JPH0464825B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Background of the Invention The present invention relates to processing in a production process in which a workpiece is processed at each station while being conveyed by a conveyor, and processing is also performed at a location other than the conveyor station. Concerning higher management systems.

A typical factory automation system is a combination of a conveyor system and a robotic system. A large number of work places are provided along the conveyor line, and each work place is equipped with a robot that performs the process assigned to that place. The workpiece is conveyed at a constant speed by a conveyor, and at each work station a robot performs a predetermined process, gradually turning it into a finished product. Such an automation system is designed to create a product in which the time required to complete each process can be set to be approximately equal to the multiple processes involved in manufacturing the product, or the time required to complete the work in each process can be set approximately equal. Suitable for products for which process settings can be configured. Even if the work is performed by a human rather than a robot, it is sufficient that each process can be completed in approximately the same amount of time on average, regardless of who does the work.

However, such a typical factory
There are many types of products that are difficult to apply automation to. These include products that are manufactured through a series of processes that include steps whose work efficiency is significantly dependent on the ability of the worker, and products for which it is difficult to allocate approximately equal time to each process. For example, sewn products may also be counted as one product in this product group.

However, improving the productivity of any product is one of the important issues, and for this purpose, it is essential to understand and analyze the flow in the product manufacturing process. Furthermore, since work efficiency depends on the worker's ability, degree of fever, etc., having the right person in the right place is an important factor in improving productivity. Furthermore, in order to manage inventory in a broader sense, including not only the amount of inventory but also estimation of the time or days required for shipping, etc., it is necessary to understand the flow of workpieces in the manufacturing process and the output in real time. This is essential. This is particularly important for managing products that are manufactured in small quantities in a wide variety of products.

Although it is difficult to apply the typical factory automation described above, in production processes where workpieces are transported by conveyor lines, it is necessary to understand and analyze the overall flow of products. In order to achieve this, the output must be measured at each station where each process is performed. Furthermore, the situation becomes even more complex in production systems where some work is performed at locations other than the conveyor line.

Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a system that enables measurement and management of the output of each process in a production process including a conveyor line.

In the production process management system according to the present invention, a terminal device is installed in a work area corresponding to a conveyor branch station branched from a main conveyor line to collect data regarding output in that work area. It is installed. The terminal device is connected to a switch for counting the amount of output and is also provided with a cancel switch. The yield counting switch is located on the path of the conveyor branch from the station back to the main conveyor line and is actuated by the passage of the carrier or its conveyed material from the station back to the main conveyor line. The terminal device is further provided with volume counting means for incrementing the volume based on the input signal from the volume counting switch and decrementing the volume based on the input signal from the cancel switch. There is.

Since terminals for collecting data on output are installed in the work area corresponding to the stations on the conveyor line, it is possible to measure output during the production process on the conveyor line. Therefore, the amount of work done in the entire work area can be grasped in real time. The output counting switch is installed on the path of the conveyor branch returning from the station to the main conveyor line, and works by the passage of the carrier or its conveyed material returning from the station to the main conveyor line, so it is easy for the operator to The operator can concentrate on work without any operations, improving work efficiency, and since the output counting switch is activated by the carrier or its conveyed objects leaving the station, accurate output can be calculated. Measurement becomes possible.

Furthermore, the terminal is provided with a cancel switch, and the volume counting means of the terminal increments the volume in response to an input signal from the volume counting switch, and responds to an input signal from the cancel switch. The trading volume is decremented. Therefore, when a worker mistakenly sends an unprocessed workpiece onto the main conveyor and takes it back from the main conveyor line, the workpiece has already responded to the input signal from the output counting switch. By pressing the cancel switch, the volume count value that has been incremented can be decremented and returned to the correct value, thereby ensuring accurate volume count.

Hereinafter, embodiments in which the present invention is applied to the production process of sewn products will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Conveyor System FIG. 1 shows a conveyor system installed in a garment factory, the conveyor being of the overhead type. Details of this conveyor system are described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-1193. Some endless main lines 1
1, 12, 13, etc. are provided, and these are connected by a connection line 19. As shown later (see Figures 2 to 4), the carrier 25 is
Wheels 6 rolling on rails 17 forming a line
1. A drive belt 15 is stretched along and inside the main line rail 17, and this drive belt 15 is provided with engaging portions 16 at predetermined intervals. The carrier 25 moves along the main line by being pushed by the engaging portion 16 of the belt 15, which is always driven at a constant speed.

A number of branch lines 22 are connected to the main lines 12 and 13 at appropriate locations. Each branch line 22 has stations S1, S2, S3, etc. for transported articles, ie parts, semi-finished products, or finished products to be sewn.
Sewing work is performed at these stations.
A station having a plurality of delivery branch lines 23 for transporting a plurality of parts into one station, so as to be suitable for sewing operations in which a plurality of parts are sewn together into one part or semi-finished product. There is also.

The main data managed by the sewing process control system is the output. Output refers to the number of parts, semi-finished products, finished products, etc. that have been processed in some way. The output for each worker is called the output for each individual, the output for each process is called the output for each process, and the output for each product is called the output for each product name. Furthermore, the degree of variation in output by process for a given product is called line balance. Since trading volume is analyzed from several viewpoints in this way, some kind of identification code is required to distinguish each trading volume as data.

The number of the work area (hereinafter referred to as area code), which is the place where the work is performed, is used as the identification code for the output. A work area 32 is provided at each station of the conveyor branch line 22. There is also a work area 33 located outside the conveyor branch. This work area 33 is a place for processing small parts such as pockets, footrests, etc.
Branch lines may be provided not only in the main lines 12 and 13 but also in the main line 11 as shown by broken lines. In this case, a work area 35 is also provided in this branch. These work areas 32, 33, and 35 are provided with A1 and A, respectively.
Different area codes such as 2, A3, . . . A101, A102, . . . are assigned.

In addition to the area code, it is also conceivable to assign a code to a sewing machine desk or other work desk, or to a conveyor branch station, as an identification code for output. However, since the work desk may be moved along with the worker or when a process is changed, it is difficult to use an unchanging identification code. Furthermore, the station is subordinate to the conveyor system and can exist only in correspondence with the branch line. Since there are no stations in the work area 33 that is not related to the branch line, it is impossible to manage the output of processes that are not related to the conveyor system. Therefore, there is a problem in using the station code as an identification code for trading volume. Since the work area can be fixedly determined in advance within the sewing factory, the code for the work area becomes the identification code for output that is most suitable for sewing process management. Depending on how the process is set up, there is no problem in terms of process management even if no work is performed in a certain work area.

In Figure 1, each work area 32, 33, 3
5 are each provided with a terminal 41 for process management. Further, in the work areas 32 and 35 corresponding to the branch line 22 of the conveyor, a switch 42 for automatic volume counting is provided on the branch line 22. Work area 3
This switch 42 is turned on when parts, etc. that have undergone some processing at steps 2 and 35 are sent to the main line through the branch line 22. Also in the work area 33 unrelated to the branch line 22 of the conveyor is a switch 43 for volume counting.
is provided. This switch 43 is a manual switch, and is turned on by the worker in the area 33 when the worker in the area 33 finishes machining work on one unit of parts. The switch 43 may be operated by foot. switch 42, 43
The output signal is the number of processed parts, etc. (output)
The terminal device 41 is used for counting. The switch 43 in the work area 33 may not be operated for each process, but may be operated for a certain number of processes (for example, the output is 10), or the output for a certain period of time may be directly input. For example, a numeric keypad for inputting numerical information may be used.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a branch line 22 of a conveyor. The branch line 22 is composed of an introduction rail section 51 that guides the carrier 25 from the rail 17 of the main line 12 to the station, and a delivery rail section 52 that returns the carrier 25 from the station to the main rail 17 again. As shown in FIG. 4, the carrier 25 includes a shaft 62, wheels 61 rotatably provided at both ends of the shaft 62, and extends downward from the shaft 62, and carries parts and halves at the lower end. It is composed of a hanger part 64 that grips a product or an object to be transported, such as a product, and an address part 63 fixed to a shaft 62 on the outside of one wheel 61. Address section 63
stores the code of the carrier's destination station (work area), and the code can be changed arbitrarily. Although a magnetic recording medium can be used as the address section 63, since there is a lot of dust such as lint in sewing factories, a mechanical one consisting of a plurality of small pieces that can move forward and backward is preferable.

In FIG. 2, at a portion where the introduction rail 51 branches from the main rail 17, a swinging arm 53 is swingably provided at the end of the introduction rail 51. Further, an address detection device 55 is provided on the side of the main rail 17 at a position closer to the rear of the branch in the traveling direction of the carrier 25. The carrier 25 is detected by this detection device 55.
The address represented in the address field 63 of is detected and determined. If the address indicated by the address section 63 indicates a station branching immediately after that, the swinging arm 53 is moved in the direction of contacting the rail 17, and the carrier 25 that has moved passes through the swinging arm 53 to the introduction rail 51. guided by. The carrier 25 rolling along the introduction rail 51 due to its own weight is stopped by a temporary stop device 56 provided halfway along the introduction rail 51. carrier 2
If the address No. 5 indicates another station, the swing arm 53 is held at a position away from the rail 17, so the carrier 25 moves straight along the main rail 17.

Introductory rail portion 51 and delivery rail portion 52
An address setting device 57 is provided at the border (this is the station). This device 5
7 sets the address of the station to which the carrier 25 should go next in the address field 63 of the carrier 25. The carrier 25, to which the address of the next station to go, is set, moves up the feed rail 52, and the swinging arm 54 provided at the tip of the carrier 25 moves up the feed rail 52.
and return to the main rail 17 again. The delivery rail 52 has two temporary stop devices 58,
59 are provided.

The above-described terminal device 41 for process control is mounted near this station, for example, on a column 60 that supports the rails 51 and 52. The pillar 60 is supported on the upper part of the building of the garment factory. Near this station is a work area 32, where a work desk for sewing machines, etc. is placed, and the worker uses this work desk to perform some processing work on the objects being transported by the carrier 25. Let's do it.

3 and 4 show the drive mechanism of the second-stage temporary stop device 59 and the carrier 25. FIG. The frame 70 of the temporary stop device 59 is attached to the rail 52 using screws at its lower mounting portion 71.
It is installed and fixed at the bottom of the. frame 70
The mounting portion 71, a portion 72 rising from one side of the mounting portion 71, an upper surface portion 73 extending horizontally from the upper end of the rising portion 72, and two parallel portions extending downward from one end of the upper surface portion 73. It is composed of a stopper receiver 74 consisting of a piece. Stoppa 7
6 is swingably held in a stopper receiver 74 by a shaft 75, and is biased by a spring 77 so that its lower end is directed downward. A member 78 for preventing the carrier 25 running on the rail 52 from falling off the rail 52 is also attached to the stopper receiver 74 .

On the lower inner surface of the rising portion 72 of the frame 70,
A groove 79 is formed, and the width of the outlet of the groove 79 is narrower than the width of the central portion of the groove 79. A protruding piece for forming this groove 79 has a stepped portion 79a.
is formed. The above-described switch 42 for counting output is a limit switch, and is fixedly provided between the stepped portion 79a and the mounting portion 71 by being biased by a spring 69. work piece 6
8 has a fulcrum part 68b formed in a substantially circular cross section at one end thereof, and this fulcrum part 68b
is rotatably housed in the groove 79. The other end of the operating piece 68 extends slightly above and close to the wheel support portion 52a of the rail 52. There is a protrusion 68a on the lower surface of the actuating piece 68, and this protrusion 68
a is received on the plunger of limit switch 42. If the carrier 25 is not in the position where the limit switch 42 is provided,
Limit switch 42 remains off. When the carrier 25 passes through this portion, the other end of the actuating piece 68 is pushed downward by the wheels 61 of the carrier 25, so that the plunger is lowered via the protrusion 68a and the limit switch 42 is turned on. If necessary, the wheel support portion 5 of the rail 52
A portion of 2a may be cut out, and the other end of the actuating piece 68 may be extended until it reaches this cutout. It is also possible to operate the limit switch 42 by contacting a portion of the carrier 25 other than the wheels 61. Further, as the switch for counting the amount of output, in addition to the limit switch, it is also possible to employ, for example, a photoelectric switch whose optical path is blocked by the carrier 25 or from which reflected light is obtained.

The other temporary stop devices 56 and 58 have almost the same structure as the temporary stop device 59, but these devices 5
6 and 58 are not provided with a switch 42.
Further, the address setting device 57 is also provided with a stopper similar to the stopper 76.

The rail 52 (the same goes for the rail 51) is hollow and has a slit 52b formed in its upper surface. A drive chain 66 is inserted into the hollow portions of the rails 51 and 52 from the vicinity of the temporary stop device 56 to the vicinity in front of the swing arm 54. Feed claws 67 are swingably attached to the drive chain 66 at appropriate intervals, and the feed claws 67 are held in an upright position by springs (not shown).
The drive chain 66 is driven by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or other drive device (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 2, when the worker finishes processing the transported object (part, semi-finished product, finished product, etc.),
The object to be transported is hung on or held by the hanger 64 of the carrier 25, and the send button on the address setting device 57 is pressed. Then, the drive chain 66 is driven, and the shaft 62 of the carrier 25 is pushed by the feed pawl 67, so that the address setting device 57
The carrier at the position (station) is moved to the position of the first stage temporary stop device 58, the carrier at the first stage temporary stop position is moved to the second stage temporary stop device 59, and the carrier is moved to the second stage temporary stop device 59. The carrier at the temporary stop position passes through the swinging arm 54 to the main rail 17.
Then, among the carriers located at the temporary stop device 56, the first carriers are sent to the station. When the carrier reaches the position of the temporary stop devices 58 and 59, it pushes up the stopper 76 against the force of the spring 77 and passes the position of the stopper 76. After that, when the pushing force from the chain 66 stops working, the carrier pushes up the stopper 76 due to its own weight. It is slightly retracted to the position and held at that position by the stopper 76. The carrier located at the temporary stop device 56 and address setting device 57 pushes up the stop there and passes through that position to the next position. At this time, the address setting device 57 sets the address of the next station to be visited in the address field 63 of the carrier. When the chain 66 returns to its original position, the feed pawl 67 is pushed relatively by the carrier shaft 62 as it passes the carrier position and lies down.

The output counting switch 42 is located within the second stage temporary stop device 59 and slightly below the position of the carrier 25 stopped by the stopper 76, as shown by the broken line in FIG. That is, it is provided on the first stage temporary stop position side.
Therefore, the carrier that has been stopped at the first stage position moves toward the second stage stop position, and the switch 42 is turned on shortly before passing the stopper 76 position. Of course, the carrier that has passed the stopper 76 at the second stage temporary stop position 59 will not turn on this switch 42 again. Further, the carrier sent from the station to the first stage temporary stop position does not turn on this switch 42. The switch 42 is turned on only when the carrier is transferred from the first stage temporary stop position to the second stage.

When an operator thinks that he has completed the specified processing work on the object to be transported, and sends the carrier at the station to the first stage temporary stop position with the object, there is still work to be done on the object. If you notice that the work is not completed,
The operator may remove the carrier at the first stage temporary stop position from the rail 52 to perform unfinished work. If the output counting switch 42 were installed between the station and the first stage temporary stop position, the switch 42 would be turned on even by such a carrier, and the unprocessed work would be terminated. After that, the switch 42 is turned on again when the operator places the carrier carrying the processed object at the station position and sends it to the first stage again, so the switch 42 is turned on by one object. is turned on twice, and there is a possibility that accurate counting of trading volume cannot be expected.

In this system, the volume counting switch 42
is provided between the first and second stage temporary stop positions. Usually, the operator notices that the machining process has not been completely completed after the previous machining operation is completed until the next machining operation is completed. Therefore, due to the operator's misunderstanding that the work is completed, the switch 42 is set to 2.
The occurrence of situations that would be considered dangerous has been drastically reduced. The switch 42 may be placed anywhere after the first stage stop position. As shown by SW in FIG. 2, the switch 42 can be provided in any range from a position slightly above the first stage stop position to near the swing arm 54.

Sewn products such as shirts, trousers, and sportswear are completed by applying predetermined processing to appropriately cut fabrics in a plurality of steps, for example, about 10 to 100 steps. Each of the work areas 32, 33, and 35 shown in FIG. 1 is generally assigned work for one process of one product. Some processes are labor-intensive and time-consuming, so the same process may be performed in multiple work areas. If one process is a simple task, multiple processes may be assigned to one work area.
In this case, by assigning the name of a representative process or a general name to the work area, it is also possible to imaginatively treat a plurality of processes as one process.

In any case, when manufacturing one sewn product, processes and workers for manufacturing the product are assigned to each work area. The arrangement order of work areas and the order of processes do not necessarily have to correspond. This is because, as mentioned above, the address setting device 5 at each station of the conveyor branch
7 to set the desired address on the carrier,
This is because it is possible to guide the carrier to a desired station (work area). It goes without saying that in the conveyor system shown in FIG. 1, if the number of work areas is sufficient, each process for a plurality of different products can be set in this conveyor system.

In FIG. 1, parts to be sewn cut from fabric in a cutting work area 31 are held by a carrier. This carrier is sent out from the branch line 21 to the main line 11 after being given a first step address. Maine·
The carrier on the line 11 is transferred to the main line 12 via the connection line 19, and then sent to the branch line 22 of the first process. The parts gripped by the carrier processed in the work area 32 of the first process are then transferred to the branch line 22 by giving the address of the second process to this carrier.
Return to main line 12 from
It is led to a branch line 22 in the work area where process work is performed. In this way, in carriers with parts, main lines 11, 12,
13, where the work of the process is carried out in the preset order of the process.
Stopping at lines 22 and 23, parts of the carrier gradually become finished products. The finished products are sent through the main line 11 to the main line 18 of the product stock area 34 and transferred to a predetermined branch line 28 therein for storage. Small parts and the like processed in the work area 33 unrelated to the conveyor system are carried by workers and the like to the work area 32 where work is performed using them.

The main lines 11, 12, and 13 each have an independent loop-shaped conveyance path. Therefore, an address detection device such as device 55 will also be provided at the connection point of the connection line 19. This address detection device will determine the addresses of stations belonging to other main lines. However, a carrier that moves from branch 21 to line 11 always moves to line 12, goes around line 12 once, returns to line 11, then moves to line 13, goes around line 13 once, and returns to line 11. If the lines 11, 12, and 13 as a whole constitute one loop-shaped conveyance path, an address detection device would no longer be necessary at the connection point of the connection line 19. Although several independent main lines are shown in FIG. 1, it is of course possible to construct a conveyor system with only one main line.

Communication System Terminals 41 provided in the work areas 32, 33, and 35 are connected to the central device 40, as shown in FIG. 5, and perform necessary communications with the central device 40. In order to prevent transmission errors from occurring due to electromagnetic induction noise generated from fluorescent lights in sewing factories, sewing machine motors, etc., optical fibers are used for communication lines, and communication is performed by optical transmission. A full-duplex system is adopted as the communication system, and a polling/selecting system in which the central unit 40 takes initiative is adopted as the activation system.

As shown in FIG. 5, the central device 40 and the plurality of terminals 41 are connected in a loop through an optical communication line. Moreover, the communication control devices 45 and 46 of the central device 40 and the terminal device 41 have two
A pair of transmitting and receiving terminals T and R are provided, and two
A pair of transmitting and receiving lines A and B are connected. Both of the transmission and reception lines A and B are composed of a transmission line and a reception line, and are respectively connected to other terminals 41 or central equipment 40 adjacent to each other on the communication loop. The same message (data) is always transmitted on the transmission/reception lines A and B. Since the same message is sent using the two pairs of transmission/reception lines A and B in this way, the central device 40 can communicate with all the terminals 41 even if a failure occurs in one of the transmission/reception lines. It is. Furthermore, even if any of the communication control devices 45 fails, all the other terminals except for that terminal 41 can normally communicate with the central device 40. Furthermore, even while communication is occurring between the central device 40 and the terminals 41, it is possible to repair any terminal 41 or the transmission/reception line, remove any terminal 41 from the loop, or add a new terminal. machine can be added to the loop.

FIG. 6 shows an outline of the configuration of the communication control device 45 or 46. 2 pairs of transmitting and receiving lines A, B
Although the same message is always transmitted, there is generally a slight difference in the time at which the message sent from line A and the message sent from line B arrive at the communication control device. If both telegrams are simply superimposed, the data of the telegrams may change. To deal with this problem, the communication control device is provided with a first-come, first-served priority circuit 49.

Transmission signals (telegrams) from terminals, etc. are sent to electrical/optical (E/O) conversion circuits 47A and 47B, and after being converted into optical signals by these circuits 47A and 47B, they are transmitted on lines A and B, respectively. sent out simultaneously to the line.

Line A optical/electrical (O/E) conversion circuit 48A
The input optical signal is converted into an electrical signal and sent to the first-come-first-served priority circuit 49, and is also sent to the line B E/O conversion circuit 47B and sent out as an optical signal to the line B transmission line. Also, line B
The optical signal received by the O/E conversion circuit 48B is converted into an electrical signal and sent to the first-come-first-served priority circuit 49, and is also converted into an optical signal by the E/O conversion circuit 47A and sent to the transmission line of line A. . In this way, a signal received from line A is immediately sent to the transmission line of line B, and a signal received from line B is immediately sent to the transmission line of line A, thereby creating a double loop communication. achieved. The received optical signal is first converted into an electrical signal, and then further converted into an optical signal and sent out to the transmission line, so the O/E, E/O conversion circuit plays the role of a kind of repeater and connects the loop communication line. Even if the optical fiber is quite long as a whole, there is no need to consider the problem of optical signal attenuation due to the optical fiber. Further, even if the first-come-first-served priority circuit 49 fails, the signal received by the O/E conversion circuit is sent to the E/O conversion circuit and sent out to the transmission line, so the communication loop will not be interrupted.

When a signal is received by the O/E conversion circuits 48A and 48B and inputted to the first-come-first-served priority circuit 49, this circuit 49
determines which of the signals inputted from both circuits 48A and 48B is earlier in time, and outputs the earlier signal as the received signal. The slower signal is prohibited from passing through this circuit 49. Further, the first-come-first-served priority circuit 49 outputs a receiving signal while receiving the signal. This receiving signal is from the terminal, etc.
Based on this, the CPU stops transmitting the transmitting signal while the receiving signal is being input. The transmission signal is sent to the E/O conversion circuit 47 as described above.
A, 47B, so when there is a received signal, it is sent from O/E conversion circuits 48A, 48B to circuit 4.
This is because it will be superimposed on the received signals sent to 7A and 47B.

Terminal FIG. 7 shows the external appearance of the terminal 41 provided in the work areas 32, 33, and 35. Terminal 4
On the front of the case 1, there are a power-on indicator light 81, an operating indicator light 82 that indicates that the terminal device 41 is operating normally, an input enable indicator light 83 that indicates that barcode input is possible, An error indicator light 84 is provided to indicate an error regarding barcode input. In addition, a volume counting switch 42
A cancel button switch 87 used to cancel the input made by or 43, and an overtime button switch 88 used when the worker performs overtime are provided, and near these, when the corresponding button is pressed, Indicator lights 85, 8 lit on
6 is placed. The indicator lights 81 to 86 are constructed of, for example, light emitting diodes.

Terminal 41 also includes a barcode reader 91. The barcode reader 91 is used to input each code of item name (product name), process name, and person's name. As shown in FIG. 10, there are a product name and process name card C1 and a person name card C2. The product name and process name card C1 is sent to the central device 40 at the start of the day's work or at the start of manufacturing a new product.
When a process is set for each work area using , it is issued from the central device 40 and distributed to each work area. On this card C1, the name of the product (including product number, model number, etc.) to be processed in the work area where this card is to be distributed and the code of the process name representing the work to be performed are printed in the form of a bar code. In addition to these, a work area code may be printed as a bar code. The person name card C2 is unique to each worker, and the card C2 is unique to each worker.
The name of the worker who owns No. 2 is recorded using a barcode. Since the personal name card C2 is always carried by the worker, it is preferable that the surface thereof be covered with a transparent resin or the like. This card C
2 can also be issued by the central unit 40.

In FIG. 7, holders 93 for barcode readers 91 are provided at required locations on the case of the terminal 41. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, this holder 93 includes a cylindrical body 9 for holding the leader 91.
4 is provided, and the bottom of this cylindrical body 94 is open. The holder 93 is provided with a switch 92 for detecting that the barcode reader 91 is removed from the cylindrical body 94 of the holder 93. This switch 92 is off when the barcode reader 91 is housed in the cylindrical body 94, and is turned on when the reader 91 is removed. As the removal detection switch 92, a photoelectric switch or the like can be used in addition to a limit switch.
A permanent magnet 93a is fixed to the bottom of the holder 93, so that the holder 93 can be attached to any location on the metal case of the terminal 41. The terminal device 41 is further provided with a buzzer 95 for warning. On the front of the case of the terminal device 41, there is a holder 9 for holding a product name and process name card C1.
9 is preferably provided.

FIG. 9 shows an outline of the electrical configuration of the terminal 41. The terminal device 41 is controlled by a CPU, for example, a microprocessor 100.
0 is equipped with a ROM 101 that stores the program and a RAM 102 that stores necessary data. Further, the CPU 100 is connected to input/output devices such as a communication control device 46 for communication with the central device 40, the above-mentioned indicator lights, buttons and switches, and the like. The input/output devices of the CPU 100 include a terminal address setting device 97, a sewing machine relay 96 for turning on and off power sources for various operations such as the sewing machine motor, a buzzer 95, indicator lights 81 to 86, and a button switch 87. , 88, a volume counting switch 42 or 43, a barcode reader 91, and a barcode reader sampling detection switch 92. The terminal address is used in communication with the central unit 40. Terminal address setting device 9
7 is composed of, for example, eight dip switches, and the terminal address is represented by an 8-bit binary number corresponding to the on/off states of these switches. The states of the eight switches are read by the terminal address setting input circuit 111. Sewing machine relay 96 and buzzer 95 are controlled and driven by control circuit 112 thereof. Indicator lights 81-8
The display control circuit 11 controls the lighting, blinking, and dimming of 6.
3. switch 87 and 88,
Volume counting switch 42 or 43, barcode reader 91 and sampling detection switch 92
The input signals from the circuits 114 to 117 each undergo waveform shaping and are input to the interrupt control circuit 118. Switch 87, 88, Switch 42 or 4
3 and the input signal from switch 92 is CPU1
This is an interrupt signal for 00. The highest priority is given to the interrupt by the removal detection switch 92. These input/output devices and CPU100
Circuits 111 to 113 that interface with
118 is address, data and control.
CPU via buffers 103, 105, 106
100 is connected to the bus. The address signal given to address buffer 103 is
It is decoded by the decoder 104 and converted into a signal for specifying the interfaces 111 to 113 and 118.

The RAM 102 of the CPU 100 includes an area for storing the communication address of the terminal read from the address setting input circuit 111, an area used as a volume counter, and a flag F used in the process for canceling volume count input.
There are areas used to store product names, process names, person names, output, and other basic data for process management. Only data related to the work area where the terminal is placed is stored in the basic data area.

FIG. 11 shows the normal operation of the terminal 41. The terminal device 41 normally performs communication processing with the host CPU 120 (see FIG. 13) of the central device 40,
and performs volume counting processing. That is, the central device 40 is constantly controlled by the CPU 100.
Whether a poll or select message addressed to the self-address has been sent from (Step 201), whether an ON input has been received from the volume counting switch 42 or 43 (Step 202, whether a cancel input has been received from the cancel switch 87) Step 203) is monitored.When the poll message from the central device 40 is received, if there is data to be transmitted to the central device 40, the data, for example, the counted value of trading volume (volume counter A message containing information such as the count value), data read by the barcode reader 91, input from the overtime switch 88, etc. is created and sent to the central device 40, and if there is no data to be sent, a response message to that effect is generated. is sent to the central device 40. Furthermore, when the select message is received, a response is made to determine whether the data is ready to be accepted from the central device 40 (step 204,
205). The data transmitted from the central device 40 includes data regarding set or changed product names, process names, basic process management data, and the like.

When there is an interrupt input from the volume counting switch 42 or 43, the count value of the volume counter increases by 1.
and flag F is reset (steps 206 and 207). Through this process, the amount of work done in that work area is counted. When there is an interrupt input from cancel switch 87, only if flag F is reset (step 20).
8) The count value of the volume counter is decremented by 1, and flag F is set (step 210).
When flag F is set, cancel indicator light 85 lights up. The set flag F continues to be set until the next interrupt input is received from the volume counting switch 42 or 43 (steps 206 and 207). Therefore, even if the worker presses the cancel switch 87 twice in succession, the flag is set by the time the second input is made (No in step 208), and the output counter is set to -1 again. It will not be done.

When there is a change in the worker, the previous worker's completed value is transferred to the specified area, the counter is cleared, and the next worker's completed value begins to be counted. Nor.

As mentioned above, the volume counting switch 42
is the delivery rail 5 of the branch line 22.
2, since the carrier 25 is provided after the first stage temporary stop device 58, the operator can quickly realize that the delivered carrier 25 should not be counted and move the carrier 25 to the position of the temporary stop device 58 or beyond. If the carrier 25 is removed from the rail 52 at the front position, the switch 42 will not count this carrier 25. However, after the carrier 25 has passed the switch 42,
It is expected that the operator may realize that the carrier 25 should not have been sent out. Furthermore, it is expected that the completed amount counting switch 43 placed in the work area 33 unrelated to the conveyor line may be operated erroneously. The cancel switch 87 is provided to deal with such a possible situation and to ensure accurate counting of trading volume.

Product names and process settings and changes are performed by a staff member in the central device 40. Product name, process settings,
When the change is made, the above-mentioned product name and process name card C1 is created for each work area and distributed to the workers in each work area. In addition, the product name and process name that have been set or changed are sent from the central device 40 to each terminal 4.
1. Card C1 is distributed on the conveyor.
It is preferable to carry out this by holding and conveying it on a carrier 25 of a line. When the product name and process name cards C1 are distributed, workers in each work area input the cards C1 using the barcode reader 91. The input product name and process name data is transmitted from the terminal device 41 to the central device 40 for confirmation processing, and at the same time, the terminal device 41 also performs a process of comparing the input data with the data already transmitted from the central device 40. .

Data regarding a person's name is input exclusively from the terminal 41. At the start of the day's work, or when the worker changes, the worker in each work area inputs the data of the person's name card C2 in his or her possession using a barcode.
Input is made using the reader 91. The input personal name data is transmitted from the terminal 41 to the central device 40. The number of workers in a work area changes relatively frequently in order to ensure that the right person is in the right place depending on the process settings, for the worker's own convenience, or to maintain the balance of the process. Therefore, it is difficult for the staff at the central device 40 to recognize changes in the number of workers without the aid of a computer. In this system, whenever there is a change in the worker in each work area, the change data is sent from the terminal 41 to the central device 40, so there is no need for the staff to input data regarding the person's name, and This can be grasped by the central device 40.

As described above, the terminal device 41 constantly performs communication processing with the central device 40 and processing for counting the amount of completed work. Although inputting product names, process names, and people's names is only performed sporadically, it is also a process that should be performed with the highest priority. When an operator inputs a product name, a process name, and a person's name using the barcode reader 91, the worker always holds the barcode reader 91 in his hand.
Therefore, the terminal 41 inputs these data using the operator's operation of the barcode reader 91. As described above, the barcode reader 91 is normally housed in its holder 93, and when the reader 91 is removed, the removal detection switch 92 is turned on.
Based on the ON input signal from switch 92, an interrupt signal is input from interrupt control circuit 118 to CPU 100. The interrupt by the switch 92 is set to have the highest priority, and the CPU 100 immediately shifts to processing this interrupt.

A removal detection switch 92 is provided in the holder 93 of the barcode reader, and an interrupt signal is generated based on the removal detection signal of this switch 92, and this interrupt is given the highest priority.
0 eliminates the need to constantly check whether there is an input from the barcode reader 91 on the program, ensuring efficient operation of the CPU 100.
Also, if there is no removal detection switch 92,
In order to input the product name, process name, and person's name, the worker must press a special switch and input an interrupt signal, but the barcode reader 91
A removal detection switch 92 is provided, and this switch 92 automatically interrupts the operation, allowing the operator to immediately begin barcode reading operations simply by holding the barcode reader 91 in his/her hand. is becoming easier.

FIG. 12 shows interrupt processing based on detection of barcode reader removal. switch 92
When it is detected that the barcode reader 91 has been removed, the input ready indicator light 83 lights up and the reader 91
At the same time, the power to the working machine such as the sewing machine is cut off by the relay 96 (step 211). Before a certain period of time elapses, for example from several seconds to several tens of seconds, an operator scans the barcode of the card C1 or C2 on the reader 91.
When the data is scanned by, the data is read (steps 212-214). Then, the read barcode data is checked (step 215). When setting or changing a product name or process name, the set or changed data is sent to the central device 40.
Since the information has already been transmitted to the terminal device 41, the terminal device 41 compares the product name and process name data sent from the central device 40 with the data read by the reader 91 to see if they match. is checked. If they match, it is normal; if they do not match, it is an error. Further, when reading the barcode of either card C1 or C2, the format of the read data is checked, and it is determined whether the card is the correct card or not and whether there is a reading error. If there is no error and the bar code reader 91 is then placed in the holder 93 and the switch 92 is turned off (step 217), the indicator light 83 goes out and the sewing machine is turned on (step 218). Due to the above,
After the barcode reading process is completed, normal operation resumes. The worker also continues the assigned sewing work.

Similarly, when the barcode reader 91 is removed and then inserted into the holder 93 again without scanning the barcode, the indicator light 83
disappears and the power to the sewing machine is turned on (step 2).
22, 223).

The bar code has been read, but if there is any error, the error indicator light 84 flashes and the buzzer 95 sounds (step 220).
This causes the operator to perform the barcode reading operation again.

If the read data is not input from the reader 91 even after the above-mentioned fixed period of time has passed after the barcode reader 91 has been removed, and even if the above-mentioned fixed period of time has passed after the barcode reader 91 has read the card, the reader 91 is not returned to the holder 93, the error indicator light 84 flashes and the buzzer 95 sounds (steps 212, 219,
221, 219). As a result, the operator notices that the barcode is not being read or the reader 91 is not being stored, and performs a predetermined operation.

Even if the barcode reader 91 comes off the holder 93 for some reason, the indicator light 83
lights up and the power to the sewing machine etc. is turned off (step 211), and after a certain period of time, the indicator light 84 flashes and the buzzer 95 sounds (step 2).
19), the worker notices this.

The terminal device 41 is provided with an input indicator light 83 and an error indicator light 84, which light up or blink depending on the status, making it easy to understand the status change and making it easier to operate. Since the operator is notified of this fact, it is possible to prevent operational errors and abnormal conditions from being left unattended. In particular, since the interruption process is started when the barcode reader 91 is detected to be removed, if the reader 91 is left in the removed state for a long time, the normal operation of the terminal 41, that is, the communication process with the central unit 40, will be interrupted. This will hinder the volume counting process, but this situation is prevented.

Central Unit FIG. 13 schematically shows the electrical configuration of the central unit 40. The central device 40 has a host CPU 1
The host CPU 120 includes a program memory 121 that stores the program, and a data memory 122 that stores various data for sewing process management. Also host
The CPU 120 includes a keyboard (including a light pen) 123 for inputting data or commands for various settings, outputs, etc., and a CRT 1 for displaying various data such as output, which will be detailed later, for controlling the sewing process.
24, a printer 125 for printing the same data and creating the above-mentioned cards C1 and C2, and a buzzer 126 for alarm are connected via a suitable interface 127. The communication control device 45 described above is also connected to the CPU 120.
The data memory 122 includes an area (data buffer) for storing basic data for sewing process management, a series of processes set for each product name, and aggregation of output for each product name and process. Areas used for data collection, areas for aggregating individual performance, areas for communicating with terminals, character codes for displaying or marking product names, process names, and person names. There are corresponding storage areas, etc. In addition to the above data, the memory 122 stores a series of processes set yesterday or before, standard pitch times for typical processes, and the like. Past process data is used as basic data or reference data when setting a new process.

FIG. 14 schematically shows the operational relationship between the central unit 40 and the terminals 41. In this figure, the left side is a schematic flow of the operation of the central device 40, and the right side is that of the terminal 41.
When the power to the central device 40 is turned on in the morning to start work in a garment factory, the host CPU
120 performs a self-diagnosis test to determine whether the central unit 40 operates normally (step 231). After confirming the date and time, a communication test with each terminal 41 is started (step 23).
2). This test is performed by transmitting time data from the central device 40 to each terminal device 41, and then each terminal device 41 transmitting the same time data to the central device 40.

The terminal 41 is always powered on,
The operator does not need to turn on the power. The terminal device 41 operates in a standby mode, and is configured to enter the operation shown in FIG. 14 in conjunction with, for example, turning on the main power source of a garment factory. As with the central unit 40, a self-diagnosis routine is first executed (step 241), and when time data is received from the central unit 40, the time on the terminal 41's clock is made to match the clock on the central unit 40. (step 242). As a result, the time on all terminals 41 becomes the same. after that,
The previous day's data such as basic data stored in the RAM 102 is cleared, and the volume counter is also cleared (step 243). Then, in response to the transmission request from the central device 40, the terminal device 41 transmits the already received time data to the central device 40 (step 244).

If the same time data as that sent to the terminal 41 is transmitted from the terminal 41, the central device 40 determines that the terminal and the communication system are operating normally. If any error occurs, time data communication between the central device 40 and the terminal device 41 is repeated three times. If there is an error after three communications, it is determined that there is a problem with the terminal or communication system, and the CRT1
24. Such terminals will be repaired or removed.

Next, in the central device 40, the product name and process settings are made by the staff for that day's work (step 233). That is, the work (process) to be performed there is assigned to each work area in the garment factory. When the previous day's sewing work is carried over, the previous day's process setting data will be used as is, and in some cases, a simple change will be enough. In addition, past process setting data may be used as is or with only simple changes.
Sometimes a completely new process is set up. In any case, area codes are displayed on the CRT 124 as shown in Figure 16, and the process name and product name to be assigned to these area codes are input using the keyboard or light pen. By doing or correcting, a sequence of steps is established. The set process is in memory 1
It is stored in 22 basic data areas, etc. It is preferable to make the process settings the previous day and only confirm them in step 233. A worker is assigned to each work area according to the set process, but the name of the worker is not yet input into the central device 40 at this stage. This is because the person's name is input from each terminal 41 in each work area using the person's name card C2 as described above.

After setting the product name and process name, the set product name and process name are printed in the form of a bar code by the printer 125, and a product name and process name card C1 is created for each work area (step 234). This card C1 is distributed to each work area or each worker using a system on a conveyor or by an attendant. Further, the product name and process name assigned to the work area where the terminal is installed are transmitted from the central device 40 to each terminal 41.

At the terminal 41 in the work area, a barcode reader 91 is used to read the distributed card C1.
Then, the barcode of the personal name card C2 held by each worker is read (step 245).
Then, as mentioned above, the product name and process name sent from the central device 40 and the barcode reader 9
1, the input product name and process name are compared with each other. Further, when there is a transmission request from the central device 40, the product name, process name, and person name data read by the barcode reader 91 are sent from the terminal 41 to the central device 40 (step 246).

When the central device 40 issues a transmission request to each terminal 41 and receives product name, process name, and person name data from each terminal 41, it compares the received data with the already set product name and process name data. Processing is performed (steps 235, 236). Further, the personal name data transmitted from each terminal 41 is stored in the basic data area of the memory 122, etc.
If there is an error in the product name or process name sent from the terminal 41, or if these data are not sent from the terminal 41, a reminder request or re-input instruction is sent to the terminal 41. In the terminal device 41, even in such a case, the error indicator light 84 flashes and the buzzer 95 sounds (step 247).

This completes the process for starting the work.
Thereafter, the terminal device 41 performs the above-mentioned normal operations, that is, processing for counting the amount of work and sending the counting data to the central device 40 (Step 2).
48,249). Also, the overtime time is 16 in this example:
If the overtime button switch 88 is pressed after 45, the terminal 41 notifies the central unit 40 of this fact (step 250).

The central device 40 sends a transmission request to the terminal 41 at regular intervals, for example, every few minutes, and
Processing and storage processing are performed on various data including the volume count data sent from 1 (steps 237 and 238).
Various process control data are sent in response to commands entered by the staff member operating the keyboard 123.
Output processing such as displaying on the CRT 124 or printing on the printer 125 is performed (step 2).
39).

FIG. 15 shows a typical output process (step 239 in FIG. 14) in the central device 40. Output processing includes output processing (step 261) in which the output for each product name, process, and individual is displayed in the form of a graph or numerical table on the CRT 124 or printed by the printer 125. A volume prediction process (step 262) that calculates and outputs the volume after a certain time; a line balance check process (step 263) that determines and outputs the variation in volume between multiple processes; Individual daily report output processing (step 264) that creates and outputs data regarding work and its evaluation, and individual proficiency level output processing (step 26) that creates and outputs proficiency data for each worker.
5) and other processing (step 266).

Amount Output Processing Amount output processing will be described as an example of output processing.

FIG. 17 shows the data memory 1 of the central unit 40.
22 basic data areas are shown.
This basic data area stores all data related to one day's work in the garment factory for each work area. Corresponding to the area code of each work area, a place is provided to store data such as status flag, product name code, process code, person name code, output, measured pitch time, standard pitch time, and actual working time. There is. The status flag is used by the host CPU 120 to determine which data in these storage locations is being written, searched, or the like. Since multiple types of product names and process names may be set in one work area in one day, multiple product name codes and process codes can be stored. Since two or more workers may take turns in one process, a plurality of person name codes can be stored and stored in association with product names and process codes. Trading volume is stored by dividing the day into multiple time periods. In this example, this time period is
8:15-10:00, 10:00-12:00, 12:00-15:
00, 15:00 to 16:45 and after 16:45. These times are 10:00,
These are simply called 12:00, 15:00, 16:45 and other hours. The trading volume for each time period is stored in association with the person name code. The actual pitch time is
This is the actual time required for a worker to perform one unit of work in a certain process. In relation to a conveyor system, the measured pitch time is the time from when one carrier is sent out to when the next carrier's conveyed object is processed and this carrier is sent out. This will be measured by the staff. The measured pitch time is used in calculating the theoretical trading volume and in the line balance check. Standard pitch time is the standard time required to perform one unit of work in a certain process, and is generally determined by statistical methods. The actual working time is the time during which the worker actually worked, and the actual working time for one day is obtained by subtracting the rest time for one day from the sum of the hours in the above time period. The actual working time for each time period and the actual working time for each worker obtained by subtracting the break time in that time period from the time in each time period are also stored as data. Standard pitch time and actual working time are used to calculate individual proficiency. The actual pitch time and actual working time are stored in association with the person name code, and the standard pitch time is stored in association with the process code. The measured pitch time and the standard pitch time are input from the keyboard 123 by the staff member. Since past data can be used for the standard pitch time, it is also possible to use the standard pitch time stored in the memory 122 for the same process.

The basic data area in the RAM 102 in the terminal device 41 described above includes the data in the basic data area in the memory 122 of the central device 40.
The same data as all the data regarding the work area where the terminal 41 is placed is always stored. This makes it possible to completely back up data even if a failure occurs in one of the memories.

FIG. 18 shows an overview of general trading volume display processing. Volume display includes volume display by product name,
Display of output by process for one item name (product),
There is an enlarged display of the yield by process, and a display of the individual yield for one product name and one process. keyboard 1
When a production volume display command is input from 23, the production volume by product name is first displayed on the CRT 124. memory 1
From the 22 basic data areas, each process code and output for each product name (product type) are transferred to the work area. Then, the output (by time zone) of the final process, for example, the ironing process, for each product name is searched, and the cumulative output of the final process up to that time is calculated (step 271). This is because the cumulative output in the final process represents the number of completed products of that product name. Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the cumulative output of the final process for each product name is displayed on the CRT 124 in the form of a graph and a table (step 272). The product number in the graph display is
It matches the number corresponding to the product name on the table display. The date and time at the time of display are also displayed on the CRT 124. In the bar graph in Figure 19, the plain area is the trading volume up to 10:00, and the shaded area is the trading volume up to 10:00.
The trading volume until 12:00, the shaded area represents the trading volume until 15:00, and the blacked out area represents the trading volume up to the time of display. These are displayed in different colors.

When one of the multiple product names displayed in the output volume display by product name is specified using the keyboard or light pen (step 273), the output values of all processes for the specified product name are searched, and 10: Trading volume (cumulative total) in the 00 hour period a,
Cumulative total b is calculated by adding the trading volume in the time period of 12:00 to volume a, cumulative total c is calculated by adding the trading volume in the time period of 15:00 to cumulative total b, and cumulative total c is calculated by adding the trading volume in the time period of 15:00 to cumulative total c. The added total d is calculated (step 274). Then, as shown in FIG. 20, these cumulative totals a to d are displayed on the CRT 124 in the form of a graph in different colors for the process number indicating each process (step 2).
75). In FIG. 20, colors such as red, blue, yellow, and white are indicated by two-dot chain lines, one-dot chain lines, broken lines, and solid lines, respectively. By displaying the output by process, the progress state (line balance) of processing work for a product of one product name can be seen at a glance.

Since Figure 20 is displayed at 16:10, the four types of cumulative totals a to d mentioned above are shown, but at 14:00, for example, the cumulative totals a and b, and the cumulative total b
Needless to say, the cumulative total c1, which is the sum of the trading volume up to 14:00 in the 15:00 time zone, is displayed. Furthermore, in the display process during off-hours, it goes without saying that the cumulative total of trading volume during off-hours added to trading volume up to 16:45 is displayed. The output by process may be displayed in a table format. If another product name is specified, the output by process for that newly specified product name will be displayed in the same way273-2
75.

In this type of display of output by process, if the person in charge wants to enlarge only some parts of the process, the person in charge can specify the range of the part to be enlarged, or specify the range (the number of processes within this range is predetermined). Use the keyboard or light pen to specify the main process (Step 2)
76). Then, the process name and output within the specified range are searched (step 277), and the 21st
As shown in the figure, the yields of several processes are enlarged and displayed graphically on the CRT 124 (step 278). In this display as well, the above a
The cumulative totals corresponding to the cumulative totals of ~d are displayed in different colors, as in the case of FIG. 19.

If it is desired to know the details of one of the plurality of processes displayed in this way, the desired one process (with a specific product name) is designated (step 279). Then, the individual output for that product name and process name is searched (step 280).
As shown in Figure 22, the product name, process name,
The names of the workers engaged in the process and the output of each worker up to the time of display are displayed in a table format (step 281). This is the product name process and individual output display.

It goes without saying that the same data as displayed can be printed by the printer 125 for the various output volume displays as shown in FIGS. 19 to 22.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a more detailed volume display. This displays details of the output of each time period and each worker for each product name and process name. First, the product name and process name that the staff member wishes to display are input (step 291). Also, the measured pitch time and actual working time for that process are input (step 292). Actual working time is CPU1
20 may be calculated. Then, the output of the specified product name and process is searched and necessary data is created, and the output data by product name and process by time is displayed on the CRT 124 as shown in FIG. It is printed (steps 293 and 294). FIG. 24 shows data obtained at the end of one day's work. The product name is displayed. Further, when the same process is being performed in a plurality of work areas, data regarding all the work areas in which the same process is being performed is displayed. When multiple workers work in one work area, each data is displayed for each worker. In any case, for each worker engaged in work in the same process,
The work area code, process name, output and cumulative total for each time period are output, as well as the actual pitch time, the theoretical output calculated using this, and the cumulative daily output and theoretical output for each worker. The difference (excess/deficiency) is calculated and output. Theoretical production volume is calculated by dividing the actual working hours per day by the actually measured pitch time.

Such detailed data is collected not only at the end of the day's work, but also at any time through staff operations, and automatically and periodically, such as at 10:00.
Output at 12:00, 15:00, and 16:45. At such a point, hourly trading volume data up to that point will be output. Furthermore, if the measured pitch time is not input, the theoretical trading volume and excess/deficiency will not be calculated or output.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the outline of a conveyor system installed in a garment factory, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a conveyor branch, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing a conveyor branch.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the temporary stop device, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overview of the communication system, and FIG. 6 is a diagram of the communication control device. 7 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the terminal, FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the barcode reader holder, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the terminal, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the terminal. 11 is a flow chart showing the normal operation of the terminal, and FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing interrupt processing based on barcode reader removal detection. Figure 13 is a block diagram outlining the electrical configuration of the central unit, Figure 14 is a flow chart schematically showing the operational relationship between the central unit and the terminals, and Figure 15 is an output processing diagram. Figure 16 is a flow chart showing an overview of the process settings.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing part of the basic data area of the data memory in the central unit, Figure 18 is a flow chart showing an overview of general volume display processing, and Figure 19 is a CRT for displaying volume by product name.
Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of a CRT image in the display of output by process, Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of a CRT image in enlarged display of output by process, and Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of a CRT image in the display of output by process. In the volume display
A diagram showing an example of a CRT image, FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a more detailed overview of the output display process, and FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of output data by product name, process, and time printed by the printer. It is. 11, 12, 13... Conveyor main line, 22, 23... Conveyor branch line,
32, 33...Work area, 40...Central device, 41
...Terminal, 42, 43...Switch for volume counting,
45, 46...Communication control device, 100...Terminal device
CPU, 102...RAM of terminal device, 120...Host CPU of central unit, 122...Memory of central unit,
123...Keyboard, 124...CRT, 125...
printer.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A terminal device is installed in a work area corresponding to a station of a conveyor branch branched from the main conveyor line to collect data regarding the output in that work area, The terminal machine is connected to a switch for counting output and is also provided with a cancel switch, and the switch for counting output is installed on the path of the conveyor branch returning from the station to the main conveyor line, and・Activated by the passage of the carrier or its conveyed object back to the conveyor line, the terminal increments the output by an input signal from the output counting switch,
A production process management system including a conveyor line, further comprising a volume counting means for decrementing the volume based on an input signal from the cancel switch.