JPH01196603A - Flexible production system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily and exactly execute initial setting to a control device by executing the initial value input of the control device, which operates and controls respective equipments, with the use of the information of the storing place and type of a work, which are arbitrarily set through a system model, and the proceeding condition of a process, etc. CONSTITUTION:A system model 106 is equipped and this model has a shape, for which respective equipments P and G are respectively suitably dummy- reduced for the unit of a storing place STR' of a work W, and arbitrarily set the information concerning the presence and absence of the existence of the work W, the type of the work W and the proceeding condition in the process, etc. By using the information of the storing place STR' and type of the work, which are arbitrarily set through this system model 106, and the proceeding condition of the process, etc., the initial value input of a control device 110, which operates and controls respective equipments WS', MC1'-MC3', LS1' and LS2' is performed. Thus, the initial setting of a system condition can be easily and exactly executed to the control device.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a flexible production system that uses an electronic computer to realize high-mix, medium- to small-scale production with high efficiency, and in particular, the above-mentioned electronic computer (m<control device) This invention relates to an improvement in a method for inputting initial values at power-up, etc.

(Conventional technology) As is well known, flexible manufacturing systems (EMS) are based on long-term processing plans for various workpieces (workpieces) that are set in advance as basic information and process design details for each workpiece. , create operation schedules for various automatic production equipment such as various machine tools, setup equipment, cleaning equipment, automatic metal, conveyance equipment, etc., and perform comprehensive operation control of these equipment according to the created operation schedule. It is an automatic production system that has the flexibility to execute various tasks, and its true value is rapidly being recognized with the spread of electronic computers in recent years.

By the way, it is composed of an electronic computer that centrally controls the operation of the various facilities mentioned above, as well as its peripheral equipment, and processes the "material" specified each time according to the specified procedure to finish it into a "finished product." The control device of the system (FMS
ff1lJ1llll equipment), due to its nature: 1) When the power is turned off on holidays, etc., and the power is turned on again on the working day.

2) When the power is turned off due to an accident, the power is restarted to continue work from the previous state.

3) In the event of a failure in equipment or peripheral equipment,
When the power is turned off once, the cause of the problem is removed, and then turned back on and restarted.

etc., each time the power is restarted, the initial values such as the location of the workpiece or the location of the pallet (processing board) to which it is attached must be entered correctly in some way.

If there is a discrepancy between the state of the internal storage system inside the control device (mainly indicating the locations of workpieces and pallets and the process progress of the workpieces) when operation control is resumed, and the actual system state. In such cases, incorrect control is performed and it becomes impossible to even obtain the desired product as the above-mentioned "complete product".

Conventionally, it has been common to use an input device such as a keyboard as a means for registering and inputting initial values regarding the system status to a control device.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

It is certainly possible to use input devices such as the keyboard to input detailed instructions to the control device about status data regarding the locations of the workpieces and pallets, the process progress of the workpieces, and the like. However, operating such a keyboard requires considerable skill, and using it to match the actual system status with the initial setting inside the control device is difficult for an ordinary factory operator. It was an extremely difficult task.

This invention was made in view of these circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible production system that allows even an inexperienced worker to easily and accurately perform the above-mentioned initial settings for a control device. shall be.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In the present invention, each of the above-mentioned facilities has a shape that is suitably simulated and reduced in units of workpiece storage locations, and each of these simulated and reduced workpiece storage locations has a shape in which the workpieces are It includes a system model in which information regarding the presence or absence of workpieces, the types of existing workpieces, and the progress status of the process is arbitrarily set, and the storage position and type of workpieces and the process progress status are arbitrarily set through this system model. The information such as the above information is used to input initial values of the control device that controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned facilities.

[Effect]

The storage location of each workpiece, which is a constituent unit in the system model, can be pre-assigned with unique information corresponding to the storage location of each workpiece in the actual system, which should be input through the keyboard, etc. can. In addition, information regarding the presence or absence of workpieces, the types of workpieces present, and the progress status of the process for each of these workpiece storage locations, such as workpiece models that can store this information as appropriate, can also be stored in these workpiece storage locations. By selectively arranging the workpieces and selectively switching them according to the information content using switch means installed in the same workpiece storage locations, etc., the actual system information that should be entered through the keyboard, etc. Items equivalent to these pieces of information can be easily and accurately identified and set.

Therefore, by combining these pieces of information that are assigned and identified within this system model in a predetermined manner, it is possible to automatically obtain information equivalent to the system status information that is conventionally input sequentially through a keyboard, etc. become.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of the flexible production system according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIGS. 1 to 3.

First, FIG. 4 shows an example of an FMS (flexible manufacturing system) line on which this embodiment system is based.

As shown in the figure, this FMS line includes a warehouse IE for carrying in materials and carrying out finished products, and a warehouse input/output station IE that displays warehousing and discharging information at any time through appropriate display means. report or instruct the person,
Input/output station work instruction device IET for receiving and receiving work completion input through appropriate operation input means
In this example, there are 16 rows horizontally, and three levels above and below, as a warehouse for storing pallets (two processing machines, not shown) and jigs (not shown). Total 48
White illumination made of shelves! (STOPAGE)S
TR, first and second setup devices LSI and L for attaching and removing workpieces (workpieces: not shown) to and from pallets, and assembling and disassembling jigs to pallets;
S2. In the location where the setup devices ff1Ls1 and LS2 are located, there is a device that can show the operator the setup work procedure at any time through an appropriate display means, or receive work completion input through an appropriate operation input means. LST is a setup station work instruction device for attaching workpieces, and as equipment for actual machining, various types of processing such as turning, drilling, and milling of workpieces mounted on pallets can be divided or combined in one machine. Three machine tools (assuming NC-controlled machine tools) MC1, MC2, and MC3 are used to clean the workpieces attached to the pallets together with a pallet reversal function. WASHER)W
It is also possible to move workpieces, pallets, jigs, etc. in two dimensions in the horizontal and vertical directions between the above equipment.
Automatic production equipment consisting of a transport device S01 for IJ transport, a main electronic calculation unit (hereinafter referred to as the central processing unit) and its peripheral equipment placed in the central control room 100, and the above-mentioned production equipment from this central processing unit It consists of relay processing devices 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 that relay control commands output to the production equipment, monitor the status of each production equipment, and transmit the information to the central processing unit. FMS that comprehensively controls the operation of each production facility
flilJ tin device, respectively.

FIG. 5 also shows the internal devices of the central control room 100 and the relay processing devices 210 to 210 in this FMS line.
250 and each production facility.

That is, in this FMS line, as shown in FIG. 5, a central control room 100 includes the above-mentioned central processing unit 110 as the main body of the FM8 control device, and the above-mentioned processing plan as its peripheral equipment. A manual input device 1o1 for registering basic information such as information and process design etc. in this central processing unit @110 (more precisely, an external information storage unit 113 to be described later), and a manual input device 1o1 for displaying character screens such as menu screens. A character screen display device 102, a drawing screen display device 103 for displaying a drawing screen of the current state of the system and simulation results, a printing device 104 for printing forms, and a paper tape input device for human output of NC tape. When starting up the output device 105 and the power supply (not shown), etc., the center! l! It is configured to include an initial state input model 106 for initially setting system state data such as the locations of workpieces and pallets and the process progress status of the workpieces for the IL processing equipment 110, and also includes the central processing unit 110 and The above-mentioned relay processing device 21 relays control commands, status information, etc. with each production facility.
0 to 250, the first processing device 210 is the transport device SCI and the loading/unloading station work instruction device IET.
The second relay processing device 2 executes the above-mentioned relay processing regarding
20 is a cleaning device WS and a setup device LS1. Executes the first relay process regarding LS2 and the stage 11 station work instruction device LST, and the third to fifth relay processing devices 230
~250 are the first to third machine excavators MC1 to MC3, respectively.
The assignments are set in advance so that the one-to-one relay processing for each is executed.

Each of these relay processing devices 210 to 250 basically consists of an electronic counter having the internal configuration shown in FIG.
Transport 'A', S and each production facility to be controlled above
C1, cleaning device WS, setup device 1-81 and LS2,
Regarding each equipment of the first to third machine tools MC1 to MC3, control information and events (state changes) are exchanged in the manner shown in FIG. Work instruction device LST
Regarding each facility, work instruction information and work requests are exchanged in the manner shown in FIG. 6. Here,
The processing procedure storage unit 21 in the relay processing device is a storage unit in which a program that is a processing procedure for the relay processing device is pre-stored, and the internal information storage unit 22 is a storage unit in which a program that is a processing procedure for the relay processing device is stored. It is a storage unit in which basic information is stored, and an information processing unit (central processing unit, cpu>
23 refers to processing (calculation) of information based on input/output of information and information stored in the internal information storage section 22, while sequentially reading programs stored in the processing procedure storage section 21, according to the written processing procedures. ), and the information conversion unit 24 is a part that performs control commands transmitted from the central processing unit 110 (information for specifying production equipment to be controlled and relay processing equipment related to the equipment, and (consisting of code information, etc. corresponding to the desired control content of the equipment), this can be used as common information for the above processing, provided that the local station (self-relay processing device) is specified. In addition to the information processing section 23, the information processing section 2
Processing information added from 3 (identification information of own station and each applicable production facility, and the above-mentioned "event" of the same production facility)
and "work request", which includes code information corresponding to the content, etc.) is a part that converts this into the required format for information communication and transfers it to the central processing unit 110, and The information conversion unit 25 is a processing information added from the information processing unit 23 (concrete information corresponding to the code information transmitted from the central processing unit regarding the above-mentioned “control information” and “work instruction information” for each applicable production equipment). (consisting of information indicating the content, etc.), this is converted into the required format for information communication and transferred to each applicable production facility, and the above-mentioned " Equipment status information such as "event" and "work request" is converted into common information for the processing and added to the information processing section 23.

Now, FIG. 1 shows the internal configuration of the central processing unit @110 in the central control room 100 and the initial state input model 10.
6, and their specific configurations and functions will be described in detail below.

First, the above-mentioned central processing unit 110 basically consists of an electronic computer having the internal configuration shown in FIG.
102, drawing screen display device 103, printing device 104, paper tape input/output device 105, and initial state input model 10
6) and between the relay processing devices 210 to 250,
Necessary information is exchanged in the manner shown in FIG. 1, respectively.

Here, the processing procedure storage unit 111 in the central processing unit @ 110 is a storage unit in which a program that is a processing procedure for the central processing unit is pre-stored, and the internal information storage unit 112 is a storage unit that stores a program that is a processing procedure for the central processing unit. The external information storage unit 113 is a storage unit that stores basic information when processing (calculating) information such as status data.
To be precise, it consists of a magnetic disk device etc. arranged outside the central processing unit 110, and as mentioned above, it is used for "processing plans" and "
The information processing unit (central processing unit, CPU) 114 is a storage unit in which basic information such as “process design” and other information is registered.
While sequentially reading out the programs stored in the processing procedure storage section 111, inputting and outputting information and processing information based on information stored in the internal information storage section 112 or the external information storage section 113 according to the written processing procedure. (calculation), and the information conversion unit 115 is a part that performs input information (basic information and manual operation information each time) added from the manual input device 101, or the paper tape input/output device 10.
5 (N Cflil IE information), input information added from the initial state input model 106 (system state data initial value), or relay information transferred from the relay processing devices 210 to 250 (each applicable relay (including identification information of processing equipment and production equipment, and code information corresponding to the content of the above-mentioned "events" and "work requests" of the production equipment), this is used as a common source for the above-mentioned processing. In addition to the processed information that is converted into information and sent to the information processing unit 114, processing information added from the information processing unit 114 (required display instruction information for the character screen display device 102 and drawing screen display bag @ 103, and processing information for the printing device 104) (Required print instruction information, required NC control information for the paper tape input/output device 105, the aforementioned "intermediate command" for the relay processing devices 210 to 250, etc.)
This is the part that converts this into the required form for information communication depending on the destination and transfers it to the desired light.

Incidentally, this central processing unit 110 includes the above-described processing procedure storage section 111, information processing section 114, and information conversion section 115.
This constitutes a so-called information processing unit, and when realizing the operation control of each stage, this information processing unit inputs basic information indicating the machining plan and process design contents (external information storage in advance through the manual input device 101 etc.). (registered in the external information storage unit 113), and further models of each equipment and work (this is also registered in the external information storage unit 1 through an appropriate input means such as the input device 101).
13) and current status data indicating the current position and processing progress of the workpiece (data registered in the external information storage unit 113 based on relay information from each relay processing device and updated as necessary). materials, jigs,
Arrangement of tools, etc., simulation of processing equipment and processing order for each workpiece in real time, establishment of operation schedule for each stage based on the simulation results,
Then, actual operation control of each facility based on the established operation schedule is executed.

In addition, the initial state input model 106 is a system model having a shape in which each of the above-mentioned equipment (see FIG. 4) in the system is suitably scaled down as a whole, as shown in FIG. It is configured as. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the first and second setup devices LS
The first and second setup device models LSI' and LS2' are models of LS1 and LS2, and the first to third T
The first to third machine tool models MCI' to MC3', which are models of the production machines M C1 to MC3, are also cleaned g″lF!
Cleaning equipment model WS′, which is a model of lWS, same < II
A transport device model S01′, which is a model of the EI transport device SC1,
Automatic warehouse model STR, which is also a model of automatic electric STR
The input model 106 further includes a workpiece model W1, a pallet model P, and a jig model G, which are models for the workpiece, pallet, and jig described above. In addition, each model W of these workpieces, pallets, and jigs.

Regarding P and G, only one each is illustrated for convenience, but in reality, the model W
, P, and G are also prepared in plural numbers. In addition, each of the above-mentioned setup device models LSI', LS2', machine tool models MCI' to MC3', cleaning device model ws', transport device model SC1', and automated warehouse model STR' are used in actual equipment. It is configured to simulate each workpiece storage location, and has a structure that allows three models, the workpiece model W, pallet model P, and jig model G, to be stored simultaneously in each of these simulated workpiece storage locations. Suppose that

Figure 2 specifically shows the structure of such a model, taking as an example a part of the self-zero warehouse model STR' among the above-mentioned models. Explain in detail.

As shown in Figure 2, the workpiece storage locations for each part of the model (
In the example shown in Fig. 2, only the 111I@ storage model STR' and the surrounding workpiece storage area are shown for convenience.It is partitioned into three areas (it is not necessary to partition it However, three models, the workpiece model W, pallet model P, and jig model G, can be stored simultaneously and selectively by the operator by setting (inserting) them in the directions of arrows F1 to F3. It has become. However, in these three storage areas, the positions where the three models W, P, and G are to be stored are determined in advance.

As a method for this purpose, for example, each shape of the three models W, P, and G (including the arrangement of convex parts or four parts, etc.)
Alternatively, in addition to having different sizes, the shapes (including the arrangement of concave or convex portions, etc.) and sizes of the three storage areas mentioned above are also different depending on these models, that is, a structure that exclusively corresponds to these three storage areas. It is also possible to adopt a structure that can only be set in the relationship that

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the workpiece model W
, there is a work code setting dial WC for setting a "work code" which is an identifier for specifying the type of work for the control device (central processing unit 110).
D. A process number setting dial NOD for setting a "process number" which is a number automatically assigned according to the processing procedure to recognize the position of the workpiece in the control device, and a dial for setting this set number. A process progress status setting dial BSE is provided for setting whether the process is "before starting,""inprocess," or "finished." In other words, the operator uses these dials WCD
, NOD and BSE, these "work code", "process number" and "
It is possible to register settings for "before starting", "in process", and "end". Similarly, the above pallet model P has a pallet code setting dial PCD for setting a "pallet code" which is an identifier for specifying the pallet to be used for the control bag @ (central processing unit 110). In addition, each of the jig models G is provided with a jig code setting dial GCD for setting a "jig code" which is an identifier for specifying the jig to be used for the control device. Based on the operation of these dials by the operator, the pallet model or the jig model is
It is now possible to register and set a "palette code" or "jig code" for each.

These codes and other contents set for each model are set in each corresponding storage area shown in Figure 2, which are pre-arranged in each storage area when each model is set in its corresponding storage area It is automatically read by the sensors (work sensor WSE, pallet 1 sensor PSE# and jig sensor GSE).

Note that the method of registering codes and other information on the model through each dial, as well as the method of reading the registered codes and other information through the sensors described above, are arbitrary. However, this is easy to achieve. however,
When configuring the above-mentioned sensors WSE, PSE, and GSE, if the corresponding model is not set in the corresponding storage area, predetermined information (for example, "
It is assumed that its operating characteristics are determined so that it automatically outputs "0").

FIG. 3 shows an extracted configuration of each sensor section in the initial state input model 106.

That is, in this FIG. 3, each of the two workpiece sensors W
SE~, pallet sensor PSEE1[12~ and jig sensor GSE,1~2 indicate sensors respectively arranged in the workpiece storage locations of the two setup device models LSI' and LS2', and each of the nine workpiece sensors WS
E, 1 to 9, pallet sensors PSE to and jig sensors GSEH1 to 9 are 3 respectively in the three former 9 machine tool models MCI' to MC3'.
The workpiece storage location, that is, the actual machine tool MC1
- Sensors arranged at each entry/exit entrance, intermediate evacuation area, and workpiece storage location corresponding to the processing table in MC3 are shown, and each one workpiece sensor WS[E, pallet sensor PS E, 4, and jig sensor GSE14 are shown. , shows the sensors arranged in the workpiece storage place of the cleaning device model WS', and similarly, each one workpiece sensor WSEs01, pallet sensor PSE, and jig sensor GSESo are arranged in the workpiece storage place of the transfer device membrane C type SC1'. shows the sensor,
Then, each of 48 workpiece sensors WSE81 to 48, pallet sensor PSE3. ~48 and jig sensor GSE, 1
~48 is the self-vJa mt model STR”) mentioned above.
/ Shows the sensors arranged on each shelf of the ta 48. Of these sensors, each work sensor WSE detects the "work code", "process number" and "process progress status (of the process) when the work model W is set in the corresponding storage area. "Before starting", "Processing"
, "End")" and sends this to the code processing section C.
When the pallet model P is set in its corresponding storage area, each pallet sensor PSE outputs an output to P.
The "pallet code" is read and outputted to the code processing unit CP, and each jig sensor GSE detects when the jig model G is set in its corresponding storage area.
The "jig code" is read and output to the code processing section CP. Furthermore, as mentioned above, from the sensor corresponding to the storage area where no model is set, for example, r
Preset information such as OJ is output to the same code processing unit CP.

The code processing unit CP organizes the outputs from each sensor added in this manner based on the identification and recognition of the input address (the installation position of each sensor), and forms the above-mentioned "system status data". , for example, is a part that operates to transfer the formed "system status data" to the information conversion section 115 of the central processing unit 110 based on the operation of the set completion key SEK by the operator. By transferring the [system state data] from the initial state input model 106 (more precisely, this code processing unit PCP), the central processing unit 110 receives this as data indicating the current state of the actual system. ), and the data in the corresponding register 'v:1 area of the internal update storage section 112 is initialized with the ``system status data'' taken by this receiver.

Thereafter, based on comparison with the previous operation schedule, the contents indicated by this "system state data" are used as the initial state of the system, and the subsequent operation side U++ for each of the facilities is overturned.

In this way, according to this embodiment, the initial state input model 1
Using the 06, ■ Necessary n information ("work code") for work model W, pallet model P, and jig model G through each dial.
, "Process number", "Process progress status", "Pallet code" and "Jig code").

■ Workpiece storage locations in various equipment models for workpiece model W, pallet model P, and jig model G with these information set (
Selective storage (insertion) into the storage area).

Through simple tasks such as
! The initial system state for the device 110) can be set to automatic fishing.

In addition, in the initial state input model 106 of the above embodiment, each model of workpiece model W, barrette l to model P and jig model G, work center 1 WSE, pallet sensor +jP
Although the SE and the jig sensor GSE are exclusively associated with each other, and the positions where these models are to be stored are predetermined, it is also possible to liberalize these relationships. That is, this includes each of the models W.

P and G are pre-registered with an identification code that allows the code processing unit CP to identify whether the model is a workpiece model, a pallet model, or a jig model in a manner that allows each of the sensors to detect it. In addition to the above-mentioned code and others that are set through the dial,
This identification code is also output from the code processing section C.
It is sufficient to adopt a configuration in which the leaves can be expanded to P. Of course, in this case, all the sensors having the same specifications are used.

In addition, these workpiece model W, pallet model P and jig model G, furthermore, workpiece sensor WSE, pallet sensor P
The SE and jig sensor GSE do not necessarily need to be used in a configuration. That is, instead of these models and sensors, appropriate switch means are provided in the workpiece storage locations of the models of each of the facilities, and the presence or absence of workpieces, pallets, and jigs is designated by the on/off state of these switch means. It can also be done. In this case, information such as the above-mentioned "work code" and "pallet code" shall also be input separately through appropriate dialing means arranged in the work storage area of the model of each facility or the like.

In addition, in the above embodiment, as a preferable example, the operation control and status understanding (event report) of each production facility are performed via the relay processing device, but the initial state input model 106 and the central It goes without saying that the initial setting of system state data in the processing device 110 can be accomplished without directly relating to the presence or absence of such a relay processing device. That is, the above initial state input model 106 is
relay! It can be similarly applied and installed in flexible production systems that do not have 188 equipment.

Furthermore, the storage means and storage methods, input means, input methods, etc. for the various information handled in the embodiment system are not limited to the means and methods exemplified in the above embodiments, and are arbitrary. In short, as long as the various contents and information with the @ symbol as described above are accurately registered, retained, or input, any means or techniques may be adopted.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, the initial setting of the system state for the control device can be performed very easily and accurately using a system model that is easy to understand intuitively.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device and peripheral devices of an embodiment of the flexible production system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the initial state input model in the block diagram shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the sensor part bridge of the initial state input model, and FIG. 4 is a line of the FMS line assumed in an embodiment of the flexible production system according to the present invention. A schematic diagram showing the configuration, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection mode of this FMS line, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic internal configuration of the relay processing device in the block diagram shown in the figure; 100... Central control room, 101... Manual input device, 102... Character screen display device, 103... Drawing screen display device, 104... Printing device, 105... Paper tape input/output device , 106... initial state input model, 11
0...Central processing unit, 111...Processing procedure storage unit,
112...Internal information storage unit, 113...External information storage unit, 114...Information processing unit, 115...Information conversion unit, 210-250...Relay processing device, IE...Input/output Station, 1. ET...Input/output station work instruction device, STR...Automated warehouse, SC1...Transportation device, LSI. LS2...Setup device, LST...Setup station work instruction device, ~lG1~MC3...Machinery machine, W
S...Cleaning equipment, STR'...My vJ warehouse model, S
C1'...transport device model, LS1', LS2'...
・Model of setup equipment, MC1'~MC3'...Machine model for machining, WS'...Washing? ? "lj Stationary type W...work model, P pallet model, G...jig model, WSE
...Work sensor, PSE...Pallet sensor, G
SE...Jig sensor, CP...Code processing section.

Claims (1)

[Claims] Operation schedules for various automatic production equipment are created based on long-term machining plans for various workpieces set in advance as basic information and process design details for each workpiece, and operation schedules for various automatic production equipment are created according to the created operation schedules. In a flexible production system that performs comprehensive operation control of the equipment, each of the equipment has a shape that is appropriately reduced in size, with each workpiece storage location as a unit, and a shape that is simulated and reduced for each of the storage locations for each of these simulated workpieces. , a system model in which information regarding the presence or absence of workpieces, the types of existing workpieces, the progress status of the process, etc. is arbitrarily set, and the storage position and type of workpieces can be arbitrarily set through this system model, as well as the A flexible production system characterized in that information such as process progress is used to input initial values for a control device that controls the operation of each of the facilities.