JP5051693B2 - Picking sensor and picking system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a picking sensor and a picking system including a work instruction display unit that exhibits a lighting state that can be visually recognized from the outside in response to a lighting command from a control unit.

As a conventional picking sensor, as shown in FIG. 7, a first photoelectric sensor PS1 and a second photoelectric sensor PS2 each composed of a light projecting unit 11 and a light receiving unit 12 each having a work instruction lamp in a plurality of work areas are provided. There has been proposed one in which a control unit 13 is connected to each of the photoelectric sensors PS1 and PS2. Then, in a state where the work instruction lamp is turned on by the signal from the control unit 13 and the work instruction display is performed, the operator's arm enters the optical path between the light projecting unit 11 and the light receiving unit 12, and the parts When the part is taken out from the storage, the optical path is interrupted once, so that the operator is notified that the picking operation has been performed. (Patent Document 1 discloses a photoelectric switch for picking similar to the above-described picking sensor.)
JP 2000-179226 A

  The conventional picking sensor can appropriately detect that a part picking operation has been performed in each work area. However, since the time of the picking work is not managed, the picking work is advanced based on each work speed of the worker, and the worker A performs the picking operation within the standard work time. Since the picking operation may be performed exceeding the standard work time, there is a problem that the efficiency of the picking work is reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a picking sensor and a picking system capable of solving the problems in the conventional technology and improving the efficiency of picking work.

In order to solve the above problems, the inventions according to claim 1 and claim 2 are a light projecting unit that projects light onto a work area, and a light receiving unit that receives light projected from the light projecting unit. Do that a photoelectric sensor, work instruction lighting signal from the outside to the photoelectric sensor is sent from the, and the work instruction display unit exhibiting a lighting state visible from the outside, based on the photodetection signal from the photoelectric sensor, picking It is a picking sensor provided with the detection means which detects operation | movement .
In particular, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a timer setting means for setting a standard work time of the picking operation, and when receiving a work instruction lighting signal from the outside, or when the photoelectric sensor detects light shielding. A time measuring means for measuring time is sometimes provided, and the picking operation is performed only when it is measured by the time measuring means that the standard working time has been reached and the picking operation is not performed within the standard working time. A delay notification means for reporting the delay of the delay notification means, a notification release means for releasing the notification operation of the delay notification means based on the operation of the operator, and the notification release means, wherein the operator The gist of the present invention is that the notification operation is canceled by repeating the light-shielding and re-entering the light after the light-shielding a plurality of times .

In particular, the invention according to claim 2 is provided with a timer setting means for setting a standard work time of the picking operation, and a timer means for measuring the time when the photoelectric sensor detects a light shielding, Furthermore, a delay notification means is provided for notifying the delay of the picking operation only when it is measured by the time measuring means that the standard work time has been reached and the picking operation is not performed within the standard work time, The gist of the invention is that a notification canceling means for canceling the notification operation of the notification means based on the operation of the operator is provided .

The invention according to claim 3 and claim 4 is a photoelectric sensor comprising: a light projecting unit that projects light to a plurality of work areas; and a light receiving unit that receives light projected from the light projecting unit. And a common control unit connected to a plurality of photoelectric sensors, and a work instruction display provided in each work area and exhibiting a lighting state visible from the outside in response to a lighting command from the control unit And a detecting means for detecting a picking operation in each work area based on a light reception signal from each photoelectric sensor .
Particularly, in the invention according to claim 3, when the control unit is provided with timer setting means for setting the standard work time of each work area, and when a work instruction lighting signal is received from the outside Or a time measuring means for measuring time when the photoelectric sensor detects light shielding, and further, the time measuring means measures that the standard work time has been reached, and the picking operation is performed within the standard work time. Delay notification means for notifying the delay of the picking operation is provided only when it is not performed, and notification release means for releasing the notification operation of the delay notification means based on the operation of the operator is provided. As for means, the notification operation is canceled when the operator blocks the optical path of the photoelectric sensor and repeats the light input after the light is blocked a plurality of times. It is summarized as that is configured to.

In particular, in the invention according to claim 4, the control unit is provided with timer setting means for setting a standard work time for each work area, and the time when the photoelectric sensor detects light shielding is set. A timing means for measuring is provided, and further, a delay in the picking operation is determined only when it is measured by the timing means that the standard operation time has been reached and the picking operation is not performed within the standard operation time. The gist of the invention is that a delay notification means for notification is provided, and a notification release means for canceling the notification operation of the delay notification means based on the operation of the operator is provided .

(Function)
In the present invention, since the delay of the picking operation is notified to the worker only when the picking operation is not performed within the standard work time by the delay notification means, the worker notices the delay of the picking operation and performs the picking operation. Can do. Further, since the delay notification operation is canceled only based on the operator's operation, the delay notification operation is reliably transmitted to the worker.

  According to the present invention, the operator can notice the delay of the picking operation, and the efficiency of the picking operation can be improved.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a picking sensor embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The picking sensor of this embodiment is individually provided in each of a plurality of work areas provided with a component storage. Since each picking sensor is configured similarly, one picking sensor will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the picking sensor is provided at one end of a predetermined work area. The light projecting unit 11 projects light, and the light receiving unit 12 receives light projected from the light projecting unit 11. The control unit 13 is connected to the light projecting unit 11 and the light receiving unit 12 and controls the operations of the light projecting unit 11 and the light receiving unit 12. The light projecting unit 11 and the light receiving unit 12 constitute a photoelectric sensor PS.

Next, the configuration of the light projecting unit 11, the light receiving unit 12, and the control unit 13 will be described in order.
The light projecting unit 11 is provided with a light projecting unit 14, and in response to a work instruction lighting signal from the control unit 13 to be described later, a work instruction lamp 15 and a power switch showing a lighting state visible from the outside are turned on. There is provided a power indicator lamp 16 that is turned on. The light projecting unit 11 is provided with a control circuit 17 having a CPU. An external signal is input to the control circuit 17 from the control unit 13 via an input circuit 18. The control circuit 17 controls the operation of the work instruction lamp 15 and the power indicator lamp 16 based on the external signal and a pre-recorded control program, and the light projecting unit 14 via the light projecting circuit 19. It has a function to control the operation of.

  Next, the configuration of the light receiving unit 12 will be described. The light receiving unit 12 includes a light receiving unit 20 that receives light projected from the light projecting unit 14. Further, the light receiving unit 12 is provided with a work instruction lamp 21 having the same configuration as the work instruction lamp 15 of the light projecting unit 11, and displays a stable light incident indicator lamp 22 and a light projecting operation. An operation indicator lamp 23 is provided. Further, the light receiving unit 12 is also provided with a control circuit 24 having a CPU. An external signal from the control unit 13 is input to the control circuit 24 via the input circuit 25, and a light reception signal from the light receiving unit 20 is input via the light receiving circuit 26. The control circuit 24 controls the operations of the work instruction lamp 21, the stable light incident indicator lamp 22 and the operation indicator lamp 23 based on those signals and a pre-recorded control program, and via an output circuit 27. The control unit 13 is provided with a function of outputting a picking operation detection signal.

Next, the configuration of the control unit 13 will be described.
The control unit 13 includes a control circuit 31 having a CPU. An external signal such as a work instruction signal is sent to the light projecting unit 11 and the light receiving unit 12 via the input / output circuit 32. While being outputted, a detection signal of picking operation from the light receiving unit 12 is inputted. The control circuit 31 has a function as detection means for detecting a picking operation based on a light reception signal from the light reception unit 12.

  The control unit 13 is provided with timer setting means 33 for setting a predetermined time (standard work time) required for one picking work. The timer setting means 33 is configured to variably set the predetermined time by an input means such as a keyboard (not shown). The timer setting means 33 is connected to a time measuring means 34 (counter) for measuring a predetermined time. The time measuring means 34 is connected to the control circuit 31, and the control circuit 31 is connected to a delay notifying means 35 for notifying the picking operation delay. Although not shown, the delay notification means 35 is provided with an indicator lamp, a buzzer, a chime or the like. The control circuit 31 and the delay notification unit 35 are also provided with a function as a notification release unit for canceling the notification of the delay state.

In this embodiment, a work instruction display means is constituted by the control circuit 31 of the control unit 13 and the work instruction lamps 15 and 21.
Next, based on FIG.1 and FIG.2, operation | movement of the picking sensor comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated.

  In FIG. 1, when an input means (not shown) is operated by an operator while the power indicator lamp 16 of the light projecting unit 11 is turned on by an external signal from the control unit 13, the timer setting means 33 performs picking work. The required standard work time (predetermined time) is set to 10 seconds, for example.

  Next, when an input means (not shown) is operated by an operator and a work instruction signal is output from the control circuit 31 of the control unit 13, the light projecting unit 11 and the light receiving unit 12 are connected via the input / output circuit 32. The work instruction signal is output to the input circuit 18 and the input circuit 25. Then, a lighting signal is output from the control circuit 17 and the control circuit 24, and the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 are lit. In synchronization with this, a signal is output from the control circuit 17 to the light projecting unit 14 via the light projecting circuit 19, and light is output from the light projecting unit 14 toward the light receiving unit 20 of the light receiving unit 12. When light is received by the light receiving unit 20, a light reception signal is input from the light receiving circuit 26 to the control circuit 24, the stable light incident indicator lamp 22 and the operation indicator lamp 23 are turned on, and the output circuit 27 and the control unit 13. The light receiving signal is input to the control circuit 31 through the input / output circuit 32.

  In this state, when a part is taken out by a worker from a part storage (not shown) in the work area and a picking operation is performed, light output from the light projecting unit 14 toward the light receiving unit 20 by the operator's arm. Therefore, the picking operation detection signal is output from the photoelectric sensor PS to the control unit 13. In synchronization with the detection of the picking operation, the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 are turned off, and a predetermined time (standard work time) preset by the timer setting means 33 is measured by the time measuring means 34. If the next picking operation is performed in the same work area and the second picking operation detection signal is input to the control circuit 31 before the predetermined time elapses, a delay occurs from the control circuit 31. The operation signal is not output to the notification unit 35, and the delay notification unit 35 is not operated. On the contrary, when the next picking operation is not performed within the predetermined time, an operation signal is output from the control circuit 31 to the delay notification unit 35, and picking is performed by a buzzer or a chime of the delay notification unit 35. The operator is notified that the operation is in a delayed state. The notification operation of the delay notification means 35 is delayed from the control circuit 31 when it is detected by the photoelectric sensor PS that the second picking operation has been performed as shown in FIG. A release signal is output to the notification means 35, and the notification operation is automatically released.

According to the picking sensor of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the above embodiment, the control unit 13 is provided with the timer setting means 33, the time measuring means 34, and the delay notification means 35, and the next picking operation is not performed even if a predetermined time elapses from the previous picking operation. In the event that a signal has been detected, a signal is output from the control circuit 31 of the control unit 13 to the delay notification means 35 to notify the operator that the picking operation is in a delay state. For this reason, the efficiency of an operator's picking work can be improved.

  (2) In the above embodiment, if the photoelectric sensor PS detects that the next picking operation has been performed while the notification operation of the delay notification unit 35 is continuing, the control circuit 31 cancels the delay notification unit 35. The notification operation is automatically canceled when a signal is output. For this reason, since the delay notification operation is released only based on the operator's operation, the delay notification operation is reliably transmitted to the worker. Next, first to third embodiments that embody the picking system of the present invention will be sequentially described below.

Since the hardware configuration of the picking system used in each of these embodiments is the same as shown in FIG. 3, this configuration will be described.
Since the first photoelectric sensor PS1 and the second photoelectric sensor PS2 respectively installed in the first and second work areas are the same as the configuration of the above-described photoelectric sensor PS, description thereof is omitted. The common photoelectric control unit 13 is connected to the first photoelectric sensor PS1 and the second photoelectric sensor PS2. The first photoelectric sensor PS1, the second photoelectric sensor PS2, and the control unit 13 are provided with software that stores programs for controlling operations of first to third embodiments described later. Actually, for example, first to tenth work areas are provided, and photoelectric sensors in each area are connected to the control unit 13, but the configuration below the third work area is omitted.
(First embodiment)
First, based on FIG.3 and FIG.4, operation | movement of 1st Embodiment of a picking system is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a work instruction lamp lighting signal is output from the control unit 13 to the first photoelectric sensor PS1 in the first work area, and the work instruction lights 15, 21 are turned on. In this state, when the picking operation detection signal of the first part is input from the first photoelectric sensor PS1 to the control unit 13, the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 are turned off, and the time measuring means 34 causes the first photoelectric sensor. Measurement for a predetermined time in PS1 (first work area) is performed. In addition, a work instruction lighting signal is output from the control unit 13 to the second photoelectric sensor PS2 in synchronization with the picking operation detection signal in the first work area. In this state, if a picking operation is performed in the second photoelectric sensor PS2 (second work area) within the predetermined time as shown by a chain line in FIG. 4, an operation signal is output from the control circuit 31 to the delay notification means 35. It is never done. On the other hand, if the picking operation is not performed in the second work area within the predetermined time, a signal is output from the control circuit 31 to the delay notification means 35, and the picking operation in the second work area is delayed. The operator is informed by a buzzer or the like. The notification operation of the delay notification means 35 is performed when the second photoelectric sensor PS2 detects that the picking work has been performed in the second work area, as indicated by the solid line in FIG. A release signal is output from the control circuit 31 to the delay notification means 35, and the notification operation is automatically canceled.

The effects of the first embodiment of the picking system are the same as the effects (1) and (2) of the picking sensor described above.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, based on FIG.3 and FIG.5, operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 on the first photoelectric sensor PS1 side are turned on, and at the same time, the time measuring means 34 measures a predetermined time. Then, as shown by the chain line in FIG. 5, when the picking operation is performed within a predetermined time, the delay notification means 35 is not activated. Conversely, if the picking operation is not performed within a predetermined time, the delay notification means 35 is activated in the first photoelectric sensor PS1 (first operation area), and the picking operation is delayed by a buzzer or the like. Is notified to the operator. Thereafter, when the picking work is performed in the first work area as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, the delay notification means 35 is released as described above.

  When the picking work in the first work area is performed, a work instruction lighting signal is output from the control unit 13 to the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 of the second photoelectric sensor PS2 in the second work area and turned on. Simultaneously with the lighting of the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 in the second work area, the time measuring means 34 measures a predetermined time. Then, as shown by the chain line in FIG. 5, when the picking work of the second work area is performed within a predetermined time, the delay notification means 35 is not activated. On the contrary, if the picking operation is not performed within a predetermined time, the delay notification means 35 is activated in the second photoelectric sensor PS2 (second operation area), and the picking operation is delayed by a buzzer or the like. Is notified to the operator. Then, in the second work area, when the picking work is performed as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, the notification operation by the delay notification means 35 is canceled.

The effects of the second embodiment of the picking system are the same as the effects (1) and (2) of the picking sensor described above.
(Third embodiment)
Next, based on FIG.3 and FIG.6, operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a work instruction lamp lighting signal is output from the control unit 13 to the first photoelectric sensor PS1 in the first work area, and the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 are turned on. In this state, when the first photoelectric sensor PS1 detects the picking operation detection signal of the first part, the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 are turned off, and the time measuring means 34 of the control unit 13 causes the first photoelectric sensor PS1 to turn off. Measurement for a predetermined time in the sensor PS1 is performed. In addition, a work instruction lighting signal is output from the control unit 13 to the second photoelectric sensor PS2 in synchronization with the picking operation detection signal in the first work area. In this state, if the operator does not shield the first photoelectric sensor PS1 twice (simply mere shading) in the first work area within the predetermined time, a signal is output from the control circuit 31 to the delay notification means 35. The operator is notified by a buzzer or the like that the picking operation in the second work area is delayed.

  In the notification operation by the delay notification means 35, when the notification operation is continued, as shown in FIG. 6, when the operator blocks the first photoelectric sensor PS1 twice (only light blocking) in the first work area. Then, a release signal is output from the control circuit 31 to the delay notification means 35, and the notification operation is released. Thereafter, when the picking work is performed in the second work area, the work instruction lights 15 and 21 of the second photoelectric sensor PS2 are turned off, and the work instruction is given from the control unit 13 to the third photoelectric sensor PS3 in the third work area. A lighting signal is output, the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 are turned on, and the time measuring means 34 measures a predetermined time. Thereafter, operations similar to those described above are performed in each of the areas below the third work area.

  In the third embodiment, since the first first photoelectric sensor PS1 is shielded twice to cancel the notification operation of the delay notification means 35, the notification state is canceled only by the operator's intention. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the picking work from being delayed.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
In the picking sensor shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the work instruction lamps 15 and 21 of the photoelectric sensor PS are turned on, and at the same time, the time measuring unit 34 may measure the predetermined time.

  In the picking sensor shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in order to cancel the notification operation of the delay notification means 35, the operator shields the photoelectric sensor PS twice in the work area which is the method of the third embodiment described above ( You may employ | adopt the method of performing only a simple light shielding.

In the picking sensor shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit 13 may be integrated into the light projecting unit 11 or the light receiving unit 12.
The light projecting unit 11 and the light receiving unit 12 may be a method using a reflection plate that reflects light or a transmission method that does not use a reflection plate.

  -The operator cancels the notification operation by blocking the light path of the photoelectric sensors PS, PS1, PS2 to the control circuit 31 and the delay notification means 35, and entering the light again after the light is blocked. A function may be added. Further, the control circuit 31 and the delay notification means 35 may be provided with a function of releasing the notification operation by repeating the light blocking and the light incident on the optical path by an operator a plurality of times.

The block circuit diagram which shows one Embodiment which actualized the picking sensor of this invention. The time chart explaining operation | movement of a picking sensor. The block circuit diagram which shows the hardware used for the 1st-3rd embodiment of the picking system of this invention. The time chart explaining operation | movement of 1st Embodiment of a picking system. The time chart explaining operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment of a picking system. The time chart explaining operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment of a picking system. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a conventional pitching sensor.

Explanation of symbols

  PS ... photoelectric sensor, PS1 ... first photoelectric sensor, PS2 ... second photoelectric sensor, 11 ... light emitting unit, 12 ... light receiving unit, 13 ... control unit, 15, 21 ... work instruction lamp, 33 ... timer setting means, 34 ... Time measuring means, 35 ... Delay notification means.

Claims (4)

A light projecting unit for projecting light onto the work area, and the photoelectric sensor ing from a light receiving unit for receiving light projected from-projecting optical unit, the work instruction lighting signal from the outside to the photoelectric sensor is transmitted In a picking sensor comprising a work instruction display means that exhibits a lighting state visible from the outside, and a detection means that detects a picking operation based on a light reception signal from the photoelectric sensor,
Timer setting means for setting the standard work time of the picking operation is provided, and time measuring means for measuring time when receiving a work instruction lighting signal from the outside or when the photoelectric sensor detects light shielding Providing a delay notification means for notifying the delay of the picking operation only when it is measured by the time measuring means that the standard work time has been reached and the picking operation is not performed within the standard work time, Providing a notification release means for releasing the notification operation of the delay notification means based on the operation of the operator ;
The notification canceling means is configured such that the notification operation is canceled by repeating a plurality of times that an operator blocks the optical path of the photoelectric sensor and enters the light again after the light blocking. Picking sensor. A light emitting unit that projects light onto the work area, a photoelectric sensor that includes a light receiving unit that receives light projected from the light projecting unit, and a work instruction lighting signal is transmitted from the outside to the photoelectric sensor, In a picking sensor comprising a work instruction display means that exhibits a lighting state that can be visually recognized from the outside, and a detection means that detects a picking operation based on a light reception signal from the photoelectric sensor,
Timer setting means for setting the standard work time of the picking operation is provided, and time measuring means for measuring time when the photoelectric sensor detects light shielding is provided, and further, the time keeping means sets the standard work time. Delay notification means for notifying the delay of the picking operation only when it is measured and the picking operation is not performed within the standard work time is provided, and the notification operation of the delay notification means The picking sensor characterized by providing the alert | report cancellation | release means to cancel | release based on this . For a plurality of work areas, a light projecting unit for projecting light, provided with respectively a photoelectric sensor ing from a light receiving unit for receiving light projected from-projecting optical unit is connected to a plurality of photoelectric sensors A common control unit, work instruction display means that is provided in each work area and that can be viewed from the outside in response to a lighting command from the control unit, and a light reception signal from each photoelectric sensor. Based on the picking system comprising a detecting means for detecting the picking operation in each work area,
The control unit is provided with timer setting means for setting the standard work time of each work area, and when receiving a work instruction lighting signal from the outside, or when the photoelectric sensor detects light shielding Time measuring means for measuring time is provided, and it is measured only when the time reaches the standard work time and the picking operation is not performed within the standard work time. A delay notification means for notifying the delay is provided; a notification release means for releasing the notification operation of the delay notification means based on the operation of the operator ;
The notification canceling means is configured such that the notification operation is canceled by repeating a plurality of times that an operator blocks the optical path of the photoelectric sensor and enters the light again after the light blocking. Picking system to do. A plurality of photoelectric sensors each including a light projecting unit that projects light and a light receiving unit that receives light projected from the light projecting unit are provided to each of the plurality of work areas, and are connected to the plurality of photoelectric sensors. Based on a common control unit, work instruction display means provided in each work area and showing a lighting state visible from the outside in response to a lighting command from the control unit, and a light reception signal from each photoelectric sensor In the picking system provided with a detecting means for detecting the picking operation in each work area,
The control unit is provided with timer setting means for setting a standard work time for each work area, and is provided with time measuring means for measuring time when the photoelectric sensor detects light shielding, Delay notifying means for notifying the delay of the picking operation is provided only when it is measured by the time measuring means that the standard operation time has been reached and the picking operation is not performed within the standard operation time, and the delay is provided. A picking system, comprising: a notification canceling means for canceling the notification operation of the notification means based on the operation of the operator .

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