JP3829652B2 - Electric wire connection support device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wire connection support device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The computerization of the vehicle equipment is remarkable, and the wire harness routed in the vehicle is also a large one having complicated branch lines. Therefore, when manufacturing a wire harness, a construction method is generally adopted in which the wire harness is divided into several sub-assemblies and each sub-assembly is gloss-assembled on the main line wiring board.
[0003]
As an apparatus that embodies the above construction method, a plurality of electric wire supply units that preliminarily classify and accommodate the electric wires with terminals whose terminals are connected to both ends of the scaled covered electric wire, and from the electric wire supply unit A drawing board for connecting the taken-out electric wire with terminal, a connector holder for holding a connector that is erected on the drawing board and is connected to the electric wire with terminal taken out from the electric wire supply unit, 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an electric wire connection support device including an electric wire connection instruction mechanism for instructing an electric wire connected to an electrode of a connector held by each connector holder.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, the number of sub-assembly circuits to be manufactured (for example, 200 to 300 circuits, or 960 points) has increased, so that the electric wire supply unit is distributed to a plurality of stations, and the above-mentioned board is placed upstream. It is requested to transport from the station on the side to the station on the downstream side. In that case, along with the distribution of the wire supply section, it is necessary to distribute the wire side connection instructing means to a plurality of stations, and the wire side connection instructing means provided in each station is provided on the connector holder. It is necessary to instruct wire connection in cooperation with the detector.
[0005]
In order to achieve such cooperation, a master unit is provided in each electric wire supply unit, and the master unit and each detector of the connector holder are connected by an interface connector provided on the drawing board. / The work of shutting down became complicated and workability was poor.
[0006]
In addition, when performing so-called mixed flow production in which many types of wire harnesses are manufactured on the same conveyor line, the manufacturing information of each wire harness is input to all the master units installed in each wire supply unit, or update processing is performed. It was necessary to give it, and a lot of work was necessary for the setup.
[0007]
In addition, if a malfunction such as product failure or failure occurs on any of the multiple boards, each master unit is provided in the electric wire supply section. If this is not transmitted, there is a possibility of adversely affecting the connection work with other drawing boards, and a system for performing communication work between the master units to prevent such problems has been required.
[0008]
On the other hand, it is desirable to provide a master unit on the drawing board and to configure each connection instruction means to share information of a single database constructed in this master unit. Since it was necessary to establish a protocol between the unit and each connection instruction means, it was impossible to avoid the problem that it took time to transmit data and practical control could not be performed.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an electric wire connection support device capable of easily and accurately continuously performing electric wire connection work of a wire harness constituting a large-scale circuit on the same drawing board. The issue is to provide.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an electric wire supply unit that accommodates a terminal-attached electric wire with terminals connected to both ends of a scaled covered electric wire in advance, and takes out the electric wire supply unit. A connector for holding the connector connected to the terminal-attached electric wire standing from the electric wire supply unit, and a drawing board for connecting the connected electric wire with terminal A connector holder having a connector terminal and a detector that can be electrically connected to the connector housed in the housing portion, and a wire side provided on the wire supply portion for instructing to take out the wire housed in the wire supply portion Connection instruction means, corresponding to each connector holder, connector side connection instruction means for displaying the connection destination corresponding to the connector to which the taken-out electric wire with terminal is connected, and each detector can be electrically connected In In order to control each connection instruction means, the master unit provided on the drawing board is connected to the master unit so as to be able to multiplex communication, and the electric wire side connection instruction means is driven based on the control of the master unit. Wire side node unit for connecting to the master unit so that multiplex communication is possible, and the detector of the connector holder and the wire side connection instructing means based on the control of the master unit For driving A connector-side node unit, a master unit, and a multiplex communication control system for connecting each node unit as a node so as to be capable of multiplex communication are connected to the information of a single database constructed in the master unit and the drawing board. A wire connection support device that supports connection of the wires constituting the wire harness by controlling each connection instruction means based on the connection information of the harness element wires, wherein the multiplex communication control system is connected to the node. A node address setting means for setting different node addresses, a token calling means for calling a timing bit set as a token signal at regular intervals, a timing bit set called by the token calling means, and the above Depending on the node address, each of the above nodes In a wire connection assisting apparatus characterized by and a token reception controller applied the token.
[0011]
In the present invention, the master unit is installed on the drawing board, and multiplex communication with each connection instruction means is performed, so that each connection instruction means is controlled based on information of a single database constructed in the master unit. A complete time division multiplex communication system in which each node is given a token in a time division based on a timing bit set as a token signal that is called every other time and a node address set in each node (master unit and each node unit). Therefore, it is not necessary to establish communication conditions between nodes that transmit and receive data, and data can be transmitted and received in a protocol-free state. For this reason, since the response time between nodes that transmit and receive data is drastically shortened, the connector can be quickly connected at a practical speed even when the wire instruction is given to each connection instruction means in a complicated manner. The side connection instruction means can be controlled. This also makes it possible to manage the connection support information and continuity test information of a large-scale wire harness in a single database in a centralized manner by the master unit, thereby facilitating data management and updating. Further, since a protocol-free communication form is adopted, it is not necessary to develop software for establishing a protocol between nodes, which contributes to cost reduction.
[0012]
In the present invention, the “harness element electric wire” may be a terminal-attached electric wire in which terminals are connected to both ends of the covered electric wire, or a sub-harness configured by connecting a plurality of electric wires with terminals.
[0013]
In a preferred embodiment, the master unit has a continuity inspection function for inspecting the continuity of the network including the harness element wires connected to the connector held by the connector holder every time the harness element wires are connected. Only when it has passed, each connection instruction means performs the next connection support.
[0014]
In this case, since the continuity test is performed every time the connection work is performed, the erroneous connection can be detected by a real-time response, and a defective product is not sent to the subsequent process. Moreover, the time required for the continuity test is drastically improved by adopting the complete time division multiplex communication system, so the processing time from one connection work and the continuity test work to the next connection work is shortened. Thus, no waiting time is given to the worker.
[0015]
In another preferred embodiment, the electric wire supply unit is disposed at a plurality of stations provided along a conveyance path along which the drawing board is conveyed, and the master unit is used to manufacture a wire harness to be inspected. It is configured to test continuity until the final stage of the process.
[0016]
In this way, even when the electric wire supply unit is arranged at a plurality of stations, it is possible to seamlessly instruct electric wire connection from the first station to the last station. Therefore, even if the operator is changed between the stations or the work is interrupted, the quality of the connection work does not vary.
[0017]
Further, in combination with the provision of the master unit on the drawing board, so-called mixed flow production becomes easy. In addition, when mixed flow production is performed, even if a failure or failure occurs in any of the boards, there is no influence on the control of the other boards, so that the risk can be dispersed.
[0018]
Moreover, since the information of a single database can be shared and supported for connection work across all stations, it is not necessary to take measures to prevent operator connection mistakes by color-coding the covered wires that make up the product. . As a result, it is possible to reduce the types of covered electric wires as materials and reduce the cost of products.
[0019]
In another aspect, the wire side node unit is configured by a gateway capable of multiplex communication with an external network.
[0020]
In this way, a communication line constructed around the master unit can be connected to an external network so as to allow multiplex communication, and various processes can be performed. For example, it becomes possible to remotely teach or change data to the storage unit of the master unit via an external network. In addition, since the behavior of the wire connection support device centering on the master unit can be monitored as it is from an external network, it is possible to add complementary functions of the wire connection support device such as maintenance and warning.
[0021]
The figure plate is provided with a plurality of temporary holders that temporarily hold the other end of the terminal-attached electric wire that is defined as a loose terminal connected when the sub-assembly is assembled in advance. It is preferable that the node unit is connected to an end instruction unit that is provided for each temporary holder and that indicates the temporary holder when the other end as the bulk terminal contacts the ground member. .
[0022]
In this way, when the subassembly includes so-called "rose terminals" that are connected when the wire harness is assembled in a glossy manner, it is appropriate for each loose terminal to temporarily hold the loose terminals at multiple locations. Thus, the temporary holding position can be supported, and the wire connection work can be performed efficiently.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a production line employing an electric wire connection support device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main part of FIG.
[0025]
First, referring to FIG. 1, the production line shown in FIG. 1 includes a main line (not shown) for finishing the final wire harness and a plurality of subassemblies connected to the main line in a branch shape. The wire connection support device 10 according to the present embodiment is applied to the sub-assembly line SL.
[0026]
This sub-assembly line SL is used as a sub-assembly manufacturing conveyor device 20, a drawing board unit 30 conveyed by the conveyor device 20, and a wire supply unit for stocking the terminal-attached electric wires W used as the material of the sub-assembly. The electric wire supply stand 40 is included.
[0027]
The conveyor device 20 is for moving the hand-carrying transport carriage 50 in the order of several stations ST set on the sub-assembly line SL to perform predetermined processing for each station ST. In the example shown in the figure, a plate unit 30 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, is carried on the hand-carrying transport carriage 50. Sub-assemblies are manufactured.
[0028]
Next, the electric wire supply base 40 has a large number of bowl-shaped bodies 41 having a rectangular cross section. The electric wire supply base 40 is configured by classifying all kinds of terminal-attached electric wires W necessary for manufacturing the subassembly into several groups based on the manufacturing process procedure. It is assigned from the upstream side to a plurality of stations ST set on the subassembly line SL.
[0029]
Each bowl-shaped body 41 is for classifying and stocking a plurality of types of terminal-attached electric wires W by type.
[0030]
In the illustrated example, each electric wire supply base 40 is provided with a hook unit 300 as a wire-side node unit forming a part of the terminal insertion support unit 200 of the present embodiment, and an outlet for each hook-like body 41. In the vicinity, a guide lamp 320 as a wire-side connection instructing unit is attached in a one-to-one correspondence with the rod-like body 41 and connected to the corresponding rod unit 300. And these guidance lamps 320 are alternatively turned on so that the type of the electric wire W with a terminal to be taken out by the operator can be specified.
[0031]
Next, the hand-carrying carriage 50 is manually transported by a pair of rails 60 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) provided in the conveyor device 20, so that a plurality of stations set along the rails 60 are upstream. It moves from the side to the downstream side. Inside the rail 60, there are provided a power supply line 61 for supplying power to a control unit, which will be described later, mounted on each manually-driven transport cart 50, and a power supply line 62 for supplying power to the bag unit 300. Yes. Although schematically shown in the drawing, an electric shock prevention measure is applied to the power supply lines 61 and 62 by the rail 60 and a cover (not shown).
[0032]
Next, referring to FIG. 2, the drawing board unit 30 includes a drawing board 100 that is fixed to the hand-held transport cart 50.
[0033]
The said board 100 is a work bench for an operator to perform an electric wire connection operation. And on this drawing board 100, the connector holder 211 which comprises the terminal insertion assistance unit 200 of this embodiment, the probe 220 as a detector provided in this connector holder 211, and the said connector corresponding to the probe 220, the said connector A guide lamp 240 as a connector-side connection instruction means attached to the holder 211, a connector unit 250 connected to the probe 220 and the guide lamp 240, and a master unit 260 connected to the connector unit 250 are provided. Yes.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of the terminal insertion support unit. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged main part of the terminal insertion support unit, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the probe.
[0035]
Referring to these drawings, the connector holder 211 has an outer shell formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an upper surface corresponding to the outer shape of the target connector C (shown only by phantom lines in FIGS. 3 and 4). The bottomed connector housing portion 212 is opened. As shown in FIG. 2, the connector holder 211 is set in various shapes corresponding to the number of poles and the shape of the connector C to be held. The plurality of connector holders 211 are laid out so that the corresponding connectors C are accommodated in the connector accommodating portions 212 of the respective connector holders 211, and one end of the terminal-attached electric wire W is attached to one connector holder 211. This is because the other end of the terminal-attached electric wire W is connected to a connector mounted on another connector holder 211 in the state after being connected to the connector C. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of locks 213 is attached to the side of the connector holder 211 so as to be rotatable around the pins 214, and the locking claws 213a are locked elastically on the upper surface of the connector C by an elastic member (not shown). This prevents the connector C from coming off upward. In the illustrated embodiment, an air cylinder 213b that is driven in a direction to release each lock 213 is attached to the side of the connector holder 211. The air cylinder 213b is driven by turning ON / OFF the supply of pressurized air from a pressurized air supply device (not shown) with a solenoid 213c. The connector unit 250 is driven based on the control of the master unit 260 described later. It can be done.
[0036]
Further, in the illustrated example, the connector holders 211 are laid out in an order corresponding to the order of routing in a main line (not shown), whereby the subassembly manufactured in the connection process maintains the form as it is. Therefore, it can be efficiently transferred to the main line.
[0037]
Referring to FIG. 4, a probe holding plate 215 is fixed to the bottom of the connector housing portion 212 of each connector holder 211, and the bottom portion of the connector C accommodated in the connector housing portion 212 by the probe holding plate 215. Receiving surface is formed, and the probe 220 is held. The probes 220 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the connector poles (terminal accommodating portions) held by the connector holders 211. When the connectors C are accommodated in the connector accommodating portions 212, the probes 220 are The connector C is configured to be connected to the terminal of the terminal-equipped electric wire W by entering the terminal accommodating chamber of the connector C and connecting the end of the terminal-equipped electric wire W to the terminal accommodating chamber.
[0038]
Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the connector holder 211 is provided with a plurality of guide lamps 240 corresponding to the poles of the connector C accommodated therein.
[0039]
Each guide lamp 240 is embodied by a light emitting diode, and is an example of a connector-side connection instruction means connected to the master unit 260 via a connector unit 250 described later. In the illustrated embodiment, a touch plate 245 as an earth member electrically connected to the ground side is attached to the figure plate 100.
[0040]
1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the drawing plate unit 30 is provided with a temporary holder 290 for temporarily holding a terminal-attached electric wire W having a so-called “rose terminal”. Yes. The temporary holder 290 is embodied by a commercially available elastic clamp, and a plurality of temporary holders 290 are erected corresponding to the form of the wire assembly to be manufactured. Further, the drawing plate 100 is provided with a guide lamp 291 as an end indicating means provided in the vicinity of the temporary holder 290, and this guide lamp 291 is also connected to the master unit 260 via the connector unit 250. And is controlled by the master unit 260.
[0041]
5A and 5B show the appearance of the connector unit 250. FIG. 5A is a front view, FIG. 5B is a right side view, and FIG. 5C is a left side view.
[0042]
Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the illustrated connector unit 250 constitutes a connector-side node unit in the present embodiment, and includes a housing 251 fixed to the back surface of the drawing board 100. And a substrate 252 accommodated in the housing 251.
[0043]
The board 252 is a solenoid for driving a self-node address setting switch 251b and a sending node address setting switch 251c, a communication modular jack 251d, and a solenoid 213c of the air cylinder 213b provided on the right side of the housing 251. And a modular jack 251e, provided on the left side surface of the housing 251 and connected to a socket connector (not shown) of a plurality of probes 220, and a socket connector ( A lamp connector connection portion 251g to which a lamp connector (not shown) is connected. In the illustrated example, the guide lamp 291 of the temporary holder 290 and the connector socket (not shown) provided on the guide lamp 291 are connected to the guide lamp 240 of the connector holder 211 and the connector socket connected to the guide lamp 240. By adopting the same specification, the connector socket of the guide lamp 291 can be connected to the lamp connector connecting portion 251g.
[0044]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the connector unit 250 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and each part connected to the connector unit 250.
[0045]
Referring to the figure, the board 252 of the connector unit 250 includes a multiplex communication control unit 252a connected to the address setting switches 251b and 251c, an I / O port 252c, an input / output unit 252d, and an LED control unit 252e. And a solenoid driving unit 252f.
[0046]
The multiplex communication control unit 252a sets its own node address and source node address by the own node address setting switch 251b and the source node address setting switch 251c, and a master to be described later by a communication line connected to the communication modular jack 251d. This is for performing time division multiplex communication with the unit 260.
[0047]
The I / O port 252c is an interface with the probe 220 and the guide lamps 240 and 291 connected to the probe connector connecting portion 251f and the lamp connector connecting portion 251g.
[0048]
The input / output unit 252d is connected to the probe 220 via the I / O port 252c. The input / output unit 252d inputs a signal to the probe 220 and outputs the output from the probe 220 to the master unit 260. By transmitting, individual probes 220 can be discriminated.
[0049]
The LED control unit 252e is connected to the guide lamp 240 and / or the guide lamp 291 via the I / O port 252c, and the guide lamps 240 and 291 are selectively turned on or off based on the control of the master unit 260. It can be turned on or off.
[0050]
The solenoid drive unit 252f is a unit including a solenoid modular jack 251e. The solenoid drive unit 252f drives the solenoid (not shown) based on the output from the master unit 260 and locks the connector holder 211 by the air cylinder 213b. It can be driven.
[0051]
The power supply unit 252h is for operating each unit by being supplied with power from the master unit 260.
[0052]
FIG. 7 shows an external configuration of the master unit 260, (A) is a front view, (B) is a right side view, (C) is a plan view, and (D) is a bottom view. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a connection state between the master unit 260, the connector unit 250, and the collar unit 300.
[0053]
With reference to FIG. 7, the master unit 260 includes a vertically long casing 261. A controller 262 is built in the housing 261. The controller 262 is provided with a buzzer 263 and an infrared communication unit 264, and these electronic components are accommodated in the casing 261.
[0054]
The controller 262 includes a setting switch 26 provided on the front surface of the housing 261. 1 a ~ 26 1 f, a product number display panel 261g, and a station number display panel 261h. Further, the controller 262 includes a dip switch 26 provided on the right side of the housing 261. 1 i, an option unit connection port 261j, a power switch 261m, and an AC adapter connection port 261n are connected. Further, the controller 262 is connected to a modular jack 261p provided on the upper portion of the housing 261, and is connected to each connector unit 250 via the modular jack 261p so as to be capable of multiplex communication (see FIG. 8). ). Further, the controller 262 is provided with a check switch connection portion 261r provided at the bottom of the housing 261, and an output from an operation switch 265 (shown only in FIG. 8) connected to the check switch connection portion 261r. On the basis of the above, a predetermined program can be executed.
[0055]
On the other hand, the infrared communication unit 264 includes a communication port 264 a provided in the upper part of the housing 261.
[0056]
Referring to FIG. 8, the controller 262 is provided with a multiplex communication control unit 262a, a storage unit 262b, and a power supply control circuit 262c. These units 262a to 262c are connected to the setting switches 261a to 261a described above. 261f, display panels 261g and 261h, a buzzer 263, and an infrared communication unit 264 are connected to a CPU 266 that controls the controller 262.
[0057]
The multiplex communication control unit 262a is connected to the multiplex communication control unit 252a of one connector unit 250 via a twisted pair wire 262e connected to the modular jack 261p shown in FIG. Then, by connecting the multiplex communication control units 252a of each connector unit 250 with a twisted pair wire (not shown), the master unit 260 is connected to a bus-shaped multiplex communication transmission line having each connector unit 250 as a slave node. A LAN is constructed as a master node.
[0058]
The multiplex communication control unit 262a of this embodiment includes a token call circuit 2622 for calling a token to each connector unit 250 as a slave node, and switches 261a to 261f and 265, display panels 261g and 261h. , A buzzer 263, and an infrared communication unit 264.
[0059]
Referring to FIG. 8, the storage unit 262b is embodied by a ROM and a RAM, and includes a connection support data storage unit 269a that stores connection support data for performing connection support, and an inspection standard for performing a continuity test. An inspection standard data storage unit 269b for storing data, a read data storage unit 269c for storing connection information of a circuit network formed by the terminal-attached electric wire W to be inspected as read data, and history information to be described later are stored as history data. And a program storage unit 269e for storing a program for controlling the master unit 260.
[0060]
FIG. 9 is a data configuration diagram representing the data of the present embodiment in a list form.
[0061]
As shown in the figure, both the connection support data and the inspection reference data are classified for each station address n of the station ST, and the data in each station address n is in step SN for connecting the electric wire with terminal. They are registered in order. For this reason, in the connection support work to be described later, it is possible to cumulatively perform connection support or conduct a continuity test from the first connection work to the final connection work over a plurality of stations ST.
[0062]
In the illustrated embodiment, data corresponding to a plurality of product numbers is input to the connection support data storage unit 269a and the inspection reference data storage unit 269b, and the processing is performed by a product number switching processing unit 268g and an AUTO processing unit 268h described later. The work data relating to the product number selected based on this can be expanded.
[0063]
Further, in the illustrated example, the teaching operation of each data is performed by the setting switch 26 as in the case of a general control unit. 1 a ~ 26 1 Besides being performed by operating f, downloading from a computer 400 described later is also possible.
[0064]
The power supply control circuit 262c is for controlling power supply from an AC adapter 267 (shown only in FIG. 1) connected to the AC adapter connection port 261n. In the illustrated example, a power switch 261m shown in FIG. 7B is inserted between the power supply control circuit 262c and the AC adapter 267. The AC adapter 267 is slidably and electrically connected to a power supply line 61 (see FIG. 1) provided in the subassembly line SL as shown in FIG. It is comprised so that the power supply of can be supplied.
[0065]
The infrared communication unit 264 can perform multiplex communication with the infrared communication unit 304 of the bag unit 300 described later through the communication port 264a (see FIG. 7C). The display lamp 264b shown in FIG. 7A is turned on when the infrared communication unit 264 is communicating with the communication port 304a (see FIG. 13E) of the infrared communication unit 304 of the bag unit 300. , For displaying the state.
[0066]
The CPU 266 controls a unit address determination unit 266e for recognizing each connector unit 250, a station address determination unit 266f for determining a station address n of the kite unit 300 described later, and a power supply control circuit 262c. The power supply control unit 266g and a connection support processing unit 268 for controlling the signal of the probe 220 (see FIGS. 2 to 6) of the connector holder 211 are provided.
[0067]
The unit address determination unit 266e is for contributing to the specification of the probe 220 and the guide lamp 240 processed by the connection support processing unit 268 by specifying the address of the connector unit 250.
[0068]
The station address determination unit 266f specifies the station address n of the station ST where the wire supply base 40 is installed based on the setting value of the station address setting unit set in the paddle unit 300 installed in each station ST. This is to contribute to the control of the connection support processing unit 268.
[0069]
The connection support processing unit 268 includes a probe detection processing unit 268a for detecting the voltage state of the probe 220 corresponding to the terminal-attached electric wire W to be instructed, a guide lamp 240 for the connector holder, or a guide lamp for the temporary holder 290. A guide lamp processing unit 268b for controlling 291; a saddle lamp processing unit 268c for controlling a guide lamp of the electric wire supply base 40 to be described later; an instruction processing unit 268d for controlling the guide control of the electric wire W with terminal; A continuity inspection processing unit 268e that controls the continuity inspection of the terminal-attached electric wire W, a history processing unit 268f for processing history information of the continuity inspection, and a product number to be processed by each of the processing units 268a to 268f. A product number switching processing unit 268g and an AUTO processing unit 268h for automatically performing a switching operation by the product number switching processing unit 268g are provided. To have.
[0070]
The probe detection processing unit 268a can detect the voltage of the probe 220 corresponding to the terminal-attached electric wire W to be designated. Although not specifically shown here, the probe 220 has a circuit through which a detection current is conducted via a pull-up resistor, and the other rod 223 of the probe 220 is temporarily disconnected from the ground side. In this case, the potential of the other rod 223 rises so that the displacement can be detected by a potential difference.
[0071]
The guide lamp processing unit 268b can selectively turn on or blink the guide lamps 240 and 291 corresponding to the terminal-attached electric wire W to be instructed.
[0072]
The saddle lamp processing unit 268c is connected to the guide lamp 320 of the wire supply base 40, and can selectively light the guide lamp 320 corresponding to the terminal-attached electric wire W to be instructed.
[0073]
The instruction processing unit 268d is a connection for instructing one end side (hereinafter referred to as “A end”) and the other end side (hereinafter referred to as “B end”) of the terminal-attached electric wire W to be selected from the wire supply base 40. It is in charge of the instruction process as will be described later.
[0074]
The continuity inspection processing unit 268e determines whether the A and B ends of the connected terminal-attached electric wires W are legitimate based on the inspection reference data registered in advance in the storage unit 262b. In addition, a function of checking each connection is made, and when all of the terminal-attached electric wires W related to each station ST are connected, continuity inspection of all the circuits can be performed.
[0075]
The history processing unit 268f stores, as history information, the continuity test processing processed by the continuity test processing unit 268e and the lighting / flashing / extinguishing processing of the guide lamps 240, 291 and 320 processed by the lamp instruction units 268b and 268c. The information is recorded in the history data storage unit 269d of the unit 262b, and the operator operates the operation switch 265 to turn on the guide lamp 240 that has not been completed. This function is appropriately used when the worker interrupts the work and the start time of the work is unknown.
[0076]
The product number switching processing unit 268g is for specifying the product number of the sub-assembly to be processed for each drawing 100 on which the master unit 260 is installed. By providing the product number switching processing unit 268g, it is possible to manage the product number of the sub-assembly in units of drawing boards.
[0077]
The AUTO processing unit 268h is for automatically setting the product number switching operation by the product number switching processing unit 268g. Specifically, when the address n of the station ST based on the output from the station address setting unit 306 of the kite unit 300 described later is changed, the product number switching processing of the product number switching processing unit 268g is performed in accordance with the changed value. It is supposed to change automatically.
[0078]
Next, the saddle unit 300 provided on the wire supply base 40 will be described.
[0079]
10A and 10B show the appearance of the bag unit 300, where FIG. 10A is a front view, FIG. 10B is a right side view, FIG. 10C is a left side view, FIG. 10D is a plan view, and FIG. is there. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a wiring state of the bag unit 300.
[0080]
Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10E, the illustrated saddle unit 300 constitutes a wire side node connector in the present embodiment, and is a housing fixed to a fixed position of the wire supply base 40. 301 is provided. In the housing 301, a gateway unit 302, a power feeding unit 303, an infrared communication unit 304, and an LED control unit 305 are provided.
[0081]
The gateway unit 302 makes a pair corresponding to a pair of communication modular jacks 301d and is connected to a local node address setting switch 301b and a source node address setting switch 301c provided on the right side of the casing 301, respectively. A pair of multiplex communication control units 302a and 302b, and a W / R control logic circuit 302d that performs switching control of the multiplex communication control units 302a and 302b. At the same time, the gateway unit 302 is connected to a rotary switch 301e for system control and an LED 301f for operation display via an I / O unit (not shown), and is provided on the left side of the housing 301. A lamp connector connection portion 301g to which socket connectors (not shown) of a plurality of guide lamps 320 are connected is connected.
[0082]
The pair of multiplex communication control units 302a and 302b and the W / R control logic circuit 302d connect a communication network established between the master unit 260 and another network (for example, an intranet) established in the factory. Configure the gateway.
[0083]
One multiplex communication control unit 302a is connected to the master unit 260 via the infrared communication unit 304 so as to be capable of multiplex communication, and transmits an instruction signal to the LED control unit 305 based on an instruction from the master unit 260. The guide lamp 320 as the electric wire side connection support means can be selectively turned on.
[0084]
The other multiplex communication control unit 302b is connected to the monitoring computer 400 via the serial communication line 350, and is connected to the intranet 351 in the factory via this computer 400.
[0085]
The power supply unit 303 has an AC adapter connection port 303a provided on the upper surface of the housing 301, and controls power supply from an AC adapter 330 (shown only in FIG. 1) connected to the AC adapter connection port 303a. Is to do. In the illustrated example, the power supply unit 303 is provided with a power switch 303b illustrated in FIG. The AC adapter 330 is electrically connected to a power supply line 62 (see FIG. 1) provided in the sub-assembly line SL as shown in FIG. 1, and supplies power from the power supply line 62. It is configured to be able to.
[0086]
The infrared communication unit 304 is a unit capable of bidirectional communication with the infrared communication unit 264 of the master unit 260, and has a communication port 304 a provided on the lower surface of the housing 301. The gateway unit 302 controls the LED control unit 305 based on the signal from the master unit 260 received by the infrared communication unit 304 from the communication port 304a, and the guide lamp 320 controlled by the LED control unit 305 is displayed. It can be lit selectively.
[0087]
In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the infrared communication unit 304 provided in each cage unit 300 is connected to the computer 400 via a serial communication line 350. The computer 400 is connected to an intranet 351 in the factory, and can monitor the communication state between the master unit 260 and the bag unit 300. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, it is possible to monitor connection work information in each master unit 260 as production management information and perform various process management.
[0088]
Next, the details of the multiplex communication control units 252a, 262a, and 302a provided in the units 250, 260, and 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG.
[0089]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing details of the multiplex communication control units 252a, 262a, and 302a of the units 250, 260, and 300.
[0090]
Referring to the figure, in each of the units 250, 260, 300, the multiplex communication control units 252a, 262a, 302a include token receiving circuits 2521, 2621, 3021 for receiving tokens from the bus B constituting the LAN, and buses. Data decoding / receiving circuits 2523, 2623, 3023 for receiving and decoding data from B, and data transmitting circuits 2524, 2624, 3024 for receiving data from the data decoding / receiving circuits 2523, 2623, 3023 and transmitting data And timing clocks 2525, 2625, and 3025. In the figure, the bus B constitutes a bus-type network, and a network terminal TN is provided at the end thereof.
[0091]
Here, the token receiving circuit 2521 of the master unit 260 receives the own node address and the source node address set in each address setting unit 266f, 266e (see FIG. 8) of the CPU 266, so that all units 250 , 260, 300 can be associated with tokens.
[0092]
On the other hand, the own node address setting switches 251b and 301b and the source node address setting switches 251c and 301c are connected to the token receiving circuits 2621 and 3021 of the units 250 and 300 other than the master unit 260, and these setting switches 251b. , 301b, 251c, and 301c, the node addresses and tokens of all the units 250, 260, and 300 can be associated with each other.
[0093]
Further, the multiplex communication control unit 262a of the master unit 260 is provided with a token calling circuit 2622 that receives an output signal from the token receiving circuit 2621 and calls a token. Tokens can be granted with.
[0094]
The token call circuit 2622 outputs tokens of all units 250, 260, and 300 according to the timing of the output bit set BN by outputting a timing bit set as a token signal at regular intervals. .
[0095]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of complete time division multiplex communication by the master unit according to the present invention.
[0096]
First, referring to FIG. 13, the horizontal axis represents time, BNa is a call cycle of a token signal originated by the token call circuit 2622, and BN is a timing bit called as a token signal. A set is shown, and in the example shown in the figure, it is output by the frequency modulation method by the broadband method.
[0097]
The token call circuit 2622 of this embodiment repeats the call of a token signal with a period of 0 to t2, and the first half of 0 to t1, t2 to t3, t4 to t5, t6 to t7,. , The token calling circuit 2622 of the master unit 250 calls a token signal as a timing marker, and calls are made at the latter t1 to t2, t3 to t4, t5 to t6, t7. The units 250, 260, and 300 having their own node addresses that match the node address of the token signal thus set are set to output data DT from the data transmission circuits 2524, 2624, and 3024 to the bus B. As a result, the master unit 250 can give tokens to all the units 250, 260, and 300 including its own station by repeating the call of the timing bit set BN in the number of units in order. Become.
[0098]
Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the token receiving circuit 2521, 2621, 3021 and the data decoding & receiving circuit 2523, 2623, 3023 provided in each unit 250, 260, 300 output the token signal BN and the data DT. Since the common bus B is monitored, the data DT output by any unit can be shared. As a result, all the connector units 250 and the bag units 300 can share a single database constructed in the storage unit 262b of the master unit 260.
[0099]
By the way, in order to reduce the waiting time from when the token signal BN is called until the data DT related to the token signal BN is input to the master unit 260, in the continuity test according to the present embodiment, N In communication with the connector unit 250, the token signal BN is called 2N times within one token period, the data output request is made in the first N times, and the latter N times. The data output from the connector unit in the calling cycle is programmed to be written in the RAM (see FIG. 18 described later).
[0100]
In the present embodiment, a multiplex communication control system of a complete time division multiplex communication system is configured by the multiplex communication control units 252a, 262a, 302a, communication lines, and the like.
[0101]
Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 14 to 17, a connection process in manufacturing the subassembly will be described.
[0102]
14 to 17 are flowcharts showing details of the connection process according to the present invention.
[0103]
First, referring to FIG. 1, as described above, in the sub-assembly line SL, the drawing board unit 30 is sequentially and manually conveyed from the upstream station ST to the downstream station ST by the conveyor device 20. The connection work of the electric wire W with a terminal is performed.
[0104]
In this connection operation, all the connectors C necessary for manufacturing the subassembly are mounted in advance on each connector holder 211 laid out on the drawing board unit 30, and the power switch 261m of the master unit 260 (see FIG. 7B). And the power switch 303b (see FIG. 10C) of the bag unit 300 is operated to turn on the power.
[0105]
When the power is turned on, the master unit 260 lights all the guide lamps 240 and 291 for 2 seconds (step S1), and then the CPU 266 is initialized (step S2). Thus, the operator can check whether the lamp has run out or the like, and can check the abnormality of the guide lamps 240 and 291 themselves before the work.
[0106]
Next, the controller 262 of the master unit 260 expands the data of the product number selected by the product number switching processing unit 268g based on the product number preset by the setting switches 261a to 261f (step S3).
[0107]
When this data is expanded, the master unit 260 Instruction processing unit 268d Performs a masking process (step S4). In this masking process, Instruction processing unit 268d However, a probe 220 that does not require signal processing is selected in advance, and the probe 220 and the corresponding guide lamp 240 are removed from the control target to prevent malfunction.
[0108]
Next, the controller 262 initializes the step number SN (see FIG. 9) for managing the connection process of the terminal-attached electric wire W (step S5). As a result, the master unit 260 can specify the address n and the step SN of the wire supply base 40 to be controlled.
[0109]
When the above-described processes S1 to S5 by the controller 262 are completed, the infrared communication unit 264 of the master unit 260 waits for connection with the infrared communication unit 304 of the bag unit 300 (step S6). In this state, when the drawing board unit 30 arrives at the first station ST, communication is established between the master unit 260 and the infrared communication units 264 and 304 of the basket unit 300, so the CPU 266 sets the station address of the bottle unit 300. The station address n set in the unit 306 is recognized (step S7). Next, the pass buzzer is sounded for 2 seconds to display the station address n (step S8), and then the instruction processing unit 268d and the guide lamp control units 268b and 268c are operated to supply the wire corresponding to the first terminal-attached wire W. The guide lamp 320 of the base 40 and the guide lamp 240 of the connector holder 211 to which the terminal A of the terminal-attached electric wire W is connected are turned on (step S9). Thus, the operator takes out the terminal-attached electric wire W from the rod-like body 41 corresponding to the lighted guide lamp 320 and connects the A end thereof to the connector C of the connector holder 211 indicated by the guide lamp 240.
[0110]
As shown in step S10 of FIG. 15, after the guide lamps 240 and 320 are turned on, the CPU 266 waits for insertion of the terminal-attached electric wire W on the A end side. This determination is performed by detecting a voltage change in the corresponding probe 220. That is, when the terminal T of the terminal-attached electric wire W is inserted into the terminal insertion portion of the connector C, the terminal T pushes down one rod 222 of the probe 220 and displaces the other rod 223 below it. The other rod 223 is cut off from the electrical connection with the sleeve 221 and cut off from the ground side. As a result, the change in the voltage of the other rod 223 boosted by the detected current is detected, so that the connection on the A end side is Detect what has been done.
[0111]
When the connection on the A end side is made, as shown in steps S11 and S12 of FIG. 10, the continuity inspection processing unit 268e of the CPU 266 determines whether the A end of the terminal-attached electric wire W is connected to the regular pole at this time. Check whether or not. Here, if the terminal-attached electric wire W is not connected to the regular pole, the buzzer control unit 266c of the CPU 266 sounds the buzzer 263 to notify the operator that an incorrect connection has been made (step S13). In that case, the insertion position is corrected (step S14), and the process returns to step S10 again.
[0112]
When the A end side is correctly connected, the process proceeds to step S16 in FIG. 15 and waits for the operator to contact the B end of the terminal-attached electric wire W connected to the A end with the touch plate 245.
[0113]
When the operator brings the B end into contact with the touch plate, the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. 15, and the voltage of the probe 220 corresponding to the A end drops again. As a result, the connection support processing unit 268 of the CPU 266 can specify the guide lamp 240 to be displayed, so that the guide lamp processing unit 268b blinks the corresponding guide lamp 240 or the guide lamp 291. As described above, in this embodiment, the guide lamp 240 at the A end and the guide lamp 240 at the B end are used at the same time. Yes. In the connection instruction process at the B end, the guide lamp 240 corresponding to the A end is kept lit. And as shown to step S18, it waits for the terminal T of the B end side to be connected.
[0114]
The operator sees the lighting of the guide lamp 240 and inserts the terminal T on the B end side into the terminal insertion portion of the connector C corresponding to this. Then, since the output voltage of the probe 220 corresponding to the terminal T on the B end side changes as in the case of the A end, the CPU 266 determines that the terminal T on the B end side is connected and its connection position (pole ) Can be identified.
[0115]
In addition, when the terminal T which contacted the touch board 245 is what is called a last insertion terminal, the instruction | indication process part 268d is the guide lamp of the temporary holder 290 applicable only while the terminal T is contacting the touch board 245. Turn on 291.
[0116]
As shown in step S20 of FIG. 16, when the terminal T on the B end side is connected, the continuity test processing unit 268e of the CPU 266 performs the continuity test of the connected electric wire W with a terminal at this stage. When this continuity test is completed, the CPU 266 determines whether or not the working station ST is the final station, and if it is the final station ST, the CPU 266 moves to step S22 and is wired on the drawing board 100. Conduct a continuity check on the entire circuit of the wire harness.
[0117]
In this continuity inspection process, the CPU 266 Input / output unit 252d The circuit connection state is inspected by controlling the output voltage of each probe 220 corresponding to the A end side to the ground state one by one and checking the output voltage at each probe 220 corresponding to the B end side. (Step S23). If an erroneous connection is detected, the buzzer 263 and the corresponding guide lamp 240 are blinked to notify the error (step S24), and the operator performs correction work based on this (step S25).
[0118]
On the other hand, if the continuity test is passed, the process proceeds to step S26, and the buzzer 263 notifies the success. The pass / fail notification by the buzzer 263 may be identified, for example, by setting one as a long sound and the other as a short sound.
[0119]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of step S20 in FIG.
[0120]
Referring to FIG. 9, in the continuity test according to the illustrated embodiment, in step S201, test reference data (see FIG. 9) of step SN to be processed is developed. Next, in step S202, a continuity test is performed based on the developed test reference data.
[0121]
If the connection state of the terminal-attached electric wire W is different from the normal state stored in the storage unit 262b in advance, the CPU 266 determines that the connection on the B end side is defective and notifies the buzzer 263 of an error (step S204). . As a result, the operator corrects the connection at the B end (step S205).
[0122]
On the other hand, when the CPU 266 determines that the connection at the B end is normal, the CPU 266 turns off the guide lamp 240 related to the terminal-attached electric wire W that has been connected, and proceeds to step S206 in FIG. It is determined whether or not all connection work at the working station ST has been completed. At this time, when the connection of all the electric wires W with terminals is completed, the flow immediately returns to the flow of FIG. On the other hand, when the terminal-attached electric wire W to be connected remains, after updating the step number SN in step S207, the process returns to the flow of FIG. 16 and the above-described procedure is repeated. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the continuity test is performed in step S20 each time the B end of the terminal-attached electric wire W is connected. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the continuity inspection information of the circuit network constructed in the terminal-attached electric wire W is stored as inspection reference data up to the final stage for each terminal-attached electric wire W, and the CPU 266 as the discrimination means performs the step Since the inspection reference data accumulated in S201 is expanded, and the continuity inspection is performed based on the expanded inspection reference data, the continuity inspection is performed in the process of manufacturing the wire harness to be inspected. Every time it is connected, the quality of the circuit network is judged to the final stage.
[0123]
Next, a data processing procedure when conducting a continuity test in the connection support process described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing a specific signal processing example when the multiplex communication method according to this embodiment is applied to the continuity test.
[0124]
In the illustrated embodiment, each connector unit 250 obtains a token by outputting the same number of bit sets BN1 as the number N of all connector units 250 connected to the bus B in the first half of one token cycle. By outputting the same number of bit sets BN2 as the above number in the second half of one cycle of the token, the slave node having a data output request is configured to transmit a data packet.
[0125]
Here, as shown in FIG. 18, one continuity test is performed between 2.5 token cycles (for example, Nt to Nt + 2).
[0126]
In this section, in the first half section {circle around (1)} n of the token cycle Nt, a master signal is output to output a test signal for conducting a continuity test based on the read data of the network determined in the previous cycle Nt-1. The unit 260 outputs N (for example, 64) bit sets BN1.
[0127]
Next, in the second half section (2) n of the cycle Nt, the bit set BN2 for transmitting the data packet is transmitted, so that the read data of the network output from the probe 220 of the connector holder 211 is read by the connector unit 250. It is written in the data storage unit 269c. However, the data at this time is canceled in order to avoid a delay due to the wiring network stray capacitance.
[0128]
Since the read data in the second half section {circle around (2)} n is canceled, when the bit set BN1 is output from the master unit 260 to the connector unit 250 in the first half section {circle around (3)} n of the next cycle Nt + 1, (1) The read data of the network determined in n is maintained.
[0129]
Next, the bit set BN2 for data packet transmission is transmitted in the latter half section (4) n of the cycle Nt + 1, whereby the read data of the circuit network is written in the storage unit 269c of the master unit 260. As a result, the continuity inspection processing unit 268e compares the read data with the corresponding inspection reference data in the range {circle around (5)} n to make a pass / fail determination. In parallel with this, the bit set BN1 is output in the first half section of the token Nt + 2, and in this section, the read data is determined for the next continuity test.
[0130]
If a signal missing error occurs in the continuity test in the section {circle over (5)} n, retesting is performed by going back to {circle around (4)} n−1 of the cycle Nt−1.
[0131]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the guide lamps 240 and 291 provided on the drawing board 100 and the guide lamp 320 provided for each of the plurality of stations ST are linked to support the wire connection work. Since the token signal BN is output at regular intervals, the complete time division multiplex communication system is employed in which the timing of the token signal BN and the node address are matched to transmit and receive the data DT. It becomes unnecessary to establish communication conditions between the master unit 260 as a node, the connector unit 250, and the bag unit 300, and data can be transmitted and received in a protocol-free state. For this reason, since the response time between the master unit 260 for transmitting and receiving data and the connector unit 250 and the saddle unit 300 is drastically shortened, the guide lamps 240, 291 and 320 are instructed to perform the wire instruction in a complicated manner. Even when performing the above, it is possible to control the guide lamps 240, 291 and 320 quickly at a practical speed. In addition, this enables the master unit 260 to centrally manage large-scale wire harness connection support information and continuity test information using a single database, thereby facilitating data management and updating. Further, since a protocol-free communication form is adopted, it is not necessary to develop software for establishing a protocol among the master unit 260, the connector unit 250, and the bag unit 300, which contributes to cost reduction.
[0132]
Further, even if the number of circuits of the wire harness is relatively large, it is possible to lay out the connector unit 250 and the connector holder 211 connected to the connector unit 250 within an area that has been reduced in line. As a result, a wire harness having a large number of circuits (for example, 200 circuits to 300 circuits) is placed on the drawing board 100 having a physically impossible area in the past, and continuity inspection and connection support, or Multiple communication with an electronic device connected to the wire harness can be performed.
[0133]
Moreover, since the master unit 250 does not need to establish communication conditions with the connector unit 250 or the saddle unit 300 by adopting the complete time division multiplex communication system, the connector unit 250 or the saddle unit 300 has a microprocessor. Therefore, a simple and inexpensive hardware configuration can be adopted.
[0134]
In addition, since the master unit 260 performs multiplex communication with the connector unit 250 and the bag unit 300, it is possible to reduce the number of lines between the units 250, 260, and 300, and a relatively large circuit ( For example, even with a wire harness having 960 points of contact), a continuity test and connection support can be performed with the compact drawing board 100.
[0135]
Further, by adopting the complete time division multiplex communication system as described above, multiplex communication between the units 250, 260, 300 can be performed only by setting the timing bit set BN and the node address output at regular intervals. Therefore, the increase / decrease of the connector unit 250 and the saddle unit 300 is facilitated, and it becomes possible to easily cope with the change in the specifications of the wire harness on the hardware.
[0136]
In particular, the master unit 260 in this embodiment inspects the continuity of the circuit network including the terminal-attached electric wire W each time the terminal-attached electric wire W is connected to the connector C held by the connector holder 211 as a harness element electric wire. In addition to having a continuity inspection function that allows each connection instruction means to perform the next connection support only when it passes the continuity inspection, it is possible to detect erroneous connections with a real-time response, and to process defective products in the post-process. No longer flow. Moreover, the time required for the continuity test is drastically improved by adopting the complete time division multiplex communication system, so the processing time from one connection work and the continuity test work to the next connection work is shortened. Thus, no waiting time is given to the worker.
[0137]
Furthermore, the electric wire supply base 40 according to the present embodiment is disposed at a plurality of stations ST provided along the conveyance path along which the drawing board 100 is conveyed, and the master unit 260 is a wire harness to be inspected. Since the continuity is inspected until the final stage of the manufacturing process, the wire connection instruction and the continuity inspection can be performed seamlessly from the first station ST to the last station ST. Therefore, even if the worker is changed between the stations ST or the work is interrupted, the quality of the connection work does not vary.
[0138]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the time of the continuity test, the token is read by a complete time division method in which the bit set BN1 for reading tokens and the bit set BN2 for data packets are set to the same number corresponding to the total number of connector units. Therefore, even when a plurality of connector holders are provided and the harness element wires are randomly connected to the connector, the communication speed for the behavior can be quickly followed.
[0139]
Further, in the present embodiment, the section {circle around (2)} n in which data is written from the wiring network after the section {circle around (1)} n in which data is output to the wiring network in the procedure described in FIG. There is an advantage that a delay due to stray capacitance can be automatically avoided.
[0140]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the master unit 260 and the bag unit 300 are wirelessly communicable by the infrared communication units 264 and 304 provided respectively, so that one drawing board 100 is transported to a plurality of stations ST. Even in this case, the connection / disconnection operation between the electric wire side connection instruction means (the guide lamp 320 and the like) of each station ST and the master unit 260 is facilitated, and the workability is dramatically improved.
[0141]
In addition, since the gateway unit 302 of the bag unit 300 constitutes a gateway for establishing communication between a plurality of networks, communication conditions are established between the master unit 260 and another network (intranet 351). Instead, a communication line constructed around the master unit 260 can be connected to an external network (for example, the intranet 351) so as to be capable of multiplex communication, and various processes can be performed. For example, it is possible to remotely teach or change data to the storage unit 262b of the master unit 260 via the intranet 351. In addition, since the behavior of the wire connection support device centering on the master unit 260 can be monitored as it is from the intranet 351, it is possible to add complementary functions of the wire connection support device such as maintenance and warning.
[0142]
Furthermore, in the case of so-called mixed flow production in which various types of subassemblies are manufactured on the same subassembly line SL (conveyor line), a master unit 260 is provided in each drawing 100, and the storage unit 262b of the master unit 260 is provided in the storage unit 262b. Since all the connector units 250 and saddle units 300 are configured to share information of a single database to be constructed across all stations ST, manufacturing information of individual subassemblies is input to the wire supply base 40. It becomes unnecessary and the setup work is greatly facilitated. In addition, in the case where a plurality of drawing plates 100 are caused to flow through the sub-assembly line SL, even if a failure such as product failure or failure occurs in any drawing plate 100, the master unit 260 provided in each drawing plate 100. In this case, the guide lamps 320 of the wire supply base 40 are individually controlled and linked with the guide lamps 240 of the connector holder 211 provided on the drawing board 100, so that the connection work on other drawing boards 100 is affected. There is nothing. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in productivity as much as possible.
[0143]
Moreover, since information of a single database can be shared across all stations ST and connection work can be supported, it is necessary to take measures to prevent operator connection errors by color-coding the covered electric wires constituting the product. Disappear. As a result, it is possible to reduce the types of covered electric wires as materials and reduce the cost of products.
[0144]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the electric wire connection work set for each station ST can be continuously performed easily and accurately on the same drawing board, and thus a large-scale subassembly can be efficiently manufactured. There is a remarkable effect that production can be flexibly handled.
[0145]
Furthermore, the drawing board 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of temporary holders 290 that temporarily hold the other end of the terminal-attached electric wire W that is defined as a bulk terminal that is connected in advance when the sub-assembly is gloss-assembled. In addition, the terminal insertion support unit 200 is provided for each temporary holding tool 290, and indicates the temporary holding tool 290 when the other end as the bulk terminal comes into contact with the touch plate 245. Since the guide lamp 291 (termination indicating means) is included, when the subassembly includes a so-called “rose terminal” connected when the wire harness is gloss-assembled, the loose terminal is temporarily held at a plurality of locations. In this case, an appropriate temporary holding position can be indicated for each individual bulk terminal, and the electric wire connection work can be performed efficiently.
[0146]
The above-described embodiment is merely a preferred specific example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. It goes without saying that various design changes are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
[0147]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since connection support for electric wires is performed by a complete time division multiplex communication system, a large-scale circuit is based on connection support information built in a single database. There is a remarkable effect that the electric wire connecting operation of the wire harness constituting can be easily and accurately performed continuously on the same drawing board.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a production line employing a wire connection support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of FIG.
3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of the wire connection instruction mechanism of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged main part of the wire connection instruction mechanism of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a probe.
6A and 6B show the appearance of the connector unit, where FIG. 6A is a front view, FIG. 6B is a right side view, and FIG. 6C is a left side view.
7 is a block diagram of the connector unit according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and each part connected to the connector unit. FIG.
8A and 8B are external views of a control unit, where FIG. 8A is a front view, FIG. 8B is a right side view, FIG. 8C is a plan view, and FIG. 8D is a bottom view.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a connection state between a control unit, a connector unit, and a flange unit.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state of complete time division multiplex communication by the master unit according to the present invention.
11A and 11B are frame diagrams of a bit set output by a master unit according to the present invention, where FIG. 11A shows a read bit set and FIG. 11B shows a packet data transmission bit set.
FIG. 12 is a data configuration diagram representing data of the present embodiment in a list form.
FIGS. 13A and 13B show the appearance of a kite unit. FIG. 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a right side view, FIG. 13C is a left side view, FIG. 13D is a plan view, and FIG. is there.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a wiring state of the bag unit.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of a connection step according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of a connection process according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of a connection step according to the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of a connection step according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Wire connection support device
20 Conveyor equipment
30 Drawing unit
40 Electric wire supply stand
41 Rod-shaped body
100 drawing board
200 Terminal insertion support unit (an example of a wire connection instruction mechanism)
211 Connector holder
220 probe (an example of a detector)
240 Guide lamp (an example of connector side connection instruction means)
245 Touch plate (an example of a grounding member)
250 Connector unit (Example of connector side node unit)
260 Master unit
H.264 infrared communication unit
291 Guide lamp (an example of termination instruction means)
300 mm unit (an example of a node unit on the electric wire side)
304 Infrared communication unit
320 Guide lamp (an example of electric wire side connection instruction means)
C connector
ST station
T terminal
W Electric wire with terminal (an example of harness element electric wire)

Claims (5)

An electric wire supply unit that accommodates the electric wires with terminals whose terminals are connected to both ends of the scaled covered electric wires in advance classified for each type, and
A board for connecting the electric wire with terminal taken out from the electric wire supply unit;
This connector can be electrically connected to a connector housing portion for holding a connector that is erected on this drawing board and is connected to a terminal-attached electric wire taken out from the wire supply portion, and a connector terminal housed in the connector housing portion. A connector holder having a detector;
An electric wire side connection instruction means for instructing to take out the electric wire provided in the electric wire supply section and accommodated in the electric wire supply section;
Connector-side connection instruction means that is provided corresponding to each connector holder and displays a connection destination corresponding to the connector to which the taken out electric wire with terminal is connected;
A master unit that is provided so as to be electrically conductive with each detector, and is provided on the above-mentioned drawing plate for controlling each connection instruction means,
A wire side node unit connected to the master unit so as to be capable of multiplex communication, and for driving the wire side connection instruction means based on the control of the master unit,
A connector side node unit connected to the master unit so as to be capable of multiplex communication, and for driving the detector of the connector holder and the electric wire side connection instruction means based on the control of the master unit;
A master unit and a multiplex communication control system that connects each node unit as a node so that multiplex communication is possible, and information on a single database constructed in the master unit and connection information of harness element wires connected to the drawing board By controlling each connection instruction means based on the wire connection support device for supporting the connection of the wires constituting the wire harness,
The multiplex communication control system is
Node address setting means for setting different node addresses for the nodes, and
Token calling means for calling a timing bit set as a token signal at regular intervals;
A wire connection support device comprising: a token reception control unit to which each of the nodes is given a token in a time-sharing manner according to a timing bit set called by the token calling means and the node address. . In the electric wire connection support apparatus according to claim 1,
When the master unit has a continuity inspection function that inspects the continuity of the network including the harness element wires connected to the connector held by the connector holder every time the harness element wires are connected, and passes the continuity test. The wire connection support device is characterized in that each of the connection instruction means performs the next connection support. In the electric wire connection support apparatus according to claim 2,
The electric wire supply unit is disposed at a plurality of stations provided along the conveyance path along which the drawing board is conveyed, and the master unit is electrically connected to the final stage of the manufacturing process of the wire harness to be inspected. It is comprised so that it may test | inspect. In the electric wire connection support apparatus according to claim 1,
The electric wire connection support device, wherein the electric wire side node unit is configured by a gateway capable of multiplex communication with an external network. In the electric wire connection support apparatus according to claim 1,
The figure plate is provided with a plurality of temporary holders that temporarily hold the other end of the terminal-attached electric wire that is defined as a loose terminal connected when the sub-assembly is assembled in advance. The node unit is provided for each temporary holding tool, and is connected to a termination instruction means for instructing the temporary holding tool when the other end as the loose terminal contacts the ground member. Electric wire connection support device.

Images