Press machine and control method

Abstract

To provide a press machine which can suppress contact between an operation panel and a conveyance part of a mold change device and a control method.SOLUTION: A press machine 100 equipped with a mold change device 2 includes: an operation panel 4 that is provided in a movable manner in a processing machine body 1 and accepts an operation to instruct mold change; a position detection part 7 that detects the operation panel 4 located in a non-contact area (first area RP1) that does not come into contact with a conveyance part 31 in areas where the operation panel 4 is movable; an object detection part 6 which detects the presence / absence of an object existing in a work area WA of the processing machine body 1; and a control device 9 that executes mold change in a case where an operation on the operation panel 4 is performed in such a state that the operation panel 4 is detected by the position detection part 7 and it is detected that the object does not exist by the object detection part 6 in such a state that the operation panel 4 is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a press machine and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] A press machine sandwiches a workpiece between an upper die and a lower die, which are molds, and performs press working such as forming on the workpiece. As one type of press machine, a press brake that performs bending on a plate-shaped workpiece is known. In order to perform desired bending on a workpiece, the press brake may change the arrangement or type of the mold (including the upper die, the lower die, and the spacer). Therefore, a configuration has been proposed in which a mold is transported to the press brake by a mold exchange device by a transport unit and the mold is automatically exchanged (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 operator causes a mold exchange by a mold exchange device, the operator needs to perform an operation of instructing the mold exchange on the operation panel of the press machine. However, depending on the position of the operation panel when the mold exchange is started, the transport unit moving due to the mold exchange may come into contact with the operation panel.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a press machine and a control method that suppress contact between the operation panel and the transport unit of the mold exchange device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A press machine according to an aspect of the present invention is a press machine equipped with a die changing device that changes dies by transporting dies to the processing machine body using a transport unit, and comprises: an operation panel that is movably provided on the processing machine body and receives an operation to instruct die changing; a position detection unit that detects the operation panel located in a non-contact area that does not come into contact with the transport unit within the area in which the operation panel is movable; an object detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an object in the work area of ​​the processing machine body; and a control device that causes die changing to be performed when an operation is performed on the operation panel while the operation panel is detected by the position detection unit, and when the object detection unit detects that no object is present while the operation panel is detected.

[0007] A control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for a press machine equipped with a die changing device that changes dies by transporting dies to the main body of the processing machine using a transport unit, and the control method includes: receiving an operation to instruct a die change to an operation panel movably provided on the main body of the processing machine; confirming with a position detection unit whether the operation panel is located in a non-contact area where it does not come into contact with the transport unit when the operation is received; confirming with an object detection unit that there are no objects in the work area of ​​the main body of the processing machine if the operation panel is located in a non-contact area; and executing a die change if it is confirmed that there are no objects in the work area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the press machine and control method described above, when the control panel is located in a non-contact area and an operation is performed on the control panel, and it is confirmed that there are no objects in the work area, the mold changer will perform a mold change, thereby preventing contact between the control panel and the transport section of the mold changer.

[0009] Furthermore, in the press machine according to the above embodiment, the control device may perform a die change if, after an operation is performed on the control panel while the control panel is being detected, the object detection unit detects that no object is present. This configuration makes it possible to perform a die change only after confirming that the worker has left the work area, thereby further ensuring the safety of the worker.

[0010] Furthermore, in the press machine according to the above embodiment, the control panel may be provided so as to be movable between a non-contact area and a contact area which is an area that comes into contact with the moving conveying part. Also, in the press machine according to the above embodiment, a safety fence may be provided outside the work area, and the non-contact area may be a part of the area inside the safety fence. With this configuration, when an operator performs an operation to instruct the control panel to change a die, it is not necessary to move the control panel outside the safety fence, and a decrease in work efficiency can be suppressed.

[0011] Furthermore, in the press machine according to the above embodiment, the object detection unit may be installed on the safety fence and detect objects within the work area using light that is shone towards the work area. Also, in the press machine according to the above embodiment, the machine may be equipped with a pivot mechanism that pivots the control panel horizontally and a stopper that restricts the pivot of the control panel from pivoting outside the safety fence, and the state in which the pivot mechanism is restricted by the stopper may be the state in which the control panel is located in the non-contact area. With this configuration, the operator can easily position the control panel in the non-contact area.

[0012] Furthermore, in the press machine according to the above embodiment, the control device may display a message on the control panel or the display unit of the processing machine body prompting the operator to move away from the press machine when an operation is performed, and if the object detection unit detects the presence of an object in the work area after a predetermined time has elapsed, it may display a message on the control panel or the display unit of the processing machine body indicating that an object has been detected without performing a die change. With this configuration, the operator can check the message and take appropriate action when performing a die change using the die change device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing an example of a press machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a press machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the movable region of the control panel according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the control panel according to this embodiment located in the first area (non-contact area). [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the control panel according to this embodiment located in the second region. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a functional block diagram of the processor according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the method for initiating automatic mold change according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The present invention will be described below through embodiments, but these embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. In addition, in the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. Also, the shape and size of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0015] The position and orientation of components may be explained by referring to the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. In this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system, the X and Y directions are horizontal, and the Z direction is vertical. The X direction is ±X, and the Y direction is front-back. In addition, in the X, Y, and Z directions, the direction pointed to by the arrow is called the + direction (for example, the +X direction), and the direction opposite to the arrow is called the - direction (for example, the -Z direction).

[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a press machine 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the press machine 100 according to the present embodiment. The press machine 100 is, for example, a press brake capable of performing bending on a workpiece. In the present embodiment, the case where the press machine 100 is a press brake will be described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the press machine 100 may perform punching (also referred to as blanking) on the workpiece, or may perform forming other than bending.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the press machine 100 includes a processing machine main body 1, a die changer (Auto Tool Changer) 2, a turning mechanism 3, an operation panel 4, a safety fence 5, an object detection unit 6, a position detection unit 7, a stopper 8, and a control device 9.

[0018] In the processing machine main body 1, the front side in the -Y direction is the work area WA of the operator. A die 200 is attached to the processing machine main body 1. The die 200 may be, for example, an upper die, a lower die, or both. The operator places the workpiece at a predetermined position from the front side of the processing machine main body 1. Then, the processing machine main body 1 performs bending on the workpiece by sandwiching the workpiece placed at the predetermined position between the upper die and the lower die.

[0019] The processing machine main body 1 includes a main body frame 10, a table 11, a lower die guide rail 12, a side cover 13, a driving device 14, a ram 15, an upper die guide rail 16, and a projection device 17. The main body frame 10 forms the outer shell of the press machine 100. The table 11 is attached to the front side of the main body frame 10 and fixes the lower die guide rail 12.

[0020] The lower die guide rail 12 is provided, for example, on the upper surface of the table 11 and guides the lower die (not shown) along the ±X direction (conveying direction). The lower die is movable while being guided by the lower die guide rail 12 and can be fixed in any position. The processing machine body 1 also includes, for example, a back gauge (not shown) for positioning the workpiece by abutting it in the ±Y direction.

[0021] The side covers 13 are provided on the upper sides of both sides of the main frame 10 in the ±X direction. The side covers 13 are positioned to cover the upper sides of the ram 15 in the ±X direction.

[0022] The drive units 14 are supported by the main frame 10 and are provided in pairs, one on each side. The pair of drive units 14 move (raise and lower) the ram 15 in the Z direction. The drive units 14 may include, for example, a mechanism that raises and lowers the ram 15 by rotating a ball screw or nut with an electric motor, or a mechanism that raises and lowers the ram 15 using a hydraulic cylinder device or a pneumatic cylinder device. The drive units 14 are controlled by a control device 9.

[0023] The ram 15 is supported on the main frame 10 by a guide portion (not shown) of the main frame 10 so as to be able to move up and down. The ram 15 moves up and down by the drive of the drive unit 14, moving closer to or further away from the lower die 220 on the table 11.

[0024] An upper mold guide rail 16 is attached to the lower part of the ram 15. The upper mold guide rail 16 is provided along the ±X direction. The upper mold guide rail 16 guides the upper mold as it is transported in the ±X direction. The upper mold guide rail 16 can support the upper mold in a suspended state.

[0025] The upper die is fixed to the ram 15 at a predetermined position on the upper die guide rail 16. When the upper die is fixed at any position on the upper die guide rail 16, the cutting edge at its lower end faces the recess (not shown) of the lower die, and is positioned so that the cutting edge is aligned along the ±X direction. The upper die fixed to the ram 15 moves up and down together with the ram 15. Multiple upper dies held on the upper die guide rail 16 may each have the same dimensions in the ±X direction, or they may be used in combination with upper dies that have different dimensions in the ±X direction. As the ram 15 descends, the press machine 100 moves the upper die downward toward the lower die, and the workpiece is bent by being sandwiched between the upper and lower dies.

[0026] The projection device 17 is installed on the processing machine body 1 and projects images to assist in the bending process and information to inform the user onto a projection area PA that includes at least a portion of the ram 15. The projection device 17 is controlled, for example, by a control device 9.

[0027] The mold changing device 2 replaces the mold 200 with the processing machine body 1. The mold changing device 2 includes, for example, a stocker 20 and a conveying device 21.

[0028] The stocker 20 has one or more racks 20a. If the stocker 20 has multiple racks 20a, the multiple racks 20a may be arranged in the Y direction. Each rack 20a has one or more mold guide rails 20b. If one rack 20a has multiple mold guide rails 20b, the multiple mold guide rails 20b are arranged, for example, in the Z direction.

[0029] The mold guide rails 20b each extend in the ±X direction to guide the mold 200. The mold guide rails 20b can support the mold 200 in a suspended state. The mold guide rails 20b can guide the mold 200 as it is transported in the ±X direction. The shape of the portion of the mold guide rail 20b that suspends the mold 200 is the same as or nearly the same as the upper mold guide rail 16 described above. The number of mold guide rails 20b provided on one rack 20a is determined by the size of the rack 20a and the dimensions of the mold 200 to be suspended.

[0030] Furthermore, the mold guide rail 20b may be stored with spacers suspended from it in addition to the upper molds 210. These spacers are used on the upper mold guide rail 16 to define the spacing between the upper molds 210 in the ±X direction by being placed between them. The spacers may be transported individually by the transport device 21, just like the upper molds 210, or they may be placed in front of the upper molds 210 in the transport direction and transported together with the upper molds 210 when the upper molds 210 are transported. Note that the use of spacers is optional.

[0031] The conveying device 21 conveys the mold 200 between the processing machine body 1 and the rack 20a. For example, the conveying device 21 conveys the mold 200, which is supported by the mold guide rail 20b, to the upper mold guide rail 16 or lower mold guide rail 12 of the processing machine body 1 and attaches it to the processing machine body 1. The conveying device 21 can also remove the mold 200 that is attached to the processing machine body 1 and store the removed mold 200 in the stocker 20. The conveying device 21 includes, for example, a conveying guide 30 and a conveying section 31.

[0032] The transport guide 30 guides the transport section 31 in the ±X direction. The transport guide 30 is provided, for example, on the table 11. The transport guide 30 extends linearly along the ±X direction. The transport guide 30 is parallel to, for example, the upper mold guide rail 16 and the mold guide rail 20b.

[0033] The conveying unit 31 is movable along the +±X direction while being guided by the conveying guide 30. The conveying unit 31 can attach and detach the mold 200 to and from the press machine 100. The conveying unit 31 includes, for example, a slider 31a, a lifting rod 31b, and a head 31c.

[0034] The slider 31a is capable of reciprocating along the transport guide 30 in the ±X direction by a drive unit (not shown). The lifting rod 31b is mounted on the slider 31a so as to be able to move up and down, and is capable of moving up and down along the ±Z direction by a drive unit (not shown). The head 31c is mounted at the upper end of the lifting rod 31b and moves up and down along the ±Z direction along with the movement of the lifting rod 31b. With this configuration, the transport unit 31 can position the head 31c at any position in the ±X and ±Z directions within the respective movable ranges of the transport guide 30 and the lifting rod 31b. The head 31c is provided with a rod-shaped body (not shown). The head 31c can hold the mold 200 by moving the rod-shaped body back and forth in the ±Y direction and inserting it into the hole HL of the mold 200.

[0035] The swivel mechanism 3 is provided on the machine body 1 and rotates the control panel 4 horizontally. For example, the swivel mechanism 3 includes a swivel axis 3a parallel to the vertical direction and a swivel arm 3b that rotates the control panel 4 around the swivel axis 3a. The swivel axis 3a rotatably supports the base end of the swivel arm 3b. The control panel 4 is provided at the tip of the swivel arm 3b. The swivel arm 3b includes a first arm 40 pivotally supported on the swivel axis 3a and a second arm 41 positioned on the tip side of the first arm 40.

[0036] The second arm 41 is a vertically extending member, and the control panel 4 is provided at the tip of the second arm 41. In this way, the slewing mechanism 3 can suspend the control panel 4 from the slewing arm 3b and rotate the control panel 4 horizontally. Therefore, by applying a force greater than a predetermined amount to the slewing arm 3b, the operator can rotate the slewing arm 3b, and as a result, move the control panel 4. The second arm 41 supports the control panel 4 so that it can rotate around the Z-axis.

[0037] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the area in which the control panel 4 can move, and is a top view of a part of the press machine 100. The area in which the control panel 4 can move is, for example, the range from the first area RP1 to the second area RP2 shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the control panel 4 positioned in the first area RP1. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the control panel 4 positioned in the second area RP2. In Figure 3, the dashed line shows the control panel 4 positioned in the first area RP1, and the solid line shows the control panel 4 positioned in the second area RP2.

[0038] The first region RP1 is the area within the range of movement of the control panel 4 that does not come into contact with the transport unit 31. More specifically, the first region RP1 is the area inside the safety fence 5 (5-1) that does not come into contact with the transport unit 31, which moves in the ±X direction while being guided by the transport guide 30. The area inside the safety fence 5 is the work area WA side. In other words, the first region RP1 is within the work area WA and does not come into contact with the transport unit 31. Furthermore, the first region RP1 is the maximum rotation position in which the control panel 4 can be rotated in the first rotation direction R1. The second region RP2 is the area that may come into contact with the transport unit 31, which moves in the ±X direction while being guided by the transport guide 30. The second region RP2 is, for example, the maximum rotation position in which the control panel 4 can be rotated in the second rotation direction R2, which is opposite to the first rotation direction R1.

[0039] The control panel 4 is movably mounted on the processing machine body 1. In this embodiment, the control panel 4 is attached to a swivel mechanism 3 and is rotatable by the swivel mechanism 3. The control panel 4 receives operations from the operator. The control panel 4 receives an operation to instruct the start of mold change by the mold change device 2 (hereinafter referred to as "automatic mold change"). The control panel 4 includes, for example, a display device 4a and an operation unit 4b. The display device 4a is a direct-view type, such as a liquid crystal display device. The operation unit 4b is a keyboard, mouse, or a touch panel provided on the display device 4a. In this case, the operation unit 4b is provided integrally with the display device 4a. The touch panel provided on the display device 4a may also be equipped with a keyboard or the like. When the control panel 4 is in the first area RP1, the operator performs an operation to start the automatic mold change on the control panel 4. On the other hand, when the control panel 4 is in the second area RP2, the operator performs press working-related tasks such as selecting a press working program, checking and editing the processing program, and checking the die setup while operating the control panel 4.

[0040] The safety fence 5 encloses at least a portion of the work area WA. In the example shown in Figure 1, the safety fence 5 is a so-called side fence, installed on both sides of the work area WA in the ±X direction. The safety fence 5 installed in the +X direction of the work area WA is referred to as "safety fence 5-1," and the safety fence 5 installed in the -X direction of the work area WA is referred to as "safety fence 5-2." On the side of the ±X direction of the work area WA where the slewing arm 3b is installed, i.e., above safety fence 5-1, an opening 300 is formed for the slewing arm 3b to pass through.

[0041] The object detection unit 6 detects the presence or absence of objects within the work area WA of the processing machine body 1. The object detection unit 6 is connected to the control device 9 and transmits the detection result of the presence or absence of objects to the control device 9. The objects to be detected include the human body. For example, the object detection unit 6 detects the intrusion of a body into the work area WA of the processing machine body 1. The object detection unit 6 is, for example, a light-type safety device and is installed on the safety fence 5. The object detection unit 6 comprises, for example, three light curtains 50 (50-1 to 50-3).

[0042] The light curtain 50-1 is installed on the safety fence 5 and monitors for the intrusion of people from the front. For example, the light curtain 50-1 comprises a light emitter 50a-1 and a light receiver 50b-1. The light emitter 50a-1 is installed on the safety fence 5-1 and comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a vertical row. The light receiver 50b-1 is installed on the safety fence 5-2 and comprises a plurality of light-receiving elements arranged in a vertical row so as to face the light-emitting elements of the light emitter 50a-1. The plurality of light-receiving elements in the light receiver 50b-1 receive light from the plurality of light-emitting elements in the light emitter 50a-1.

[0043] The light receiver 50b-1 is connected to the control device 9 and transmits a signal to the control device 9 indicating whether or not it is receiving all the light from the light emitter 50a-1. The light receiver 50b-1 notifies the control device 9 that it has detected a person entering the work area WA by transmitting a signal to the control device 9 indicating that it is not receiving all the light, that is, a signal indicating that some or all of the light has been blocked.

[0044] The light curtain 50-2 is installed on the safety fence 5 and monitors for the presence or absence of objects above within the work area WA. For example, the light curtain 50-2 comprises a light emitter 50a-2 and a light receiver 50b-2. The light emitter 50a-2 is installed on the safety fence 5-1 and comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a row horizontally at a height of a first distance from the floor. The light receiver 50b-2 is installed on the safety fence 5-2 and comprises a plurality of light-receiving elements arranged in a row horizontally at a height of a first distance from the floor. The plurality of light-receiving elements in the light receiver 50b-2 receive light from the plurality of light-emitting elements in the light emitter 50a-2.

[0045] The light receiver 50b-2 is connected to the control device 9 and transmits a signal to the control device 9 indicating whether or not it is receiving all the light from the light emitter 50a-2. The light receiver 50b-2 notifies the control device 9 that it has detected an object located above within the work area WA by transmitting a signal to the control device 9 indicating that it is not receiving all the light, i.e., a signal indicating that some or all of the light has been blocked.

[0046] The light curtain 50-3 is installed on the safety fence 5 and monitors for the presence or absence of objects below within the work area WA. For example, the light curtain 50-3 comprises a floodlight 50a-3 and a light receiver 50b-3. The floodlight 50a-3 is installed on the safety fence 5-1 and comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a row horizontally at a height of a second distance from the floor. The second distance is shorter than the first distance. That is, the light-emitting elements of the floodlight 50a-3 are installed horizontally at a lower position than the light-emitting elements of the floodlight 50a-2.

[0047] The light receiver 50b-3 is installed on the safety fence 5-2 and comprises multiple light-receiving elements arranged in a row horizontally at a height of a second distance from the floor. The multiple light-receiving elements in the light receiver 50b-3 receive light from the multiple light-emitting elements in the light emitter 50a-3. The light receiver 50b-3 is connected to the control device 9 and transmits a signal to the control device 9 indicating whether or not it is receiving all the light from the light emitter 50a-3. The light receiver 50b-3 notifies the control device 9 that it has detected an object located below within the work area WA by transmitting a signal to the control device 9 indicating that it is not receiving all the light, i.e., a signal indicating that some or all of the light has been blocked.

[0048] The position detection unit 7 detects the control panel 4 when it is located in a first region RP1 within the range of movement of the control panel 4, where it does not come into contact with the transport unit 31. The position detection unit 7 is connected to the control device 9, and when it detects the control panel 4 located in the first region RP1, it transmits a message to the control device 9.

[0049] For example, the position detection unit 7 is equipped with a limit switch, and when the control panel 4 is located within the first region RP1, the limit switch enters a first state, and when the control panel 4 is not located outside the first region RP1, the limit switch enters a second state different from the first state. The first state is, for example, the ON state. The second state is, for example, the OFF state.

[0050] For example, the position detection unit 7 is located on the pivot axis 3a. When the control panel 4 is in the first region RP1, the pivot mechanism 3 causes the contacts of the limit switch to conduct electricity, turning it ON. When the control panel 4 moves out of the first region RP1, the contacts of the limit switch are released, turning it OFF. Therefore, for example, when the limit switch is ON, the position detection unit 7 transmits a first-level signal to the control device 9, and when the limit switch is OFF, it transmits a second-level signal, which is different from the first level, to the control device 9. For example, the first level is a Hi level signal, and the second level is a Lo level signal.

[0051] The stopper 8 restricts the control panel 4 from rotating outside the safety fence 5. The stopper 8 restricts the movement of the slewing mechanism 3, for example, so that the control panel 4 does not rotate from the first region RP1 in the first rotation direction R1. For example, when the control panel 4 moves to the first region RP1, the slewing mechanism 3 comes into contact with the stopper 8, restricting the control panel 4 from rotating from the first region RP1 in the first rotation direction R1.

[0052] The control device 9 comprehensively controls the operation of the press machine 100. Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 9 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the control device 9 includes a communication device 60, a processor 61, and a storage device 62. Note that the storage device 62 may be an external storage device rather than being part of the control device 9. If the storage device 62 is an external storage device, the control device 9 is connected to the storage device 62 by wire or wireless connection and sends and receives information with the storage device 62.

[0053] The communication device 60 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The communication network through which the communication device 60 communicates may be wired, wireless, or both.

[0054] The processor 61 controls the operation of the press machine 100. For example, the processor 61 reads a program PR stored in the storage device 62 to control the operation of the die changing device 2, or controls the display on the display unit of the press machine 100. The display unit of the press machine 100 may be, for example, the display device 4a of the control panel 4, or the projection area PA. The processor 61 includes, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0055] The storage device 62 includes, for example, non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive). The program PR executed by the processor 61 may be provided by a computer-readable storage medium or by an external device via a wired or wireless communication network. The provided program PR is stored in the storage device 62 and executed by the processor 61.

[0056] Examples of computer-readable storage media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (ERPOM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EERPOM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multipurpose disc (DVD), Blu-ray (RTM) disc, memory stick, integrated circuit card, etc.

[0057] The functional parts of the processor 61 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of the processor 61 according to this embodiment. The processor 61 comprises a determination unit 70, an exchange control unit 71, and a display control unit 72. The determination unit 70, the exchange control unit 71, and the display control unit 72 are realized when the processor 61 executes a program PR stored in the storage device 62.

[0058] The determination unit 70 performs a position determination to determine whether or not the control panel 4 is located in the first region RP1, based on the detection result of the position detection unit 7. More specifically, the determination unit 70 performs a position determination when it receives a signal from the control panel 4 indicating that it has received an automatic mold change start operation. For example, if the determination unit 70 receives a first-level signal from the position detection unit 7, it determines that the control panel 4 is located in the first region RP1, and if it receives a second-level signal from the position detection unit 7, it determines that the control panel 4 is not located in the first region RP1.

[0059] The determination unit 70 performs an object presence determination to determine whether or not an object exists within the work area WA of the processing machine body 1, based on the detection result of the object detection unit 6. More specifically, the determination unit 70 activates the object detection unit 6 before executing the automatic mold change and performs an object presence determination to determine whether or not an object exists within the work area WA. For example, if the determination unit 70 determines that the control panel 4 is located in the first area RP1 by position determination, it activates the object detection unit 6 and performs an object presence determination. For example, in the object presence determination, if the determination unit 70 receives a signal from the object detection unit 6 (for example, at least one of the light curtains 50-1 to 300-3) indicating that some or all of the light has been blocked, it determines that an object exists within the work area WA. The timing of activating the object detection unit 6 is not particularly limited; for example, the object detection unit 6 may be activated when the start operation for automatic mold change is received.

[0060] The exchange control unit 71 executes automatic mold exchange if it determines through position determination that the control panel 4 is located in the first region RP1, and if it determines through object presence determination that there are no objects in the work area WA. For example, the exchange control unit 71 executes automatic mold exchange if, after determining through position determination that the control panel 4 is located in the first region RP1, it determines in the object presence determination that there are no objects in the work area WA. In other words, the processor 61 executes automatic mold exchange by the mold exchange device 2 if the operation to start automatic mold exchange for the control panel 4 is performed while the control panel 4 is detected in the first region RP1 by the position detection unit 7, and the object detection unit 6 detects that there are no objects in the work area WA while the control panel 4 is detected in the first region RP1.

[0061] The display control unit 72 controls the projection device 17 to display various information in the projection area PA, or to display various information on the display device 4a of the control panel 4. When a die change operation is performed on the control panel 4, the display control unit 72 displays a message on the display unit (projection area PA or display device 4a) prompting the user to move away from the press machine 100. When the object presence determination detects the presence of an object in the work area WA, the display control unit 72 displays a message on the display unit (projection area PA or display device 4a) indicating that an object has been detected.

[0062] Next, we will explain how to start the automatic mold change operation using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart of how to start the automatic mold change operation.

[0063] The display device 4a on the control panel 4 shows a selection button for automatic mold change and a start button. When the operator wants the mold change device 2 to perform automatic mold change, they press the selection button and then the start button (step S101). This operation of pressing the selection button and then the start button is an example of the operation to start automatic mold change. When the control panel 4 receives the operation to start automatic mold change, it sends a signal to the control device 9 indicating that the operation to start automatic mold change has been received (hereinafter referred to as the "start signal").

[0064] When the control device 9 receives a start signal, it determines whether the control panel 4 is located in the first area RP1 based on the detection result of the position detection unit 7 (step S102). If the control device 9 determines, based on the detection result of the position detection unit 7, that the control panel 4 is not located in the first area RP1, it displays a message on the display unit (projection area PA or display device 4a) prompting the operator to move the control panel 4 to the first area RP1 (step S103). For example, the message may be "The shuttle is interfering with the control panel" or "Please move the control panel away from the machine." After the operator confirms the message displayed in step S103, they move the control panel 4 to the first area RP1 to clear the message and perform the automatic mold change start operation again. If the control device 9 has received the automatic mold change start operation, it executes the process in step S101.

[0065] If the control device 9 determines in step S102 that the control panel 4 is located in the first area RP1, it displays a message on the display unit prompting the user to move away from the press machine 100. The message may be, for example, "Automatic die change (ATC) is starting. Please move away from the machine" (step S104). Then, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the control device 9 determined that the control panel 4 is in the first area RP1, it obtains the detection result from the object detection unit 6 and determines whether or not an object exists in the work area WA (step S105).

[0066] If the control device 9 determines in step S105 that no object is present in the work area WA, it starts automatic mold changing by the mold changing device 2 (step S106). On the other hand, if the control device 9 determines in step S105 that an object is present in the work area WA, it displays a message on the display unit (projection area PA or display device 4a) indicating that an object has been detected in the work area WA without performing automatic mold changing (step S107). In other words, if the object detection unit 6 detects the presence of an object in the work area WA after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start operation was performed on the control panel 4 located in the first area RP1, the control device 9 displays a message on the display unit of the press machine 100 indicating that an object has been detected without performing automatic mold changing. This message may include information, for example, which of the light curtains 50-1 to 50-3 detected the object. The predetermined time is set to allow sufficient time for the worker to evacuate from the work area WA. In other words, the predetermined time is set such that the worker performs a start operation on the control panel 4 located within the first area RP1, then moves away from the work area WA, and the process of step S105 begins after the worker has moved away.

[0067] If the operator detects the presence of an object within the work area WA in step S105, they check the message displayed in step S107. The operator confirms that there are no objects obstructing the light from the light curtains 50-1 to 50-3, clears the message, and presses the start button displayed on the control panel 4 (step S108). When the start button is pressed in step S108, the control device 9 executes the process in step S105 again.

[0068] Here, the stopper 8 restricts the movement of the slewing mechanism 3, for example, so that the control panel 4 does not slewing from the first region RP1 to the first slewing direction R1. In other words, the state in which the slewing mechanism 3 is restricted by the stopper 8 is the state in which the control panel 4 is located in the non-contact region (first region RP1). As a result, when an operator moves the control panel 4 out of the first region RP1 and then performs an initiation operation on the control panel 4, they can determine that the control panel 4 is located in the first region RP1 when the slewing is stopped by the stopper 8 after the control panel 4 has slewing in the first slewing direction R1, and thus easily position the control panel 4 in the first region RP1.

[0069] Considering the possibility of collisions between the transport unit 31 and the control panel 4, it is conceivable to move the control panel 4 outside the safety fence 5 and accept start operations only outside the safety fence 5. However, if start operations are performed outside the safety fence 5, the operator would need to move the control panel 4 outside the safety fence 5 and move outside the safety fence 5 from the work area WA to operate the control panel 4 each time an automatic mold change is performed, which may reduce work efficiency. In this embodiment, the first area RP1 (non-contact area) for performing start operations is set in a part of the area inside the safety fence 5. As a result, the operator does not need to move outside the safety fence 5 when performing start operations, thus improving work efficiency.

[0070] The above embodiment discloses the following configuration. (Composition 1) A press machine 100 is equipped with a mold changing device 2 that transports molds by a transport unit 31 to the processing machine body 1 for mold replacement, A control panel 4 is movably mounted on the main body 1 of the processing machine and receives instructions for changing the mold. A position detection unit 7 detects the control panel 4 when it is located in a non-contact area (first area RP1) within the range of movement of the control panel 4, where it does not come into contact with the transport unit 31. An object detection unit 6 detects the presence or absence of objects within the work area WA of the processing machine body 1, A control device 9 is provided that, when the control panel 4 is detected by the position detection unit 7, an operation is performed on the control panel 4, and when the object detection unit 6 detects that no object is present while the control panel 4 is detected, the control device 9 will perform a mold change. A press machine 100 equipped with [a specific feature]. (Configuration 2) If the control device 9 detects that the control panel 4 is not present after an operation has been performed on the control panel 4 while the control panel 4 is being detected, the object detection unit 6 will initiate a mold change. The press machine 100 described in Configuration 1. (Composition 3) The control panel 4 is provided to be movable between a non-contact area (first area RP1) and a contact area which is an area that comes into contact with the moving transport unit 31. A press machine 100 as described in configuration 1 or configuration 2. (Composition 4) The work area WA is equipped with a safety fence 5 that encloses at least a portion of it. The non-contact area (first area RP1) is part of the area inside the safety fence 5. A press machine 100 as described in any of configurations 1 to 3. (Composition 5) The object detection unit 6 is installed on the safety fence 5 and detects objects within the work area WA using light that is shone towards the work area WA. A press machine 100 as described in any of configurations 1 to 4. (Composition 6) A swivel mechanism 3 that rotates the control panel 4 horizontally, A stopper 8 restricts the control panel 4 from rotating to the outside of the safety fence 5, Equipped with, The state in which the rotation of the swivel mechanism 3 is restricted by the stopper 8 is the state in which the control panel 4 is located in the non-contact area (first area RP1). A press machine 100 as described in any of configurations 1 to 5. (Composition 7) The control device 9 displays a message on the control panel 4 or the display unit of the processing machine body 1 prompting the user to move away from the press machine 100 when an operation is performed. If the object detection unit 6 detects the presence of an object within the work area WA after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 9 displays a message on the control panel 4 or the display unit of the processing machine body 1 indicating that an object has been detected without performing a die change. A press machine 100 as described in any of configurations 1 to 6.

[0071] Although embodiments have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments described above. It is clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included within the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, one or more of the requirements described in the embodiments described above may be omitted. Furthermore, the requirements described in the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate. In addition, the execution order of each procedure shown in the embodiments can be implemented in any order, as long as the results of the previous procedure are not used in the later procedure. Furthermore, even if the operation in the embodiments described above is described using "first," "next," "followed," etc. for convenience, it is not necessary to perform it in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...Processing machine body 2. Mold changing device 3. Swivel mechanism 4...Operation panel 5...safety fence 6. Object detection unit 7. Position detection unit 8. Stopper 9. Control device 70... Judgment section 71... Replacement Control Unit 72...Display Control Unit 100... Press machine

Claims

1. A press machine equipped with a mold changing device that transports molds to the processing machine body via a transport unit to perform mold changes, A control panel is movably mounted on the main body of the processing machine and receives an operation to instruct the replacement of the mold, A position detection unit detects the control panel located in a non-contact area within the range of movement of the control panel, where the control panel does not come into contact with the transport unit. An object detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an object within the work area of ​​the processing machine body, A press machine comprising: a control device that performs the mold change when the operation on the control panel is performed while the control panel is detected by the position detection unit, and when the object detection unit detects that the object does not exist while the control panel is detected.

2. The press machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device, when the operation on the control panel is detected and the object detection unit detects that the object is not present, causes the mold change to be performed.

3. The press machine according to claim 1, wherein the control panel is provided to be movable between the non-contact area and the contact area which is the area that comes into contact with the moving conveying unit.

4. The work area is provided with a safety fence that encloses at least a portion of it. The press machine according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact area is a part of the area inside the safety fence.

5. The press machine according to claim 4, wherein the object detection unit is provided on the safety fence and detects objects within the work area using light that is shone toward the work area.

6. A pivoting mechanism for rotating the control panel horizontally, The control panel includes a stopper that prevents it from rotating outside the safety fence, The press machine according to claim 4, wherein the state in which the rotation of the swivel mechanism is restricted by the stopper is the state in which the control panel is located in the non-contact area.

7. The press machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device displays a message on the control panel or the display unit of the processing machine body prompting the user to move away from the press machine when the operation is performed, and if the object detection unit detects the presence of an object in the work area after a predetermined time has elapsed, it displays a message on the control panel or the display unit of the processing machine body indicating that the object has been detected without performing the die change.

8. A control method for a press machine equipped with a mold changing device that transports molds to the main body of the processing machine by a transport unit to perform mold changes, The operation of a control panel movably mounted on the main body of the processing machine to receive an operation to instruct the replacement of the mold, When the aforementioned operation is received, the position detection unit confirms whether the control panel is located in a non-contact area that does not come into contact with the transport unit, When the control panel is located in the non-contact area, the object detection unit confirms that no object is present within the work area of ​​the processing machine body. A control method comprising: performing the mold change if it is confirmed that the object is not present in the work area.

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