JPS5827060B2 - Pallet automatic feeding device - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] The present invention relates to an automatic supply device for workpieces and jigs that is suitable for not only small-lot production of a wide variety of products but also mass production in the group management of machine tools for small and medium-sized products. .

Generally, in group management of machine tools, workpieces or jigs and tools are transported on pallets, but the most important thing in automatic pallet feeding equipment for group management is the main conveyor line for pallet transport. This means whether the water is flowing smoothly at each branch point.

In a conventional automatic pallet feeding device for group management, only one workpiece can be attached to one pallet because the pallet is used as a fixture for the workpiece.

Therefore, when a large number of the same workpieces are flown, one piece, one
Since pallets corresponding to individual workpieces are flown independently on the main conveyor line, the number of pallets on the main conveyor line increases.
Pallets became crowded at the junctions of the conveyor line, requiring waiting times for each other, and special waiting stations had to be set up.

However, in the present invention, by storing a plurality of small or medium-sized workpieces on one or several pallets and supplying a large number of workpieces at once, the number of pallets on the main conveyor line can be reduced, and the work can be carried out quickly. The number of pallets on the line is kept to a minimum by installing a work storage shelf to temporarily store pallets of workpieces that will not be processed, and installing two pallet standby conveyors on the pallet pull conveyor on the machine side.
Pallets can be carried in and out efficiently at branch points on the main conveyor line.

The present invention is a workpiece height detection device that detects the height of a workpiece in a pallet on a conveyor line before conveying a workpiece pallet to a storage shelf, and ensures safety when inserting a workpiece pallet into a storage shelf. The present invention provides an automatic pallet feeding device including:

Unlike machining using a general single machine, the most efficient way to use a group control axis system is to limit the types of workpieces to a certain extent.

In other words, if the setting range of the workpiece is set too wide, the conveyor storage device tends to become too large, and as a result, the system may be adapted to workpieces that are processed infrequently, resulting in an extremely inefficient configuration. .

Therefore, the present invention normally involves selecting a workpiece to be machined, determining its size, and creating an efficient machining system for workpieces within a predetermined width range.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings, including the overall configuration.

The main conveyor that controls the automatic feeding of pallets has the first transport conveyor 27 and the third transport conveyor 21 as its long sides, and the second transport conveyor 27 as its long sides.
It is a rectangular unidirectional moving conveyor line whose short sides are the conveyor 20 and the fourth conveyor 26, and manual, mobile, automatic, and numerically controlled machine tools 1 to 13 are installed in this rectangular main conveyor line. Place.

Among these, 1.2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 13. The machine tools and the first transport conveyor 27 are pallet entrainment conveyors 28 to 32 and a pallet standby conveyor 28a.
, 28b, 28c, 28cl-32a.

32b (Figure 9-1), and 3,6°10
, 1L12 and the third transport conveyor 21 are communicated with each other by pallet pull-in conveyors 22-25 and pallet standby conveyors 22a, 22b-25a, 25b.

Thus, for example, the machine tool 6 is connected to the third transport conveyor by means of a pallet pull-in conveyor 24 and pallet waiting conveyors 24a, 24b.

Also, next to each machine tool, there is a setting display panel 34,...
... 40, which allows the operator to directly instruct the computer about cutter offset, program changes, etc. needed when operating the machine.

Along the fourth conveyor 26, a jig storage shelf 16a is provided.
A stacker delivery conveyor 18 and a stacker delivery conveyor 19 are connected to the second transport conveyor 20.

A work pallet storage shelf 16 is arranged between the stacker carry-out conveyor 18 and the stacker carry-in conveyor 19, and a stacker crane 1 is arranged between each work pallet storage shelf.
7 is movably provided.

This stacker crane 17 stores the work pallets that have entered the carry-in conveyor 19 into storage shelves, and also stores the work pallets that have arrived on the carry-in conveyor 19 into storage shelves.
The pallet in the called storage shelf is carried out to the stacker carrying-out conveyor 18 according to the command.

Further, on the second conveyor 20, a work height detection device 20a for detecting the height of the workpieces stored on the pallet is installed between the connection points of the stacker loading/unloading conveyors 18 and 19.
will be established.

At the left end of the first conveyor 27, work pallets containing workpiece materials and jig/tool pallets containing jigs and tools are carried to the main conveyor, and work pallets that have been completely processed or used jig/tool pallets are transferred to the main conveyor. Connect the pallet dispenser conveyor 14 and 15 to be carried out.

Before and after the branch point between the first transport conveyor 27 and the pallet sender conveyor 15, a computer 42 is installed to determine whether the pallet is a pallet for fully processed workpieces, a pallet for unprocessed workpieces, or a pallet for jigs and tools. The interacting pallet unloading pallet number reading device 117 reads the number of the pallet carried into the main conveyor line, and determines the number of the pallet carried into the main conveyor line.
Additionally, a pallet number reading device 115 is provided which interacts with the computer 42 to confirm whether this pallet number is correct.

Also, at the rear end of the first conveyor 27, should the pallet that has flowed down the first conveyor 27 be placed in the work storage shelf 16, or should it be sent to the machine tool on the third conveyor side for processing?

Or, since all processing has been completed, the electronic computer 42 is used to check whether the pallet should be sent to the pallet dispenser conveyor 14 or 15.
A branching station 33 is provided which includes a pallet number reader for interaction with the pallet number reader.

Also, at this branching station 33, when a pallet is being carried out from the stacker carrying out conveyor 18 to the second carrying conveyor 20, the pallet cannot flow from the first carrying conveyor 27 to the second carrying conveyor 20, so the pallet is kept on standby. For this purpose, evacuation devices LK, LJ, and LE that levitate from the first conveyor 27 are provided.

Of the commands from the electronic computer 42, commands to the machine tool are issued via the machine tool interface control panel 203, and commands to the conveyor are issued via the conveyor control panel 41.

Furthermore, commands for the stacker crane are issued via the stacker crane control panel 203a.

The main parts of the embodiments of the present invention will be roughly divided and described as follows.

Work Pallet Line/On Machine/In Machine Out Setting Display Panel Line/Off Branch Station Work Pallet Storage Shelf [Work Pallet] In one embodiment of the present invention, all workpieces are transported in a box shape as shown in FIG. This is done by storing the work on the work pallet 43 of the container.

There is no limit to the shape of the workpieces to be accommodated on the workpiece pallet 43 as long as they are within a predetermined height and do not protrude from the sides of the pallet, and a plurality of workpieces can be accommodated depending on the size.

Furthermore, the work pallet 43 can also accommodate jigs and tools for machining the work.

A pallet number display board 44 is attached to the side wall of the work pallet to display the pallet number as shown in Fig. 4 (Fig. 3), and the pallet number of the work pallet traveling on the main conveyor is shown below. It is read by a pallet number reading device 47 which will be explained.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the numbers assigned to identify the pallets are: work pallet numbers from 10 to 899, and jigs and tools numbers in the 900s.

Further, the pallet number reading device 47 is a photoelectric reading device consisting of a light emitter 4B and a light receiver 49 as shown in FIG.

The following five pallet number reading devices used in group management of machine tools according to the present invention are those shown in FIG. 3.

[Line On]

The following is a pallet dispenser conveyor according to an embodiment of the invention 14.15
will be explained in detail according to the drawings.

In Figures 5-1 and 5-2, 15 is the base 1
18 is a pallet dispenser conveyor that can be raised and lowered via rollers 120 along guide rails 119 attached to the pallet conveyor.

The pallet dispenser conveyor 15 is raised and lowered by the base 118.
Linkage mechanism 103 by cylinder 102 attached to
, 104, lever with roller 1
21.

The pallet dispenser conveyor 15 is started via a reducer 106 that reduces the rotational speed of the electric motor 105 and a chain wheel attached to the output shaft of the reducer.

14 is at the end of the pallet dispenser conveyor 15,
This is a finished product pallet delivery conveyor connected to the pallet dispenser conveyor 15.

Pallet dispenser conveyor 15 and pallet discharge conveyor 1
4, the pallet is carried out from the pallet carrying-in/out conveyor 15 by the pallet carrying-out fork 108 which reciprocates along the guide rail 122 by the cylinder 107 as shown in FIG. The finished product is moved on the carry-out conveyor 14 and carried out to the finished product carry-out port 123.

The other end of the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 intersects with the first transport conveyor 27, forming a pallet dispenser branch point 101.

The limit switch 112 provided at the pallet dispenser branch point 101 stops the carrying-out operation of the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 after confirming that the pallet carried out by the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 has reached the pallet dispenser branch point 101. This is a switch that allows you to

113 is a pallet number reading start limit switch provided on the first conveyor 27, and 114 is a pallet number reading release limit switch.

As mentioned above, 115 is a pallet number reading device that reads the number recorded on the pallet number display board 44 attached to each pallet.

Reference numeral 117 is a photoelectric pallet number reading device as described above, and when a pallet that has moved on the first transport conveyor 27 presses the pallet number reading start limit switch 116, the pallet number reading device 117 reads under that condition. starts reading the number recorded on the pallet number display board 44.

The pallet dispenser conveyor according to one embodiment of the present invention is constructed as described above and operates as follows.

In the conveyor system of the present invention, the jig/tool pallet and the work pallet flow on the same conveyor, so the jig/tool pallet containing the jig/tool is given a specific number (900 series) as described above. Pallet numbers from 010 to 899 are assigned to work pallets that store workpieces.

In the following explanation, the operation in which a work pallet containing work materials or a pallet containing jigs and tools is carried from the T-AI pallet carry-out conveyor 15 to the first transport conveyor 27 will be referred to as "line on". The work pallet that has been processed or the used tool pallet is transferred from the first conveyor 27 to the pallet sender conveyor 15.
The operation of unloading is called "line off."

First, when a work pallet or a tool pallet containing work materials is placed on the pallet dispenser conveyor 15, an operator presses a line-on start button on an operation panel (not shown).

At this time, the emitter 110 and the receiver 1 shown in FIG. 5-1
If another pallet is progressing on the first conveyor 27 between 11 and 11, line-on start will not occur.

This is to prevent the pallet that is about to be used and the pallet that has flowed on the first conveyor 27 from interfering at the pallet dispenser branch point.

Furthermore, "line on" does not start until the advancing pallet passes the floodlight 110.

When line-on starts, the cylinder 102 is activated, the lever with roller 121 is rotated via the link mechanisms 103 and 104, and the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 is raised.

Next, the electric motor 105 rotates to operate the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 toward the first conveyor 27 via the speed reducer 106 .

When the pallet on the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 begins to enter the pallet dispenser branch point 101, the pallet blocks the light emitted from the projector 110.

When the pallet blocks the light, the first conveyor 27, which has been operating in the direction of the arrow, stops.

The pallet dispenser conveyor 15 continues the carry-in operation, and when the pallet completely reaches the pallet dispenser branch point 101 and the limit switch 112 is pressed, the electric motor 105 is stopped and the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 stops the carry-in operation.

As soon as the loading/unloading conveyor 15 stops, the cylinder 1
02 operates in the opposite direction to the previous direction, and the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 descends.

Next, the first transport conveyor 27 starts operating again in the direction of the arrow to send the pallet to the pallet number reading device 115.

However, while the pallet that is about to go on line is moving on the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 toward the pallet dispenser branch point 101, another pallet is sent from the fourth conveyor 26 onto the first conveyor 27, Floodlight 11
When the 0 light is blocked, the first conveyor 27 is stopped and priority is given to line-on.

The line-on pallet moves on the first conveyor 27 in the direction of the arrow, leaves the limit switch 112, and then starts reading the pallet number with the limit switch 1.
13, the pallet number reading device 115 starts reading the pallet number display plate 44, and when the pallet moves further and the pallet number reading release limit switch 114 is pressed, the reading by the pallet number reading device 115 is canceled.

The pallet number read by the pallet number reader 115 is sent to the electronic computer 42 (FIG. 1) as described below.
If an unsuitable pallet is placed on the line, the pallet is removed from the first conveyor 27, and if a suitable pallet is placed on the line, it is removed from the first conveyor 27. 27 in the direction of the arrow.

The first conveyor 2 is connected to the magnetic drum of the electronic computer 42.
7, second conveyor 20, third conveyor 21. A file in which the numbers of pallets on the first conveyor 27 are registered (hereinafter, this file will be referred to as a conveyor file).

), a file in which pre-scheduled machining processes for each workpiece material are registered, such as the order in which the pallets that are on the line go to each machine tool (hereinafter this file is referred to as a pallet file), and each machine tool. A file in which the machining order of the work pallets to be machined is registered (hereinafter referred to as the machine buffer file) and the pallet number of the pallet to be lined off after all machining processes are completed are registered. file (hereinafter referred to as the line-off file),
A file (hereinafter, this file will be referred to as a line-off completion file) is provided in which all pallet numbers of pallets that have been line-off are registered.

When the pallet number that has just been brought on line is read by the pallet number reading device 115, the number is first transmitted to the computer 42, where it is checked whether the read pallet number is correct.

If an incorrect pallet number is read, e.g.
This may occur if you make a mistake in setting the palette display board.

Work pallets are assigned pallet numbers from 10 to 899, and jig and tool pallets are assigned pallet numbers in the 900s.

Further, if the read pallet number is less than number 10, an error message is displayed and the pallet is removed from the first conveyor 27.

For the pallets with pallet numbers in the 900s, the pallets flow on the first conveyor 27 and are not processed in the computer 42 as described below.

next. In order to register the pallet number that has just been brought in in the conveyor file, it is checked whether there is an empty address in the conveyor file where the pallet number can be registered, and if there is no empty address, it is Since a pallet exceeding the capacity has been brought onto the line, an error message is displayed and the pallet is removed from the first conveyor 27.

If there is space, the pallet number of the pallet that came on line is registered.

Moreover, since all the pallet numbers of the pallets to be processed are already stored in the pallet file in the computer 42, it is checked whether the pallet number of the pallet that has been brought on line is registered in the pallet file.

If it is not registered, an error message will appear and the pallet will be removed from the first conveyor 27.

If it is registered in the pallet file, it is checked whether a call command is included in the machine tool number for machining the first process of the workpiece stored on the pallet.

There is a condition that the workpiece materials of the work pallet that are brought onto the line must be processed in a predetermined process order starting from the first process.

Also, when a pallet is put on the line, a call command is entered in the machine tool number of the first process registered in the pallet file, so if a call command has already been entered in the machine tool number of the first process, an error message will be displayed. comes out,
The pallet is removed from the first transport conveyor 27.

If the machine tool number of the first process does not contain a call command, the machine tool number of the first process contains a call command,
Next, the machine buffer file is checked to determine when the first run of the pallet on the line should be machined on the first run machine tool.

The machine buffer file contains the pallet number of the workpiece currently being processed that has been pulled into the pallet pull-in conveyor and is on the pallet standby conveyor, the pallet number of the workpiece for 5th processing, and the pallet in the queue (machine tool in one embodiment of this application). There is a place where the pallet number of a pallet (either a pallet being transported by a conveyor or temporarily stored on a storage shelf for processing) is registered, and when the pallet comes on line, the pallet number is registered.

Next, the machine buffer file is checked to see if there is an empty address for registering the pallet number again.
If there is no space, an error message will appear and the pallet will be removed from the first conveyor 27.

If there is an empty space, a pallet number is registered there.

Next, a check is made to see if the machine buffer file contains the pallet number of the workpiece currently being machined.

If there is no pallet number for the work currently being processed, it also means that there is no pallet number for the next work, so check whether there is a pallet number that contains a call command among the pallet numbers of the pallets in the queue. If a call command is included, the machine buffer file processing within the computer 42 is terminated.

If no call command is entered, the call command is entered at the first pallet number of the pallet numbers in the queue, and processing of the machine buffer file within the computer 42 during line-on is completed.

In other words, if the machine buffer file does not have the pallet number currently being machined or the pallet number for the next machining, and the call command is not included in the pallet number of the pallet that is waiting, this means that the machine tool Since the pallet is not fully heated on the pallet waiting conveyor and the next pallet to be processed by that machine tool has not been called out, it is necessary to call out the pallet number of the pallet in the queue. It is.

At the above-mentioned stage of checking whether the machine buffer file contains the pallet number of the pallet currently being processed,
If the pallet number of the workpiece currently being machined is present, it is checked whether the pallet number S of the next workpiece is present in the machine buffer file.

If there is a pallet number for the next workpiece, it means that the pallet of the work currently being processed and the pallet of the next workpiece have been pulled into the pallet standby conveyor of this machine tool, and the pallet standby conveyor is full. Processing of the machine buffer file within the electronic computer 42 when the line is on ends.

If there is no pallet number for the next processing, it is checked whether there is a pallet number containing the calling finger 4- among the pallet numbers of the pallets in the queue registered in the machine buffer film.

If there is a pallet number that contains a call command, it means that the next processing pallet has not yet been pulled into the pallet waiting conveyor, but the call has been made. Processing of the machine buffer file within computer 42 ends.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the order of pallets to be machined by each machine tool is first determined to be the same by instructions based on program processing of the electronic computer 42, which will be described later, regardless of the order in which the pallet numbers of the pallets are registered in the machine buffer file. The system is such that workpieces on a series of pallets containing different types of workpieces are machined, and only after that machining is completed are workpieces on pallets containing different types of workpieces processed. If there is no pallet number that contains a call command among the pallet numbers of the pallets, check whether the pallet of the work currently being processed is the last pallet in a series of pallets containing the same parts. Please be checked.

If the pallet currently being processed is the last pallet,
Since a work pallet containing parts of another type may be processed, a call command is entered at the first pallet number of the pallet in the machine buffer file queue, and the electronic computer 42 when the line is on. Processing of the machine buffer file within ends.

If the pallet of the workpiece currently being machined is not the last pallet, the pallet number of the pallet that contains the same type of workpiece as the pallet currently being machined is searched from among the pallet numbers in the queue of the machine buffer file. , a call command is input to that pallet number, the machine buffer file is returned to the magnetic drum, all processing within the electronic computer 42 when the line is on is completed, and the pallet is transferred onto the first conveyor 27. flowing.

[Machine-in, machine-out] Machine-in is to supply pallets on the main conveyor or work pallet storage rack to the machine side according to the requirements of the machine tool, and the pallet pull-in conveyor plays the main role. fulfill.

Furthermore, machine out is when the workpieces on the supplied workpiece pallet have been processed and are carried out from the pull-in conveyor to the main conveyor.

Pallet pull-in conveyor 22. ...25,28. ...
32 is the first conveyor 27 and the third conveyor 21
This is to pull the work pallet being transported into the machine tool side.

The pallet pull-in conveyor 28 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail below by way of example.

The pallet pull-in conveyor 28 of FIG. 9-1 is provided perpendicularly to the first conveyor 27 and between the first conveyor 27 and the machine tool 1.2.3.

In addition, pallet standby conveyors 28a, 28b and 28C
, 28d are provided branching to the left and right, respectively, with the pull-in conveyor 28 in the center.

The pallet pull-in conveyor 28 is supported by a moving frame 359 as shown in FIG. 9-2, and when the move frame 359 moves up and down, the pallet pull-in conveyor also moves up and down.

A roller 360 rotatably supported on both ends of the moving frame is attached to a guide rail 361 fixed to a base 357.
, the retractable pallet conveyor 28 is moved up and down.

An output shaft of a lift cylinder 358 rotatably provided on a bracket 363 fixed to the base 357 is connected to a link 362 rotatably provided on the base 357. A link 362' having a roller 364 in contact with the lower surface of 1. Link 36 by lift cylinder 358
2,362', the pallet drawing conveyor 28 is moved up and down.

Links 362' for vertically moving the pallet pull-in conveyor 28 via the base 357 are provided at two locations on the base 357, and each link is connected by a connecting shaft 3367 as shown in Figure 9-1. .

Furthermore, the pallet pull-in conveyor 28 is driven to run via a chain by a drive system consisting of a speed reducer 366 and an electric motor 365, as shown in FIG. 9-2.

The process by which a work pallet is supplied to or discharged from a machine tool by the retracting pallet conveyor operated as described above will be explained in detail.

On the pallet standby conveyor 28b, a pallet P3 storing a workpiece currently being processed by the machine tool 2 is placed, and on the pallet standby conveyor 28a, a pallet P4 storing a workpiece to be processed next is placed. be placed.

Further, the pallet standby conveyors 28c and 28d are provided with pallets P1 and 2 for the workpieces currently being machined or for the next machining of the machine tool 1, respectively. P2 is placed.

The pallet PX that has just received the call command is located near the pallet pull-in conveyor 28 in FIG. 28...,
One pallet number reading device is always attached corresponding to each pallet number reading device 22e, 23e, .
28e exchanges signals with a computer), the first conveyor 27 is stopped and the pallet drawing conveyor 28 is raised by the lift cylinder 358 and the link 362.

Therefore, the pallet Px waiting on the first conveyor 27
is delivered to the pallet pull-in conveyor 28, and is further driven by the electric motor 365 to be conveyed along with the chain conveyor in FIG.
-2, it is moved to the left.

When the pallet Px is completely carried in, the completion signal is transmitted to the computer 42 in FIG. 1.

The electronic computer 42 receives the signal and processes a preprogrammed schedule.

That is, (■) Check whether there is anything currently being processed by machine tools 1 and 2.

(n) Check whether the drawn pallet PX was actually called in the program.

(l[) The number of the drawn pallet Px is deleted from the conveyor file in the computer 42.

(IV) In (I), when there is no workpiece pallet being machined, a command to call the pallet for the next machining of pallet PX.

I do.

Explanations for each of the items (■), . . . ) above will be described in detail below.

Regarding CI), in order for each machine tool to operate without being idle, while the workpiece pallet +P1 currently being processed is waiting on the standby conveyor 28d, the pallet P2 for the next processing must be
It is necessary for the pallet to be conveyed to the pallet standby conveyor 28c.

However, in reality, there are a large number of pallets flowing on the conveyor, and due to unscheduled interruptions, tool breakage, machine failure, etc., the pallet standby conveyor 28a.

28b, 28c, and 28d become empty and it is impossible to avoid idleness of the machine. Therefore, in the present invention, the machine buffer file of the computer 42 is checked at the time when the called pallet PX is supplied to the machine. Check whether the pallet number of the work currently being processed is listed.

If it is not recorded, the pallet PX is treated as the pallet P1 for the current workpiece, and the machine buffer file is processed so that machining can be started immediately, and in the case of an automatic processing machine, the machine buffer file is The predetermined machining data programmed into the computer is commanded to the machine.

In addition, if it is recorded, check the item (II) and if it is correct, the pallet PX will be regarded as the pallet P2 for the next processing work and will be processed after the processing of the work on the pallet P1 currently being processed is completed. Process the machine buffer file so that it can be started.

Regarding (I), as mentioned in (1), it would be troublesome to call the palette PX without performing the palette call processing for the next work in the machine buffer file of the computer 42, so (■ ) items are checked.

In the present invention, the workpiece that is put on the integrated machine tool is
Since the computer 42 issues instructions while processing the pallet numbers recorded in the machine buffer file, it is necessary to confirm that there are no errors in the preprocessing before executing the processing.

Regarding (I), as described in the previous section Line On, the first conveyor 2
When the workpiece is placed on the line at 7, the pallet number is registered in the conveyor file of the computer 42 by the pallet number reading device.

Therefore, the pallet Px that received the call from machine tool 1
When Px is transferred to the pallet drawing conveyor 28, Px must be deleted from the conveyor file.

Regarding (6), if the pallet number of the work currently being processed is not registered in (I), the work on the brought in pallet Px will be processed immediately, so the computer 42
checks the pallet number registered in the machine buffer file and confirms the pallet number of the workpiece to be machined next to the workpiece on pallet Px.

In the present invention, the pallet number is the upper two of the three-digit number.
Digits indicate the type of part.

That is, pallets with pallet numbers having the same upper two digits contain the same parts.

Furthermore, the last digit indicates the processing order; for example, the same part may have pallet numbers 510, 511, etc. . . , if the machine tool starts machining a part of type 51 when it is placed on pallet 515 and turned on the line, it will consume all pallets from 515 to 510 at once.

That is, if the workpiece pallet currently being processed is 515, the next processing pallet 514 is called, and then 513.5I2°.
..., call 510.

When the workpiece of pallet 510 is completed, the process of forming this part in the machine is completed.

In the machine buffer file, all pallet numbers of workpieces that are input to the main conveyor and instructed to be processed by machine tool 1 are registered each time, so as mentioned above, pallets containing the same parts have serial numbers. I don't know if it will be registered as such.

Therefore, the computer 42 examines the machine buffer file and determines the number Px of the subsequent pallet containing the same parts.
It is checked whether or not a is registered in the file, and if it is registered, a command to call the pallet number Pxa is issued.

When it is not registered. Wait until it is registered.

During this time, once the machining of the pallet PX is completed, the machine tool will be idle.

Furthermore, the electronic computer 42 reads the called pallet number Pxa.
The program handles all checks on whether the item is on the conveyor, on the pallet storage shelf, or on the way to being stored.

If either of them exists, the pallet Pxa has been called to the machine tool 1, so it should definitely be carried into the machine tool 1.

If it does not exist, it will be an error and the operator will have to investigate the cause.

Next, the process of carrying out the work pallet will be explained.

Upon completion of machining of the work currently being machined housed on the pallet Px, the operator must give an instruction to return the pallet PX to the first transport conveyor 27 via the pallet pull-in conveyor 28.

At this time, the pallet conveyor 28 performs the same movement as when the pallet was carried in, but the running direction of the drive chain is different.

Due to completion of removal. The completion signal is transmitted to computer 42, which processes the preprogrammed schedule.

That is, (V) the calling finger 4 of the next processing pallet Pxl) for carrying it into the empty standby conveyor accompanying the carrying out of the pallet Px.

(■ Check whether the workpiece on the pallet Px to be carried out is a completed product or an unfinished product.

■ If it is an unfinished product, decide where the pallet PX should go.

(4) The explanation for each item will be explained in detail.

(Regarding ■, the number of the pallet Px carried out to the first conveyor 27 is
It is deleted from the file and registered in the conveyor file.

Among the pallet numbers registered in the machine buffer file, if the pallet Pxa of the next processing work of the work of the carried out pallet PX and the work are the same part and there is a parallel hallet PXb, the pallet Pxb immediately becomes the next processing work of Pxa. If the pallet PxbL is called as a pallet of the same part and the workpiece is not the same part, it must be checked whether the pallet PXa is the last pallet of the same part.

If pallet PXa is the final pallet of the same part, it is sufficient to call Pxb as the pallet number of a different part; if pallet Pxa is not the final pallet of the same part, it is sufficient to wait until it is registered in the machine buffer file.

In addition, the computer 42 checks the conveyor file or the transfer file (described later) to confirm whether the pallet PXb for next processing is currently on the transport conveyor or in the work pallet storage shelf, and checks the work pallet. If the pallet PXb is on the storage shelf, the stacker crane 17 is operated to command the pallet PXb to be carried out.

Regarding (9), when the pallet Px is conveyed to the first conveyor 27,
The electronic computer 42 checks the process details of the pallet PX registered in the pallet file, sets the machine number registered in the pallet file of the machine tool that has just been added as a used number, and sets the machine number for the next process. If there is a machine, register the number of pallet Px in the machine buffer file of that machine number.

In addition, if there is no machine tool for the next process, the number of the pallet (Px) registered in the pallet file as a line-off (finished product) is used as the completion number, and the computer 42
line-off file.

Regarding (6), if there is a machine tool for the next process, the first conveyor 27, the second
Conveyor 20. Third conveyor 21. The pallet Px travels on the fourth conveyor 26 or is stored in the work pallet storage shelf 16.

In addition, if all processes of the pallet PX are completed and the pallet Px is to be taken off the line, the pallet drawer conveyor 1
Return towards 5.

[Settings display panel]

In the present invention, the materials supplied to each machine tool are processed either by an operator according to drawing instructions (in the case of a manual machine) or automatically in accordance with processing instructions from the computer 42 (in the case of an automatic machine). ).

In this case, information that the worker wants to know (for example, the number of lofts of the material currently being processed, the number of the next loft, a number (sequence number, etc.) that indicates the content of the currently being processed Information that you want to instruct (for example, modifying the contents of the pre-scheduled loft number, such as order number, number of completed machining, number of defective items, etc.)
In addition, many instructions (tool correction instructions, changes to pre-scheduled machining order, etc.) occur.

Exchange of this information must always occur through dialogue between the operator and the computer 42.

This action is also necessary when attaching and removing workpiece materials to and from the machine.

In the present invention, setting display panels 34, 35, . . . , 40 (FIG. 1) as terminals are provided near the operator.

[Line off]

Next, a description will be given of the operation in which a work pallet that has been processed in all processes or a tool pallet that has been used by each machine tool is transported from the first conveyor 27 to the pallet dispenser conveyor 15.

In the line-off file, the pallet number of the work pallet to be taken off the line after all processes have been completed is registered.

In the embodiment of the present invention, only two of the pallet numbers registered in the line-off file can receive the call command, and the other pallet numbers are the work pallets receiving the call command. Does not receive call commands until line-off.

When a work pallet flows from the fourth conveyor 26 to the first conveyor 27 and the pallet number reading start limit switch 116 (Figure 5-1) is pressed, the pallet number reader 117 (Figure 5-1) reads the pallet. Reading of the number begins.

It is checked whether the read pallet number is the pallet number of the work pallet or the jig pallet, and if it is the pallet number of the work pallet, it is registered in the line-off file and a call command is received. It is checked whether any of the two pallet numbers matches the pallet number that has just been read, and if there is not, that pallet is not a pallet that should be taken off the line and continues to flow on the first conveyor. .

If there is a match, that palette is number 5-1.
When reaching the pallet loading/unloading junction 101 shown in the figure, the first
The transport conveyor 27 stops.

Next, when the cylinder 102 is operated and the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 is raised, the electric motor 105 is rotated and the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 is operated to carry out the pallet toward the finished product pallet carry-out conveyor 14.

When the pallet is drawn into the pallet sender conveyor 15, the pallet number that matches the pallet number just read out of the two pallet numbers containing the call command registered in the line-off file is erased. , Instead, a call command is given to the first pallet number among the pallet numbers registered in the line-off file and which have not yet received a call command.

The pallet number that was just read in the line-off completion file in which all the pallet numbers of the next pallet that was line-off are registered (the number of the pallet that was line-off)
is registered.

Since this pallet that has been lined off is no longer on the transport conveyor, the pallet number of the pallet that has been lined off is deleted from the conveyor file, and the processing within the computer 42 at the time of line off is completed. do.

In addition, if the pallet number read by the pallet number reading device 117 is the pallet number of the tool pallet, it is compared with the line-off file described above, registered in the line-off completion file, and deleted from the conveyor file. The pallet is immediately conveyed to the pallet drawer conveyor 15 which is taken off the line without being processed.

When the work pallet or the tool pallet reaches the connection point between the pallet drawer conveyor 15 and the finished product pallet carry-out conveyor 14, the electric motor 105 stops, the carrying-out operation of the pallet drawer conveyor 15 stops, and the pallet drawer conveyor 15 stops. 15 descends.

Next, the cylinder 107 operates and the pallet unloading fork 10
8, the work pallet or tool pallet is carried out to the finished product outlet 123.

[Branch station]

The branching station 33 located at the right end of the first conveyor 27 is provided to identify the destination of the pallet carried into the branching station 33 as described above.

The branching station 33 includes pallet stopping points E, J,
K are provided respectively, and stop position confirmation limit switches I, N, and D are provided at locations corresponding to the stop points E, J, and K.
will be installed.

Also, each stop point E of the branch station 33. J, K are equipped with lifter devices LE, LJ, which are composed of a cylinder 66 and lifter tables 69, 70, 71 as shown in Fig. 6-2.
LK is provided respectively.

The chain conveyor 58 of the Kl conveyor 27 is driven to travel by a drive system including a speed reducer 65 and an electric motor 64 via sprocket wheels 58b, 58c and a chain.

Also, the unloading side from the stop position E of the branching station 33 (
On the right side of point E in Figure 6-1) is a pallet delivery chain conveyor 62 with a narrower gauge than the chain conveyor 58.
The pallet delivery chain conveyor 62 is driven by a sprocket wheel 62a fixed to a connecting shaft of the sprocket wheel 58b.

A sprocket wheel 62b provided at the other end of the pallet delivery chain conveyor 62 is rotatably provided on a support base connected to the refrigeration roller 3, and can be moved up and down by the refrigeration roller 3.

Furthermore, the pallet carry-out chain conveyor 62 is buried in the line of the second conveyor 20 so as to bridge the line, and the descending movement of the lifter 63 moves the work pallets on the pallet carry-out chain conveyor 62 to the line of the second conveyor 20.
can be transferred to.

Works having the conditions described below are placed on the pallet carried into the branching station 33 (FIG. 1).

(I) A work pallet that has been transferred from the pallet dispenser conveyor 15 to the first transfer conveyor 27 in FIG. 1 and is being moved to a machine tool for initial process processing.

In this case, the machine tools 1.
For work pallets whose initial process processing depends on 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9° 13, the pallet-drawing conveyor 28°...-932 pallet standby conveyors are each full of different work pallets and a call command is issued. Those that have not been received are carried to the branching station 33.

In addition, the pallet pulling conveyor 22. .... Machine tools 3, 6 communicated with the third conveyor 21 via 25
．． 1 (1, 11, and 12 for initial process processing) are all carried into the branching station 33 regardless of whether they receive a call command or not.

(n) After completing the processing in the previous process, the pallet is carried out from the pallet pull-in conveyor T22.23, . A workpiece pallet that has the same conditions as the pallet of the workpiece to be processed.

(I[) A work pallet that is being moved on the first transport conveyor 27 in order to return to the pallet sender conveyor 15 after completing all processing steps.

Thus, when a work pallet, for example 69a, is carried into the pallet stopping point E in Fig. 6-1, the limit switch 1 provided at the point E is activated, and the number of the work pallet 69a is read by the pallet number reading device. 90
is started by.

When the computer 42 receives the command to start reading the work pallet number, the pallet number drilled in the pallet number display plate 44 attached to the side wall of the pallet is read from the emitter 48 and the receiver 49 as shown in FIG. The pallet reading device 90 that is formed reads the pallet, and an electric signal of a binary code corresponding to the pallet number is transmitted to the computer 42.

The computer 42 quickly identifies whether the work pallet 69a carried into the first branch station 33 should be stored in the work pallet storage rack 16 or transported onto the main conveyor.

A process in which the computer 42 determines the destination of a pallet delivered to the branching station 33 will be described below.

The criteria used by the computer 42 to make this decision are as follows.

(IV) Confirm whether the read pallet number is the correct number.

■) Check whether it is a work pallet or a tool pallet.

(V) Check whether storage shelves are full.

(vIIl Check whether the read pallet is being called from the machine tool.

(3) Confirm whether the read pallet has completed all processes.

The items described in (1), . . . , (5) above will be explained in detail below.

Regarding (a), when the computer 42 reads the pallet number that arrived at the stop point E, the computer 42 determines whether the read pallet number is the promised pallet within the predetermined schedule.

That is, since the pre-promised pallet number is to be set as two or three digits, an error message will be displayed if it is read as one digit.

When an error message is displayed, the operator must check the pallet number attached to the pallet.

After confirming that the pallet number read in (V) is the one promised in advance, it is then determined whether the number is a work pallet number or a tool pallet number.

In other words, since it is predetermined that the jigs and tools are set in the 900 range, the read pallet number is compared with the number 900, and if it is less than 900, it is recognized as the work pallet number, and if it is greater than 900, it is recognized as the work pallet number. is recognized as the jig/tool pallet number.

Next, in the process of comparing the jig/tool pallet number and the workpiece pallet number, if the read pallet number is recognized as the jig/tool pallet number, it is transported to the third transport conveyor 21 via the second transport conveyor 20. be done.

That is, the pallet in this case is transferred to the second conveyor 20. Third
It is transported to the machine tool side via the transport conveyor 21.

When (b) is recognized as a work pallet number, the electronic computer 4
2 is determined based on the match between the pallet number registered in the stacker file and the pallet number just read, and an error is displayed when they match.

That is, since only the numbers of pallets actually stored in the work pallet storage rack 16 are filed in the stacker file, if they match, two pallets with the same number will be transported, and an error will be displayed.

In this case, the operator must confirm the read pallet number.

Further, when the work pallet is taken out from the work pallet storage shelf 16, the pallet number registered in the stacker file is deleted.

Regarding (2), when the pallet number registered in the stacker file and the pallet number just read do not match, the calculation process of the computer 42 is continued to search for an empty address in the stacker file.

If there is no empty address in the stacker file, the pallet 69a is conveyed to the third conveyor 21 via the second conveyor 20.

If there is an empty address, the electronic computer 42 determines whether the pallet number registered in the machine buffer file and receiving the call command matches the pallet number read at the branching station, and if they match, the pallet is called. The machine tools are transported via the second transport conveyor 20.

Regarding (3), if the pallet number registered in the machine file and receiving a call command does not match the pallet number read at the branching station, the calculation process of the computer 42 is continued and the pallet number is registered in the line-off file. The pallet number read at the branching station is compared with the pallet number read at the branching station, and if they match, the pallet is conveyed toward the pallet loading/unloading conveyor 15 as being processed.

If they do not match, it is checked whether the read pallet number is registered in the conveyor file of the computer 42, and if the pallet number is not registered, an error message is displayed.

That is, since the pallet having the read pallet number is being conveyed to the conveyor, it should naturally be registered in the conveyor file.

When the pallet number is registered, the branch finger 4 of the pallet 67a is taken out and the cylinder 66 is lowered in order to temporarily transport the work pallet 67a that stops at point E to the work pallet storage shelf 16 and wait there. The pallet 67a placed on the pallet table is carried to the second conveyor 20 by the pallet carry-out chain conveyor 62, and the stopper 30 of FIG.
The pallet 67a is conveyed until it hits 1.

If the pallet 69a among the pallets carried into the branching station 33 in FIG. 6-1 is being conveyed on the second conveyor 20, the following pallet will be moved by the cylinder 66 to the pallet 70abS when it enters the point J in the figure. Chain
The conveyor 58 is lifted upward and cut off from the traveling drive of the chain conveyor 58.

The pallet (for example, 71a) that has arrived at point K performs a similar operation.

Taharet 71 enters the corresponding point and chain conveyor 5
8, the chain conveyor 58 is stopped until the pallet (69a) for which the storage command has been received by the computer 42 is carried out from the second conveyor 20.

[Work pallet storage shelf]

The work pallet storage device is connected between a work pallet storage shelf 16 that stores work pallets that receive a branching command at the branching station, a second conveyor 20, and the work pallet storage shelf 16, and carries out work pallets to the work pallet storage shelf 16. A stacker carry-in conveyor 19 and a stacker carry-out conveyor 18 are used to transport the incoming work pallet, and the work pallet is transferred from the stacker carry-in conveyor 19 to the work pallet storage shelf 16, or from the work pallet storage shelf 16 to the stacker carry-out conveyor 18. It is composed of a stacker crane 17.

In Figures 8-1 and 8-2, the second conveyor 2
The stacker carry-in conveyor 19 connected to the second transfer conveyor 20 transfers the work pallets to be stored to the work pallet storage shelf 16 according to the command from the internal mold child computer 42 of the work pallets being conveyed to the second conveyor 20. 2. The conveyor 20 is branched from the conveyor 20.

That is, the stacker carrying-in conveyor 19 includes a stopper 301 that operates only when the work pallets to be stored S are transported on the second conveyor 20 to prevent the work pallets from advancing, and an electric motor 303 that drives the chain conveyor 302. and a frame 305 on which the power transmission mechanism 304 is attached, a chain conveyor holding frame 306 attached to the chain conveyor 302' and pivotably provided on the frame 305, and one end attached to the holding frame 307 of the second conveyor 20. , a lift cylinder 308 whose other end is pivotally attached to the chain conveyor holding frame 306, and a positioner for positioning the left and right side surfaces of the work pallet attached to the frame 305 and transferred by the chain conveyor 302 at fixed positions. It is composed of a tool 309 (FIG. 8-1) and a positioning cylinder 310 that operates the positioning tool 309.

FIG. 8-2 is a common side view of the stacker carry-in conveyor 19 and the stacker carry-out conveyor 18, and the numbers within 0 indicate the respective parts of the stacker carry-out conveyor 18.

In FIG. 8-1, the stacker discharge conveyor 18 provided orthogonally to the second conveyor 20 is connected to the electronic computer 42.
According to the command, the stacker crane 17 carries out the work pallet transferred from the work pallet storage shelf 16 to the second conveyor 20.

The conveyor 18 includes a frame 314 to which an electric motor 312 and a power transmission mechanism 313 for driving the chain conveyor 311 are mounted, a chain conveyor holding frame 315 to which the chain conveyor 311 is mounted and provided on the frame 314, and a second conveyor 20. The lifting cylinder 316 has one end attached to the holding frame 307 of the chain conveyor and the other end pivotably attached to the chain conveyor holding frame 315.

In FIG. 7-1, the stacker crane 17 has wheels 320 that roll on rails 319 (FIG. 7-2) provided in parallel with the guide frame 318 of the fork base 317 and the second conveyor 20. a base 321, an electric motor 322 and a power transmission mechanism 323 fixed to the base 321 for driving the wheels 320, and a chain 32 fixed to the base 321 for raising and lowering the fork base 317.
Electric motor 325 and power transmission mechanism 32 for driving 4
6, and a rail 327 (seventh
A roller 328 (Fig. 7-2) engages with the base 321 (Fig. 7-2) and guides the movement of the base 321, and an electric motor 329 (Fig. 2) and an arm 330 that is extendable and retractable toward the work pallet storage shelf 16.

The work pallet storage device configured as described above operates as follows.

At the branching station 33 in FIG.
A stopper 301 is put out onto the second transport conveyor 20 at the branch point in order to move the work pallet that has been determined to stand by on the work pallet storage shelf 16 to the stacker carry-in conveyor 19 based on a branch command from a computer 42.

The work pallets to be stored are transferred to the second conveyor 2.
0, and before the stopper 301 the work is checked to see if it is within the height limit of the work pallet storage shelf 16. If it is above the height limit, the worker is notified of the abnormality and the work is inspected and transshipped. let

The workpiece height detection device that checks the workpiece height is the eighth
- As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Detection plate 20 at a predetermined height
c is swingably provided, and when a workpiece with a height exceeding the limit height hits the detection plate 20c, it is detected by a limit switch 20d attached to the side of the detection plate 20c.

When the work pallet hits the work stopper 301, the electric motor 303 and the transmission mechanism 304 cause the chain conveyor 3 to stop.
02 is driven, and at the same time the lift cylinder 308 is operated to raise the chain conveyor holding frame 306,
The work pallet is transferred from the second conveyor 20 to the chain conveyor 302.

The work pallet is attached to the chain conveyor holding frame 30
When the chain conveyor 302 is moved to a position corresponding to the stacker crane 17 at the sixth end, the drive of the chain conveyor 302 is stopped, and the lift cylinder 308 is activated to lower the chain conveyor holding frame 306.

Next, the positioning tool 3 is moved by the positioning tool cylinder 310.
09 is activated to position the work pallet in the left and right direction.

When the work pallet positioning completion signal is given to the computer 42, the computer 42 performs pre-scheduled program processing.

That is, (I) Confirmation whether there is a work pallet l to be carried into the work pallet storage shelf 16 by the stacker crane 17 in addition to the work pallet currently positioned at the fixed position Q of the stacker carry-in conveyor 19 (FIG. 11).

(II) Delete the number of the work pallet positioned at the fixed position on the conveyor 19 from the conveyor file of the computer 42.

(I) Check whether the stacker crane 17 is currently in operation.

(a) Regarding items beyond finding a vacant space in the work pallet storage rack 16, the computer 42 must make decisions while examining the contents of the crane file or issue necessary instructions.

Each item will be explained in detail below.

Regarding (I), the electronic computer 42 stores a special lane file for constantly managing the drawer operation of the stacker crane 17, and this crane file contains the work pallet number to be carried in and the information from the machine tool. The work pallet number to be carried out from the storage shelf 16 by the call is registered, and the work pallet number to be carried out is registered.

It may be called from the machine tool side from time to time.
Therefore, a plurality of number registration addresses of crane file export pallets are provided.

Further, only a single number registration address is provided for the carry-in pallet.

In this case, the electronic computer 42 checks whether the loading address of the crane file is empty based on the positioning completion command for the work pallet loaded onto the stacker loading conveyor 19.
The reason why there is no vacancy at the carry-in address is because there is a work pallet to be carried into the work pallet storage shelf 16 in addition to the work pallet carried into the stacker carry-in conveyor 19.
An error occurred in the computer's program processing.

Therefore, since the carry-in address must be empty, the work pallet number is registered in all the addresses.

This completes the preparation for storing the work pallet in the work pallet storage shelf 16.

tU) Since the work pallet in question has been completely branched off from the main conveyor line, the work pallet number in question must naturally be deleted from the conveyor file in the computer 42.

Regarding (I), even if the work pallet is positioned at the fixed position Q (FIG. 11) on the stacker carry-in conveyor 19, the stacker crane 17 picks up another work pallet from the storage shelf 16 before the work pallet is positioned. Since the stacker crane may have received a command to unload, it is checked whether the stacker crane is in operation or not by checking whether or not it has returned to its home position.If the stacker crane is in operation, the program processing in the computer 42 is continued until the unloading operation is completed. Temporarily suspended.

When the stacker crane 17 is at the origin position (i.e., the normal position of the stacker loading conveyor) for GV), the computer 42 finds out the empty space in the work pallet storage shelf 16 by checking the presence or absence of all addresses in the stacker file.

Since the work pallet was delivered to the stacker delivery conveyor 19 at the branching station 33 under the condition that there was a vacant space in the storage shelf, the stacker file naturally contains the following information:
All addresses must be present.

At this time, the electronic computer 42 must confirm whether all the addresses found are the addresses to be visited.

When the storage position of the work pallet storage shelf 16 where the work pallet is to be stored is determined, a work pallet carry-in command is issued to the stacker crane 17.

Thus, when the program processing of the computer 42 is completed, the stacker crane 17, which has returned to its origin, operates as follows based on the carry-in command from the computer 42.

That is, in FIGS. 7-1 and 72, the arm 330 is extended and contracted by the electric motor 329 of the stacker crane 17, and the work pallet is transferred to the chain conveyor 302 (No. 8-1).
The wheels 320 of the base 321 are received from the rail 3
19 (Fig. 7-2) and move it on the fork base 31.
7 (FIG. 7-1) moves up and down, extends and contracts the arm 330, and stores the work pallet in a predetermined storage position of the work pallet storage shelf 16, which has already been instructed by the computer 42.

Next, the operation of the stacker crane 17 to carry out a work pallet will be explained.

The program processing on the computer 42 at the time of unloading is (7)
Check the work number that is being called from the machine side.

(Vl) Confirm whether there is room on the main conveyor to carry work pallets.

It is.

The items described in (V) and (Vl) above will be explained in detail below.

When a call command for (V) is received from the machine tool side, the corresponding work pallet number is registered in the registration address for carrying out of the crane file of the computer 42.

Therefore, unless there is a work pallet to be carried in, the stacker crane 17 must carry out the registered work pallets one after another from the work pallet storage shelf 16.

Regarding (VI), the work pallets taken out from the work pallet storage rack 16 are returned to the main conveyor.

The electronic computer 42 checks all addresses of the conveyor file to determine whether there is room for the main conveyor.

If all the addresses are not available, the work pallet carrying operation of the stacker crane is temporarily stopped until all the addresses are available in the conveyor file.

If all the addresses are available, the electronic computer 4 indicates that the work pallet to be carried out should be carried out from the work pallet storage shelf 16.
2 commands the stacker crane 17.

Upon receiving the carry-out command, the stacker crane 17 performs the carry-out operation in the same manner as the carry-in operation, giving priority to the carry-in operation, and transfers the work pallet to the chain conveyor holding frame 315.

Next, electric motor 312. The chain conveyor 311 is operated by the power transmission mechanism 313, and at the same time the lift cylinder 3
16 operates to raise the chain conveyor holding frame 315.

Thus, when the work pallet is transferred to the desired position on the second conveyor 20, the drive of the chain conveyor 311 is stopped, and the lift cylinder 316 is operated to lower the chain conveyor holding frame and move the work pallet to the second conveyor 20. It is carried out onto the conveyor 20.

All of the mechanical operations of the work pallet storage device described above are performed by sequence operations.

In addition, when carrying out the work pallet from the work pallet storage shelf 16 to the second conveyor 20 as described above, the second
If another pallet is traveling on the conveyor 20, the work pallet is prohibited from being carried out from the stacker carrying-out conveyor 18.

Further, upon completion of the carry-out, the work pallet number that has been carried out is deleted from the stacker file and crane file of the computer 42, and instead, the work pallet number is newly registered in the conveyor file, and the work pallet number is
The program processing of step 2 is completed.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing an automatic feeder for workpieces and jigs and tools according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the workpiece and tool pallet of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pallet number reading device. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pallet number display board. FIG. 5-1 is a plan view of the pallet dispenser conveyor. FIG. 5-2 is a side view of the pallet dispenser conveyor. Figure 6-1. A plan view of the branch station. FIG. 6-2 is a side view of the branching station. FIG. 7-1 is a front view of a stacker crane and a work pallet storage shelf. Figure 7-2 is a side view of the stacker crane and work pallet storage rack. FIG. 8-1 is a plan view of the stacker carrying-in conveyor and the stacker carrying-out conveyor. FIG. 82 is a side view of the stacker delivery conveyor. FIG. 91 is a plan view of a pallet pull-in conveyor and a pallet standby conveyor. FIG. 9-2 is a side view of the pallet entrainment conveyor and the pallet standby conveyor. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the workpiece height detection device. FIG. 11 is a layout diagram of each conveyor related to stacker loading/unloading. In the figure, 1 to 13...machine tools, 14.15...
Pallet dispenser conveyor, 16... Work pallet storage shelf, 16a... Jig and tool storage shelf, 17... Stacker crane, 18... Stacker unloading conveyor, 19.
...Stacker loading conveyor, 20...Second transport conveyor, 20a...Work height detection device, 21...Third
Conveyance conveyor, 22-25. 28-32... Pallet pull-in conveyor, 26... Fourth conveyor, 27.・
・First conveyor, 33... Branching station, 2
2a, 22b, 22c, 22d=~, 25a, 25b. 25c, 25d, :28a, 28b, 28c. 28d, ~, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d
-Pallet standby conveyor, 22e~25e; 28e~3
2e...Pallet number reading device, 90...Pallet number reading bag at branch station L115...Pallet number reading device, 117...Pallet number reading device, 2
03...Interface control panel.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In a Kanigistem automatic pallet feeding device that manages a plurality of machine tools in a group, there is a main conveyor for conveying pallets, a rack-type pallet storage shelf arranged along the main conveyor, and the main conveyor near the pallet storage shelf. A cover is provided at a specific position on the conveyor line in order to suppress the height of the objects to be transported in the pallet to below the height of the shelf of the pallet storage rack, and is swingable when the objects to be transported in the pallet come into contact with each other. A group-controlled automatic pallet feeding device consisting of a conveyed object height detector and a detector that detects collisions of conveyed objects by swinging the detector.