JP3412649B2 - Unit controller for production processing line - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the operation of each unit in a production processing line consisting of a plurality of units.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For controlling each unit in a production processing line as described above, for example, Japanese Utility Model No. 2-32.
A unit control device as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 370 is known. In this device, a sub operation box is installed for each unit, each unit can be operated individually using each sub operation box, and a main operation panel is installed separately from these sub operation boxes. The main operation panel is used to control all units.

[0003]

In the above apparatus, since it is necessary to specially install the main operation panel in addition to the sub operation box provided in each unit, the production processing line as a whole is increased in size and the cost is significantly increased. To rise. Furthermore, in order for the operator to carry out the above-mentioned general operation, he must always go to the installation location of the main operation panel, so especially when the production processing line is large and has a large installation area, the current position of the operator is Since there is a long distance between the main operating panel and the main operating panel, there is a possibility that a general operation cannot be performed immediately.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a unit control for a production processing line, which enables simple and integrated operation of all units without increasing the size and cost of the entire production processing line. The purpose is to provide a device.

[0005]

As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is provided with a plurality of units for executing respective steps for processing a work and each unit. In a unit control device of a production processing line equipped with unit control means for controlling the operation, in each unit, a command input means for inputting a general operation command to the unit control means, and an operation mode of the unit is linked with a single-action mode. A mode switching means for switching to the mode is provided, and the unit control means to which the overall operation command is input by the command input means is integrally controlled to other unit control means only when all units are switched to the interlocking mode. The unit control means that outputs a signal and receives this integrated control signal is based on the integrated control signal. It is obtained by constituting each unit control means to control the operation of Tsu bets (claim 1).

Further, each unit is provided with an integrated key mounting portion to which the integrated key is attachable and detachable, and only the unit control means in the unit in which the integrated key is attached to the integrated key attachment portion outputs the integrated control signal. Those are more preferable (Claim 2).

[0007]

According to the apparatus of the present invention, by operating the command input means in any unit to input the general operation command, this unit is integrally controlled and the unit provided in the unit. A general control signal is output from the control means to the unit control means in another unit, and all the units are comprehensively controlled. That is, it is possible to perform the overall operation of all the units by using the command input means of any unit, and the conventional main operation panel for the overall operation is not required.

Moreover, since the integrated control signal is output only when all the units are switched to the interlocking mode by the mode switching means provided in each unit, this unit alone can be output. When performing work, if this unit is switched to the independent mode, normal operation can be performed with this unit without receiving the inconvenience that the above unit under work receives the general control signal from other units and operates without permission. You can proceed to.

Further, in the apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, since the unit control means of the unit in which the unitary key is mounted in the unitary key mounting section outputs the unitary control signal, the holder of the unitary key is held. This general-purpose key can be attached to the general-purpose key mounting portion of an arbitrary unit to perform overall operation of all units by command input means of this unit. It is surely prevented that a person uses the command input means in another unit to perform an unifying operation.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment different from the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The production processing line shown in FIG. 2 has a carrying unit U1 and a processing unit U in order from the work carrying-in start end P.
2, U3, U4, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U
9, U10, U11, U12 are arranged. The transport unit U1 performs the work transport process on the processing units U2 to U2.
U12 is for performing each processing step of the work,
These steps are sequentially performed, and a work transfer step is performed each time the processing in each processing step is completed, whereby mass production of products is performed.

In the present invention, regardless of the contents of the steps performed by the units and the total number of the units, appropriate changes can be made according to the specifications.

Each of the units U1 to U12 is individually provided with a unit operation panel 10 and a unit control panel 20 as shown in FIG. The unit operation panel 10 is provided with a CRT 12 and a plurality of general command buttons (command input means) 14 in addition to the individual command buttons 15 of each unit. The general command button 14 is used for all units U as described later.
1 to U12 are collectively operated, and in this embodiment, as the general command button 14, an automatic start button for collectively operating all units, and for collectively stopping all units. Automatic stop button, clamper tightening / relaxing button for collectively operating the positioning device (clamper) in all units, transport up / down button and transport forward / backward button for collectively operating transport devices in all units, in all units Abnormality reset button for collectively resetting abnormalities, original position return button for returning all units to the original position, operation preparation button for collectively starting operation preparation operation in all units, processing units U2 to U12 A coolant on / off button for controlling the coolant injection on / off Unit start button for causing the processing operation of one oversees knit (1 cycle) alone, ten buttons are provided.

The unit control board 20 includes a programmable sequence controller (hereinafter referred to as a sequencer) 22, which corresponds to the unit control means of the present invention, a servo control section 24, and a motor control section 26. The sequencer 22 basically controls the display of the CRT 12 and also controls the servo controller 24 and the motor controller (the carrier motor controller in the carrier unit U1 and the processing units U2 to U2).
In U12, the operation of its own unit is independently controlled by outputting a control signal to the spindle motor control unit) 26, but the sequencers 22 are interconnected via the signal line 30, and each sequencer 22 , And exchanges information signals with each other and performs the following integrated control operation.

A) When the general command button 14 on the unit operation panel 10 of the own unit is operated to input a general operation command, a general control signal for executing the general command is transmitted through the signal line 30. In addition to outputting to the sequencer 22 of all other units, it also controls the operation of its own unit in accordance with the content of the overall operation command. For example, when the automatic start button is operated in the own unit, the automatic start control signal (overall control signal) is output to the other sequencer 22 and the own unit is also started.

B) When a general control signal is received from the sequencer 22 of any of the other units, the operation of its own unit is controlled according to this general control signal. For example, when an automatic start control signal is input from the sequencer 22 of another unit, the own unit is started according to this.

Next, the operation of this device will be described. In this apparatus, the sequencer 22 of each unit confirms whether or not the operation preparation of the entire production processing line is completed. Then, when the automatic start button in the general command buttons 14 on the unit operation panel 10 of any unit is operated in the state where it is confirmed that the process is completed, the sequencer 22 in this unit changes to the sequencer in another unit. An automatic activation control signal (overall control signal) is output to 22 and individual unit operation control as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed in each unit.

In this control, it is first confirmed that there is a work at the work loading start end P shown in FIG. 2 (step S1).
1) Loosen the work positioning device (clamper) (step S12) and output an information signal to that effect to the sequencer 22 of another unit. In this state, another sequencer 22
Based on the information signal from, the work is conveyed in the ascending direction (step S13), is conveyed in the forward direction (step S14), and is conveyed in the descending direction (step S15). After transferring the work to the predetermined position in this way, The work positioning device is closed (step S16), and an information signal to that effect is output to the sequencer 22 of another unit.

If this tightening operation is satisfactory (step S
If YES in step 17), the unit is fully activated (step S18), the machining process is performed, and the carrying device is carried in the backward direction (step S19) to return to the position before the forward movement. When this process is completed and this unit is returned to the origin position, the operation is completed (step S20).
Then YES). Furthermore, after confirming that the process is completed in other units (YES in step S21), the same process is repeated again in principle (NO in step S22;
Continuous processing). However, the general command button 14 provided in its own unit or another unit during execution of the above process
If the automatic stop button is turned on (YES in step S22), the individual unit operation is completely terminated in accordance with the overall operation command.

In step S17, when the work positioning device is not tightened properly, for example, when the clamper does not operate to the final tightening position due to foreign matter being caught between the claw of the clamper and the work. (NO in step S17), the process proceeds to the special routine shown in FIG. That is, the work positioning device is once loosened (step S31), the work is conveyed in the upward direction and separated from the work positioning device (step S32), and then conveyed in the lower direction to return the work to the positioning device (step S32). S33), the workpiece positioning device is returned to the original tightened state again (step S34), and if the tightening operation is good (YES in step S35), the unit is fully started (step S18 in FIG. 3). Return), if the tightening operation of the work positioning device is again defective (step S)
If NO in step 35, a warning is issued to the outside (step S3).
6).

The above is the operation flow when the automatic start button is operated. When the general command button 14 other than the automatic start button is operated, each sequencer 22 executes control according to the general operation command. . For example, when the clamper tightening / relaxing button is operated, the clamper tightening or loosening operation in each unit is controlled in an integrated manner.

As described above, in this apparatus, the unit operation panel 10 of any unit can be used to perform the overall operation. Therefore, even if the installation area of the entire production processing line is large, the operator can By using the unit operation panel 10 that is closest to the current position of, the general operation can be performed immediately. Further, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to specially provide a main operation panel dedicated to the general operation, and in the existing production processing line, the general command button 14 is provided on each unit operation panel 10.
Since it suffices to add the above and only partially change the program of the sequencer 22, it is possible to reduce the cost and size of the entire production processing line as compared with the above-mentioned conventional apparatus.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, each unit operation panel 1
0, single-action interlocking changeover switch (mode changeover means) 13,
An overall display lamp 16 and an overall key attachment hole (integration key attachment part) 18 are provided.

The single-action interlocking change-over switch 13 is connected to the sequencer 22 of the same unit and can be switched between the single-action side and the interlocking side by an operation from the outside. When the interlocking changeover switch 13 is switched to the single-acting side, the general operation is prohibited and only the individual operation of each unit is possible by operating the individual command button 15 of each unit (single-acting mode). Each sequencer 22 is configured so that the same general operation as in the first embodiment can be performed only when the single-action interlocking changeover switch 13 of all the units U1 to U12 is switched to the interlocking side (interlocking mode). Has been done.

A general key (not shown) can be attached to and detached from the general key mounting hole 18, and a sensor for detecting whether or not the general key is mounted is provided. Various sensors such as a limit switch, an optical sensor, and a magnetic sensor can be applied to this sensor. This sensor is connected to the sequencer 22 of the same unit, and only the unit operation panel 10 in which it is detected that the general key is mounted in the general key mounting hole 18 can be collectively operated by using the general command button 14. Thus, each sequencer 22 is configured. That is, each sequencer 22 is configured so that only the sequencer 22 of the unit in which it is detected that the general key is attached to the overall key attachment hole 18 outputs the overall control signal to the sequencer 22 of the other unit. .

Next, the operation of this device will be described.

As shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6, the sequencer 22 of each unit is ready for operation of the entire production processing line (YES in step S1), and all unit operation panels 10 are single-acting interlocked switching. The switch 13 is switched to the interlocking side (YES in step S2), and
When the general key is mounted in the general key mounting hole 18 in the unit operation panel 10 of the own unit (step S3
Only in the case of YES), the general display lamp 16 in the own unit is turned on, thereby displaying the fact that the own unit can be comprehensively operated (step S).
4). Then, in this state, when the automatic start button of the own unit is operated (YES in step S5),
An automatic start control signal is output to the sequencer 22 of another unit (step S6). By this signal output, each unit starts the individual operation similar to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

On the other hand, in the sequencer 22, even if the operation preparation is OK, if the single-action interlocking changeover switch 13 in any of the unit operation panels 10 is switched to the single-action side (NO in step S2). ), The integrated control display is not performed, and the integrated control signals including the automatic start control signal are not output. Therefore, when an operator performs individual operation of a certain unit for the purpose of maintenance or repair, if the single-action interlock changeover switch 13 of this unit is switched to the single-acting side, the other unit can perform general operation without permission. It is possible to reliably prevent a malfunction in which the unit that has been operated and is currently being operated operates against the operator's will.

Further, since the sequencer 22 does not output the general control signal even when the general key mounting section 18 of its own unit is not mounted with the general key (NO in step S3), only a specific person can perform the general control. If the key is held, it is possible to prevent the adverse effect that another person arbitrarily performs the general operation to operate all the units while the specific person is working, while the person holding the general key By mounting the general key in the general key mounting hole 18 of any unit operation panel 10, the general operation can be performed from the unit operation panel 10 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, if the number of the above-mentioned general keys is set to one, different general operations will not be performed by another operator during the general operation of one operator.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but the following modes can be adopted as examples.

(1) In the above embodiment, each unit operation panel 10 may be provided with a button other than the general command button 14. For example, each unit operation panel 10
If an emergency stop button is provided in each of the sequencers and each sequencer 22 is configured to forcibly cancel the current conveyance operation or machining operation when the emergency stop button is operated, the safety can be further improved.

(2) In the above embodiment, each unit operation panel 1
In FIG. 0, both the single-action interlocking changeover switch 13 and the general key mounting hole 18 are shown, but only the former may be provided.

(3) In the above embodiment, various keys such as an ordinary key-shaped one and a card-shaped one can be applied regardless of the specific shape and structure of the generalized key.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, each unit in the production processing line is provided with the command input means, and the unit control means in the unit to which the general operation command is inputted by the command input means controls the unit in the other unit. Since the unit control means of each unit is configured to output the integrated control signal to each means, the operator can perform the integrated operation of all the units by using the command input means of any unit. Therefore, even if the installation area of the entire production processing line is large, the worker can quickly perform the general operation by using the command input means of the unit closest to the current position, and the work efficiency can be greatly improved. There is an effect that can be done. Further, in the existing apparatus, it is only necessary to provide the command input means to each unit and give the unit control means the output function of the general control signal, and it is not necessary to specially provide the main operation panel dedicated to the general operation as in the conventional case. Therefore, the integrated operation can be performed at a lower cost than such a conventional device and without increasing the size of the entire production processing line.

Moreover, since the above-mentioned integrated control signal is output only when all the units are switched to the interlocking mode by the mode switching means provided in each unit, this unit alone can be output. When performing this work, if this unit is switched to the independent mode, it is possible to reliably prevent the inconvenience that the above unit operates by receiving a general control signal from other units. Can be executed normally.

Further, in the apparatus according to the second aspect, since the unit control means of the unit in which the unitary key is mounted in the unitary key mounting unit outputs the unitary control signal, the person who mounts the unitary key is There is an effect that it is possible to surely prevent another person who does not hold the general control key from performing the general control by himself / herself by using the command input means in another unit during the operation. Moreover, the holder of the general control key can attach the general control key to the general key attachment part of a convenient unit to perform the general operation of all the units by using the command input means of this unit, which is convenient. Reserved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a unit operation panel and a unit control panel of each unit provided in a production processing line according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall plan view of the production processing line.

FIG. 3 is a part of a flowchart showing a unit control operation by the unit control panel.

FIG. 4 is a part of a flowchart showing a unit control operation by the unit control panel.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a unit operation panel and a unit control panel of each unit provided in the production processing line in the example of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a part of a flowchart showing a unit control operation by the unit control panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 unit operation panel 13 single-action interlocking changeover switch (mode switching means) 14 general command button (command input means) 16 general display lamp 18 general key mounting hole (general key mounting part) 20 unit control panel 22 sequencer (unit control means) U1 Transport unit U2, U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U9, U
10, U11, U12 processing unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Takao Kashihira 5-3 38 Ujinahigashi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City To Toyo Etec Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-3-180907 (JP, A) Special Features Kaihei 2-3111251 (JP, A) JP-A-3-7330 (JP, A) JP-A-5-149603 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G05B 15 / 00-15/02 G06F 17/60

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A unit control device for a production processing line, comprising a plurality of units for respectively executing respective steps for processing a work, and unit control means provided in each unit for controlling the operation of the units. At
For each unit, the command input means that inputs the overall operation command to the unit control means and the operation mode of that unit
A mode switching means for switching between the mode and the interlocking mode was provided, and all units were switched to the interlocking mode.
Only in this case, the unit control means to which the overall operation command is input by the command input means outputs the overall control signal to each of the other unit control means, and the unit control means which receives this overall control signal outputs the overall control signal. A unit control device for a production processing line, characterized in that each unit control means is configured to control the operation of its own unit based on the above. 2. The unit control device for a production and processing line according to claim 1 , wherein each unit is provided with an integrated key attachment part to which an integrated key is attachable / detachable, and the integrated key is attached to the integrated key attachment part. A unit control device for a production processing line, wherein only the control means outputs the integrated control signal.