JP3764783B2 - Parts instruction device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a component indicating device that can perform an instruction of components for each stage economically and at high speed with good timing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, the vehicle outfitting line is composed of a main line having a plurality of stages and sub-lines for supplying parts to each of these stages. At each stage, the instructed part is attached to the vehicle body transported through the main line. At the time when the vehicle body comes out of the main line, the attachment of desired parts is completed.
Since various types of vehicle bodies are input to the main line, it is necessary to synchronize the instruction of the attachment parts to each stage with the input sequence of the vehicle bodies to the main line.
Conventionally, an instruction to attach a component to a sub-line is performed by a component instruction apparatus using the following two methods.
[0003]
In the host computer shown in FIG. 9, a database storing permutation information indicating the order of vehicle bodies put into the main line, a database storing assembly part information for each vehicle type, and a setup NO for each vehicle type (each And a database storing data for indicating in which shelf the parts that must be prepared on the stage are stored. The assembly part information and the setup NO can be rewritten by inputting a setting change.
[0004]
Assembly part information and setup NO existing on the host computer side are stored as master data provided for each stage. The permutation information (what type of vehicle is introduced first) is written on a data carrier attached to the vehicle body at the ID writing stage, and this permutation information is read out for each stage. At each stage, the master data is searched according to this permutation information, and the shelf on which the parts to be attached to the vehicle of the vehicle type currently being transported is displayed. Work to assemble.
Such a method has an advantage that the amount of information to be written on the data carrier is small (only permutation information), so that the access time with the data carrier at each stage is short.
[0005]
10 includes a database having permutation information similar to the above and setup NO as one data on the host computer side in addition to that of FIG. Also in this case, the assembly part information and the setup NO can be rewritten by inputting a setting change.
[0006]
The permutation information and the setup NO are written in a data carrier attached to the vehicle body at the ID writing stage, and both pieces of information are read out for each stage. At each stage, according to such information, it is displayed which shelf has the parts to be attached to the vehicle of the vehicle type that has been transported, and the worker takes out the parts according to the display and assembles them to the vehicle body.
Such a method has an advantage that it does not need to be stored as master data for each stage like the above.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional component indicating device, the following problems have occurred when making it possible to meet the request for changing the setting of components.
[0008]
First, the configuration shown in FIG. 9 has a database for storing master data for each stage, and the change of these master data is performed in accordance with instructions from the host computer. Therefore, it is necessary to electrically connect the host computer and these databases, and there is a problem that the wiring is expensive and labor intensive.
[0009]
In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 10, it is not necessary to provide a database on the stage side, but it is necessary to sequentially write setup NOs for all stages on the data carrier, and permutation information at each stage. In addition, since it is necessary to read the setup NO of the own stage, there is a problem that the amount of information written to the data carrier and the amount of information during communication increase, and the access time increases.
[0010]
Also, if the host computer goes down, writing to the data carrier becomes impossible at the ID writing stage, and each stage cannot operate independently, so the CPU of the host computer is duplicated as a countermeasure against down. It is necessary to take measures such as that, and there is also a problem that the measure is very expensive.
[0011]
Further, in any of the above-described configurations, the assembly part information and the setup NO are changed simultaneously with the setting change, and the timing of the change is performed while confirming the vehicle body that is actually conveyed on the main line. It is necessary (in order to confirm which stage the final car body is to be produced as it is, but the change work must be made carefully so as not to make a mistake.
[0012]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and provides a component indicating apparatus that can perform the instruction of components to each stage economically and at high timing. Objective.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows for each claim.
The invention according to claim 1 outputs the component information stored in the host computer side to a data carrier attached to the workpiece, and at each stage, based on the component information written in the data carrier. A component instruction apparatus configured to perform a desired process, wherein change instruction means for instructing change of the component information on the host computer side, and change instruction information are generated according to the change instruction of the change instruction means Change instruction information creating means, change instruction information writing means for writing change instruction information created on the data carrier, change instruction information reading means for reading change instruction information written on the data carrier, and for each stage A master database in which processing information of its own stage corresponding to the component information is stored, and a read change instruction Is a component indicator device characterized in that it comprises a processing information changing means provided in each of the master database to change the processing information of the master database on the basis of the distribution.
[0014]
When the change instruction means is used to instruct the change of the component information, the change instruction information is written on the data carrier. The processing information changing means changes the processing information in the master database according to the data carrier change instruction information read via the change instruction information reading means.
[0015]
With this configuration, the processing information in the master database can be easily rewritten via the data carrier. Further, since the change instruction information is read only when this information is written in the data carrier, the time for accessing the normal component information is not affected.
[0016]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the change instruction information writing means, which is a constituent element of the invention according to the first aspect, when the host computer becomes incapable of processing, the change instruction information is stored in the data carrier. This is a component instruction device provided with a change instruction information writing instruction means that can directly instruct the writing of the information.
[0017]
By configuring in this way, even if the host computer becomes incapable of processing, change instruction information can be written to the carrier, so there is no need to take down measures such as duplication, which is a very economical part instruction. It can be a device.
[0018]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the processing information changing means, which is a constituent element of the first aspect of the invention, provides the processing information of the master database of the own stage at a timing according to the switching pattern included in the change instruction information. This is a component indicating device configured to be changed.
[0019]
With this configuration, the processing information of the master database of the own stage is changed at a timing according to the switching pattern (usually, the processing information of the master database is changed simultaneously with the input of the change instruction information). Therefore, there is no need to input change instruction information while caring for, so that the parts instruction apparatus is very easy to use.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 4 uses up the above-mentioned switching pattern, the forced switching pattern for changing the processing information from the time when the change instruction is received, the date switching pattern for changing the processing information from the specified date, and the inventory parts. This is a component indicating device that can be set to any one of the single use switching patterns for changing the processing information from the time point.
[0021]
With this configuration, when the change instruction information is input, by selecting one of the above three patterns as the switching pattern, the processing information of the master database of the own stage is automatically set according to the selected switching pattern. It becomes a very easy-to-use parts indicating device.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a production line to which the component indicating device of the present invention is applied.
[0024]
As shown in the figure, this production line is composed of one main line and three sub-lines (sub A to sub C). ID writing stages 12A to 12D each having a lower computer for writing permutation information and change instruction information from 10 to the data carrier are provided.
These ID writing stages 12A to 12D function as change instruction information writing means, and are indicated by black circles in the figure.
[0025]
The permutation information is sent from the host computer 10 to the ID writing stages 12A to 12D of each line according to the progress of each line every time a work (workpiece) is carried in, and attached to the work at these stages. Is written to the data carrier. Further, the change instruction information is created only when the change of the component information is instructed on the host computer 10 side, and is sent to the ID writing stages 12A to 12D of each line together with the permutation information.
That is, the permutation information and the change instruction information are sent to all ID writing stages, respectively.
The host computer 10 and the lower computers of the ID writing stages 12A to 12D are connected by a network.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a component instruction apparatus according to the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the host computer 10 has a database 15 that stores permutation information, a database 17 that stores assembly component information, and a database 19 that stores setup NO.
[0027]
As specifically shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the permutation information includes “production date”, “serial number” assigned in the order of input, and information related to “vehicle type”.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the assembly part information (part information) includes information related to the type of assembly part (part 1, part 2,.
As shown in FIG. 3, the setup NO (shelf NO) master sets the setup NO for parts for each part type (part 1, part 2, etc.) and for each stage (stage (ST) 1, stage 2). Consists of associated information.
[0028]
A setting change input device 21 that functions as a change instruction unit is connected to the assembly part information database 17. However, when the part information needs to be changed (for example, a minor change or a full model change), this setting change is performed. The change of component information is instructed from the input device 21.
When a change in the component information is instructed from the setting change input device 21, the host computer 10 changes the contents of the assembly component information in accordance with this instruction, and this content is provided with master data (described later) provided for each stage. Create change instruction information to be reflected in The host computer 10 that creates such change instruction information functions as change instruction information creation means.
[0029]
Specifically, the change instruction information includes information as shown in FIG. 4 (described in detail later), and this change instruction information is sent to the ID writing stage 12B functioning as a change instruction information writing unit.
At the ID writing stage 12B, only permutation information is written on a data carrier (not shown) in a normal time when change instruction information is not sent. A data carrier is a medium that is attached to a workpiece such as a component that is transported on a line, and that can read and write information at each stage.
[0030]
Further, in this ID writing stage 12B, a change instruction information write instruction that can write change instruction information similar to the change instruction information sent from the host computer 10 to the data carrier independently of the host computer 10 is provided. An input device 23 is provided as a means.
If such an input device 23 is provided, change instruction information can be given to the ID write stage 12B even if the host computer 10 goes down due to a failure or the like. There is no need to take measures for duplication.
[0031]
On the downstream side of the ID writing stage 12B, equipment stages (stage 1 and stage 2) indicated by white circles in FIG. 1 are provided, and in these stages 1 and 2, information written on the data carrier is read. A reading device and PLCs 25 and 27 for controlling the device are provided. These PLCs 25 and 27 function as change instruction information reading means.
[0032]
In each stage, ST master data and parts master data as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 (how to operate the equipment for the vehicle of the vehicle type currently transported, and parts to be attached to the vehicle) Is provided with master databases 26 and 28 for storing information indicating which shelves are on, that is, processing information). When the change instruction information is described in the data carrier, the contents of the master databases 26 and 28 are rewritten according to the master information included in the change instruction information. This rewriting is performed by PLCs 25 and 27 provided in each stage. In this case, these PLCs 25 and 27 function as processing information changing means.
[0033]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the change instruction information can describe information and patterns (that is, switching patterns) for instructing the timing of rewriting the master databases 26 and 28. Is performed at the timing according to this description. In the component pointing device of the present invention, three types of typical patterns are illustrated. How this switching is performed will be described in detail later. The schematic configuration and operation of each part of the component instruction apparatus of the present invention are as described above. Next, how to perform component instruction will be schematically described.
[0034]
First, normally, only the permutation information sent from the host computer 10 is written to the data carrier in the ID writing stage 12B. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, “Production Date: 3/10”, “Serial Number: 100”, and “Vehicle Type: A” are written in the data carrier.
[0035]
The permutation information written on this data carrier is read by the PLC 25 of stage 1. The master database 26 of stage 1 stores ST master data and component master data as shown in FIG. 5, and a setup NO and a shelf NO are selected according to these data. In the example of FIG. 5, since “car type: A” is described in the data carrier, the type of the part corresponding to the car type A is selected from one of the parts areas P1 and P2. For example, when the part b of P1 is selected, the setup NO0 is set by the parts master data and the shelf NO1 is selected. The equipment in the stage 1 operates according to the setup number, and the shelf in which the stage 1 is provided. The 1st lamp lights up. The worker of stage 1 takes out the part from the first shelf and works.
As described above, a normal parts instruction is performed.
[0036]
On the other hand, when a setting change is instructed by the setting change input device 21, change instruction information as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is created in accordance with the input, and in addition to the permutation information normally written in the data carrier. Thus, change instruction information including change instruction information and master information is written. The change instruction information written in this way is read by the PLC 25 of stage 1. The contents of the ST master data in the master database 26 are rewritten according to the change information constituting the change instruction information, and the contents of the parts master data are rewritten according to the master information. Since it differs depending on the type of pattern described in the change information, see the description of the flowchart described later.)
[0037]
After this rewriting is completed, any part registered in the parts area P1, P2 of the ST master data is selected according to the vehicle type written in the permutation information and according to the type of pattern described. The setup NO0 is set by the parts master data and the shelf NO is selected. The equipment of the stage 1 operates according to the setup number, and the lamp of the corresponding shelf number provided with the stage 1 is lit. The worker of stage 1 works by taking out the parts from the shelf with the corresponding number.
[0038]
As described above, the component instruction when the change instruction information is described is performed.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart to be processed when the setting change input unit 21 instructs the host computer 10 to change the component information. That is, this process is performed when the contents of the assembly part information as shown in FIG. 3 are changed.
[0039]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when changing the type of a part for the vehicle type B handled in the stage (ST) 10 to “a”, “ST.NO = 10”, “vehicle type B” is input from the setting change input device 21. , “Pattern = Date” (referred to as a switching pattern, for designating from when to switch), “Date = 3/15” (switched from 3/15 by this input) “Parts = a”, “Setup NO = 1”, “Shelf position NO = 3” are input. With this input, change instruction information is created by the host computer 10, and this change instruction information is written to the data carrier at the ID writing stage. At the same time, permutation information is written to the data carrier (S1 to S3).
[0040]
That is, when change instruction information is input from the setting change input device 21, change information (ST.NO: 10ST, vehicle type: B, pattern: date, date: 3 / 15, part: a), master information (ST.NO: 10ST, part: a, setup NO: 1, shelf position NO: 3) is written on the data carrier as change instruction information, and is normally written permutation information ( Production date: 3/10, serial number: 100, vehicle type: A) will also be written on the data carrier.
[0041]
7 and 8 are flowcharts processed by the PLC on each stage side.
When the data carrier in which the above information is written reaches stage 1 as shown in FIG. 2, the PLC 25 determines whether the master information written in the data carrier is for the own stage. As shown in FIG. When NO is described as 10ST, it is not for the stage 1 because of its own stage, so the process of updating the contents of the master database 26 is not performed, but when this is described as 1ST, the master The contents of the data 26 are updated according to the switching pattern. For example, when master data is described as shown in FIG. 5, the contents of the parts master data constituting the master database are “part: a”, “setup NO: 1”, “shelf position NO: 3”. Is rewritten (S11, S12).
[0042]
Next, it is determined whether the change instruction information written in the data carrier is for the own stage (S13). If it is in the own stage, it is determined whether the switching pattern is a forced pattern, a date designating pattern, or a single use pattern.
This switching pattern indicates from what time the contents of the master database should be changed according to the change instruction information. When a forced pattern is specified, the change instruction information is received and at the same time the master data Change the contents according to the master information. In the case of the date designation pattern, the contents of the master data are changed according to the master information from the designated date. In the case of the use-up pattern, the contents of the master data are changed according to the master information when the current stock is used up.
[0043]
In the case of FIG. 5, since it is a date designation pattern, the part a from 3/15 is processed in the setup NO1, and the part is stored in the shelf position NO3 (S14, S17, S20).
When the forced pattern is designated, both data (b, a) in the parts area P1, P2 of the ST master data shown in FIG. 5 are cleared, and “part: a” described in the change information is displayed. Is registered in the parts area P1. That is, the parts b and a registered in the parts areas P1 and P2 are deleted, and a is registered only in P1 (S15 and S16).
[0044]
When the date designation pattern is designated, the date in the date area of the ST master data is updated. In the example of FIG. 5, since 3/15 is designated, the date in the date area is set to 3/15 (S18). Next, the data (b) in the parts area P1 of the ST master data is moved to P2, and “parts: a” described in the change information is registered in the parts area P1. That is, the component b registered in the component area P1 is moved to the component area P2 (at this time, the component a registered in the component area P2 is cleared), and the component area P1 where data is lost is stored. Register a. In short, the process of replacing the parts registered in P1 and P2 has been performed (S19).
[0045]
When the use-up pattern is designated, the date in the date area of the ST master data is cleared, and the parts registered in P1 and P2 are exchanged as in the case of the date designation pattern (S22, S19). .
[0046]
As described above, the registration for changing the content of the master data of the stage 10 is completed by performing the registration according to the switching pattern.
[0047]
If the change pattern is not specified in the change instruction information or cannot be read, the subsequent process cannot be performed, and an abnormal process for displaying a reading abnormality is performed ( S21).
[0048]
Next, the vehicle type of the permutation information shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is searched, and it is determined whether or not data exists in P2 of the parts area for this vehicle type. If the data of P2 does not exist, Since the forced pattern is designated, an instruction is given by the data of P1. As described above, when the forced pattern is designated, the part instruction is changed (from the old part to the new part) from the time when the change instruction information is received on the stage (S23, S24, S27).
[0049]
If data exists in P2, it is determined whether or not a date is written in the date area (S25). If a date is written, a date designation pattern is designated. If the production date is before the date written in the date area, an instruction is given by the data of P2. On the other hand, if the production date exceeds the date written in the date area, an instruction is given by the data of P1 to apply the change information. That is, the part instruction is changed from the corresponding date (from the old part to the new part) (S26, S27).
[0050]
Furthermore, when the date is not written in the date area, since the use-up pattern is designated, it is determined whether or not there is a stock of parts registered in P2 (parts used so far), If there is a stock, the P2 data is instructed. If the stock is exhausted, the P2 data is cleared and the P1 data is instructed. That is, the instruction of the part is changed (from the old part to the new part) from the time when the old parts are out of stock (S28 to S30).
[0051]
When the above instruction is given, the master information data sent as the change instruction information is written into the component master data as shown in FIG. 5 stored in the master data. For example, as the data of P1 If the part b is registered, the setup number is 0 and the shelf NO is 1, so the equipment operates according to the setup number 0, the shelf with shelf number 1 (see FIG. 3) is lit, The operator takes out the parts stored in the shelf and attaches them to the workpiece (S31).
[0052]
As described above, according to the component instruction device of the present invention, if the change instruction information for changing the component instruction is written on the data carrier only when changing, the master data of the corresponding stage is rewritten. Therefore, unlike the prior art, no wiring for connecting the host computer 10 and the master database is required, and it is not necessary to write change instruction information in all data carriers (normally permutation information). Since only data is written, it does not adversely affect the data read / write cycle time), so it takes a lot of access time at each stage only when the change instruction information is written, but the normal access time after that is It becomes possible to shorten the time and change instruction information can be sent economically and efficiently.
[0053]
In addition, since the timing of parts instruction switching is also automatically performed according to the switching pattern, inconsistencies in parts instructions are avoided even when the production permutation is forced to change during the process, which is very convenient to use. It becomes a good parts instruction device.
[0054]
Furthermore, since the change instruction information can be instructed by the input device 23, production on the production line can be continued without being affected even when the host computer 10 is down.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the component pointing device of the present invention has the following effects for each claim.
[0056]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a change of the component information is instructed using the change instructing means, this instruction is written in the data carrier as the change instruction information, and the master database is in accordance with the change instruction information of the data carrier. This processing information is changed. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily rewrite the processing information of the master database via the data carrier, and reading of the change instruction information is performed only when this information is written on the data carrier. The time for accessing normal part information can be made without affecting the time.
[0057]
In the invention according to claim 2, since the change instruction information write instruction means is provided which can directly instruct the data carrier to write the change instruction information when the upper computer becomes incapable of processing. There is no need to take a large-scale down countermeasure such as duplicating the computer, so that it is possible to provide a very economical component indicating device.
[0058]
In the third aspect of the invention, the processing information in the master database of the own stage can be changed at the timing according to the switching pattern included in the change instruction information. There is no need for input, and the component pointing device is very easy to use.
[0059]
In the invention described in claim 4, the switching pattern is a forced switching pattern for changing the processing information from the time when the change instruction is received, a date switching pattern for changing the processing information from the designated date, and the inventory parts are used up. Since one of these three patterns can be selected, the processing information in the master database of the own stage is changed to the selected switching pattern. Accordingly, the parts can be automatically switched in accordance with the parts indicating device which is very easy to use.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a production line to which a component indicating device of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a component instruction apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the data flow of the component indicating device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of permutation information and change instruction information used in the component instruction apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a flowchart;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart on the host side of the component pointing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart on the stage side of the component indicating device according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart on the same stage side.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional component instruction device.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional component instruction apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: Host computer,
12A-12D ... ID writing stage,
15 ... Database for storing permutation information,
17 ... Database for storing assembly part information,
19 ... Database that stores the setup ON master,
21 ... Setting change input device,
23. Input device,
25, 27 ... PLC,
26, 28 ... Master database.

Claims (4)

The part information stored on the host computer (10) side is output to a data carrier attached to the workpiece, and at each stage, desired processing is performed based on the part information written on the data carrier. A component pointing device configured to:
Change instruction means (21) for instructing to change the component information on the upper computer (10) side,
Change instruction information creating means (10) for creating change instruction information according to the change instruction of the change instruction means (21),
Change instruction information writing means (12A-12D) for writing the change instruction information created on the data carrier,
Change instruction information reading means (25, 27) for reading change instruction information written in the data carrier;
A master database (26, 28) that is provided for each stage and stores processing information of its own stage corresponding to the component information;
A component instruction characterized by having processing information changing means (25, 27) provided for each master database for changing the processing information of the master database (26, 28) based on the read change instruction information apparatus. The change instruction information writing means (12A to 12D) is a change instruction information write instruction capable of directly instructing the data carrier to write change instruction information when the host computer (10) becomes incapable of processing. 2. The component pointing device according to claim 1, further comprising means (23). 2. The component instruction device according to claim 1, wherein the processing information changing means (25, 27) changes the processing information of the master database of its own stage at a timing according to a switching pattern included in the change instruction information. . The switching pattern included in the change instruction information includes a forced switching pattern for changing processing information from the time when the change instruction is received, a date switching pattern for changing processing information from a specified date, and processing information from the time when inventory parts are used up. 4. The component indicating device according to claim 3, wherein the component indicating device is any one of a single use switching pattern for changing.

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