JPS6374556A - Automatic control device for existence - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically control a work for its existing condition, by mounting an ID holding machine to each work while arranging a reader, which reads an ID code, in each buffer and collecting read data by a central computer so as to control and output an existence data in a machining line. CONSTITUTION:Before a line is charged with a work 2, a proper ID code is given to the work, and an ID holding machine 3, holding the same ID code to the work, is set to the work 2. The line is charged with the work 2, but the work, when it is machined and conveyed, passes surely via a buffer 1. A computer 5 successively actuates ID readers 4 arranged in all the buffers in the line. The actuated readers 4 execute reading of the ID code by an electromagnetic wave. A device transmits the ID code of the work 2, when it exists, to the computer 5 by a transmission line while an effect of failure of reception to the computer 5 when no work 2 exists. The computer 5 executes the above described action successively for all the readers 4 in the line.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Field of Application) The present invention relates to a self-cutter seating control device that automatically manages the seating status of workpieces being conveyed and processed on a processing line. .

(Conventional technology) In conventional processing lines that transport and process processing steps on a workpiece basis, the order in which workpieces are introduced into the line according to the production schedule, the process of the workpieces, workpiece presence signals transmitted from each equipment, and processing completion are controlled. A central computer that manages the line collects work presence signals transmitted from OCRs installed at important points on the line, and uses barcode readers and IJI card readers through human intervention. The central computer itself updated its own tracking data and managed the status of workpieces on the line.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) According to the above technology, when a workpiece is removed or moved due to human intervention, the tracking data managed by the computer and the actual line presence status do not match. Put it away. In order to solve these problems, it is necessary for an operator to rewrite the tracking data every time human intervention occurs.

Where OCR is used, reading may not be successful due to dirt on the workpiece or illumination.

Furthermore, in locations where a barcode reader or magnetic card reader is used, the operator has to try to read data into the reader, reducing work efficiency.

In order to solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic presence management device that can automatically manage the presence status of workpieces on a processing line.

[Structure of the invention]

(Means for Solving the Problems) FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention includes a buffer 1 in a processing line, 2 workpieces to be processed, and 2. An ID holding machine 3 that can hold an ID code corresponding to each work and transmit the code to the outside, a reader 4 that reads the ID code held by the ID holding machine installed in each buffer, and an ID reading machine. It consists of a central computer 5 that issues reading commands, collects the read data, and manages and outputs the presence data in the processing line.

(Function) Before the workpiece is put into the line, the unique ID of the workpiece is
A code is given, and an ID holding machine that holds the same ID code is installed on the workpiece. Workpieces are put into the line, but they always pass through a buffer during processing and transportation. The computer sequentially activates the ID readers installed in all the buffers in the line.1 The activated readers read the ID code using electromagnetic waves. If a work exists, its LD code is received and its ID code is transmitted to the computer through the transmission line. If the work is absent, reception of the ID code fails, and a message to the effect that reception has failed is transmitted to the computer via the transmission line. The computer automatically manages the presence status of all buffers by sequentially performing this operation on all readers in the line.
I will update it.

(Example) An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

1a is the entrance/exit of the automated warehouse, and 1b is the APC 1 that supplies workpieces to the processing machine and takes out the processed workpieces.
2 is the workpiece to be processed, 3 is the ID code that corresponds to the workpiece and is attached to the pallet of the workpiece.
The holding machine 4 is an ID reader installed at the automatic warehouse entry/exit entrance and the APC, and is connected to the central computer that controls and manages the line 5 using a transmission line, and is read by commands from the central computer. data can be transmitted to a central computer. 5 is the processing machine in the line.

A central computer that controls and manages automated warehouses and automated guided vehicles as well as ID readers, and is connected to each facility via transmission lines. 6 is an automatic warehouse for storing workpieces, jigs for fixing them, and pallets; 7 is for setting up jigs and pallets so that unprocessed workpieces can be processed, and setting up an ID holding machine, as well as processing. This is a setup and disassembly station that disassembles finished workpieces, jigs, pallets, and ID holding devices. 8 is a processing machine that processes the workpiece, 9 is an automatic guided vehicle that transports the workpiece to each piece of equipment, and 10 is a stage connected to a computer for displaying the setup and disassembly support from the computer to the operator at the setup and disassembly station. The collection workstation 11 is a CRT for displaying the presence status connected to a computer.

The computer maintains the line input schedule for workpieces, issues setup support to the setup/disassembly workstation according to the schedule, and assigns IDs corresponding to the workpieces, jigs, pallets, and workpieces.
Specify an ID holding machine with a code. The worker fixes the workpiece to the pallet and jig according to the instructions, and at the same time attaches the ID holder to the pallet. The set-up workpieces are temporarily stored in an automated warehouse. The computer synchronously accesses the AP of each processing machine.
By activating the ID reader installed at the entrance to the C1 automated warehouse and receiving electromagnetic waves from the ID holding machine, the ID can be read.
The system reads the information, collects whether each person is present and the ID code if present, and manages the presence within the line.

APC of the processing machine to which the setup work is to be transported
If it is empty, the automatic warehouse will take out the work from the automatic warehouse, and the AP of the corresponding processing machine will be sent to the automated guided vehicle.
Transport the work to C. Even when a workpiece is carried into a processing machine from an APC and then delivered to the APC again after processing, the computer can understand the operation of each APC's ID reader and data collection, and the machine can retrieve the completed workpiece from the APC using an automated guided vehicle. Collected and transported to an automated warehouse 6 After being stored in the automated warehouse, the workpiece is disassembled by pallets, jigs, and ID holding machines at a setup disassembly station and sent to the next process.

Even if work is sent off the line due to human intervention for some reason, by managing the sequence of the presence of each work in chronological order, it is possible to collect presence situations that are different from the desired presence situation. It is understood by this. Therefore, the line can be controlled normally without the operator having to input into the computer the fact that the workpiece is out of the line.

Furthermore, even if the computer is restored after the computer goes down and the line is controlled manually, the presence status of the line is collected, so it is possible to perform control accordingly.

Unlike conventional control based on tracking data based on presence signals and completion signals from processing machines, the actual presence in the line can be managed, and the line can be controlled using that data. There is no need for an operator to input presence corrections during line-out or recovery after a computer goes down.

FIG. 3 is an example of an application of the automatic presence management device in assembly line work. 12 is a workbench placed on the conveyor 6 and processes the workpiece by obtaining it, 2 is the workpiece placed on the conveyor, 3 is an ID holding machine attached to the workpiece and holds the ID code of the workpiece, 4 is each workbench The ID reader installed in the machine is connected to computer No. 7, and according to instructions from the computer, the ID code of the workpiece on the workbench is read and transmitted to the computer. Reference numeral 13 indicates a limit switch provided on each workbench. When the worker places the workpiece on the workbench from the conveyor, it turns ON, and when the workpiece is returned to the conveyor, it transmits an OFF signal to the computer. Reference numeral 14 represents a belt conveyor for transporting the workpieces, and reference numeral 5 represents a central computer that manages the presence of workpieces on each workbench and the manufacturing data for the entire line.

The workpiece is equipped with a corresponding ID holding machine and is carried on a belt conveyor. 6. A worker pulls out any workpiece from the conveyor and places it on the workbench to process it. The upper limit switch turns ON. At the timing of this ON, the computer activates the ID reading device of the turned ON workbench, receives electromagnetic waves from the ID holder, reads the ID, and collects the code of the workpiece for each workbench. The limit switch of the calculator is O.
The time from N to OFF is also collected.

Due to the above-mentioned effects, if a defect is found in a post-process, it is possible to determine on which workbench the work was performed, and the work rate and defects can be automatically collected for each workbench.

FIG. 4 is an example of how work is distributed by an automatic attendance management device in a mixed flow line. 1 is a workpiece, and 2 is an ID holding machine that has an ID code assigned to each type of workpiece, and is attached to the workpiece.

3 is an ID reader connected to a computer, reads an ID according to a command from the computer, and transmits it to the computer. 15 is a distribution device that distributes the work to the A line and the B line according to instructions from a computer. 5 is the central computer and ID reader,
Conveyor and sorting control equipment. Reference numeral 14 transfers the workpiece by a conveyor.

13 is a limit switch which is turned ON when the work arrives.

An ID holding machine that holds an ID code indicating the type of work is attached to the work, and the work is transported by a conveyor and a limit switch is turned on. When the limit switch is turned on, the computer stops the conveyor and activates the ID reader. The ID reader receives electromagnetic waves from the ID holder and reads the ID. The computer collects ID data from the ID reader, determines which line A or B should be sent to, and issues a command to the device to determine the allocation.

Compared to optical ID reading devices such as OCR, the use of electromagnetic waves has the advantage that reading is easy and the reading time is short.

〔Effect of the invention〕

By using this device, it becomes possible to automatically manage the actual presence status of workers in the line, improving the control and management of production on the line.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a basic layout diagram of the automatic presence management device of the present invention;
This figure is a block diagram of an automatic presence management device in a machining FMS line, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an automatic presence management device in a flow line, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an automatic presence management device in a mixed flow line. 1...Buffer 1a in the processing line...Automated warehouse entrance/exit 1b...APC of processing machine 2...Workpiece 3...ID holder 4...ID reader 5...Calculator 6... White vjj warehouse 7... Setup disassembly station 8... Processing machine 9... Automatic guided vehicle 10... Setup disassembly work station 11... CRT for inventory display 12... Work Table 13...Limit switch 14...Conveyor 15...Distribution is done by device agent Patent attorney Noriyuki Chika Ken Yudo Hirofumi MitsumataFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3Figure 4

Claims (1)

[Claims] an ID code holding means that is attached to a workpiece to be transported and processed on the processing line and capable of holding the ID code of the workpiece and transmitting the ID code; , ID code reading means provided in the buffer area where the code is stored and capable of receiving the code from the above, and instructing and controlling the ID code receiving operation to the ID code reading means to manage the presence status of the workpiece in the processing line. An automatic attendance management device comprising a central computer.