JPH0830968B2 - Work initial condition setting device for flexible manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a flexible production system that realizes high-efficiency, high-mix low-volume production with high efficiency using an electronic computer, and in particular, a power source for the electronic computer (control device). The present invention relates to the improvement of the method of inputting initial values when starting the system.

[Prior Art] As is well known, a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is based on a long-term machining plan for various workpieces (workpieces) preset as basic information and process design contents for each workpiece. , Create an operation schedule for various automatic production equipment such as setup equipment including various machine tools, cleaning equipment, automatic warehouse, transfer equipment, etc., and perform comprehensive operation control of these equipment according to the created operation schedule. It is an automatic production system that has the flexibility to execute, and its value is rapidly being recognized with the spread of electronic computers in recent years.

By the way, it is configured to include an electronic computer and its peripheral devices that comprehensively control the operation of the various equipments described above, and the "material" specified each time is processed in the specified procedure to complete the "finished product". In the control device (FMS control device) of the system, 1). When the power is turned off, such as on a holiday, and then turned on again on working days.

2). When the power is turned off due to an accident or the like, the power is restarted to continue the work from the state just before that.

3). When a failure occurs in equipment or computer peripherals,
When the power is turned off and the cause is removed, then turned on again and restarted.

For example, every time the power is restarted, the initial value of the place where the work is located, or the place where the pallet (working board) to which the work is attached is to be input correctly in some way. If there is a discrepancy between the actual state of the internal storage system (mainly showing the work and pallet location and the progress status of the work) of the control device when the operation control is restarted. In this case, wrong control is performed, and even if a desired product is obtained, the above-mentioned “complete product” cannot be obtained.

Conventionally, an input device such as a keyboard is usually used as a means for registering and inputting an initial value regarding the system state to the control device.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

Certainly, according to the input device such as the keyboard, it is possible to finely instruct and input the state data regarding the locations of the work and the pallet, the process progress status of the work and the like to the control device. However, operation of such a keyboard requires a considerable amount of skill, and using it to match the actual system state with the state that should be initialized in the control unit is not necessary for an operator inside a normal factory. It was a difficult task.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a work initial state setting device of a flexible production system capable of easily and accurately performing the above-described initial setting for a control device even by an inexperienced operator. The purpose is to provide.

[Means for Solving Problems] In the present invention, an operation schedule of various automatic production equipment is created based on a preset long-term machining plan for various works and process design contents for each work, and this creation is performed. Work initial state setting of flexible manufacturing system for executing initial input setting regarding the state of the work at each work storage location in the automatic production equipment to the control device that executes overall operation control of the equipment according to the operation schedule In the apparatus, a physical equipment model in which each of the equipment is simulated and reduced, a physical work model in which each of the various workpieces is simulated and reduced, which is housed in each of the work storage locations of the physical equipment model, and each work storage location of the physical equipment model The work detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a work, and the work storage means are provided for each work storage location. And the work data setting means for setting the type and progress of the work accommodated in each work storage location, and the detection content of the work detection means and the setting content of the work data setting means to the control device. And an initial value input setting means for performing an initial input setting relating to the state of the work in each work storage location.

[Action]

That is, according to the present invention, instead of using a system model screen that does not have an entity displayed on a display screen of a computer or the like, each automated production facility is simulated by reducing each automated production facility of the FMS system. The initial input setting relating to the state of the work at each work storage location in is executed.

Therefore, the operator initializes the data regarding the existing position of the work in the control device by actually arranging the real work model in each work storage location of the real equipment model. At this time, the operator uses the work data setting means to initialize the data regarding the type of work and the progress status in the control device.

〔Example〕

FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 and FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 show an embodiment of the work initial state setting device of the flexible production system according to the present invention.

First, FIG. 4 exemplifies an FMS (flexible manufacturing system) line as a premise in the system of this embodiment.

As shown in the figure, this FMS line is a loading / unloading station IE for loading and unloading raw materials, and in this loading / unloading station IE, the loading / unloading information at any time is processed through an appropriate display means. Temporary storage of a loading / unloading station work instruction device IET, a pallet (working plate: not shown) and a jig (not shown) for reporting and instructing a worker, and receiving a work completion input through an appropriate operation input means. As a warehouse for the temporary storage of ()), in this example, the one shown in 16 rows horizontally has 3 shelves at the top and bottom, consisting of a total of 48 shelves (STORAGE) STR, work (workpiece: figure) The first and second setup devices LS1 and LS2 for mounting and dismounting (not shown) on the pallet, assembling and disassembling the jig on the pallet, and at the place where the setup devices LS1 and LS2 are placed. And an appropriate table Set-up station work instruction device LST for showing the operator the setup work procedure at any time through the means and accepting the completion input of the work through the appropriate operation input means, as a facility for actual processing, on the pallet Three machine tools (assuming NC controlled machine tools) MC1, MC2 and MC3, which perform various kinds of machining such as turning, hole machining, milling etc. of the attached work or are combined in one machine. A washing device (WASHER) WS that also has a pallet reversing function and that cleans the workpieces attached to this pallet, and two-dimensional horizontal and vertical movements are possible between the above equipments. Central control room 1 with an automatic production facility consisting of a transfer device SC1 that automatically transfers workpieces, pallets, jigs, etc.
Main computer (hereinafter referred to as central processing unit) located in 00 and its peripheral devices, and relays control commands output from the central processing unit to the above-mentioned production facilities, and Relay processors 210, 220, 230, 240 that monitor the status and transmit that information to the central processing unit
And 250, and an FMS control device for controlling the overall operation of each of the above-mentioned production facilities.

FIG. 5 shows an internal device of the central control room 100 in the FMS line, and an electric connection mode of the relay processing devices 210 to 250 and each production facility.

That is, in this FMS line, as shown in FIG. 5, the central control room 100 includes therein the above-mentioned central processing unit 110 as an FMS control unit main body and the above-described processing plan as its peripheral unit. Input device 101 for registering basic information such as process information and process design in the central processing unit 110 (exactly, an external information storage unit 113 described later), and characters for displaying a character screen such as a menu screen Screen display device 102, a drawing screen display device 10 for displaying a drawing screen of the current state of the system and a simulation result
3, printing device 104 for printing forms, and NC
Paper tape input / output device for tape input / output 10
5, and an initial state input model 106 for initializing the system state data such as the location of the work and the pallet and the process progress status of the work in the central processing unit 110 when the power source (not shown) is turned on. The relay processing devices 210 to 250 for relaying control commands and status information between the central processing device 110 and each production facility are the first relay processing device 210. The relay process is executed for the transfer device SC1 and the loading / unloading station work instruction device IET, and the second relay processing device 220
Performs the above-mentioned relay process for the cleaning device WS, the setup devices LS1, LS2, and the setup station work instruction device LST, and the third to fifth relay processing devices 230-250 respectively
The assignment is set in advance so as to execute the above-mentioned relay processing for the third machine tools MC1 to MC3.

It should be noted that each of these relay processing devices 210 to 250 is basically composed of an electronic computer having the internal configuration shown in FIG. 6, and the transfer device SC1, the cleaning device WS, and the production device to be controlled are connected to each other. Setup devices LS1 and LS2, first to third machine tools
Regarding each equipment of MC1 to MC3, the control information and the event (change of state) are exchanged in the manner shown in FIG. 6, and each equipment of the loading / unloading station work instruction device IET and the setup station work instruction device LST. With respect to, the work instruction information and the work request are exchanged in the manner shown in FIG. Here, the processing procedure storage unit 21 in the relay processing device is a storage unit in which a program as a processing procedure as the relay processing device is pre-stored, and the internal information storage member 22 is information processing (calculation). The information processing unit (central processing unit, CPU) 23 is a storage unit that stores basic information when performing the In accordance with the processing procedure described above, information is input / output and information is processed (calculated) based on the information stored in the internal information storage unit 22. The information conversion unit 24 is a control transmitted from the central processing unit 110. Regarding the command (which includes information for designating the production equipment to be controlled and the relay processing device related to the equipment, and code information corresponding to the desired control contents of the production equipment), Own station On the condition that the continuous processing device) is specified, this is converted into common information for the above processing and added to the above information processing section 23, and the processing information (own station and each corresponding information) added from the information processing section 23. The production equipment identification information and the code information corresponding to the contents of the “event” and “work request” of the production equipment described above are included in the information required for information communication. Central processing unit 110 converted to form
The information converting unit 25 is the processing information added from the information processing unit 23 (the above-mentioned “control information” and “work instruction information” for each corresponding production facility are transmitted from the central processing unit). (Including information indicating concrete contents corresponding to the code information), which is converted into a required form for information communication and transferred to each corresponding production facility, each corresponding production The equipment state information such as the above-mentioned “event” and “work request” transmitted from the equipment is a portion which is converted into common information for the above processing and added to the information processing section 23.

Now, FIG. 1 mainly shows an internal configuration of the central processing unit 110 in the central control room 100 and a configuration concept of the initial state input model 106. Hereinafter, specific configurations thereof will be described. The function will be described in detail.

First, the central processing unit 110 basically comprises an electronic computer having the internal configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the above-mentioned peripheral devices (the manual operation input device 101, the character screen display device 10).
2, drawing screen display device 103, printing device 104, paper tape input / output device 105, and initial state input model 106) and required information in the mode shown in FIG. Give and receive. Here, the central processing unit
The processing procedure storage unit 111 in 110 is a storage unit in which a program, which is a processing procedure as a central processing unit, is pre-stored, and the internal information storage unit 112 is an information processing unit including the system state data described above. The external information storage unit 113 is a storage unit that stores basic information when performing (calculation). To be exact, the external information storage unit 113 includes a magnetic disk device or the like arranged outside the central processing unit 110. As described above, this is a storage unit that stores basic information such as "machining plan" and "process design", and other information processing unit (central processing unit, CP
U) 114 refers to the input / output of information and the storage information of the internal information storage unit 112 or the external information storage unit 113 according to the written processing procedure while sequentially reading the programs stored in the processing procedure storage unit 111. Based on information processing (calculation)
The information conversion unit 115 is the input information (basic information or manual operation information at each time) added from the manual operation input device 101, or the paper tape input / output device 10.
Input information added from 5 (NC control information), input information added from the initial state input model 106 (system state data initial value), or relay information transferred from the relay processing devices 210 to 250 (each corresponding relay processing). This includes common information for the above-mentioned processing, including identification information of equipment and production equipment, and code information corresponding to the contents of the above-mentioned "event" and "work request" of the production equipment). In addition to the above information processing unit 114, processing information added from the information processing unit 114 (required display instruction device for the character screen display device 102 and the drawing screen display device 103, required print instruction information for the printing device 104, respectively) , The required NC control information for the paper tape input / output device 105, the above-mentioned “control command” for the relay processing devices 210 to 250, etc.) Depending on the previously converted into the required form for information communication is a part to be transferred to the desired destination.

Incidentally, in the central processing unit 110, a so-called information processing unit is configured by the processing procedure storage unit 111, the information processing unit 114, and the information conversion unit 115, and this information processing unit realizes operation control of each of the facilities. At this time, basic information indicating a machining plan and process design contents (previously registered in the external information storage unit 113 through the manual operation input device 101 or the like), and further, a model of each facility or work (this is also the input device 101 or the like. Registered in the external information storage unit 113 through appropriate input means) and current data indicating the current position of the workpiece and the processing progress status (data registered in the external information storage unit 113 based on relay information from each relay processing device) , Which is updated as necessary), for example, real-time simulation of material, jigs, tools, etc. Enactment of the equipment operation schedule based on the emission results and the actual operation control for each facility based on the enacted operation schedule,
And so on.

The initial state input model 106 is configured as a system model having a shape obtained by appropriately simulating and reducing each facility (see FIG. 4) in the system as a whole, as the configuration concept is shown in FIG. Has been done. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the first and second setup devices LS1 described above are used.
1st and 2nd setup device model L which is a model of LS2 and LS2
S1 'and LS2', similarly the first to third machine tools MC1 to MC
The first to third machine tool models MC1 ′ to MC, which are three models
3 ', a washing machine model W which is also a model of the washing machine WS
S ', a carrier model SC that is also a model of carrier SC1
1 ', Automatic warehouse model ST which is also a model of automatic warehouse STR
The input model 106 is constituted by R ′, and further, the work model W, the pallet model P, and the jig model G, which are models of the work, the pallet, and the jig described above, respectively. Although only one of each of the models W, P, G of the work, the pallet, and the jig is shown for the sake of convenience, in reality, the work, the pallet, and the jig that can be simultaneously processed in the embodiment system. A plurality of models W, P, and G are prepared according to the number of. In addition, the setup device models LS1 ', LS2', machine tool model MC1 '
~ MC3 ', cleaning device model WS', transfer device model SC1 ', and automatic warehouse model STR' are configured to simulate the actual work storage location in each of these facilities as a unit. It is assumed that the simulated parts of these work storage locations have a structure capable of simultaneously storing the three models of the work model W, the pallet model P, and the jig model G.

FIG. 2 shows a concrete structure of such a model by taking a part of the automatic warehouse model STR ′ among the above models as an example. Further details of the model structure will be given with reference to FIG. I will describe.

As shown in FIG. 2, the work storage place of each part of the model (in the example of FIG. 2, the Kth shelf STR ′ of the automatic warehouse model STR ′)
Only _k and the work storage areas around it are shown for convenience), but they are divided into three areas (though not necessarily divided), and the work model W, the pallet model P, and the jig model G are respectively defined. The three models can be stored at the same time and selectively by the operator's setting (inserting) operation in the directions of arrows F1 to F3. However, in these three storage areas,
The positions where the two models W, P, and G are to be stored are predetermined. As a method for this, for example, the shapes (including the arrangement of the convex portion or the concave portion) or the sizes of the three models W, P, and G are different, and the shapes of the three storage areas ( It is also possible to employ a structure in which recesses or protrusions are included) or the size thereof is made different according to these models, that is, a structure in which they can be set only in a corresponding relationship.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a "work code", which is an identifier for designating the type of work, is set in the work model W for the control device (central processing unit 110). Work code setting dial for WCD,
"Process number", which is a number automatically assigned according to the machining procedure in order to recognize the position of the work in the control device
Process number setting dial NOD for setting, and the process of this set number is "Before start", "In process",
A process progress setting dial BSE, which is used to set whether it is “finished” or not, is provided. That is, the operator registers and sets the "work code", "process number", and "pre-start", "processing", and "end" of the process in the work model through these dials WCD, COD, and BSE. be able to. Similarly, in the pallet model P, a pallet code setting dial PCD for setting a "pallet code" which is an identifier for designating a pallet to be used for the control device (central processing unit 110), Jig model G above
Each is equipped with a jig code setting dial GCD for setting the "jig code" that is an identifier for specifying the jig to be used for the control device, and the operator can operate these dials. Based on this, the "pallet code" or "jig code" can be registered and set in the pallet model or the jig model, respectively.

These codes and other contents set for each model are
When each model is set in its corresponding storage area, each corresponding sensor (work sensor WSE, pallet sensor PSE and jig sensor GSE) shown in FIG. ) Automatically read by.

It should be noted that a code or other registration method through each dial for the above model and a method of reading the registered code or the like through the sensor are arbitrary,
For example, it is easy to realize this by using a well-known digital technology to which an optical sensor technology or the like is applied. However, when configuring the above sensors WSE, PSE and GSE,
If the corresponding model is not set in the corresponding storage area, predetermined information indicating that (for example, "0")
The operating characteristics shall be determined so as to automatically output.

FIG. 3 shows an extracted structure of each of these sensor units in the initial state input model 106.

That is, in FIG. 3, two work sensors each are provided.
WSE _I1 ~ ₂ , Pallet sensor PSE _L1 ~ ₂ and jig sensor GS
E _I1 to ₂ are sensors arranged in the work storage locations of the two setup device models LS1 'and LS2', respectively, and each of the nine work sensors WSE _M1 to ₉ , pallet sensor PSE _M1 to ₉ and jig sensor. GSE _M1 ~ ₉ is, three of the machine tool model MC1'~MC
3'shows sensors arranged at each of three work storage locations, that is, each storage port corresponding to each loading / unloading port, intermediate evacuation area, and processing table in the actual machine tools MC1 to MC3, one work each. A sensor WSE _W , a pallet sensor PSE _W and a jig sensor GSE _W indicate sensors arranged in the work storage location of the cleaning device model WS ′, and also one work sensor WSE _SC , pallet sensor PSE _SC and jig sensor. GSE _SC indicates a sensor arranged in the work storage location of the transfer device model SC1 ′, and each of the 48 work sensors WSE _S1 to ₄₈ , pallet sensor PSE _S1 to ₄₈ and jig sensor GSE _S1 to ₄₈ is an automatic warehouse. The sensors arranged on the above-mentioned 48 shelves of the model STR 'are shown. Then, among these sensors, each work sensor WSE, when the work model W is set in its corresponding storage area, has its “work code”, “process number”, and “process progress status (of the process concerned)”. "Before start", "in process", "end") are read and output to the code processing unit CP, and each pallet sensor PSE sets the pallet model P in the corresponding storage area. When the jig model G is set in the corresponding storage area, each jig sensor GSE reads the “pallet code” and outputs it to the code processing unit CP. It reads the "jig code" and outputs it to the code processing section CP. Further, as described above, the preset information such as "0" is output to the same code processing unit CP from the sensor corresponding to the storage area where the model is not set.

The code processing unit CP organizes the output from each sensor thus added based on the identification and recognition of the input address (position of each sensor) to form the above-mentioned "system state data". , For example, based on the operation of the set completion key SEK by the operator, the formed “system state data” is converted into the information conversion unit 1 of the central processing unit 110.
This is the part that operates to transfer to 15. By transferring the "system state data" from the initial state input model 106 (to be exact, this code processing unit PCP), the central processing unit 110 receives this as data indicating the current state in the actual system, The data in the corresponding storage area of the internal information storage unit 112 is initialized by the received "system state data". Then, thereafter, in contrast with the previous operation schedule, the contents indicated by the “system state data” are set as the initial state of the system, and the subsequent operation control for the respective facilities is started.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the initial state input model
Necessary information (“work code”, “work code”, for each of the work model W, pallet model P and jig model G using 106.
"Process number", "Process progress", "Pallet code"
And "Jig code") set.

Work model W and pallet model P with these information sets
Also, the jig model G is selectively stored (inserted) in a work storage area (storage area) in various equipment models.

Through simple operations such as
The initial setting of the system state for 110) can be automatically performed.

In the initial state input model 106 of the above embodiment, the work model W, the pallet model P, and the jig model G are exclusively associated with the work sensor WSE, the pallet sensor PSE, and the jig sensor GSE. Although the positions at which these models should be stored are predetermined, it is possible to liberate such correspondence. That is, this includes an identification code for causing each of the models W, P and G to identify the model to which the model is a work model, a pallet model or a jig model. Pre-registration may be carried out in such a manner that the sensor can detect it, and this identification code may be taken into the code processing unit CP as a sensor output together with the above-mentioned code and the like set through the dial. Of course, in this case, the sensors each having the same specifications are used.

Further, the work model W, the pallet model P, the jig model G, the work sensor WSE, and the pallet sensor PSE.
The jig sensor GSE does not necessarily have to be configured using these. That is, instead of these models and sensors, appropriate switch means are provided in the work storage place of the model of each of the above facilities, and these switch means are turned on.
The presence / absence of a work, a pallet, and a jig can be designated depending on the off mode. In this case, the information such as the "work code" and the "pallet code" described above is separately input through an appropriate dial means which is arranged in the work storage place of the model of each facility.

Further, in the above embodiment, as a preferred example, the operation control of each production facility and the status grasp (event report) are performed through the relay processing device, but the initial state input model 106 and the central processing unit are also provided. It goes without saying that the initial setting of the system state data in 110 can be achieved without being directly related to the presence or absence of such a relay processing device. That is, the initial state input model 106 described above can be similarly applied and installed in a flexible production system having no relay processing device.

Furthermore, storage means and storage methods for various types of information handled in the system of the embodiment, or input means, input methods, and the like are also exemplified in the above embodiments,
The method is not limited to any method, and the point is that any means or method can be adopted as long as the information having various contents and structures described above can be accurately registered, held, or input. I can't be disturbed.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to very easily and accurately perform the initial setting of the system state for the control device through the system entity model which is easily perceived.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device and peripheral devices for one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the structure of the initial state input model in the block diagram shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit of the same initial state input model, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the line configuration of an FMS line presumed in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is this FMS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection mode of the lines, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a basic internal configuration of a relay processing device in the block diagram shown in FIG. 100 ... Central control room, 101 ... Manual operation input device, 102 ... Character screen display device, 103 ... Drawing screen display device, 104 ... Printing device,
105… Paper tape input / output device, 106… Initial state input model, 11
0 ... Central processing unit, 111 ... Processing procedure storage unit, 112 ... Internal information storage unit, 113 ... External information storage unit, 114 ... Information processing unit, 11
5 ... Information exchange unit, 210 to 250 ... Relay processing device, IE ... Storage / receipt station, IET ... Storage / receipt station work instruction device, STR ... Automatic warehouse, SC1 ... Conveying device, LS1, LS2 ... Setup device, LST ... Setup Taking station work instruction device, MC1 to MC3 ...
Machine tools, WS ... Cleaning equipment, STR '... Automatic warehouse model, SC1'
... Conveyor model, LS1 ', LS2' ... Setup device model, MC1 '~
MC3 '... Machine tool model, WS' ... Cleaning device model, W ... Work model, P ... Pallet model, G ... Jig model, WSE ... Work sensor, PSE ... Pallet sensor, GSE ... Jig sensor, CP
… Code processing section.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An operation schedule for various automatic production facilities is created based on a preset long-term machining plan for various workpieces and process design contents for each workpiece.
Work initial of a flexible production system that executes initial input setting regarding the state of the work at each work storage location in the automatic production equipment to the control device that executes comprehensive operation control of the equipment according to the created operation schedule In the state setting device, a physical equipment model in which each of the equipment is simulated and reduced, a physical work model in which each of the various workpieces is simulated and reduced, which is housed in each work storage location of the physical equipment model, and each work of the physical equipment model Work detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a work in the storage location, and work data setting means provided for each work storage location and setting the type and progress of the work accommodated in each work storage location. And using the detection content of the work detection means and the setting content of the work data setting means, Work initial state setting unit of the flexible manufacturing system, wherein an initial value input setting means for performing an initial input setting on the status of the work, in that it comprises the in each work location relative control device.