JPH0430927A - Actuating device of working machine in working line - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute flexible carrying by providing a program number setting means required for each work station based on the pallet number, which was read out at each work station, and the contents of a program number file. CONSTITUTION:Every time when workpieces of model, which is indicated by an indication means, is carried into the head work station, a program number file 15 is made. This file 15 shows the relation between a pallet number and program number based on the model of the workpiece carried in, the contents of a control file 7, and the pallet number for the workpiece, which is read out by a reading out means. In the next step, based on the pallet number, which was read out at each work station, and the contents of the program number file 15, program numbers required for each workstation are set and the working machine of each work station is also operated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an actuating device for a working machine disposed at each work station on a work line.

[Conventional technology]

A work line for assembling automobile engines is provided with a plurality of work stations equipped with work machines.

In conventional work lines of this type, data for operating the work machines is created in advance based on the order in which the workpieces are brought into the work line and the model, and this data is tracked to perform the above-mentioned side work. Obtaining operating data for the machine.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the data tracking method described above, if the transport order of the workpieces is changed, the working machine will be operated with incorrect data, so there is a risk that the working machine or the workpieces will be damaged. Further, when data is corrected in order to cope with the above-mentioned change in the transport order, a great deal of effort is required.

Furthermore, since the timing of the data shift is delicate, there is a risk that the work machine will be activated by the data that was left when the operator pulled back the workpiece, and therefore the flexibility of the conveyance system would be sacrificed and the workpiece must be forcibly transported.

Note that since the data shift is performed based on the detection signal of the workpiece detection sensor, there is a risk that the work machine may malfunction even if the sensor chattering.

In view of this situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device for a work machine in a work line that can cope with changes in the transport order of workpieces without modifying the data. .

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention is applied to a work line having a plurality of work stations provided with work machines, and includes a control file in which a program number for instructing the work to be performed at each work station is stored for each model of the work. , a reading means disposed at each of the work stations, for reading the number of the pallet on which the work is loaded when the work is carried into those work stations; an instruction means for sequentially instructing the model of the work to be carried out, and each time a work of the model specified by the instruction means is carried into the first work station, the model of the work to be carried in, the contents of the control file and the above; means for creating a program number file indicating a relationship between the pallet number and the program number based on the pallet number of the carried-in work read by the reading means; and the pallet number read at each work station. means for setting the program number required at each work station based on the contents of the program number file; and means for operating the work machine at each work station based on the set program number. It is equipped with

[Effect]

When a pallet number is read at a work station, a program number corresponding to the pallet number is set from the contents of the program number file. Then, the work specified by this program number is executed at each work station.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the embodiment of the present invention, a host computer 1 is connected to a host computer 2, and a line computer 3 is also connected to the host computer 2.

The host computer 2 shown in the figure manages the entire assembly factory, but the host computer 1 is also connected to host computers that manage other factories (painting factories, etc.).

In addition, the line computer 3 shown in the same figure performs overall management of the engine assembly line, but the host computer 2 also manages other lines (body assembly, multi-level warehouse, engine shipping, body storage, etc.). The line computer to be used is also connected.

The assembly line includes a first station Sl, a second station S2, and a 46th station s46. The first station s1 is provided with a station controller 4-1, a reader 51 and a loading device 6-1 connected to the controller 4-1, and the 46th station S46 is provided with a station controller 4-1. -46, a reader 5-46 and an unloading device 6-4 respectively connected to the controller 4-46.
6 are arranged.

Furthermore, the second station S2. 3rd station S3
．． - The 45th station S45 is provided with station controllers 4-2, 4-3, and 4-45, respectively, and readers 5-2, . 5-3.
...5-45 and automatic assembly device 6-2.6-3.
・6-45 are arranged respectively.

And the station controller 4-1゜4-2
．．・4-46 are all line computers 3
It is connected to the.

By the way, the devices 5-1 to 5-46 arranged at the individual stations 81 to S46 need to perform operations corresponding to the model of the work to be carried in.

FIG. 2 exemplifies the relationship between the above-mentioned types of working devices arranged at a certain station and the work contents. In addition,
In the figure, symbol M01. ~102, ・represents individual models, and symbols 01, 02, 03 shown in the same figure
etc. represent the number of a program for causing the work equipment of the station to execute the work contents shown to the right.

According to the relationship in the same figure, for example, model code ~101, MO
Program number 0 for workpieces 2 and MO3
If 1 is specified, 3 bolts are attached to the above workpiece.
The work of final tightening will be carried out.

The relationship between the model code and program number as described above is
It is set in all of the devices 5-1 to 5-46 arranged at the individual stations 81 to S46.

Note that since each of the devices 5-1 to 5-46 has individual functions, the relationships among these devices are naturally not the same.

Furthermore, the meanings of the program numbers in these relationships are also different. That is, in the relationship shown in FIG. 2, the program number 02 represents a work program for tightening three bolts, but in the relationships for other devices, the program number 02 represents another work program.

The relationship between the model code and program number for each of the devices 5-1 to 5-46 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) provided in the station controllers 4-1, 4-2, and 4-46. be done.

FIG. 3 shows a control file 7 in which control data for each type of workpiece is arranged,
FIG. 4 exemplifies the control button for the workpiece with the model code MO3 among the control data constituting the control file 7.

The control data shown in FIG. 4 is composed of a model code MO3, a comment for explaining the model, a set of program numbers, and a program number reserve area.

The above set of program numbers is the station S
1 to S46, the other model code MQ1. is the program number applied to each of the stages S1 to S46 arranged in the order of the station number. MO2MO4 (The control data also has a quasi-semi-composition.

Note that hereinafter, the set of program numbers described above will be referred to as a program number group.

As described above, the control file 7 shown in FIG. 3 is composed of a group of control data for each of the above-mentioned model symbols, and is created by the host computer 3. This control file 7 is then transferred all at once from the host computer 3 to the line computer 3.

By the way, as will be described later, the workpiece is placed on a pallet at the first station S1, and thereafter transported together with this pallet.

FIG. 5 shows a workpiece 9 placed on a pallet 8, and the readers 5-1 to 5-46 shown in FIG. 1 are provided to read the number of the pallet 8. There is.

That is, on the side of the pallet 8, a predetermined number of dogs 10 whose numbers are displayed are arranged at predetermined intervals, and the readers 5-1 to 5-46 read these dogs 10 according to the arrangement interval of the dogs. It is detected by sensors arranged at similar intervals. Note that the detection of the dog 10 by the sensor described above is mechanical,
This can be done by magnetic or optical means.

1 at each arrangement position of the dog 10 on the pallet 8.
, 2, 4.8, etc., so
The above-mentioned readers 5-1 to 5-46 output pallet numbers consisting of binary decimal numbers.

In this embodiment, 100 pallets are used, each of which is provided with a dog 10 for displaying a number from 1 to 100.

The operation of this embodiment will be explained below.

The order in which workpieces of each model are carried into the assembly line is determined based on information given from the host computer 1 to the host computer 2, such as the production plan, the flow of car bodies in the welding shop and paint shop where the pre-assembly process is carried out, etc. The determination is made by the host computer 2 in consideration of the information.

Now, if we consider the case where a new assembly line is put into operation,
In this case, three pieces of work instruction data (see FIG. 10) are sent in advance from the host computer 2 to the line computer 3.
sent to. This data is then stored in the memory 11 shown in FIG.

In addition, the numbers enclosed in circles in the same figure indicate the host computer 2, line computer 3, and first station S.
1 shows the procedure executed in 1.

Based on the first work instruction data stored in the memory 11, the line computer 3 causes the display 12 shown in FIG. 6 to display the model of the workpiece to be input to the line.

Works 9 of various models are arranged in front of the first station S1, and the display 12 is located above the place where the works 9 are arranged.

The operator 13 selects the workpiece 9 to be introduced into the line from among the above-mentioned types of workpieces based on the display contents of the display 12, and introduces it onto the conveyor 14.

A pallet 8 is automatically supplied to the first station S1 by a pallet supplying means (not shown). Then, the number of the supplied pallet 8 is read by the reader 5-1, and this pallet number is transmitted to the line computer 3 via the station controller 4-1 (see FIG. 1).

The line computer 3 searches for the control data group for the corresponding model code from the control file 7 shown in FIG. 3 by keying and A the model code of the instructed workpiece based on the first work instruction data. do. Then, the control data group and the reader 5-1
Combine with the above pallet number read by (,
Then, a program number file 15 as shown in FIG. 7 is created.

For example, if the group of program numbers in the top row of FIG. 7 is stored in the file 15, the line computer 3 will at that point
The program number for the station controller 4-1 is sent to the station controller 4-1. As a result, controller 4-1
causes the loading device 6-1 to perform the loading operation according to the program of this program number, and thereby the conveyor 1
Work 9 is transferred from above 4 to pallet 8.

On the other hand, the line computer 3 creates an online file 16 shown in FIG. 8 based on the first work instruction data and the pallet number) <-, and displays the work instruction data for the display 12. .

Next, the line computer 3 sends the work instruction request message shown in FIG. 9 to the host computer 2. Note that the message ID shown in the figure is for displaying that the content of the communication is a work instruction request. The transmission serial number is a series of numbers used to detect communication errors.

The host computer 2 receives the work instruction request message and transmits the work instruction response message shown in FIG. 10 to the line computer 3 in response.

In the same figure, the message ID indicates the content of the communication or a response to a work instruction. Further, the part number is data for instructing parts at the station where the worker is installed.

The line computer 3 receives the work instruction response message and stores the work instruction data in the message in the memory 11 for the next work instruction.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, if control data modification information is added to the work instruction response message, the control data for the applicable model code in the control file 7 is modified based on the information. .

The above-mentioned host computer 2 and line computer 3 are
The above procedure is executed every time a pallet 8 is carried into the first station S1. Therefore, assuming that pallets 8 are delivered in numerical order, the control file 7 with the contents illustrated in FIG. 7 will be created when 100 pallets 8 are delivered to the first station S1. .

At the second station 82 to the 45th station S45, which are assembly stations, as shown in FIG.
5 and transmitted to the line computer 3.

The line computer 3 receives the transmitted pallet number and searches for the program number file 5 shown in FIG. 7 using the pallet number 1 as a key. Then, the program number \ for the relevant station is designated from among the program number group for that pallet number, and this is transmitted to the relevant station.

That is, for example, if the pallet number read at the second station S2 is 001, the line computer 3 designates program number 01 for station S2 from the program number group of pallet number 001 shown in FIG. and transmits this to the station S2.

The station controllers 4-2 to 4-45 of each of the stations 52 to S45 receive the program number transmitted from the line computer 3, and according to the predetermined assembly program designated by this number, the assembly devices 6-2 to 6- Activate 45.

At a specific station, quality information such as engine number and tightening torque is sent to the line computer 3, and the computer 3 writes this quality information into the online file 6 (see FIG. 8).

On the other hand, when the pallet 8 arrives at the 46th station S46, it is read by its nano-reader 5-46 and transmitted to the line computer 3.

Line controller 3 that received the above pallet number
searches for program number file 5 shown in FIG. 7 using this palette number as KEY. Then, the program number \- for the corresponding station S46 is designated from the program number group for the pallet number 1-.

On the other hand, the online file 16 shown in FIG. 8 is searched using the above palette number as a key.

Then, a performance report message as shown in FIG. 12 is created as assembly completion information for the workpiece associated with the corresponding pallet number, and is sent to the host computer 2.

The performance report message shown in FIG. 12 is for pallet number 001.

The host computer 2 that has received the performance report message stores the contents of the performance report message in a performance file (not shown), and returns the performance report response message shown in FIG. 13 to the line computer 3.

When the line computer 3 receives the performance report response message, the computer 3 issues an instruction to permit export to the controller 4-46 of the station S46. As a result, the carrying-out device 6-46 shown in FIG. 1 is carried out in accordance with the program of the designated program number, and as a result, the workpiece 9 is removed from the pallet 8 and carried out to the next process.

According to the embodiment described above, work instructions at each assembly station are set based on the numbers of pallets that have arrived at those stations.

Therefore, even if the transport order of the workpieces is changed on the line, as long as the type of workpiece to be input to the first station is not mistaken, the automatic machines at each assembly station will be instructed to perform the appropriate work.

Note that the above embodiment is also effective on a line where manual assembly is performed at a predetermined assembly station.

Further, the above embodiment can be applied not only to the engine assembly line but also to the aforementioned body assembly, multi-level warehouse, engine shipping, body storage, etc. lines.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, work instructions at each work station are set based on the numbers of pallets that have arrived at those stations, so the transport order of workpieces within the work line is not changed due to factors such as branching or sampling. Even in cases where the data is not corrected, it is possible to instruct the work machine to perform appropriate work without modifying the data, and therefore, highly flexible transportation can be achieved.

Further, even if the transport order of the workpieces is changed while the control means and the communication means are inactive, there is also the advantage that no inconvenience occurs.

Furthermore, since there is no need for communication between individual stations, the control systems of these stations can be made independent, making it easy to change or add models, increase the number of stations, etc.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a table illustrating the correspondence between model codes and program numbers at an assembly station, and Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure and contents of a control file. , Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the contents of control data, Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing how a pallet number is read by a reader, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing how the host computer and line computer communicate when a work instruction is requested. Flowchart showing the processing procedure, No. 7
The figure shows an example of the structure and contents of a program number file, FIG. 8 shows an example of the structure and contents of an online file, FIG. 9 shows an example of the structure and contents of a work support request message, and FIG. 10 shows an example of the structure and contents of a work support request message. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the structure and contents of a work support response message, FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of each assembly station and the processing procedure of the line computer for the assembly station,
The figure is a diagram illustrating the structure and contents of a performance report message.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure and contents of the performance report response message. 1. Host computer, 2. Upper computer, 3
・・Line computer, 4-1 to 4-46 station controller, 5-1 to 5-46 reader, 6-1・Insertion device, 6-2 to 6-45・・Assembly device, 6-46・Unloading device , 7... Control file, 8... Palette, 9... File, ] 5... Program number file, 16... Online file, 81-S4
6...Station. Fig. 2 (control) and 7 complete) Fig. 3 (Go C Ri' Tsum 1) Bar file reno Fig. 8

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A control that is applied to a work line having a plurality of work stations where work machines are arranged, and in which a program number for instructing the work to be performed at each work station is stored for each model of the workpiece. a file, a reading means disposed at each of the work stations for reading the number of the pallet on which the work is loaded when the work is carried into the work station; and a first work station in each of the work stations. an instruction means for sequentially instructing the models of the workpieces to be carried into the work station; and each time a workpiece of the model instructed by the instruction means is carried into the first work station, the model of the workpiece to be carried in and the control file are specified. means for creating a program number file indicating the relationship between the pallet number and the program number based on the contents and the pallet number of the carried-in workpiece read by the reading means; means for setting the program number required at each work station based on the pallet number set and the contents of the program number file; and means for setting the program number required at each work station based on the set program number. 1. An operating device for a working machine in a work line, comprising means for operating the machine.