Tray transmission control device and method, production device, production line and program product

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides tray transmission control equipment and method, production equipment, a production line and a program product. The method comprises the steps that adjacent tray transmission control devices are physically connected through pluggable connectors; the tray transmission control equipment comprises a signal receiving module, a tray detection module and a state control module; the signal receiving module is used for receiving release signals of the upstream tray transmission control equipment and / or the downstream tray transmission control equipment through the pluggable connector; the tray detection module is used for detecting the tray in-place state of the station; and the state control module is used for controlling the tray transmission state of the station according to the release signal and the tray in-place state of the station. According to the method, the development efficiency of tray transmission control in the production line can be improved, and rapid butt joint between production equipment is realized, so that the flexibility degree during layout adjustment of the production line is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of production line control technology, and in particular to a pallet transfer control device, method, production equipment, production line and program product. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial automated production lines, pallets, as material carriers, need to be transferred in an orderly manner between upstream and downstream production equipment to achieve collaborative operations in processes such as assembly, testing, and handling. Typical scenarios include production lines in automobile manufacturing, electronics assembly, and machining. For example, in an automobile assembly line, pallets need to be transferred between welding stations, painting stations, and final assembly stations according to a preset logic to ensure that materials flow in the order of the processes.

[0003] The typical process of existing technology is as follows: after the upstream production equipment detects that the pallet has arrived, it sends a "allow release" signal to the downstream production equipment through hard wiring or communication protocol; the downstream production equipment responds to the "allow" signal after the conditions are met (such as the buffer area being free) and completes the pallet transfer.

[0004] However, in the above methods, the pallet transfer control process relies on manual programming and physical wiring, which lacks standardization and flexibility, resulting in low development efficiency and high system complexity for pallet transfer control in the production line. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides pallet transfer control equipment, methods, production equipment, production lines, and program products, which can improve the development efficiency of pallet transfer control in production lines and enable rapid docking between production equipment, thereby improving the flexibility of production line layout adjustments.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a pallet transfer control device, wherein adjacent pallet transfer control devices are physically connected by pluggable connectors;

[0007] The pallet transfer control device includes a signal receiving module, a pallet detection module, and a status control module;

[0008] The signal receiving module is used to receive release signals from upstream pallet transfer control equipment and / or downstream pallet transfer control equipment through the pluggable connector.

[0009] The pallet detection module is used to detect the presence status of pallets at this station;

[0010] The status control module is used to control the pallet transmission status of the station based on the release signal and the pallet presence status of the station.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the status control module is specifically used to switch the pallet transmission status of the station to the release status when the pallet in the station is in the presence status of a pallet, the pallet transmission status of the station is in the non-release status, and a release permission signal is received from the downstream pallet transmission control device, so as to transmit the pallet of the station to the downstream pallet transmission control device.

[0012] And / or, if the pallet presence status of this station is no pallet, the pallet transfer status of this station is in the release status, and a rejection release signal is received from the downstream pallet transfer control device, the pallet transfer status of this station is switched to the non-release status.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the pallet transfer control device further includes a signal transmission module;

[0014] The signal transmitting module is used to send a permission signal to the upstream pallet transmission control device through the pluggable connector when the pallet in the local station is in a no-pallet state and the pallet transmission state of the upstream pallet transmission control device is in a non-release state, so as to receive the pallet transmitted by the upstream pallet transmission control device.

[0015] And / or, when the pallet presence status of the station is "pallet present" and the pallet transfer status of the station is "not released", a rejection release signal is sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device through the pluggable connector.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the pallet transfer control device further includes a timeout interlock module;

[0017] The timeout interlock module is used to perform a timeout interlock operation if no pallet is detected to be in place at this station within a preset time period after sending a permission signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the pallet transfer control device further includes a blocking unit;

[0019] The status control module is further configured to, when the pallet transfer status of the station is in the release state, control the retraction of the blocking unit to release the pallet of the station; and when the pallet transfer status of the station is in the non-release state, control the extension of the blocking unit to block the pallet of the station.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the pluggable connector employs a standard interactive signal set, and / or the pluggable connector employs a two-wire connection method.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the pluggable connector is an aviation plug or a terminal connector.

[0022] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a pallet transfer control method, which is applied to the pallet transfer control device of the first aspect, and the method includes:

[0023] The system receives release signals from upstream and / or downstream pallet transfer control devices via the pluggable connector and detects the pallet presence status at this station.

[0024] The pallet transfer status of this station is controlled based on the release signal and the pallet presence status of this station.

[0025] In one possible implementation, controlling the pallet transfer status of the station based on the release signal and the pallet presence status includes:

[0026] When the pallet in the station is in the presence state, the pallet transfer state of the station is in the non-release state, and a release signal is received from the downstream pallet transfer control device, the pallet transfer state of the station is switched to the release state to transfer the pallet of the station to the downstream pallet transfer control device.

[0027] And / or, if the pallet presence status of this station is no pallet, the pallet transfer status of this station is in the release status, and a rejection release signal is received from the downstream pallet transfer control device, the pallet transfer status of this station is switched to the non-release status.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0029] When the pallet in the station is in a non-pallet state and the pallet transfer state of the upstream pallet transfer control device is in a non-release state, a release signal is sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device through the pluggable connector to receive the pallet transferred by the upstream pallet transfer control device.

[0030] And / or, when the pallet presence status of the station is "pallet present" and the pallet transfer status of the station is "not released", a rejection release signal is sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device through the pluggable connector.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0032] After sending a clearance signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device, if the pallet of this station is not detected to be in place within a preset time period, a timeout interlock operation is performed.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the pallet transfer control device further includes a blocking unit; the method further includes:

[0034] When the pallet transfer status of this station is in the release state, the blocking unit is retracted to release the pallet of this station; when the pallet transfer status of this station is in the non-release state, the blocking unit cylinder is extended to block the pallet of this station.

[0035] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a production apparatus, including the pallet transfer control device as described in the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0036] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a production line, characterized in that it includes at least two pallet transfer control devices as described in the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0037] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the second aspect and / or various possible implementations of the second aspect as described above.

[0038] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the second aspect and / or various possible implementations of the second aspect as described above.

[0039] The pallet transfer control device, method, production equipment, production line, and program product provided in this application embodiment are physically connected between adjacent pallet transfer control devices via pluggable connectors. Based on the signal receiving module in the pallet transfer control device, the release signals from the upstream and / or downstream pallet transfer control devices are received through the pluggable connectors. Based on the pallet detection module in the pallet transfer control device, the pallet presence status of the station is detected in real time. Based on the status control module in the pallet transfer control device, the pallet transfer status of the station is controlled according to the release signal and the pallet presence status. Furthermore, by modularly encapsulating the pallet transfer control logic into the pallet transfer control device, users do not need to write the underlying logic, and the physical connection can be quickly achieved through pluggable connectors, which can improve the development efficiency of pallet transfer control in the production line and increase the flexibility of production line layout adjustments. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0041] Figure 1This application provides an illustration of an application scenario.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pallet transfer control device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another pallet transfer control device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the input / output configuration of a pallet intelligent release function block provided in this application embodiment;

[0045] Figure 5 This application provides a schematic diagram of the interaction between front and rear workstations in an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a physical connection between devices provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart illustrating a pallet transfer control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart illustrating another pallet transfer control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pallet transfer control device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0052] It should be noted that the pallet transfer control equipment, method, production equipment, production line and program products of this application can be used in the field of production line control technology, and can also be used in any field other than production line technology. The application field of the pallet transfer control equipment, method, production equipment, production line and program products of this application is not limited.

[0053] Figure 1 This application provides an illustration of an application scenario, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the specific application scenario of this application is: in an industrial automated production line, the pallet, as a material carrier, needs to be used in upstream and downstream production equipment (such as... Figure 1 The orderly transfer of materials between "Production Equipment 1, Production Equipment 2, and Production Equipment 3" in the process enables collaborative operations in assembly, testing, and handling processes. For example, in an automobile assembly line, pallets need to be transferred between welding stations, painting stations, and final assembly stations according to a preset logic to ensure that materials flow in the order of the processes.

[0054] Based on the above scenarios, it can be seen that the existing technology, which implements pallet transfer control through manual programming and physical wiring, suffers from the technical problem of low development efficiency in pallet transfer control in production lines.

[0055] The pallet transfer control device, method, production equipment, and production line provided in this application can improve the development efficiency of pallet transfer control in the production line by encapsulating the pallet release logic into the pallet transfer control device and achieving rapid physical connection through a pluggable connector.

[0056] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pallet transfer control device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the pallet transfer control device includes a signal receiving module, a pallet detection module, and a status control module.

[0058] The signal receiving module is used to receive release signals from upstream and / or downstream pallet transfer control devices via a pluggable connector; the pallet detection module is used to detect the pallet presence status of this station; and the status control module is used to control the pallet transfer status of this station based on the release signal and the pallet presence status.

[0059] For example, the production line includes multiple pallet transfer control devices, and each pair of adjacent pallet transfer control devices is physically connected by a pluggable connector, so that pallet release signals are transmitted between each pair of adjacent pallet transfer control devices through the pluggable connector to transfer pallets in the production line.

[0060] The pallet transfer control device incorporates virtual function blocks (FBs), including a signal receiving module, a pallet detection module, and a status control module. The device receives user-written pallet transfer control logic / pallet release control logic and encapsulates this logic within the various modules of the FB block. Consequently, users do not need to repeatedly write the underlying logic; they only need to configure parameters to execute the pallet transfer control logic within the function block.

[0061] The signal receiving module encapsulates the signal receiving logic within the pallet transfer control logic. By executing this logic, it can receive release signals from upstream pallet transfer control equipment via a pluggable connector, and / or, from downstream pallet transfer control equipment via the same connector. These release signals indicate whether pallet transfer is permitted. The pallet detection module encapsulates the pallet detection logic within the pallet transfer control logic. By executing this logic, it can detect the pallet presence status at the current station (the workstation where the pallet transfer control equipment is located) to determine if the pallet is in a preset position. The status control module encapsulates the status control logic within the pallet transfer control logic. By executing this logic, it can analyze and process the release signals received by the signal receiving module and the pallet presence status detected by the pallet detection module to control the pallet transfer status at the current station, including whether to release or deny pallet transfer.

[0062] For example, upon receiving a release signal from the downstream pallet transfer control equipment to indicate that the pallet can be released, and simultaneously determining that the pallet in-place status of this station indicates that the pallet in this station is in a preset position, the pallet transfer status of this station is determined to be the release status, so that the pallet of this station can be transferred to the downstream pallet transfer control equipment.

[0063] In one example, a pluggable connector may include any of the following: an RF / coaxial connector (e.g., a bayonet / push-in connector), an M-series circular connector, a wire-to-board / wire-to-wire connector, etc.

[0064] In one example, a virtual signal receiving interface, such as a virtual serial port or a virtual protocol parser, can be configured in the signal receiving module to identify and receive release signals.

[0065] In one example, the pallet detection module can detect the presence of pallets at the station using sensors, which can be photoelectric sensors, proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or vision sensors.

[0066] In this embodiment, a pallet transfer control device is provided. By modularly encapsulating the pallet transfer control logic into the pallet transfer control device, users do not need to write the underlying logic. The device also enables rapid physical connection through pluggable connectors, which can improve the development efficiency of pallet transfer control in the production line. At the same time, a flexible expansion mechanism is introduced. When adding or removing equipment, only the pluggable connector needs to be physically connected and the FB block parameters of the new equipment need to be configured. There is no need to modify the original communication program, which improves the flexibility of production line layout adjustment.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another pallet transfer control device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the pallet transfer control device includes a signal receiving module, a pallet detection module, and a status control module.

[0068] The signal receiving module is used to receive release signals from upstream and / or downstream pallet transfer control devices via a pluggable connector; the pallet detection module is used to detect the pallet presence status of this station; and the status control module is used to control the pallet transfer status of this station based on the release signal and the pallet presence status.

[0069] For example, the production line includes multiple pallet transfer control devices, and each pair of adjacent pallet transfer control devices is physically connected by a pluggable connector, so that pallet release signals are transmitted between each pair of adjacent pallet transfer control devices through the pluggable connector to transfer pallets in the production line.

[0070] The pallet transfer control equipment is equipped with a pallet intelligent release function block (FB block) based on a programmable logic controller (PLC), which includes a signal receiving module, a pallet detection module, and a status control module.

[0071] The signal receiving module encapsulates the signal receiving logic within the pallet transfer control logic. By executing this logic, it can receive release signals from upstream pallet transfer control equipment via a pluggable connector, and / or, from downstream pallet transfer control equipment via the same connector. These release signals indicate whether pallet transfer is permitted. The pallet detection module encapsulates the pallet detection logic within the pallet transfer control logic. By executing this logic, it can detect the pallet presence status at the current station (the workstation where the pallet transfer control equipment is located) to determine if the pallet is in a preset position. The status control module encapsulates the status control logic within the pallet transfer control logic. By executing this logic, it can analyze and process the release signals received by the signal receiving module and the pallet presence status detected by the pallet detection module to control the pallet transfer status at the current station, including whether to release or deny pallet transfer.

[0072] In one example, Figure 4 This application provides an example of an input / output configuration diagram based on a pallet intelligent release function block. Figure 4 As shown, the pallet release logic is standardized through program encapsulation. Users only need to configure parameters (such as signal addresses and interlock conditions) to call the function blocks. Logic such as request-allow handshake, arrival detection, and fault interlock can be encapsulated into FB blocks, which contain state machines (such as "waiting for request," "allow release," and "fault lock"). Users configure signal addresses through parameters (e.g., the "request" signal from the upstream device corresponds to PLC I0.0, and the "allow" signal from the downstream device corresponds to Q0.1).

[0073] In one possible implementation, the status control module is specifically used to switch the pallet transmission status of the station to the release status when the pallet in the station is in the presence status, the pallet transmission status of the station is in the non-release status, and a release permission signal is received from the downstream pallet transmission control device, so as to transmit the pallet of the station to the downstream pallet transmission control device.

[0074] And / or, if the pallet in-place status of this station is no pallet, the pallet transfer status of this station is in the release status, and a rejection release signal is received from the downstream pallet transfer control equipment, the pallet transfer status of this station will be switched to the non-release status.

[0075] For example, the release signal of the signal receiving module includes an allow release signal and a refuse release signal; wherein, the allow release signal is used to indicate that the station is allowed to release the pallet, and the refuse release signal is used to indicate that the station is refused to release the pallet. The pallet presence status includes having a pallet or not having a pallet; the pallet transmission status of the station includes a non-release status or a release status.

[0076] Based on the status control module, the pallet transmission status of this station is identified. At the same time, the release signal from the signal receiving module and the pallet presence status of this station from the pallet detection module are identified. When the pallet presence status of this station is "pallet present", the pallet transmission status of this station is "not released", and a release permission signal is received from the downstream pallet transmission control equipment, the pallet transmission status of this station is switched from "not released" to "released". This means that this station can release the pallet, and the transmission structure can be started to transmit the pallet of this station to the downstream pallet transmission control equipment.

[0077] And / or, based on the status control module, the pallet transmission status of this station is identified, and the release signal from the signal receiving module and the pallet presence status of this station from the pallet detection module are identified. If the pallet presence status of this station is no pallet, the pallet transmission status of this station is in the release state, and a rejection release signal is received from the downstream pallet transmission control device, the pallet transmission status of this station is switched from the release state to the non-release state, that is, this station stops releasing pallets, and the pallets of this station are not transmitted to the downstream pallet transmission control device.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the signal transmitting module is used to send a permission signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device via a pluggable connector when the pallet in the local station is in a pallet-free state and the pallet transfer state of the upstream pallet transfer control device is in a non-release state, so as to receive the pallet transferred by the upstream pallet transfer control device.

[0079] And / or, if the pallet is in place at this station and the pallet transfer status at this station is not released, a rejection release signal is sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device via the pluggable connector.

[0080] For example, combined Figure 3 The pallet transfer control device also includes a signal transmission module, which encapsulates signal transmission logic. By executing this logic, when the pallet presence status at this station is "pallet-free" and the pallet transfer status of the upstream pallet transfer control device is "not released," a release permission signal can be sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device via a pluggable connector, instructing the upstream device to release the pallet. Upon receiving this release permission signal, the upstream pallet transfer control device releases and transfers the pallet from its station to this station. The pallet transfer control device can then receive the pallet transferred by the upstream device.

[0081] And / or, by executing this signal sending logic, when the pallet is in place at this station and the pallet transfer status at this station is non-released, a rejection release signal can be sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device via a pluggable connector to instruct the upstream pallet transfer control device not to release the pallet.

[0082] For example, Figure 5 This application provides a schematic diagram of the interaction between front and rear workstations, as shown in the embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the interaction logic between the front and rear workstations includes steps 1, 2, 3, and 4. Step 1 includes: (When this station has no pallet + the previous station's pallet is not being released) → This station allows the previous station's pallet to be released; Step 2 includes: (When this station has a pallet + the current station's pallet is not being released) → Preparing to release this station's pallet, this station does not allow the previous station's pallet to be released; Step 3 includes: (When this station has a pallet + the current station's pallet is not being released + the rear station allows release) → This station's pallet is being released; Step 4 includes: (When this station's pallet is being released + the previous station's pallet is not allowed to be released (the rear station's pallet is in place)) → This station's pallet release ends. Steps 1 through 4 are repeated in this loop. Through program encapsulation, the aforementioned logic implementation functional blocks are standardized and reused. Input / output points only need to be configured. The interaction line only needs to be made into a standard pluggable connector for connection to achieve this function.

[0083] By encapsulating tray release control logic (such as request-allow handshake, arrival detection, and fault interlock) into reusable standardized function blocks (FB blocks), and enabling rapid adaptation to different scenarios through parameterized configuration, users can complete function deployment simply by configuring parameters without writing underlying code, thus improving development efficiency.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the timeout interlock module is used to perform a timeout interlock operation if no pallet is detected to be in place at this station within a preset time period after sending a permission signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device.

[0085] For example, combined Figure 3 The pallet transfer control device also includes a timeout interlock module, which encapsulates timeout interlock logic. By executing this timeout interlock logic, after sending a permission signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device, if no pallet is detected at this station within a preset time period, that is, if this station does not receive a pallet transferred by the upstream pallet transfer control device within the preset time period or the pallet received by this station does not arrive at the preset position within the preset time period, then a timeout interlock operation is performed.

[0086] In one example, by using sensors in conjunction with timers to synchronously detect the operation, it can be determined whether the pallet at this station has been detected to be in place within a preset time period.

[0087] In one example, when a timeout interlock operation is performed, an overdue warning operation can be performed simultaneously, that is, an overdue warning signal can be output to remind the user that the tray of this site has not been detected within the preset time period.

[0088] In one example, a dynamic parameter adaptive mechanism is integrated into the function block to automatically adjust the timeout time according to the real-time production cycle. For example, when switching the vehicle model at the workstation, no manual modification of parameters is required, thus improving flexibility.

[0089] By using fault interlocking mechanisms (such as fault lockout triggered by failure to respond within a timeout), the risk of equipment collisions can be reduced. Maintenance personnel can quickly locate problems through status indicators, thereby improving equipment reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the status control module is further configured to, when the pallet transfer status of this station is in the release state, control the retraction of the blocking unit to release the pallet of this station; and when the pallet transfer status of this station is in the non-release state, control the extension of the blocking unit to block the pallet of this station.

[0091] For example, combined Figure 3 The pallet transfer control equipment also includes a blocking unit for releasing or blocking pallets at the station. This blocking unit can be a blocking cylinder or a baffle. The blocking unit can be located downstream of the station, upstream of the station, or both upstream and downstream. Based on the status control module, when the blocking unit is located downstream of the station, the pallet transfer status at the station is identified. If the pallet transfer status at the station is in a release state, the blocking unit is retracted to release the pallet; if the pallet transfer status at the station is in a non-release state, the blocking unit is extended to block the pallet.

[0092] In one example, when the blocking unit is set in the upstream direction of the station, based on the status control module, after determining that a permission signal is sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device, the blocking unit is retracted to receive the pallet released by the upstream pallet transfer control device; after sending a rejection signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device, the blocking unit is extended to prevent the upstream pallet transfer control device from releasing the pallet.

[0093] In one example, the status control module can send control commands to the blocking unit controller, causing the blocking unit controller to retract or extend the blocking unit to allow or block the tray of this station.

[0094] By encapsulating the control logic of the blocking unit into the state control module of the standardized function block (FB block), users can call the function block and execute the logic through parameter configuration, which can further improve efficiency and enhance logic consistency.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the pluggable connector uses a standard interactive signal set, and / or the pluggable connector uses a two-wire connection.

[0096] For example, the pluggable connector uses a standard set of interaction signals, including user-defined standard unified device interaction input and output signals (such as "request", "allow", "in place", "fault"), to ensure that the pluggable connector has a "plug and play" logical effect, so as to realize rapid docking and standardized interaction between devices.

[0097] And / or, the pluggable connector adopts a two-wire connection method, that is, a physical connection method that uses two-wire signal transmission, which can realize the tray release logic and has the characteristics of multiplexing and simple wiring.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the pluggable connector is an aviation plug or a terminal connector.

[0099] For example, the pluggable connector is an air plug or a terminal connector. The air plug includes two connection structures, which connect to an upstream tray transfer control device and a downstream tray transfer control device, respectively. The terminal connector can be a spring terminal connector or a screw terminal connector.

[0100] For example, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a physical connection between devices provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 6 As shown, a unified set of device interaction input and output signals is defined, and physical connections are achieved using connectors; wherein, the connectors include a front station female connector connected to the front station tray transfer control device and a rear station male connector connected to the rear station tray transfer control device.

[0101] By using aviation plugs or terminal connectors, rapid physical connection can be achieved, further reducing the difficulty of equipment docking.

[0102] In this embodiment, based on the above embodiments, on the one hand, by encapsulating logic, the repetitive development of pallet release control programs can be reduced; on the other hand, by using pluggable connectors, rapid docking and standardized interaction between devices can be achieved, improving the flexibility of production line layout adjustments and reducing the workload of program modification.

[0103] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a pallet transfer control method provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the method includes:

[0104] 201. Receive release signals from upstream and / or downstream pallet transfer control devices via a pluggable connector, and detect the pallet presence status of this station.

[0105] For example, the implementing entity of this embodiment may be the pallet transfer control device in the foregoing embodiments. The production line includes multiple pallet transfer control devices, and each pair of adjacent pallet transfer control devices is physically connected by a pluggable connector, so that pallet release signals are transmitted between each pair of adjacent pallet transfer control devices through the pluggable connector to transfer pallets in the production line.

[0106] The pallet transfer control equipment is equipped with a pallet intelligent release function block (FB block) based on a programmable logic controller (PLC), which includes a signal receiving module, a pallet detection module, and a status control module.

[0107] Based on the signal receiving module, a release signal from the upstream pallet transfer control device is received via a pluggable connector, and / or, a release signal from the downstream pallet transfer control device is received via the same pluggable connector; this release signal indicates whether pallet release is permitted. Based on the pallet detection module, the pallet presence status at this station (the workstation where the pallet transfer control device is located) can be detected by sensors to determine whether the pallet at this station is in a preset position.

[0108] 202. Control the pallet transfer status of this station based on the release signal and the pallet's position status at this station.

[0109] For example, based on the status control module, the release signal received by the signal receiving module and the pallet presence status detected by the pallet detection module are analyzed and processed to control the pallet transmission status of this station, including releasing the pallet of this station or not releasing the pallet of this station.

[0110] In this embodiment, a pallet transfer control method is provided. By modularly encapsulating the pallet transfer control logic into the pallet transfer control device, users do not need to write the underlying logic. The method also enables rapid physical connection through pluggable connectors, which can improve the development efficiency of pallet transfer control in the production line and increase the flexibility of production line layout adjustments.

[0111] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another pallet transfer control method provided in this application embodiment is shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the method includes:

[0112] 301. Receive release signals from upstream and / or downstream pallet transfer control devices via a pluggable connector, and detect the pallet presence status of this station.

[0113] For example, this step can be referred to as step 201, which will not be repeated here.

[0114] After step 301, steps 302 and / or 303 may be performed. Alternatively, after step 301, steps 304 and / or 305 may be performed.

[0115] 302. When the pallet in the station is in the "pallet present" state, the pallet transfer status of the station is in the "non-release" state, and a release permission signal is received from the downstream pallet transfer control equipment, the pallet transfer status of the station is switched to the "release" state to transfer the pallet of the station to the downstream pallet transfer control equipment.

[0116] For example, based on the status control module, the pallet transmission status of this station is identified, and the release signal from the signal receiving module and the pallet presence status of this station from the pallet detection module are identified. When the pallet presence status of this station is that there is a pallet, the pallet transmission status of this station is in a non-release state, and a release permission signal is received from the downstream pallet transmission control device, the pallet transmission status of this station is switched from the non-release state to the release state, which means that this station can release the pallet. Then, the transmission structure can be controlled to start running to transmit the pallet of this station to the downstream pallet transmission control device.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the pallet transfer control device further includes a blocking unit; and further includes: when the pallet transfer state of this station is in the release state, controlling the retraction of the blocking unit to release the pallet of this station; and when the pallet transfer state of this station is in the non-release state, controlling the extension of the blocking unit cylinder to block the pallet of this station.

[0118] Specifically, based on the status control module, the pallet transfer status of this station is identified. When the pallet transfer status of this station is in the release state, the blocking unit is retracted to release the pallet of this station; when the pallet transfer status of this station is in the non-release state, the blocking unit is extended to block the pallet of this station.

[0119] 303. If the pallet in-place status of this station is "no pallet", the pallet transfer status of this station is "released", and a rejection release signal is received from the downstream pallet transfer control equipment, the pallet transfer status of this station will be switched to "non-released".

[0120] For example, based on the status control module, the pallet transmission status of this station is identified, and the release signal from the signal receiving module and the pallet presence status of this station from the pallet detection module are identified. If the pallet presence status of this station is no pallet, the pallet transmission status of this station is in the release state, and a rejection release signal is received from the downstream pallet transmission control device, the pallet transmission status of this station is switched from the release state to the non-release state, that is, this station cannot release the pallet, and therefore the pallet of this station is not transmitted to the downstream pallet transmission control device.

[0121] 304. When the pallet in the station is in a non-pallet state and the pallet transfer status of the upstream pallet transfer control device is in a non-release state, send a release signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device through the pluggable connector to receive the pallet transferred by the upstream pallet transfer control device.

[0122] For example, the pallet transfer control device further includes a signal transmission module. Based on the signal transmission module, when the pallet presence status at this station is "pallet-free" and the pallet transfer status of the upstream pallet transfer control device is "not released," a release permission signal is sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device via a pluggable connector to indicate that the upstream pallet transfer control device is permitted to release the pallet. After receiving the release permission signal, the upstream pallet transfer control device releases the pallet from its station and transfers it to this station. The pallet transfer control device can then receive the pallet transferred by the upstream pallet transfer control device.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: after sending a clearance signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device, if no pallet is detected to be in place at this station within a preset time period, a timeout interlock operation is performed.

[0124] Specifically, the pallet transfer control device also includes a timeout interlock module. Based on the timeout interlock module, after sending a permission signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device, if the pallet of this station is not detected to be in place within a preset time period, that is, if this station does not receive the pallet transferred by the upstream pallet transfer control device within the preset time period or the pallet received by this station does not arrive at the preset position within the preset time period, then the timeout interlock operation is performed.

[0125] 305. When the pallet is in position at this station and the pallet transfer status at this station is not in the release status, a rejection release signal is sent to the upstream pallet transfer control equipment through the pluggable connector.

[0126] For example, the pallet transfer control device further includes a signal transmission module. Based on the signal transmission module, when the pallet presence status at this station is "pallet present" and the pallet transfer status at this station is "not released", a rejection release signal is sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device through a pluggable connector to indicate that the upstream pallet transfer control device does not allow the pallet to be released.

[0127] In this embodiment, based on the above embodiments, on the one hand, by encapsulating logic, the repetitive development of the pallet release control program can be reduced; on the other hand, by using a fault interlock mechanism (such as triggering fault locking due to timeout failure), the risk of equipment collision can be reduced, and maintenance personnel can quickly locate problems through status indicators, thereby improving equipment reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

[0128] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pallet transfer control device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the pallet transfer control device includes: a memory 401 and a processor 402; the memory 401 is used to store instructions executable by the processor 402.

[0129] The processor 402 is configured to perform the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0130] The pallet transfer control device also includes a receiver 403 and a transmitter 404. The receiver 403 is used to receive instructions and data sent by other pallet transfer control devices, and the transmitter 404 is used to send instructions and data to external pallet transfer control devices.

[0131] The specific implementation process of the processor can be found in the above method embodiments, and its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, so it will not be repeated here.

[0132] In the above embodiments, it should be understood that the processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in this invention can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0133] This application also provides a production device, including the pallet transfer control device in the foregoing embodiments. The pallet transfer control device stores computer execution instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the technical solutions of the above embodiments.

[0134] This application also provides a production line, including at least two pallet transfer control devices as described in the foregoing embodiments, with adjacent pallet transfer control devices physically connected by pluggable connectors; the pallet transfer control device stores computer execution instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the technical solutions of the above embodiments.

[0135] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the technical solutions described above.

[0136] The aforementioned readable storage medium can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage production device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, read-only memory, magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0137] An exemplary readable storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the readable storage medium. The readable storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the readable storage medium can reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the processor and the readable storage medium can exist as discrete components in a production facility.

[0138] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium. At least one processor can read the computer program from the computer-readable storage medium, and when the at least one processor executes the computer program, it can implement the technical solutions in the above embodiments.

[0139] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program performs the steps of the above-described method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as magnetic disks or optical disks.

[0140] Finally, it should be noted that other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein, and is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pallet transfer control device, characterized in that, Adjacent pallet transfer control devices are physically connected via pluggable connectors; The pallet transfer control device includes a signal receiving module, a pallet detection module, and a status control module; The signal receiving module is used to receive release signals from upstream pallet transfer control equipment and / or downstream pallet transfer control equipment through the pluggable connector. The pallet detection module is used to detect the presence status of pallets at this station; The status control module is used to control the pallet transmission status of the station based on the release signal and the pallet presence status of the station.

2. The pallet transfer control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The status control module is specifically used to switch the pallet transmission status of the station to the release status when the pallet in the station is in the presence status of a pallet, the pallet transmission status of the station is in the non-release status, and a release permission signal is received from the downstream pallet transmission control device, so as to transmit the pallet of the station to the downstream pallet transmission control device. And / or, if the pallet presence status of this station is no pallet, the pallet transfer status of this station is in the release status, and a rejection release signal is received from the downstream pallet transfer control device, the pallet transfer status of this station is switched to the non-release status.

3. The pallet transfer control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pallet transfer control device also includes a signal transmission module; The signal transmitting module is used to send a permission signal to the upstream pallet transmission control device through the pluggable connector when the pallet in the local station is in a no-pallet state and the pallet transmission state of the upstream pallet transmission control device is in a non-release state, so as to receive the pallet transmitted by the upstream pallet transmission control device. And / or, when the pallet presence status of the station is "pallet present" and the pallet transfer status of the station is "not released", a rejection release signal is sent to the upstream pallet transfer control device through the pluggable connector.

4. The pallet transfer control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pallet transfer control device also includes a timeout interlock module; The timeout interlock module is used to perform a timeout interlock operation if no pallet is detected to be in place at this station within a preset time period after sending a permission signal to the upstream pallet transfer control device.

5. The pallet transfer control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pallet transfer control device also includes a blocking unit; The status control module is further configured to, when the pallet transfer status of the station is in the release state, control the retraction of the blocking unit to release the pallet of the station; and when the pallet transfer status of the station is in the non-release state, control the extension of the blocking unit to block the pallet of the station.

6. The pallet transfer control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pluggable connector uses a standard interactive signal set, and / or the pluggable connector uses a two-wire connection method.

7. The pallet transfer control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pluggable connector is an aviation plug or a terminal connector.

8. A pallet transfer control method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the pallet transfer control device according to any one of claims 1-7, and the method includes: The system receives release signals from upstream and / or downstream pallet transfer control devices via the pluggable connector and detects the pallet presence status at this station. The pallet transfer status of this station is controlled based on the release signal and the pallet presence status of this station.

9. A production equipment, characterized in that, Includes the pallet transfer control device as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A production line, characterized in that, It includes at least two pallet transfer control devices as described in any one of claims 1-7.

11. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method of claim 8.

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