Method and related system for applying optimized processing to items in an industrial processing line

Abstract

A method and related system for applying optimized processing to articles in an industrial processing line are described. First, settings for the values ​​of operating parameters in the processing line are defined. These settings are associated with a range of values ​​for parameters representing the external properties of the articles. Then, the values ​​of the parameters representing the external properties of the articles are measured. The settings for the operating parameters, associated with a range of values ​​including the measured values, are compared with the current settings of the operating parameters. When a difference is detected between the associated settings and the current settings, the current settings are changed to the associated settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of articles in industrial processing lines. It is particularly applicable to the application of processing treatments, such as cleaning, disinfection, and coating, to mechanical parts after their manufacturing process, in a customized and economical manner. Technical Background

[0002] The manufacture of articles, particularly industrial parts such as automotive rims, 3D-printed parts, vehicle frames, doors, or other industrial parts produced in the automotive industry or other industries involving industrial production lines, typically includes processing steps to improve the overall quality of the parts after manufacturing. These processing steps may include, for example, applying a protective coating, one or more cleaning steps, including, for example, chemical baths, drying, or polishing.

[0003] An industrial processing line typically consists of one or more processing modules. Items (also known as “parts” or “industrial parts”) are transported along the industrial processing line from one processing module to the next.

[0004] Industrial manufacturing and processing facilities are typically designed to handle large numbers of parts. A typical assumption is that all parts are identical, or at least have fundamentally similar characteristics, so the settings of the operating parameters within each processing module can be fixed or pre-programmed.

[0005] Processing modules are typically parameterized to process all articles on an industrial processing line using predefined and fixed operating parameters. The term "operating parameters" describes settings used in the processing module, such as: operating temperature, which can be regulated using, for example, heating elements; concentration of cleaning agents in the bath, which can be controlled, for example, by the dosage of additives; pressure within the processing module; and the time articles spend within the processing module. The term "operating parameters" may also include measurable values ​​of physical parameters within the processing module, such as temperature, pressure, conductivity, pH, and redox potential.

[0006] Standardized methods for processing industrial parts along industrial processing lines can lead to errors, especially when conditions within the processing module change and settings need to be adjusted to maintain a certain quality of processing for items applied to the industrial processing line.

[0007] One solution to prevent errors that could hinder the quality and profitability of processing articles lies in dynamically monitoring the conditions within the processing modules of the processing line. This is The provided method, a method by The developed monitoring tool measures and records various parameters within the processing modules of an industrial processing line to provide insights into how the line operates over time. This includes measuring parameters such as temperature, pressure, conductivity, pH, and redox potential within the processing modules of an industrial processing line. A kit is provided, which includes sensors, probe collection circuitry, pumps, and electrodes, to be developed to adapt to the specific environment of processing modules in industrial production lines and to provide accurate values ​​of the current state of the processing modules without negatively affecting their functionality.

[0008] It is specially equipped with a control unit that can store all measurements completed on the industrial processing line and provide users with access to these measurements, for example, through a cloud application. Specifically, this could include a warning system that alerts the user when certain parameters exceed pre-programmed thresholds or ranges in the control unit. This allows... Users can then manually adjust the settings of the operating parameters in the processing modules along the industrial processing line.

[0009] although This brings benefits, but the processing module is only configured to process all items using the same operating parameters, regardless of possible differences between individual items or batches along the processing line. The assumption that all items have the same or substantially the same characteristics is generally accurate, but it may result in individual parts not being processed with the same quality as other parts.

[0010] To reduce the likelihood that some items will not be processed as thoroughly as expected, the processing module is configured to operate with parameters set higher than the average required for processing industrial parts. However, this results in undesirable waste of resources and still does not completely prevent individual items from leaving the processing line with unsatisfactory processing levels. This can happen, for example, with larger items or items that were already severely corroded while stored in a warehouse before receiving processing.

[0011] For the reasons mentioned above, a method for optimizing the processing of items in industrial processing lines is sought. Summary of the Invention

[0012] To address the aforementioned needs, the present invention provides a method for applying optimized processing to articles in an industrial processing line, the industrial processing line including at least one processing module for applying processing to the articles, the processing being at least partially parameterized by a current setting of at least one operating parameter of the at least one processing module, the method comprising:

[0013] / a / For a set of value ranges representing the external properties of at least one parameter in an industrial processing line, define a related setting for the value of at least one working parameter, each value range being associated with a related setting, and wherein each related setting corresponds to a setting compatible with achieving the target quality of the processing.

[0014] / b / Measure the value of at least one parameter representing the external properties of an article from an industrial processing line;

[0015] / c / Identify a range of values, including measured values, from a set of values ​​for at least one parameter representing the external properties of an article in an industrial processing line, and compare the relevant setting of the value of at least one operating parameter with the current setting of at least one operating parameter; and

[0016] / d / When a difference is detected between the relevant setting and the current setting, the current setting is changed to the relevant setting.

[0017] This method uses measurements taken on the item to determine whether it can be processed in the processing module using working parameters different from the current settings. This saves energy and resources while still allowing the desired target quality of the processing to be achieved.

[0018] To this end, the method uses information, for example, provided by a database or from user input, to establish a range of values ​​for parameters representing the external properties of an item (e.g., its shape, degree of soiling, material composition, dimensions, coating thickness, the amount or presence of stains on the item's surface). Each range of values ​​is associated with a value for a working parameter that is predicted in the database or from user input to be energy-efficient and / or consumes minimal resources in the processing module while still being able to process the item at a satisfactory level of quality. The database can further be dynamically updated based on previous records of the processing module's functionality.

[0019] The "target quality" of a treatment can be set, for example, as the percentage of defects removed from an item, such as fewer than 10 or 5 blemishes or stains on the surface of the item. Quality can also be seen as the maximum value of a parameter measured on the surface of an item whose difference in the value representing the outer surface of the item is less than 25%, less than 10%, or less than 5%. In other words, "quality" can also be a measure of the uniformity of the outer surface of an item. Treatment quality can also be considered as the difference in the external parameter value relative to the value measured on a reference item being less than 25%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or less than 1%. The reference item is an item with external parameter values ​​considered to be within the target quality, such as an example of an item that is sufficiently clean and uniformly clean.

[0020] "Resources" can refer to, for example, the volume of cleaning agent allocated to each item, the duration of the spray unit that is turned on to process the item, the number of spray units activated for each item, and the time spent by the item in each processing module.

[0021] "Energy" can include, for example, the number of watts or watt-hours of electricity consumed at each processing module, or the number of joules required to change the temperature within the processing module. For instance, "energy" provides an indication of the electrical energy consumed by each item processed in an industrial processing line. Energy can also be defined based on the power required to process the item and the time the item spends in the processing module.

[0022] Operating parameter settings are typically divided into different fixed or continuous values ​​for each operating parameter. In some implementations, the settings can be controlled by a value selector, such as a knob or equivalent selector, to navigate within a space of accessible values ​​for the operating parameter. "Extreme" settings are understood to be values ​​that cannot be further increased or decreased without altering the existing arrangement of components within the machining unit, such as by adding new components like a new dispensing unit, more heaters, or a more corrosive cleaning agent, or by programming another value or range of values ​​to the value selector for the operating parameter on the control of the machining module.

[0023] According to one implementation scheme, when it is further determined that the value of the working parameter in the current setting differs from the value of the working parameter in the relevant setting by more than 25%, the current setting can be changed to the relevant setting.

[0024] According to one embodiment, each relevant setting may correspond to a setting compatible with achieving the target quality of the processing, and wherein the relevant setting corresponds to one of the following: a setting where the resource and / or energy consumption at at least one processing module is lower than the resource and / or energy consumption obtained by an extreme setting of at least one operating parameter; and a setting that achieves the minimum achievable resource and / or energy consumption at at least one processing module.

[0025] If it is the only setting that can achieve the target quality of processing, the relevant setting that achieves the minimum achievable consumption of resources and / or energy at at least one processing module can sometimes be the highest possible setting, also known as the “extreme” setting as defined above.

[0026] According to one implementation scheme, the method may further include:

[0027] - Measure the value of at least one parameter representing the external properties of an article on an article in an industrial processing line at predetermined time intervals;

[0028] - For each item being measured, identify a range of values ​​including the measured value from a set of values ​​representing at least one parameter of the item's external properties in the industrial processing line, and compare the relevant setting of the value of at least one operating parameter with the current setting of at least one operating parameter; and

[0029] - When a difference is detected between the relevant setting and the current setting, the current setting will be changed to the relevant setting.

[0030] According to one implementation, the value of at least one parameter representing the external properties of the item can be measured for each item in an industrial processing line.

[0031] According to one implementation scheme, the parameter representing the external properties of an item can be one of the following:

[0032] - Item dimensions;

[0033] - The shape of the item;

[0034] - The color of the item;

[0035] - The degree of corrosion on the surface of the item;

[0036] - The degree of dirtiness on the surface of the item;

[0037] - The luster of the item;

[0038] - The number of structural differences identified on the item compared to a reference example of the item;

[0039] - The concentration of metal deposited on the surface of the item;

[0040] - The thickness of the coating on the surface of the item.

[0041] According to one implementation scheme, at least one operating parameter can be selected from:

[0042] - The duration of processing applied to items in at least one processing module;

[0043] - The temperature applied to the items in at least one processing module;

[0044] - The concentration of at least one cleaning agent in a bath within at least one processing module;

[0045] - Pressure exerted by the fluid on the article within at least one processing module;

[0046] - The amount of dispensing unit activated to dispense cleaning agent onto items within at least one processing module.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the industrial processing line may further include a storage area for storing items, and the method further includes:

[0048] -Measure the value of a parameter that represents the conditions within a storage area;

[0049] - Define the corresponding settings for the value of at least one working parameter for a range of values ​​representing the condition;

[0050] - Identify the range of measured values ​​for parameters representing conditions within a set of values ​​representing conditions, and compare the corresponding settings with the current settings; and

[0051] - When a difference is detected between the corresponding setting and the current setting, the current setting will be changed to the corresponding setting.

[0052] Specifically, the parameters representing the conditions within the storage area can be selected from the following:

[0053] - The humidity level of the storage area where the item is exposed;

[0054] -Atmospheric pressure;

[0055] - The time an item spends in the storage area;

[0056] -Temperature within the storage area,

[0057] - The presence and / or concentration of contaminants in the storage area.

[0058] The term "contaminant" can refer, for example, to compounds that can affect the cleanliness of the outer surface of an item, such as dust particles, other particles such as pollen, soot, smoke, ash, water droplets, oil droplets, nanoparticles, and particulates generated by automotive traffic or industrial activities.

[0059] According to one implementation scheme, the method may further include:

[0060] - An item category in an industrial processing line is defined by a range of values ​​for at least one parameter representing the external attributes of the items in the industrial processing line, with each range of values ​​associated with a corresponding item category;

[0061] - Before entering the processing module, each item from the industrial processing line is grouped into the corresponding item category based on the measurement value of at least one parameter representing the external attributes of the item;

[0062] - Select an item category and set at least one working parameter to a value within the range associated with the selected item category; and

[0063] - Guide items belonging to the selected item category to at least one processing module.

[0064] By sorting items according to category, the number of times settings for one or more operating parameters need to be changed can be reduced. In fact, when items have essentially the same characteristics, they can all be processed by applying the same settings to one or more operating parameters in the processing module. Settings are only changed when new batches of items with different characteristics are transported along the industrial processing line.

[0065] According to one implementation scheme, the method may further include:

[0066] - Obtain the target range of values ​​for at least one parameter representing an external attribute of an item;

[0067] - Measure the value of at least one parameter representing the external properties of the article downstream of the processing module;

[0068] - Compare the measured value with the target value range;

[0069] - When a measured value is detected to be outside the target value range, the item is guided to at least one processing module to repeat steps / b / to / d / .

[0070] The present invention also relates to a system for applying optimized processing to articles in an industrial processing line, the industrial processing line including at least one processing module for applying processing to the articles, the processing being at least partially parameterized by a current setting of at least one operating parameter of the at least one processing module, the system comprising:

[0071] - At least one first sensor is configured to measure the value of at least one parameter representing the external properties of an article from an industrial processing line;

[0072] - At least one data processing device, configured to receive measurements from at least one first sensor and:

[0073] / aa / receives and / or stores inputs that define relevant settings for the values ​​of at least one operating parameter for a set of values ​​representing the external properties of at least one parameter in an industrial processing line, each value range being associated with a relevant setting, and each relevant setting corresponding to a setting compatible with achieving the target quality of the processing.

[0074] / cc / compares the relevant settings of input from the values ​​of at least one operating parameter associated with a value range with the current settings of at least one operating parameter, said value range being a set of values ​​including measurements of at least one parameter representing an external attribute of an article; and

[0075] When the / dd / command detects a difference between the relevant setting and the current setting, it outputs a command at at least one processing module to change the current setting to the relevant setting.

[0076] This system is particularly well-suited for implementing the methods described above.

[0077] According to one implementation scheme, the system may further include:

[0078] - A storage area for storing items before they enter at least one processing module;

[0079] - At least one second sensor, configured to measure the value of a parameter representing conditions within at least one processing module.

[0080] The term "condition" within at least one processing module refers to parameters such as those described above with respect to the method of the present invention.

[0081] According to one implementation scheme, the method may further include:

[0082] - Bypass channel, which is configured to guide items away from at least one processing module from the industrial processing line when it is determined that the item belongs to an item category that is incompatible with at least one operating parameter setting of at least one processing module.

[0083] Item bypass channels can save time and resources by not applying processing when items are identified as not requiring processing.

[0084] According to one implementation scheme, the method may further include:

[0085] - At least one third sensor is arranged downstream of at least one processing module on the processing line, the at least one third sensor measuring the value of at least one parameter representing an external property of an article downstream of at least one processing module;

[0086] - A feedback channel is configured to redirect an item from the industrial processing line back to at least one processing module when it is determined that the value measured by at least one third sensor is outside the target value range.

[0087] The term "target value range" refers to the range of values ​​corresponding to the values ​​of parameters representing the external properties of an item that are related to satisfactory processing quality, particularly processing quality that can be defined as achieving, for example, the "target" processing quality mentioned above.

[0088] The present invention also targets a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having thereon a computer program including instructions for performing a method of applying optimized processing to articles in an industrial processing line, the industrial processing line including at least one processing module for applying processing to articles, the processing being at least partially parameterized by a current setting of at least one operating parameter of the at least one processing module, the method comprising:

[0089] / aaa / receives instructions that define relevant settings for the values ​​of at least one working parameter for a set of value ranges representing the external properties of at least one parameter in an industrial processing line, each value range being associated with a relevant setting, and each relevant setting corresponding to a setting compatible with achieving the target quality of the processing.

[0090] / bbb / Receives the measurement of the value of at least one parameter representing the external properties of an article from an industrial processing line;

[0091] / ccc / compares the associated setting of the value of at least one working parameter, which is associated with a value range, with the current setting of the at least one working parameter, said value range being derived from a set of values ​​including measurements of at least one parameter representing an external attribute of an article; and

[0092] When a difference is detected between the relevant setting and the current setting, / ddd / outputs an instruction to change the current setting to the relevant setting at at least one processing module.

[0093] In other words, the present invention aims to provide a computer program product capable of implementing the steps of the above-described method. Attached Figure Description

[0094] The present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the following figures, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements, and:

[0095] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an industrial processing line including processing modules capable of implementing methods according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0096] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a processing module configured to implement a method according to an exemplary implementation scheme;

[0097] Figure 3 A simplified workflow of the method according to an exemplary implementation is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0098] This invention provides a method for simplifying the setup management of processing modules in an industrial processing line, thereby reducing the resources used to process industrial parts or articles while still achieving the desired quality of processing applied to the articles.

[0099] This invention can be applied to items in many different industries, such as spare parts in the automotive industry, home appliance industry, electronic component manufacturing industry, and consumer goods industry.

[0100] Typically, the industrial production of parts or articles involves manufacturing steps, followed by processing steps. Figure 1 The industrial processing line 100 is schematically represented, which includes a manufacturing section 10 and multiple processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70.

[0101] Manufacturing section 10 typically includes a molding or casting module 11, in which the original part 130 is first cast / molded into a first shape 131. The first shape 131 may be fitted with an identification device 15, such as a barcode, QR code, serial number, or any identifiable feature engraved on one of the surfaces of the article, at this stage or at a later stage. The first shape 131 is then subjected to chemical and physical treatments in a heating and / or immersion module 12, which may include, for example, applying an elevated temperature to the first shape 131 followed by immersion in a liquid-filled bath set at a lower temperature to produce a second shape 132. The second shape is then mechanically treated, for example, by polishing and / or grinding in a polishing module 13. This produces a manufactured article 133.

[0102] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the manufactured part is an automobile wheel rim. However, the teachings of the present invention can be readily applied to any other type of manufactured article.

[0103] Once the manufactured article 133 has undergone polishing and / or grinding, it is typically stored in a storage area within the processing module 20, which is configured to store articles 140, 141, 142, and 143. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the storage area can hold items of different shapes or levels of contamination. Figure 1 In this embodiment, article 143 is larger than most other articles 140 and 141. Article 142 is smaller than most other articles 140 and 141. Article 141 is contaminated to a higher degree than other articles 140, 142, and 143.

[0104] To determine the conditions experienced by items 140, 141, 142, and 143, the present invention acquires data corresponding to parameter values ​​representing the conditions within the storage area. This value can be advantageously monitored over time. Sensor 110 is used to measure this value. Sensor 110 will be referred to as "second sensor 111" because similar sensors can be used further below the industrial processing line 100 to measure similar values ​​of parameters representing the conditions within the processing modules, and second sensor 111 is typically a second measuring device used at processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70, although its presence is still optional.

[0105] Among the possible parameters representing the conditions inside the storage area, the second sensor 110 can measure the humidity level inside the storage area, atmospheric pressure, the time spent by items 140-143 in the storage area, the temperature inside the storage area, and the presence of contaminants in the storage area, such as those that increase corrosion or deposit stains on the outer surface of the stored items. Contaminants that can affect the cleanliness of the outer surface of items 140-143 include dust particles, other particles such as pollen, soot, smoke, ash, water droplets, oil droplets, nanoparticles, and particles generated by automotive traffic or industrial activities. The second sensor 110 can also measure the presence and quantity of microorganisms, such as bacteria, on the outer surface of items 140-143.

[0106] The second sensor 110 or another additional sensor (not in use) Figure 1 (Represented in the processing module 20) can further determine parameter values ​​representing the external characteristics of articles in the industrial processing line. Such parameters representing the external attributes of articles can be, for example, the following values: the size of articles 140-143, the shape of articles 140-143, the color of the articles, the degree of corrosion on the surface of the articles, the degree of dirtiness on the surface of the articles, the gloss of the articles, the number of structural differences identified on the articles compared to a reference example of the articles, the concentration of metal deposited on the surface of the articles, and the thickness of the coating on the surface of the articles. This information can be used to classify articles 140-143 according to their external characteristics, as these characteristics affect the intensity of the processing required to be applied to articles 140-143 to achieve the target quality. For example, smaller articles such as... Figure 1 Item 142 requires less cleaning agent to be applied to its outer surface than item 143, assuming both have the same level of dirt per unit surface area. A dirtier item, such as item 141, requires more intensive processing than item 140 of the same size.

[0107] To classify items 140-143, different categories are advantageously defined using a set of measured values ​​of parameters representing the external attributes of the items. Items can be specifically grouped together according to each category so that they can be further guided along processing modules 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 to batches requiring similar processing intensities. This reduces the number of times the operating parameters of the machines processing the items need to be changed, saving energy.

[0108] However, classifying items 140-143 into their respective categories is optional, as other sensors can be used to determine the correct setting of specific measurements of one or more parameters representing the external properties of items 140-143, and, optionally, each item 140-143 can also be individually identified by its unique identification device 15. The unique identification device 15 can be used to track items and adjust the settings of operating parameters at each processing module 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 based on parameters such as their shape, the material in which they are prepared, their size, color, maximum temperature or pressure, or the concentration of specific chemical reagents that the items can be exposed to.

[0109] Then, items 140-143 are further guided along industrial processing line 100 to processing module 30. Figure 2 The alternative version is also shown in more detail above.

[0110] like Figure 1 As shown, processing module 30 is a pretreatment module that typically cleans the articles. Cleaning can be, for example, spraying a cleaning agent or mixture of cleaning agents onto the articles; immersing the articles in a bath containing a liquid with an adjustable concentration of cleaning agent; heat treatment, which includes exposing the articles to high temperatures or different temperature ranges to promote the removal of possible deposits on the surface of the articles; or pressure treatment, which includes applying pressure to the articles using pressurized fluids or by placing the articles in a pressure chamber to change their shape and / or remove deposits.

[0111] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple spray units 31-34 can be activated to dispense cleaning agent onto the outer surface of the item.

[0112] The settings of the processing module 30, referred to as the setting of the value of at least one working parameter within the processing module 30, are selected based on the measured value of a parameter representing the external properties of the item 150 entering the processing module 30. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, sensor 101 is used to measure parameters. This sensor is configured to detect light scattered by the surface of article 150, particularly light emitted by light source 111. Sensors 101-105 are referred to as "first sensors 101-105" because they are typically used upstream of or within processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70. The characteristics of first sensors 101 and the associated light source 111 are advantageously suited for measuring parameters of the same type as those described above regarding the external properties of article 150, such as those related to processing module 20. This also applies to all other first sensors 102-105 and associated light sources 112-115.

[0113] To measure such parameters, sensor 101 can be, for example, an optical detector associated with light source 111, which preferentially emits light in the ultraviolet (UV) and / or visible and / or infrared (IR) spectral ranges. The optical detector also detects light in the ultraviolet and / or infrared and / or visible ranges. The ultraviolet range typically includes wavelengths between 10 nm and 400 nm, more particularly between 200 nm and 400 nm; the visible range typically includes wavelengths between 400 nm and 800 nm; and the infrared range typically includes wavelengths between 800 nm and 1 μm, more particularly between 800 nm and 2 μm, which corresponds to near-infrared. The sensor can further be a spectrometer configured to detect the spectrum representing a chemical substance from the light reflected and scattered from the surfaces of articles 140-143 and determine the concentration of that chemical substance on the articles.

[0114] Alternatively, the sensor may also be, for example, a camera that takes a photograph of article 150, preferably positioned at a predetermined distance from article 150 or configured to rescale the image to determine the size of article 150 and / or compare the photograph of article 150 with a reference image of a similar article to calculate the number of defects identified on article 150. The number of defects may be, for example, the number of protrusions / dents counted on the outer surface of article 150 as seen in the photograph, or the percentage of surfaces whose color or gloss differs from that of the reference image. The number of defects may also be determined on a portion of the outer surface of article 150 and / or generally expressed as the number of defects per unit area.

[0115] Detector 101 may also be a detector that measures light directly reflected and / or scattered by the article, or fluorescence re-emitted by the article almost immediately after being illuminated by a light source.

[0116] Other sensors can also be used, such as chemical sensors or electronic noses, and mechanical sensors such as weight sensors.

[0117] Figure 2 A detailed view is provided of another embodiment of the processing module 30 for cleaning articles 250-257. In this embodiment, initial values ​​of parameters representing the external properties of articles 250-257 are measured upstream of the processing module using sensor 201 and optional light source 211. Figure 2 As shown, item 250 can then be redirected to another storage area 1 to be arranged together with other items 141, 143 according to the item category 210, 220 to which item 250 is identified.

[0118] When redirection 1 is moved to another storage area, the processing of item 250 is suspended until the settings of the processing module are changed to suit the characteristics of its item categories 210 and 220.

[0119] However, this classification of items 250-257 is an optional feature of the invention, as is used in the initial measurements performed upstream of the processing module 30.

[0120] Upon entering processing module 30, a first measurement of the value of a parameter representing the external properties of article 251 can be performed. This may involve a parameter different from the parameter measured as an initial value upstream of processing module 30 and / or a first measurement performed if sensor 201 is not present. The measurement is performed using a first sensor 202 and an optional light source 212. Figure 2 As shown, each sensor (sensor 201, first sensor 202, and third sensor 203) is capable of sending information to the data processing device 120. It should also be noted that each processing module 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 may further include a second sensor 110 that measures parameter values ​​representing the conditions within the processing module 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70. More than one or two first sensors may be present to measure the values ​​of different parameters representing the external properties of the article.

[0121] The data processing device 120 may be a control unit located somewhere near the industrial processing line 100, or a remotely located server, such as in a cloud environment or a data center. The data processing device 120 typically stores information received from sensors along the industrial processing line to build a database of values ​​and provide a complete overview of the parameter variations of items 250-257 transported in each processing module 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 of the industrial processing line 100. This enables the generation of reports indicating extreme values ​​in the extrinsic parameters of items 250-257, and can also be used to calculate the amount of time spent by items 250-257 in the industrial processing line 100 and the amount of resources and / or energy consumed in processing these items 250-257.

[0122] The resources consumed may include, for example, the volume of cleaning agent allocated to each item 250-253, the duration of the spray unit that is turned on to distribute the processing to the item, the number of spray units activated for each item, and the time spent by the item in each processing module 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70.

[0123] Energy may include, for example, the number of watts or watt-hours of electricity consumed per item 250-257 at each of the processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and the number of joules spent changing the temperature in the processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70.

[0124] The data processing device 120 can access a database that includes a range of values ​​for parameters representing the external properties of articles 250-257, measured by sensor 201, first sensor 202, or third sensor 203, and the correlation between these values ​​and the relevant settings of the operating parameters in processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70. This correlation can be received or input by a user, or accessed in other ways, such as by retrieving from a database. The corresponding database can also be dynamically updated by storing information from other similar processing modules in other industrial processing lines to enable intelligent database updates and improvements to the set of value ranges defined for different values ​​of the parameters representing the external properties of articles 250-257.

[0125] The data processing device 120, in combination with at least one of the sensors 201, the first sensor 202 and / or the third sensor 203 and / or the second sensor 110, forms a system 200, which is configured to apply optimized processing to articles in an industrial processing line.

[0126] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the treatment of items 252-255 is a cleaning process within a bathtub 36. This bathtub contains a cleaning agent 38, the concentration of which and its quantity can be adjusted by opening and closing a valve on a dispensing unit 37. The mechanism for activating the dispensing unit 37 can be controlled by a signal sent from a data processing device 120.

[0127] The data processing device 120 is configured to further identify which value range from a set of values ​​derived from a database or user input includes the measurements provided by sensor 201, first sensor 212, and / or second sensor 110, and determine the relevant settings for the values ​​of the operating parameters in processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70. If the current setting of the operating parameter differs from the setting identified for the measurements of the parameters representing the external properties of articles 250-257, the data processing device outputs instructions to processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 to change the current setting to the relevant setting determined to be suitable for the measurements received from one or more sensors.

[0128] exist Figure 2In the embodiment, it is observed that item 252 has more soiled areas 16 on its surface compared to other items 2501, 251, 253-257. Therefore, it can be assumed that cleaning item 252 will require a more intensive treatment, which may involve a higher temperature and / or a higher concentration of detergent within the bath 36, or a different concentration of detergent that can be adjusted by activating a corresponding valve at the dispensing unit 37. Based on the information provided by the first sensor 202, the control unit 120 may decide to change the settings of one or two operating parameters (the temperature inside the processing module 30 and / or the activation of the dispensing unit 37) to apply a more intensive treatment to item 252.

[0129] Advantageously, the settings of the working parameters can be changed when it is determined that the current settings cannot process articles 250-257 with sufficient resource conservation while also achieving the preset processing quality. The processing quality can be set, for example, as the percentage of defects removed from articles 250-257, such as fewer than 10 or 5 stains or blemishes on the surface of articles 250-257. Quality can also be considered as the maximum value of a parameter measured on the surface of articles 250-257 where the difference in the parameter value representing the outer surface of articles 250-257 is less than 25%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or less than 1%. Processing quality can also be considered as the difference in the parameter value relative to the value measured on a reference article being less than 25%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or less than 1%.

[0130] According to one implementation scheme, when it is determined that the current setting cannot process an item in an industrial processing line with sufficient resource savings while also achieving the preset processing quality, the setting can be changed in different ways and can also be triggered by additional conditions in processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70.

[0131] Typically, the properties of items 250-257 are essentially the same. Therefore, it may be advantageous to perform measurements of parameters representing the external properties of items 250-257 only from time to time or at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval could be, for example, every minute, every 10 minutes, or every hour. This logic will ensure that if the data processing device 120 automatically triggers a change in the setting of the operating parameters when determining a difference between the recommended setting and the current setting, such a change will not occur too frequently, especially not for each item. It can be assumed that frequent changes in the setting of the operating parameters would result in an increase in the energy used to manipulate the processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70.

[0132] When changes in the values ​​of external parameters are identified, for example, from previous measurements as occurring over a longer timescale, less frequent measurements of the parameters representing the external parameters of the item can be specifically implemented. This occurs, for example, if humidity or weather patterns affect the degree of soiling of the item. Daily measurements are sufficient to adjust the settings of the processing module's operating parameters to compensate for these effects.

[0133] Alternatively, more frequent measurements are preferred for conditions that affect external parameter values ​​on a shorter timescale or randomly (e.g., defects during the manufacturing process).

[0134] Alternatively, the setting change of the working parameter value can be triggered only if the difference between the recommended (related) setting and the current setting is significant. A difference can be considered "significant" if the value of the recommended (related) setting is more than 25% higher or lower than the value of at least one working parameter in the current setting.

[0135] However, the settings of the working parameters can be changed immediately when the relevant settings are different from the current settings, and parameter values ​​representing the external properties of items 250-257 can be measured for each item in the industrial processing line 100.

[0136] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the invention is also shown. After leaving the bath, a third sensor 203, optionally equipped with a light source 213, is arranged to measure parameter values ​​representing external properties of the article 256 after processing. The third sensor 203 may be arranged inside or outside the processing module 30. The measurements provided by the third sensor 203 can be compared with the values ​​determined by the first sensor 201 for the same article to check whether the expected processing quality has been achieved.

[0137] In the embodiment of article 257, its surface is no longer stained. It can be assumed that the expected processing quality, also known as the target quality, has been achieved. Therefore, article 257 is guided further down 3 along the industrial processing line 100 to the next processing module 40. In the case of article 256, some stains still remain on the outer surface of article 256, which may be interpreted as an indication that article 256 requires further processing. One possibility provided by the invention in an optional embodiment is to redirect four articles 256 upstream from processing module 30 to reapply the processing performed in processing module 30.

[0138] The identification device 15 for each item 250-257 can be used to count the number of times an item has been redirected back to the beginning of the processing module via the feedback channel 35, so as to avoid longer processing times if some stains or defects on items 250-257 cannot be removed by the treatment applied in the processing module 30. The identification device 15 can be used to track and store the history of the treatment applied to items 250-257 at the processing module 30 and in each step of the industrial processing line 100.

[0139] According to a further implementation, the database, which includes a range of values ​​representing the external attributes of items 250-257, can be updated by the user or based on user-provided feedback. This database relates the values ​​of the relevant settings of the working parameters to a range of values. The feedback concerns the quality of the processing. It can also be the efficiency of the processing, which can be estimated, for example, by comparing values ​​provided by the first sensor 201 and the third sensor 203, and examining how the measurement from the third sensor corresponds to the target quality value.

[0140] By comparing values ​​measured before entering processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 and after application processing, it can be determined whether the correlation established between a set of value ranges and related settings needs to be updated. Dynamic updates of the chart linking the set of value ranges of parameters representing the external attributes of items 250-257 to the related settings of the working parameter values ​​can be effectively implemented.

[0141] According to further implementation schemes, and particularly when measuring two or more parameters representing the external attributes of an article, the correlation between the set of ranges of values ​​for these parameter groups and the relevant settings of the working parameters can be further determined with the help of machine learning algorithms. Machine learning algorithms can, in particular, utilize observations of processing quality previously observed at certain settings of the working parameters and find the settings that best suit the working parameters (or, similarly, find the most suitable settings for the working parameters if there are two or more controllable working parameters in the processing module). The machine learning method can then generate a model that predictively correlates working parameters considered best suited to achieve the target quality for combinations of values ​​of the measurable parameters representing the external attributes of the article, while reducing or minimizing resource and / or energy consumption. This approach is preferred to obtain reliable values ​​for the settings of the working parameters, even for combinations of parameter values ​​representing the external attributes of an article for which no experimental data is yet available.

[0142] The description provided above can be applied to any of the processing modules 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 in the industrial processing line 100.

[0143] like Figure 1As further shown, for example by dispensing coating material from dispensing unit 41, further processing, such as applying a coating, can be applied at processing module 40.

[0144] The coated item 151 is then ready for another machining process at the machining module 50.

[0145] The polished or reshaped article 152 can then undergo another cleaning process at the processing module 60. The processing module 60 can be substantially similar to the processing module 30 and includes, for example, a dispensing unit 61 for applying a cleaning agent to the article 153 for cleaning. If the measured value of a parameter representing the external properties of the article 152 indicates that no further cleaning process is required, the article 153 can be directly redirected to the processing module 70 via the bypass channel 65 without entering the processing module 60.

[0146] Processing module 70 can be, for example, a polishing or cleaning step, including the deposition of a gloss enhancer or protective coating. It can also be a step during which packaging is wrapped around the article 154. The deposition of cleaning agents or protective coatings can be accomplished via dispensing unit 71.

[0147] Although the methods and systems described above have been presented in the context of automotive rim processing, it should be understood that similar methods can be applied to any industrial processing line 100 in any other type of industry that processes articles or parts. One example is the post-processing of 3D printed objects.

[0148] Figure 3 The flowchart summarizes some steps of the method 300 of the present invention.

[0149] First, the method defines, for a range of values ​​of at least one parameter representing the external properties of an article in an industrial processing line, a related setting of the value of at least one operating parameter, each related setting corresponding to a setting compatible with achieving the target quality of the processing, and said setting relating to the consumption of resources and / or energy at at least one processing module, the consumption of resources and / or energy being lower than the maximum consumption of resources and / or energy obtained for the extreme setting of at least one operating parameter.

[0150] Secondly, the method measures the value of at least one parameter representing the external properties of an article from an industrial processing line.

[0151] The method then identifies a range of values, including measured values, from a set of values ​​representing at least one parameter of the external properties of an article in an industrial processing line, and compares the relevant setting of the value of at least one operating parameter with the current setting of at least one operating parameter.

[0152] Finally, when a difference is detected between the relevant setting and the current setting, the method changes the current setting to the relevant setting.

[0153] Other embodiments

[0154] During manufacturing, the article may undergo machining steps in the processing module. A camera takes photographs of the article before and / or after the machining process so that the photographs (e.g., using an infrared camera) can be compared with a photograph of a reference article without any defects. The comparison of the two photographs may focus on the count of the number of holes / holes and / or the percentage of uncoated areas on the outer surface of the article.

[0155] Based on the information extracted regarding the type and quantity of defects for each item, values ​​for operating parameters can be set at each processing module downstream of the industrial processing line to generate appropriate "current" or initial operating parameters. This specifically involves preparing the cleaning bath and setting suitable temperatures to optimize subsequent processing steps.

[0156] Since the items are stored in a storage area, optical sensors (such as ultraviolet or infrared cameras) can measure the percentage of dirt or stains on the outer surface of the items. A value corresponding to the level of dirt per unit area is calculated to adjust the operating parameters in the processing module. For the cleaning module, if the level of dirt per unit area of ​​a batch of items exceeds a threshold of 20% of the total outer surface area of ​​the items, an ultrasonic source is activated in the cleaning bath to enhance cleaning efficiency. This ultrasonic source is placed in the processing module's bath and is adapted to enhance the removal of stains or other types of dirt deposits from the outer surface of the items. For levels of dirt per unit area below this value, the ultrasonic source is turned off.

[0157] The cleaning module may further correlate the frequency of distributing cleaning fluid under pressure and / or the pressure of the fluid on the outer surface of the article with the dirtiness value per unit area measured by the first sensor.

[0158] For example, when the dirtiness per unit area of ​​a batch of items or an item exceeds 20% of the total surface area of ​​the item, the pressure can be set to 3 hPa (3 bar) instead of 1 hPa (1 bar).

[0159] The carbon concentration on the outer surface of the item was also measured. If the concentration is higher than 20 mg / m³, the carbon concentration will be lower. 2 If the signal is activated, the ultrasonic source is activated. Otherwise, it is turned off.

[0160] In the second embodiment, the article is a part made of aluminum, and the stains on its outer surface are measured as dirtiness per unit area, in grams of carbon per square meter. Three ranges are defined: dirtiness for less than 1g carbon / m². 2 The value is considered low, for 1g carbon / m 2and 3g carbon / m 2 Values ​​between these ranges are considered moderate, for values ​​above 3g carbon / m 2 The value is considered high. This carbon detection is accomplished by illuminating an article with a light source and measuring the reflected and / or scattered light from the article with a detector, or by pyrolyzing organic pollutants and subsequently determining the TOC (total organic carbon) content.

[0161] The table below summarizes a range of values ​​for the concentration of a reagent in the bath and related settings.

[0162] Table 1: A graph showing the relationship between the degree of dirtiness of aluminum parts and the concentration of alkaline agent in the cleaning bath.

[0163] degree of dirt Concentration of cleaning agent in bath tub <![CDATA[<1 g carbon / m 2 > 1％ <![CDATA[1 g carbon / m 2 to 3 g carbon / m 2 > 2.5％ <![CDATA[>3g carbon / m 2 ]]> 5％

[0164] The reagent is placed in a solvent, typically water. Other additives may be included to alter the hardness or pH of the solution in the bath.

[0165] The steps of the above embodiments and implementation schemes can be implemented using a processor such as a computer. A computer program product including the steps of the above method can be used to implement the method on a computer.

[0166] Computer programs comprising instructions for implementing the methods of the present invention can be stored on various non-transitory computer-readable storage media. These may include, for example, processors or chips, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), electronic circuits containing multiple processors or chips, hard disk drives, flash memory or SD cards, USB sticks, CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs or Blu-ray discs or floppy disks.

[0167] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the various embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments as contemplated herein. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the embodiments set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for applying optimized processing to articles in an industrial processing line, the industrial processing line including at least one processing module for applying the processing to the articles, the processing being at least partially parameterized by a current setting of at least one operating parameter of the at least one processing module, the method comprising: / a / For a set of value ranges representing the external properties of at least one parameter in the industrial processing line, define relevant settings for the values ​​of the at least one operating parameter, each value range being associated with a relevant setting, and wherein each relevant setting corresponds to a setting compatible with achieving the target quality of the processing; / b / Using at least one first sensor, the value of at least one parameter representing the external property of the article is measured on the article from the industrial processing line; / b2 / Use at least one second sensor to measure the value of a parameter representing the conditions within the at least one processing module; / c / Using a data processing device to identify a range of values ​​including measured values ​​from a set of values ​​representing the external properties of articles in the industrial processing line; and / c2 / Using the data processing device to identify a range of values ​​from a set of values ​​from a database or user input, wherein the identified range of values ​​includes measured values ​​provided by the second sensor, and to determine the relevant settings of the values ​​of the at least one operating parameter in the at least one processing module; / c3 / compares the relevant settings of the value of the at least one operating parameter with the current settings of the at least one operating parameter; and / d / When a difference is detected between the relevant setting and the current setting, the current setting is changed to the relevant setting. Each of these related settings further corresponds to a setting that enables the minimum achievable consumption of resources and / or energy at the at least one processing module.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein when it is further determined that the value of the working parameter in the current setting differs from the value of the working parameter in the related setting by more than 25%, the current setting is changed to the related setting.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for each article in the industrial processing line, the value of at least one parameter representing the external property of the article is measured.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter representing the external properties of the article is one of the following: - The dimensions of the item; -The shape of the item; -The color of the item; - The degree of corrosion on the surface of the item; - The degree of dirtiness on the surface of the item; -The luster of the item; - The number of structural differences identified on the article compared to a reference example of the article; - The concentration of metal deposited on the surface of the article; - The thickness of the coating on the surface of the item.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one operating parameter is selected from: - The duration of the processing applied to the article in the at least one processing module; - The temperature applied to the articles in the at least one processing module; - The concentration of at least one cleaning agent in the bath within the at least one processing module; - The pressure exerted by the fluid on the article within at least one of the processing modules; - The amount of dispensing unit activated to dispense cleaning agent onto the items within the at least one processing module.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the industrial processing line further includes a storage area for storing the articles, and the method further includes: - Measure the value of a parameter representing the conditions within the storage area; - Define corresponding settings for the values ​​of the at least one working parameter for a range of values ​​representing the condition; - Identify, within the set of values ​​of the parameter representing the condition, a range of measured values ​​including the parameter representing the condition within the storage area, and compare the corresponding setting with the current setting; and - When a difference is detected between the corresponding setting and the current setting, the current setting is changed to the corresponding setting.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the parameter representing the condition within the storage region is selected from: - The humidity level in the storage area where the items are exposed; -Atmospheric pressure; - The time the item spends in the storage area; - The temperature within the storage area, - The presence and / or concentration of contaminants in the storage area.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - The item category of the items in the industrial processing line is defined by the set of value ranges of at least one parameter representing the external attributes of the items in the industrial processing line, and each value range is associated with a corresponding item category; - Before entering the processing module, each item from the industrial processing line is grouped into a corresponding item category based on the measured value of at least one parameter representing the external attribute of the item; - Select an item category and set the at least one working parameter to a value within a range associated with the selected item category; and - Guide items belonging to the selected item category to at least one of the processing modules.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Obtain a target range of values ​​for at least one parameter representing the external attribute of the item; - Measure the value of at least one parameter representing the external property of the article downstream of the processing module; - Compare the measured value with the target value range; - When the measured value is detected to be outside the target value range, the article is guided to the at least one processing module to repeat steps / b / to / d / .

10. A system for applying optimized processing to articles in an industrial processing line, the industrial processing line including at least one processing module for applying the processing to the articles, the processing being at least partially parameterized by a current setting of at least one operating parameter of the at least one processing module, the system comprising: - At least one first sensor, configured to measure the value of at least one parameter representing an external property of an article from the industrial processing line; - At least one second sensor, configured to measure the value of a parameter representing the conditions within the at least one processing module; - At least one data processing device is configured to receive measurements from the at least one first sensor and: / aa / receives and / or stores inputs, said inputs defining relevant settings for the values ​​of said at least one operating parameter for a set of value ranges representing the external properties of an article in the industrial processing line, each value range being associated with a relevant setting, and wherein each relevant setting corresponds to a setting compatible with achieving the target quality of said processing; / cc / uses the data processing device to identify a range of values ​​from a set of values ​​from a database or user input, wherein the identified range of values ​​includes measurements provided by the second sensor, and determines the relevant settings of the values ​​of the at least one operating parameter in the at least one processing module; / cc2 / compares the relevant settings of the input from the values ​​of the at least one working parameter associated with a value range with the current settings of the at least one working parameter, the value range being the set of values ​​of the measured values ​​including the at least one parameter representing the external properties of the article; and When the / dd / command detects a difference between the relevant setting and the current setting, it outputs an instruction at at least one processing module to change the current setting to the relevant setting.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising: - A storage area for storing items before they enter the at least one processing module; - At least one second sensor, configured to measure the value of a parameter representing the conditions within the storage area.

12. The system of any one of claims 10 or 11, further comprising: - A bypass channel configured to guide the item away from the industrial processing line from the at least one processing module when it is determined that the item belongs to an item category that is incompatible with the at least one operating parameter setting of the at least one processing module.

13. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: - At least one third sensor is arranged on the processing line downstream of the at least one processing module, the at least one third sensor measuring the value of at least one parameter representing the external property of the article downstream of the at least one processing module; - A feedback channel configured to redirect the article from the industrial processing line back to the at least one processing module when it is determined that the value measured by the at least one third sensor is outside the target value range.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program including instructions for performing a method of applying optimized processing to articles in an industrial processing line, the industrial processing line including at least one processing module applying the processing to the articles, the processing being at least partially parameterized by a current setting of at least one operating parameter of the at least one processing module, the method comprising: / aaa / receives an instruction that defines a relevant setting for the value of at least one operating parameter for a set of value ranges representing the external properties of an article in the industrial processing line, each value range being associated with a relevant setting, and wherein each relevant setting corresponds to a setting compatible with achieving the target quality of the processing, and wherein each relevant setting further corresponds to a setting that achieves the minimum achievable consumption of resources and / or energy at the at least one processing module; / bbb / Receives a measurement of the value of at least one parameter representing the external properties of an article from the industrial processing line; / ccc / identifies a range of values ​​from a set of values ​​from a database or user input, wherein the identified range of values ​​includes measurements provided by a second sensor, and determines the relevant settings of the values ​​of the at least one operating parameter in the at least one processing module; / ccc2 / compares the associated setting of the value of the at least one working parameter associated with a value range with the current setting of the at least one working parameter, the value range being derived from the set of value ranges including the measured values ​​of the at least one parameter representing the external attribute of the article; and When a difference is detected between the relevant setting and the current setting, / ddd / outputs an instruction at at least one processing module to change the current setting to the relevant setting.

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