EP0101360B1 - Continuous-process industrial installation with statistical monitoring - Google Patents

Abstract

An installation for continuous flow manufacture comprising a feeding unit, (MA) at least one working unit (MT) having a working carousel (MT14) having 10 working seats, and at least one inspecting unit having an inspecting carousel (MC12) having eight inspecting seats. The measured information, emitted by the inspecting unit are reference marked modulo (1) and modulo (8), utilized in real time for surveillance of the machine.

Description

The invention relates to machining installations in continuous kinematics; it applies in particular, but not exclusively, to small arms ammunition production lines.

“Continuous kinematics” means that the parts to be treated move one by one, in continuous sequence, on dimpled wheels and work stations suitably arranged to pass said parts to each other. In known manner, a cellular wheel takes a part in one of its cells, at a determined point of its rotation. At another point, it transfers the part to another honeycomb wheel, or to a workstation, similarly, a part will leave a workstation by a honeycomb wheel, to go to another workstation or to a receptacle. The essential advantage of continuous kinematics is to increase production rates, while reducing production costs. On the other hand, due to the permanent movement of the parts, there are delicate problems of monitoring the installation, as well as metrology.

• - un module alimenteur apte à recevoir dans un bac un stock de pièces d'usinage, et à les placer en position prédéterminée sur une roue alvéolée débitrice,
• - au moins un module de travail, apte à définir une cinématique continue des pièces entre une roue alvéolée amont, coopérant avec la roue alvéolée débitrice, et une roue alvéolée aval, au moins un barillet de travail étant prévu entre les roues alvéolées amont et aval, et ce barillet de travail étant apte à effectuer au moins une opération d'usinage sur les pièces tandis qu'elles transitent par lui,
• - au moins un module de contrôle apte à définir une cinématique continue des pièces entre une roue alvéolée d'entrée, coopérant avec la roue alvéolée précédente, et sa roue alvéolée de sortie, au moins un barillet de contrôle étant prévu entre les roues alvéolées d'entrée et de sortie pour permettre au moins une opération de mesure en relation avec l'opération d'usinage précitée, et
• - des moyens logiques de commande aptes à superviser et coordonner l'action des modules consécutifs comptetenu de la cinématique continue des pièces, tout en effectant en temps réel des mesures sur chaque pièce et en éjectant celles dont une mesure se trouve hors tolérance.

The present invention provides a solution to ensure a metrology control and especially a _j monitoring overall satisfactory in a workpiece processing system in continuous motion. The installation in question includes:

• - a feeder module capable of receiving a stock of machining parts in a tray, and of placing them in a predetermined position on a debiting honeycomb wheel,
• - At least one working module, capable of defining a continuous kinematics of the parts between an upstream honeycomb wheel, cooperating with the feed honeycomb wheel, and a downstream honeycomb wheel, at least one work barrel being provided between the upstream and downstream honeycomb wheels , and this work barrel being able to carry out at least one machining operation on the parts while they pass through it,
• - At least one control module capable of defining a continuous kinematics of the parts between an input honeycomb wheel, cooperating with the previous honeycomb wheel, and its output honeycomb wheel, at least one control barrel being provided between the honeycomb wheels d input and output to allow at least one measurement operation in relation to the aforementioned machining operation, and
• - logic control means capable of supervising and coordinating the action of consecutive modules taking into account the continuous kinematics of the parts, while carrying out measurements in real time on each part and ejecting those for which a measurement is out of tolerance.

According to the present invention, the number of stations (p) in the work barrel is greater than the number of stations (q) in the control barrel, these two numbers not being multiple of one another (although, as we will see later, we can choose p = 10 and q = 8, these two numbers would be advantageously prime between them).

For their part, the logic control means comprise a basic logic device suitable for the functions of acquisition of the measurements, calibration and correction of the measurements as a function of the calibration, in interaction with the control module, as well as a logical operating device, in interaction with the power, work, and control modules, to monitor the entire installation.

The operating logic device firstly comprises a first level logic device, which comprises a logic unit for each of the modules, the logic unit associated with the control module being connected to the basic logic device, while being arranged for order the discarded ejection of parts whose measurement is not between said maximum and minimum measurements. Next, the logic operating device comprises a second level logic unit, interconnected with the first level logic units, as well as with a general control console. This second level unit centralizes all of the data available at the installation level, including “product” data sent each time the kinematics continues to progress by one position, this “product” data comprising an identification part. with at least a modulo p number and a modulo q number, the indication of a possible rejection, and of the measurements carried out, which makes it possible to establish in real time and in a simple manner a production statistic.

In the foregoing, an installation has been considered with a feeder module followed by at least one working module, then at least one control module. In practice, intermediate storage of parts recognized as good is often used, and such storage is started again with a new feeder module. In addition to this, the work and control modules are provided in a suitable sequence, with any storage and intermediate feeder modules, taking into account the machining operations to be carried out. The series consisting of a feeder module, and one or more working modules and / or one or more control modules combined in the appropriate order will therefore be called “installation section”.

• - compter (QE.) le nombre de données produit reçues, qui correspond au nombre de position dont a avancé la cinématique continue,
• - compter (QF.) le nombre de produits sortis de l'alimenteur,
• - compter (QD.) le nombre de produits alimentés à l'endroit,
• - compter (QS.') le nombre de produits bons sortis normalement de la machine, et
• - compter (QR' ) le nombre total de rejets sur le tronçon i, sur le poste j pour le motif k, et pour déterminer des rendements correspondants.

Under these conditions, and according to another aspect of the invention, different second level units associated with different sections (index i) of continuous kinematics are connected to the same third level logic unit, which receives at least the “product” data. ", And is arranged to store them, as well as for:

• - count (QE.) the number of product data received, which corresponds to the number of positions advanced by continuous kinematics,
• - count (QF.) the number of products taken out of the feeder,
• - count (QD.) the number of products supplied at the location,
• - count (QS. ') the number of good products normally removed from the machine, and
• - count (QR ') the total number of rejections on section i, on station j for the reason k, and to determine the corresponding yields.

• - le nombre total (QM.) de rejets sur module de contrôle,
• - le nombre (ûL.) d'échantillons prélevés,
• - les nombres (dV.) et (GA.) de produits prélevés et ajoutés respectivement au stock aval, et
• - le nombre (QI de pièces d'un stock aval ou intermédiaire entre deux tronçons.

Preferably, the third level unit also has:

• - the total number (QM.) of releases on the control module,
• - the number (ûL.) of samples taken,
• - the numbers (dV.) and (GA.) of products taken and added respectively to the downstream stock, and
• - the number (IQ of parts of a downstream or intermediate stock between two sections.

Very advantageously, the third level unit is arranged to establish item by item, for each measurement, information of filtered average, filtered standard deviation, count of rejections and percentage of rejections by reasons, as well as to establish, without distinction of item for each measurement, an arithmetic mean, and an arithmetic standard deviation.

It is also advantageous for the third-level unit to keep a selected number of the last measured values for quick access for each station of choice.

• - l'unité logique de troisième niveau surveille les suites de rejets sur chaque poste et leur arrivée à un nombre préétabli de rejets consécutifs,
• - l'unité logique de troisième niveau surveille les pourcentages de rejets pour chaque type de défaut et les compare à des limites préétablies,
• - l'unité logique de troisième niveau compare les valeurs de mesure à des valeurs limites comprises entre les valeurs de rejets, ce qui permet une surveillance de l'usure des outils.

According to other additional features of the invention:

• - the third level logic unit monitors the series of rejections on each station and their arrival at a predetermined number of consecutive rejections,
• - the third level logic unit monitors the rejection percentages for each type of fault and compares them to pre-established limits,
• - the third level logic unit compares the measurement values with limit values between the reject values, which allows monitoring of tool wear.

• - les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues schématiques, respectivement en élévation et de dessus, d'un groupe de modules constituant une section d'une installation d'usinage selon la présente invention, et comprenant un module alimenteur, un module de travail et un module de contrôle ;
• - la figure 3 est une vue partiellement détaillée du module de contrôle MC représenté sur les figures 1 et 2 ;
• - la figure 4 est une vue (détaillée d'une autre manière) d'une partie du même module de contrôle ;
• - la figure 5 est un diagramme schématique donnant la structure générale des moyens électroniques incorporés à l'installation de la présente invention ;
• - la figure 6 est un schéma électrique plus détaillé de l'unité logique de mesure 600 de la figure 5 ;
• - la figure 7 est un schéma partiellement détaillé montrant la captation des informations de mesure, et la première étape de leur traitement ;
• - la figure 8 est un schéma électrique plus général montrant le rassemblement des informations de mesure captées dans le dispositif d'acquisition 800 de la figure 5 ;
• - la figure 9 est le schéma partiellement détaillé de l'unité centrale d'étalonnage et du pupitre d'étalonnage notés respectivement 900 et 950 sur la figure 5 ;
• - la figure 10 est le schéma de la face avant du pupitre d'étalonnage 950 ;
• - la figure 11 est le schéma général du système logique d'exploitation 500 de la figure 5 ;
• - la figure 12 est le schéma électrique détaillé d'une unité logique de premier niveau ;
• - la figure 13 est le schéma électrique détaillé du dispositif logique de second et troisième niveaux ; et
• - la figure 14 illustre le format des échanges de données entre le niveau Il de mise en forme des informations et le niveau 111 où les informations sont centralisées.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, as well as on examining the appended drawings, in which:

• FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic views, respectively in elevation and from above, of a group of modules constituting a section of a machining installation according to the present invention, and comprising a feeder module, a work module and a control module;
• - Figure 3 is a partially detailed view of the MC control module shown in Figures 1 and 2;
• - Figure 4 is a view (detailed in another way) of a part of the same control module;
• - Figure 5 is a schematic diagram giving the general structure of the electronic means incorporated in the installation of the present invention;
• - Figure 6 is a more detailed electrical diagram of the logic measurement unit 600 of Figure 5;
• - Figure 7 is a partially detailed diagram showing the capture of measurement information, and the first step of their processing;
• - Figure 8 is a more general electrical diagram showing the collection of measurement information captured in the acquisition device 800 of Figure 5;
• - Figure 9 is the partially detailed diagram of the central calibration unit and the calibration desk denoted 900 and 950 respectively in Figure 5;
• - Figure 10 is the diagram of the front face of the calibration console 950;
• - Figure 11 is the general diagram of the operating logic system 500 of Figure 5;
• - Figure 12 is the detailed electrical diagram of a first level logic unit;
• - Figure 13 is the detailed electrical diagram of the logic device of second and third levels; and
• - Figure 14 illustrates the format of data exchange between level II of information shaping and level 111 where the information is centralized.

As previously indicated, the present invention relates to machining installations in continuous kinematics, and more particularly the production lines for small arms ammunition.

In this field, various means have already been described in the following patent publications: FR-A-2,346,072, FR-A-2,356,464, FR-A-2,379,335, FR-A-2,376,049, FR-A-2 333 412, FR-A-2 330 476, FR-A-2 475 946, FR-A-2 459 196 and FR-A-2 463 081. These previous descriptions may help to better understand some of the elements of this detailed description.

For a simpler description of the means for measuring the parts and for calibrating, reference is made to the patent application filed today in the name of the applicant, under the number EP-A-0 102 277 and entitled "Installation of 'machining in continuous kinematics with improved dimensional control'.

Mechanical components

• - un module alimenteur MA, apte à recevoir dans un bac MA10 un stock de pièces à usiner, et à les placer en position prédéterminée sur une roue alvéolée débitrice MA13. Entre le bac MA10 et la roue MA13 peuvent intervenir d'autres roues de transfert telles que MA11, ou chargées d'une opération particulière telle que MA12. La roue MA12 servira par exemple à la fonction de vérification que la pièce, par exemple l'ébauche d'une douille de cartouche, a été prélevée dans le bon sens par la chaîne de cinématique continue.
• - au moins un module de travail MT, apte à définir lui aussi une cinématique continue des pièces entre une roue alvéolée amont MT11, coopérant avec la roue alvéolée débitrice MA13, et une roue alvéolée aval MT16. Au moins un barillet de travail MT14 est prévu entre les roues alvéolées amont MT11 et aval MT16. Et ce barillet de travail possède dix postes de travail aptes chacun à effectuer au moins une opération d'usinage (la même) sur les pièces tandis qu'elles transitent par eux. D'autres roues telles que MT12, MT13 et MT15 sont utilisées dans le module de travail pour assurer le transfert des pièces entre son entrée et sa sortie. On notera également que dans la plupart des cas, un module de travail réalisant une opération d'usinage fera subir aux pièces un changement de niveau, que l'on voit particulièrement sur la figure 1 où les roues MT12 et MT13 sont placées à un niveau plus élevé que les roues MT15 et MT16.

If we now refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, a section of a continuous kinematic machining installation comprises:

• - A feeder module MA, capable of receiving a stock of workpieces in a tray MA10, and of placing them in a predetermined position on a debiting honeycomb wheel MA13. Between the container MA10 and the wheel MA13 may intervene other transfer wheels such as MA11, or charged with a particular operation such as MA12. The wheel MA12 will be used for example for the function of verification that the part, for example the blank of a cartridge case, has been removed in the right direction by the continuous kinematic chain.
• at least one working module MT, which is also capable of defining a continuous kinematics of the parts between an upstream honeycomb wheel MT11, cooperating with the debiting honeycomb wheel MA13, and a downstream honeycomb wheel MT16. At least one MT14 work barrel is provided between the upstream honeycomb wheels MT11 and downstream MT16. And this work cylinder has ten work stations each capable of performing at least one machining operation (the same) on the parts while they pass through them. Other wheels such as MT12, MT13 and MT15 are used in the work module to ensure the transfer of parts between its input and its output. It will also be noted that in most cases, a work module carrying out a machining operation will subject the parts to a level change, which is seen particularly in FIG. 1 where the wheels MT12 and MT13 are placed at a level higher than MT15 and MT16 wheels.

Finally, Figures 1 and 2 show a control module, which is also able to define kinematics continuous parts between an input honeycomb wheel MC11 and an output honeycomb wheel MC14. The wheel MC11 cooperates with the downstream honeycomb wheel MT16 of the working module. And at least one control barrel MC12 is provided between the dimpled input wheels MC11 and exit MC14, to allow at least one measurement operation in relation to the aforementioned machining operation which was carried out in the work barrel . The control barrel MC12 which has eight stations cooperates with a measuring member MC13 in a manner which will be detailed below with reference to FIG. 4. Finally, and according to a particular aspect of the present invention, the control module has other wheels MC15, MC16 and MC17, which are placed between the output honeycomb wheel MC14 and the honeycomb input wheel MC11.

In the foregoing, variable qualifiers have been added for “honeycomb wheels”, for example debit honeycomb wheel for the feeder module, upstream and downstream honeycomb wheels for the working module and inlet and outlet honeycomb wheels for the module control. Those skilled in the art will understand that this varied terminology is only used to allow easier recognition of the elements, since these wheels can be of strictly identical structure.

By way of example, the feeder module can be produced in the manner described in one of the patent publications FR-A-2,346,072, FR-A-2,356,464, FR-A-2,379,335 or FR- A-2 376 049 already cited.

In passing, it will be noted that the device described particularly in the booklet FR-A-2,379,335 allows the controlled ejection of parts. This is interesting in particular for the implementation of the invention, as will be seen below, so as to create gaps in the succession of parts relating to the continuous kinematics. Another way of creating gaps is described in the publication FR-A-2 459 196.

As regards the working module, this can for example be one of the machines described in the publications FR-A-2 333 412, FR-A-2 330 476, or also FR-A-2 475 946 In the detailed description which follows, it will be assumed that it is a machine for cutting tubular parts such as cartridge cases, this operation, simple, facilitating the description, and this machine could for example be that of publication FR-A-2 333 412.

Special description of the control module

As for the control module, Figure 3 schematically illustrates the structure on a larger scale. We find the dimpled input wheel MC11, followed by the control barrel MC12 cooperating with the sensor device MC13, then the dimpled output wheel MC14. The wheel MC11 will therefore take parts from a previous module which is normally a working module. These parts will pass through the control barrel where they are checked in particular at the level of the sensor device MC13. Finally, said parts are taken up by the output honeycomb wheel which will either transfer them to a next module (working or control module), or store them in a storage device. It will be noted that the wheel MC14 also comprises a normal rejection position MC141, a position which is preceded by a special rejection station MC142, and followed by a normal presence test MC140, which makes it possible to ensure that an operation of desired rejection has been carried out, and by the same token of the fact that the documents transferred downstream are accepted. The rejection devices can be produced in the manner described in the publication FR-A-2 379 335 already cited.

Upstream of these devices MC140 to MC142, the locations of the output honeycomb wheel MC14 will come in cooperation with a transfer wheel MC15, followed by another honeycomb transfer wheel MC16, and a third honeycomb transfer wheel MC17 , which is then able to bring the parts back onto the dimpled input wheel MC11.

Thus, in the control module is defined a recycling device with dimpled wheels MC15 to MC17, capable of returning on command the parts of the dimpled output wheel MC14 to the dimpled input wheel MC11. To effectively carry out recycling, it will suffice to move switches provided between the wheels MC15 and MC13 and the wheels MC11 and MC14.

Finally, it should be noted that the dimpled input wheel MC11 has a standard insertion location denoted MC110. The insertion of standards can be done for example using a chimney, placed tangentially above the trajectory of the cells, and allowing to release a standard piece so that it comes to fit into the alveolus.

Measuring device

Reference will now be made to FIG. 4 which describes in a more particular manner the manner in which the measurement is carried out at the level of the control barrel MC12, of which only one station is shown here. The post in question is placed opposite the sensor device generally denoted MC13 in FIG. 4.

Therefore, the station in question of the MC12 barrel comprises a cast iron support frame, in two pieces 1205 and 1210, resting on the barrel body, which appears in the lower part. The part 1205 is provided with a vertical through bore, through which slides a cylindrical sleeve with recess 1204. The sleeve is provided with an end head 1202, suitable for inserting a cartridge socket 1200 against a support part 1201 Transversally, on either side of the bushing 1200 can be placed projecting gripping members such as 1203. The sliding part 1204 is found in the upper part denoted 1206, and it is then provided with a coupling roller 1207 with a rod 1208 articulated in rotation in 1209 on the frame 1210. At its other end, the rod 1208 is again articulated in rotation on the roller 1211 of an assembly 1212 and 1213, which form a member capable of urging the left part of the part 1208 to rotate upwards. During the rotation of the barrel, a cam, not shown, will stress the device so that the shaft 1204-1206 goes downwards, and therefore comes to grip the bushing 1200 of which it is necessary to measure under a predetermined force. height, after the cutting operation already mentioned (this when arriving at the right of the MC13 measuring station).

For measurement, the part 1206 is completed in the upper part of a bracket 1220, on which a target 1225, of predetermined shape and careful machining, is fixed in a predetermined manner, preferably a steel disc with rectified parallel faces.

Fixedly with respect to the control module, the measurement member MC13 comprises a frame 1303, the upper part 1302 of which supports a measurement device 1301 comprising a cylindrical cage of comparable size at the periphery of the target 1225, which cage internally houses a sensor 1300, which will measure its distance from the target 1225. The sensor 1300 is connected by an electrical connection 1305 to the rest of the structure.

We see that the position of the target 1225 is mechanically linked to the vertical position of the part 1204, and therefore at the top level of the socket 1200, the bottom level being fixed relative to the frame of the barrel MC12, which is assumed in turn remain in a stable vertical position relative to the body MC13, despite its rotation.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor 1300 is an eddy current probe, such as the probe sold by the company VIBRO-METER under the designation VIBRAXTQ102. This 1300 probe is connected by cable 1305 to a conditioner box, which can be the one sold by the same company under the designation IQS603.

In this way, the probe 1300 will measure its distance from the target 1225.

There remains a major problem, namely to take into account on the one hand the possibilities of vertical components existing in the rotational movement of the barrel MC12, as well as its variations, and on the other hand the fluctuations which can result in the measured indication. as a function of the temperature in particular, and of other parameters which may intervene.

For this, the present invention provides a combination of means, some of which have already been described.

In addition, at least one, preferably two “fixed” on-board targets (not shown) are provided on the control barrel for each measurement. These targets are mounted like the target 1225, but on a support 1220 which would be integral with the barrel.

Also involved are the logic control means generally denoted 500 and 600 in FIG. 5, with their complements 800, 900 and 950.

We will now remember that patent publications FR-A-2,379,335 as well as FR-A-2,459,196 teach how to create gaps in the succession of parts leaving the feeder module, or even one of the work modules. placed upstream of the MC control module.

General operation

These lessons can be used according to the present invention, in order to create gaps in the continuous kinematics upstream of the control module. In the event that these gaps are created at the level of the power supply module, the logic member concerned is block 511 of FIG. 11, as will be seen below. A simple variant consists in completely emptying all the modules of the installation with parts, and stopping the supply, if necessary.

The rest of the operations mainly concern the control module. The following operation consists in inserting at least one minimum standard and one maximum standard in two, preferably consecutive, gaps thus created in the continuous kinematics (manual or automatic operation).

After that, using the sensor member 1300 of FIG. 4, the maximum and minimum measurements relating to these standards are acquired in order to define rejection values. The acquisition of the measurements in question involves their transport to the acquisition device 800 which will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.

All this is done in a calibration phase of the machining installation.

Thereafter, during the production phase, the scrap ejection of parts whose measurement is not between the maximum and minimum rejection values will be controlled at the output honeycomb wheel. This command is carried out logically by means of the member 513 of FIG. 11, which is responsible for the control module MC. Materially, the rejection takes place at the level of the member MC141 of FIG. 3.

For the implementation which has just been described, two standards per measurement are sufficient, which will pass through two successive positions of the control barrel MC12, and be measured successively via their respective target 1225, by the same 1300 sensor. This arrangement may be sufficient in certain applications, but the Applicant has observed that fluctuations could occur in the measurements between the various stations of the control barrel. This is particularly true when the quantity to be measured is relayed by a device of the type described in connection with FIG. 4, and comprising a measurement intermediary such as a target 1225.

In this case, it is desirable to use a recycling device as described with reference to FIG. 3, providing that the number of stations of the control barrel MC12 and the number of steps of the recycling device constituted by the wheels MC15 to MC17 be first between them. For example, the MC12 control barrel has 8 stations, while the number of steps of the recycling device is equal to 13. This number of steps is to be calculated taking into account the part of the alveolate output and input wheels which intervenes in the recycling device, as well as the distance at the level of the control barrel between the place of introduction of the parts and the location of their removal. All this comes into play in the definition of the “recycling loop”.

• a) en phase d'étalonnage
  • - admettre un nombre de lacunes supérieur au produit du nombre de pas du dispositif de recyclage et du nombre de postes du barillet de travail. (En effet, un nombre de pas égal à ce produit suffit pour un étalon. Compte-tenu du fait qu'on utilise à chaque fois un étalon maximal et un étalon minimal, il est souhaitable que le nombre de lacunes soit supérieur au produit des deux nombres précités). Ensuite, les deux étalons sont placés consécutivement dans les deux première lacunes. Après cela, l'unité 600 acquiert à travers les organes qui coopèrent avec elle les mesures maximale et minimale relatives aux deux étalons pour définir des valeurs de rejet pour chaque poste du barillet de contrôle, chaque étalon changeant de poste après être passé par la boucle de recyclage. (Cela tient compte du fait que les deux nombres précités sont premiers entre eux). Enfin, les étalons sont enlevés manuellement, ou automatiquement, par exemple au rejet spécial MC142.
• b) Par la suite, en production le système électronique commande au niveau de la roue alvéolée de sortie l'éjection au rebut des pièces dont la mesure n'est pas comprise entre lesdites valeurs de rejet maximale et minimale qui correspondent au poste de contrôle par lequel est passée chaque pièce.

Under these conditions, the logic control means 500 and 600 are arranged to perform the following operations:

• a) during the calibration phase
  • - admit a number of gaps greater than the product of the number of steps of the recycling device and the number of work barrel positions. (Indeed, a number of steps equal to this product is sufficient for a standard. Given the fact that each time a maximum standard and a minimum standard are used, it is desirable that the number of gaps is greater than the product of two aforementioned numbers). Then, the two standards are placed consecutively in the first two gaps. After that, the unit 600 acquires through the organs which cooperate with it the maximum and minimum measurements relating to the two standards to define rejection values for each station of the control barrel, each standard changing station after having passed through the loop recycling. (This takes into account the fact that the two aforementioned numbers are prime to each other). Finally, the standards are removed manually, or automatically, for example at the special MC142 rejection.
• b) Thereafter, in production, the electronic system controls at the level of the output honeycomb wheel the ejection of discarded parts whose measurement is not between said maximum and minimum rejection values which correspond to the control station by which passed each piece.

A plurality of pairs of standards are preferably provided which are respectively maximum and minimum in each pair, so that a pair of standards corresponds for example to a quantity to be measured.

Electronic components - Detailed description

The electronic system will now be described in more detail, the general structure of which is given in FIG. 5.

This system firstly comprises a logical operating system generally designated by 500, and which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 11. (In this FIG. 11, we find the general structure of the device 500 to inside the dashed line).

This device firstly comprises a digital encoder block or “encoder” connected to one or more incremental encoders generally denoted by CO, and having the function of determining the machine position making it possible to detect the presence of parts at various points in the installation , so that the electronics can at any time determine the position of the parts in the continuous kinematics.

In a particular embodiment, each encoder block has three outputs. The first delivers an index to each round of the associated barrel. The second delivers pulses at the rate of 180 per barrel position, in forward gear. The third does the same, but in reverse.

Besides this, each module of the installation is associated with a first level logic block (LEVEL 1). For example, the power supply module MA is associated with a Level logic block denoted 511; the MT work module is associated with a Level 1 logic block denoted 512; and the control module MC is associated with a Level 1 logic block denoted 513. It is also noted in FIG. 11 that all of the calibration and measurement acquisition operations are carried out by a block 600, in interaction with the control module. Block 600 reports the operations it performs, directly to the Level 1513 logic block which is precisely associated with the control module.

The various blocks 510 to 513 are in interaction by 8-bit parallel links with a second level logic device (LEVEL II) denoted 520. This is preferably associated by an asynchronous link with a general control desk 521 of the installation, which will not be described in more detail here.

Finally, the logic block 520 of Level II is optionally associated with a logic block of third Level 530, which can be responsible for example for controlling not only the section of the machining installation which is described here, but all the entire installation, which performs joint operations on the same product. To this end, it is connected to other second level logic blocks by asynchronous serial links illustrated in FIG. 11. For example, assuming that the machining installation described relates to the cutting of sockets, other installations machining placed after this one will carry out the subsequent operations of continuous stamping, as well as shrinking and calibration, for example. This Level III logic block marked 530 performs general surveillance operations which will not be described in more detail in the context of this patent application.

Returning now to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the operating system marked globally 500 will be in connection via its LEVEL 1,513 element with block 600, illustrated in more detail on FIG. 6. This block 600 constitutes a logic measurement unit, or Level 0 unit. The unit 600 dialogues by asynchronous lines with a measurement acquisition unit 800 described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8. Signals are also transmitted by the Level 0 unit 600 to the acquisition unit 800, which also receives analog inputs of measurement signals (for example, 5 analog inputs for 5 sensors therefore at least 5 quantities to be measured , it being observed that the same sensor can successively carry out measurements of a different nature).

Finally, the Level 0 unit 600 also dialogues, still by asynchronous lines, with a calibration unit 900 which is in charge of the calibration operations, and of annex operations. The 900 unit is associated by the bus line 901 with the calibration control console 950. The unit 900 and the console 950 are illustrated in more detail in FIG. 9.

Detailed description of unit 600 (Level 0)

FIG. 6 shows the particular structure of the level 0 unit 600. This comprises an internal bus 601, to which a measurement processor 602 is connected, as well as memories 603 and 604. Memory 603 is a memory programmable read-only or pROM, with a capacity of 8 kilobytes, for example, while the memory 604 is a direct access memory or RAM memory, with a capacity of 4 kilobytes.

The bus 601 is also connected to the parallel interface 608, having a port A and a port B, responsible respectively for information arriving from the operating system 500, and information which will go towards it.

Another parallel interface 609 is provided, as an option, for 16 inputs-outputs available for user-definable purposes.

In the upper right corner of FIG. 6, a serial interface 607 is also provided, as well as two time counters 605 and 606. The serial interface 607 is in intercommunication with the bus 601, and has two sets of outputs denoted respectively line A, which goes to the calibration unit of figure 9, and line B which goes to the acquisition unit of figure 8. The clock for line A is defined by the time counter 605, which receives synchronization signals from the encoder device 510. The clock for line B is defined by the time counter 606, which is only connected to the serial interface 607.

It emerges from this description that the level 0 unit of FIG. 6 is capable of receiving all the raw measurement information coming from the acquisition unit 800, as well as to dialogue with the calibration unit 900 and the associated 950 calibration control console. This unit 600 of FIG. 6 will therefore be responsible for establishing the calibration, then then taking it into account on the actual measurements carried out on the products during manufacture.

Via the parallel interface 608, the unit 600 of FIG. 6 will finally be able to report its interventions to the assembly 500 of FIG. 5 and of FIG. 11, at the same time as requesting the latter to carry out the ejection suitable for the parts being manufactured which will not comply with the calibration data, through the first level logic unit 513, to which the device 600 is directly connected.

800 acquisition unit

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 7 and 8, which represent the acquisition of the information available at the level of the sensors.

In FIG. 7, we see at the top left a line which comes from the sensor 1300 of FIG. 4, or more precisely from the signal conditioner which is connected to it. This line is brought through a resistor 8310 to the inverting input of the differential amplifier 831. This inverting inputs is also connected to the output through an adjustable resistor 8311.

The non-inverting input of the same amplifier 831 is connected on the one hand to ground through an adjustable resistor 8312, and on the other hand to a resistor 8313 which goes to an inverter 8314.

When a measurement concerns a single sensor, the inverter 8314 is in the position shown, to connect the non-inverting input of the amplifier 831 to ground. When, on the contrary, a measurement involves two sensors, in differential mode, the second sensor is then connected to the input located at the bottom left of FIG. 7, the inverter 8314 therefore being in the other position.

In both cases, we find the measurement information from the sensors at the output of the amplifier 831. This information is brought to the analog input of an analog digital converter 821, which receives an acquisition trigger order from of the acquisition processor 802, through the internal bus 801 (link not shown in FIG. 8). When the conversion to digital of an input sample is completed, the end of conversion is indicated by the output located at the bottom right of block 821 at the parallel interface 811. This then acquires the 12 conversion bits available on the parallel outputs of the converter, to transmit them on the internal bus of acquisition 801 (raw measurement data, in internal units).

This structure is generalized in FIG. 8 in the case of 5 sensors. It will be observed in passing that these 5 sensors can make much more than 5 measurements, each cooperating with several targets from the same control station, on which they make measurements in rapid sequence. This is very advantageous, in particular given the space taken up by the bracket associated with each sensor (Figure 4).

For the 5 sensors, there are therefore 5 differential amplifiers 831 to 835, followed by 5 analog-to-digital converters 821 to 825, then 5 parallel interfaces 811 to 815, respectively. All the parallel interfaces are in communication with the internal acquisition bus 801.

In the upper part of FIG. 8,: first appears the measurement acquisition processor denoted 802. There are associated therewith two memories 803 and 804. Memory 803 is a programmable read-only memory or pROM with a capacity of 4 kilobytes, while memory 804 is a direct access memory or RAM with a capacity of 2 kilobytes. A time counter 806 is also connected to the internal measurement acquisition bus 801, which receives the synchronization signals from the encoder device 510. This time counter 806 defines clock signals for the serial interface 807 which can transmit the quantities. measured to unit 600 in Figure 6.

We can immediately see that all the measurement acquisition operations are carried out by the members illustrated in FIG. 8.

Calibration unit 900 and console 950

Figure 9 illustrates the two calibration bodies consisting of a central unit and a desk.

The internal calibration bus is denoted 901, and is connected (on the right in the unit 900) to a calibration processor 902, associated with three memories 903, 904 and 905. Memory 903 is a programmable read only memory or pROM with a capacity of 10 kilobytes. The memory 904 is a direct access memory or RAM with a capacity of 4 kilobytes. Finally, the memory 905 is a direct access memory also RAM, with a capacity of 2 kilobytes, but saved, that is to say capable of retaining the information it contains when the device and the entire installation do not are not in operation. This RAM memory 905 is useful for storing the calibration data even when the machining installation is not working, taking into account the means used according to the present invention.

Finally, the internal bus 901 is connected (in the right part) to a time counter 906, which defines clock information for the serial interface 907 which is connected on the one hand to the internal calibration bus 901 and on the other hand to the logical measurement unit 600 of FIG. 6.

On the left of FIG. 9, the links with the calibration console include 4 parallel interfaces 951 to 954, responsible respectively for ensuring the connections with the elements of the calibration console; Before examining these connections, the calibration console will be described with reference to Figure 10.

This first includes buttons which are noted 971 to 981, and allow you to define a certain number of status information for the machining installation (see below). Each button is associated with an indicator light which indicates whether the state in question is validated or not. All these buttons are managed via the parallel interface 951.

The calibration console also includes a keyboard 962, as well as switches 961, 963, 964 and 965. The keyboard and these switches are managed through the parallel interface 952 in FIG. 9.

All the display diodes associated with the buttons, as well as other diodes denoted 991 to 994 are managed through the parallel interface 953 in FIG. 9.

Finally, the calibration console includes a display block 995 for the displayed measurement data, as well as a display block 996 for indicating the extension number concerned by the display. These two digital displays are managed through the parallel interface 954 in FIG. 9.

950 console controls

As previously indicated, two operating modes are provided, namely production (key 971) and calibration (key 972) respectively. The 961 key is a calibration key. In the OFF position, it prohibits calibration and any modification of the data relating to it. In the EN position, it authorizes the passage to calibration. If during a calibration the key is returned to the OFF position, the calibration is instantly stopped.

The rotary measurement selector 965 allows you to choose the dimension to be measured, from among those provided, and there are a maximum of 5. This selector is associated with the keys 979 (ON-BOARD STANDARD), 976 (MAX / MIN LIMIT), 978 (POST SIDE), 977 (DERIVATIVE), 975 (POST CORRECTION) and 974 (STANDARD DIMENSIONS).

For its part, data visualization is associated with the switch 963, which indicates whether one chooses to display the minimum or maximum data, as well as the key 981, which requests a MODIFICATION OF VALUE.

Table 1 below gives the combined actions allowed (YES) or prohibited (NO) on different keys and depending on the "calibration" or "production" status.

We will now describe the use of various other keys.

Key 973 constitutes a switch for passing from measurements in millimeters to measurements in internal units, that is to say to the raw digital values obtained by converting the output voltages of the conditioners of the sensors. In production, this switch has no action, since it is coupled to the development commands (not shown, and intended for maintenance).

The value modification key 981 allows you to start entering a new value using the keyboard 962. The clear key (EFF) on the keyboard allows you to erase the last number entered. The validation key (VAL) on the keyboard must be pressed to take into account the number entered by the electronic circuits, in which case the erase key no longer acts.

The station selection keys (vertical arrows) of the keyboard 962 make it possible to increment or decrement the station numbers, in association with the display keys illustrated in table 1 above.

Switch 963 is associated with keys 974 (CALIBRATION SIDE), 976 (MAX / MIN LIMIT), and 979 (ON-BOARD CALIBRATION) and 977 (DRIFT).

Finally, switch 964 turns on all the LEDs on the display panel. Otherwise, the operator immediately identifies the faulty diodes. And the SIGN (-) key on the keyboard is to be used to modify the corrections.

FIG. 12 illustrates by way of example the diagram of one of the LEVEL 1 units, which are denoted 511 to 513 in FIG. 11.

Each unit comprises, around an internal bus 505, a central processing unit 501, a program memory 502 (PROM, 8 kilobytes) and a working memory 503 (RAM, 8 kilobytes). In addition, there are the parallel interfaces 504A and 504B (in addition, optional 507), which go, through an optically isolated coupling, to the module concerned. In addition, a time counter 506 and a parallel interface such as 508 are provided, in communication via a homologous interface such as 524, with the LEVEL II system control bus, noted 525. (For hardware reasons, the interface 524 is installed on the same card as its associated interface 508 of LEVEL 1).

Figure 13 illustrates the LEVEL II diagram. We find there the bus 525 and for the record, interfaces 524A, 524B etc. associated with the various LEVEL 1 units concerned. The heart of the LEVEL It is the central processing unit 520, associated with a program memory 522 (PROM, 10 kilobytes) and a working memory 523 (RAM 6 kilobytes). Two time counters 527A and 527B are also provided, as well as, preferably, two additional parallel interfaces 526A and 526B.

Finally, and above all, the bus 525 is connected through a serial interface 528, by asynchronous lines, on the one hand to the control console 521, and on the other hand to the logic unit of LEVEL III 530.

• - une capacité mémoire de 192 kilomots de 16 bits
• - une unité de disque : 12,5 mégaoctets fixe ou disque fixe + cartouche amovible 2 x 5 mégaoctets
• - une imprimante rapide
• - 1 à 21 consoles de visualisation.

The LEVEL III 530 unit preferably consists of a mini-computer, such as the ECLIPSE S140 computer from Data General, comprising:

• - a memory capacity of 192 kilometers of 16 bits
• - a disk drive: 12.5 megabytes fixed or fixed disk + removable cartridge 2 x 5 megabytes
• - a fast printer
• - 1 to 21 display consoles.

This allows you to manage up to two modular chains, each made up of ten modules.

Brief description of operation

In the following, the members 900 and 950 of FIG. 5 are denoted in abbreviation "calibration". Organ 800 is denoted “acquisition”. The logical measurement unit 600 is denoted “LEVEL 0”. Finally, the elements 511 to 513 of FIG. 11 are generally noted "LEVEL I".

In short, the Level 0 electronics receives, each time the machine advances by one step, the result of the measurements carried out by the acquisition card, i.e. a block of 5 data, in internal units, which represents the values ratings of the product present. To these dimensions can be added one or two additional, which are the dimensions in internal units of the fixed targets on board. For certain positions of the machine, these values can naturally be absent, since it is not always necessary to provide two fixed targets on board for each control station.

In summary, in the calibration phase, Level 0 communications with the calibration unit consist in communicating to it the raw data coming from the acquisition unit. In this case, Level 0 of the electronics can also transmit Raw data to the Level, but in internal units, since the corrections and conversion coefficients already mentioned are not yet known.

In production phase, Level 0 essentially has the function of using the synchronization signals, in particular those which come from the encoder card 510 of FIG. 11, to assign to each of the 5 data coming from the acquisition unit the extension number on which the measurement took place, and the identity of the product concerned. Regarding the values of fixed on-board targets, Level 0 achieves a sliding average per target over the last 16 values (for example). These are the 5 raw measurements and the uncorrected moving averages and in internal unit which are therefore transmitted to the calibration unit.

Conversely, at each revolution of the barrel in production mode, the calibration unit communicates the new conversion coefficients so as to take account of the slightest variations and drifts in the machine.

During the production phase, the Level 0 unit now knows the values converted to microns of the measurements, and can sort them using the rejection ratings in micron issued at the end of calibration or at the start of production. The validity of the ratings is checked by simple comparison with the two limit values. All this converted data is transferred in microns to Level 1, assigned an indicator giving the result of the odds check, namely GOOD, above the maximum, or below the minimum.

Although the decision to reject a production part can be executed in Level 0, which is close to acquisition (800) and calibration (900), the structure which is illustrated in Figure 11 proceeds differently. : there is a Level 1 for each of the elements of the machine, namely for the control module, as well as for the work module and the power module. Under these conditions, the information which has just been indicated is in fact used by the level unit 1513 to trigger the ejection of the product if a rejection is necessary. This ejection could for example be done at the level of the normal rejection station noted MC141 in FIG. 3.

Those skilled in the art will now understand that the aforementioned provisions make it possible to obtain a machining installation section capable of performing machining operations at high speed with extremely reliable control as to the precision of the machining. performed. This is important in many technical fields, and in particular for the production of cartridge cases. Note that the operator practically only has to intervene during the calibration phase. Once this is done, production can proceed normally without any human intervention. The flow charts previously described clearly show that, on a production incident, the machine will be able to stop by itself, and ask the operator to carry out the desirable intervention which can be for example a new calibration operation.

Furthermore, and in addition, the devices of the present invention allow physical control of parts in production. To this end, it is possible to verify in particular the operation of the control module, by introducing one or more standard pieces on the fly at the level of the station MC110 in FIG. 3, and by controlling the display of the dimensions of these standards in the appropriate manner using the console 650. The standards will then not need to go through the recycling loop, and may come out through the special rejection MC142.

Similarly, it is possible to take from the same special rejection MC142 parts in production, whose values measured by the machine are known, values which can be checked by measurements carried out manually or in any other way.

As an example, we will now focus on the specific case of the manufacture of ammunition which can involve, in the same production chain, the following modules, given opposite an identification number in hexadecimal:

The feed and machining modules can create parts rejects by themselves (incorrect part position, for example). But most of the releases take place on a control module, as previously described.

All the corresponding information passes through LEVEL (S) II, where it is formatted to be centralized by LEVEL III. Exchanges between LEVEL (X) II and LEVEL III are done by asynchronous lines in full duplex (full duplex), at a speed of 9600 bits / second, and in an 11 bit format: 1 bit start, 8 bits data , 2 stop bits.

As shown in Figure 14, any exchange consists of a set of 3 blocks:

Several types of data are exchanged in this way; the most important (type known as NDE) concerns “product” data.

In this case, the byte of "Function is 4, and the direction of transmission goes from Level II to Level III.

A block of this type is issued by Level II each time the machine advances from one position. The data describes the state of the outgoing position, which can be empty or filled with a product.

The block consists of two separate parts: a fixed part, whose structure does not depend on the machine and a variable part describing the product.

Fixed part :

Le format du motif de rejet est le suivant :

The format of the rejection reason is as follows:

Examples of rejection code are given below:

Examples of measurement codes (identified above by X) are given below.

The variable part of the data depends on the type of machine, but not on the state of the position. (It even exists when there is no product).

It consists of the following dimensions and diagnostics performed on the machine.

The structure of a datum is as follows:

INDICATOR:

• 0 Fixed target score on board min
• 1 Fixed onboard target drift min
• 2 Slope, most significant A real = (Received) / (2 ⁺¹⁹ )
• 3 Slope, low weight
• 4 Dimension, fixed on-board target max
• 5 Fixed target drift
• 6 Abscissa originally upper real B: B received
• 7 Abscissa originally lower part

The same structure makes it possible, in a slightly different form, to transmit the coefficients A (slope) and B (originally abscissa) established during the calibration of the measurement sensors.

LEVEL III thus has complete information on installation operations.

• provenant du NIVEAU Il :
  • - événement, tels que démarrage, arrêt d'urgence, configuration de stockage ;
  • - inhibition d'un poste de contrôle (modulo 8) ou d'un poste de travail (modulo 10);
  • - demande d'insertion d'une pièce de référence ;
  • - résultat des mesures sur la pièce de référence insérée ;
  • - demande d'échantillonnage ;
  • - défaut sur module.
• provenant du NIVEAU III :
  • - demande d'inhibition de poste, modulo 8 ou modulo 10, suivant le cas ;
  • - demande d'arrêt de la machine.

Other exchanges between LEVEL III and LEVEL II may take place, in particular:

• from LEVEL II:
  • - event, such as start, emergency stop, storage configuration;
  • - inhibition of a control station (modulo 8) or a work station (modulo 10);
  • - request for insertion of a reference document;
  • - result of measurements on the inserted reference piece;
  • - request for sampling;
  • - fault on module.
• from LEVEL III:
  • - request for station inhibition, modulo 8 or modulo 10, as the case may be;
  • - request to stop the machine.

The statistical use of the measures will now be described.

All data from Level ⌀ passes through Level I to Level II which transmits them to Level III for statistical processing.

Level III receives a Level II data block each time the machine advances from one position. The data describes the state of the outgoing position which can be empty or full. The full details of this data block have been given above.

• - poste par poste pour chaque cote :
  • • moyenne filtrée
  • • écart type filtré
  • • pourcentage de rejet par motifs
  • • comptage de rejets
• - sans distinction de poste pour chaque cote :
  • • moyenne arithmétique
  • • écart type arithmétique.

For all receptions, all dimensions are saved station by station whether the measurement is good or not. Level III then establishes:

• - item by item for each rating:
  • • filtered average
  • • filtered standard deviation
  • • percentage of rejection by reason
  • • counting of rejects
• - without distinction of position for each dimension:
  • • arithmetic average
  • • arithmetic standard deviation.

At the end of the financial year, Level III calculates production yields, rejection rates, tool wear curves, in particular. By means of display screens and printers, it can view and edit the results at any time at the operator's request.

For this purpose, Level III performs the following accounts:

Level III then calculates the following yields:

As previously indicated, Level III ensures the acquisition and backup after processing of all data from machines via Level II. There are two types of data: metrological data and events.

METROLOGICAL _DATA

Whenever a machine progresses from a position, Level III receives a data block in which all the characteristics of the position exiting the machine are recorded: workstation and control number, values of measured dimensions that the product is good or not and in the latter case, the reason for rejection.

• - la visualisation des 20 dernières cotes sur un poste donné
• - le calcul de la moyenne et de l'écart type filtrés
• - le calcul de la moyenne et de l'écart type arithmétiques
• - la mise à jour des compteurs de produits.

All the dimensions generated by the machines are stored in memory by work station and by control station so as to allow:

• - the display of the last 20 odds on a given position
• - calculation of the filtered mean and standard deviation
• - the calculation of the arithmetic mean and standard deviation
• - updating product counters.

The arithmetic means and standard deviations are calculated for each dimension, all positions combined, to further characterize a batch of parts.

The calculations are as follows:

On the other hand, the filtered means and standard deviations are evaluated item by item for each rating. The application of filtering has the advantage of involving time in the calculations in such a way that each sample is assigned a weighting coefficient, this is maximum for the most recent value and decreases up to the oldest value.

This means is very useful for carrying out precise monitoring of each of the positions, because any anomaly can be detected very quickly, which makes it possible to trigger the safety devices as soon as possible.

The calculations are as follows:

In the case where the position exiting the machine is empty, the data block received by Level III contains the reason for the absence of the socket: either there was no power supply at the input of the machine, or the product was rejected during an inspection; in all cases Level III can determine the module that rejected the product and the exact reason for the rejection.

• - pourcentage de rejets : permet une surveillance individuelle de chaque outillage et poste de contrôle.
• - rejets consécutifs : permet une détection rapide d'incident grave (casse d'outil). Les actions appropriées sont entreprises par le système en cas de dépassement d'un seuil prédéfini.
• - totaux de rejets : nombre total cumulé pour l'équipe d'opérateurs et le lot de produits par motif.

This rejection information is saved in memory in the same way as the ratings so that 3 types of data are available:

• - percentage of rejects: allows individual monitoring of each tool and control station.
• - consecutive rejections: allows rapid detection of a serious incident (tool breakage). The appropriate actions are taken by the system if a predefined threshold is exceeded.
• - total rejections: total number accumulated for the team of operators and the batch of products by reason.

By monitoring consecutive discharges, a sudden fault on a station can be detected very quickly. (The required reaction speed cannot be achieved even by filtered average monitoring). Also, the system monitors the rejection sequences on each station. Appropriate action is taken if a predetermined number of consecutive releases is exceeded.

In addition, a maximum percentage of rejections is allowed for each type of defect. Acceptable limit percentages are user defined.

In order to detect progressive wear of the tools, the user has the possibility of defining a set of limit dimensions, internal to the discharge dimensions used by the control modules. It is thus possible for the system to intervene and provide for operator intervention.

Depending on the option chosen, the actions triggered by Level III can be: alarm only on display console, alarm plus inhibition of station or alarm plus machine stop.

It can thus be seen that the choices of the numbers of stations of the work and control modules, in combination with precise measurement means, and with a particular hierarchy of logic control means, allow a particularly precise and effective centralized monitoring of the operation of whole machine.

Claims (9)

1. Machining installation with continuous kinematics of the type comprising:

- a feed module (MA) adapted to receive in a container a stock of workpieces and to place them in a predetermined position on a cellular delivery wheel,

- at least one work module (MT) adapted to define continuous kinematics of the workpieces between an upstream cellular wheel, cooperating with the cellular delivery wheel, and a downstream cellular wheel, at least one work drum being provided between the upstream and downstream cellular wheels and this work drum being adapted to effect at least one machining operation on the workpieces while they are passing through it, at least one control module (MC) likewise adapted to define continuous kinematics of the workpieces between an cellular inlet wheel, cooperating with the downstream cellular wheel of the work module, and its cellular outlet wheel, at least one control drum being provided between the cellular inlet and outlet wheels in order to permit a measuring operation in connection with the aforesaid machining operation, and

- logic control means (500) adapted to supervise and coordinate the action of the consecutive modules, with due regard for the continuous kinematics of the workpieces, while making measurements in real time on each workpiece and ejecting those in which a measurement is outside the tolerance, characterised by the fact that the number of stations (p) of the work drum is greater than the number of stations (q) of the control drum, these two numbers not being multiples of each other, by the fact that the logic control means (500, 600) comprise a base logic device (600) adapted to the functions of acquisition of the measurements, calibration and correction of measurements in dependence on the calibration, in interaction with the control module (MC), and also an operating logic device (500) in interaction with the feed module (MA), work module (MT), and control module (MC), for the supervision of the entire installation, by the fact that the operating logic device comprises a first level logic device comprising a logic unit (511 to 513) for each of the modules, the logic unit (513) associated with the control module (MC) being connected to the base logic device (600) and being arranged to control the ejection as rejects of workpieces whose measurement is not within the aforesaid maximum and minimum measurements, by the fact that the operating logic device (500) comprises a second level logic unit (520) interconnected with the first level logic units (511 to 513), and also a general control console (521), by the fact that this second level control unit centralizes all the data available in the installation, including the "product" data transmitted every time the continuous kinematics advances by one position, these product data comprising an identification part with at least one modulo p number and one modulo q number, the indication of a rejection, if one occurs, and the measurements made, thereby making it possible to establish in real time, and in a simple manner, production statistics.

2. Installation according to Claim 1, characterised by the fact that different second level units associated with different sections (index i) of continuous kinematics are connected to one and the same third level logic unit, which receives therefrom at least the product data and is arranged to store the same and also to:

- count (QE_;) the number of product received, which corresponds to the number of positions by which the coontinuous kinematics has advanced,

- count (QF_;) the number of products that have passed out of the feeder,

- count (QD_;) the number of products fed to the point,

- count (QS_;) the number of good products that have passed normally out of the machine, and

- count (QR_ijk) the total number of rejects on a predetermined section (i), at a predetermined station (j), for a predetermined reason (k), and to determine corresponding outputs.

3. Installation according to Claim 2, characterised by the fact that the third level unit additionally counts:

- the total number (QM_;) of rejects on the control module,

- the number (QLJ of samples taken,

- the numbers (QV_;) and (QA_;) of products taken and added respectively to the downstream stock, and the number (QI_;) of workpieces of a downstream or intermediate stock between two sections.

4. Installation according to Claim 2, characterised by the fact that the third level unit is arranged to establish station by station, for each measurement, information regarding filtered mean, filtered standard deviation, counting of rejects and percentage of reject for each reason, and also to establish for each measurement, without distinguishing between stations, an arithmetic mean and an arithmetic standard deviation.

5. Installation according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterised by the fact that the third level unit will save for rapid access a selected number of the last measurement values for each selected station.

6. Installation according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterised by the fact that the third level logic unit monitors the successions of rejects at each station and the attainment of a preestablished number of consecutive rejects.

7. Installation according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterised by the fact that the third level logic unit monitors the percentages of rejects for each type of defect and compares them with preestablished limits.

8. Installation according to one of Claims 2 to 7, characterised by the fact that the third level unit compares the measurement values with limit values lying between the rejection values, whereby monitoring of tool wear is made possible.

9. Installation according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised by the fact that p = 10 and q = 8, where p represents the number of stations of the work drum and q the number of stations of the control drum.

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