JP2732060B2 - Flexible production system - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a flexible production system for realizing high-mix, low-volume production with high efficiency using an electronic computer, and more particularly, to a more flexible and efficient production system. The present invention relates to the realization of a suitable operation control system for achieving good operation.

[Conventional technology]

As is well known, a flexible production system (FMS) is a system that enables various machine tools based on a long-term processing plan for various workpieces (workpieces) set in advance as basic information and process design details for each workpiece. Creates operation schedules for various automatic production facilities such as setup equipment, cleaning equipment, automatic warehouses, transfer equipment, etc., and increases the flexibility to execute comprehensive operation control of these facilities according to the created operation schedule. It has an automatic production system, and its real value is rapidly being recognized with the spread of electronic computers in recent years. FIG. 15 shows the concept of an operation control method generally used in such a flexible production system.

In other words, in FIG. 15, the arrows of each thin line indicate the flow of information, and the arrows of each thick line indicate the flow of the work in the flexible production system, respectively. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the operation control is executed according to the procedures listed below.

1). Based on a given machining plan (long-term machining schedule plan) and a process design (process design information), an operation schedule is created such that the various automatic production facilities described above operate efficiently. This is made manually or through a computer based on experience and intuition or various scheduling methods.

2). The created operation schedule is stored off-line via a form or a magnetic disk, or online via communication means. (In this case also, usually, the created operation schedule is temporarily stored in an appropriate storage means. ) Transmitted to FMS (Flexible Production System) controller. Here, the FMS control device is configured to include an electronic computer that comprehensively controls the operation of the various types of equipment described above and its peripheral devices, and is designated as a “material” each time.
Is defined for the sake of convenience by processing according to the specified procedure to finish the product.

3) The FMS control device executes the operation control specified for the various automatic production facilities in accordance with the operation schedule received via the form, magnetic disk, communication means or the like. That is, the “material” specified by the operation schedule is processed in the specified procedure to finish the “completed product”.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In such a flexible production system, it is considered that the biggest cause of the increase in the operation rate of each facility is imbalance of loads among the constituent facilities. The load imbalance is roughly classified into a schedule creation time and a production time. The load imbalance at the time of creating a schedule is caused by a poor matching between a load pattern originally suitable for the system and a load actually input to the system. Also, it is extremely difficult to balance the load even in the case where some equipment is lost due to a failure or the like. On the other hand, even if a load-balancing schedule can be created, at the time of production, the FMS line is controlled while being affected by actions from outside the line (work distribution, jig distribution, maintenance, manual work, etc.). And the variability of all elements surrounding the system prevents it from operating as planned.

In this regard, in the case of the conventional method described above, the part for creating the operation schedule and the part for actually controlling the operation of each facility (FMS controller) are independent of each other. There were significant difficulties in modifying them together.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
Automatically eliminates load imbalances between equipment caused by equipment failures, deviations between schedules and actual production, and enables operation control that makes full use of the capabilities of each equipment. An object of the present invention is to provide a flexible production system capable of greatly increasing the operation rate of the entire system.

[Means for solving the problem]

In the present invention, as the process design information, a plurality of pieces of information having different loads distributed to the respective facilities are prepared for each work, and in addition to the basic information indicating the processing plan and the process design contents, Real-time simulation means for real-time simulation of the processing equipment and processing sequence of each work using the model and current data indicating the current position of the work and the processing progress, and each work obtained by this simulation. While evaluating the operation rate of each of the facilities based on the information on the processing equipment and the processing order, until the information on the processing equipment and the processing order satisfies a predetermined equipment operation rate standard,
Information of the process design used for the simulation,
Simulation information evaluation means for re-selecting from the prepared plurality of information, and information on the processing equipment and processing order of each work satisfying the predetermined equipment operation rate standard, as the operation schedule, And control means for executing the subsequent operation control.

[Action]

According to the above simulation, the current and subsequent operation status of each facility can be immediately grasped,
Further, according to the evaluation of the simulation information and the selection of the process design information, the operation schedules of the respective facilities (that is, the processing facilities and the processing order of the respective workpieces) which are set to a preferable operation rate without load imbalance at present and thereafter. Information). Therefore, if the subsequent operation control of each facility is executed based on the obtained operation schedule, load imbalance between the facilities due to failure of the facility or deviation between the schedule and the actual production, etc. Even in such a case, it becomes possible to control the operation of each of the above-mentioned facilities in accordance with the always-preferred operation schedule in which this has been solved.

〔Example〕

16 to 19 and FIGS. 1 to 14 show one embodiment of the flexible production system according to the present invention.

First, FIG. 16 illustrates an FMS (flexible production system) line as a premise in the system of this embodiment.

As shown in the figure, this FMS line is a loading and unloading station IE for loading and unloading materials and at this loading and unloading station IE. Inlet / outlet station work instruction device IET for receiving reports and instructions to the user and accepting completion of work through appropriate operation input means, temporary storage of pallets (working boards: not shown) and jigs (shown in In this example, an automatic warehouse (STORAGE) STR, a work (work:
First and second set-up devices LS1 and LS2 for mounting and dismounting a jig on the pallet (not shown) and assembling and disassembling the jig on the pallet, and the set-up devices LS1 and LS2
A setup station work instructing device LST for indicating to a worker any necessary setup work procedure through appropriate display means and accepting completion input of work through appropriate operation input means. Three machine tools (NC control machine) that perform various processes such as turning, drilling, milling, etc. of the work attached to the pallet Washer (WASHER) WS which also has a function of MC1, MC2 and MC3, pallet reversing and works mounted on the pallet and has a function of reversing the pallet, and two-dimensional movement in horizontal and vertical directions An automatic production facility consisting of a transfer device SC1 for automatically transferring works, pallets, jigs, etc. between the above facilities, and a main computer (hereinafter referred to as Is referred to as a central processing unit) and its peripheral devices, and relays control commands output from the central processing unit to each of the above-mentioned production facilities, monitors the state of each of the production facilities, and transmits the information to the central processing unit. And a relay processing device 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 for controlling the operation of each of the production facilities.

FIG. 17 shows the internal devices of the central control room 100 in the FMS line, and the electrical linkage of the relay processing devices 210 to 250 and each production facility.

That is, in this FMS line, as shown in FIG. 17, the central control room 100 includes therein the above-described central processing unit 110 as an FMS control device main body, and the above-described processing plan as its peripheral device. Input device 101 for registering basic information such as process information and process design in the central processing unit 110 (exactly, an external information storage unit 113 described later), and characters for displaying a character screen such as a menu screen Screen display device 102, a drawing screen display device 10 for displaying a drawing screen of the current state of the system and a simulation result
3.Printing device 104 for printing forms and NC
Paper tape I / O device 105 for inputting and outputting tapes
The relay processing devices 210 to 250, which relay control commands and status information between the central processing unit 110 and each production facility, have the first
The relay processing device 210 executes the above-described relay processing on the transport device SC1 and the loading / unloading station work instruction device IET, and the second relay processing device 220 issues the cleaning device WS, the setup devices LS1, LS2, and the setup station work instruction. The relay processing for the device LST is executed, and the third to fifth relay processing devices are executed.
The sharing is set in advance so that 230 to 250 execute the above-described relay processing for the first to third machine tools MC1 to MC3, respectively.

Each of these relay processing devices 210 to 250 is basically
It comprises an electronic computer having the internal configuration shown in FIG. 18 and has a transfer device SC1, a cleaning device WS, a setup device LS1 and LS2, a first to a third machine tool between each of the production facilities to be controlled.
With respect to each of the facilities MC1 to MC3, control information and events (state changes) are exchanged in the manner shown in FIG. 18, and each facility of the entry / exit station work instruction device IET and the setup station work instruction device LST is provided. With respect to (1), the work instruction information and the input information from the worker are exchanged in the manner shown in FIG. Here, the processing procedure storage unit 21 in the relay processing device is a storage unit in which a program that is a processing procedure as the relay processing device is pre-stored,
Further, the internal information storage unit 22 is a storage unit for storing basic information when performing information processing (calculation), and the information processing unit (Central Processing Unit, CPU) 23 is the processing procedure storage unit While sequentially reading out the programs stored in the storage unit 21, the unit performs information input / output and information processing (calculation) based on information stored in the internal information storage unit 22 in accordance with the written processing procedure. The unit 24 includes a control command transmitted from the central processing unit 110 (information for designating a production facility to be controlled and a relay processing unit related to the facility,
And code information etc. corresponding to the desired control contents of the production equipment), on the condition that the own station (own relay processing device) is designated, Converted to common information and added to the information processing unit 23, processing information added from the information processing unit 23 (identification information of the own station and the identification of each applicable production equipment, and the above-mentioned “event” and The “input information from the worker” is configured to include code information and the like corresponding to the content), and is converted into a required form for information communication and transferred to the central processing unit 110. The information conversion unit 25 includes processing information added from the information processing unit 23 (for the above-mentioned “control information” and “work instruction information” for each corresponding production facility, the code information transmitted from the central processing unit). corresponding to (Including information indicating body content, etc.), which is converted into a required form for information communication, transferred to each corresponding production facility, and transmitted from each corresponding production facility. The equipment status information such as “event” and “input information from the worker” is converted into common information for the above processing, and is converted into the information processing unit 23.
It is a part to be added to.

The central processing unit 110 is basically composed of a computer having the internal configuration shown in FIG. 19, and includes the above-described peripheral devices (the manual operation input device 101, the character screen display device 102,
Necessary information is exchanged between the drawing screen display device 103, the printing device 104, the paper tape input / output device 105) and the relay processing devices 210 to 250 in the manner shown in FIG. Here, the processing procedure storage unit 111 in the central processing unit 110 is a storage unit in which a program that is a processing procedure as the central processing unit is pre-stored, and the internal information storage unit 112 is used for information processing (calculation). ) Is a storage unit in which basic information is stored, and the external information storage unit 113
To be more precise, it consists of a magnetic disk device and the like arranged outside the central processing unit 110, and as described above,
The information processing unit (central processing unit, CPU) 114 is a storage unit in which basic information and other information such as “process design” are registered. In accordance with the written processing procedure, it is a part that processes information (input / output) and processes (calculates) information based on information stored in the internal information storage unit 112 or the external information storage unit 113. The information conversion unit 115 Input information (basic information and respective manual operation information) added from the manual operation input device 101, input information (NC control information) added from the paper tape input / output device 105, or the relay processing devices 210-2
Relay information transferred from 50 (identification information of each applicable relay processing device and production equipment, and code information etc. corresponding to the contents of the above "event" and "input information from the worker" of the production equipment. Included))
This is converted into common information for processing and added to the information processing unit 114, and processing information added from the information processing unit 114 (required display instruction information for the character screen display device 102 and the drawing screen display device 103, respectively) , Required printing instruction information for the printing device 104, required NC control information for the paper tape input / output device 105, the above-mentioned “control command” for the relay processing devices 210 to 250, and the like). This part is converted into a required form for information communication and transferred to a desired destination.

The system of this embodiment includes a central processing unit 110, relay processing units 210 to 250, and such a configuration of each of the production facilities.
Assuming the functions, a simulation in real time as described below as a flexible production system, establishment of an operation schedule based on the evaluation of the simulation result, and actual operation control of each production facility based on the schedule are respectively executed. I do.

FIG. 1 shows an information processing unit (a processing procedure storage unit 111, an information processing unit 114, and an information conversion unit) of the central processing unit 110.
115), the main functions of the system of the embodiment are rewritten as a functional block diagram.

As shown in FIG. 1, this information processing unit has three major functional units: a real-time simulation functional unit 11, a simulation information evaluation functional unit 12, and a control functional unit 13. Part 1 between parts 11, 12 and 13
Based on the exchange of various information shown in the figure, a desired flexible production facility as the embodiment system is achieved.

That is, the real-time simulation function unit 11 simulates the operation of the system according to the current situation before performing the actual operation control, and simulates the operation status of each facility at that time and thereafter. Yes,
As the input information, for example, the manual operation input device 101
(See Fig. 17 and Fig. 19)
Regarding the machining plan A ₁ and the process design A ₂ registered in the external information storage unit 113 of 110 ( _{assuming a} plurality of pieces of information A ₂₁ , A ₂₂ ,... Information on each model and information on the work and production equipment model B
The data indicating the current position of the workpiece and the progress of processing is also stored in the external information storage 113 of the central processing unit 110.
The current data C is separately stored at any time based on the above relay information. Information obtained as a result of this simulation includes arrangement information D ₁ concerning people and objects such as workers, materials, jigs, and tools, and control information (operation schedule) D ₂ which defines processing equipment and a processing order for each work, and a display information D ₃ for displaying the simulation results on the display device 101 or 102. This information is sent to the simulation information evaluation function unit 12, in particular the control information D ₂ of this is evaluated by the simulation information evaluation function unit 12.

The simulation information evaluation function unit 12 controls the control information (information defining the processing equipment and the processing order of each work, that is, the operation schedule) D ₂ obtained by the above-described simulation, and the control information previously set through the manual operation input device 101 and the like. based on the evaluation criteria E registered in the appropriate area of the external information storage unit 113, while evaluating the operating rate of each facility, evaluation and control information D ₂ of the above is the pre-set reference E
Until satisfying the selection, the process design A ₂ used for the simulation, from among the plurality information (first process design A ₂₁ ~ n-th process design A _2n load distribution to each facility for each workpiece are different) It is a thing to do again. As a result, the above criteria E question control information adapted to satisfy (D ₂ thereto as evaluated configuration information 'simulation information associated therewith including the reference character) (order information D _1' And display information D ₃ ′) are output from the functional unit 12. These output information are also stored separately in the external information storage unit 113 described above.

On the other hand, the control function unit 13 outputs the above-described control command to the production equipment to be controlled based on the control information (operation schedule) D ₂ ′ obtained by the above simulation and its evaluation, and Automatically perform transport and processing, and give necessary work instructions to the worker through the work instruction device (acquisition storage station work instruction device IET, setup station work instruction device LST) to process the workpiece. To accomplish.

FIG. 2 shows such information processing units (the processing procedure storage unit 111, the information processing unit 114, and the information conversion unit 11 of the central processing unit 110).
5) shows the detailed configuration of the real-time simulation function unit 11 described in 5) above, and shows a specific example of information input / output around the function unit 11;
The figure shows the basic concept of the simulation operation executed by the same function unit 11. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the simulation operation is executed by the same real time simulation function unit 11. The details of the operation will be described.

First, a detailed configuration of the real-time simulation function unit 11 and an example of an information structure of each information input to the function unit 11 will be described.

The function unit 11, as shown in FIG. 2, the basic regarding working planning A ₁ and process design A ₂ (illustrative any one of the first process design A ₂₁ ~ n-th process design A _2n) It has a workpiece receiving control unit 11a to which information is input, a logical model construction unit 11b to which the equipment model B and the current data C are input, and a processing program for logical workpieces for all processes. With the physical distribution control unit 11c that outputs the simulation information D (D ₁ , D ₂ )
It is configured to have three modules. The memory 11d
A part of the internal information storage unit 112 corresponds to this.

Further, it is assumed that each of the above input information has the following structure as illustrated in FIG.

Machining plan (long-term machining schedule plan) A A machining schedule plan for a work (workpiece) in _one unit of quantity (lot). Lot number: To distinguish lots in the control device,
Number automatically assigned in the order of registration.

Work code: An identifier that mainly specifies the type of work.

Quantity: Quantity of the work.

Delivery date: The date on which the entire lot must be processed.

Priority: A number indicating the processing order in relation to the delivery date.

Trial cutting condition: Information to determine whether or not to trial cut the first workpiece of the lot.

For example, “0” indicates “no need for trial cutting”, and “1” indicates “necessary for trial cutting”.

 It consists of various information.

Process design A ₂ Machining procedure information for each workpiece having a unique machining procedure. Process number: A number automatically assigned according to the machining procedure of the workpiece.

Work content: Information indicating the type of work.

Equipment used: Information indicating the equipment used for each operation (for each process). Incidentally, the exemplified “LS1, 2” means “the setup device LS1 or the setup device LS2”.

Jig code: An identifier that specifies the jig to be used.

Tool number: A number that specifies the tool group to be used.

NC tape number: The number of the processing information tape used by the NC control machine tool.

Execution time: Information indicating the standard work execution time for each process.

 It consists of various information.

Further, as described above, the process design A ₂ includes the first to n-th processes in which the load distribution to each facility is different for each work, that is, for each work, as described above in the system of the embodiment. design a ₂₁ to a _2n are prepared, the embodiment example, the for any facilities α and β out of the equipment, has become as shown in table 1 following table.

In Table 1, <A>, <B>, and <C> indicate standard process design information (first process design), respectively.
<D> shows process design information (second process design) in which the process allocation to the equipment β is larger than the process allocation (load allocation) to the equipment α, and <E> shows the process allocation to the equipment β ( The process design information (third process design) in which the process distribution to the equipment α is larger than the load distribution) is shown. The process design information (2) (second process design) is selected when the load on the facility α is larger than the load on the facility β, and the process design information (3
Conversely, the process design) is selected when the load on the facility β is larger than the load on the facility α.

It should be noted that such process distribution (load distribution) is appropriately set in accordance with “used equipment”, “execution time” and the like in the above information elements. For practical use,
The degree of distribution of the process design information of <D> or <E> may be preset in a plurality of stages.

Equipment model B As information for constructing a logical model to be described later, it is information of an equipment model configured in units of work storage locations (stations) so as to correspond to the FMS line of the system (FIG. 16). Symbol (identifier) shown in Fig. 2
Has the following meanings.

LS1-WB: First setup device LS1 (having one storage location, that is, one storage basic unit).

LS2-WB: Second setup device LS2 (having one storage basic unit).

MC1-IO: Entry and exit of the first machine tool MC1.

MC1-MB: Intermediate evacuation area for the second machine tool MC1.

MC1-WB: Processing table of the first machine tool MC1.

MC2-IO: Entry and exit of the second machine tool MC2.

MC2-MB: Intermediate evacuation area for the second machine tool MC2.

MC2-WB: A machining table for the second machine tool MC2.

MC3-IO: Entry and exit of the third machine tool MC3.

MC3-MB: Intermediate evacuation area for the third machine tool MC3.

MC3-WB: The machining table for the third machine tool MC3.

WS-WB: Cleaning device WS (having one storage basic unit).

STR-1 to STR-48: Each shelf of 1 to 48 of the automatic warehouse STR.

Current data C As information for initial setting of the location of a work (workpiece) at the time of executing a simulation, external information is stored every time a logical model is constructed, which will be described later, according to the current location of the work, the current state of equipment, and the like. Storage element identifier: an identifier of a storage element for indicating the current storage location of a work. “MC1-WB” illustrated in FIG.
This means that the work is currently stored in the “working table of the first machine tool MC1”.

Stored work information: Information on the stored work. During machining planning A ₁ and process lot identifier and work code mentioned in design A _2, other process number (number indicated the workpiece whether any elements in the lot) Lot the element number, etc. Is included.

Pallet (working machine) code: Information about the stored pallet. It is composed of pallet types and identification numbers.

Jig code: Information about the stored jig.

Operating status: Information to indicate before, during, or after processing.

 It consists of various information.

Next, the simulation operation of the real-time simulation function unit 11 executed by inputting such information will be described in detail below with reference to the operation conceptual diagram of FIG.

For example, at regular time intervals, under conditions such as occurrence of equipment failure, or based on an appropriate operation through the manual input device 101, or based on the result of evaluation by the simulation information evaluation function unit 12 described above ( If the execution of the simulation is specified to the real-time simulation function unit 11, the simulation operation is executed in the following manner. .

Construction of Logical Model When the execution of the simulation starts, first, the logical model constructing unit 11b stores in the memory 11d based on the equipment model B and the current data C stored in the predetermined storage area of the external information storage unit 113. Conceptually, a logical model is constructed in the mode indicated by S1 in FIG. Incidentally, in FIG. 3, the logical model is illustrated assuming a “real space” for convenience, but this is actually expressed as a “logical space”.

Here, for reference, how the system to be simulated is represented in the logical model using information on actual equipment will be described.

The specific contents of the processing basic unit, which is the definition information about the equipment, for this example system are as shown in Table 2-1 below. To explain this information, for example, the setup device will have the name LS as a group, and the identification number in the logical model is number one.

The LS has a processing element group LS1.2 as a constituent element. This LS
The information in 1.2 is given as in Table 2-2.

Among them, LS1.2 has a setup device LS1 and a setup device LS2 as elements constituting a group. This LS1 and LS2
Is defined in the processing element information. This is shown in Table 2-3.

The LS1 has one storage location (basic storage unit) as a component in the equipment. The name is LS1-WB as described for the equipment model B above. In addition, since the maximum occupancy number is 1, only one logical work is simultaneously stored in this equipment.
Only one can enter. The contents of LS1-WB are shown in Table 2 below.
It is given as in Table 4. Since LS1-WB has a single type, its constituent element is a storage element named LS1-WB. So let's look at the information of the storage element.

The information of the storage elements is as shown in Table 2-5 below. From now on, the coordinates of LS1-WB are 30 X, Y, and Z coordinates respectively.
m, 5 m, and 0 m, and it can be seen that the transport device SC1 is connected thereto.

As described above, logical models for all the facilities are constructed. FIG. 4 shows an example of the structure of the simulation target system inside the logical model.

Creation and input of a logical product When a logical model is constructed in the memory 11d as described above,
Then workpiece stock control portion 11a, working planning A ₁ and the process design A
Based on ₂ above, a logic work, which is a parallel processing program for various assumed works (workpieces), is created, and is input to the logic model constructed above. Here,
The fact that the logical work is put into the logical model actually means that the head of the logical work which is the parallel processing program is created and started.

FIG. 5 (a) shows a structural example of such a logical product. As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the logical product is
It has a process number currently being executed, a processing procedure number, and a processing program for the process.

Logistics Control by Logical Work The logical work created above belongs to the physical distribution control unit 11c. After being put into the logical model, the logical product moves independently in the logical model according to its own process and simulates the logical model (see S2 in FIG. 3). That is, the physical distribution control unit 11c has, for example, a processing program as shown in FIG. 5 (b) corresponding to all steps, and performs a logically processed product (see FIG. 5 (a)).
Performs the simulation while replacing these processing programs one after another in the process of proceeding with the process.

During and after the physical distribution control of the logically processed product, the physical distribution control unit 11c provides, as the simulation information, information (arrangement information) D ₁ for arranging the object and information (control information) D _{2 for} control. , and information for display (display information) D ₃ respectively output.

Next, the above-described simulation information obtained by the above-described simulation operation will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6 to 9.

a). Information for information (order information) D ₁ product arrangements for arrange things, after the simulation and the end of the evaluation, to the printing apparatus 104 via the external information storage unit 113 and the information conversion unit 115, or The information is output to a work instruction device (an entry / exit station work instruction device IET) via the external information storage unit 113, the information conversion unit 115, and a predetermined relay processing device (first relay processing device 210). The information belonging to this includes the following.

a-1). Incoming scheduled workpiece information In the incoming scheduled workpiece information, the type and quantity of a work (workpiece), recommended storage time, and the like are written.

FIG. 6 shows an example of printing this information by the printing device 104. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the number of workpieces (workpieces),
The product number, the storage deadline, and the number assigned in the order of the plan creation are printed.

a-2). Storage planned jig information In the storage planned jig information, the type and quantity of jigs to be stored are written.

Instruction (display) of this information by the work instruction device IET
An example is shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, what is displayed in the vertical direction in the “code” column is the jig code (type) of the jig to be stored, and is displayed in the “sumi” column. Is the information indicating the results of the storage of the jigs in each corresponding row, and the number of jigs in each corresponding row that should be stored ( Numerical information indicating (planned quantity).

a-3). Scheduled delivery jig information In the scheduled delivery jig information, the type and quantity of jigs that may be delivered are written.

a-4). Scheduled tool information In the scheduled tool information, the type and quantity of the tool to be prepared, the equipment to use the tool, the scheduled use time, and the like are written.

b). The information (control information) D ₂ this information for controlling the short-term processing scheduling information as the first control information D _21, the assembly will fixture information as the second control information D _22, scheduled use Osamu There is tool information and processing order information by equipment. All of this information is written into a part of the external information storage unit 113 after the simulation and the evaluation thereof have been completed as described above, and the control function unit 12 described in detail later.
Performs actual control based on these information. The individual description will be given below.

b-1). Short-term machining schedule plan information This short-term machining schedule plan information is a machining plan corresponding to each work (workpiece), that is, a work unit. In the previous step design information A _2, there are two to specifying a single equipment and if specified in the group the equipment used, the Among short-term working schedule, actual use facilities Decide on one. The control function unit 12 performs an actual operation based on this information.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the information structure of such short-term processing schedule information. That is, this information structure is as follows.

Work identifier: An identifier of a workpiece to be referenced in the short-term processing schedule plan.

Lot identifier: An identifier of the lot to which the work belongs.

Lot element number: A number indicating which element the work is in the lot.

Priority: Processing priority of the work.

Number of processes: The total number of processes.

Process schedule: An array of processes, with the following contents for each process.

Equipment used: Designate equipment (processing basic unit identifier) that executes the process.

Intermediate equipment: When the destination is occupied, specify the temporary storage location. This processing basic unit identifier is written.

Process type: Specify the process type.

Jig number used: Specify the type of jig used for setup.

Tool number to be used: Specify the number of the tool group used for machining.

NC tape number: Specify the identification number of the NC tape (numerical control information) used for machining.

Standard execution time: Standard execution time.

b-2). Assembly scheduled jig information This assembly scheduled jig information determines the jig to be assembled on the pallet (working board).

b-3). Scheduled jig information This scheduled jig information determines the maximum number of jigs that can be used for each type of work (workpiece). By limiting the number of jigs used, unnecessary jig assembly can be eliminated. Jigs scheduled for this schedule are prohibited from being taken out of the system during operation.

b-4). Equipment-specific machining order information This equipment-specific machining order information determines the order of workpieces (workpieces) to be machined for each machine tool. This corresponds to b-1). It has a supplementary role to short-term processing schedule information.

c). Information for display (display information) D ₃ Information for displaying the simulation result includes screen display information. This screen display information follows the simulation and its evaluation, or after the end thereof, the drawing screen display device 1 via the information conversion unit 115.
In addition to 03, the physical distribution control unit 11c displays, on the drawing screen display device 103, the operation results of each facility as drawing screen information in a drawing screen in a Gantt chart format. FIG. 9 shows an example of the display.

In the display example of FIG. 9, the vertical axis indicates equipment, and the horizontal axis indicates time. LS1 and LS2 indicate setup devices (LS1 and LS2), and MC1 and MC2.
2, MC3 indicates a machine tool (MC1, MC2, MC3), and WASH indicates a cleaning device (WS). The squares in the table each indicate that each work (workpiece) is going to work. Each identical pattern in the box represents the same work. In addition, a blank cell at the top of the chart indicates the working hours of the worker, and a horizontal line cell indicates the working hours of the worker.

The above is the main information obtained by the simulation operation in the real-time simulation function unit 11.

FIG. 10 shows information processing units (a processing procedure storage unit 111, an information processing unit 114, and an information conversion unit 11 of the central processing unit 110).
5) shows an operation mode of the simulation information evaluation function unit 12 for executing the evaluation of the control information D ₂ (D ₂₁ , D ₂₂ ) among the simulation information. With reference to FIG. 10, the details of the operation executed in the simulation information evaluation function unit 12 will be described.

The function unit 12 is a real-time simulation function unit.
Along with the operation of 11, the required operation is executed in the modes listed below.

Evaluation of the facility operation rate The real-time simulation function unit 11 responds to the necessity of updating the schedule (this necessity was initially described in [1]
At regular intervals, [2] equipment failure, [3] operator operation through the manual input device 101, etc.)
It is started (see step S11 in FIG. 10), and when the above-mentioned predetermined simulation is completed (see step S12 in FIG. 10),
In the simulation information evaluation function unit 12 obtains the rate of operation of the equipment based on the control information D ₂ of the simulation information, the comparison of the degree of balance to the previous criteria E (see FIG. 1) (Figure 10 Step
S21).

Selection of process design As a result of this evaluation, if there is a significant imbalance in the above-obtained operation rate of each facility that exceeds the evaluation criterion E, the functional unit 12 sets the operation rate in advance according to the state of the imbalance. In addition, a plurality of first to n-th process designs A _{21 to} A _{2n in which} the load distribution to each facility differs for each work (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 1).
Of those, the one other than the one selected so far (the one used in the above-described simulation) is selected again (see step S22 in FIG. 10), and the real-time simulation function unit 11 is restarted. multiply.

As a result, in the real-time simulation function unit 11,
The simulation is executed again based on the newly selected process design (see step S12 in FIG. 10), or the simulation information evaluation function unit 12
Based on the result of the re-simulated simulation (new control information D ₂ ), the operation rate of each facility is obtained again, and this is again evaluated based on the comparison with the evaluation criterion E (FIG. 10). Step S21).

The simulation information evaluation function unit 12
Operation according to FIG step S22 and S21, each facility operation rate obtained on the basis of the simulation control information D ₂ described above, until satisfying the pre-set criteria E, it is repeatedly executed.

Schedule update (confirmation) As a result of the above evaluation (step S21 in FIG. 10), if the obtained operation rates of the facilities satisfy the evaluation criterion E, that is, the load distribution to the facilities is suitable, and If there is no significant imbalance, the functional unit 12 stores the simulation result information (particularly the control information D ₂ ′) registered as an operation schedule in the external information storage unit 113, for example. It is updated with the simulation result information (control information D ₂ ′) that newly satisfies the evaluation criterion E (see step S23 in FIG. 10), and waits for the next schedule update. Further, other information (arrangement information D ₁ ′ and display information D ₃ ′) out of the simulation result information is also registered and registered up to that time by the information accompanying the control information D ₂ ′ satisfying the evaluation criterion E. Update the corresponding information that was provided.

Of the simulation information thus updated, the control information D ₂ ′ is sent to the control function unit 13, and the order information D ₁ ′ is sent to the printing device 104 via the information conversion unit 115 or to a predetermined device via a predetermined relay processing device. The display information D ₃ ′ is sent to the work instruction device and to the drawing screen display device 103 via the information conversion unit 115.

The above-described evaluation criterion E can be determined by focusing on, for example, “the degree of equilibrium of the operation time of each facility from a certain point in time”. As an example, an arbitrary 2 as shown in Table 1 above is used. Regarding the two facilities α and β, for example, see FIG. 11 and FIG.
As an evaluation reference time T _E shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to determine the criterion E.

By the way, in these figures, FIG.
Equipment α, before the (evaluation reference time T _E ) is satisfied
An example of a β of operation schedule (simulated control information D work by operating time determined on the basis of _2),
FIG. 12 shows an operation schedule of the equipment α and β after the evaluation criterion E (evaluation reference time T _E ) is satisfied (a work obtained based on the simulated and evaluated control information D ₂ ′). In the case where such an evaluation criterion E (evaluation reference time T _E ) is used, the simulation information evaluation function unit
In step 12, on the basis of the example of the process design for the facilities α and β shown in Table 1 above, the operation rate is balanced between the facilities α and β in the above-described manner by the following procedure.

That now, at time t ₀ (simulation time point), facilities alpha, beta uptime calculated based on the simulated control information D ₂ (work by operating time) is 11
If it is as shown in FIGS.
Is, [1] "time t ₀ after the load allocation, is larger in the β equipment than α equipment" that, as well as facilities in the "time after t ₀ β
Operating time difference between the operating time T _β of the equipment and the operating time T _α of the equipment α
T ₁ is greater than the criterion time T _E (not satisfied) "I recognize that.

[2] According to Table 1, a process design <e> is prepared for the work 1 in which the ratio of the work 1 to the equipment α is larger than the allocation of the work 1 to the work β. The process design <E> is selected again in place of the standard process design <A> to be assumed, and the real-time simulation function unit 11 is restarted.

As a result, assuming that the operation rates (operating times by work) obtained for the facilities α and β are changed to the modes shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (c), the functional unit 12 performs the following operations: [3] "load distribution of time t ₀ or later, greater in β equipment than α equipment" is, "time t ₀ running time difference T of equipment β of operating time T _β 'and equipment α of operation time T _α' and in later
_2, it falls within the criterion time T _E (satisfying the reference time T _E) "effect recognized.

Through such a process, the operation schedule registered so far is updated with the simulation information obtained corresponding to FIG.

The above is the details of the operation performed in the simulation information evaluation function unit 12.

FIG. 13 also shows an information processing unit (central processing unit 11).
0 based on the evaluated simulation control information D ₂ ′ (D ₂₁ ′, D ₂₂ ′) in the processing procedure storage unit 111, the information processing unit 114, and the information conversion unit 115). FIG. 16 to FIG. 18) show a detailed configuration of the control function unit 13 that actually controls the operation of the control unit 13 and shows a specific example of information input and output mainly with respect to the function unit 13. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, the details of the operation executed in the control function unit 13 will be described.

First, a detailed configuration of the control function unit 13 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 13, the functional unit 13 includes a physical distribution control unit 13a to which the control information D' ₂ as the simulation information is input, and a logical model construction unit to which the equipment model B and the current data C are input. 13b and the relay processing device 210-
The event control unit 13c outputs the control command to each of the relay processors 210 to 250 based on the information from the event decoding unit 13c to which information about the event (state change) of each facility is input through 250 and the distribution control unit 13a. The control command output unit 13d has four modules. The memory 13e also corresponds here to a part of the internal information storage unit 112.

The information to be input / output has already been described so far, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

When the control information D ₂ ′ is determined by the simulation information evaluation function unit 12, the control function unit 13
Next, the control operation is executed in the modes listed below.

When the control of the construction of the logical model starts, similarly to the real-time simulation function unit 11, first, the logical model construction unit 13b
Based on the facility model B and the current data C stored in the predetermined storage area, a logical model is constructed in the memory 13e in the above-described manner (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

Generation of logical workpiece based on workpiece input When a workpiece (workpiece) is input into the system,
The physical distribution control unit 13a generates a logical workpiece, which is a parallel processing program, based on the short-term processing schedule plan information (first control information D ′ ₂₁ ) for the work obtained as a result of the simulation and the evaluation. Then, this is input to the logical model constructed above.

As shown in FIG. 14 (a), for example, the logically processed product is configured to include a currently executed process number, a process procedure number, and a process program in the process. This is the same as in the case of the real-time simulation function unit 11 described above.

Control command output based on physical distribution control by logical workpiece The generated logical workpiece belongs to the physical distribution control unit 13a. Then, after being input into the logical model, the logical workpiece moves around in the logical model independently of each other in accordance with its own process, simulating the logical model, and forming a corresponding control command. . That is, the physical distribution control unit 13a has, for example, a processing program as shown in FIG. 14 (b) for all steps, and the logically processed product (see FIG. 14 (a)) In the process of proceeding,
The control programs for the actual equipment are sequentially formed and output while replacing these processing programs one after another on the basis of event reports from the actual equipment. The operation of the logical workpiece will be described in more detail. For example, in the case illustrated in FIG. 14, [1] The logical workpiece A outputs a transport command (control command) according to the processing procedure number, and the transport is completed. Enter the transport queue and wait.

[2] When the transport is completed, the distribution control unit 13a receives it as an event (state change), and releases the logical workpiece A from the transport queue.

[3] Accordingly, the logical workpiece A outputs a conveyor start command (control command), which is the next processing procedure.

 The operation in an aspect such as the like is repeatedly executed.

Control commands to each facility formed by the physical distribution control unit 13a are output to the relay processing devices 210 to 250 (see FIGS. 17 to 19) by the control command output unit 13d.
The event report from each facility described above via the relay processing device is decoded by the event decoding unit 13c and transmitted to the physical distribution control unit 13a.

By the operation of the control function unit 13 as described above, a control command for each facility is output, and the actual work of the workpiece is advanced.

As described above, according to the flexible production system of this embodiment, the flexible operation control of the production facilities to be controlled by the central processing unit (FMS control unit main body) 110 is performed smoothly and efficiently through the relay processing units 210 to 250. The central processing unit 110 has a real-time simulation function, an evaluation function for the simulation information, and an operation control function directly corresponding to the simulation information evaluation result. It is possible to accurately grasp, in real time, the position of the workpiece and the progress of processing, and the preferred operation schedule for each of the above-described facilities that is set to a preferable operation rate without load imbalance at present and thereafter. What can be obtained by automatic correction based on the results of this simulation Next, and even, the actual operation control mode of each facility, will be better follow the operation schedule of a preferred embodiment which is obtained is the automatic correction.

Therefore, even when a load imbalance occurs between the equipment due to a failure of the equipment or a difference between the schedule and the actual production, the operation of the equipment is always performed in a preferable manner in which this is solved beforehand. The mode (operating mode) is automatically controlled.

In the above-described embodiment, as a preferred example, the operation control and the status grasp (event report) of each production facility are performed via the relay processing device.
It goes without saying that the real-time simulation at 0, the evaluation of the simulation information, and the execution of the operation control based on the evaluation result can be achieved irrespective of the presence or absence of the relay processing device. That is, the above-described real-time simulation function, simulation information evaluation function, and control function can be similarly applied to and mounted on a flexible production system having no relay processing device.

The evaluation criterion E used for evaluating the simulation information is information that can be arbitrarily determined within a range that can be used as reference information for evaluating the operation rate of each of the above-described facilities. Eleventh
Of course, it is not limited to usage (in the example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13).

Further, in this embodiment, the central processing unit 110 is configured to have the above-described real-time simulation function, its evaluation function, and the control function. However, at least the real-time simulation function and its evaluation function are satisfied. If
It is possible to obtain a sufficient effect capable of coping with disturbances such as a change in processing plan and equipment failure, and it is not always necessary to adopt a configuration having these functions.

Furthermore, storage means and storage methods for various types of information handled in the system of the embodiment, or input means, input methods, and the like are also exemplified in the above embodiments,
It is optional without being limited to the method, and the point is that, for information having various contents and structures as described above, as long as these are properly registered, retained, or input, any other means or method of the method is used. Recruitment is not impeded.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the present invention, (1) even if an imbalance occurs in the load between the equipment due to a failure of the equipment or a deviation between the schedule and the actual production, etc., it is possible to establish a desired evaluation standard. Accordingly, efficient operation control of the FMS, in which this is solved beforehand, can be achieved.

(2) Even when there is a large imbalance in the load between the facilities or when some of the facilities are missing due to a failure or the like, a schedule in which the loads between the facilities are easily balanced can be obtained.

 Excellent effects can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a control device body of an embodiment of a flexible production system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a real-time simulation function unit in the block diagram shown in FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the real time simulation function, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation concept of the real time simulation function part shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a system logic constructed by the real time simulation function part. A chart showing an example of the structure of the model,
FIG. 5 is a chart showing an example of the information structure of a logical workpiece created by the real-time simulation function unit;
FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of printing of the workpiece information to be stored output from the real-time simulation function unit, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a work instructing device for the storage jig information output from the real-time simulation function unit. FIG. 8 is a chart showing an example of the information structure of short-term machining schedule planning information output from the real-time simulation function unit, and FIG. 9 is output from the real-time simulation function unit. FIG. 10 is a chart showing an example of display of screen display information on a drawing screen display device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation mode of the simulation information evaluation function part in the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. FIG. 13 is a time chart showing an example of transition of the operation schedule before and after the operation of the simulation information evaluation function unit, respectively. Functional block diagram particularly showing the detailed configuration for the control function unit in the block diagram shown in, the
FIG. 14 is a chart showing an example of the information structure of a logical workpiece generated by this control function unit, FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of an operation control method conventionally generally used for a flexible production system, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an FM that is assumed in an embodiment of the flexible production system according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the line configuration of the S line, FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection mode of the FMS line, and FIG.
In particular, FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the basic internal configuration of the relay processing device in the block diagram shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic internal configuration of a central processing unit in the block diagram shown in FIG. 11: Real-time simulation function unit, 11a: Workpiece receiving control unit, 11b: Logical model construction unit, 11c: Distribution control unit, 11d: Memory, 12: Simulation information evaluation function unit, 13: Control function unit, 13a ... Logistics control unit, 13b ...
… Logic model construction unit, 13c… Event decoding unit, 13d… Control command output unit, 13e… Memory, 100… Main control room, 101…
... Manual input device, 102 ... Character screen display device, 103 ...
Drawing screen display device, 104 printing device, 105 tape tape input / output device, 110 central processing unit, 111 processing procedure storage unit, 112 internal information storage unit, 113 external information storage unit, 114: Information processing unit, 115: Information conversion unit, 210 to 250
…… Relay processing device, IE …… In / out station, IET…
… In / out station work instruction device, STR… Automatic warehouse, SC1… Transport device, LS1, LS2 …… Setup device, LST ……
Setup station work instruction device, MC1 to MC3 ... machine tool, WS ... cleaning device.

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An operation schedule of various automatic production facilities is created based on a long-term processing plan for various works set in advance as basic information and a process design content for each work, and according to the created operation schedule. In the flexible production system that performs comprehensive operation control of the equipment, as the information of the process design, while preparing a plurality of information of different load distribution to each equipment for each work, and the model of the equipment and the work A logic model construction means for constructing a logic model of the equipment based on the current position of the work and the current data indicating the processing progress, provided in each of the real-time simulation function means and the control function means; The time simulation function means includes, in addition to the basic information indicating the processing plan and the process design content, Using the logical model constructed by the logical model construction means, at least a simulation relating to the processing equipment and the processing sequence of each work is performed in real time, and the simulation information evaluation function means comprises: While evaluating the operation rate of each of the facilities based on the information on the processing equipment and the processing order, until the information on the processing equipment and the processing order satisfies a predetermined equipment operation rate standard,
Information of the process design used for the simulation,
The control function means re-selects from the prepared plurality of information, and, according to the simulation result of the real-time simulation means, while simulating the logic model constructed by its own logic model construction means. A flexible production system characterized by sequentially forming control commands for each of the actual facilities corresponding thereto. 2. An operation schedule of various automatic production facilities is created based on a long-term machining plan of various works set in advance as basic information and a process design content for each work, and according to the created operation schedule. In the flexible production system that performs comprehensive operation control of the equipment, as the information of the process design, while preparing a plurality of information of different load distribution to each equipment for each work, and the model of the equipment and the work A logic model construction means for constructing a logic model of the equipment based on the current position of the work and the current data indicating the processing progress, provided in each of the real-time simulation function means and the control function means; The time simulation function means includes, in addition to the basic information indicating the processing plan and process design contents, Using the logical model constructed by the logical model construction means, at least a simulation relating to the processing equipment and the processing sequence of each work is performed in real time, and the simulation information evaluation function means comprises: While evaluating the operation rate of each of the facilities based on the information on the processing equipment and the processing order, until the information on the processing equipment and the processing order satisfies a predetermined equipment operation rate standard,
Information of the process design used for the simulation,
The control function means re-selects from the prepared plurality of information, and the control function means, based on the logic of its own as the operation schedule, the information on the processing equipment and the processing order of each work satisfying the predetermined equipment operation rate standard. A flexible production system characterized in that, while simulating a logical model constructed by model constructing means, control commands for respective actual facilities corresponding to the model are sequentially formed.