JPS63177208A - Production system by unmanned carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the working efficiency of a production system using an unmanned carrier by providing a carrying function for parts, a workbench function and an information storing/processing function to the carrier so that the carrier controls the individual work. CONSTITUTION:An unmanned carrier 1 is driven along a guide line 12 sandwiching a mobile zone 6 and carries the parts supplied in a parts supply zone 2 to a working assembly zone 3, a manual working zone 4, a machine working zone 15, a correcting zone 5, etc. A computer 14 and an information exchange device 13 are set close to the line 12 of a production system. The computer 14 discriminates the working information needed for the carrier 1 and stores it in a memory of the carrier 1 via the device 13. This device 13 is set close the starting point of the line 12 to supply the working control information to the carrier 1. Based on this control information, the carrier 1 controls the individual work of each of those zones 2-5 and 15. Thus the overall working efficiency is improved for the production system.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application This invention relates to a production system for various types of equipment such as automobile engines and car bodies, and particularly relates to a production system using automatic guided vehicles.

Conventional technologyThe most efficient method of production is to set up a line centered around a conveyor, and perform work such as 7JO machining or parts assembly on the workpieces conveyed by the conveyor. It is said that there is. More specifically, a single line is constructed in which the assembly trolleys and assembly jigs are continuously driven by a chain conveyor, etc., and workers, tools, and parts shelves are arranged appropriately on both sides of the line, and the main parts are This is a method in which workers read production instruction information attached to tools, etc., and perform the necessary work.

This type of production method using a conveyor system is suitable for high-volume production of small quantities and has been used in various fields, but the conveyor system is fixedly installed, and the entire system cannot be operated at all times. Because they move at a uniform speed, they are no longer able to meet modern needs. In other words, because the conveyor is fixed, it is difficult to change the line due to changes in production volume or model changes, and it also poses a major obstacle to logistics such as the movement of workers and site supervisors and the supply of parts. There is. In addition, since the workpiece is continuously moved by a conveyor, workers must also move while performing the work, and even if automatic machines such as robots are introduced, the work will be complicated and complicated because the workpiece is moving. Automation and associated labor savings are difficult, as it has to be an expensive automatic machine. When performing mixed production of a wide variety of products, there may be processes that do not require machining for certain workpieces, but even in that case, the workpieces will have to pass through all processes, so the line length will be shortened. Not only does it take longer, but it also forces inefficient production. In addition, if the amount of work varies greatly depending on the type of work, it becomes difficult to combine the tasks to be shared by one worker, and in addition, there is a limit to how well workers can help each other when work is delayed. It is occurring. In particular, when the type of work increases as well as the type of work, the number of missing items and incorrect work increases, and the space required for parts storage also increases. This makes it difficult to configure a line, and the distance that workers have to walk to collect parts becomes longer, causing problems such as increased burden and fatigue on workers.

Furthermore, when automating manual processes in a conveyor system, only specific processes are replaced with automatic machines, and the arrangement of workers is divided by the machines, resulting in isolation of workers and an unfavorable occupational health environment. In some cases, it becomes impossible for workers to cooperate with each other, and as a result of this, even when work is improved and the work becomes incomplete than the work of one worker, the entire work is performed by one worker. This creates the inconvenience of not being able to reduce the number of workers.

The magazine rl-10DERN HATERIAL HANDL describes a method using automatic guided vehicles as a production method that solves the problems of the above-mentioned conveyor line-based method.
ING (January 1985 issue). This method involves setting up a large number of work stations with small parts such as tools in the factory, and laying a taxi path to pass through each work station. Vehicle operation is centrally controlled by a central computer, and automated guided vehicles loaded with necessary parts are moved to the stations necessary for assembling those parts. In addition, production information such as serial numbers on the line and option contents is attached in advance to the parts using bar codes, and this information is input into the computer using a portable bar code reader and CRT terminal. Then, the automatic guided vehicle is driven to a predetermined work station according to instructions from the computer, and at that work station, a worker uses a barcode reader to display work information from the computer on a CRT, and the computer also displays the work information by the worker. In this method, the automatic guided vehicle is moved to the next work station as the work is completed, and the products are assembled and produced by performing these operations in sequence.

According to this production method, there are no fixed obstacles such as conveyors on the floor, making the movement of workers and logistics smooth, and the transport route can be easily changed as necessary, making it possible to plan production. It is possible to easily respond to changes in the layout due to changes in design or product changes, and since the work is performed with the automatic guided vehicle stopped, the workpiece is fixed, which eliminates the need for manual work. In addition, it is possible to perform the work while checking the work contents, and automation with robots is also easy.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the above-mentioned conventional production method using automatic guided vehicles, the automatic guided vehicle is merely a means of transportation and a workbench whose operation is controlled by a central computer. When the amount of work increases, it becomes difficult for workers to respond and make decisions, and as a result, there is a high possibility that erroneous missing items or incorrect work will occur. In addition, to assist workers, work instructions at each station are given by a central computer, but workers at each station must manually read the work details from the central computer using barcode readers and CRTs. Therefore, there is a problem in that not only does it require more labor for the workers, but also that all production stops if the central computer system goes down.

This invention was made against the background of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides a production system using an automatic guided vehicle that can efficiently manufacture products of good quality by equipping the automatic guided vehicle with a work management function. It is characterized by:

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a parts supply zone having a part supply station and an assembly zone having a station where assembly work is performed by an automatic machine or an operator. In addition to providing a taxiway that passes through multiple work zones, an automatic guided vehicle that runs along the taxiway is placed. It is equipped with a function to identify the station to be used and self-propel towards that station, a function to output necessary production instructions for each station, a function to load parts, and a function to transfer work management information between the automatic guided vehicle and the automatic guided vehicle. An information exchange device for sending and receiving information is placed near the starting point of the taxiway, and the automatic guided vehicle self-propels to the parts supply zone based on the work management information given to the automatic guided vehicle from the information exchange device. Select the necessary parts and transport the parts to a station in a predetermined zone, and at the station in each zone where the automatic guided vehicle stops, the automatic guided vehicle outputs work instructions to be performed at that station and processes and assembles the product. This is a production system characterized by having a worker or an automatic machine perform the work, and at the same time, an automatic guided vehicle obtains information on the work results at that station from a station in a predetermined zone as needed.

Operation According to the system of the present invention, when information about the product to be manufactured is given to the automatic guided vehicle by the information exchange device, the automatic guided vehicle first moves by itself along the guideway to the parts supply zone and processes the product according to the given information. Select and mount the required parts based on the machine, transport the parts to an assembly zone that is compatible with the parts, and output the work details at a stopped station in that assembly zone to issue production instructions to workers or automatic machines. . When a predetermined work is completed, the automatic guided vehicle is given work result information as necessary, and then moves to the next zone. In this way, the zones through which the automatic guided vehicle travels are determined and selected by the automatic guided vehicle based on the information given earlier, and finally the manufactured products are transferred to other unmanned vehicles. The receiver is transferred to a transport vehicle or an appropriate unloader, and the empty automatic guided vehicle returns to its original starting position and is given information for the next production.

Example Next, the present invention will be explained based on examples.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system to which the production method of the present invention is applied. The first section carries out predetermined processing while circulating through the preliminary rework zone 5 and the transfer zone 6, etc., and intermediate products are transferred to the following sections, where they are sequentially processed and assembled. It is configured to perform
Each will be explained individually below, and then the procedure for processing or assembling will be explained.

The automatic guided vehicle 1 has a drive source and a power source such as a storage battery,
It is configured to run on the floor by itself using a traveling device consisting of a motor and a steering mechanism, and various parts or workpieces can be loaded as is or via a jig.

The external appearance of this automatic guided vehicle 1 is as shown in FIG. 2. A table 9 on which a workpiece 8 is placed is provided in the center of the main body 7, for example, in a rotatable manner. A shelf 9a, a display device 10, and an input/output device 11 are provided.

The system is configured to instruct and manage running, stopping, and work according to information given from the input/output device 11. Here, the input/output device 11 is based on optical non-contact transmission, wireless communication, etc., and the type of workpiece 8, the type and amount of parts to be assembled, the assembly procedure, the assembly quality standard, the standard cycle time, etc. It is input as work management information, and work result information such as quality, production quantity, history of abnormal conditions, etc. is input and output from workers and automatic machines through selection switches, voice input, optical non-contact transmission, wireless communication, etc. The information is provided from the device 11 to the automatic guided vehicle 1 and stored. In general, information (quality, etc.) possessed by the automatic guided vehicle 1 can also be outputted from this input/output device 11. On the other hand, the display device 10 mainly displays information for work management, such as the content of the work to be performed at the location where the automatic guided vehicle 1 has stopped, its procedure, standard cycle time, and its remaining time. is now displayed.

Although such a display is for instructions intended for workers, the automatic guided vehicle 1 is equipped with a signal output function for automatic machines such as automatic assembly machines. There is. Note that the automatic guided vehicle 1 runs, stops, and selects a route based on the work management information, and therefore, the selection of parts to be transported and the work to be performed are also based on the work management information given to the automatic guided vehicle 1. It is carried out based on

The guide path 12 that guides the automatic guided vehicle 1 is set in advance, and the guidance method includes an electromagnetic induction method, an optical guidance method, a teaching method, and an autonomous driving method using a gyro etc. can do. Further, in order to enable overtaking and passage through unnecessary areas, the guideway 12 is preferably not formed into a single circular path but instead has a number of bypass paths as shown in FIG. 1.

An information exchange device 13 that exchanges information with the automatic guided vehicle 1 is arranged near a predetermined starting point of the guideway 12 . This information exchange device 13 is connected to a computer 14 in charge of production instructions and production management by wireless or wired such as optical fiber, and inputs and outputs information to and from the automatic guided vehicle 1 located at the starting point of the taxiway 12. Device 1
1, work management information is given. Non-contact transmission or wireless communication can be used for information transmission between the information text exchange @ 13 and the input/output device 11.

The above-mentioned taxiway 12 guides the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the following order: parts supply zone 2, processing and assembly zone 3, manual work zone 4, mechanical work zone 15, inspection zone 15A, and if necessary, rework zone 5 and transfer zone 6. It is designed to run. Among these zones, the parts supply zone 2 has a plurality of stations 2a which are bypassed from the main line of the taxiway 12, and a parts supply zone 1 corresponding to the stations 2a.
6 is placed. This parts shelf 16 is for carrying most of the parts required for the first section from the outside by a truck 17, arranging them in predetermined positions, and stockpiling them, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The shelf boards of each stage are configured to be inclined downward toward the station 2a. In addition, in parts supply zone 2,
A material handling robot 19 is provided that runs along a rail 18 provided on the ceiling side. This material handling robot 19 performs operations based on pre-teaching or CAD, etc. based on signals from the automatic guided vehicle 1 or from the computer 1.
The hand of the material handling robot 19 is a general-purpose hand that can grasp the target part regardless of its shape, a hand with an automatic tool changer, or a hand with multiple clamps. Various objects such as a hand can be used. Note that optical non-contact transmission, wireless communication, or the like can be used for transmitting and receiving signals between the automatic guided vehicle 1 and the material handling robot 19. The parts supply zone 2 is station 2.
The material handling robot 1
9 selects the necessary number of necessary parts from the parts shelf 16 and mounts them on the automatic guided vehicle 1 at a predetermined position.

The processing and assembly zone 3 is a zone where large parts that require processing in advance are additionally loaded onto the automatic guided vehicle 1, and where the large parts are assembled with the already mounted parts.
Station 3a bypassed from the main line of taxiway 12
A conveyor 20 is arranged facing the station 3a, and a material handling robot 21 similar to the material handling robot 19 described above is arranged at the tip side of the conveyor 20. Therefore, the automatic guided vehicle 1 stops at a predetermined station 3a at its own discretion, and the automatic guided vehicle 1 outputs a signal instructing the type of leak 8, so that the material handling robot 21 can pick up a large piece that fits the workpiece 8. is configured to be transferred from the conveyor 20 to the automatic guided vehicle 1. An automatic assembling machine 22 for assembling these parts is provided in the processing and assembling zone 3.

This automatic assembly machine 22 is arranged along the bypass of the guideway 12, stops the automatic guided vehicle 1 inside it, and in this state obtains the type information of the workpiece from the automatic guided vehicle 1, and then places the automatic guided vehicle 1 on the automatic guided vehicle 1. It is configured to automatically assemble the parts. Note that since the traveling route of the automatic guided vehicle 1 can be set arbitrarily, the automatic assembly machine 22 can be installed at an arbitrary position depending on the guideway 12 or by providing a bypass as appropriate.

In the manual work zone 4 following the processing and assembly zone 3, the worker 23
This is a zone where manual assembly and processing is performed by workers 23, and a station 4a bypassed from the main line of the taxiway 12 is provided according to the arrangement of workers 23, and the automatic guided vehicle 1 is moved to a predetermined station based on work management information. 4a'@ is selected and stopped, and the worker 23 performs the work at that location. In this manual work zone 4, worker 2
Processes are consolidated to the extent that they can be memorized in step 3, and multiple identical processes are arranged in parallel in the same zone depending on the production volume.

It goes without saying that if the amount of manual work is large, multiple zones will be lined up. Then, the automatic guided vehicle 1 selects a process (station) in each zone and enters that process. Therefore, changes in production volume can be responded to by increasing or decreasing the number of processes as described above. A worker 23 is displayed on the display device 10 of the automatic guided vehicle 1 stopped at the station 4a.

The content of the work to be done, the work procedure, or quality information is displayed, and at the same time, the time and standard time to complete the work are displayed as, for example, the length of a line, or announced by voice. Therefore, the worker 23 performs the work according to the information obtained from the display device 10, and also controls the work pace or work delay by himself or herself based on the displayed time. In addition, in manual work zone 4,
Work result information such as the processing state of the workpiece 8 is input into the automatic guided vehicle 1 by the worker 23 and stored.

This can be done, for example, by providing a key on the input/output device 11 and having the operator 23 operate the key.

The machine work zone 15 has a plurality of automatic machines 24 arranged,
This is a zone where further mechanical work is performed on the workpiece 8 that has been manually worked, and the automatic guided vehicle 1 stops at the required automatic machine 24 location based on the model information of the workpiece 8, and the automatic machine 24 It is configured to automatically perform work corresponding to the workpiece 8 based on the type information of the workpiece 8 given from the transport vehicle 1.

The inspection zone 15A is a zone in which a plurality of inspection machines 31 or inspection workers (not shown) are arranged to check the quality of the workpiece 8 that has been completed. It is configured to stop at a location such as in front of the worker, and the inspection machine 31 and the inspection worker communicate the results to the automatic guided vehicle 1. This zone is not necessary if the quality is surely checked along with each work in each work zone and machine work zone, and the results are input into the automatic guided vehicle 1.

The rework zone 5 is a zone into which the automatic guided vehicle 1 selectively enters based on the work result information, and the rework zone 5 is a zone in which the automatic guided vehicle 1 selectively enters, based on the work result information, and the rework zone 5 is a zone in which the automatic guided vehicle 1 or a specially placed worker performs processing according to the state of the workpiece 8. This is the place where work is carried out, and if necessary, taxiway 1
It may be installed by branching off from the main line No. 2.

Information that has the function of exchanging information with the automatic guided vehicle 1 and transmitting the result to the next section, either wirelessly or wired, near the predetermined inspection zone 15A on the taxiway 12. A replacement device 32 is arranged.

This information exchange device 32 is configured to determine whether the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the next section collects necessary parts from the parts supply zone based on the work information of the automatic guided vehicle 1 carrying the work 8 that has completed a predetermined work in that section. The information necessary for the transfer (for example, workpiece type, etc.) is transferred to the transfer zone 6 between the automated guided vehicle 1 carrying the finished workpiece of that section and the automated guided vehicle 1 carrying the newly assembled parts of the next section. To ensure synchronization, data is sent from that section to the next section in advance. For information exchange between the information exchange device 32 and the input/output device 11, contactless transmission or wireless communication can be adopted.

The transfer zone 6 following this is for receiving and transferring the work 8 that has been completed in the first section to the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the second section, and is located between the taxiway 12 in the first section and the second section. A plurality of guideways are laid between the guideways 12 so as to be connected to each guideway 12, and a transfer device 25 is disposed astride the guideways. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, this transfer device 25 has a lift machine @ 26 that lifts the workpiece 8 from the automatic guided vehicle 1, and the workpiece 8 is lifted up from the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the first section. The work 8 is loaded from the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the first section to the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the second section by replacing the guided vehicle 1 with one that runs in the second section and then lowering the work 8 onto the replaced automatic guided vehicle 1. It is designed to be replaced. Of course, on the contrary, the lift mechanism may be provided in the automatic guided vehicle 1 and the transfer device 25 may be a fixed stand. In addition, this transfer device 25 is provided with a function for receiving and passing information such as the type and layering of the workpiece 8, and between the automatic guided vehicle 1 of the first section and the automatic guided vehicle 1 of the second section. Alternatively, information is exchanged between these automatic guided vehicles 1 and the computer 14.

The automatic guided vehicle 1 in the second section can have a structure and shape depending on the work content of the second section.

Also, in the second section, similar to the first section, there is a parts supply zone 2, a manual work zone 4, and a machine work zone 1.
5. Inspection zone 15A, ffi or rework zone 5,
Transfer zone 6 has been set up in Zara, and taxiway 1 has also been established.
2, the transfer device 25 receives the production instruction information along with the workpiece 8 (transfer) → (parts supply) → (71
After going through (0 construction/assembly) → (rework), it is roughly sent to the next section.

Next, the production method of the present invention using the above-mentioned equipment will be explained.

First, the required parts are transported to the parts shelf 16 by a transport means such as a truck 17 or an unmanned forklift, and placed in a predetermined location on the parts shelf 16 in an optimal state such as on a pallet. How to use, empty automatic guided vehicle 1 is taxiway 1
New work 8 from the information exchange device 13 at the starting point of 2
Work management information such as the model, type and number of parts to be assembled, assembly procedure, assembly quality standards, and standard cycle time is input. This is done based on production management such as production planning performed by the computer 14.

The automated guided vehicle 1 into which the information has been input determines the necessary station in the parts supply zone 2 to receive and take the necessary parts based on the information, moves to that station 2a, and handles the material there. Work 8 on robot 19
Outputs information such as the model number. The material handling robot 19 calls the necessary operation program from its own memory based on the given work type information, and by operating according to the program, automatically transports the required number of parts from the automatic guided vehicle 1. Place it on a predetermined location on car 1. In that case, it goes without saying that an automatic tool changer or the like may be used to use a hand appropriate for the required part. It goes without saying that the parts can also be transferred manually. In this case, the required parts etc. are displayed from the automatic guided vehicle 1 by CRT or voice, so
The operator selects the parts accordingly and mounts them on the automatic guided vehicle 1. Further, it is also possible to issue a parts instruction by lighting a lamp on a parts shelf or shining a spotlight on a corresponding pallet using an information communication device from the automatic guided vehicle 1.

The automatic guided vehicle 1 detects the completion of parts transfer based on the output signal from the material handling robot 19, etc., determines the necessary station 3a in the processing and assembly zone 3 based on the work management information, and moves the station 3a to the required station 3a. self-propelled to.

The automatic guided vehicle 1 that has stopped at the station 3a in the processing and assembly zone 3 outputs work type information to the material handling robot 21, and the material handling robot 21 transfers the large parts onto the automatic guided vehicle 1 accordingly. Upon completion of the transfer, the automatic guided vehicle 1 is moved to the appropriate automatic assembly machine 22, where the parts are assembled to the large parts. this is,
Just as the aforementioned material handling robot 19.21 operates by calling its own program based on the workpiece type information, the automatic assembly machine 22 automatically operates by receiving the workpiece type information from the automatic guided vehicle 1. Do by doing.

That is, in the automatic assembly machine 22 as well, the operations proceed in the order of (stopping the automatic guided vehicle 1) → (output of information) → (execution of work) → (output of completion). Incidentally, by disposing the automatic assembly machine 22 in the station 3a, it is also possible to perform component mounting and assembly at the same time.

Upon completion of automatic assembly, the automatic guided vehicle 1 moves to the manual work zone 4 (
It judges and selects the necessary station 4a in the station and runs on its own. Here, the automatic guided vehicle 1 displays the details of the work to be performed by the worker 23 on the display device 10, and also displays the standard cycle time. The worker 23 performs the work according to the displayed work procedure while self-managing the work pace to meet the standard cycle time, and upon completion of the work, gives a completion instruction to the automatic guided vehicle 1. Note that the automatic guided vehicle 1 is stopped until an instruction to complete the work is given, so even if the automatic guided vehicle 1 outputs a delay in the work, the worker 23 stops the automatic guided vehicle until he or she is satisfied with the work. Complete work can be carried out at any time. In addition, when the automatic guided vehicle 1 detects a delay in work for each step of the work or as a total elapsed time, the software notifies the operator, and if the delay exceeds a certain level, the automatic guided vehicle 1 rotates. It is possible to notify the process manager by turning on a light or by using a revolving light or a work management board 1 installed on the work station side via an information communication device. This display allows the process manager to assist with the work and facilitates improvements to reduce work time.

When the work in the automatic assembly machine 22, the manual work zone 4, and the mechanical work zone 15 (described later) is completed, information such as quality is input and stored in the automatic guided vehicle 1 as history information, and the first At the end of the section, the data is given to the computer 14 and the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the second section through the transfer device 25 or the like. This history information is effective in reducing the burden in the quality check process in the subsequent process.

The automated guided vehicle 1 that has passed through the manual work zone 4 selects a predetermined station in the mechanical work zone 15 and moves on its own, and outputs the type information of the workpiece 8 at that station so that the automatic machine 24 can perform the predetermined work. is applied to the workpiece 8, and upon completion of the work, an end signal is output and the automatic guided vehicle 1
moves to the next inspection zone 15A.

In the inspection zone 15A, the automatic guided vehicle 1 selects and enters a predetermined station, and an inspection machine or a worker (not shown) therein checks whether the predetermined work is performed correctly and the parts are assembled according to predetermined instructions. It is checked whether or not it is, and the result is input into the automatic guided vehicle 1. Of course, if the quality of work and soldiers is surely checked in the manual work zone 4 and mechanical work zone 15, and that information is input into the automatic guided vehicle 1, this zone is unnecessary.

In addition, if any abnormality occurs in the manual work zone 4 and the mechanical work zone 15, the unmanned lubricant transport vehicle 1 will move to the trunk of the taxiway] 2 based on the instructions from the automatic machine 24 or the worker 23. After coming off the road, the vehicle is once sent to the rework zone 5, where it is subjected to predetermined work, and then returned to the trunk of the taxiway 12 and driven to the next zone. Inspection zone 15
If there is A, if there is any abnormality as a result of the test,
The vehicle leaves the taxiway 12, is sent to the repair zone 5, undergoes predetermined work, and is then returned to the taxiway 12 and driven to the next zone.

In order to synchronize the automatic guided vehicle 1 with the automatic guided vehicle 1 located in the second section, after passing through the inspection zone 15A,
Necessary information such as the workpiece type is transmitted in advance to the information exchange device 13 in the second section by wireless or wire, for example, through the information exchange device 32 with transmission function installed after the inspection zone 15A in the first section. Therefore, in the second section, the automatic guided vehicle 1 that receives the work management information such as the work type from the first section through the information exchange device 13 takes the required number of parts from the parts supply zone 2 and transfers them to the parts supply zone 2. The vehicle then travels toward transfer zone 6. The information exchange device 32 described above is unnecessary if the automatic guided vehicle 1 has communication capabilities.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, if the flow of the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the second section is reversed from that shown in FIG. Since the robot moves to the parts supply zone 2 after receiving the information, the information exchange device 13 becomes unnecessary.

In transfer zone 6, unmanned transport vehicle 1 loaded with workpiece 8
stops in the transfer device 25, and accordingly, the transfer device 2
The lift mechanism 26 of No. 5 lifts the workpiece 8 from the automatic guided vehicle 1, and the information regarding the workpiece 8 held by the unmanned general transportation vehicle 1 is read into the transfer device 25 or the computer 14, and then the empty unmanned guided vehicle A car 1 moves toward the starting point of a taxiway 12. In response, the automatic guided vehicle 1 of the second section enters the transfer device 25 and stops, and the lift R@26 lowers the work 8 onto the automatic guided vehicle 1. At the same time, information regarding the workpiece 8 is provided from the transfer device 25 to the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the second section. This information is compared with information given in advance to synchronize with the automatic guided vehicle 1 of the first section, and it is confirmed whether or not the workpiece 8 picked up by the receiver is correct. Then, the empty automatic guided vehicle 1 in the first section moves again to the information exchange device 13 and obtains information on the parts to be produced next, and the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the second section moves to the information exchange device 13 again, and the automatic guided vehicle 1 in the second section moves to the information exchange device 13 again and obtains information on the parts to be produced next.
2 to the manual work zone 4 in the second section, and parts are assembled in the same manner as in the previous case.

Therefore, in the above production system, the computer 14 performs total management such as the type and quantity of products to be produced, but the automatic guided vehicle 1 performs specific work instruction management.

In the above embodiment, the case where parts are assembled and processed has been explained as an example, but this invention can be performed continuously after assembly and processing by changing the configuration of each zone variously as necessary. It can also be applied to cases such as inspections.

As described in detail, in the production system of the present invention, the automatic guided vehicle not only functions as a parts transporter and a workbench, but also has functions such as information storage and information processing.
Automatic guided vehicles manage individual tasks, and the production system as a whole is thus distributed, so production can continue even if there is a problem with the central computer. In addition, the unmanned IwI reverse vehicle instructs the worker on the work details and manages the work time, so the worker can proceed with the work according to the display of the automatic guided vehicle that has traveled in front of him. Therefore, since the content that relies on the memory of the worker is reduced, work efficiency is improved, and erroneous missing parts and incorrect work can be prevented, and product quality can be improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of equipment for carrying out the production method of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an automatic guided vehicle, and Fig. 3 shows the configuration of a parts supply zone. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a transfer device, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of arrangement of equipment for carrying out the production method of the present invention. . 1...Automated guided vehicle, 2...Parts supply zone, 2
a. 3a, 4a... Station, 3... Processing and assembly zone, 4... Manual work zone, 5... Rework zone, 6... Transfer zone, 8... Workpiece, 10...
- Display device, 11... Input/output device, 12... Taxiway, 13... Information exchange device, 14... Computer, 15... Machine work zone, 16... Parts shelf, 22. ...Automatic assembly machine, 23...Worker,
24... Automatic machine.

Claims (1)

[Claims] A taxiway is provided that passes through a plurality of work zones, including a parts supply zone with parts supply stations and an assembly zone with stations where assembly work is performed by automatic machines or workers, and the vehicle travels along the taxiway. The automated guided vehicle has a function to store work management information, a function to determine the required station based on that information, and a function to self-propel toward that station. An information exchange device is provided near the starting point of the taxiway, and has a function of outputting production instructions necessary for the automatic guided vehicle and a function of loading parts, and an information exchange device for exchanging work management information with the automatic guided vehicle. Based on the work management information given to the automatic guided vehicle from the information exchange device, the automatic guided vehicle self-propels to the parts supply zone, selects the necessary parts, and transports the parts to the station in the predetermined zone.
At the station where the automatic guided vehicle stops in each zone, the automatic guided vehicle outputs work instructions to be performed at that station and has a worker or automatic machine perform work such as processing and assembly of products, and at the same time performs work at that station. A production system using an automatic guided vehicle, characterized in that the automatic guided vehicle obtains result information from a station in a predetermined zone as necessary.