Operating device and display method

Abstract

[Problem] To reduce input mistakes made by workers. [Solution] The present invention provides an operation device 100 for operating an industrial machine S that has a first element E1 on one side in a predetermined arrangement direction and a second element E2 on the other side, the operation device 100 comprising: a display 10 for displaying an image; an input unit 20 for inputting the image displayed by the display 10; and a panel display control unit 30 for causing the display 10 to display a first panel P1 for configuring settings regarding the first element E1, and a second panel P2 for configuring settings regarding the second element E2 on the other side relative to the first panel P1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device and a display method.

Background Art

[0002] Industrial machines may have a plurality of elements in a predetermined arrangement direction. Regarding such industrial machines, when an operator manually makes settings or operations for each element, an operating device is used. As such an operating device, there has been proposed one including a display for displaying an image and an input unit for inputting regarding settings or operations, and displaying an input panel on the display (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When an industrial machine has a plurality of elements in a predetermined arrangement direction, in the case of simply displaying an input panel on a display like the operating device of Patent Document 1, the correspondence between the input items on the panel and the elements to be set or operated by the input is difficult to understand. As a result, there is a risk of input errors.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device and a display method capable of suppressing input errors by an operator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The operating device according to an aspect of the present invention is an operating device for operating an industrial machine having a first element on one side and a second element on the other side in a predetermined arrangement direction, and includes a display for displaying an image, an input unit for inputting to the image displayed on the display, and a panel display control unit for causing the display to display a first panel for setting the first element and, on the other side of the first panel, a second panel for setting the second element.

[0007] The display method according to an aspect of the present invention is a display method in an operating device for operating an industrial machine having a first element on one side and a second element on the other side in a predetermined arrangement direction, the operating device including a display for displaying an image and an input unit for inputting to the image displayed on the display, and includes causing the display to display a first panel for setting the first element and, on the other side of the first panel, a second panel for setting the second element.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the operating device and the display method according to the above aspect, since the first panel and the second panel are displayed on the display in the same order as the first element and the second element in the industrial machine, an operator can easily recognize the first panel or the second panel from the order of the first element and the second element. As a result, it is possible to avoid the operator from inputting to the wrong location and suppress input errors.

[0009] Further, in the operating device according to the above aspect, the panel display control unit may cause the display to display a plurality of first panels and, on the other side of any of the plurality of first panels, display a plurality of second panels. According to this aspect, even when a plurality of first panels and a plurality of second panels are displayed on the display, since the plurality of second panels are displayed on the other side of the plurality of first panels, an operator can easily recognize the location to be input.

[0010] Also, in the operating device according to the above aspect, when an input for displaying a new first panel is made by the input unit, the panel display control unit displays the new first panel on one side with respect to the second panel being displayed on the display. When an input for displaying a new second panel is made by the input unit, the new second panel may be displayed on the other side with respect to the first panel being displayed on the display. According to this aspect, even when a new first panel or a new second panel is displayed on the display, the order of the first panel and the second panel is maintained, so that the operator can easily recognize the location to be input.

[0011] Also, in the operating device according to the above aspect, when an input for displaying a new first panel is made by the input unit, the panel display control unit displays the new first panel on one side with respect to any of the plurality of second panels being displayed on the display. When an input for displaying a new second panel is made by the input unit, the new second panel may be displayed on the other side with respect to any of the plurality of first panels being displayed on the display. According to this aspect, even when a new first panel or a new second panel is displayed when a plurality of first panels and second panels are displayed on the display, the order of the first panel and the second panel is maintained, so that the operator can easily recognize the location to be input.

[0012] In addition, in the operating device according to the above aspect, the panel display control unit may display one or both of the first panel and the second panel on the entire preset setting area on the display. According to this aspect, since the first panel and the second panel are largely displayed in the setting area, the visibility for the operator can be improved. Further, in the operating device according to the above aspect, when the panel display control unit displays a new first panel or a new second panel in the setting area, one or both of the first panel and the second panel that are previously displayed may be reduced. According to this aspect, since the previously displayed first panel and second panel are reduced, a plurality of first panels and second panels can be displayed in the setting area in a well-balanced manner.

[0013] In addition, in the operating device according to the above aspect, a touch panel may be used as the display and the input unit. According to this aspect, since the touch panel is used, the operator can easily input by touching the display portion. Further, in the operating device according to the above aspect, it may be detachably attached to an industrial machine. According to this aspect, the operator can remove and carry the operating member from the industrial machine. Further, in the operating device according to the above aspect, the industrial machine may be a lathe, and both the first element and the second element may be processing parts included in the lathe. According to this aspect, when the operator inputs a setting regarding the processing part of the lathe, input errors can be suppressed. Further, in the operating device according to the above aspect, the industrial machine may be a loader device, and both the first element and the second element may be conveying parts included in the loader device. According to this aspect, when the operator inputs a setting regarding the conveying part of the loader device, input errors can be suppressed. Further, in the operating device according to the above aspect, the industrial machine may be an automated warehouse, and both the first element and the second element may be conveying carts included in the automated warehouse. According to this aspect, when the operator inputs a setting regarding the conveying cart of the automated warehouse, input errors can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the content described below. In the drawings, for the purpose of explaining the embodiments, the scale is appropriately changed such as enlarging or emphasizing a part, and the shape and dimensions may be different from those of the actual product. In FIGS. 2, 19, and 20, the directions in the figure are explained using the X1Y1Z1 coordinate system or the X2Y2Z2 coordinate system. Each of the X1 direction (X2 direction), Y1 direction (Y2 direction), and Z1 direction (Z2 direction) is explained such that the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure is the + direction, and the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow is the - direction.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operating device 100 according to the present embodiment. The operating device 100 is used for an operator to operate the industrial machine S. The industrial machine S includes a first element E1 on one side in a predetermined arrangement direction D and a second element E2 on the other side in the arrangement direction D. The predetermined arrangement direction D may be a horizontal direction (lateral direction) or a vertical direction (vertical direction). In FIG. 1, the left side in the predetermined arrangement direction D is taken as one side and the right side as the other side, but it may be the reverse of the aspect shown in FIG. 1. The details of the first element E1 and the second element E2 of the industrial machine S will be described later. The industrial machine S also includes a control unit SC that controls the first element E1 and the second element E2. The operating device 100 is used for an operator to operate the first element E1 or the second element E2.

[0017] First, an example of the industrial machine S will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the lathe MA and the loader device G which are the industrial machine S. In FIG. 2, the lathe MA and the loader device G form a machine tool system SYS. As shown in FIG. 2, the machine tool system SYS includes a control unit CA that controls the lathe MA and the loader device G. The lathe MA is a parallel two-axis lathe. The lathe MA has a loading unit 210, two first processing units 220A and 220B, and an unloading unit 230. The loading unit 210 has a mounting table 211 on which the work W to be processed is placed. The unprocessed work W is held on the mounting table 211. The mounting table 211 is configured to be able to pass the unprocessed work W to the loader device G.

[0018] The first processing unit 220A and the second processing unit 220B each process the work W with a tool TL. The first processing unit 220A has a main shaft H1 and a turret T1. The second processing unit 220B has a main shaft H2 and a turret T2. The main shafts H1 and H2 are arranged side by side in the X1 direction and are each rotatably supported around an axis parallel to the Z1 direction by bearings (not shown) or the like. Chucks 221 and 222 are provided at the +Z1 side ends of the main shafts H1 and H2, respectively. The chucks 221 and 222 are opened and closed by a chuck drive unit (not shown) and grip or release the work W.

[0019] The turrets T1 and T2 are arranged outside the axial directions of the main shafts H1 and H2. The turret T1 is arranged on the -X1 side of the main shaft H1. The turret T2 is arranged on the +X1 side of the main shaft H2. Each of the turrets T1 and T2 is rotatable about an axis parallel to the Z1 direction by a rotation driving device (not shown). The circumferential surfaces of the turrets T1 and T2 are provided with a plurality of holding portions for holding the tool TL, and the tool TL is held by all or part of these holding portions. Therefore, when the turrets T1 and T2 rotate, the tool TL used for machining the workpiece W is selected. The tool TL is replaceable for each holding portion. As the tool TL, in addition to a tool such as a cutting tool for performing cutting on the workpiece W, a rotary tool such as a drill or an end mill may be used. Further, the turrets T1 and T2 are movable in the X1 direction and the Z1 direction by a driving device (not shown).

[0020] In the lathe MA, a first element E1A is constituted by a first machining unit 220A including the main shaft H1 and the turret T1. Also, a second element E2A is constituted by a second machining unit 220B including the main shaft H2 and the turret T2. The first element E1A and the second element E2A are arranged side by side along a predetermined arrangement direction D. The first element E1A is arranged on one side (left side) of the arrangement direction D. The second element E2A is arranged on the other side (right side) of the arrangement direction D. As will be described later, the operation device 100 displays the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 of the display 10 in the same arrangement as the arrangement order of the first machining unit 220A and the second machining unit 220B in the arrangement direction D. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the setting target and suppress misoperations such as input errors.

[0021] The unloading unit 230 places the workpiece W processed by the first machining unit 220A or the second machining unit 220B. The unloading unit 230 has a mounting table 231 for holding the processed workpiece W. The processed workpiece W is held on the mounting table 231. The mounting table 231 is configured to be able to receive the workpiece W from the loader device G.

[0022] The loader device G has a first transfer unit G1 and a second transfer unit G2. The first transfer unit G1 and the second transfer unit G2 have the same configuration. The first transfer unit G1 is arranged on one side (left side) in the alignment direction D. The second transfer unit G2 is arranged on the other side (right side) in the alignment direction D. Each of the first transfer unit G1 and the second transfer unit G2 can transfer the workpiece W between the loading unit 210, the first processing unit 220A, the second processing unit 220B, and the unloading unit 230. The first transfer unit G1 and the second transfer unit G2 include an X slider 241, a Z slider 242, a lifting rod 243, a loader head 244, and two loader chucks 245. The X slider 241 is movable in the X1 direction along a rail 246 extending in the X1 direction by an X drive unit (not shown).

[0023] The Z slider 242 is movable in the Z1 direction along a Z guide (not shown) provided on the X slider 241 by a Z drive unit (not shown). The lifting rod 243 is movable up and down (movable in the Y1 direction) along a lifting guide (not shown) provided on the Z slider 242 by a lifting drive unit (not shown). The loader head 244 is provided at the lower end of the lifting rod 243 and moves up and down integrally with the lifting rod 243. The two loader chucks 245 are provided on the loader head 244 and can each grip the workpiece W. The two loader chucks 245 can move, for example, by means of a swivel joint or the like, between a posture in which the workpiece W is gripped and directed in the -Z1 direction (a posture in which the workpiece W is directed toward the spindles H1, H2) and a posture in which the workpiece W is directed downward (-Y1 direction).

[0024] In the loader device G, the first element E1B is constituted by the first transfer unit G1, and the second element E2B is constituted by the second transfer unit G2. The first element E1B and the second element E2B are arranged side by side along a predetermined arrangement direction D. The first element E1B is arranged on one side (left side) of the arrangement direction D. The second element E2B is arranged on the other side (right side) of the arrangement direction D. As will be described later, the operating device 100 displays the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 of the display 10 in the same order as the arrangement order of the first transfer unit G1 and the second transfer unit G2 in the arrangement direction D. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the setting target and suppress incorrect operations such as input errors.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the operating device 100 includes a display 10, an input unit 20, a panel display control unit 30, and a case 40 that holds or houses these components. The operating device 100 may be detachably attached to a part (for example, the front side) of the industrial machine S, or may be fixed to the industrial machine S. That is, the operating device 100 may be a so-called tablet terminal or the like equipped with a touch panel display, or may be installed on the industrial machine S (provided as a part of the industrial machine S). The operating device 100 includes a communication unit (not shown) and can be connected to the control unit SC of the industrial machine S by wire or wirelessly. Further, the operating device 100 may be able to communicate with a higher-level control device or the like with respect to the industrial machine S.

[0026] The operator can change the settings for the first element E1 and the second element E2 or operate (give an instruction to operate) the first element E1 and the second element E2 by inputting to the operating device 100 via the control unit SC of the industrial machine S. In this embodiment, the operating device 100 for a machine tool system SYS (see FIG. 2) having a lathe MA and a loader device G as the industrial machine S will be described.

[0027] The display 10 displays an image. In the display 10, for example, an information area 11, a setting area 12, and an operation area 13 are preset. The information area 11 is arranged in the upper part area in the vertical direction (up and down direction) of the display 10. The setting area 12 is arranged in the middle part area in the vertical direction of the display 10. The operation area 13 is arranged in the lower part area in the vertical direction of the display 10. Note that the arrangement of the information area 11, the setting area 12, and the operation area 13 in the display 10 is arbitrary and is not limited to the illustrated form. For example, the information area 11 may be arranged in the middle part area in the vertical direction of the display 10.

[0028] Information about each element of the industrial machine S is displayed in the information area 11. Information for the operator to always check each element is displayed within a panel (window) in the information area 11. In the example shown in FIG. 1, in the information area 11, a panel I1 for the counter, panels I2, I3, I4 for the main shafts H1, H2, H3, panels I5, I6, I7 for a plurality of tools TL mounted on the turrets T1, T2, T3, and panels I8, I9 for the loader device G are displayed. In the panel I1, for example, based on the production plan "C1" by the machine tool system SYS (see FIG. 2), the number of workpieces W processed in one lot, the number of workpieces W inspected after processing in a preset inspection number, the total number of workpieces W processed, etc. are displayed. Note that the content and arrangement displayed in the panel I1 can be arbitrarily set.

[0029] Panels I2 and I3 are arranged and displayed in information area 11 in the same direction D as the arrangement of the first element E1 and the second element E2 of the industrial machine S (such as a lathe MA). Also, panels I5 and I6 are arranged and displayed in information area 11 in the same direction D as the arrangement of the first element E1 and the second element E2 of the industrial machine S. By such display in information area 11, the arrangement order of the first element E1 and the second element E2 becomes the same as the arrangement order of information area 11. Thus, an operator can easily recognize the correspondence between the first element E1 and the second element E2 and the panels I2, I3, I4, or the panels I5, I6, I7.

[0030] On panel I2, information regarding the spindle H1 included in the first machining part 220A as the first element E1 in a lathe MA, which is an example of the industrial machine S, is displayed. On panel I3, information regarding the spindle H2 included in the second machining part 220B as the second element E2 in the lathe MA is displayed. Note that panel I4 is displayed when there is a corresponding element (spindle H3) in the industrial machine S. On panel I5, information regarding the tool TL of the turret T1 included in the first machining part 220A is displayed. On panel I6, information regarding the tool TL of the turret T2 included in the second machining part 220B is displayed. Note that panel I7 is displayed when there is a corresponding element (turret T3) in the industrial machine S. On panels I5, I6, and I7, for example, information such as the total number of machining times and the total machining time is displayed for each of the plurality of tools TL held by the turrets T1 and T2.

[0031] On panel I8, information regarding the first transport unit G1 as the first element E1 in a loader device G, which is another example of the industrial machine S, is displayed. On panel I9, information regarding the second transport unit G2 as the second element E2 in the loader device G is displayed. Panels I8 and I9 are arranged side by side at the upper limit in the information area 11, but are not limited to this form and may be arranged side by side horizontally. In this case, panels I8 and I9 are displayed side by side in the information area 11, similar to the arrangement direction D of the first element E1 and the second element E2 in the loader device G. The display content of panels I8 and I9 is arbitrary. Note that, below panels I8 and I9 within the information area 11, a diagram schematically showing the operating status of the loader device G may be displayed.

[0032] On the setting area 12, a screen for an operator to perform settings and the like for each element of the industrial machine S is displayed. On the setting area 12, a first panel P1 and a second panel P2 (hereinafter, simply referred to as panel P when not particularly distinguished) are displayed. The first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are displayed side by side in the setting area 12, similar to the arrangement direction D of the first element E1 and the second element E2 in the industrial machine S. That is, in the industrial machine S, the second panel P2 is displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the first panel P1, similar to the second element E2 being provided on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the first element E1. On the first panel P1, for example, information for setting regarding the tool TL in the turret T1 which is the first element E1 is displayed. On the second panel P2, for example, information for setting regarding the tool TL in the turret T2 which is the second element E2 is displayed. Note that details of the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 will be described later.

[0033] In the operation area 13, a panel Q for an operator to operate each element of the industrial machine S is displayed. This panel Q receives, for example, an input for an operator to directly operate (manual operation) each element of the industrial machine S. In the example shown in FIG. 1, in the operation area 13, panels Q1, Q2, Q3 for operating the main shafts H1, H2, H3 and a panel Q4 for operating the loader device G are displayed. The panels Q1, Q2, Q3 are arranged in the operation area 13 in the same order as the main shafts H1, H2, H3 with respect to the arrangement direction D of the main shaft H1 which is the first element E1, the main shaft H2 which is the second element E2, and the main shaft H3 which is the third element. By such a display of the operation area 13, the operator can easily recognize the correspondence between the first element E1, the second element E2, the third element E3 and the panels Q1, Q2, Q3, and can suppress incorrect operations such as input errors by the operator.

[0034] On the panel Q1, information for operating the main shaft H1 which is the first element E1 or the turret T1 corresponding to the main shaft H1 is displayed. On the panel Q2, information for operating the main shaft H2 which is the second element E2 or the turret T2 corresponding to the main shaft H2 is displayed. The panel Q3 is displayed when there is a corresponding element (for example, the main shaft H3 or the turret T3 corresponding to the main shaft H3, etc.) in the industrial machine S. The display contents in the panels Q1, Q2, Q3 are set according to the operation of each element, and the information necessary for the operation of each element is displayed. On the panel Q4, information for operating the loader device G is displayed. Note that the panel Q4 is used by switching the display between the first transport unit G1 as the first element E1 provided in the loader device G and the second transport unit G2 as the second element E2, but is not limited to this usage form, and two panels corresponding to the first element E1 and the second element E2 may be arranged side by side and displayed. In this case, the two panels may be arranged side by side in the operation area 13 in the same order as the arrangement direction D of the first element E1 and the second element E2 of the loader device G.

[0035] The input unit 20 receives an input with respect to the image displayed on the display 10. In the present embodiment, as the input unit 20, a touch pad 21 formed in a region overlapping the display 10 is used. That is, the display 10 and the touch pad 21 constitute a touch panel display. By using the touch pad 21 (touch panel display), an operator can easily perform an input by touching the display portion.

[0036] A rotary switch 22 as the input unit 20 is provided at the lower part 40A of the case 40. The rotary switch 22 performs an input regarding the setting or operation of each element by a rotation operation by an operator. The rotary switch 22 is mainly used when performing an input operation on the panel Q displayed in the operation area 13. Also, various buttons such as an emergency stop button may be provided at the lower part 40A of the case 40. Also, the input unit 20 is not limited to using the touch pad 21 (touch panel). For example, a mouse, a keyboard, a jog dial, etc. may be connected to the operating device 100 and used as the input unit 20.

[0037] The panel display control unit 30 controls the display of the display 10. The panel display control unit 30 is mounted in the case 40. The panel display control unit 30 controls the arrangement of the panels corresponding to the information area 11, the setting area 12, and the operation area 13, and the content to be displayed on the panels. The panel display control unit 30 may include a storage device that stores information regarding the information area 11, the setting area 12, and the operation area 13. The panel display control unit 30 receives the content input by the touch pad 21 (input unit 20), reads out the information corresponding to the received content from the storage unit, and displays it on the display 10. For example, when the information of the first element E1 is selected, the panel display control unit 30 causes the first panel P1 for setting the first element E1 to be displayed in the setting area 12 on the display 10. Also, for example, when the information of the second element E2 is selected, the panel display control unit 30 causes the second panel P2 for setting the second element E2 to be displayed in the setting area 12 on the display 10.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the initial state of the setting area 12. As shown in FIG. 3, a panel P0 related to the production plan "C1" is displayed in the setting area 12. From this state, when an operator performs a touch input operation on any one of the panels I1 to I9 of each element displayed in the information area 11, the panel display control unit 30 causes the panel corresponding to each element selected by the operation, i.e., panels I1 to I9, to be displayed in the setting area 12. In FIG. 3, a figure surrounded by an oval dashed line is superimposed on panel I5 regarding the turret T1 displayed in the information area 11, indicating that the panel I5 has been touch-input by the operator.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the first panel P1 being displayed in the setting area 12. When the panel I5 in the information area 11 is touch-input from the state shown in FIG. 3, the panel display control unit 30 causes the first panel P1 for setting the turret T1, which is the first element E1, to be displayed in the setting area 12 of the display 10 as shown in FIG. 4. In this case, the panel display control unit 30 can cause a plurality of first panels P1 to be displayed in the setting area 12. In FIG. 4, for example, a first panel P1 for setting the life of the tool TL of the turret T1 and a first panel P1 for setting the position correction of the tool TL of the turret T1 are displayed side by side horizontally in the setting area 12. When a plurality of first panels P1 are displayed in the setting area 12, the widths of the first panels P1 in the left-right direction (arrangement direction D) may be the same or different.

[0040] Note that when the panel I5 in the information area 11 is touch-input, it may be in a form where one first panel P1 is displayed in the setting area 12. When the panels I1 to I9 in the information area 11 are touch-input, which one of the one or more first panels P1 is to be displayed is determined in advance by settings made by the operator or the like or by initial settings. When any one of the panels I1 to I9 in the information area 11 is touch-input, the panel display control unit 30 causes the one or more first panels P1 determined in advance to be displayed in the setting area 12.

[0041] Further, when the panel I6 of the information area 11 is touch-input from the state shown in FIG. 3, the panel display control unit 30 causes the second panel P2 for making settings regarding the turret T2, which is the second element E2, to be displayed in the setting area 12 of the display 10. In this case, the panel display control unit 30 may display a plurality of second panels P2 in the setting area 12, or may display one second panel P2 in the setting area 12. Which of the one or more second panels P2 is to be displayed is determined in advance by settings or initial settings made by an operator or the like, similarly to the first panel P1 described above. When a plurality of second panels P2 are displayed in the setting area 12, the widths of the respective second panels P2 in the left-right direction (arrangement direction D) may be the same or different.

[0042] Each of the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 may be displayed including a plurality of tabs. With the first panel P1 or the second panel P2 displayed in the setting area 12, when an operator touch-inputs any one of the tabs, the panel display control unit 30 switches the content to be displayed within the panel. In this case, when a tab of the first panel P1 is touch-input, the panel display control unit 30 switches to display the content regarding the first panel P1 (that is, the information regarding the first element E1), and when a tab of the second panel P2 is touch-input, the panel display control unit 30 switches to display the content regarding the second panel P2 (that is, the information regarding the second element E2) within the panel.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the display method according to the embodiment. In FIG. 5, when the second panel P2 is to be displayed after the first panel P1 is displayed, or when the first panel P1 is to be displayed after the second panel P2 is displayed, etc., the case where the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are simultaneously displayed in the setting area 12 of the display 10 is described. When the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are simultaneously displayed on the display 10, the panel display control unit 30 displays the second panel P2 on the other side of the first panel P1 in the arrangement direction D in the setting area 12 of the display 10. That is, the panel display control unit 30 controls the display of the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 of the display 10 so that the arrangement order of the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 with respect to the arrangement direction D matches the arrangement order of the first element E1 and the second element E2 of the industrial machine S in the arrangement direction D.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, when the first element E1 is selected by the operator, the panel display control unit 30 displays the first panel P1 in the setting area 12 (step S01). That is, when the operator touches and inputs the panel I5 related to the first element E1 in the information area 11, the panel display control unit 30 displays the first panel P1 in the setting area 12. Also, in step S01, when the second element E2 is selected by the operator, the panel display control unit 30 displays the second panel P2 in the setting area 12. That is, when the operator touches and inputs the panel I6 related to the second element E2 in the information area 11, the panel display control unit 30 displays the second panel P2 in the setting area 12.

[0045] Subsequently, after the panel display control unit 30 displays the first panel P1 or the second panel P2, it determines whether to simultaneously display both the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 (step S02). For example, the panel display control unit 30 determines whether the button 12A displayed in the setting area 12 has been touch-input in the state shown in FIG. 4. A series of operations performed by the operator, including the touch input to the button 12A, corresponds to the input for displaying a new first panel P1 or a new second panel P2 by the input unit 20. When the button 12A is touch-input, the panel display control unit 30 may display a ribbon for selecting either of the turrets T1 and T2 in the setting area 12. In this case, for example, when the operator selects the turret T2 in the ribbon by touch input in the state shown in FIG. 4, the panel display control unit 30 may display the second panel P2 in the setting area 12.

[0046] When the panel display control unit 30 determines that the button 12A has been touch-input while the first panel P1 is displayed in the setting area 12 and an operation has been performed to display the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 in addition to the first panel P1, it determines to simultaneously display both the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the setting area 12. Also, when the panel display control unit 30 determines that the button 12A has been touch-input while the second panel P2 is displayed in the setting area 12 and an operation has been performed to display the first panel P1 in the setting area 12 in addition to the second panel P2, it determines to simultaneously display both the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the setting area 12.

[0047] When the panel display control unit 30 determines that an operation has been performed to display the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 in addition to the first panel P1 while the first panel P1 is displayed in the setting area 12 (YES in step S02), it displays the second panel P2 on the other side (right side) in the arrangement direction D with respect to the first panel P1 in the setting area 12 (step S03).

[0048] Further, when the panel display control unit 30 determines that an operation to display the first panel P1 in the setting area 12 in addition to the second panel P2 has been performed while the second panel P2 is displayed in the setting area 12 (YES in step S02), the panel display control unit 30 displays the first panel P1 on one side (left side) in the arrangement direction D with respect to the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 (step S03).

[0049] Also, when one of the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 is displayed in the setting area 12 and the other of the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 is not displayed (that is, when the button 12A is not touch-input), the panel display control unit 30 determines that both the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are not simultaneously displayed in the setting area 12 (NO in step S02), and repeats the process of step S02.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are displayed. FIG. 6 shows an example in which one first panel P1 and one second panel P2 are simultaneously displayed in the setting area 12. When the operator touch-inputs the button 12A while one first panel P1 (or second panel P2) is displayed in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 simultaneously displays the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the setting area 12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the panel display control unit 30 displays the second panel P2 on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the first panel P1. In other words, the first panel P1 is displayed on one side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the second panel P2.

[0051] Also, when displaying one first panel P1 (or one second panel P2) in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 causes, for example, one first panel P1 (or one second panel P2) to be displayed using the entire setting area 12. From this state, when simultaneously displaying the second panel P2 (or the first panel P1), the panel display control unit 30 reduces the previously displayed first panel P1 (or second panel P2) in the left-right direction (arrangement direction D) and causes a new second panel P2 (or first panel P1) to be displayed in the setting area 12. When reducing the first panel P1 or the second panel P2, the display within the panel may be reduced or may be changed to a simplified display. Also, the left-right widths of the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 displayed in the setting area 12 may be the same or may be different.

[0052] Here, when an operation for displaying a new panel P is performed while the panel P is already displayed in the setting area 12, basically, the panel display control unit 30 is configured to display the new panel P on the other side in the arrangement direction D in the setting area 12. And under such a configuration, when the new panel P displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D in the setting area 12 is the first panel P1, and the second panel P2 is included in the panel P already displayed in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 controls to display the new panel P (the first panel P1) on one side with respect to the second panel P2. At this time, when a plurality of second panels P2 are included in the panel P already displayed in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 controls to display the new panel P (the first panel P1) on one side with respect to any of the plurality of second panels P2. Note that when the new panel P displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D in the setting area 12 is the second panel P2, the panel display control unit 30 ends the process regardless of the type of the panel P already displayed in the setting area 12 (maintains the display state as it is with the new second panel P2 displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D). That is, when the new panel P is the second panel P2, even if the first panel P1 is included in the panel P already displayed in the setting area 12, since the state where the second panel P2 is displayed on the other side with respect to the first panel P1 can be ensured, the panel display control unit 30 ends the process.

[0053] When an input is made to display a new first panel P1 in a state where at least the second panel P2 is already displayed in the setting area 12, first, the panel display control unit 30 displays the new first panel P1 on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the second panel P2 already displayed in the setting area 12. Then, by swapping the positions of the new first panel P1 and the second panel P2, the new first panel P1 is displayed on one side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the second panel P2. That is, the panel display control unit 30 displays the new first panel P1 on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the second panel P2 already displayed in the setting area 12 for a predetermined time (for example, an extremely short time such as 0.5 seconds), and then swaps the positions of the new first panel P1 and the second panel P2.

[0054] When an input is made to display a new first panel P1 in a state where a plurality of second panels P2 are already displayed in the setting area 12, first, the panel display control unit 30 displays the new first panel P1 on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to any of the plurality of second panels P2 already displayed in the setting area 12. Then, the new first panel P1 is moved to one side in the arrangement direction D with respect to any of the plurality of second panels P2, and the plurality of second panels P2 are moved to the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the new first panel P1, so that the new first panel P1 is displayed on one side in the arrangement direction D with respect to any of the plurality of second panels P2.

[0055] In this way, when the panel display control unit 30 causes a new panel P to be displayed in the setting area 12, initially, it is displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D. This is because if a new first panel P1 is initially displayed on one side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the second panel P2, the user may not be able to tell whether the new first panel P1 was originally displayed at that position or was newly displayed there. Therefore, the panel display control unit 30 first displays the new first panel P1 on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the second panel P2 as described above, and then swaps the positions of the first panel P1 and the second panel P2, thereby impressing on the user that the first panel P1 is newly displayed while aligning the arrangement of the panel P and the respective elements of the industrial machine S.

[0056] On the other hand, when an input for displaying a new second panel P2 is made while one or more first panels P1 are already displayed in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 displays the new second panel P2 on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to any of the first panels P1 from the start of display. As described above, the panel display control unit 30 is basically configured to display a new panel P on the other side in the arrangement direction D in the setting area 12. Therefore, when newly displaying the second panel P2, there is no problem in displaying the new second panel P2 on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the first panel P1 from the start of display, and while impressing on the user that the second panel P2 is newly displayed, the arrangement of the panel P and the respective elements of the industrial machine S can be aligned.

[0057] Also, when the panel display control unit 30 displays a new panel P in the setting area 12, first, the new panel P is displayed without specifying whether it is the first panel P1 or the second panel P2. Then, it may further accept the specification of whether the new panel P is the first panel P1 or the second panel P2. That is, the panel display control unit 30 first displays a new panel P that can be either the first panel P1 or the second panel P2. On the new panel P, an operation button (not shown) for accepting the specification of whether it is the first panel P1 or the second panel P2 is displayed. The user can specify the first panel P1 or the second panel P2 by touch input, and the newly displayed panel P becomes the first panel P1 or the second panel P2, and such processing may be performed.

[0058] In this case, when an operation to display a new panel P is performed while a panel P is already displayed in the setting area 12, basically, the new panel P is displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D in the setting area 12. That is, when an input to display a new panel P is performed while one or more second panels P2 are displayed in the setting area 12, first, the new panel P is displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to any of the second panels P2 displayed in the setting area 12. Then, it further accepts the specification of whether the new panel P is the first panel P1 or the second panel P2. When the new panel P is specified as the first panel P1, the panel display control unit 30 swaps the positions of the new panel P specified as the first panel P1 and the second panel P2, and displays the new panel P (the first panel P1) on one side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the second panel P2. On the other hand, when the new panel P is specified as the second panel P2, even if one or more first panels P1 are already displayed on one side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the new panel P, the relative positional relationship is maintained without swapping the positions of the first panel P1 and the new second panel P2.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of first panels P1 and a plurality of second panels P2 are displayed. The panel display control unit 30 can simultaneously display a plurality (two) of the first panels P1 and a plurality (two) of the second panels P2 in the setting area 12. Even when a plurality of first panels P1 and a plurality of second panels P2 are simultaneously displayed in the setting area 12, as shown in FIG. 7, the panel display control unit 30 displays the plurality of second panels P2 on the other side of the alignment direction D with respect to any of the plurality of first panels P1.

[0060] Also, when displaying a plurality of first panels P1 and a plurality of second panels P2 in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 reduces and displays the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the left-right direction (alignment direction D) as compared with the case of displaying a plurality of first panels P1 in the setting area 12 or the case of displaying a plurality of second panels P2. When reducing the first panel P1 and the second panel P2, the display within the panel may be reduced or changed to a simplified display. Also, when a plurality of first panels P1 and a plurality of second panels P2 are simultaneously displayed, the left-right widths of the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 may be the same or different.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a second panel P2 is displayed in addition to a plurality of first panels P1. As shown in FIG. 8, when the button 12A is touched and input in a state where a plurality (two) of first panels P1 are displayed in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 causes the second panel P2 to be displayed on the other side (the right side in this embodiment) in the arrangement direction D with respect to the two first panels P1 in the setting area 12. That is, when a new second panel P2 is to be displayed while a plurality of first panels P1 are being displayed in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 maintains the display of the plurality of first panels P1 and causes the second panel P2 to be displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to any of the plurality of first panels P1. At this time, the two first panels P1 were displayed across the entire setting area 12, but are reduced in the left-right direction with the display of the second panel P2.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a first panel P1 is displayed in addition to a plurality of second panels P2. As shown in FIG. 9, when the button 12A is touched and input in a state where a plurality (two) of second panels P2 are displayed in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 causes the first panel P1 to be displayed on one side (the left side in this embodiment) in the arrangement direction D with respect to the two second panels P2 in the setting area 12. That is, when a new first panel P1 is to be displayed while a plurality of second panels P2 are being displayed in the setting area 12, the panel display control unit 30 maintains the display of the plurality of second panels P2 and causes the first panel P1 to be displayed on one side (the left side in this embodiment) in the arrangement direction D with respect to any of the plurality of second panels P2. At this time, the two second panels P2 were displayed across the entire setting area 12, but are reduced in the left-right direction with the display of the first panel P1.

[0063] In this way, when the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are simultaneously displayed in the setting area 12, one or more second panels P2 are all displayed on the other side of the first panel P1 in the arrangement direction D. Also, even when a plurality of first panels P1 are displayed, one or more second panels P2 are all displayed on the other side of the first panel P1 in the arrangement direction D. Further, when the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are simultaneously displayed in the setting area 12, one or more first panels P1 are all displayed on one side of the second panel P2 in the arrangement direction D. Also, even when a plurality of second panels P2 are displayed, one or more first panels P1 are all displayed on one side of the second panel P2 in the arrangement direction D. Therefore, since the arrangement order of the panels displayed in the setting area 12 is the same as the arrangement of the actual first element E1 and second element E2 in the arrangement direction D in the industrial machine S, the operator can easily recognize the first panel P1 or the second panel P2 to be set, and can suppress incorrect operations such as input errors.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the setting area 12 is reduced. As a usage mode of the operation device 100, when no setting or operation is performed on the first element E1 or the second element E2 of the industrial machine S, the operator can be utilized as a monitor for checking the information in the information area 11. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the panel display control unit 30 can, for example, reduce the setting area 12 in the vertical direction and expand and display the information area 11 by the operator touching and inputting the home button 12B displayed in the setting area 12. As the information area 11 expands, the panels I1 to I9 are also expanded and displayed. When expanding and displaying the panels I1 to I9, the display within the panel may be enlarged, or information that was not displayed before the expansion may be added and displayed.

[0065] In this way, by expanding the information area 11 (panels I1 to I9), the operator can easily check the information in the information area 11. To return the reduced setting area 12 to its original state, press the home button 12B again to return to the original state. In the above description, the setting area 12 is reduced and the information area 11 is expanded, but it is not limited to this form. For example, the operation area 13 may be reduced in the vertical direction to expand the information area 11, or both the setting area 12 and the operation area 13 may be reduced in the vertical direction to expand the information area 11.

[0066] Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams showing other usage modes of the operation device 100. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation of pinning a panel. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation of calling a pinned panel. As shown in Figure 11, when the operator touches and inputs the pinning button 12C displayed on the first panel P1, the panel display control unit 30 can store in a storage unit (not shown) the display form of the two first panels P1 displayed in the setting area 12. In Figure 11, it shows that the form in which two first panels P1 are displayed in the setting area 12 is pinned, but the same applies when one or three or more first panels P1 are displayed and pinned. Furthermore, the same applies when the form in which the second panel P2 is displayed in the setting area 12 or the form in which the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are simultaneously displayed is pinned. Also, the pinned content can be stored in the storage unit, for example, by naming it.

[0067] The operator can easily display the first panel P1 or the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 by calling up the pinned display content later. As shown in FIG. 12, the operator touches and inputs the button 12D for calling up the pinning on the first panel P1 (or the second panel P2). By this touch input, the panel display control unit 30 causes the first panel P1 (or the second panel P2) to display a list 12E regarding the pinned content. When the operator selects any one of the list 12E by touch input, the panel display control unit 30 displays the selected pinned form in the setting area 12. In this way, the operator can easily display the frequently used form in the setting area 12 by pinning it in advance.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for closing the panel. As shown in FIG. 13, a delete button 12F for closing the panel is displayed on the first panel P1. In FIG. 13, three first panels P1 are displayed in the setting area 12, and a delete button 12F is displayed on each of the first panels P1. The panel display control unit 30 makes the corresponding first panel P1 invisible in the setting area 12 when the operator touches and inputs the delete button 12F. As shown in the left diagram of FIG. 13, when the delete button 12F is touched and input for each of the two corresponding first panels P1 to make them invisible, the panel display control unit 30 enlarges and displays the remaining one first panel P1 in the setting area 12 as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 13.

[0069] The same applies when the second panel P2 is being displayed in the setting area 12, or when both the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are being displayed in the setting area 12 simultaneously. By touching and inputting the delete button 12F, the corresponding first panel P1 or second panel P2 can be made invisible in the setting area 12. At this time, it is also the same in that the remaining first panel P1 or second panel P2 in the setting area 12 is enlarged and displayed in the setting area 12.

[0070] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, an additional button 12G is displayed on each of the plurality of first panels P1. In the right diagram of FIG. 13, one first panel P1 is displayed in the setting area 12. When the operator touches and inputs the additional button 12G for adding a panel, the panel display control unit 30 adds one first panel P1 and causes two first panels P1 to be displayed in the setting area 12. When adding the first panel P1, the panel display control unit 30, for example, reduces the previously displayed first panel P1 and displays it to the right of the first panel P1 to be added to this first panel P1 (see FIG. 4). The panel display control unit 30 adjusts the sizes (widths in the left-right direction) of the two first panels P1 so as to use the entire setting area 12 for the previously displayed first panel P1 and the first panel P1 to be added.

[0071] In addition, the same applies when the second panel P2 is displayed in the setting area 12, or when both the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are simultaneously displayed in the setting area 12. In this case, when the additional button 12G of the first panel P1 is touched and input, the first panel P1 is added, and when the additional button 12G of the second panel P2 is touched and input, the second panel P2 is added. The added first panel P1 or second panel P2 is set in advance by the operator or determined by the initial setting according to the first panel P1 or second panel P2 on which the additional button 12G is touched and input. In this way, by touching and inputting the delete button 12F or the additional button 12G, the operator can easily make the first panel P1 or the second panel P2 displayed in the setting area 12 invisible or add it.

[0072] Here, in a state where the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are displayed in the setting area 12, when the add button 12G of the second panel P2 is touch-input, the second panel P2 is additionally displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the first panel P1. When a plurality of first panels P1 are displayed, the second panel P2 is additionally displayed on the other side in the arrangement direction D with respect to any of the first panels P1. Further, in a state where the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are displayed in the setting area 12, when the add button 12G of the first panel P1 is touch-input, the first panel P1 is additionally displayed on one side in the arrangement direction D with respect to the second panel P2. When a plurality of second panels P2 are displayed, the first panel P1 is additionally displayed on one side in the arrangement direction D with respect to any of the second panels P2.

[0073] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation for changing a panel. As shown in FIG. 14, two first panels P1 are displayed in the setting area 12, and a change button 12H for changing the panel is displayed on each of the first panels P1. By the operator touch-inputting the change button 12H, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 14, the panel display control unit 30 displays an item list 12I of the panel to be displayed after the change. When a desired item is selected by touch-input from among the items in the item list 12h by the operator, the panel display control unit 30 changes the display content of the first panel P1 to the content of the selected item and displays it. The items to be displayed in the item list 12I are set in advance by the operator or determined by the initial settings.

[0074] In addition, the same applies when the second panel P2 is displayed in the setting area 12, or when both the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are simultaneously displayed in the setting area 12. In this case, the panel display control unit 30 may display the item list 12I corresponding to each panel for the first panel P1 and the second panel P2, or may display the same item list 12I. In this way, by touching the change button 12H and selecting a desired item from the item list 12h, the content of the panel can be changed, so that the operator can easily change the display content of the first panel P1 or the second panel P2.

[0075] FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the information area 11 and the operation area 13. (A) is a diagram showing a state in which one element is displayed in the information area 11, (B) is a diagram showing a state in which two elements are displayed in the information area 11, and (C) is a diagram showing a state in which three elements are displayed in the information area 11. The panel display control unit 30 can cause the display 10 to display each element displayed in the information area 11 in correspondence with the panel Q displayed in the operation area 13. Each element displayed in the information area 11 may be set, for example, by an operator's input, or may be set by information related to the industrial machine S being sent from a higher-level control device. Further, when the industrial machine S and the operation device 100 are shipped from the factory as a set, each element of the industrial machine S may be initially set in the information area 11.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 15(A), when panels I2 and I5 related to one main shaft H1 and one turret T1 (i.e., the first element E1) are displayed in the information area 11, the panel display control unit 30 causes one panel Q1 for operating the main shaft H1 to be displayed in the operation area 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 15(B), when panels I2 and I3 related to two main shafts H1 and H2 and two turrets T1 and T2 (i.e., the first element E1 and the second element E2) are displayed in the information area 11, the panel display control unit 30 causes two panels Q1 and Q2 for operating the main shafts H1 and H2 to be displayed in the operation area 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 15(C), when panels I2, I3, and I4 related to three main shafts H1, H2, and H3 and three turrets T1, T2, and T3 (i.e., when one more element is added to the first element E1 and the second element E2) are displayed in the information area 11, the panel display control unit 30 causes three panels Q1, Q2, and Q3 for operating the main shafts H1, H2, and H3 to be displayed in the operation area 13. In this way, by associating each element displayed in the information area 11 with the panel Q displayed in the operation area 13, the operator can easily grasp the operable elements.

[0077] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the numeric keypad panel 14 for setting is displayed on the display 10. As shown in FIG. 16, when the operator touches and inputs the edit mode button 13A displayed in the operation area 13, the panel display control unit 30 causes the numeric keypad panel 14 for editing the content of the first panel P1 or the second panel P2 displayed in the setting area 12 to be displayed on the display 10. The numeric keypad panel 14 is displayed so as to straddle from the setting area 12 to the operation area 13 on the display 10. At this time, the panel display control unit 30 causes the numeric keypad panel 14 to be displayed in front of the first panel P1 or the second panel P2 in the setting area 12 and the panel Q in the operation area 13. Note that the position where the numeric keypad panel 14 is displayed is arbitrary within the display 10. Further, instead of being displayed as a part of the display 10, the numeric keypad panel 14 may be displayed on the entire surface of the display 10.

[0078] The numeric keypad 14 includes a plurality of keyboard buttons 14a for inputting characters, numbers, predetermined commands, etc., an input mode selection button 14b for setting an input mode, a pinning button 14c for maintaining the state in which the numeric keypad 14 is displayed, an erase button 14d for erasing the numeric keypad 14, and an input content display section 14e for displaying the input content. As shown in FIG. 16, when the input mode selection button 14b is touch-input by an operator, the panel display control unit 30 causes a list 14L of input modes to be displayed. In the list 14L, for example, an input mode for editing a machining program, an input mode for editing a loader program, a common input mode for editing others, etc. are arranged and displayed.

[0079] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the numeric keypad 14. In FIG. 17, it shows the numeric keypad 14 when an operator selects, by touch input, an input mode for editing a loader program in the list 14L shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 17, a selection button 14f for allowing selection of the type of code for editing the loader program is displayed on the numeric keypad 14. Examples of such codes include the G code, which is a general input code, and the H code, which is uniquely set in the industrial machine S. The panel display control unit 30 changes and displays the numeric keypad 14 according to the selected code when the operator selects a code with the selection button 14f by touch input. Also, by highlighting or dimming the selected code, etc., the operator can easily confirm which code has been selected. Note that FIG. 17 shows the case where the G code is selected.

[0080] When the G-code is selected, the numeric keypad 14 is changed to a screen for editing the G-code. As shown in FIG. 17, the numeric keypad 14 has a code display section 14g arranged side by side to display the input values of G, X, Y, Z, / , N, M, and S that make up the G-code. The operator touches and inputs any one of the code display sections 14g in order according to the arrangement of the code display sections 14g, and then touches and inputs a numerical value using the keyboard button 14a. By repeating this operation, the setting of the G-code is completed.

[0081] For example, the operator alternately touches and inputs "G", "50", "X", "6", "Y", "5", "M", "5" in order according to the arrangement of the code display sections 14g, any one of the code display sections 14g, and the keyboard button 14a. When inputting a numerical value is not required for any of the code display sections 14g, skip that button and touch and input the next code display section 14g. When such input is completed, in the numeric keypad 14, the G-code "G50X6Y5M5" is set. At this time, the panel display control unit 30 causes the code display section 14g indicating the value of G to display 50, the code display section 14g indicating the value of X to display 6, the code display section 14g indicating the value of Y to display 5, and the code display section 14g indicating the value of M to display 5.

[0082] In this way, after the operator selects the G-code, the setting of the G-code is completed only by touching the code display sections 14g in the order arranged in the code display sections 14g and touching and inputting the numerical values using the keyboard button 14a. Therefore, the operator only needs to input the necessary numerical values in order for "G"... arranged in the code display sections 14g, so the setting of the G-code can be performed quickly without input errors, and the operation burden on the operator can be reduced.

[0083] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the numeric keypad 14. FIG. 18 shows the numeric keypad 14 when the H code is selected. When the H code is selected by the selection button 14f, the numeric keypad 14 is changed to a screen for editing the H code. As shown in FIG. 18, the numeric keypad 14 has a code display section 14h arranged side by side to display the input values of H, P, Q, R, / , N, M, S that make up the H code. Similar to the above, the operator alternately touches and inputs "H", "50", "P", "6", "Q", "5", "M", "5" in the order arranged in the code display section 14h, one of the code display sections 14h, and the keyboard button 14a. When there is no numeric input in a certain code display section 14h, the operator skips that button and touches and inputs the next code display section 14h. When such input is completed, in the numeric keypad 14, "H50P6Q5M5" of the H code is set. At this time, the panel display control unit 30 causes the code display section 14h indicating the value of H to display 50, the code display section 14h indicating the value of P to display 6, the code display section 14h indicating the value of Q to display 5, and the code display section 14h indicating the value of M to display 5.

[0084] In this way, even when the operator selects the H code, similar to the G code, the setting of the H code is completed only by touching the code display section 14h in the order arranged in the code display section 14h and touching and inputting the numeric value by the keyboard button 14a. Therefore, for the "H"... arranged in the code display section 14h, the operator only needs to input the necessary numeric values in order, so that the setting of the H code can be quickly performed without input errors, and the operation burden on the operator can be reduced.

[0085] FIG. 19 is a view showing another example of the lathe MB which is an industrial machine S. FIG. 19 shows a modified example of the industrial machine S. Note that in FIG. 19, only the main part (a part) of the lathe MB is shown. The lathe MB is a countershaft lathe. The lathe MB has two main shafts H1A and H2A arranged opposite to each other, and three turrets T1A, T2A, and T3A. The main shafts H1A and H2A are each rotatably supported about one axis parallel to the Z1 direction by bearings and the like (not shown). Chucks 321 and 322 are provided at the +X1 side end of the main shaft H1A and the -X1 side end of the main shaft H2A, respectively. The chucks 321 and 322 are opened and closed by a chuck drive unit (not shown) to grip or release the workpiece W.

[0086] The turrets T1A, T2A, and T3A are arranged off the axial directions of the main shafts H1A and H2A. The turrets T1A and T3A are arranged above (+Y1 side) the main shafts H1A and H2A. The turret T2A is arranged below (-Y1 side) the main shafts H1A and H2A. The turret T1A is arranged corresponding to the workpiece W gripped by the chuck 321 of the main shaft H1A. The turrets T2A and T3A are arranged corresponding to the workpiece W gripped by the chuck 322 of the main shaft H2A. Each of the turrets T1A, T2A, and T3A is rotatable about an axis parallel to the X1 direction by a rotation drive device (not shown). The circumferential surfaces of the turrets T1A, T2A, and T3A are provided with a plurality of holding portions for holding the tool TL, and the tool TL is held in all or a part of these holding portions. Therefore, when the turrets T1A, T2A, and T3A rotate, the tool TL used for machining the workpiece W is selected. Further, the turrets T1A, T2A, and T3A are movable in the X1 direction and the Y1 direction by a drive device (not shown).

[0087] In the lathe MB, the first element E1C is constituted by the main shaft H1A and the turret T1A. Also, the second element E2C is constituted by the main shaft H2A and the turret T2A. The third element E3C is constituted by the main shaft H2A and the turret T3A. The first element E1C, the second element E2C, and the third element E3C are arranged side by side along a predetermined alignment direction D. The first element E1C is arranged on one side (left side) of the alignment direction D. The second element E2C is arranged on the other side (left side) of the first element E1C in the alignment direction D. The third element E3C is arranged on the other side (left side) of the second element E2C in the alignment direction D.

[0088] In the above-described operating device 100, the symbols H1 and H2 displayed on the display 10 correspond to the main shafts H1A and H2A in FIG. 19, and the symbols T1, T2, and T3 correspond to the turrets T1A, T2A, and T3A in FIG. 19. Since the operating device 100 displays the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the same order as the arrangement order of the main shaft H1A and the turret T1A, and the main shaft H2A and the turret T2A in the alignment direction D in the setting area 12 of the display 10, the operator can easily grasp the setting target and suppress misoperations such as input errors.

[0089] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, when an operator touches and inputs the panel I7 displayed in the information area 11 of the display 10, the panel display control unit 30 causes the third panel to be displayed in the setting area 12. Various information necessary for setting the turret T3A (or the tool TL held by the turret T3A) is displayed on the third panel. This third panel is displayed, for example, on the other side (left side) in a predetermined arrangement direction D with respect to both the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 in the setting area 12. That is, since the third panel is arranged on the other side in the predetermined arrangement direction D with respect to at least the first panel P1, it can be said to correspond to the second panel P2. Even when the third panel is displayed in the setting area 12, the first panel P1, the second panel P2, and the third panel are displayed in the setting area 12 of the display 10 in the same arrangement as the arrangement order of the turrets T1A, T2A, and T3A in the arrangement direction D. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the setting target and suppress incorrect operations such as input errors.

[0090] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic warehouse R which is an industrial machine S. FIG. 20 shows a modified example of the industrial machine S. The automatic warehouse R is a facility (device) that automatically transfers articles M to a plurality of storage units 400, a transfer unit to the outside, and the like. As shown in FIG. 20, the automatic warehouse R includes an outer panel 401 that forms an internal space K, a plurality of shelf units 402 provided in multiple stages in the internal space K, a plurality of wall units 403 standing parallel in the internal space K, a rail 404 provided on the lower surface of the internal space K, and two first transfer carts 410A and second transfer carts 410B. The automatic warehouse R also includes a control unit CB that controls the first transfer cart 410A and the second transfer cart 410B. The automatic warehouse R includes a plurality of storage units 400 partitioned by a plurality of shelf units 402 and a plurality of wall units 403. The plurality of storage units 400 are arranged side by side in the vertical and horizontal directions (Z2 direction and X2 direction). Note that one storage unit 400 is set to a size capable of storing the article M.

[0091] The rail 404 is provided to extend in the X2 direction on the lower surface of the internal space K. The first transport carriage 410A and the second transport carriage 410B travel in the X2 direction along the rail 404. The first transport carriage 410A and the second transport carriage 410B use, for example, a stacker crane and have a similar configuration. The first transport carriage 410A is arranged on one side (left side) in the alignment direction D. The second transport carriage 410B is arranged on the other side (right side) in the alignment direction D. The first transport carriage 410A and the second transport carriage 410B include a traveling carriage 411 that travels on the rail 404, a mast 412 that stands up from the traveling carriage 411, a lifting platform 413 that is guided by the mast 412 and moves up and down, and a transfer device 414 mounted on the lifting platform 413.

[0092] Each of the first transport carriage 410A and the second transport carriage 410B positions the transfer device 414 at any one of the plurality of storage units 400 according to the traveling position in the X2 direction by the traveling carriage 411 and the lifting position in the Z2 direction by the lifting platform 413. Subsequently, by driving the transfer device 414 in this state, the article M is transferred between the storage unit 400. Further, at least one of the first transport carriage 410A and the second transport carriage 410B transfers the article M between the storage unit 400 and a transfer portion (not shown) for transferring the article M to and from the outside.

[0093] In the automated warehouse R, a first element E1D is constituted by a first transport cart 410A, and a second element E2D is constituted by a second transport cart 410B. The first element E1D and the second element E2D are arranged side by side along a predetermined alignment direction D. The first element E1D is arranged on one side (left side) of the alignment direction D. The second element E2D is arranged on the other side (right side) of the alignment direction D. When settings are made for the first element E1D and the second element E2D of the automated warehouse R by the above-described operating device 100, a first panel P1 for setting the first element E1D and a second panel P2 for setting the second element E2D are displayed in the setting area 12 of the display 10. At this time, the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are displayed in the setting area 12 in the same order as the arrangement order of the first transport cart 410A and the second transport cart 410B in the alignment direction D. Therefore, an operator can easily grasp the setting target and suppress incorrect operations such as input errors.

[0094] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the above-described embodiments. Also, forms with such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. One or more of the requirements described in the above-described embodiments and the like may be omitted. Also, the requirements described in the above-described embodiments and the like can be combined as appropriate. Also, the execution order of each process shown in the present embodiment can be realized in any order as long as the output of the previous process is not used in the subsequent process. Also, regarding the operations in the above-described embodiments, even if they are described using "first", "next", "subsequently", etc. for convenience, it is not essential to implement them in this order.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the form in which a plurality of first panels P1 or a plurality of second panels P2 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) in the setting area 12 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this form. A plurality of first panels P1 or a plurality of second panels P2 may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction (up-down direction) in the setting area 12. Even in this case, when the first panel P1 and the second panel P2 are simultaneously displayed in the setting area 12, all of the plurality of second panels P2 are arranged on the other side of the predetermined arrangement direction D with respect to the first panel P1.

[0096] In addition, the following supplementary notes are disclosed regarding the description of the above embodiment. (Supplementary Note 1) An operating device for operating an industrial machine having a first element on one side and a second element on the other side in a predetermined arrangement direction, A display for displaying an image, An input unit for inputting to the image displayed on the display, A panel display control unit that displays a first panel for setting the first element on the display and displays a second panel for setting the second element on the other side of the first panel, the operating device comprising the same. (Supplementary Note 2) The panel display control unit according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the display displays a plurality of the first panels and also displays a plurality of the second panels on the other side of any of the plurality of first panels. (Supplementary Note 3) The panel display control unit, when an input for displaying a new first panel is made by the input unit, the new first panel is displayed on the one side with respect to the second panel being displayed on the display, when an input for displaying a new second panel is made by the input unit, the new second panel is displayed on the other side with respect to the first panel being displayed on the display, the operating device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2. (Supplementary Note 4) The panel display control unit, When an input for displaying a new first panel is made by the input unit, the new first panel is displayed on one side of any of the plurality of second panels being displayed on the display. The operating device according to appended note 3, wherein when an input for displaying a new second panel is made by the input unit, the new second panel is displayed on the other side of any of the plurality of first panels being displayed on the display. (Appended note 5) The panel display control unit When an input for displaying a new first panel is made by the input unit, first, the new first panel is displayed on the other side of the second panel being displayed on the display, and then, by swapping the positions of the new first panel and the second panel, the new first panel is displayed on one side of the second panel. The operating device according to appended note 3, wherein when an input for displaying a new second panel is made by the input unit, the new second panel is displayed on the other side of the first panel from the start of display. (Appended note 6) The panel display control unit When an input for displaying a new first panel is made by the input unit, first, the new first panel is displayed on the other side of any of the plurality of second panels being displayed on the display, and then, the new first panel is moved to one side of any of the plurality of second panels, and the plurality of second panels are moved to the other side of the new first panel, so that the new first panel is displayed on one side of any of the plurality of second panels. The operating device according to appended note 5, wherein when an input for displaying a new second panel is made by the input unit, the new second panel is displayed on the other side of any of the plurality of first panels from the start of display. (Appended note 7) The panel display control unit When an input for displaying a new panel is made by the input unit, first, after displaying the new panel on the other side of the second panel being displayed on the display, the input unit further receives a designation as to whether the new panel is the first panel or the second panel. When the new panel is designated as the first panel, the positions of the new panel and the second panel are swapped to display the new panel on the one side of the second panel. The operating device according to Supplementary Note 3. (Supplementary Note 8) The panel display control unit, When an input for displaying a new panel is made by the input unit, first, after displaying the new panel on the other side of any of the plurality of second panels being displayed on the display, the input unit further receives a designation as to whether the new panel is the first panel or the second panel. When the new panel is designated as the first panel, the new panel is moved to the one side of any of the plurality of second panels, and the plurality of second panels are moved to the other side of the new panel, so as to display the new panel on the one side of any of the plurality of second panels. The operating device according to Supplementary Note 7. (Supplementary Note 9) The panel display control unit displays one or both of the first panel and the second panel on the entire preset setting area on the display. The operating device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8. (Supplementary Note 10) When the panel display control unit displays a new first panel or a new second panel in the setting area, it first reduces one or both of the first panel and the second panel that were previously displayed. The operating device according to Supplementary Note 9. (Supplementary Note 11) A touch panel is used as the display and the input unit. The operating device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10. (Supplementary Note 12) The operating device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, which is detachably attached to the industrial machine. (Appended Note 13) The industrial machine is a lathe, The operation device according to any one of Appended Notes 1 to 12, wherein both the first element and the second element are machining parts included in the lathe. (Appended Note 14) The industrial machine is a loader device, The operation device according to any one of Appended Notes 1 to 12, wherein both the first element and the second element are conveying parts included in the loader device. (Appended Note 15) The industrial machine is an automated warehouse, The operation device according to any one of Appended Notes 1 to 12, wherein both the first element and the second element are transport trolleys included in the automated warehouse. (Appended Note 16) A display for displaying an image, An input unit for inputting to the image displayed on the display, comprising: A display method for an operation device that operates an industrial machine having a first element on one side and a second element on the other side in a predetermined arrangement direction, The method includes displaying, on the display, a first panel for setting the first element, and displaying, on the other side of the first panel, a second panel for setting the second element.

[0097] Note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the aspects described in the above embodiments. One or more of the requirements described in the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, the requirements described in the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate. Further, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-008935, which is a Japanese patent application, and all the documents cited in the above embodiments are incorporated herein by reference and made part of the description of the present text.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] C... Control unit E1, E1A, E1B, E1C, E1D... First element E2, E2A, E2B, E2C, E2D... Second element G... Loader device G1 ··· First transfer unit G2 ··· Second transfer unit M ··· Article MA, MB ··· Lathe P1 ··· First panel P2 ··· Second panel R ··· Automated warehouse S ··· Industrial machine W ··· Workpiece 10 ··· Display 11 ··· Information area 12 ··· Setting area 13 ··· Operation area 14 ··· Numeric keypad panel 20 ··· Input unit 21 ··· Touch pad 30 ··· Panel display control unit 40 ··· Case 100 ··· Operating device 220A ··· First processing unit 220B ··· Second processing unit 410A ··· First transfer cart 410B ··· Second transfer cart

Claims

1. An operating device for operating an industrial machine having a first element on one side and a second element on the other side in a predetermined arrangement direction, a touch panel display for displaying an image and inputting to the displayed image, and a panel display control unit that causes the touch panel display to display a first panel for setting the first element and, on the other side of the first panel, a second panel for setting the second element, wherein the panel display control unit when an input for displaying a new first panel is made on the touch panel display, displays the new first panel on the one side with respect to the second panel being displayed on the touch panel display, and when an input for displaying a new second panel is made on the touch panel display, displays the new second panel on the other side with respect to the first panel being displayed on the touch panel display. An operating device.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the panel display control unit causes the touch panel display to display a plurality of the first panels and, on the other side of any of the plurality of first panels, a plurality of the second panels.

3. (Deleted)

4. wherein the panel display control unit when an input for displaying a new first panel is made on the touch panel display, displays the new first panel on the one side with respect to any of the plurality of second panels being displayed on the touch panel display, and when an input for displaying a new second panel is made on the touch panel display, displays the new second panel on the other side with respect to any of the plurality of first panels being displayed on the touch panel display. The operating device according to claim 1.

5. wherein the panel display control unit When an input for displaying the new first panel is made on the touch panel display, first, after displaying the new first panel on the other side of the second panel being displayed on the touch panel display, the positions of the new first panel and the second panel are swapped, so that the new first panel is displayed on the one side of the second panel. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein when an input for displaying the new second panel is made on the touch panel display, the new second panel is displayed on the other side of the first panel from the start of display.

6. The panel display control unit When an input for displaying the new first panel is made on the touch panel display, first, the new first panel is displayed on the other side of any of the plurality of second panels being displayed on the touch panel display, and then the new first panel is moved to the one side of any of the plurality of second panels, and the plurality of second panels are moved to the other side of the new first panel, so that the new first panel is displayed on the one side of any of the plurality of second panels. The operating device according to claim 5, wherein when an input for displaying the new second panel is made on the touch panel display, the new second panel is displayed on the other side of any of the plurality of first panels from the start of display.

7. The panel display control unit When an input for displaying a new panel is made on the touch panel display, first, the new panel is displayed on the other side of the second panel being displayed on the touch panel display, and then the touch panel display further receives a designation as to whether the new panel is the first panel or the second panel. When the new panel is designated as the first panel, the positions of the new panel and the second panel are swapped, so that the new panel is displayed on the one side of the second panel. The operating device according to claim 1.

8. The panel display control unit When an input is made to display a new panel on the touch panel display, first, after displaying the new panel on the other side with respect to each of the plurality of second panels being displayed on the touch panel display, the touch panel display further receives a designation as to whether the new panel is the first panel or the second panel. When the new panel is designated as the first panel, the new panel is moved to the one side with respect to each of the plurality of second panels, and the plurality of second panels are moved to the other side with respect to the new panel, so that the new panel is displayed on the one side with respect to each of the plurality of second panels. The operating device according to claim 7.

9. The panel display control unit displays one or both of the first panel and the second panel on the entire preset setting area on the touch panel display. The operating device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. When the panel display control unit displays a new first panel or a new second panel in the setting area, the panel display control unit reduces one or both of the first panel and the second panel that were previously displayed. The operating device according to claim 9.

11. (Deleted)

12. The operating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, which is removably attached to the industrial machine.

13. The industrial machine is a lathe, Both the first element and the second element are processing parts included in the lathe. The operating device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

14. The industrial machine is a loader device, Both the first element and the second element are conveying parts included in the loader device. The operating device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

15. The industrial machine is an automated warehouse, Both the first element and the second element are transport carts included in the automated warehouse. The operating device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

16. Comprising a touch panel display for displaying an image and inputting to the displayed image, A display method in an operating device for operating an industrial machine having a first element on one side and a second element on the other side in a predetermined arrangement direction. causing the touch panel display to display a first panel for setting the first element, and causing the touch panel display to display a second panel for setting the second element on the other side of the first panel; when an input for displaying a new first panel is made on the touch panel display, causing the new first panel to be displayed on one side of the second panel being displayed on the touch panel display; when an input for displaying a new second panel is made on the touch panel display, causing the new second panel to be displayed on the other side of the first panel being displayed on the touch panel display, the method comprising the above steps.

Images