authentication code 46 captured by the imaging device 24 matches the information of the 2D code associated with the machine tool name, etc., of the machine tool 13 that received the connection instruction in S1 and the connection destination information 32. The teaching pendant 11 starts establishing wireless communication using the first wireless communication IF 26 (S3). In the example above, if the operator captures the authentication code 46 of the machine tool 13B, authentication can be successful and wireless communication can be established between the teaching pendant 11 and the machine tool 13B. The teaching pendant 11 connects to the LAN access point in the factory where the machine tool 13 is installed based on the SSID and encryption key information stored in the connection destination information 32. The teaching pendant 11 establishes communication with the machine tool 13B based on the private IP address of the machine tool 13B selected on the selection screen 41 in Figure 4 (S3). If the teaching pendant 11 successfully establishes communication, it executes S5.

[0034] On the other hand, if the information in the 2D code does not match, the teaching pendant 11 displays an error screen to the user IF 23. For example, if the operator captures the authentication code 46 of machine tool 13A or machine tool 13C, authentication will fail, and the teaching pendant 11 cannot be connected to machine tool 13. This prevents the establishment of wireless communication with the wrong machine tool 13. It also prevents the operator from mistakenly believing that they are connected to the machine tool 13 they intend to operate and accidentally operating a different machine tool 13. If authentication fails, the teaching pendant 11 will, for example, display an error screen and terminate the process shown in Figure 3.

[0035] Furthermore, the method for authenticating the machine tool 13 is not limited to the method using the two-dimensional code described above. For example, the authentication code 46 is not limited to a two-dimensional code; it may also be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. In addition, the teaching pendant 11 may be configured to perform authentication of the machine tool 13 using short-range wireless communication such as NFC. For example, the teaching pendant 11 may use the first wireless communication IF26 to read the IC chip provided on the machine tool 13 using NFC, and determine whether or not it is the correct machine tool 13 to connect to based on the information read.

[0036] Furthermore, the teaching pendant 11 may be configured not to perform authentication of the machine tool 13. For example, the teaching pendant 11 may be configured such that, when the connection button 44 is operated while any of the selection buttons 43A, 43B, or 43C are selected on the selection screen 41 in Figure 4, it establishes wireless communication with the machine tool 13 selected by the selection buttons 43A, 43B, or 43C without performing authentication.

[0037] As described above, the first wireless communication IF26 of this embodiment can connect to a local area network to which multiple machine tools 13A to 13C are connected. The control device 21 of the teaching pendant 11 accepts the selection of a machine tool 13 to be connected via the first wireless communication IF26 from among the multiple machine tools 13A to 13C connected to this local area network, on a selection screen 41 displayed on the user IF23 (see Figure 4, S1).

[0038] According to this, the operator can select the machine tool 13 to connect to the teaching pendant 11 by operating the user IF23. The machine tool 13 to connect to can be selected using the private IP address of the local area network or other identification information.

[0039] Furthermore, when the control device 21 establishes communication with any machine tool 13B from among the multiple machine tools 13A to 13C via the first wireless communication IF 26, it disconnects communication with the other machine tools 13A and 13B (S3). This limits the number of machine tools 13 that can be connected at the same time to one. This suppresses the occurrence of erroneous operation of the machine tool 13. The control device 21 may also restrict operation of other machine tools 13 by means other than disconnecting communication. For example, the control device 21 may display the name of the selected machine tool 13B on the user IF 23 and restrict operation of machine tools 13A and 13C other than the displayed machine tool name. The control device 21 may also limit the number of machine tools 13 that can be selected at the same time to one. In this case, the teaching pendant 11 may maintain a state of simultaneous communication connection with multiple machine tools 13A to 13C.

[0040] In S5, the teaching pendant 11 establishes communication with the external network. Based on information such as the SSID of the access point stored in the connection destination information 32, the teaching pendant 11 establishes wireless communication with the wireless router 18. As a result, after establishing communication with the machine tool 13, the teaching pendant 11 becomes connected to the external network, the Internet 17.

[0041] Furthermore, the teaching pendant 11 also establishes communication for sub-communications, which are preliminary communications, in S5. The teaching pendant 11 of this embodiment establishes multiple communications in wireless communication with an external network via the second wireless communication IF27. For example, the second wireless communication IF27 can connect to an external network in both the first frequency band and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The first frequency band is, for example, the 5GHz band wireless communication in Wi-Fi (registered trademark) as defined in IEEE 802.11, and the second frequency band is, for example, the 2.4GHz band wireless communication.

[0042] The teaching pendant 11 connects to the wireless router 18 via the second wireless communication IF 27 using the first frequency band, the 5GHz band, in S5, and also connects to the wireless router 18 via the second wireless communication IF 27 using the second frequency band, the 2.4GHz band. Note that the second wireless communication IF 27 connected in the first frequency band and the second wireless communication IF 27 connected in the second frequency band may be different wireless interfaces.

[0043] As described later, the teaching pendant 11 transmits machine tool information MI (see Figure 1) to the support PC 16, an external device, using the first frequency band. If the radio wave strength of the wireless signal in the first frequency band decreases (S9: YES), the teaching pendant 11 transmits the machine tool information MI to the support PC 16 using the second frequency band (S11). This allows the machine tool information MI to be transmitted by switching to another wireless communication if the radio wave strength of a particular wireless communication decreases and the communication speed decreases. This suppresses the occurrence of transmission errors of the machine tool information MI. In addition, if multiple sub-communications can be selected as sub-communications in S5, the teaching pendant 11 may select the sub-communication with the strongest radio wave strength among the multiple connectable sub-communications.

[0044] Furthermore, in the following explanation, among the multiple wireless communications with the external network, the wireless communication that transmits machine tool information (MI) will be referred to as the main communication, and the wireless communication that is connected when the signal strength of the main communication decreases will be referred to as the sub-communication. In the example above, the 5GHz band wireless communication is the main communication, and the 2.4GHz band wireless communication is the sub-communication.

[0045] Furthermore, the main and sub-communications are not limited to the wireless communications described above. For example, the frequency band used for the main and sub-communications may be the 6GHz band wireless communication defined in Wi-Fi® 6E as defined in IEEE 802.11ax or Wi-Fi® 7 as defined in IEEE 802.11be. Alternatively, if a mobile communication network is adopted as the external network, the frequency band used for the main and sub-communications may be the frequency band used for 4G or 5G, for example, a frequency band of 3.6GHz or lower, or a frequency band of 3.7GHz or 4.5GHz. In addition, the teaching pendant 11 may connect Wi-Fi® wireless communication as either the main or sub-communication, and mobile communication wireless communication such as 4G as the other communication.

[0046] In S5, once the teaching pendant 11 has established communication for both the main and sub-communications, it determines whether or not it has received a processing request (S7). This processing request is a request for various processes to be performed on the teaching pendant 11. For example, an operator can instruct the teaching pendant 11 to perform various processes by operating the user IF23. Such operational instructions from the operator are one type of processing request. The teaching pendant 11 is also connected to the machine tool 13B via the first wireless communication IF26 and to the support PC 16 via the second wireless communication IF27. Therefore, it can receive instructions from the machine tool 13B and the support PC 16. Such instructions from the machine tool 13B and the support PC 16 are also one type of processing request. The teaching pendant 11 receives such instructions from the operator, the support PC 16, and the machine tool 13B as processing requests and determines in S7 whether or not it has received a processing request.

[0047] If the teaching pendant 11 does not receive any of the above instructions in S7, it determines that there is no processing request (S7: NO) and executes S9. If the teaching pendant 11 receives at least one of the above instructions, it determines that it has received a processing request (S7: YES) and executes the received processing request (S8).

[0048] In S7, the teaching pendant 11 receives an instruction to send machine tool information MI from the machine tool 13B to the support PC 16 (S7:YES), and executes the transmission of machine tool information MI in S8. Machine tool information MI includes, for example, error screens displayed on the machine tool 13, logs stored in the machine tool 13, settings of the machine tool 13, and information about programs executed on the machine tool 13 (such as NC programs and ladder programs).

[0049] Figure 5 shows an example of the anomaly history screen 51 displayed on the user IF23 of the teaching pendant 11. After the teaching pendant 11 is connected to, for example, the machine tool 13B, it displays the anomaly history screen 51 on the user IF23 in response to the operation input to the user IF23. For example, the teaching pendant 11 displays the same screen as the anomaly history screen displayed on the touch panel of the machine tool 13 as the anomaly history screen 51 on the user IF23.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the anomaly history screen 51 displays multiple items 52 that associate information such as NO., type of anomaly, and date and time the anomaly occurred. NO. is identification information used to identify an anomaly that occurred in the machine tool 13 (e.g., ALM10004). The type of anomaly is the name assigned to the anomaly and indicates its characteristics and content. The date and time the anomaly occurred is the date and time the machine tool 13 detected the anomaly.

[0051] The teaching pendant 11 displays the anomaly history screen 51 in order from the latest occurrence date and time, i.e., from the newest occurrence date and time. The teaching pendant 11 also displays older items 52 that could not be displayed on the anomaly history screen 51 by operating the icon 53 displayed below the anomaly history screen 51. When the teaching pendant 11 displays the anomaly history screen 51 to the user IF23 and receives an operation from the user IF23 to select an arbitrary item 52, it displays a pop-up screen 55 (see Figure 6) containing detailed information about the selected anomaly on top of the anomaly history screen 51.

[0052] Figure 6 shows the pop-up screen 55 that is displayed when the third abnormality from the top (circuit breaker tripping abnormality of ALM10002) is selected on the abnormality history screen 51 in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, the teaching pendant 11 displays information such as the title, alarm name, cause of alarm, and other information for the selected abnormality on the pop-up screen 55. The pop-up screen 55 may be a direct display of the screen shown on the machine tool 13, or it may be a screen displayed based on machine tool information MI acquired from the machine tool 13.

[0053] Furthermore, the teaching pendant 11 displays the investigation request button 56 and the exit button 57 to the right of the pop-up screen 55. When the teaching pendant 11 receives an operation to select the investigation request button 56 while the pop-up screen 55 is displayed, it sends the information related to the anomaly displayed on the pop-up screen 55, that is, the information related to the anomaly selected by the operator on the anomaly history screen 51, as machine tool information MI from the machine tool 13B to the support PC 16. This allows the teaching pendant 11 to contact the support center, etc. When the teaching pendant 11 receives an operation to select the exit button 57, it closes the pop-up screen 55 and displays the anomaly history screen 51 shown in Figure 5 on the user interface 23.

[0054] The teaching pendant 11, for example, captures an image of the pop-up screen 55 and sends it to the support PC 16 as an error screen (machine tool information MI). Alternatively, the teaching pendant 11 may send the text information displayed on the pop-up screen 55 as machine tool information MI. This allows the operator of the support PC 16 to remotely consider appropriate countermeasures for the machine tool 13B by checking the contents of the pop-up screen 55. In other words, the operator on the manufacturing floor can request a response to the anomaly from the support center simply by operating the investigation request button 56 on the teaching pendant 11. The support PC 16 may also send the message to the operator via the internet 17 to the teaching pendant 11. For example, the support PC 16 may display a message on the teaching pendant 11 to prompt the operator to take action regarding the anomaly. Alternatively, the support PC 16 may send a message to the machine tool 13 via the teaching pendant 11. Alternatively, the support PC 16 may remotely operate the machine tool 13 via the teaching pendant 11 to change parameter settings and address any malfunctions. Furthermore, the support PC 16 operator may contact the teaching pendant 11 operator by telephone or other means to report the issue.

[0055] The above explanation described the case where an error screen is sent as machine tool information MI, but logs stored in the machine tool 13, settings of the machine tool 13, and programs executed on the machine tool 13 can also be sent as machine tool information MI. For example, the teaching pendant 11 may send logs stored in the machine tool 13B to the support PC 16 based on the operator's operation to the user IF 23. The teaching pendant 11 may also send ladder programs, ladder program settings, sensor detection values, NC programs, correction values, etc., stored in the machine tool 13 to the support PC 16 as machine tool information MI. This allows the operator to receive appropriate instructions from the support center or maintenance department by operating the teaching pendant 11. Note that machine tool information MI may consist of at least one piece of information from among the error screen displayed on the machine tool 13, logs stored in the machine tool 13, settings of the machine tool 13, and programs executed on the machine tool 13 (such as NC programs). Alternatively, machine tool information MI may consist of other information related to the machine tool 13.

[0056] When the teaching pendant 11 executes S8, it executes S9. In S9, the teaching pendant 11 determines whether the signal strength of the main communication is below a predetermined threshold. This threshold is, for example, a signal strength value that ensures a good communication speed for the main communication. Note that the method for determining the decrease in signal strength is not limited to using a threshold; it may also be a method that determines the amount of decrease in signal strength per unit time. In addition, in S9, the teaching pendant 11 may determine whether the signal strength of the main communication is the highest among multiple connectable wireless communication frequency bands, as shown in Figure 7 described later. If it is the highest, the teaching pendant 11 makes a negative judgment in S9 (S9: NO), and if it is not the highest, it makes an positive judgment (S9: YES) and may switch the wireless communication of the highest frequency band to the main communication (S11). A high signal strength means that the dBm of the radio waves is high, or the radio waves are strong, which means that the communication is more stable.

[0057] If the signal strength of the main communication is below a predetermined threshold (S9:YES), the teaching pendant 11 switches the communication used to transmit machine tool information MI from the main communication to the sub-communication (S11). For example, if the signal strength of the 5GHz main communication falls below a threshold (S9:YES), the teaching pendant 11 switches the 2.4GHz wireless communication to the main communication for transmitting machine tool information MI. This allows the sub-communication to be kept in a standby state with established communication at all times, enabling immediate switching and improving the reliability of wireless communication. As a result, interruptions in communication during transmission of machine tool information MI can be suppressed, and data loss can be prevented. After executing S11, the teaching pendant 11 executes S16. Note that the teaching pendant 11 may have already established communication via sub-communication with the support PC 16, i.e., an external device, before switching the sub-communication to the main communication in S11. Alternatively, the teaching pendant 11 may only establish communication with the external network via sub-communication until S11 is executed, and then establish communication with the external device after the switchover in S11. Furthermore, in S11, the teaching pendant 11 may also designate the main communication whose signal strength falls below a threshold as a sub-communication, or establish other communications with high signal strength as sub-communications.

[0058] Furthermore, in S9, if the signal strength of the main communication is above a threshold (S9:NO), the teaching pendant 11 determines whether or not a sub-communication has been established in the frequency band with the highest signal strength among the multiple connectable frequency bands (S13:YES). If the frequency band of the sub-communication currently connected is the frequency band with the highest signal strength among the multiple connectable frequency bands (S13:YES), the teaching pendant 11 executes S16.

[0059] On the other hand, if the frequency band of the connected sub-communication is not the frequency band with the highest signal strength among the multiple connectable frequency bands (S13: NO), the teaching pendant 11 switches the frequency band of the sub-communication (S15). In S15, the teaching pendant 11 executes control to switch the wireless communication of the frequency band with the highest signal strength among the multiple connectable frequency bands to the sub-communication. Alternatively, in S13, the teaching pendant 11 may determine whether the signal strength of the sub-communication is below a threshold, similar to S9, and execute control to switch the frequency band of the sub-communication if it is below the threshold (S15).

[0060] Figure 7 schematically illustrates the switching of sub-communication frequency bands. For example, the teaching pendant 11 can establish wireless communication in frequency bands A, B, C, and D with an external network via the second wireless communication IF 27. Frequency bands A, B, C, and D are, for example, the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and the frequency bands of mobile communications.

[0061] In S16, the teaching pendant 11 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to disconnect the communication. Until it receives an instruction to disconnect the communication, the teaching pendant 11 makes a negative determination in S16 (S16: NO) and repeats the process from S7. Each time S13 is executed, the teaching pendant 11 compares the radio wave strength of multiple connectable frequency bands and switches to the wireless communication of the frequency band with the strongest radio wave strength as the sub-communication.

[0062] For example, when the teaching pendant 11 executes S5, the radio wave strength decreases in the order of frequency bands A, B, C, and D. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the teaching pendant 11 connects to wireless communication in frequency band A as the main communication and to wireless communication in frequency band B as the sub-communication. Therefore, the teaching pendant 11 uses the wireless communication with the strongest radio wave strength as the main communication. In addition, the teaching pendant 11 uses the wireless communication in frequency band B, which has the strongest radio wave strength among the frequency bands B to D that can be used for sub-communication, as the sub-communication. In S8, the teaching pendant 11 transmits machine tool information MI using frequency band A, the main communication frequency band.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, let's assume that at the time the teaching pendant 11 executes S13, the radio wave intensity in frequency band C is the strongest among the frequency bands B to D available for subcommunication. In this case, the teaching pendant 11 makes a negative judgment in S13 (S13: NO), and in S15, disconnects subcommunication in frequency band B and establishes subcommunication in frequency band C.

[0064] Similarly, suppose that when the teaching pendant 11 next executes S13, the radio wave intensity in frequency band D is the strongest among the frequency bands B to D available for subcommunication. In this case, the teaching pendant 11 makes a negative judgment in S13 (S13: NO), and in S15, disconnects subcommunication in frequency band C and establishes subcommunication in frequency band D.

[0065] Next, when the teaching pendant 11 executes S9, if it determines that the radio wave strength of frequency band A for the main communication is below a threshold (S9: YES), it switches the main communication to the sub-communication (S11). That is, the teaching pendant 11 uses the wireless communication of frequency band D, which has the strongest radio wave strength, as the main communication.

[0066] Therefore, the second wireless communication IF27 of this embodiment can connect to an external network using multiple different frequency bands B to D (an example of the second frequency bands of this disclosure). While the control device 21 is performing communication with an external network using frequency band A (an example of the first frequency band of this disclosure), it performs a process to search for the frequency band with the strongest radio wave intensity among the multiple frequency bands B to D (S13, S15). If the radio wave intensity of frequency band A decreases (S9: YES), the control device 21 transmits machine tool information MI to the support PC 16, etc., using frequency band D, which has the strongest radio wave intensity. This ensures that the frequency band with the strongest radio wave intensity is always available as a sub-communication band. If the radio wave intensity of the main communication band decreases, transmission of machine tool information MI can be quickly started using the sub-communication band with high radio wave intensity, i.e., good communication speed.

[0067] Furthermore, the teaching pendant 11 does not need to perform the process of searching for the frequency band with the highest radio wave strength as described above. For example, the teaching pendant 11 may be configured to use pre-set frequency bands for main and sub-communication.

[0068] After executing S15, the teaching pendant 11 executes S16. In S16, if the teaching pendant 11 receives a command to disconnect communication, for example via the user IF23 (S16:YES), it executes the communication disconnection process in S17. The operator, for example, after completing operations on the machine tool 13B, executes the communication disconnection operation via the user IF23. The teaching pendant 11 disconnects both communication with the machine tool 13B etc. via the first wireless communication IF26 and communication with the support PC 16 etc. via the second wireless communication IF27 (S17). The teaching pendant 11 becomes disconnected from other devices and networks. After executing S17, the teaching pendant 11 terminates the process shown in Figure 3 and, for example, executes the process from S1 again. As a result, if the operator wants to connect the teaching pendant 11 to a machine tool 13 other than machine tool 13B, they can do so by performing the same operation as the operation to connect machine tool 13B described above.

[0069] Therefore, the control device 21 of the teaching pendant 11 connects to the internet 17 via the second wireless communication IF 27 while communication with the machine tool 13 is established via the first wireless communication IF 26 (S5). If communication with the machine tool 13 via the first wireless communication IF 26 is interrupted, the control device 21 also disconnects from the internet 17 via the second wireless communication IF 27 (S17). This ensures that the teaching pendant 11 can only be connected to the internet 17 while the teaching pendant 11 and the machine tool 13 are connected. By limiting the time the machine tool 13 is connected, the security of the machine tool 13 can be enhanced. This helps to prevent information leaks from the machine tool 13.

[0070] Furthermore, if communication between the teaching pendant 11 and the machine tool 13 is interrupted for reasons other than instructions from the operator, the teaching pendant 11 may automatically disconnect communication with the Internet 17 via the second wireless communication IF 27. For example, the teaching pendant 11 may periodically check its connection with the machine tool 13, and if communication with the machine tool 13 is interrupted, it may also disconnect communication with the Internet 17 via the second wireless communication IF 27. In addition, the teaching pendant 11 may be configured to be able to connect to the Internet 17 even when communication with the machine tool 13 is not established.

[0071] Incidentally, the correspondence between the terms used in the first embodiment and the terms used in the claims is explained below. The maintenance PC 15 and support PC 16 in the first embodiment are examples of external devices. The Internet 17 is an example of an external network or wide area network. The network to which the wireless router 18 is connected is an example of an external network. The network of the base station 19 is an example of a mobile communication network.

[0072] In the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. In one aspect of this disclosure, the first wireless communication IF 26 of the teaching pendant 11 is capable of communicating with the machine tool 13. The second wireless communication IF 27 is capable of communicating with the Internet 17 to which the maintenance PC 15 and support PC 16 are connected, but to which the machine tool 13 is not connected. The control device 21 transmits the machine tool information MI acquired from the machine tool 13 via the first wireless communication IF 26 to the support PC 16, etc., via the second wireless communication IF 27 (S8).

[0073] According to this, the machine tool information MI of the machine tool 13 can be transmitted to an external device such as a support PC 16 using the teaching pendant 11. Logs, settings, error screens, etc. of the machine tool 13 can be transmitted to external devices owned by support centers or maintenance departments. This allows for more appropriate support to be received if a problem occurs with the machine tool 13.

[0074] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the case in which machine tool information MI is used as the data transmitted from the teaching pendant 11 was described. However, the data transmitted from the teaching pendant of the present disclosure is not limited to machine tool information MI. Figure 8 shows a machine tool system 110 having a teaching pendant 111 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, in addition to machine tool information MI, imaging data GD is also transmitted from the teaching pendant 111. In the following description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components as in the first embodiment described above, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Also, in Figure 8, the base station 19 is omitted from the illustration to avoid making the drawing complicated. In addition, in the second embodiment as well, mobile communication or the like may be used as the external network of the present disclosure.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8, the wireless router 18 of the second embodiment is connected to a master DB 14, a first maintenance PC 15A, and a second maintenance PC 15B. The Internet 17 is connected to a support PC 16 and an Another DB (Another Database) 20. The first maintenance PC 15A and the second maintenance PC 15B manage different machine tools 13 and store information related to the machine tools 13 they manage. The first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B are installed, for example, one in each area maintained by multiple maintenance personnel. For example, the machine tools 13A and 13B in the second embodiment constitute a first production line maintained by the first maintenance personnel. Machine tool 13C is located on a second production line separate from the first production line and constitutes a second production line maintained by the second maintenance personnel. The first maintenance PC 15A stores information related to the machine tools 13 that constitute the first production line, i.e., machine tools 13A and 13B. The second maintenance PC15B stores information related to the machine tools 13C that constitute the second production line.

[0076] Furthermore, the master DB 14 stores information relating to all machine tools 13 in the production plant where the first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B are installed. Therefore, the master DB 14 stores the same data relating to the machine tools 13 (machine tools 13A to 13C, etc.) that is stored in both the first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B.

[0077] The configuration of the master DB 14 and the first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B described above is merely an example. For example, the first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B may be configured to store information relating to machine tools 13 installed in different production plants. That is, the first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B may be installed in each production plant. Also, the master DB 14 may be installed at the head office and store information relating to all machine tools 13 installed in each production plant. Therefore, the management scope of the first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B and the master DB 14 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the external network connecting the master DB 14, the first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B and the support PC 16 is not limited to the Internet 17. For example, the master DB 14, etc., may be connected to a subnet (local area network) with a different subnet mask from the local area network to which the machine tools 13 are connected. In this case, the subnet is just one example of the external network described in this disclosure.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the storage device 22 of the teaching pendant 111 in the second embodiment is capable of storing imaging data GD. As will be described later, the imaging data GD is deleted from the storage device 22 once transmission to an external device is complete (see S37 in Figure 10). Therefore, Figure 9 shows the state in which the imaging data GD is stored in the storage device 22, and there is also a state in which the imaging data GD is not stored in the storage device 22.

[0079] The imaging data GD is, for example, a still image or video captured by the imaging device 24. For example, an operator operates the teaching pendant 111 to image the machine tool 13 or workpiece and stores the captured imaging data GD in the storage device 22. The operator transmits the imaging data GD to an external device by operating the teaching pendant 111. The imaging data GD is an example of the image data of this disclosure. However, the image data of this disclosure is not limited to data captured by the imaging device 24 of the teaching pendant 111. From the perspective of preventing information leakage in the production site, it is not desirable to bring imaging devices such as smartphones into the production site. However, if it is possible to use smartphones or tablet terminals in the production site, the imaging data GD captured by the smartphone, etc., may be taken into the teaching pendant 111, and the taken imaging data GD may be transmitted from the teaching pendant 111 to an external device. Therefore, the image data of this disclosure may also be still images or videos captured by devices other than the teaching pendant 111 (such as smartphones). Furthermore, the teaching pendant 111 may not be configured to include the imaging device 24. Also, the image data in this disclosure may be either a still image or a video.

[0080] Furthermore, the storage device 22 stores multiple information transmission permission lists LT. Each information transmission permission list LT contains information about external devices that are permitted to receive machine tool information MI and imaging data GD. For example, each information transmission permission list LT stores the global IP address, device name, and other information of the external devices. An information transmission permission list LT is prepared for each machine tool 13. In other words, each information transmission permission list LT is a list of external devices that are permitted to receive data from each machine tool 13. Note that one information transmission permission list LT may be shared by multiple machine tools 13.

[0081] (Regarding communication processing) Next, the communication processing of the second embodiment will be explained using Figures 10 to 15. The teaching pendant 111 transmits machine tool information MI and imaging data GD to an external device by executing the communication processing shown in Figures 10 to 12. The teaching pendant 111 also transmits machine tool information MI according to the purpose of transmission.

[0082] In production environments, there are times when it is necessary to take still images or videos to report problems to the maintenance department or manufacturer. However, if commercially available cameras or tablet devices are used for shooting, there is a risk that, for example, unintended shooting may occur and the image data GD may be taken outside. Furthermore, if the device is connected to the internet, there is a risk that the image data GD may be leaked externally immediately. Therefore, the teaching pendant 111 of this embodiment is capable of transmitting only the image data GD captured by the imaging device 24 of the teaching pendant 111. In addition, various processes are performed to prevent the leakage of image data GD.

[0083] Furthermore, maintenance departments and manufacturers that receive the imaging data GD may find that still images and videos alone do not provide sufficient information and may not be able to properly understand the status of the machine tool 13. Therefore, the teaching pendant 111 receives the purpose of transmission from the operator and automatically attaches and transmits machine tool information MI related to the received purpose of transmission. Note that, in order to avoid a complicated explanation, the flowcharts in Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the case where the teaching pendant 111 is instructed to transmit machine tool information MI and imaging data GD as a processing request. However, as in the first embodiment, instructions to the teaching pendant 111 other than the transmission of machine tool information MI and imaging data GD, as well as instructions from the connected machine tool 13 and external devices (such as the support PC 16), may also be processed as processing requests in the communication process. That is, the teaching pendant 111 may accept processing requests not only for the transmission of machine tool information MI, etc., but also for other operations on the connected machine tool 13, as in the first embodiment.

[0084] The processes S1 to S3 in the communication process shown in Figure 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. For example, the operator connects the teaching pendant 111 and the machine tool 13B, as in the first embodiment. The operator selects the selection button 43B (machine tool 13B) on the selection screen 41 in Figure 4, captures the authentication code 46 of the machine tool 13B with the imaging device 24, and connects the teaching pendant 111 and the machine tool 13B wirelessly (S3).

[0085] Furthermore, the teaching pendant 111 allows imaging by the imaging device 24 while communication with the machine tool 13 is established via the first wireless communication IF 26. For example, when communication with another machine tool 13 is established in S2, the teaching pendant 111 allows imaging by the imaging device 24, and when communication is disconnected, it prohibits imaging by the imaging device 24. Therefore, when communication with the machine tool 13 is not established, the teaching pendant 111 restricts imaging by the imaging device 24. The teaching pendant 111 becomes unresponsive to imaging operations by the imaging device 24.

[0086] Furthermore, once the teaching pendant 111 establishes communication with the new machine tool 13B in S3, it enters a state where it can accept operations for imaging by the imaging device 24. This allows imaging by the imaging device 24 to be permitted only when communication with the machine tool 13 is established. This restricts the imaging of things unrelated to the operator's work, making it possible to prevent information leakage on the production floor. However, even when imaging is restricted, the teaching pendant 111 makes exceptions and permits necessary imaging, such as imaging of the authentication code 46. For example, when the connection button 44 in Figure 4 is operated and the imaging device 24 is activated to image the authentication code 46, the teaching pendant 111 permits imaging by the imaging device 24. In addition, the teaching pendant 111 does not need to store the image data GD in the storage device 22 when imaging the authentication code 46. This prevents the image data GD from being stored in the storage device 22 even if something unrelated is imaged when imaging the authentication code 46.

[0087] Furthermore, the teaching pendant 111 may also have a mode for performing imaging only, separate from the communication processing shown in Figure 10. For example, even when not transmitting machine tool information MI or imaging data GD, the teaching pendant 111 may perform the same operation as in S3, and if communication is established with the machine tool 13, it may permit imaging by the imaging device 24. This allows the operator to connect the teaching pendant 111 and the machine tool 13 and perform imaging when necessary.

[0088] Furthermore, the teaching pendant 111 may be configured to allow imaging by the imaging device 24 regardless of whether or not communication has been established with the machine tool 13. Also, the "method for restricting imaging when communication has not been established" in this disclosure is not limited to a method of prohibiting imaging. For example, the method for restricting imaging may be a method that does not allow imaging unless a predetermined password is entered. Also, the method for restricting imaging by the imaging device 24 is not limited to the method of restricting it depending on whether or not communication has been established with the machine tool 13 as described above. For example, the teaching pendant 111 may allow imaging by the imaging device 24 only within a predetermined distance range from the machine tool 13. The teaching pendant 111 may, for example, use a high-precision positioning technology such as UWB (Ultra Wideband) technology to allow imaging by the imaging device 24 only within a predetermined distance range (e.g., 2m) from the machine tool 13.

[0089] Returning to Figure 10, when the teaching pendant 111 executes S3, it executes S21. In S21, the teaching pendant 111 starts the process of establishing communication with the master DB 14. Based on the connection destination information 32, the teaching pendant 111 establishes communication with the master DB 14 via the wireless router 18. The teaching pendant 111 also starts the process of establishing communication for sub-communication, similar to S5 in the first embodiment. Note that the teaching pendant 111 may establish sub-communication only if it has been able to establish communication with the master DB 14.

[0090] When the teaching pendant 111 executes S21, it executes S22. In S22, the teaching pendant 111 determines whether or not it was able to establish communication with the master DB 14 by executing S21. If the teaching pendant 111 was able to establish communication with the master DB 14 (S22: YES), it executes S23 and subsequent steps to transmit imaging data GD, etc. On the other hand, if the teaching pendant 111 is unable to establish communication with the master DB 14 (S22: NO), it executes S9 and subsequent steps in Figure 11. Similar to the first embodiment, the teaching pendant 111 executes S9 to S16, and if there is no disconnection operation (S16: NO), it executes S22 and determines whether or not it was able to establish communication with the master DB 14. The teaching pendant 111 repeatedly attempts to establish communication until it can establish communication with the master DB 14. Furthermore, if the teaching pendant 111 fails to establish communication with the master DB 14 after attempting to do so once or a predetermined number of times, it may report an error and terminate the process shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0091] Therefore, the teaching pendant 111 will not transmit imaging data GD, etc., if it cannot establish communication with the master DB 14. Alternatively, the teaching pendant 111 may be configured to transmit imaging data GD to the first maintenance PC 15A, etc., even if it cannot establish communication with the master DB 14. In other words, the teaching pendant 111 may provide the operator with the function to transmit imaging data GD, etc., even if it cannot communicate with the master DB 14.

[0092] In S23, the teaching pendant 111 displays the destination reception screen 61 shown in Figure 13 on the user IF23. As shown in Figure 13, the teaching pendant 111 displays destination selection buttons 62, confirm buttons 63, and cancel buttons 65 on the destination reception screen 61. The destination selection buttons 62 are buttons for selecting the destination for imaging data GD, etc. The teaching pendant 111 displays the destinations set in the information transmission permission list LT corresponding to the connected machine tool 13 on the destination selection buttons 62. For example, the teaching pendant 111 displays the destination reception screen 61 as the initial screen, in which none of the destination selection buttons 62 are selected.

[0093] The Confirm button 63 is a button that confirms the device selected by the destination selection button 62 as the destination. After displaying the destination acceptance screen 61, the teaching pendant 111 makes a negative judgment in S23 (S23: NO) and executes S9 onwards until the Confirm button 63 is operated with at least one destination selection button 62 selected. Therefore, if communication with the master DB 14 is maintained (S22: YES), the teaching pendant 111 maintains the display of the destination acceptance screen 61. Also, when the Confirm button 63 is operated with at least one destination selection button 62 selected (S23: YES), the teaching pendant 111 sets the device selected by the destination selection button 62 as the destination and executes S25. The teaching pendant 111 then terminates the display of the destination acceptance screen 61.

[0094] Furthermore, if the cancel button 65 is pressed, the teaching pendant 111 will, for example, discard the settings entered up to that point, display an initial screen with the destination selection button 62 unselected, and start processing from S23. If the cancel buttons 75 and 85 on other screens (see Figures 14 and 15) are pressed, the initial screen of the destination acceptance screen 61 will be displayed, and processing from S23 will start. In addition, the teaching pendant 111 may be configured without providing cancel buttons 65, 75, and 85 on each screen.

[0095] In this embodiment, since communication with the machine tool 13B is established, the teaching pendant 111 displays destination selection buttons 62 equal to the number of destination candidates set in the information transmission permission list LT of the machine tool 13B. For example, the information transmission permission list LT of the machine tool 13B has the first maintenance PC 15A and the support PC 16 registered as destination candidates. The teaching pendant 111 displays a total of two destination selection buttons 62, each displaying one of the destination candidates (see Figure 13). The operator selects the destination to which they want to send the imaging data GD, etc., from the two destination selection buttons 62 by touch operation. Figure 13 shows the state in which the support PC 16 is selected. When the OK button 63 is operated in this state, the teaching pendant 111 sets the selected support PC 16 as the destination. In S31, described later, the teaching pendant 111 sends the imaging data GD, etc., to the set destination.

[0096] Therefore, as shown in Figures 8 and 13, the first maintenance PC 15A and support PC 16, which are registered in the information transmission permission list LT, can be selected as destinations (see "Only when selected" in Figure 8). On the other hand, data cannot be transmitted to devices not registered in the information transmission permission list LT, such as the second maintenance PC 15B or a third-party server on the Internet (see Another DB 20 in Figure 8) (see the X mark in Figure 8). This allows the information transmission permission list LT to restrict the destinations of image data GD, etc., when connected to each machine tool 13. This makes it possible to prevent information leakage. In addition, the operator can change the destination according to the purpose of transmission. If both the first maintenance PC 15A and the second maintenance PC 15B are registered in the information transmission permission list LT, the operator can select a destination from the two maintenance PCs 15 on the destination reception screen 61.

[0097] The processing in S23 is an example of the destination selection process described in this disclosure. However, the method for accepting destination selection is not limited to the method using the information transmission permission list LT or the destination selection button 62 described above. For example, the teaching pendant 111 may display buttons on the destination reception screen 61 that allow users to add or delete destination selection buttons 62 (destination options), and the destination reception screen 61 may accept not only destination selection but also editing of the information transmission permission list LT. Furthermore, the teaching pendant 111 may be configured not to use the information transmission permission list LT. For example, the teaching pendant 111 may display all pre-registered destinations in a pull-down menu and accept destination selection. Alternatively, the teaching pendant 111 may accept the destination's global IP address, etc. Therefore, the teaching pendant 111 may accept destination information for each transmission process. Furthermore, the teaching pendant 111 may send to destinations that have been pre-registered in the information transmission permission list LT. Therefore, the teaching pendant 111 does not need to accept a destination selection from the operator during the transmission process.

[0098] In S25, the teaching pendant 111 performs the pre-transmission processing shown in Figure 12. When the teaching pendant 111 starts the processing shown in Figure 12, it first displays the transmission purpose reception screen 71 shown in Figure 14 to the user IF23 (S41). The teaching pendant 111 displays five purpose selection buttons 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, and 72E, and a cancel button 75 on the transmission purpose reception screen 71. Each of the purpose selection buttons 72A to 72E is a button for selecting a transmission purpose. The cancel button 75 is the same as the cancel button 65. The number and content of transmission purposes shown in Figure 14 are examples only.

[0099] The teaching pendant 111 accepts the selection of the transmission purpose by accepting the selection of one of the five purpose selection buttons 72A to 72E on the transmission purpose acceptance screen 71. After displaying the transmission purpose acceptance screen 71 in S41, the teaching pendant 111 prepares to attach machine tool information MI according to the selected transmission purpose by executing the processes from S43 onwards.

[0100] To elaborate, the purpose of sending via objective selection button 72A is to send abnormal information. The purpose of sending via objective selection button 72B is to send a processing report. The purpose of sending via objective selection button 72C is to send a measurement report. The purpose of sending via objective selection button 72D is to send damage / failure information. The purpose of sending via objective selection button 72E is to send other information. In addition, each of the objective selection buttons 72A to 72E displays text indicating the above-mentioned transmission purpose. The operator selects the button that matches the transmission purpose of the imaging data GD based on the text displayed on objective selection buttons 72A to 72E.

[0101] When the objective selection button 72A corresponding to the abnormal information is operated (S43: YES), the teaching pendant 111 executes S44. The teaching pendant 111 is set to automatically acquire and attach, for example, information on an abnormality currently occurring and the most recent N abnormality history, as the attached machine tool information MI (S44). For example, if an abnormality occurs in the machine tool 13, the operator transmits imaging data GD that captures the location of the abnormality, etc. Therefore, the machine tool information MI is set to contain information that is useful for understanding the abnormality when checking the imaging data GD. Information on an abnormality currently occurring is, for example, information on an abnormality occurring in the connected machine tool 13B, i.e., the machine tool 13 that reports the abnormality information. The most recent N abnormality history is history information showing the most recent N abnormalities that occurred in the connected machine tool 13B (see Figure 5). N is an arbitrary number, for example, several tens. When S44 is executed, the teaching pendant 111 terminates the display of the transmission purpose acceptance screen 71 and displays the transmission information acceptance screen 81 shown in Figure 15 to the user IF23 (S55). The teaching pendant 111 terminates the process shown in Figure 12. If the purpose selection button 72A is operated, the teaching pendant 111 may also display the abnormality history screen 51 (see Figure 5) or the pop-up screen 55 (see Figure 6), as in the first embodiment, and accept the selection of the type of abnormality to be attached as machine tool information MI, the selection of abnormality details, etc.

[0102] Furthermore, if the objective selection button 72A is not operated (S43: NO), the teaching pendant 111 executes S45. When the objective selection button 72B corresponding to the machining report is operated (S45: YES), the teaching pendant 111 executes S46. The teaching pendant 111 is set to automatically acquire and attach, for example, program information, tool information, and correction value information as attached machine tool information MI (S46). For example, if the operator processes a workpiece with the machine tool 13 and scratches occur on the surface of the processed workpiece, a machining report is submitted. The operator sends imaging data GD of the scratched area of ​​the workpiece. Note that the machining report may also be for a good workpiece without scratches. For this reason, the machine tool information MI is set to include information that is useful for understanding the condition of the machined product when checking the imaging data GD. The program information is information about the program (NC program, ladder program, etc.) used to process the workpiece captured by the imaging data GD, for example, information about the NC program selected on the connected machine tool 13B. The tool information is information about the tools used for processing, for example, information about the tools set and associated with the selected NC program. Specifically, the tool information includes the tool number and the usage status of each tool (current number of uses, lifespan value, etc.). The correction value information is information about the correction values ​​used in processing, for example, information about the correction values ​​used when the selected NC program was executed (during processing). For example, the correction value information includes the wear correction value in wear correction and the thermal displacement correction value in thermal displacement correction. The teaching pendant 111 executes S46 and then S55. The teaching pendant 111 may also accept selections of program information, etc., to be attached from the operator.

[0103] Furthermore, if the objective selection button 72B is not operated (S45: NO), the teaching pendant 111 executes S47. If the objective selection button 72C corresponding to the measurement report is operated (S47: YES), the teaching pendant 111 executes S48. The teaching pendant 111 is set to automatically acquire and attach, for example, measurement results and production information, as attached machine tool information MI (S48). For example, when the operator reports the measurement results of good and defective workpieces produced by the machine tool 13, such as the outer diameter and inner diameter measured by the machine tool 13, they transmit imaging data GD of the processed workpieces, etc. For this reason, the machine tool information MI is set to include information that is useful for understanding the measurement results when checking the imaging data GD. The measurement result information is, for example, the measurement result of the connected machine tool 13B (such as the latest measurement result). For example, if machine tool 13B measures the thickness of a workpiece using a touch probe (contact sensor), the measurement result information includes the measured thickness value and the probe's position information. Production information includes the processing part number, production quantity, and order (JOB) number. The processing part number is information that identifies a processed workpiece. The production quantity information indicates, for example, which workpiece was processed in a continuous machining process. The order (JOB) number is the order number set when the user of machine tool 13 receives an order from a customer, or the order number set when creating a machining proposal table showing the workpiece machining procedure. If this information is associated with an NC program, the teaching pendant 111, in S26 described later, obtains, for example, the measurement results and production information associated with the selected NC program from the connected machine tool 13B. After executing S48, the teaching pendant 111 executes S55.

[0104] Furthermore, if the objective selection button 72C is not operated (S47: NO), the teaching pendant 111 executes S49. When the objective selection button 72D corresponding to damage / failure is operated (S49: YES), the teaching pendant 111 executes S51. The teaching pendant 111 is configured to accept information about the location where damage / failure occurred in a selection manner as the attached machine tool information MI (S51). For example, if damage or failure occurs in the machine tool 13, the operator transmits imaging data GD that captures the damaged or faulty area. Therefore, the machine tool information MI is configured to include information that is useful for understanding the damaged or faulty area when reviewing the imaging data GD. The process of accepting information about the location where damage / failure occurred in a selection manner will be explained in S26 below. After executing S51, the teaching pendant 111 executes S55.

[0105] Furthermore, if the objective selection button 72D is not operated (S49: NO), the teaching pendant 111 executes S52. If the objective selection button 72E corresponding to "Other" is operated (S52: YES), the teaching pendant 111 executes S53. The teaching pendant 111 is configured to attach information other than the four transmission objectives described above as attached machine tool information MI. Other transmission objectives include, for example, reporting that maintenance is due soon based on the machine's noise, dirt, deflection, etc., even though no malfunction has occurred. Other transmission objectives include reporting that there is something unusual about the information, such as the correction history or cycle time, even though no abnormality has occurred. Alternatively, other transmission objectives include reporting the status of the machine tool 13, such as if something was left in front of the machine tool 13 or if the machine tool 13 was not tidy. The teaching pendant 111 may, for example, display the three items described above in S53 and allow the user to select "Other transmission objective". Furthermore, if the teaching pendant 111 is reporting on maintenance, it may set information about the date of the previous maintenance as the machine tool information MI. Also, if the teaching pendant 111 is reporting on correction history, it may set information about the correction history and cycle time as the machine tool information MI. Also, if the teaching pendant 111 is reporting a forgotten item, it is not necessary to set anything as the machine tool information MI. In this case, the operator can set a comment about the forgotten item by entering a comment as described later (attachment information selection button 82D in Figure 15). After executing S53, the teaching pendant 111 executes S55.

[0106] If none of the objective selection buttons 72A to 72E are pressed (S52: NO), the teaching pendant 111 repeatedly executes the process from S43 and maintains the display of the transmission objective reception screen 71. If any one of the objective selection buttons 72A to 72E is pressed, the teaching pendant 111 terminates the display of the transmission objective reception screen 71. In S55, the teaching pendant 111 displays the transmission information reception screen 81 shown in Figure 15 on the user IF23. As shown in Figure 15, the teaching pendant 111 displays four attachment information selection buttons 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, a transmit button 83, and a cancel button 85 on the transmission information reception screen 81. The cancel button 85 is the same as the cancel button 65.

[0107] When the teaching pendant 111 executes S55, it terminates the process shown in Figure 12 and executes S26 in Figure 10. The teaching pendant 111 executes processing in response to the operation on the transmission information reception screen 81 (S26). When the teaching pendant 111 executes S26, it determines in S27 whether or not a transmission operation has been performed. As long as the transmission button 83 on the transmission information reception screen 81 has not been operated (S27: NO), the teaching pendant 111 executes the process in S26 and performs the reception processing by the transmission information reception screen 81.

[0108] In S26, the teaching pendant 111 retrieves and attaches the machine tool information MI, which was set according to the transmission purpose in the process shown in Figure 12, from the connected machine tool 13B. Then, when the transmit button 83 is operated (S27: YES), the teaching pendant 111 transmits the image data GD and the attached machine tool information MI to the master DB 14 and the destination selected in S23 (S28, S31).

[0109] First, when the attachment information selection button 82A on the transmission information reception screen 81 is operated, the teaching pendant 111 accepts the selection of the photograph (still image data) to be transmitted. For example, the teaching pendant 111 displays the file name and image of the still image data from the imaging data GD stored in the storage device 22 on the user IF 23 in a selectable format. The operator can select the photograph to be transmitted from the imaging data GD stored in the storage device 22 by selecting the photograph to be transmitted from the displayed photographs.

[0110] Furthermore, when the attachment information selection button 82B is operated, the teaching pendant 111 accepts the selection of a video to be transmitted. For example, the teaching pendant 111 displays the file name of the video data or an image of one frame of the video data from the imaging data GD stored in the storage device 22 on the user IF 23 in a selectable format. The operator can select the imaging data GD to be transmitted from the imaging data GD stored in the storage device 22 by selecting the video to be transmitted from the displayed videos.

[0111] Furthermore, when the attachment information selection button 82C is operated, the teaching pendant 111 executes the processing set in S44, S46, S48, S51, and S53 in Figure 12, namely, the processing of attaching machine tool information MI according to the transmission purpose. Accordingly, the teaching pendant 111 executes the processing in Figure 12 (an example of the purpose acceptance processing in this disclosure) to receive the transmission purpose for which the imaging data GD is to be transmitted. The teaching pendant 111 transmits the imaging data GD and the machine tool information MI acquired from the machine tool 13, and also transmits information according to the transmission purpose received in the processing in Figure 12 as the machine tool information MI. With this, the operator can attach information related to the machine tool 13 according to the transmission purpose by performing imaging and selecting the transmission purpose. The maintenance department, etc. that receives the information can more accurately grasp the status of the machine tool 13, etc., by checking the relevant machine tool information MI together with the imaging data GD.

[0112] If the teaching pendant 111 receives a request for transmission of abnormal information (S43: YES), it attaches information about the abnormality occurring in the machine tool 13 and the abnormality history as machine tool information MI (S44, S26). The teaching pendant 111 acquires, for example, the abnormality information currently occurring and the most recent N abnormality history from the connected machine tool 13B via the first wireless communication IF26. In the transmission process described later (S28, S31), the teaching pendant 111 transmits the machine tool information MI (abnormality information, etc.) acquired in S26 along with the image data GD selected in S26. This allows maintenance departments, etc., to associate photographs of the abnormal location with the abnormality information of the machine tool 13 where the abnormality is occurring. This enables them to accurately grasp the abnormality occurring in the machine tool 13.

[0113] Furthermore, the method of obtaining machine tool information MI is not limited to obtaining it from the connected machine tool 13. For example, the teaching pendant 111 may obtain machine tool information MI from a management device such as the master DB 14. The same applies to the method of obtaining machine tool information MI for transmission purposes other than abnormal information.

[0114] Furthermore, if the teaching pendant 111 receives a request for transmission with the purpose of sending a machining report (S45: YES), it attaches the program information selected on the machine tool 13, the information of the tools used for machining, and the correction value information as machine tool information MI (S46, S26). The teaching pendant 111 obtains the program information, the tools used, and the correction value information from the connected machine tool 13B. The teaching pendant 111 transmits the acquired machine tool information MI (program information, etc.) together with the image data GD (S28, S31). This allows maintenance departments, etc., to verify the relationship between photographs of damaged parts of the machined workpiece and the program used for machining, the tools used, the correction values ​​used, etc. This enables them to accurately identify problems occurring during machining.

[0115] Furthermore, if the teaching pendant 111 receives a request to transmit a measurement report (S47: YES), it attaches the measurement results and production information as machine tool information MI (S48, S26). The teaching pendant 111 acquires the measurement results and production information from the connected machine tool 13B. The teaching pendant 111 transmits the acquired machine tool information MI (measurement results, etc.) together with the image data GD (S28, S31). This allows maintenance departments, etc., to verify the measurement results and processing part numbers in association with photographs of the measured workpiece, etc., enabling them to accurately grasp the measurement results, etc.

[0116] Furthermore, if the teaching pendant 111 receives a request to transmit information about damage / malfunction (S49: YES), it accepts information about the location where the damage / malfunction occurred as machine tool information MI in a selection manner and attaches the accepted information (S51, S26). The teaching pendant 111 obtains, for example, a list of names that can identify a location on the machine tool 13 from the connected machine tool 13B and displays the obtained list on the user IF23. The teaching pendant 111 displays a list of names that can identify a part of the machine tool 13, such as the right side of the device, the workpiece loading entrance, the spindle tip, the turret holder NO. XX, the chip conveyor, the coolant pump, etc. The teaching pendant 111 accepts the selection of the name of the location (photographed location) where the machine damage or malfunction occurred from the displayed list. The teaching pendant 111 attaches the information of the selected name as machine tool information MI and transmits it together with the image data GD (S28, S31). This allows maintenance departments to associate photos of the damaged / faulty part with location information for verification. This enables them to accurately understand the condition of the damaged / faulty area. However, the method of receiving location information for damage / fault is not limited to the method of selecting a name as described above. The teaching pendant 111 may, for example, display a diagram of the machine tool 13 and receive location information for damage / fault by having the user mark a circle on the displayed diagram or by selecting a part of the diagram.

[0117] Furthermore, if the teaching pendant 111 receives a request for the transmission of other reports (S52: YES), it attaches information appropriate to the other purpose as machine tool information MI (S53, S26). For example, if the other report is a maintenance report, the teaching pendant 111 obtains information on when the last maintenance was performed from the connected machine tool 13B as machine tool information MI. The teaching pendant 111 transmits the obtained information together with the imaging data GD (S28, S31). This allows for the provision of useful information for reviewing the imaging data GD for other purposes as well.

[0118] Furthermore, when the attachment information selection button 82D on the transmission information reception screen 81 is operated, the teaching pendant 111 displays a screen for entering text information on the user IF23 and accepts the input of comments to be attached. The teaching pendant 111 attaches the received text information as a comment and transmits it together with the imaging data GD and machine tool information MI. The operator inputs information as text that will be useful when checking the imaging data GD and machine tool information MI, such as the circumstances of the occurrence of an anomaly or the status of forgotten items. This allows maintenance personnel and manufacturers' personnel to more accurately understand the status of the machine tool 13 by referring to the text information.

[0119] When the transmission button 83 on the transmission information reception screen 81 is operated (S27:YES), the teaching pendant 111 transmits the machine tool information MI acquired in S26, the selected imaging data GD, and any comments entered to the master DB 14 (S28). Next, the teaching pendant 111 determines whether the transmission of the imaging data GD and other information to the master DB 14 has been completed (S29). For example, when the teaching pendant 111 receives a response from the master DB 14 indicating that the reception of the imaging data GD and other information transmitted in S28 has been completed (S29:YES), it executes S31.

[0120] On the other hand, if the teaching pendant 111 cannot receive a completion notification from the master DB 14 (S29: NO), it will report an error (S33). For example, the teaching pendant 111 will display a message to the user IF 23 indicating that transmission to the master DB 14 failed, discard the settings entered up to that point, and display the initial screen of the destination reception screen 61. The teaching pendant 111 will then execute the processing from S9 onwards. As a result, if the teaching pendant 111 cannot transmit to the master DB 14, it will not transmit the machine tool information MI, etc., and will execute the reception process from the beginning. The teaching pendant 111 may also accept instructions from the operator again while retaining the information of the accepted settings (transmission purpose, selected imaging data GD, acquired machine tool information MI, etc.).

[0121] In S31, the teaching pendant 111 transmits the machine tool information MI and the image data GD to the destination selected in S23. The teaching pendant 111 transmits the same data as the data transmitted to the master DB 14, i.e., the acquired machine tool information MI and the selected image data GD. Next, the teaching pendant 111 determines whether the transmission to the selected destination has been completed, similar to S29 (S35). If the transmission is completed successfully (S35: YES), the teaching pendant 111 executes S37. If the transmission fails (S35: NO), the teaching pendant 111 reports an error (S33). In this case, since the transmission to the master DB 14 has been completed, the teaching pendant 111 may accept another transmission instruction to the selected destination.

[0122] Accordingly, the multiple external devices in the second embodiment include a master DB 14, a first maintenance PC 15A, a second maintenance PC 15B, and a support PC 16. The master DB 14 stores information relating to all machine tools 13 out of the multiple machine tools 13A to 13C. The first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B store information relating to the machine tool 13 under management from the multiple machine tools 13A to 13C. In S23, the teaching pendant 111 accepts the selection of the destination external device from the first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B and the support PC 16. In S31, the teaching pendant 111 transmits the image data GD to both the master DB 14 and the destination selected in S23. This allows the first and second maintenance PCs 15A and 15B to transmit only when it is necessary to store the image data GD of the machine tool 13 under management (maintenance). Furthermore, the support PC16 can only receive image data (GD) and other data when manufacturer support is required. The master DB14 can also store all image data (GD) and machine tool information (MI) as a history. Image data (GD) is always sent to the master DB14. Therefore, if there are any unclear transmission histories, the purpose of the transmission can be determined later by checking the data in the master DB14.

[0123] Furthermore, in S28 and S31, the teaching pendant 111 transmits imaging data GD and machine tool information MI, and also transmits the same data to the master DB 14 and the selected destination. This allows the data transmitted to the selected destination to be kept in the master DB 14 as a backup. If the data is lost at the selected destination, the same data can be obtained from the master DB 14. Note that the teaching pendant 111 may transmit different data to the selected destination and to the master DB 14.

[0124] Furthermore, the teaching pendant 111 determines whether or not the transmission of imaging data GD to the master DB 14 has been completed (S29, an example of the transmission completion determination process in this disclosure). If the teaching pendant 111 determines in S29 that the transmission to the master DB 14 has been completed (S29: YES), it transmits the imaging data GD to the destination selected in S23 (S31). On the other hand, if the teaching pendant 111 determines that the transmission to the master DB 14 has not been completed (S29: NO), it does not transmit the imaging data GD to the selected destination. This prevents data that is not in the master DB 14 from being stored in other devices (such as the first maintenance PC 15A). This prevents data mismatches and inconsistencies between the master DB 14 and other devices from occurring.

[0125] Furthermore, in S37, the teaching pendant 111 deletes the image data GD, machine tool information MI, and comments that were transmitted in S28 and S31 from the storage device 22. Therefore, in the transmission process of S28 and S31, the teaching pendant 111 transmits the image data GD stored in the storage device 22 to the external device. Based on the completion of the transmission of the image data GD to the external device (S35: YES), the teaching pendant 111 deletes the transmitted image data GD from the storage device 22. This prevents the leakage of image data GD by promptly deleting the image data GD, etc., that have been reported, etc., from the teaching pendant 111. It also prevents the teaching pendant 111 from being taken out and the image data GD from being leaked. In addition, it prevents the teaching pendant 111 from running out of storage capacity.

[0126] When S37 is executed, the teaching pendant 111 displays, for example, the initial screen of the destination reception screen 61 and executes the processing from S9 onwards. This allows the operator to capture image data GD according to the purpose of transmission, attach machine tool information MI to the captured image data GD, and send it to the required destination. The teaching pendant 111 may also accept instructions to transmit image data GD, etc., while appropriately accepting processing requests other than the transmission of image data GD and machine tool information MI (such as control instructions for the machine tool 13), as described above.

[0127] Incidentally, the correspondence between the terms used in the second embodiment and the terms used in the claims is explained below. The master DB14 in the second embodiment is an example of the master device and external device of this disclosure. The first maintenance PC15A and the second maintenance PC15B are examples of the maintenance device and external device. The support PC16 is an example of an external device. The imaging data GD is an example of image data. S28 and S31 are examples of transmission processing. S23 is an example of destination selection processing. S29 is an example of transmission completion determination processing. The processing in Figure 12 is an example of purpose reception processing.

[0128] In the second embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. In one aspect of this disclosure, the control device 21 of the teaching pendant 111 transmits imaging data GD related to the machine tool 13 to an external device via the second wireless communication IF 27 (S28, S31). This allows the teaching pendant 11 to transmit machine tool information MI and imaging data GD of the machine tool 13 to an external device such as a support PC 16. Information about the machine tool 13, as well as images and videos of the machine tool 13, can be transmitted to external devices owned by support centers, maintenance departments, etc. This enables more appropriate support to be received when problems or matters requiring reporting occur with the machine tool 13.

[0129] Furthermore, the contents of this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. For example, the content and order of each process in the flowcharts shown in Figures 3, 10 through 12 are just examples. For example, the teaching pendants 11,111 do not need to perform authentication with the machine tool 13 in S3. In this case, the machine tool 13 does not need to be provided with an authentication code 46. Alternatively, the teaching pendants 11,111 may determine the machine tool 13 to connect to via the first wireless communication IF26 by reading the authentication code 46, rather than by selecting a private IP address. In this case, the teaching pendant 11 may determine in S1 whether or not the authentication code 46 has been read, and if it has been read, it may perform the processing from S2 onward for the machine tool 13 corresponding to the read authentication code 46. Furthermore, in S8, the teaching pendant 11 may transmit error screens and logs from the machine tool 13 to the maintenance PC 15 or support PC 16 based on instructions from an external device such as the maintenance PC 15 or support PC 16. Alternatively, the teaching pendant 11 may transmit error screens, etc., to the maintenance PC 15 or support PC 16 only after receiving an error notification from the machine tool 13. The teaching pendant 11 may also relay communication from the maintenance PC 15 or support PC 16 to the machine tool 13. Furthermore, the transmission of machine tool information MI and imaging data GD does not have to be simultaneous. For example, the teaching pendant 111 may receive an instruction to transmit imaging data GD, and after the transmission of imaging data GD is completed, it may accept the selection of machine tool information MI, etc., and then transmit the machine tool information MI. Furthermore, the teaching pendant 11 may switch the wireless communication of the second wireless communication IF27 based on information other than radio wave strength. For example, the teaching pendant 11 may switch to the sub-communication when the communication speed of the main communication falls below a threshold. Furthermore, the teaching pendant 11 may also establish multiple wireless communications with respect to the wireless communication with the machine tool 13 in the first wireless communication IF26, similar to the second wireless communication IF27, and perform control to switch between them according to the radio wave strength. Furthermore, the teaching pendant 11 does not need to establish multiple communication lines simultaneously as a wireless communication for the second wireless communication IF27. Therefore, the teaching pendant 11 may establish only one communication line between the second wireless communication IF27 and the external device. Furthermore, the external network in this disclosure may also be a local area network. For example, the external network may be a subnet (local area network) with a different subnet mask from the local area network to which the machine tool 13 is connected. Therefore, at least one of the master DB 14, maintenance PC 15, first maintenance PC 15A, second maintenance PC 15B, and support PC 16 may be connected to a subnet different from the local area network to which the machine tool 13 is connected. The teaching pendants 11,111 may then transmit machine tool information MI and imaging data GD to the first maintenance PC 15A, etc., on the subnet.

[0130] Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the dependencies described in the claims. For example, this specification also discloses a technical concept in which "the teaching pendant described in claim 1" is changed to "the teaching pendant described in any one of claims 1 to 3" in claim 4. Also, for example, this specification also discloses a technical concept in which "the teaching pendant described in claim 1" is changed to "the teaching pendant described in any one of claims 1 to 4" in claim 5. Also, for example, this specification also discloses a technical concept in which "the teaching pendant described in claim 1" is changed to "the teaching pendant described in any one of claims 1 to 5" in claim 6. Also, for example, this specification also discloses a technical concept in which "the teaching pendant described in claim 1" is changed to "the teaching pendant described in any one of claims 1 to 6" in claim 7. Furthermore, for example, this specification discloses a technical concept in which "the teaching pendant described in claim 1 or claim 2" is changed to "the teaching pendant described in any one of claims 1 to 8" in claim 9. Furthermore, for example, this specification discloses a technical concept in which "the teaching pendant described in claim 9" is changed to "the teaching pendant described in claim 9 or claim 10" in claim 11. Furthermore, for example, this specification discloses a technical concept in which "the teaching pendant described in claim 12" is changed to "the teaching pendant described in claim 12 or claim 13" in claim 14. Furthermore, for example, this specification discloses a technical concept in which "the teaching pendant described in claim 9" is changed to "the teaching pendant described in any one of claims 9 to 14" in claim 15. Furthermore, for example, this specification discloses a technical concept in which "the teaching pendant described in claim 9" is changed to "the teaching pendant described in any one of claims 9 to 15" in claim 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 11,111 Teaching pendant, 14 Master DB (master device, external device), 13 Machine tool, 15 Maintenance PC (external device), 15A First maintenance PC (maintenance device, external device), 15B Second maintenance PC (maintenance device, external device), 16 Support PC (external device), 17 Internet (external network, wide area network), 21 Control device, 22 Storage device, 23 User interface, 24 Imaging device, 26 First wireless communication interface, 27 Second wireless communication interface, 46 Authentication code, GD Imaging data (image data), MI Machine tool information.

Claims

1. A first wireless communication interface capable of communicating with a machine tool, A second wireless communication interface that is not connected to the aforementioned machine tool and is capable of communicating with an external network to which external devices are connected, A control device that transmits machine tool information acquired from the machine tool via the first wireless communication interface to the external device via the second wireless communication interface, A teaching pendant equipped with [feature / feature].

2. The system further includes a user interface for receiving instructions to be executed by the aforementioned machine tool, The first wireless communication interface is, Multiple machine tools can be connected to a local area network, The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 1, wherein the user interface accepts the selection of a machine tool from among a plurality of machine tools connected to the local area network to be connected via the first wireless communication interface.

3. The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 2, wherein when communication is established with any of the machine tools among the plurality of machine tools via the first wireless communication interface, communication with the other machine tools is disconnected.

4. The aforementioned external network is It is at least one of the following: a wide-area network and a mobile communication network. The control device is While communication with the machine tool is established via the first wireless communication interface, the system is connected to the external network via the second wireless communication interface. The teaching pendant according to claim 1, wherein if communication with the machine tool via the first wireless communication interface is interrupted, the connection with the external network via the second wireless communication interface is also interrupted.

5. The system is further equipped with an imaging device, The aforementioned machine tool is An authentication code associated with authentication information is provided. The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 1, wherein the authentication code provided on the machine tool is captured by the imaging device, authentication of the machine tool is performed based on authentication information associated with the authentication code detected from the imaging data captured using the imaging device, and if authentication is successful, communication with the machine tool is established via the first wireless communication interface.

6. The system further includes a user interface for receiving instructions to be executed by the aforementioned machine tool, The aforementioned machine tool information is At least one of the following pieces of information: the error screen displayed on the machine tool, the log stored in the machine tool, the settings of the machine tool, and the program executed by the machine tool. The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 1, wherein when an instruction to transmit the at least one piece of information is received via the user interface, the at least one piece of information is transmitted to the external device via the second wireless communication interface.

7. The second wireless communication interface is, It is possible to connect to the external network in both the first frequency band and the second frequency band which is different from the first frequency band. The control device is Connecting to the external network via the second wireless communication interface using the first frequency band, and connecting to the external network via the second wireless communication interface using the second frequency band, The teaching pendant according to claim 1, wherein the machine tool information is transmitted to the external device using the first frequency band, and when the strength of the radio waves in the first frequency band decreases, the machine tool information is transmitted to the external device using the second frequency band.

8. The second wireless communication interface is, It is possible to connect to the external network using multiple second frequency bands that are different from each other, The control device is While performing communication with the external network using the first frequency band, the process of searching for the second frequency band with the greatest radio wave intensity among a plurality of second frequency bands is performed. The teaching pendant according to claim 7, wherein if the strength of the radio waves in the first frequency band decreases, the machine tool information is transmitted to the external device using the second frequency band, which has the greatest strength of radio waves.

9. The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 1 or claim 2, which performs a transmission process to transmit image data relating to the machine tool to the external device via the second wireless communication interface.

10. The system further includes a storage device capable of storing the aforementioned image data, The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 9, wherein in the transmission process, the image data stored in the storage device is transmitted to the external device, and based on the completion of the transmission of the image data to the external device, the transmitted image data is deleted from the storage device.

11. The second wireless communication interface is, It is capable of communicating with multiple external devices, The control device is A destination selection process is performed to accept the selection of the external device to which the image data will be transmitted from among a plurality of external devices that can communicate. The teaching pendant according to claim 9, wherein in the transmission process, the image data is transmitted to the external device selected in the destination selection process.

12. The first wireless communication interface is, It can be connected to multiple machine tools, Multiple of the aforementioned external devices include: A master device that stores information relating to all of the machine tools among the multiple machine tools, A maintenance device that stores information relating to the machine tool being managed among a plurality of machine tools, It includes, The control device is In the destination selection process, the selection of the maintenance device that is the destination external device is received from among the multiple maintenance devices. The teaching pendant according to claim 11, wherein the transmission process transmits the image data to both the master device and the maintenance device selected in the destination selection process.

13. The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 12, wherein in the transmission process, image data relating to the machine tool and machine tool information acquired from the machine tool are transmitted, and the same data is transmitted to the master device and the maintenance device selected in the destination selection process.

14. The control device is A transmission completion determination process is executed to determine whether or not the transmission of the image data to the master device has been completed. If the transmission completion determination process determines that the transmission of the image data to the master device is complete, the image data is transmitted to the maintenance device selected in the destination selection process. The teaching pendant according to claim 12, wherein if the transmission completion determination process determines that the transmission of the image data to the master device has not been completed, the image data is not transmitted to the maintenance device selected in the destination selection process.

15. The system is further equipped with an imaging device, The control device is While communication with the machine tool is established via the first wireless communication interface, imaging by the imaging device is permitted. The teaching pendant according to claim 9, wherein imaging by the imaging device is restricted when communication with the machine tool has not been established via the first wireless communication interface.

16. The control device is The purpose reception process is executed to receive the purpose for which the aforementioned image data is to be transmitted. The teaching pendant according to claim 9, wherein in the transmission process, image data relating to the machine tool and machine tool information obtained from the machine tool are transmitted, and information corresponding to the purpose received in the purpose acceptance process is transmitted as the machine tool information.

17. The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 16, wherein, in the purpose acceptance process, the purpose of transmitting abnormal information is accepted, and in the transmission process, the machine tool information includes information on abnormal information currently occurring in the machine tool and information on the history of abnormalities.

18. The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 16, wherein, in the purpose acceptance process, the purpose of transmission is to transmit a machining report, and the machine tool information includes information about the program used for machining, information about the tools used for machining, and information about the correction values ​​during machining, which are transmitted in the transmission process.

19. The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 16, wherein, in the purpose acceptance process, the purpose of transmission is to transmit a measurement report, and the machine tool information includes the measurement results obtained by measuring a workpiece with the machine tool, and production information relating to the production of the workpiece.

20. The control device is The teaching pendant according to claim 16, wherein, in the purpose reception process, the purpose of transmission is to transmit information indicating the location of the malfunction in the machine tool, and the transmission process transmits this information as machine tool information.

Images