JP2014140948A - Conveying system and conveying method of multi-model mixed flow processing line - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve an operation rate of a multi-model mixed flow processing line in which works of multiple models are sequentially conveyed to first and second processing lines in a mixed flow state and first and second processing are performed.SOLUTION: In a multi-model mixed flow processing line 1, works W of multiple models are sequentially conveyed to a first processing line 10, a storage section 40, and a second processing line 20 in a mixed flow state, and first processing and second processing are performed. When the works W are conveyed out from the first processing line 10, a first conveying loader 12 conveys the works W out in the order of a work carry-out request output from first processing machines M11-M18. The number of works W stored in the storage section 40 is detected for each model. When the number of works W of one model becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number and then a work carry-out request for the one model is output from the first processing machines M11-M18 corresponding to the work W of the one model, priority of the work carry-out request for the one model is made to be higher than that of a work carry-out request for the other model from the first processing machines M11-M18.

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport system and a transport method for a multi-model mixed flow processing line that performs a first and second processing by sequentially transporting a plurality of types of workpieces to a first and second processing lines in a mixed flow state.

  For example, when machining a workpiece such as an automotive part, a plurality of types of workpieces are sequentially conveyed in a mixed state to first and second machining lines each having a machining machine corresponding to each type of workpiece. It is known to use a multi-model mixed flow processing line that performs first and second processing in two processing lines, respectively.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a first processing line having a plurality of first processing machines that clamps a transmission case with two surfaces and cuts four surfaces of the transmission case as processing the transmission case. A second processing line having a plurality of second processing machines for clamping two surfaces of the transmission case processed in the first processing machine and cutting the two surfaces of the transmission case clamped in the first processing machine; In addition, a multi-model mixed flow processing line is disclosed in which a plurality of types of transmission cases are sequentially conveyed to the first and second processing lines in a mixed flow state to process six surfaces of the transmission case.

JP 2010-58188 A

  In such a multi-model mixed flow processing line, a storage portion for storing the workpiece after the first processing is provided between the first and second processing lines, and the workpiece after the first processing is conveyed from the first processing machine to the storage portion. In response to a workpiece transfer request from the second processing machine, it may be taken out from the storage unit and sequentially transferred to the second processing machine.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conveyance system of such a multi-model mixed flow processing line. A multi-model mixed flow processing line 100 shown in FIG. 10 performs first and second processing on the workpieces W of model A, model B, and model C, and includes first processing machines M111 to M118 that perform the first processing. It has the 1st processing line 110 and the 2nd processing line 120 which has the 2nd processing machines M121-M128 which perform a 2nd processing.

  Each of the first processing machines M111 to M118 and the second processing machines M121 to M128 is set with a model of the workpiece W to be processed for each processing machine, and the first and second processing machines M111 and M121 are set to be dedicated to the model A, The first and second processing machines M112 to M115 and M122 to M125 are set exclusively for the model B, and the first and second processing machines M116, M117, M126 and M127 are set for the model B and the model C. The second processing machines M118 and M128 are set exclusively for the model C.

  The mixed flow processing line 100 is also provided with first and second transfer loaders 112 and 122 for transferring the workpiece W to the first and second processing lines 110 and 120, respectively, and a first delivery for storing the workpiece W before processing. The apparatus 130, the 2nd delivery apparatus 140 which accommodates the workpiece | work W after a 1st process, and the 3rd delivery apparatus 150 which accommodates the workpiece | work W after a 2nd process are provided.

  When processing the workpiece W of the model A, in the first processing line 110, the first transport loader 112 causes the first processing machine M111 to perform the work after the first processing in response to the work transport request from the first processing machine M111. When W exists, the workpiece W is taken out from the first processing machine M111 as indicated by an arrow 113 and conveyed to the second delivery device 140, and thereafter, the model A is transferred from the first delivery device 130 as indicated by an arrow 115. The workpiece W is taken out and conveyed to the first processing machine M111, and the first processing of the workpiece W of the model A is performed in the first processing machine M111.

  Similarly, for the second processing line 120, in response to a workpiece transfer request from the second processing machine M121, the second transfer loader 122 uses the arrow when the workpiece W after the second processing exists in the second processing machine M121. 123, the workpiece W is taken out from the second processing machine M121 and conveyed to the third delivery device 150, and then the workpiece A of the model A is transferred from the second delivery device 140 to the third delivery device 150 as indicated by an arrow 125. W is taken out and conveyed to the second processing machine M121, and the second processing of the workpiece W of the model A is performed in the second processing machine M121.

  The same processing is performed when machining the workpiece W of the model B or the model C. In the mixed flow machining line 100, the workpieces W of a plurality of models are transferred from the first delivery device 130 to the first machining line 110, the second delivery device 140, The first processing and second processing are respectively performed on the plurality of types of workpieces W by sequentially transporting them to the second processing line 120 and the third delivery device 150 in a mixed flow state.

  In the mixed flow processing line 100, the first transport loader 112 transports the workpiece W stored in the first delivery device 130 from the first delivery device 130 to the first processing machines M111 to M118 and performs the first processing. W is transported from the first processing machines M111 to M118 to the second delivery device 140. When the workpiece W is transported from the first processing machines M111 to M118 to the second delivery device 140, the first processing machines M111 to M118 are transported. The workpiece W is conveyed from the first processing machines M111 to M118 to the second delivery device 140 in the order in which the workpiece conveyance request from the machine, specifically, the workpiece unloading request is output.

  Therefore, for example, when only the first processing machine M111 dedicated to the model A is in a stopped state due to a failure or a tool change, the workpiece W of the model B or the model C is subjected to the first processing in the other first processing machines M112 to M118. However, since the workpiece A of model A cannot be transported to the second delivery device 140, the second processing machine M121 dedicated to the model A is transferred to the second delivery device 140. The workpiece W cannot be transferred from the workpiece and remains in the workpiece transfer waiting state.

  Then, when the workpiece transfer request is output after the stop state is avoided and the operation state is avoided in the first processing machine M111 dedicated to the model A, the other first processing machine M112 is output at the time when the workpiece transfer request is output. When there is a workpiece transfer request from M118, the workpiece W is sequentially transferred from the first processing machine M112 to M118 to the second delivery device 140 in accordance with the workpiece transfer request, and then the workpiece from the first processing machine M111 dedicated to the model A In accordance with the transfer request, the workpiece W is transferred from the first processing machine M111 to the second delivery device 140.

  As described above, even after the first processing machine M111 is in an operating state, the workpieces W are transferred from the first processing machines M112 to M118 until the workpiece W is transferred from the first processing machine M111 to the second delivery device 140. While the workpiece W is being transferred sequentially from the first processing machines M112 to M118 to the second delivery device 140 in accordance with the workpiece transfer request, the second processing machine M121 dedicated to model A further transfers the workpiece W from the second delivery device 140. However, the operation state of the second processing line 120 is lowered, and thus the operation rate of the entire mixed flow processing line 100 is lowered.

  Therefore, the present invention improves the operating rate of the mixed flow processing line in a multi-model mixed flow processing line that performs the first and second processing by sequentially transferring a plurality of types of workpieces to the first and second processing lines in a mixed flow state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a transfer system and a transfer method that can be performed.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows.

  First, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is a processing machine that performs a first processing on a work, a plurality of first processing machines in which a model of the work to be processed is set, and a work on the first processing machine. A first processing line having a first transport loader for transporting a workpiece, and a plurality of second processing machines, each of which is a processing machine that performs a second processing on a workpiece that has been subjected to the first processing, and in which the type of the workpiece to be processed is set And a second processing line having a second transport loader for transporting the workpiece to these second processing machines, and between the first processing line and the second processing line, and from the first processing line A plurality of types of workpieces that are transported sequentially from the upstream side to the first processing line, the storage unit, and the second processing line in a mixed state. The first machining and the previous While performing 2nd process, when the said 1st conveyance loader carries out a workpiece | work from a 1st processing line, it takes out in order that the workpiece carrying-out request | requirement was output from these 1st processing machines, and conveys to the said accommodating part. In the transport system for multi-model mixed flow processing lines configured as described above, the number of workpieces detecting means for detecting the number of the workpieces stored in the storage section for each model, and for each model detected by the number of workpieces detecting means When the workpiece unloading request is output from the first processing machine that has performed the first machining to the workpiece of the model when the number of workpieces is equal to or less than the predetermined number, Control means for taking out the workpiece from the first processing machine, which is prioritized to the workpiece unloading request from the processing machine, and prioritizing the workpiece unloading request to the first transfer loader and transporting it to the storage unit. It is characterized in.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores a type-specific storage area for storing the work unloaded from the first processing line for each model, and the type. And a moving means for storing workpieces for each model in the storage area, wherein the workpiece number detecting means detects the number of workpieces for each model stored in the model-specific storage area.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 of the present application is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transfer loader includes a first loading loader for loading a workpiece into the first processing machine, and a first processing. It is comprised from the 1st unloading loader which unloads the workpiece | work which was given from the 1st processing machine, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 of the present application is a processing machine that performs first processing on a work, and includes a plurality of first processing machines in which a type of work to be processed is set, and these first processing machines. A first processing line having a first transport loader for transporting a workpiece, and a plurality of second processings that are processing machines that perform second processing on the workpiece that has been subjected to the first processing and in which the type of workpiece to be processed is set A first processing line disposed between the first processing line and the second processing line, and a second processing line having a second transport loader for transporting the workpiece to the second processing machine. A plurality of types of workpieces are sequentially conveyed from the upstream side to the first processing line, the storage unit, and the second processing line in a mixed state. The first machining and the workpiece In the multi-model mixed flow processing line that performs the second processing, the first transport loader takes out the workpieces in the order in which workpiece unloading requests are output from the plurality of first processing machines when the workpieces are unloaded from the first processing line. In the transport method of the multi-model mixed flow processing line transported to the storage unit, the number of the workpieces stored in the storage unit for each model is detected, and the number of workpieces for each detected model becomes a predetermined number or less. When a workpiece unloading request is output from the first processing machine that has performed the first machining on the workpiece of that model, the workpiece unloading request is given priority over the workpiece unloading request from the other first processing machine. The workpiece is taken out from the first processing machine to which the workpiece unloading request is given priority to the first transport loader and transported to the storage unit.

  With the above configuration, according to the invention of each claim of the present application, the following effects can be obtained.

  First, according to the invention according to claim 1 of the present application, when the number of workpieces for each model stored in the storage unit becomes a predetermined number or less, the first machining is performed on the workpiece of that model. When a work unloading request is output from the processing machine, the work unloading request is prioritized over the work unloading request from the other first processing machine, and the first unloading machine gives priority to the work unloading request from the first processing loader. The work is taken out and conveyed to the storage unit. As a result, it is possible to carry out and store the workpieces of the model that has become a predetermined number or less in the storage unit without waiting for the unloading of other workpieces after the first machining, so that the model has reached the predetermined number or less. The workpiece can be conveyed at an early stage to the second processing machine of the second processing line corresponding to, and the operating rate of the mixed flow processing line can be improved.

  Further, according to the invention according to claim 2 of the present application, the storage unit stores the work carried out from the first processing line for each model, and stores the work for each model in the model-specific storage area. The number of workpiece detection means can detect the number of workpieces for each model relatively easily by detecting the number of workpieces for each model stored in the model-specific storage area. An effect can be produced effectively.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 3 of the present application, the first transport loader carries out the first loading loader for loading the workpiece into the first processing machine, and unloads the workpiece subjected to the first machining from the first processing machine. By comprising the 1st loader which carries out, the time for carrying in and carrying out a workpiece | work is shortened compared with the case where loading and unloading of the workpiece | work with respect to a 1st processing machine are performed using one conveyance loader. Therefore, the operation rate of the mixed flow processing line can be increased, and the effect can be more effectively achieved.

  Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 4 of the present application, when the number of workpieces stored in the storage unit for each model is detected, and the number of workpieces for each detected model falls below a predetermined number. When the workpiece unloading request is output from the first processing machine that has performed the first machining on the workpiece of that model, the workpiece unloading request is given priority over the workpiece unloading request from the other first processing machine, and the first transfer The loader takes out the workpiece from the first processing machine where priority is given to the workpiece unloading request and transports the workpiece to the storage unit. As a result, it is possible to carry out and store the workpieces of the model that has become a predetermined number or less in the storage unit without waiting for the unloading of other workpieces after the first machining, so that the model has reached the predetermined number or less. The workpiece can be conveyed at an early stage to the second processing machine of the second processing line corresponding to, and the operating rate of the mixed flow processing line can be improved.

It is the schematic of the multi-model mixed flow processing line relevant to the conveyance system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the processing machine of a mixed flow processing line. It is the schematic of the delivery apparatus of a mixed flow processing line. It is a control block diagram of a mixed flow processing line. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st process line workpiece conveyance control of a mixed flow process line. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st loading loader control of a mixed flow processing line. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st unloading loader control of a mixed flow processing line. It is a flowchart which shows carrying out control of the 1st delivery apparatus of a mixed flow processing line. It is a flowchart which shows carrying-in control of the 2nd delivery apparatus of a mixed flow processing line. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the conveyance system of the conventional multi-model mixed flow processing line.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a multi-model mixed flow processing line related to a transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-model mixed flow processing line 1 related to the transfer system according to the embodiment of the present invention first transfers a plurality of types of cylinder heads sequentially in a mixed state, and processes the mating surface with the cylinder block on the cylinder head. It is a mixed flow processing line that performs processing and second processing for processing the mating surface of the cylinder cover.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mixed flow processing line 1 includes a first processing line 10 having first processing machines M11 to M18 including machining centers that perform first processing on workpieces W of model A, model B, and model C. A workpiece B of model A, model B, and model C has a second processing line 20 having second processing machines M21 to M28 made up of machining centers that perform second processing.

  In the first processing machines M11 to M18, the type of workpiece W to be processed for each processing machine is set. The first processing machine M11 is set only for model A, the first processing machines M12 to M15 are set only for model B, the first processing machines M16 and M17 are set for both model B and model C, and the first processing machine. M18 is set exclusively for model C.

  Similarly, for the second processing machines M21 to M28, the type of workpiece W to be processed for each processing machine is set. The second processing machine M21 is set only for model A, the second processing machines M22 to M25 are set only for model B, the second processing machines M26 and M27 are set for both model B and model C, and the second processing machine. M28 is set exclusively for model C.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a processing machine in a mixed flow processing line. In FIG. 2, the first processing machine M11 dedicated to the model A provided in the first processing line 10 is shown, but the other first processing machines M12 to M18 and the second processing machines M21 to M28 are similarly configured. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first processing machine M11 includes a processing space S1 for processing the workpiece W and a workpiece loading / unloading space S2 into which the workpiece W is loaded / unloaded. A tool head 5 for machining the workpiece W is arranged in the machining space S1, and the tool head 5 is configured to perform the first machining on the workpiece W by moving and rotating in the vertical and horizontal directions. In the second processing machines M21 to M28, the tool head is configured to perform the second processing on the workpiece W.

  In the first processing machine M11, a rotary table 6 formed in a disk shape is rotatably arranged over the processing space S1 and the work loading / unloading space S2. The rotary table 6 is provided with a pallet 7 on which the workpiece W is placed, and the two pallets 7 are arranged so as to face each other in opposite directions.

  Each of the two pallets 7 is provided with a clamping means (not shown), and the clamping means is configured to clamp or unclamp the workpiece W placed on the pallet 7. When the unprocessed workpiece W is placed on the pallet 7 located in the workpiece loading / unloading space S2, the workpiece W is clamped to the pallet 7 by the clamping means.

  When the workpiece W before processing is clamped to the pallet 7 located in the workpiece loading / unloading space S2, the rotary table 6 is rotated 180 degrees clockwise as indicated by the arrow 9, and the pallet 7 with the workpiece W clamped is processed. Positioned in the space S <b> 1, the first processing is performed on the workpiece W by the tool head 5.

  When the first machining is performed on the workpiece W in the machining space S1, the rotary table 6 is rotated 180 degrees clockwise as indicated by the arrow 8, and the pallet 7 that clamps the workpiece W is positioned in the workpiece loading / unloading space S2. The clamping means unclamps and outputs a workpiece transfer request. And according to a workpiece conveyance request | requirement, the workpiece | work W after a 1st process is carried out from the 1st processing machine M11, and the workpiece | work W before a process is newly carried in.

  In the present embodiment, the workpiece W is machined using one of the two pallets 7 provided on the rotary table 6, but the workpiece W can be machined using the two pallets 7. . In such a case, during the processing of the workpiece W arranged on the pallet 7 positioned in the processing space S1, the workpiece W after the first processing is carried out or processed to the pallet 7 positioned in the workpiece loading / unloading space S2. The previous workpiece W can be carried in, and the operating rate of the mixed flow processing line 1 can be increased.

  The first processing line 10 is provided with a first transport loader 12 that transports the workpiece W. The 1st loader 12 carries out the 1st carrying-in loader 14 which carries in work W to the 1st processing machines M11-M18, and the 1st carrying out which carries out the work W in which the 1st processing was given from the 1st processing machines M11-M18. The first loading loader 14 and the first loading / unloading loader 16 are configured to be movable along the conveyance rail 13 as indicated by an arrow 15.

  The first carry-in loader 14 includes a transfer arm (not shown) that detachably holds the workpiece W. The transfer arm is configured to be movable into the first processing machines M11 to M18 and a first delivery device 30 to be described later, and the first carry-in loader 14 takes out the workpiece W from the first delivery device 30 and the first processing machine. The workpiece W can be carried into M11 to M18.

  Similarly, the first carry-out loader 16 includes a transfer arm (not shown) that holds the workpiece W in a detachable manner. The said transfer arm is comprised so that a movement into the 1st processing machines M11-M18 and the 2nd delivery apparatus 40 mentioned later is carried out, and the 1st unloading loader 16 performed the 1st process from the 1st processing machines M11-M18. The workpiece W can be taken out and carried out to the second delivery device 40.

  When the work W is taken out from the first processing machines M11 to M18 by the first carry-out loader 16, the pallet 7 located in the work carry-in / out space S2 is transferred to the first carry-out loader 16 as shown by an arrow 17 in FIG. The workpiece W is taken out. On the other hand, when the work W is carried into the first processing machines M11 to M18 by the first carry-in loader 14, it is located in the work carry-in / carry-out space S2 from the first carry-in loader 14 as shown by an arrow 18 in FIG. The work W is carried into the pallet 7.

  Thus, the 1st conveyance loader 12 is comprised from the 1st carrying-in loader 14 and the 1st carrying-out loader 16, and carries in the carrying-in and carrying-out of the workpiece | work W with respect to the 1st processing machines M11-M18 by one conveyance loader. Since the time for carrying in and carrying out the workpiece W can be shortened as compared with the case of using it, the operating rate of the mixed flow processing line 1 can be increased.

  Similarly, the second processing line 20 is provided with a second transport loader 22 that transports the workpiece W to the second processing line 20. The 2nd conveyance loader 22 carries out the 2nd carrying-out loader 24 which carries in the 2nd carrying-in loader 24 carrying in work W to the 2nd processing machines M21-M28, and the 2nd carrying-out work W2 from 2nd processing machines M21-M28. The second loading loader 24 and the second loading / unloading loader 26 are configured to be movable along the conveyance rail 23 as indicated by an arrow 25.

  The second carry-in loader 24 is configured in the same manner as the first carry-in loader 14, and can take out the workpiece W from the second delivery device 40 and carry the workpiece W into the second processing machines M21 to M28. The second carry-out loader 26 is configured in the same manner as the first carry-out loader 16 so that the workpiece W subjected to the second machining can be taken out from the second machining machines M21 to M28 and carried out to a third delivery device 50 described later. It has become.

  The mixed flow processing line 1 is also positioned between the first processing device 10 for storing the workpiece W to be transported to the first processing line 10 and the first processing line 10 and the second processing line 20 for the first processing. A second delivery device (housing unit) 40 that stores the workpiece W carried out from the line 10 and a third delivery device 50 that houses the workpiece W carried out from the second processing line 20 are provided.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a delivery device for a mixed flow processing line. In FIG. 3, the second delivery device 40 is shown, but the first delivery device 30 and the third delivery device 50 are similarly configured.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second delivery device 40 includes a model-specific storage area 41 that stores the workpiece W for each model. Specifically, the model-specific storage area 41 includes a model A storage area 41A that stores a model W work W, a model B storage area 41B that stores a model B work W, and a model C that stores a model C work W. It is composed of a storage area 41C.

  In association with the second delivery device 40, a workpiece number detection unit 80 (work number detection means), which will be described later, detects the number of workpieces for each model of the workpiece W stored in the delivery device 40, and detects the number of workpieces. The unit 80 can detect the number of workpieces W for each model stored in the model-specific storage area 41.

  The second delivery device 40 also includes a carry-in port 43 on the first transfer loader 12 side and a carry-out port 44 on the second transfer loader 22 side. When the workpiece W is taken out from the first processing machines M11 to M18 by the first unloading loader 16 and unloaded to the second delivery device 40, the workpiece W held by the first unloading loader 16 is in the direction indicated by the arrow 45. It is moved using the transfer arm and placed at the carry-in port 43.

  On the other hand, when the work W is taken out from the second delivery device 40 by the second carry-in loader 24 and loaded into the second processing machines M21 to M28, the work W placed at the carry-out port 44 is in the direction indicated by the arrow 46. It is moved using the transfer arm and held by the second carry-in loader 24.

  The second delivery device 40 also includes a transfer robot 47 as a moving means for storing the workpiece W in the model-specific storage area 41. The transfer robot 47 moves and stores the work W placed at the carry-in entrance 43 into the model-specific storage area 41 corresponding to the model, and moves the work W stored in the model-specific storage area 41 to the carry-out port 44. Can be placed.

  The first delivery device 30 and the third delivery device 50 are also configured in the same manner as the second delivery device 40, and the first delivery device 30 and the third delivery device 50 are each a model-specific storage area 41 of the second delivery device 40. , A workpiece type storage area, a workpiece number detection unit, a carry-in port, a carry-out port, and a transfer robot configured in the same manner as the work number detection unit 80, the carry-in port 44, the carry-out port 46, and the transfer robot 47.

  FIG. 4 is a control configuration diagram of the mixed flow processing line. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the mixed flow processing line 1 also comprehensively controls an input device 55 such as a start button for starting the processing of the mixed flow processing line 1 and the configuration related to the mixed flow processing line 1. And a control device 60 is provided. Note that the control device 60 includes a microcomputer as a main part.

  The control device 60 includes a first loading loader 14, a first loading loader 16, a second loading loader 24, a second loading loader 26, first processing machines M11 to M18, second processing machines M21 to M28, and a first delivery device. 30, the operation of each transfer robot 47 of the second delivery device 40 and the third delivery device 50 is controlled.

  In addition, when the control device 60 transfers the workpiece W transfer order and model information, which are input and set in advance, to each device and each processing machine, the first transfer device 30 and the first loader 14 are transferred. The first processing machines M11 to M18, the first unloading loader 16, the second delivery device 40, the second loading loader 24, the second processing machines M21 to M28, the second unloading loader 26, and the third delivery device 50 are sequentially transmitted. Is configured to do.

  The control device 60 also includes loader positions of the first loading loader 14, the first loading loader 16, the second loading loader 24, and the second loading loader 26, the first processing machines M11 to M18, and the second processing machines M21 to M28. The workpiece transfer request, specifically, the workpiece unloading request and the workpiece loading request are input. Furthermore, the workpiece number detection units 70, 80, 90 are provided in association with the first delivery device 30, the second delivery device 40, and the third delivery device 50.

Since each work number detection part has the same content, it demonstrates concretely based on the 2nd delivery apparatus 40 of FIG.
In the work number detection unit 80, a work W is arranged in the carry-in unit 43 by the first carry-out loader 16, and the work robot 47 transfers the work W to the model-specific storage area 41 (model A storage area 41A, model B storage area 41B, model The information stored in the C storage area 41C) is received, and the number of workpieces for each model in the model-specific storage area 41 is detected. Then, when the transfer robot 47 places the workpiece W from the model-specific storage area 41 to the carry-out port 44 and the workpiece W is delivered to the second loading loader 24, the number of workpieces obtained by reducing the number of workpieces W of that model is obtained. It comes to detect.

  When the control device 60 processes the workpiece W based on the input from the input device 55, the plurality of types of workpieces W stored in the first delivery device 30 are processed into the first machining line 10, the second delivery device 40, and the second delivery device 30. Control is performed so that the first processing and the second processing are performed by sequentially transporting to the second processing line 20 and the third delivery device 50 via the first transport loader 12 and the second transport loader 22 in a mixed flow state.

  At this time, when the first transfer loader 12, specifically, the first carry-out loader 16 unloads the workpiece W from the first processing line 10, the workpiece transfer request from the plurality of first processing machines M 11 to M 18, specifically Are controlled by the control device 60 so that the workpiece W is taken out and conveyed to the second delivery device 40 in the order in which the workpiece unloading request is output.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 60 also determines that the number of workpieces W for each model stored in the second delivery device 40 detected by the workpiece number detection unit 80 is equal to or less than a predetermined number, for example, zero. When a workpiece unloading request is output from the first processing machines M11 to M18 that have performed the first machining on the workpiece W of that model, the workpiece unloading request is converted into a workpiece unloading request from the other first processing machines M11 to M18. The work W is taken out from the first processing machines M <b> 11 to M <b> 18 that are given priority and the work unloading request is given priority to the first unloading loader 16, and transported to the second delivery device 40.

  As described above, in the mixed flow processing line 1, when the workpiece W is transported, when the number of workpieces W for each model stored in the second delivery device 40 is equal to or less than a predetermined number, When a workpiece unloading request is output from the first processing machines M11 to M18 that have performed the first machining, the workpiece unloading request is prioritized over the workpiece unloading requests from the other first processing machines M11 to M18. The work W is taken out from the first processing machines M11 to M18 in which the work unloading request is given priority to the loader 12, and is conveyed to the second delivery device 40.

  Thereby, since the workpiece W of the model which became the predetermined number or less in the second delivery device 40 can be carried out and stored in the second delivery device 40 without waiting for the other workpiece W to be carried out after the first machining. The workpiece W can be conveyed at an early stage to the second processing machines M21 to M28 of the second processing line 20 corresponding to the model that has become the predetermined number or less, and the operating rate of the mixed flow processing line 1 can be improved.

  Further, the second delivery device 40 includes a model-specific storage area 41 that stores the workpiece W carried out from the first processing line 10 for each model, and the workpiece number detection unit 80 is stored in the model-specific storage area 41. By detecting the number of workpieces W for each model, the number of workpieces for each model can be detected relatively easily.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the first machining line work transfer control of the mixed flow machining line. As shown in FIG. 5, in the workpiece transfer control of the first processing line of the mixed flow processing line 1, first, the number of workpieces for each model stored in the second delivery device 40 is read (step S <b> 1). The number of workpieces for each model stored in the delivery device 30 is read (step S2). The number of workpieces for each model detected by the workpiece number detection unit 80 of the second delivery device 40 is read, and the number of workpieces for each model detected by the workpiece number detection unit 70 of the first delivery device 30 is read.

  And the workpiece conveyance request | requirement from each 1st processing machine M11-M18 of the 1st processing line 10 is read (step S3). The workpiece transfer request is output when the first processing on the workpiece W is completed in each of the first processing machines M11 to M18, and the workpiece transfer request is output to the control device 60 in the order in which the workpiece transfer requests from the first processing machines M11 to M18 are output. Is read. Specifically, the workpiece transfer request includes a workpiece transfer request and a workpiece transfer request.

  When the workpiece transfer request is read in step S3, the workpiece transfer request priority determination is performed on the workpiece transfer request output from each of the first processing machines M11 to M18 (step S4). In the workpiece transfer request priority determination, first, it is determined whether or not the number of workpieces W for each model stored in the second delivery device 40 is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

  If the number of workpieces W for each model stored in the second delivery device 40 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the model that is less than or equal to the predetermined value from the number of workpieces W for each model stored in the first delivery device 30 It is determined whether or not the workpiece W of the model exists in the first delivery device 30. If the workpiece W of this model exists in the first delivery device 30, the workpiece transfer request of this model is prioritized.

  For example, if the number of workpieces W of model A stored in the second delivery device 40 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the workpieces W of model A are present in the first delivery device 30, and the model A If the workpiece W is present in the first delivery device 30, the model A workpiece transfer request is prioritized.

  On the other hand, when the number of workpieces W for each model read in step S1 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, if there are no workpieces W of a model equal to or less than the predetermined number in the first delivery device 30, a workpiece transfer request is output. In this order, the workpiece transfer request is prioritized from the types of workpieces W corresponding to the workpiece transfer request that exist in the first delivery device 30.

  Even when the number of workpieces W for each model read in step S1 is not less than or equal to the predetermined value, the workpieces W of the model corresponding to the workpiece transfer request exist in the first delivery device 30 in the order in which the workpiece transfer request is output. Prioritize work transfer requests from things.

  In this manner, when the workpiece transfer request priority determination is performed in step S4, the workpiece W is transferred according to the workpiece transfer request determined based on the workpiece transfer request priority determination (step S5). The control device 60 controls the first carry-in loader 14, the first carry-out loader 16, the first delivery device 30 and the second delivery device 40 so as to carry the workpiece W according to the determined workpiece conveyance request.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the first loader control of the mixed flow processing line. As shown in FIG. 6, in the first carry-in loader control of the mixed flow processing line, a workpiece transfer execution instruction is read when the workpiece transfer is executed based on the workpiece transfer request priority determination (step S11). When the workpiece transfer execution instruction is read, the first delivery loader 14 is moved to the first delivery device in order to load the next workpiece W1 into the first processing machines M11 to M18 that have output a workpiece transfer request for transferring the workpiece W. It moves to 30 (step S12).

  And the movement of the carrying-in work W which is the next work W carried in to the 1st processing machines M11-M18 which output the work conveyance request | requirement in which the conveyance of the work W is performed is completed to the carrying-out exit of the 1st delivery apparatus 30 is completed. Is determined (step S13), and if it is determined that the movement of the loading work W is completed, the transfer arm of the first loading loader 14 is moved into the first delivery device 30 (step S14). ), The carry-in work W is held by the transfer arm (step S15).

  When the carrying-in work W is held by the carrying arm of the first carrying-in loader 14, the carrying arm is retracted from the first delivery device 30 (step S16). Then, it is determined whether or not unloading of the workpiece W after the first machining has been completed from the first processing machines M11 to M18 that output a workpiece conveyance request for carrying the workpiece W (step S17). When it is determined that the unloading of the workpiece W after processing has been completed, when the first loading loader 14 is moved to the first processing machines M11 to M18 that output a workpiece transfer request for transferring the workpiece W. Then, it is determined whether or not it interferes with the first carry-out loader 16 (step S18).

  If it determines with the 1st carrying-in loader 14 not interfering with the 1st carrying-out loader 16, the 1st carrying-in loader 14 will be moved to the 1st processing machines M11-M18 which carry in the carrying-in workpiece | work W (step S19). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the first loading loader 14 does not interfere with the first processing machines M11 to M18 that carry the loaded workpiece W (step S20), and it is determined that the first loading loader 14 does not interfere with the first processing machines M11 to M18. Then, the transfer arm of the first loading loader 14 enters and moves to the first processing machines M11 to M18 (step S21).

  And if the carrying-in work W is arrange | positioned on the pallet 7 located in the workpiece carrying in / out space S2 of the 1st processing machines M11-M18 (step S22) and the carrying-in work W is arranged on the pallet 7, the 1st processing machines M11- The transfer arm of the first loading loader 14 is retracted from M18 (step S23), and the first loading loader 14 is moved to a predetermined initial position (step S24).

  In this way, when carrying the workpiece W according to the determined workpiece transfer request, the first carry-in loader 14 determines from the first delivery device 30 according to the determined workpiece transfer request, specifically, the workpiece carry-in request. The type of workpiece W corresponding to the workpiece transfer request is taken out and loaded into the first processing machines M11 to M18 that output the workpiece transfer request.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the first carry-out loader control of the mixed flow processing line. As shown in FIG. 7, in the first carry-out loader control of the mixed flow processing line, a workpiece transfer execution instruction is read when the workpiece transfer is executed based on the workpiece transfer request priority determination (step S31). When the workpiece transfer execution instruction is read, when the first unloader 16 is moved to the first processing machines M11 to M18 that output the workpiece transfer request for transferring the workpiece W, the first loader 14 does not interfere. It is determined whether or not (step S32).

  When it is determined that the first carry-out loader 16 does not interfere with the first carry-in loader 14, the first processing machines M11 to M18 having the carry-out work W, that is, the first work output request for carrying the work W is output. The first unloader 16 is moved to the processing machines M11 to M18 (step S33).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the first unloading loader 16 does not interfere with the first processing machines M11 to M18 having the unloading workpiece W (step S34), and it is determined that the first unloading loader 16 does not interfere with the first processing machines M11 to M18. Then, the transfer arm of the first unloader 16 enters and moves to the first processing machines M11 to M18 (step S35), and the unloading work W is held by the transfer arm (step S36).

  When the unloading work W is held by the transfer arm of the first transfer loader 16, the transfer arm is retracted from the first processing machines M11 to M18 that had the unloading work W (step S37). And in order to carry out the unloading work W taken out from the 1st processing machines M11-M18 which output the workpiece conveyance request | requirement in which conveyance of the workpiece | work W is performed to the 2nd delivery apparatus 40, the 1st unloading loader 16 is set to 2nd delivery apparatus. It moves to 40 (step S38).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the workpiece W is present at the carry-in port 43 of the second delivery device 40 (step S39), and the unloaded work W already arranged at the carry-in port 43 is stored in the model-specific storage area 41. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the work W does not exist at the carry-in entrance 43 of the second delivery device 40, the transfer arm of the first carry-out loader 16 enters and moves into the second delivery device 40 (step S40). It arrange | positions in the entrance 43 of the 2nd delivery apparatus 40 (step S41).

  When the loading work W is arranged at the loading port 43 of the second delivery device 40, the transfer arm of the first loading loader 16 is retracted from the second delivery device 40 (step S42), and the first loading loader 16 is moved to a predetermined initial stage. Move to position (step S43).

  In this way, when carrying the workpiece W according to the determined workpiece conveyance request, the first unloader 16 outputs the workpiece conveyance request according to the determined workpiece conveyance request, specifically, the workpiece unloading request. The workpiece W after the first machining is taken out from the first machining machines M11 to M18 and carried out to the second delivery device 40.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the carry-out control of the first delivery device in the mixed flow processing line. As shown in FIG. 8, in the carry-out control of the first delivery device of the mixed flow processing line 1, when carrying out the workpiece conveyance based on the workpiece conveyance request priority determination, a workpiece conveyance execution instruction is read (step S <b> 51).

  When the workpiece transfer execution instruction is read, in order to load the next workpiece W into the first processing machines M11 to M18 that output the workpiece transfer request for transferring the workpiece W, the unloading port of the first delivery device 30 In step S52, it is determined whether or not the workpiece W exists.

  When it is determined that the workpiece W does not exist at the carry-out port of the first delivery device 30, the next workpiece W is carried into the first processing machines M <b> 11 to M <b> 18 that output a workpiece conveyance request for carrying the workpiece W. Next, the transfer work W of the first delivery device 30 is moved from the model-specific storage area of the first delivery device 30 to the carry-out port (step S53).

  When the carry-in work W is moved from the model-specific storage area of the first delivery device 30 to the carry-out port, a carry-in work movement completion signal is transmitted (step S53). In step S13 described above, it is determined whether or not the movement of the carry-in work W has been completed at the carry-out port of the first delivery device 30 based on the carry-in work movement completion signal.

  Then, it is determined whether the carry-in work W has been carried out from the carry-out port of the first delivery device 30 (step S53), and when it is judged that the carry-in work W has been carried out from the carry-out port of the first delivery device 30, 1 The delivery control of the delivery device is terminated.

  Thus, when the workpiece W is transferred according to the determined workpiece transfer request, the first delivery device 30 responds to the workpiece transfer request according to the determined workpiece transfer request, specifically, the workpiece transfer request. The model workpiece W is moved to the carry-out port of the first delivery device 30.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the carry-in control of the second delivery device in the mixed flow processing line. As shown in FIG. 9, in the carry-in control of the second delivery device in the mixed flow processing line 1, it is determined whether or not there is a work W to be carried out at the carry-in port 43 of the second delivery device 40 (step S <b> 61). It is determined whether or not the workpiece W has been taken out from the first processing machines M11 to M18 that have output a workpiece conveyance request to carry the workpiece W and loaded into the loading port 43 of the second delivery device 40.

  If it is determined that the workpiece W is present at the carry-in entrance 43 of the delivery device 40, the workpiece W is transferred to the transfer robot 47 of the second delivery device 40 in order to store the workpiece W in the model-specific storage area 41 corresponding to the model. It moves from the carry-in entrance 43 to the model-specific storage area 41 of the second delivery device 40 (step S62).

  When the unloading workpiece W is moved from the loading port 43 of the second delivery device 40 to the model-specific storage area 41, an unloading workpiece movement completion signal is transmitted (step S63). In the above-described step S39, it is determined whether or not there is a work W at the carry-in entrance 43 of the second delivery device 40 based on the carry-out work movement completion signal.

  Thus, when carrying the workpiece W according to the determined workpiece conveyance request, the second delivery device 40 responds to the workpiece conveyance request according to the decided workpiece conveyance request, specifically, the workpiece unloading request. When the workpiece W taken out from the first processing machines M11 to M18 is moved to the carry-in port 43 of the second delivery device 40, the workpiece W is stored in the model-specific storage area 41 according to the model.

  The second machining line 20 is also controlled in the same manner as the first machining line 10, and the control device 60 performs the second loading loader 24 and the second loading loader so as to carry the workpiece W according to the determined workpiece conveyance request. 26, the second delivery device 40 and the third delivery device 50 are controlled.

  For the second processing line 20, the second loading loader 24, the second loading loader 26, the second delivery device 40, and the third delivery device 50 are respectively the first loading loader 14 and the first delivery for the first processing line 10. Control is performed similarly to the loader 16, the first delivery device 30, and the second delivery device 40.

  As described above, in the mixed flow processing line 1 according to the present embodiment, when the workpiece W is transported, when the number of workpieces W for each model stored in the second delivery device 40 is equal to or less than a predetermined number, When a workpiece unloading request is output from the first processing machines M11 to M18 that have performed the first machining on the workpiece W of that model, the workpiece unloading request is converted into a workpiece unloading request from the other first processing machines M11 to M18. The work W is taken out from the first processing machines M <b> 11 to M <b> 18 that are prioritized and the work transfer request is given priority to the first transfer loader 12, and is transferred to the second delivery device 40.

  As a result, it is possible to carry out the work W of the model that has become a predetermined number or less in the second delivery device 40 without waiting for the other work W to be carried out after the first machining, and store it in the second delivery device 40. The workpiece W can be conveyed at an early stage to the second processing machines M21 to M28 of the second processing line 20 corresponding to the model that has become the predetermined number or less, and the operating rate of the mixed flow processing line 1 can be improved.

  In the embodiment described above, the first transport loader 12 includes the first loader 14 that loads the workpiece W into the first processing machines M11 to M18, and the workpiece W that has been subjected to the first processing from the first processing machines M11 to M18. The first unloading loader 16 that unloads the workpiece W carries the workpiece W into the first processing machines M11 to M18 and unloads the workpiece W subjected to the first machining from the first processing machines M11 to M18. It is also possible to configure with a single transport loader.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control device 60 includes the workpiece number detection units 70, 80, and 90 in association with the first delivery device 30, the second delivery device 40, and the third delivery device 50. In addition to this, a work number detection sensor 42 (42A, 42B, 42C) for each model may be provided in the model-specific storage area 41 of FIG. .

  The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and various improvements and design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the operating rate of a multi-model mixed flow machining line that performs a first and second machining by sequentially conveying a plurality of types of workpieces to the first and second machining lines in a mixed flow state is improved. Since it can be performed, it may be suitably used in the manufacturing field using a mixed flow processing line.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mixed flow processing line 10 1st processing line 12 1st conveyance loader 14 1st loading loader 16 1st loading loader 20 2nd processing line 22 2nd loading loader 24 2nd loading loader 26 2nd loading loader 30 1st delivery apparatus 40 Second delivery device 41 Type-specific storage area 47 Transport robot 50 Third delivery device 60 Control device 80 Work number detection unit M11, M12, M13, M14, M15, M16, M17, M18 First processing machines M21, M22, M23, M24, M25, M26, M27, M28 Second processing machine W Workpiece

Claims (4)

A first processing machine that is a processing machine that performs first processing on a work and has a plurality of first processing machines in which the type of the work to be processed is set, and a first transport loader that transports the work to these first processing machines A plurality of second processing machines, each of which is a processing machine that performs a second processing on the workpiece that has been subjected to the first processing, and in which the type of the workpiece to be processed is set, and the second processing machine A second processing line having a second transport loader for transporting, and a storage unit that is disposed between the first processing line and the second processing line and stores a workpiece unloaded from the first processing line. Then, a plurality of types of workpieces are sequentially conveyed from the upstream side to the first processing line, the storage section, and the second processing line in a mixed flow state, and the first processing and the second are respectively transferred to the plurality of types of workpieces. While processing, the first carrying A loader is a multi-model mixed flow machining line configured to take out workpieces from the plurality of first processing machines in the order in which they are output and transport them to the storage unit when the workpieces are unloaded from the first processing line. In the transport system,
Workpiece number detection means for detecting the number of each workpiece model stored in the storage unit;
When a workpiece unloading request is output from the first processing machine that has performed the first machining on a workpiece of that model when the number of workpieces for each model detected by the workpiece number detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined number. In addition, the work unloading request is given priority over the work unloading request from the other first processing machine, and the first transfer loader takes out the work from the first processing machine on which the work unloading request has priority and transfers it to the storage unit. Control means;
A conveying system for multi-model mixed flow processing lines characterized by having The storage unit includes a model-specific storage area for storing the work unloaded from the first processing line for each model, and a moving unit for storing the work for each model in the model-specific storage area, and detecting the number of workpieces The means detects the number of workpieces for each model stored in the model-specific storage area.
The conveyance system for a multi-model mixed flow processing line according to claim 1. The first transport loader includes a first loader that loads a workpiece into the first processing machine, and a first unloader that unloads the workpiece subjected to the first processing from the first processing machine.
The conveyance system of the multi-type mixed flow processing line according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above. A first processing machine that is a processing machine that performs first processing on a work and has a plurality of first processing machines in which the type of the work to be processed is set, and a first transport loader that transports the work to these first processing machines A plurality of second processing machines, each of which is a processing machine that performs a second processing on the workpiece that has been subjected to the first processing, and in which the type of the workpiece to be processed is set, and the second processing machine A second processing line having a second transport loader for transporting, and a storage unit that is disposed between the first processing line and the second processing line and stores a workpiece unloaded from the first processing line. Then, a plurality of types of workpieces are sequentially conveyed from the upstream side to the first processing line, the storage section, and the second processing line in a mixed flow state, and the first processing and the second are respectively transferred to the plurality of types of workpieces. Multi-model mixed flow processing line for processing The first transport loader takes out the workpieces in the order in which workpiece unloading requests are output from the plurality of first processing machines and transports them to the storage unit when the workpieces are unloaded from the first processing line. In the transport method of
Detect the number of each workpiece model stored in the storage unit,
When the detected number of workpieces for each model is equal to or less than a predetermined number, when a workpiece unloading request is output from the first processing machine that has performed the first machining on the workpiece of that model, the workpiece unloading request Prioritizing the work unloading request from the other first processing machine, and taking out the work from the first processing machine to which the work unloading request is prioritized by the first transport loader and transporting it to the storage unit.
A conveying method for a multi-type mixed flow processing line characterized by the above.

Images