Identifier management method and reading device

Abstract

The identifier output method is an identifier output method executed by a welding system, which obtains information of identifiers of each of a plurality of source workpieces assigned with identification symbols, selects an identifier set for a welded workpiece produced by a welding process using the plurality of source workpieces from among the identifiers of the plurality of source workpieces according to a given rule, and after the selection, when any identification symbol among the identification symbols respectively assigned to the plurality of source workpieces is read by a reading device, the information of the selected identifier is output as the identifier of the welded workpiece to the reading device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an identifier management method and a reading device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a production management device for managing actual production performance information of a manufacturing production line equipped with multiple manufacturing machines. The production management device detects in which manufacturing machine a workpiece provided to the manufacturing production line is located, generates a unique identifier for the workpiece when the manufacturing machine is detected, notifies the manufacturing machine where the workpiece is located, receives and records the generated identifier and the actual production performance information when the workpiece corresponding to the identifier is processed from the manufacturing machine. In addition, the production management device records multiple identifiers generated for the workpiece and identifiers of products completed by the workpiece in association with each other each time the workpiece moves to multiple manufacturing machines.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-102548 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The present application provides an identifier management method and a reading device that assist in more efficient management of identifiers of workpieces manufactured in processes such as welding.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] The present application provides an identifier output method, which is an identifier output method executed by a welding system, obtaining information of identifiers of respective multiple source workpieces assigned with identification symbols, wherein the identification symbols are readable information of the identifiers, selecting an identifier set for a welded workpiece produced by a welding process using the multiple source workpieces from the respective identifiers of the multiple source workpieces according to a given rule, and after the selection, when any identification symbol among the identification symbols respectively assigned to the multiple source workpieces is read by a reading device, the information of the selected identifier is output to the reading device as the identifier of the welded workpiece.

[0010] In addition, the present application provides a reading device that can read identification codes respectively assigned to multiple source workpieces used in a welding process performed by a welding system, and the reading device comprises: reading the identification code that can output information of the identifiers of each of the multiple source workpieces; obtaining information of an identifier associated with the identification code from the welding system based on the read identification code; and outputting the obtained information of the identifier.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present application, it is possible to assist in more efficient management of identifiers of workpieces produced in a process such as welding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a welding system.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a host device, a robot control device, and a reading device related to Implementation Example 1.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of the operation when welding using a workpiece with ID "A" and a workpiece with ID "B".

[0016] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display of the ID reading result when welding using a workpiece with ID “A” and a workpiece with ID “B”.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of the operation when welding using a workpiece with ID "A", a workpiece with ID "B", a workpiece with ID "C", and a workpiece with ID "D".

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table between existing IDs and management IDs.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation process of ID management in the welding system according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a host device and a robot control device related to Implementation Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] (How this application was obtained)

[0022] According to Patent Document 1, the production management device is capable of managing traceability data for each workpiece. However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, each time the same workpiece is located in a plurality of different production machines, a different identifier is reassigned. In other words, in the production line, each time a workpiece is successively located in other production machines, the workpiece will have a plurality of different identifiers. Therefore, when other workpieces are produced by joining a plurality of workpieces, such as in a welding process, if a new identifier is assigned to the produced workpiece in accordance with Patent Document 1, the relationship between the identifier of the workpiece used in the welding process and the identifier of the produced workpiece will become complicated, and thus sometimes it will become difficult to utilize the traceability related to the produced workpiece. That is, the management of the identifier of the workpiece will become cumbersome, and the operating efficiency of the system administrator may be reduced.

[0023] Therefore, in the following embodiments, an example of an identifier management method and a reading device that assist in more efficient management of identifiers of workpieces produced in a process such as welding will be described.

[0024] Hereinafter, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the identifier management method and the reading device specifically disclosed in the present application will be described in detail. However, sometimes more detailed descriptions than necessary will be omitted. For example, sometimes detailed descriptions of matters that are already widely known and repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures will be omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming unnecessarily lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand. In addition, the drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present application, and it is not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0025] (Implementation Method 1)

[0026] The welding system related to the first embodiment obtains information on the identifiers of each of the plurality of source workpieces, and selects an identifier to be adopted as the identifier of the welded workpiece produced according to a given rule based on the completion of the execution of the welding process using the plurality of source workpieces. The welding system sets the selected identifier as the identifier of the welded workpiece produced by the welding process. Hereinafter, the workpiece used in the welding process is defined as a "source workpiece", and the workpiece produced by the welding process is defined as a "welded workpiece". In addition, the "welded workpiece" is sometimes referred to as a "secondary workpiece" or an "n-th workpiece" (n: an integer greater than 2).

[0027] (Structure of welding system)

[0028] Figure 1: is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a welding system 100. The welding system 100 is a configuration including a host device 1 connected to an external storage device ST, an input interface UI1, and a monitor MN1, a plurality of robot control devices (e.g., robot control devices 2a, 2b), a plurality of master welding robots (e.g., master welding robots MC1a, MC1b), and a reading device 3. The robot control device 2a is provided corresponding to the master welding robot MC1a, the robot control device 2b is provided corresponding to the master welding robot MC1b, and similarly, the same number of robot control devices are provided corresponding to one master welding robot.

[0029] The host device 1 comprehensively controls the execution of the main welding (so-called welding process) performed by the corresponding main welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... through a plurality of robot control devices 2a, 2b. For example, the host device 1 reads welding-related information pre-entered or set by a user operator (e.g., a welding operator or a system manager. The same applies hereinafter) from an external storage ST, generates an execution instruction of the welding process including a part of the contents of the welding-related information based on the welding-related information, and sends it to the corresponding robot control device (e.g., the robot control device 2a). In addition, the execution instruction of the main welding is not limited to being generated by the host device 1, and may be generated by, for example, an operation panel (e.g., PLC: Programmable Logic Controller) of a facility in a factory or the like where the main welding is performed, or an operation panel (e.g., TP: Teach Pendant) of the robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... In addition, the teaching pendant (TP) is a device for operating the main welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... connected to the robot control devices 2a, 2b, ...

[0030] Here, the so-called welding-related information is information indicating the content of the welding process executed by each main welding robot, and is created in advance for each welding process and registered in the external storage ST. The welding-related information includes, for example, workpiece information, a scheduled execution date for executing the welding process, the number of welded workpieces produced, and various welding conditions during the welding process, wherein the workpiece information includes the number of source workpieces required for the welding process, an identifier (hereinafter referred to as "ID") of the source workpiece used in the welding process, the name, and the welding position of the source workpiece. In addition, the welding-related information may not be limited to the data of the above-mentioned items. Based on an execution instruction sent from the host device 1, the robot control device (for example, the robot control device 2a) causes the main welding robot (for example, the main welding robot MC1a) to execute a welding process using multiple source workpieces specified by the execution instruction. In addition, in this specification, regardless of the type of welding process, in order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the process of joining multiple source workpieces separately is used as an example for description (refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 ).

[0031] The host device 1 is connected to input and output data with the monitor MN1, the input interface UI1, the reading device 3 and the external storage ST, and is further connected to communicate data with multiple robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... respectively. The host device 1 can be a terminal device P1 that includes the monitor MN1 and the input interface UI1 as a whole, and can also include the external storage ST as a whole. In this case, the terminal device P1 is a PC (Personal Computer) used by the user operator before performing the welding process (such as main welding). In addition, the terminal device P1 is not limited to the above-mentioned PC, for example, it can also be a computer device with communication function such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0032] The host device 1 obtains the above-mentioned welding-related information from the external storage ST, generates an execution instruction for a welding process using multiple source workpieces based on the welding-related information, and sends the execution instruction to the corresponding robot control devices 2a, 2b, .... After the welding processes respectively performed by the main welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... are completed, if the corresponding robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... are notified of the completion of the welding processes of the multiple source workpieces, the host device 1 sets the ID of the welded workpiece (for example, the secondary workpiece) produced by the welding process to an ID selected in advance according to a given rule. Furthermore, the host device 1 generates welding process logic data corresponding to the set welded workpiece (refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 ).

[0033] In addition, the host device 1 stores information of an identification code that is assigned to each source workpiece and can read information of an ID set for the source workpiece in association with the ID set for the source workpiece in the external storage device ST. Furthermore, if the host device 1 sets an ID for the workpiece to be welded, the ID of the workpiece to be welded and the welding process logic data are stored in association with the information of the identification codes of multiple source workpieces in the external storage device ST. At this time, the host device 1 does not write the set ID of the workpiece to be welded on the IDs of multiple source workpieces used in the production of the workpiece to be welded for storage, but stores it as an ID for output to the reading device 3. In addition, the information (data) stored in association with the identification code is not limited to the information of the IDs set for multiple source workpieces or the workpiece to be welded and the welding process logic data, and may also include, for example, welding-related information stored in association with the ID, management ID (refer to Figure 6) etc. Thus, the host device 1 can appropriately manage the IDs of the welded workpieces produced by the welding process performed by various main welding robots, and can similarly manage the IDs of multiple source workpieces used in the production of the welded workpieces. In addition, the details of the operation of the host device 1 will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the host device 1 can also display the welding process logic data including the ID of the welded workpiece on the monitor MN1.

[0034] In addition, the host device 1 receives information about the identification code read by the reading device 3 from the reading device 3 that can read the identification code configured for each workpiece. Based on the received information about the identification code, the host device 1 obtains information about the IDs set for the multiple source workpieces or welded workpieces read by the reading device 3 from the external storage ST, and transmits the information to the reading device 3. In addition, the information obtained by the host device 1 is not limited to the information about the IDs set for the multiple source workpieces or welded workpieces, and may include, for example, welding-related information stored in association with the ID, welding process logic data, and management IDs (see Figure 6 )wait.

[0035] In addition, the identification symbol described here can read the ID set for the source workpiece or the welded workpiece, such as a two-dimensional barcode, QR code (registered trademark), barcode, IC tag, RF tag, etc. The identification symbol can be directly given (i.e., marked) to the source workpiece by a laser, or can be given by sticking an IC tag or RF tag.

[0036] The monitor MN1 can be formed using a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence). The monitor MN1 can also display a screen showing the welding process logic data including the ID of the welded workpiece output from the host device 1. In addition, a speaker (not shown) can be connected to the host device 1 instead of the monitor MN1 or together with the monitor MN1, and the host device 1 can also output the ID included in the welding process logic data through the speaker by sound.

[0037] The input interface UI1 is a user interface that detects the input operation of the user operator and outputs it to the upper device 1, and can be composed of, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel. The input interface UI1, for example, accepts the input operation of the user operator when creating welding related information, or accepts the input operation when sending an execution instruction of a welding process to the robot control device 2a.

[0038] The reading device 3 is a device that reads the identification code configured for each workpiece and outputs the information of the ID set for the source workpiece or the welded workpiece, and can be composed of, for example, a camera, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, a laser, etc. In addition, the reading device 3 can also be a terminal device that can read the identification code through the operation of the user operator, or a device that is set in a robot that performs a welding process or a robot that performs an inspection of a welding part and can read the identification code before and after the welding process or the inspection process based on the control instructions of the host device 1. The reading device 3 sends the information of the read identification code to the host device 1. The reading device 3 displays (outputs) the ID of the source workpiece or the welded workpiece received from the host device 1. In addition, the reading device 3 can also output the ID of the source workpiece or the welded workpiece by sound.

[0039] The external storage ST is constituted by, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The external storage ST stores, for example, information on identification codes assigned to each workpiece, data on welding-related information created for each welding process, and welding process logic data including the ID of the welded workpiece produced by the welding process (see Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 ).

[0040] The robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... are connected to the host device 1 so that data can be communicated, and are connected to the master welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... respectively. When the robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... receive the execution instruction of the welding process sent from the host device 1, they control the corresponding master welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... based on the execution instruction to execute the welding process. When the robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... detect the completion of the welding process, they generate a welding completion notification indicating that the welding process is completed and send it to the host device 1. Thus, the host device 1 can appropriately detect the completion of the welding process by the robot control devices 2a, 2b, .... In addition, the method of detecting the completion of the welding process by the robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... may be a method of determining based on a signal indicating the completion of the welding process from a sensor (not shown) provided in the wire feeding device 300, or may be a well-known method, and the content of the method of detecting the completion of the welding process may not be limited.

[0041] Master welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... as examples of welding robots are connected to robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... so as to be able to communicate data therewith. The master welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... execute welding processes instructed by the host device 1 under the control of the corresponding robot control devices 2a, 2b, ..., respectively.

[0042] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the host device 1, the robot control device 2a, and the reading device 3 related to the first embodiment. Figure 2 In the figure, the monitor MN1 and the input interface U11 are omitted, and the main welding robot MC1a among the main welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... is exemplified, and the robot control device 2a among the robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... is exemplified for explanation.

[0043] The main welding robot MC1a executes the welding process instructed by the upper device 1 under the control of the robot control device 2a. The main welding robot MC1a performs, for example, arc welding in the welding process. However, the main welding robot MC1a may also perform other welding (for example, laser welding) other than arc welding. In this case, although the illustration is omitted, the laser head may be connected to the laser oscillator via an optical fiber instead of the welding torch 400. The main welding robot MC1a is a structure including at least a manipulator 200, a wire feeding device 300, a welding wire 301 and a welding torch 400.

[0044] The robot 200 has a multi-joint arm, and each arm is movable based on a control signal from a robot control unit 25 (described later) of the robot control device 2a. Thus, the robot 200 can change the positional relationship between the workpiece Wk and the welding torch 400 (for example, the angle of the welding torch 400 relative to the workpiece Wk) by moving the arm.

[0045] Wire feeding device 300 controls the feeding speed of welding wire 301 based on a control signal (described later) from robot control device 2a. Wire feeding device 300 may also include a sensor capable of detecting the remaining amount of welding wire 301.

[0046] The welding wire 301 is held by the welding torch 400. When power is supplied from the power supply device 4 to the welding torch 400, an arc is generated between the tip of the welding wire 301 and the workpiece Wk, and arc welding is performed. In addition, for convenience of description, illustration and description of the structure for supplying shielding gas to the welding torch 400 are omitted.

[0047] The host device 1 generates an execution instruction for a welding process using each of a plurality of source workpieces using welding-related information previously input or set by a user operator and transmits the instruction to the robot control device 2a. The host device 1 includes at least a communication unit 10, a processor 11, and a memory 12.

[0048] The communication unit 10 is connected to the robot control device 2a and the external storage device ST so that data can be communicated with each other. The communication unit 10 sends the execution instruction of the welding process generated by the processor 11 (see above) to the robot control device 2a. The communication unit 10 receives the ID of the workpiece to be welded sent from the robot control device 2a and outputs it to the processor 11. In addition, the execution instruction of the welding process may also include control signals for controlling the manipulator 200, the wire feeding device 300 and the power supply device 4 respectively, for example, provided in the main welding robot MC1a.

[0049] The processor 11 is constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and performs various processing and control in cooperation with the memory 12. Specifically, the processor 11 refers to a program stored in the memory 12, and functionally implements the unit control unit 13, the ID setting management unit 14, the logic data generation unit 15, and the ID selection unit 16 by executing the program.

[0050] The memory 12 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a working memory used when executing the processing of the processor 11 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program that specifies the processing of the processor 11. The RAM temporarily stores data generated or acquired by the processor 11. The ROM is written with a program that specifies the processing of the processor 11. In addition, the memory 12 stores welding-related information data read from the external storage ST, secondary workpiece information data including the ID of the selected workpiece to be welded (secondary workpiece) (see below), and welding process logic data of the secondary workpiece generated by the processor 11 (see Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 ).

[0051] The unit control unit 13 generates an execution instruction for executing a welding process using a plurality of source workpieces specified (in other words, set) in the welding-related information stored in the external storage ST. The unit control unit 13 may generate different execution instructions for welding processes for each welding process respectively executed by the main welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... The execution instructions for welding processes generated by the unit control unit 13 are transmitted to the corresponding robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... via the communication unit 10.

[0052] The ID setting management unit 14 sets the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece) output from the ID selection unit 16 to the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece) produced by the welding process using each of the plurality of source workpieces and stores it in the memory 12. In addition, the ID setting management unit 14 may also associate the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece) with the welding process logic data (described later) and the information of the identification symbol Q and store them in the external storage ST.

[0053] The logic data generating unit 15 generates welding process logic data (see the welding process logic data) indicating the relationship between the ID of the secondary workpiece and the IDs of the plurality of source workpieces used in the welding process (e.g., the chronological order in which the welding process is performed on the plurality of source workpieces) by using the secondary workpiece information including the ID of the workpiece to be welded (the secondary workpiece) transmitted from the robot control device (e.g., the robot control device 2a). Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 ). For details on welding process logic data, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 In addition, the logic data generating unit 15 may also generate the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece) and the welding process logic data (refer to Figure 3 ) is associated with the information of the identification symbol Q and stored in the external storage ST.

[0054] After the welding process using multiple source workpieces is completed, the ID selection unit 16 sets the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece) pre-selected before the execution of the welding process according to a given rule. Here, the ID and the given rule are explained. In this specification, the given rule for selecting the ID is a rule for selecting according to the strength of the ID (i.e., ID strong, ID weak), a rule for randomly selecting from the IDs set for the multiple source workpieces used in the production of the welded workpiece, and a rule for generating a new ID different from the IDs of the multiple source workpieces. The ID selection unit 16 selects or generates and sets the ID of the welded workpiece based on an arbitrary rule set by the user operator.

[0055] In this specification, ID includes, for example, a combination of multiple character codes. The types include, for example, letters and numbers, but are not limited to these. For example, "ABC001XYZ999" is shown as the ID of the source workpiece. Here, for ease of understanding, the ID is shown as a 12-digit character code consisting of "3-digit letters", "3-digit numbers", "3-digit letters", and "3-digit numbers", but is not limited to such a structural example. Among the 12-digit character code, for example, the high-order 3-digit letters represent the code of the company or the dealer (for example, the supplier or the shipping destination), and the other "3-digit numbers", "3-digit letters", and "3-digit numbers" can represent serial numbers. In addition, the number of digits and letters is not limited to the same number of digits. For example, Figure 4 Different digits are set as shown in the figure "TA001", "RA001", etc. The following describes each rule for selecting or generating the ID of the workpiece to be welded.

[0056] First, the rule for selecting the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece) according to the strength of the ID is described. The following two strength rules are defined for the ID as the rules indicating the strength of the ID (i.e., strong ID, weak ID). The following two strength rules are described.

[0057] In the first strong and weak rule, the ID selection unit 16 sets segments with letters and numbers for the ID of the source workpiece, and compares the strength of each part of each segment. In the second strong and weak rule, the ID selection unit 16 determines that in a segment of letters or numbers, the earlier the letter is, the stronger it is, and the larger the number is, the stronger it is. For example, it is determined that "A" is stronger than "B" among letters, and "2" is stronger than "1" among numbers.

[0058] In addition, as a variation of the second strength rule, the ID selection unit 27 may also determine that in a segment of letters or numbers, the later the letters are, the stronger they are, and the smaller the numbers are, the stronger they are. For example, it is determined that among letters, "B" is stronger than "A", and among numbers, "1" is stronger than "2".

[0059] Here, as the IDs of the source workpieces to be compared, "ABC001XYZ999" and "ABD002XYW998" are exemplified. For example, the ID selection unit 16 sets the segments of "ABC", "001", "XYZ", and "999" for the ID "ABC001XYZ999", and similarly sets the segments of "ABD", "002", "XYW", and "998" for the ID "ABD002XYW998".

[0060] The ID selection unit 16 compares the ID at any time according to each part of the segment set in sequence from the high-order bits of the ID, for example, it determines that "ABC" is stronger than "ABD", "001" is weaker than "002", "XYZ" is weaker than "XYW", and "999" is stronger than "998". Furthermore, the ID selection unit 16 gives priority to the ID of the segment with the higher bits, and determines it as strong as a whole ID. This is because, for example, there are many cases where the "letters" used in the high-order bits of the ID specify the type (category) of the source workpiece. Therefore, the ID selection unit 16 determines that the ID "ABC001XYZ999" is stronger than the ID "ABD002XYW998". In addition, the above-mentioned strength rule is only an example, and is not limited to the above-mentioned example. Of course, it is sufficient to set a rule to determine the strength of the ID.

[0061] Next, the rule for randomly selecting any ID from among the IDs of the plurality of source workpieces and determining it as the ID of the workpiece to be welded (secondary workpiece) is described. In other words, when the IDs of the plurality of source workpieces are "A" and "B" (see Figure 3 ), randomly select "A" or "B" as the ID of the welded workpiece (for example, the secondary workpiece). The so-called "random" means that the probability of ID "A" being selected and the probability of ID "B" being selected can be equal (for example, 50% each) or unequal. The so-called unequal probability means, for example, that any ID can be selected preferentially or preferentially compared with other IDs.

[0062] Next, the rule for selecting or generating a new ID that is different from any ID among the IDs of the multiple source workpieces and determining it as the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece) is described. In other words, when the IDs of the multiple source workpieces are "A" and "B", the ID selection unit 16 generates a new ID such as "X" as the ID of the welded workpiece (for example, the secondary workpiece). In addition, the source workpiece and the welded workpiece mentioned here include the final welded product (for example, the nth workpiece) produced by completing all welding processes (for example, welding processes of n times (n is an integer greater than 3)). In addition, the ID selection unit 16 can also generate different new IDs for multiple welded workpieces that have completed the same welding process. For example, the ID selection unit 16 can also generate the IDs of the three welded workpieces (secondary workpieces) produced by executing two welding processes as "X", "Y", and "Z".

[0063] The robot control device 2a controls the processing of the corresponding master welding robot MC1a (specifically, the manipulator 200, the wire feeder 300, and the power supply device 4) based on the execution instruction of the welding process sent from the host device 1. The robot control device 2a is a structure including at least a communication unit 20, a processor 21, and a memory 22.

[0064] The communication unit 20 is connected to the host device 1 and the master welding robot MC1a so as to be able to communicate data. Figure 2 Although the diagram is simplified in FIG, data is sent and received between the robot control unit 25 and the manipulator 200, between the robot control unit 25 and the wire feeding device 300, and between the power supply control unit 26 and the power supply device 4 via the communication unit 20. The communication unit 20 receives the execution instruction of the welding process sent from the host device 1. The communication unit 20 sends the secondary workpiece information including the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece) produced by the welding process to the host device 1.

[0065] Here, the secondary workpiece information includes not only the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece), but also includes at least workpiece information including the IDs of multiple source workpieces used in the welding process (e.g., the ID, name, and welding position of the source workpiece), and welding conditions when the welding process is executed. In addition, welding conditions include, for example, the material and thickness of the source workpiece, the material and wire diameter of the welding wire 301, the type of shielding gas, the flow rate of the shielding gas, the set average value of the welding current, the set average value of the welding voltage, the feed speed and feed amount of the welding wire 301, the number of welds, and the welding time. In addition to this, it may include, for example, information indicating the type of welding process (e.g., TIG welding, MAG welding, pulse welding), the moving speed and moving time of the robot 200.

[0066] The processor 21 is constituted by, for example, a CPU or an FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 22. Specifically, the processor 21 refers to a program stored in the memory 22 and executes the program to functionally implement the program generation unit 23, the calculation unit 24, the robot control unit 25, and the power supply control unit 26.

[0067] The memory 22 includes, for example, a RAM as a working memory used when executing the processing of the processor 21 and a ROM storing a program that specifies the processing of the processor 21. The RAM temporarily stores data generated or obtained by the processor 21. The ROM is written with a program that specifies the processing of the processor 21. In addition, the memory 22 stores data of the execution instruction of the welding process sent from the host device 1, data of the secondary workpiece information including the ID of the welded workpiece (secondary workpiece) generated by the welding process, and welding process logic data of the secondary workpiece generated by the processor 21 (see Figure 3 as well as Figure 4) data. In addition, the memory 22 stores the program of the welding process executed by the main welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... The program of the welding process is a program that specifies the specific process (process) of the welding process such as joining multiple source workpieces using the welding conditions in the welding process. The program can be created in the robot control device 2a, or it can be created by the host device 1 and sent in advance and stored in the robot control device 2a.

[0068] The program generation unit 23 generates a program for the welding process to be executed by the master welding robot (e.g., master welding robot MC1a) based on the execution instruction of the welding process sent from the host device 1 via the communication unit 20, using the workpiece information (e.g., ID, name, and welding position of the source workpiece) of each of the plurality of source workpieces included in the execution instruction. The program may include various parameters such as welding current, welding voltage, bias, welding speed, and posture of the welding torch 400 for controlling the power supply device 4, the manipulator 200, the wire feed device 300, the welding torch 400, etc. during the execution of the welding process. In addition, the generated program may be stored in the processor 21 or in the RAM in the memory 22.

[0069] The calculation unit 24 performs various calculations. For example, the calculation unit 24 performs calculations for controlling the master welding robot MC1a (specifically, each of the manipulator 200 , the wire feeder 300 , and the power supply device 4 ) controlled by the robot control unit 25 based on the welding process program generated by the program generation unit 23 .

[0070] The robot control unit 25 drives the master welding robot MC1 a (specifically, each of the manipulator 200 , the wire feeding device 300 , and the power supply device 4 ) based on the program of the welding process generated by the program generating unit 23 .

[0071] Power supply control unit 26 drives power supply device 4 based on the welding process program generated by program generation unit 23 and the calculation result of calculation unit 24 .

[0072] The reading device 3 reads the identification symbol Q assigned to the source workpiece used in the execution of the welding process or the welded workpiece produced by the execution of the welding process, and outputs the ID of the read workpiece. The reading device 3 is used by the user operator. The reading device 3 is a structure including at least a communication unit 30, a processor 31, a memory 32, a reading unit 33 and an operation unit 35. In addition, the monitor 34 can be a structure included in the reading device 3 or a structure not included in the reading device 3. When the monitor 34 is implemented as a structure not included in the reading device 3, it can be connected to the reading device 3 by wireless or wired communication. In addition, the reading device 3 can also be equipped with a speaker (not shown) when the information of the ID of the workpiece is outputted in sound.

[0073] The communication unit 30 is connected to be able to communicate data with the host device 1. Based on the result of reading the identification code Q by the processor 31, the communication unit 30 sends an instruction to the host device 1 to request information on the ID of the workpiece to which the read identification code Q is assigned. The communication unit 30 receives the ID of the workpiece to be welded sent from the host device 1 and outputs it to the processor 31.

[0074] The processor 31 is configured using, for example, a CPU or an FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 32. Specifically, the processor 31 refers to a program stored in the memory 32, and implements the functions of the processor 31 by executing the program.

[0075] The memory 32 includes, for example, a RAM as a working memory used when executing the processing of the processor 31 and a ROM storing a program that specifies the processing of the processor 31. The RAM temporarily stores data generated or acquired by the processor 31. The ROM is written with a program that specifies the processing of the processor 31. In addition, the memory 32 stores information of the identification symbol Q read from the reading unit 33, the ID of the workpiece sent from the host device 1 and associated with the information of the identification symbol Q, and the like.

[0076] The reading unit 33 has a camera for reading a two-dimensional barcode or a laser for reading a barcode, for example. The reading unit 33 reads the identification code Q given to the workpiece, and outputs the information (data) read from the identification code Q to the processor 31 .

[0077] The reading unit 33 implemented by using a camera can read, for example, a two-dimensional barcode, and is composed of at least a lens (not shown) and an image sensor (not shown). The image sensor is, for example, a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), which converts an optical image formed on an imaging surface into an electrical signal. The reading unit 33 implemented by a camera photographs the identification symbol Q and performs image analysis on the photographed identification symbol Q. The reading unit 33 outputs the information (data) of the identification symbol Q obtained as a result of the image analysis to the processor 31.

[0078] In addition, the reading unit 33 implemented by a laser can optically read the identification symbol Q (such as a barcode, IC tag, RF tag, etc.), specifically using a laser to receive the reflected light reflected by the identification symbol Q, and obtaining the information of the identification symbol Q by replacing the color included in the reflected light with a binary digital signal. This reading unit 33 is composed of a laser and a CCD reader that can receive the reflected light of the laser, or a laser and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). The reading unit 33 outputs the information (data) of the barcode read by the CCD reader, or the information (data) of the IC tag, RF tag, etc. read by the RFID to the processor 31. In addition, when the reading unit 33 is implemented by RFID, the reading unit 33 can read multiple IC tags or RF tags located in the range reached by the radio waves at one time.

[0079] The monitor 34 as an example of the output unit is formed using, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence). The monitor 34 outputs the ID of the workpiece received from the host device 1. In addition, the monitor 34 can also be a touch interface composed of a touch panel. In this case, the monitor 34 has the function of serving as the operation unit 35, accepts the input operation of the user operator, generates a control signal based on the input operation, and outputs it to the processor 31.

[0080] The operation unit 35 receives an input operation from a user operator and outputs the input operation to the processor 31. The operation unit 35 generates a control signal based on the input operation from the user operator and outputs the control signal to the processor 31. The operation unit 35 may be realized as a touch panel of the monitor 34 described above.

[0081] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of the operation when welding a workpiece with ID "A" and a workpiece with ID "B". Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , a process is illustrated in which a circular workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) having ID “A” and a quadrilateral workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) having ID “B” are joined in a single welding process to produce a welded workpiece (i.e., secondary workpiece W3). As described above, ID “A” and “B” are composed of, for example, 12 alphanumeric characters, but for ease of understanding, Figure 3 They are collectively designated by a single-letter letter.

[0082] exist Figure 3In the above, the ID selection unit 16 selects ID "A" as the ID read from the multiple identification symbols Q1 and Q2 assigned to the welded workpiece (i.e., the secondary workpiece Wk3). Here, when the ID selection unit 16 determines that ID "A" is stronger than ID "B" based on the set ID strength information, it directly (i.e., without changing) adopts and selects the stronger ID "A" as the ID of the welded workpiece (i.e., the secondary workpiece Wk3). In addition, the ID selection unit 16 can also randomly (refer to the above) adopt the strength of the ID or one of ID "A" and ID "B" to select ID "A" as the ID of the welded workpiece (i.e., the secondary workpiece Wk3). In addition, as described above, the ID selection unit 16 can of course also generate and use a new ID that is different from the IDs of the workpieces Wk1 and Wk2 (source workpieces).

[0083] The ID setting management unit 14 sets the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk3 selected by the ID selection unit 16 to ID "A". The ID setting management unit 14 stores the ID "A" set for the secondary workpiece Wk3 as the ID output to the reading device 3 in the external storage ST in association with the identification code Q1 assigned to the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) and the identification code Q2 assigned to the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece).

[0084] When the reading device 3 reads the identification code Q1 assigned to the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) before the first welding process, the ID "A" of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) is received from the host device 1, and the ID "A" is output (displayed) on the display screen R11. In addition, similarly, when the reading device 3 reads the identification code Q2 assigned to the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) before the first welding process, the ID "B" of the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) is received from the host device 1, and the ID "B" is output (displayed) on the display screen R21. Furthermore, the reading device 3 reads the multiple identification codes Q1 and Q2 assigned to the secondary workpiece Wk3 (welded workpiece) after the first welding process. At this time, the multiple identification codes Q1 and Q2 are set to the ID "A" of the secondary workpiece Wk3 as the ID output to the reading device 3. Therefore, even if the reading device 3 reads any of the multiple identification symbols Q1 and Q2 assigned to the secondary workpiece Wk3 after the first welding process, ID "A" is output (displayed) on the display screen. Specifically, when the reading device 3 reads the identification symbol Q1, ID "A" is output (displayed) on the display screen R12, and when the reading device 3 reads the identification symbol Q2, ID "A" is output (displayed) on the display screen R22. In addition, for easy understanding Figure 3 Description, Figure 3 The display screen shown only simplifies the information of the ID displayed. Figure 3In the description, an output example of the reading device 3 is described with respect to all identification symbols assigned to each workpiece, but since the ID set in each welding process is uniformly set to one ID, the reading device 3 only needs to read at least one identification symbol among the multiple identification symbols assigned to each workpiece.

[0085] Therefore, in the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment, even if the ID is set to randomly select the ID of the workpiece to be welded (i.e., the secondary workpiece Wk3), if the ID "A" of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) and the ID "A" of the workpiece to be welded (i.e., the secondary workpiece Wk3) become the same, the management of which ID "A" is the ID of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) or the secondary workpiece Wk3 may become complicated. Therefore, in the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment, for example, the logic data generation unit 15 in the host device 1 generates welding process logic data "AB" that logically represents the mutual relationship between the ID "A" of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece), the ID "B" of the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece), and the ID "A" of the secondary workpiece Wk3 in a welding process using the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) with ID "A" and the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) with ID "B". The logic data generating unit 15 stores the generated welding process logic data "AB" in association with the IDs of the plurality of workpieces Wk1 and Wk2 (source workpieces) stored in the external storage ST.

[0086] Figure 3 The welding process logic data "AB" shown is data having a logical structure in which ID "A" is located at a high position and ID "B" is located at a position lower than ID "A". That is, from the perspective of ID "A" of the secondary workpiece Wk3, the welding process logic data indicates which source workpiece with which ID is used to produce the secondary workpiece Wk3 through the welding process, and shows an overview of the IDs of the multiple source workpieces used in the welding process, and shows the chronological order of executing each welding process when there are multiple welding processes. As a result, the user operator will not lose the information of the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) even after the welding process is completed, and can fully grasp the data related to each source workpiece used in the production of the secondary workpiece Wk3.

[0087] Furthermore, the host device 1 generates a record TB1 that associates the ID "A" of the secondary workpiece Wk3 with the welding process logic data "AB", and stores it in the external storage ST in association with the IDs of the multiple workpieces Wk1 and Wk2 (source workpieces). In addition, the host device 1 can also display a display screen showing the relationship between the ID "A" of the secondary workpiece Wk3 and the welding process logic data "AB", or a display screen showing the relationship between the ID "B" of the secondary workpiece Wk3 and the welding process logic data "AB" on the reading device 3 or the monitor MN1. As a result, the user operator can intuitively grasp the details of the welding process for realizing the production of the secondary workpiece Wk3. As a result, the user operator will not lose the information of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) even after the welding process is completed, and can fully grasp the data related to each source workpiece used in the production of the secondary workpiece Wk3.

[0088] The welding process logic data "AB" is data having a logical structure in which ID "B" is located at a high position and ID "A" is located at a position lower than ID "B". That is, from the perspective of ID "A" of the secondary workpiece Wk3, the welding process logic data "AB" indicates which source workpiece with which ID is used to produce the secondary workpiece Wk3 through the welding process, and shows a list of the IDs of each of the multiple source workpieces used in the welding process, and when there are multiple welding processes, shows the chronological order of executing each welding process.

[0089] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display of the ID reading result when welding using a workpiece with ID “A” and a workpiece with ID “B”. Figure 4 The first welding process shown is Figure 3 The same process as the first welding process described in . Figure 4 In the description, the ID output to the reader 3 when reading the ID of each workpiece before and after the first welding process is described. In addition, the reader 3 may read the ID of the workpiece only before the first welding process or only after the first welding process.

[0090] exist Figure 4 Middle, upper device 1 pair Figure 3The ID "A" of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) shown is set to the management ID "TA001" that is actually used when it is managed by the user operator (see below), and the management ID "RA001" is set to the ID "B" of the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece). The upper device 1 further associates the management ID "TA001" set for the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) with the identification code Q1 and stores it in the external storage ST. In addition, similarly, the upper device 1 further associates the management ID "RA001" set for the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) with the identification code Q2 and stores it in the external storage ST.

[0091] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the reading device 3 reads the ID of the workpiece before and after the first welding process. Before the first welding process, the reading device 3 reads the identification code Q1 assigned to the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) of ID "A" and the identification code Q2 assigned to the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) of ID "B" before the first welding process.

[0092] When the reading device 3 reads the identification code Q1 assigned to the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) before the first welding process, the ID "A" of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) is received from the host device 1, and the management ID "TA001" is displayed on the display screen SR11. The display screen SR11 includes a plurality of buttons "Detail" and "Back". When the button "Detail" is selected (input) by the user operator, various information stored in association with the information of the identification code Q1 (data of welding-related information related to the first welding process read from the external storage ST, trader (supplier) information of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece), etc.) is displayed. In addition, when the button "Back" is selected (input), the reading device 3 transfers to the screen for reading the identification code (not shown).

[0093] Similarly, when the reading device 3 reads the identification code Q2 assigned to the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) before the first welding process, the ID "B" of the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) is received from the host device 1, and the ID "RA001" is displayed on the display screen SR21. The display screen SR21 includes a plurality of buttons "Details" and "Return". When the button "Details" is selected (input) by the user operator operation, various information stored in association with the information of the identification code Q2 (data of welding-related information related to the first welding process read from the external storage ST, trader (supplier) information of the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece), etc.) is displayed.

[0094] The host device 1 selects and sets ID "TA001" as the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk3. The host device 1 outputs the set ID "TA001" to the reading device 3 as the ID, and stores it in the external storage ST in association with the identification codes Q1 and Q2 respectively assigned to the workpieces Wk1 and Wk2 (source workpieces) used in the production of the secondary workpiece Wk3. When the reading device 3 reads the identification code Q1 assigned to the secondary workpiece Wk3 after the first welding process, the ID "TA001" set for the secondary workpiece Wk3 is received from the host device 1. When the identification code Q2 is read, the ID "TA001" set for the secondary workpiece Wk3 is received from the host device 1. The reading device 3 displays the received ID "TA001".

[0095] In addition, when the identification symbol Q1 of the secondary workpiece Wk3 is read, the display screen SR12 includes the ID "TA001" of the secondary workpiece Wk3 and a plurality of buttons "Details" and "Return". When the button "Details" is selected (input) by the user operator's operation, the welding process logic data of the secondary workpiece Wk3 saved in association with the information of the identification symbol Q1 and various information (data of welding-related information related to the first welding process read from the external storage ST, trader (supplier) information of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece), etc.) are displayed. Similarly, the display screen SR22 when the identification symbol Q2 of the secondary workpiece Wk3 is read includes the ID "TA001" of the secondary workpiece Wk3, a plurality of buttons "Details" and "Return". When the button "Details" is selected (input) by the user operator, the welding process logic data of the secondary workpiece Wk3 stored in association with the information of the identification symbol Q2 and various information (data of welding-related information related to the first welding process read from the external storage ST, trader (supplier) information of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece), etc.) are displayed. In addition, when the button "Return" is selected (input), the reading device 3 transfers to the screen for reading the identification symbol (not shown).

[0096] Thus, the reading device 3 related to the first embodiment does not lose the information of each of the multiple workpieces Wk1 and Wk2 (source workpieces), and can visualize the ID of each workpiece and the welding process logic data before and after the welding process. In addition, as described above, even if the upper device 1 related to the first embodiment reads any of the multiple identification symbols assigned to the n-time workpiece, it can be set to output (display) the same ID uniformly, thereby reducing the possibility of not being able to read all the identification symbols assigned to the n-time workpiece due to stains, damage, etc., for example. Furthermore, the user operator can fully grasp the information related to the multiple workpieces Wk1, Wk2 (source workpieces) or the secondary workpiece Wk3 based on the information displayed in the reading device 3 (for example, the ID or management ID of each workpiece, welding-related information of each welding process, welding process logic data in the n-time workpiece, etc.).

[0097] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of the operation when welding using a workpiece with ID "A", a workpiece with ID "B", a workpiece with ID "C", and a workpiece with ID "D". Figure 5 In the example, the following process is illustrated: a triangular workpiece Wk4 (source workpiece) having ID "C" and a pentagonal workpiece Wk5 (source workpiece) having ID "D" are joined in the first welding process to produce a welded workpiece (i.e., secondary workpiece W6), a circular workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) having ID "A" and a quadrilateral workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) having ID "B" are joined in the second welding process to produce a welded workpiece (i.e., secondary workpiece Wk3), and further, the secondary workpiece Wk3 having ID "A" and the secondary workpiece Wk6 having ID "C" are joined in the third welding process to produce a welded workpiece (i.e., tertiary workpiece W7). ID "A", "B", "C", and "D" are similarly composed of, for example, 12-digit letters and numbers, but for ease of understanding Figure 5 They are collectively designated by the letter "1" for the purpose of explanation.

[0098] Figure 5 The ID selection unit 16 in the embodiment selects the IDs to be used for the secondary workpiece Wk6, the secondary workpiece Wk3, and the tertiary workpiece Wk7, respectively, based on the ID strength rule. In addition, the rule for selecting the ID is of course not limited to this. Figure 5In the example shown, it is assumed that the ID selection unit 16 determines that ID "A" is stronger than ID "B". In this case, the ID selection unit 16 directly (i.e., without changing) adopts and selects the stronger ID "A" as the ID of the workpiece to be welded (i.e., the secondary workpiece Wk3), which is the result of the first welding process. Similarly, it is assumed that the ID selection unit 16 determines that ID "C" is stronger than ID "D". In this case, the ID selection unit 16 directly (i.e., without changing) adopts and selects the stronger ID "C" as the ID of the workpiece to be welded (i.e., the secondary workpiece Wk6), which is the result of the second welding process. Furthermore, it is assumed that the ID selection unit 16 determines that ID "A" is stronger than ID "C". In this case, the ID selection unit 16 directly (i.e., without changing) adopts and selects the stronger ID "A" as the ID of the workpiece to be welded (i.e., the tertiary workpiece Wk7), which is the result of the third welding process.

[0099] However, if the ID "A" of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece), the ID "A" of the welded workpiece (i.e., the secondary workpiece Wk3), and the ID "A" of the tertiary workpiece Wk7 are all the same, the management of which ID "A" is the ID of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece), the secondary workpiece Wk3, or the tertiary workpiece Wk7 may become cumbersome. Therefore, in the welding system 100 related to the first embodiment, for example, the host device 1 generates welding process logic data (see FIG. 1 ) that logically represents the relationship between the strongest ID "A" and the other weak IDs "B", ID "C", and ID "D" in the first welding process to the third welding process. Figure 5 ) and generates a record TB2 that associates the ID "A" of the tertiary workpiece Wk7 with the welding process logic data and stores it in the external storage ST.

[0100] From the ID "A" of the tertiary workpiece Wk7, the welding process logic data indicates which welding process uses which source workpiece with which ID to produce the tertiary workpiece Wk7, and respectively shows the strength relationship of the IDs of the multiple source workpieces used in each welding process and the chronological order of executing each welding process. For example, the welding process logic data indicates that the tertiary workpiece Wk7 with ID "A" is produced through three welding processes (the first welding process to the third welding process). In the second welding process, the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) with ID "A" and the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) with ID "B" are welded, and since ID "A" is stronger than ID "B", it is selected as the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk3. In the first welding process, the workpiece Wk4 (source workpiece) with ID "C" and the workpiece Wk5 (source workpiece) with ID "D" are welded, and since ID "C" is stronger than ID "D", it is selected as the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk6. In the third welding process, the secondary workpiece Wk3 with ID "A" and the secondary workpiece Wk6 with ID "C" are welded, and since ID "A" is strong, it is selected as the ID of the tertiary workpiece Wk7. In addition, in the welding process logic data, from the perspective of ID "A" of the tertiary workpiece Wk7, the closer the position is to ID "A", the earlier the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) with ID "A" or the secondary workpiece Wk3 is welded, and the farther the position is from ID "A", the later the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) with ID "A" or the secondary workpiece Wk3 is welded. Therefore, even after all the multiple welding processes are completed, the user operator will not lose the information of the source workpiece or the secondary workpiece with a weak ID in each welding process, and can fully grasp the data related to each source workpiece used in the production of the tertiary workpiece Wk7.

[0101] In addition, for reading Figure 5The ID of each workpiece displayed by assigning a plurality of identification symbols Q1 to Q4 to each workpiece in the first welding process to the third welding process shown in FIG. 1 is described. Before the first welding process, the reading device 3 transmits information of the identification symbol Q1 assigned to the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) to the host device 1, reads the ID "A" of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece), and displays a display screen R11 including the read ID "A". In addition, the reading device 3 transmits information of the identification symbol Q2 assigned to the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) to the host device 1, reads the ID "B" of the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece), and displays a display screen R21 including the read ID "B". In the first welding process, the host device 1 selects and adopts (sets) ID "A" as the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk3 based on the strong and weak rule of the ID. Therefore, even if the reading device 3 reads information of any of the plurality of identification symbols Q1 and Q2 assigned to the secondary workpiece Wk3 and transmits it to the host device 1, the same ID "A" will be read. The reading device 3 displays a display screen R12 including ID “A” when reading the identification code Q1 assigned to the secondary workpiece Wk3 , and displays a display screen R22 including ID “A” when reading the identification code Q2 .

[0102] Before the second welding process, the reading device 3 sends the information of the identification code Q3 assigned to the workpiece Wk4 (source workpiece) to the host device 1, reads the ID "C" of the workpiece Wk4 (source workpiece), and displays the display screen R31 including the read ID "C". In addition, the reading device 3 sends the information of the identification code Q4 assigned to the workpiece Wk5 (source workpiece) to the host device 1, reads the ID "C" of the workpiece Wk4 (source workpiece), and displays the display screen R41 including the read ID "D". In the second welding process, the host device 1 selects and adopts (sets) ID "C" as the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk6 based on the strength rule of the ID. Therefore, even if the reading device 3 reads the information of any of the multiple identification codes Q1 and Q2 assigned to the secondary workpiece Wk6 and sends it to the host device 1, the same ID "C" will be read. The reading device 3 displays a display screen R32 including ID “C” when reading the identification code Q3 assigned to the secondary workpiece Wk6 , and displays a display screen R42 including ID “C” when reading the identification code Q4 .

[0103] In the third welding process, the host device 1 selects and adopts (sets) ID "A" as the ID of the tertiary workpiece Wk7 based on the strength rule of the ID. After the third welding process, the reading device 3 sends the information of the identification code Q1 assigned to the tertiary workpiece Wk7 to the host device 1, reads the ID "A" of the tertiary workpiece Wk7, and displays the display screen R13 including the read ID "A". In addition, similarly, the reading device 3 displays the display screen R23 including the ID "A" read from the identification code Q2 assigned to the tertiary workpiece Wk7, displays the display screen R33 including the ID "A" read from the identification code Q3, and displays the display screen R43 including the ID "A" read from the identification code Q4.

[0104] In addition, Figure 5 In the description, an output example of the reading device 3 is described regarding all the identification symbols assigned to each workpiece, but since the ID set in each welding process is uniformly set to one ID, the reading device 3 only needs to read at least one identification symbol among the multiple identification symbols assigned to the welded workpiece in each welded workpiece (secondary workpiece Wk6, secondary workpiece Wk3, tertiary workpiece Wk7).

[0105] According to the above, the reading device 3 related to the first embodiment does not lose the information of multiple workpieces Wk1, Wk2, Wk4, Wk5 (source workpieces) and multiple secondary workpieces Wk3, Wk6 ​​(welded workpieces), and can visualize the ID of each workpiece and the welding process logic data before and after the welding process. In addition, as described above, even if the upper device 1 related to the first embodiment reads any of the multiple identification symbols assigned to the n-time workpiece, it can be set to output (display) the same ID uniformly to reduce the possibility of not being able to read all the identification symbols assigned to the n-time workpiece due to stains, damage, etc. In addition, the user operator can fully grasp the information related to each welding process (for example, the ID or management ID of each workpiece, the welding-related information of each welding process, the welding process logic data in the n-time workpiece, etc.) based on the information displayed in the reading device 3.

[0106] Figure 6FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table XTB1 between selection IDs and management IDs. A business operator who performs a welding process (hereinafter referred to as a "user business operator") may purchase source workpieces such as steel materials used in the welding process from a supplier in advance each time the welding process starts (in other words, place an external order). Therefore, when a user business operator purchases source workpieces such as steel materials externally, there are many cases where an ID is pre-assigned to the source workpiece at the external purchaser. In the following description, the ID of the source workpiece pre-assigned at the external purchaser as described above is referred to as a "selection ID". When a purchased source workpiece is assigned a selection ID unique to an external purchaser, the use of the selection ID may not be appropriate in terms of management by the user business operator.

[0107] Therefore, if Figure 6 As shown, in the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment, when a selection ID is assigned to each of one or more source workpieces purchased from an external purchaser, a user operator creates a correspondence table XTB1 (an example of a management table) indicating the relationship between the selection ID and the management ID of the user operator and stores it in the external storage ST. In addition, the correspondence table XTB1 may also be stored in the memory 12 of the host device 1.

[0108] For example, Figure 6 In the correspondence table XTB1, it is assumed that the user operator purchases a plurality of source workpieces of the same type (for example, the same material purchased from the same supplier manufacturer) from an external purchaser, and management IDs "AAA001", "BBB001", "DDD001", ... are defined to correspond to the selection IDs "RX85-1001", "RX85-1002", "RR90-0001", ... inherent to the external purchaser. "RX85-1001", "RX85-1002", "RR90-0001", ... have the same "RX85" before the hyphen in their respective IDs, and are therefore of the same type, but the branch numbers (numbers after the hyphen in the ID) of "RX85" are different, and therefore are respectively different source workpieces (components).

[0109] (Operation of welding system)

[0110] Next, refer to Figure 7 The operation process of ID management performed by welding system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 7 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation process of ID management in welding system 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 In the description of Figure 3The welding process of the multiple workpieces Wk1 and Wk2 (source workpieces) shown in the figure exemplifies and explains the action process performed between the host device 1, the robot control device 2a and the reading device 3, and omits the action process performed between other robot control devices 2b, ... Figure 7 The workpiece A shown is the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) with ID "A". Figure 7 The workpiece B shown is the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) having ID "B".

[0111] exist Figure 7 In the process, the host device 1 obtains workpiece information (such as ID, name, and welding position of the source workpiece) including the ID of multiple workpieces Wk1 and Wk2 (source workpieces) that are the objects of the welding process (main welding) (St1), and selects (generates) an ID to be adopted as the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk3 (i.e., the welded workpiece) after the welding process based on a given rule (St2). In addition, the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk3 (welded workpiece) selected (generated) here can also be stored in the memory 12 of the host device 1. The host device 1 sends an execution instruction of the welding process including the workpiece information of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) and the workpiece information of the workpiece Wk2 (source workpiece) to the robot control device 2a (St3). In addition, in the processing of step St2, it is assumed that, for example, the ID "A" of the workpiece Wk1 (source workpiece) is selected as the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk3 (welded workpiece).

[0112] When the robot control device 2a receives an execution instruction of a welding process sent from the host device 1, it generates a program of the welding process to be executed by the main welding robot MC1a using the workpiece information of each of the multiple workpieces Wk1 and Wk2 (source workpieces) included in the execution instruction, and causes the main welding robot MC1a to execute the main welding in accordance with the program (St4). The robot control device 2a determines that the main welding (welding process) performed by the main welding robot MC1a is completed by various known methods (St5), and generates a main welding completion notification indicating that the main welding is completed each time the main welding of each of the multiple workpieces Wk1 and Wk2 (source workpieces) is completed, and sends it to the host device 1 (St6).

[0113] When the host device 1 receives the main welding completion notification sent from the robot control device 2a indicating that the main welding is completed, it is set to output the ID "A" selected (generated) in the processing of step St2 as the ID "A" of the secondary workpiece Wk3 (the workpiece to be welded) to the reading device 3, and to generate welding process logic data related to the secondary workpiece Wk3 (the workpiece to be welded) (refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 5)(St7). The host device 1 stores the ID "A" of the secondary workpiece Wk3 (the workpiece to be welded) and the welding process logic data related to the secondary workpiece Wk3 (the workpiece to be welded) in the external storage ST in association with each other (St8).

[0114] The reading device 3 reads any identification code among the multiple identification codes Q1 and Q2 assigned to the secondary workpiece Wk3 (welded workpiece) produced by the completion of the main welding (St9), and transmits the information of the read identification code to the host device 1 (St10). In addition, the read identification code is set as the identification code Q2.

[0115] The host device 1 refers to the external storage ST based on the information of the identification code Q2 received from the reading device 3, and obtains the information of ID "A" as the ID of the secondary workpiece Wk3 (the welded workpiece) associated with the information of the identification code Q2 (St11). The host device 1 sends the obtained ID "A" of the secondary workpiece Wk3 (the welded workpiece) to the reading device 3 (St12).

[0116] The reading device 3 outputs (displays) the ID “A” of the secondary workpiece Wk3 (the workpiece to be welded) received from the host device 1 and associated with the identification code Q2 read in the process of step St9 ( St13 ).

[0117] Through the above, in the welding system 100 related to the first embodiment, the information of the ID of each of the multiple source workpieces assigned with identification codes is obtained, wherein the above-mentioned identification codes are readable information of the ID (identifier), and the ID set for the welded workpiece produced by the welding process using the multiple source workpieces is selected from the IDs of the multiple source workpieces according to a given rule. After the selection, when any identification code among the identification codes respectively assigned to the multiple source workpieces is read by the reading device, the information of the selected ID is output as the ID of the welded workpiece to the reading device.

[0118] Thus, the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment uniformly sets the IDs of workpieces (in other words, welded workpieces) produced in a welding process such as joining a plurality of source workpieces, and outputs them to the reading device 3, thereby assisting more efficient management.

[0119] In addition, the identification codes of the plurality of source workpieces in the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment are assigned to the workpiece to be welded so as to be readable by the reading device 3. Thus, the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment assigns a plurality of identification codes having a unified ID to the workpiece to be welded, and even if the identification code assigned in the welding process is stained or damaged, the information related to the plurality of source workpieces used in the production of the workpiece to be welded can be obtained by reading at least one of the plurality of identification codes assigned to the workpiece to be welded.

[0120] In addition, the ID in the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a combination of a plurality of character codes, and is selected according to the strength rule of the ID specified for each type of the character code. Specifically, when the strength rule of the ID is to use an ID with a strong character code based on the comparison of the strength of each character code of each ID of a plurality of source workpieces included in the workpiece, the character code includes, for example, letters and numbers. Thus, the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment can easily set and manage the ID of the welded workpiece (for example, the secondary workpiece).

[0121] In addition, the ID in the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a combination of a plurality of character codes, and a given rule is given that, in the selection of the ID set for the adopted welded workpiece, any one of the IDs of the plurality of source workpieces included in the welded workpiece is randomly adopted. Thus, the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment can easily set and manage the ID of the welded workpiece (e.g., the secondary workpiece).

[0122] In addition, the ID in the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a combination of a plurality of character codes, and a given rule is that in the selection of the ID set for the adopted workpiece, another ID different from the IDs of each of the plurality of source workpieces included in the workpiece is adopted. Thus, the welding system 100 according to the first embodiment can easily set and manage the ID of the welded workpiece (for example, the secondary workpiece) and the ID of the plurality of source workpieces used in the production of the welded workpiece, which are all different from each other.

[0123] In addition, the reading device 3 related to embodiment 1 can read identification codes respectively assigned to multiple source workpieces used in the welding process performed by the welding system 100, and comprises: a reading unit 33 that reads the identification code and can output information of the identifiers of each of the multiple source workpieces; a processor 31 that obtains information of an identifier associated with the identification code from the welding system based on the read identification code; and an output unit (for example, a monitor 34) that outputs the obtained information of the identifier.

[0124] Thus, the reading device 3 according to Embodiment 1 can output the ID of the workpiece to be welded by reading the identification code given to each workpiece. Therefore, the user operator can easily confirm the ID of the workpiece to be welded.

[0125] (Implementation Method 2)

[0126] The welding system 100 related to the first embodiment has been described with respect to an example in which the identification code Q is read by the reading device 3 (i.e., an example in which the ID of the workpiece is read by the reading device 3). In the welding system 100 related to the second embodiment, an example in which the main welding robot is further provided with a reading unit capable of reading information of the identification code Q given to the workpiece, and the robot control device has an ID reading function is described.

[0127] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the host device 1 and the robot control device 2b related to the second embodiment. In addition, the welding system 100 related to the second embodiment has a structure that is substantially the same as the structure of the welding system 100 related to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in the first embodiment, and their description is omitted. Figure 8 In the description, for easy understanding, the illustration of the monitor MN1 and the input interface UI1 is omitted, and the main welding robot MC1b among the main welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... is exemplified, and the robot control device 2b among the robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... is exemplified and explained.

[0128] In addition, in the welding system 100 related to the second embodiment, the robot control device and the main welding robot having the function of reading the identification code may be a part of the robot control devices and the main welding robot selected by the user operator. That is, in the welding system 100 related to the second embodiment, all the robot control devices 2a, 2b, ... and the main welding robots MC1a, MC1b, ... may not have the function of reading the identification code.

[0129] The master welding robot MC1b executes the welding process instructed by the host device 1 and reads the identification code Q under the control of the robot control device 2b. The master welding robot MC1b uses the reading unit 33b to read the identification code Q assigned to the plurality of source workpieces before the welding process, and sends the information of the read identification code Q to the robot control device 2b. After reading the identification code Q, the master welding robot MC1b transfers to the welding process, and performs arc welding in the welding process, for example. In addition, the master welding robot MC1b can also perform other welding (for example, laser welding) other than arc welding.

[0130] The robot 200 has a multi-joint arm, and each arm is movable based on a control signal from the robot control unit 25 of the robot control device 2a. Thus, the robot 200 can change the positional relationship between the reading unit 33b and the identification code Q given to the workpiece Wk, and the positional relationship between the workpiece Wk and the welding torch 400 by moving the arm.

[0131] The host device 1 generates an execution instruction for reading the identification symbols Q of each of the plurality of source workpieces based on the position information of the identification symbols Q respectively assigned to the plurality of source workpieces used in the welding process, and transmits the instruction to the robot control device 2b. In addition, the host device 1 generates an execution instruction for the welding process using each of the plurality of source workpieces using the welding-related information input or set in advance by the user operator, and transmits the instruction to the robot control device 2b.

[0132] The processor 11 in the host device 1 according to the second embodiment refers to the external storage ST based on the reading result of the identification code Q read by the reading unit 33b, and obtains the information of the ID of the workpiece to which the read identification code Q is assigned. The processor 11 outputs the obtained ID of the workpiece to the monitor MN1. In addition, the processor 11 may send the obtained ID of the workpiece to the reading device 3 and display it.

[0133] The reading unit 33 b has a camera for reading a two-dimensional barcode or a laser for reading a barcode, for example. The reading unit 33 b reads the identification code Q given to the workpiece, and outputs the information (data) read from the identification code Q to the processor 21 .

[0134] As described above, in the welding system 100 according to the second embodiment, not only the reading device 3 but also the main welding robot MC1b can be used to read the identification code Q. Thus, the welding system 100 according to the second embodiment can read the IDs of a plurality of source workpieces or welded workpieces from the identification code Q assigned to the workpiece Wk, for example, before or after the welding process, or before and after the welding process, and can display the read IDs of the workpieces on the reading device 3 owned by the user operator, thereby performing more efficient reading of the IDs of the workpieces.

[0135] In addition, since the ID of the workpiece can be read by the robot control device 2b and the reading device 3, the user operator can choose whether to read the ID of the workpiece, the robot control device 2b or the reading device 3, according to the production process of the workpiece to be welded, when there are multiple welding processes or when the welding processes are performed by different units.

[0136] In the above, various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present application is certainly not limited to the above examples. It should be understood that if a person skilled in the art can think of various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, it is obvious that these contents also belong to the technical scope of the present application. In addition, the various constituent elements in the above various embodiments can also be arbitrarily combined without departing from the scope of the main purpose of the invention.

[0137] In addition, the present application is based on the Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-188157) filed on October 11, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0138] Possibility of Industrial Application

[0139] The present application is useful as an identifier management method and a reading device that assist in more efficient management of identifiers of workpieces produced in a process such as welding.

[0140] Description of Reference Numerals

[0141] 1 Host device

[0142] 2a, 2b Robot control device

[0143] 3 Reading device

[0144] 4 Power supply unit

[0145] 10, 20, 30 Ministry of Communications

[0146] 11, 21, 31 processors

[0147] 12, 22, 32 Memory

[0148] 13 Unit control unit

[0149] 14 ID Setting Management Department

[0150] 15 Logical data generation unit

[0151] 16 ID selection unit

[0152] 23 Program generation department

[0153] 24 Operation unit

[0154] 25 Robot Control Unit

[0155] 26 Power supply control unit

[0156] 33 Reading unit

[0157] 34 Monitor

[0158] 200 Robot

[0159] 300 Wire Feeding Device

[0160] 301 welding wire

[0161] 400 Welding Torch

[0162] MC1a, MC1b Master welding robot

[0163] ST External Memory

[0164] Q Identification symbol

[0165] Wk1, Wk2 workpiece

[0166] Wk3 secondary workpiece.

Claims

1. An identifier output method, which is an identifier output method performed by a welding system, acquiring information of identifiers of respective plurality of source workpieces to which identification codes are assigned so as to be readable, The identifier includes a combination of multiple character codes. An identifier set for a welded workpiece produced by a welding process using the plurality of source workpieces is selected from the identifiers of the plurality of source workpieces according to a given rule, wherein the given rule is: an identifier having a strong character code is adopted based on a comparison of the strength of each character code of the identifiers of the plurality of source workpieces included in the welded workpiece according to a strength rule specified for each type of the character code, After the selection, when any identification code among the identification codes respectively assigned to the plurality of source workpieces is read by a reading device, information of the selected identifier is output to the reading device as an identifier of the workpiece to be welded.

2. An identifier output method, which is an identifier output method performed by a welding system, acquiring information of identifiers of respective plurality of source workpieces to which identification codes are assigned so as to be readable, The identifier includes a combination of multiple character codes. An identifier set for a welded workpiece produced by a welding process using the plurality of source workpieces is selected from the respective identifiers of the plurality of source workpieces according to a given rule, wherein in selecting the identifier set for the welded workpiece to be adopted, any one of the respective identifiers of the plurality of source workpieces included in the welded workpiece is randomly adopted, After the selection, when any identification code among the identification codes respectively assigned to the plurality of source workpieces is read by a reading device, information of the selected identifier is output to the reading device as an identifier of the workpiece to be welded.

3. An identifier output method, which is an identifier output method performed by a welding system, acquiring information of identifiers of respective plurality of source workpieces to which identification codes are assigned so as to be readable, The identifier includes a combination of multiple character codes. An identifier set for a welded workpiece produced by a welding process using the plurality of source workpieces is selected from the respective identifiers of the plurality of source workpieces according to a given rule, wherein in selecting the identifier set for the welded workpiece to be adopted, an identifier different from the respective identifiers of the plurality of source workpieces included in the welded workpiece is adopted, After the selection, when any identification code among the identification codes respectively assigned to the plurality of source workpieces is read by a reading device, information of the selected identifier is output to the reading device as an identifier of the workpiece to be welded.

4. The identifier output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The identification codes of the plurality of source workpieces are assigned to the workpieces to be welded so as to be readable by the reading device.

5. A reading device capable of reading identification codes respectively assigned to a plurality of source workpieces used in a welding process performed by a welding system, the reading device comprising: a reading unit that reads the identification symbol capable of outputting information of identifiers of the respective plurality of source workpieces; a processor that acquires, from the welding system, information of an identifier associated with the identification code and set for a welded workpiece produced by a welding process using the plurality of source workpieces, based on the read identification code; and an output unit, outputting the acquired information of the identifier, The identifier includes a combination of multiple character codes. The processor adopts an identifier having a strong character code based on a comparison of the strength of each character code constituting the identifiers of each of the plurality of source workpieces included in the welded workpieces according to a strength rule defined for each type of the character code.

6. A reading device capable of reading identification codes respectively assigned to a plurality of source workpieces used in a welding process performed by a welding system, the reading device comprising: a reading unit that reads the identification symbol capable of outputting information of identifiers of the respective plurality of source workpieces; a processor that acquires, from the welding system, information of an identifier associated with the identification code and set for a welded workpiece produced by a welding process using the plurality of source workpieces, based on the read identification code; and an output unit, outputting the acquired information of the identifier, The identifier includes a combination of multiple character codes. The processor randomly adopts any one of the identifiers of the plurality of source workpieces included in the workpiece to be welded in selecting the identifier set for the workpiece to be welded.

7. A reading device capable of reading identification codes respectively assigned to a plurality of source workpieces used in a welding process performed by a welding system, the reading device comprising: a reading unit that reads the identification symbol capable of outputting information of identifiers of the respective plurality of source workpieces; a processor that acquires, from the welding system, information of an identifier associated with the identification code and set for a welded workpiece produced by a welding process using the plurality of source workpieces, based on the read identification code; and an output unit, outputting the acquired information of the identifier, The identifier includes a combination of multiple character codes. The processor uses another identifier different from the identifiers of each of the plurality of source workpieces included in the workpiece to be welded in selecting the identifier to be set for the workpiece to be welded.

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