Scheduling method and system for multiple process branches

Abstract

The invention provides a production scheduling method and system for multiple process branches. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring a vehicle production queue and a bill of materials; determining the vehicle type, the vehicle configuration and the variety code of each vehicle according to the bill of materials; defining each process branch line as a process unit, and setting an adaptive vehicle type, adaptive vehicle configuration, adaptive variety code and vehicle distribution proportion for each process unit; configuring a connection relation, a shunting point and a confluence point of each process unit; when the vehicle arrives at the shunting point, determining an adaptive target process unit connected with the shunting point according to the vehicle type, the vehicle configuration and the variety code of the vehicle; distributing vehicles to each target process unit based on the number of the target process units, the vehicle distribution proportion and the vehicle production queue; and after the vehicle is processed in the target process unit, the vehicle is merged into the main line of the production line through the confluence point. The method can solve the problem of uneven load distribution of the process branch lines, and improves the production efficiency of the whole production line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent manufacturing production scheduling technology, and in particular to a scheduling method and system for multiple process branches. Background Technology

[0002] In automotive assembly workshops, with the increasing demands for platform-based vehicle models, multi-configuration mixed-line production, and flexible manufacturing, the main assembly line often needs to allocate vehicles of different models and configurations to multiple downstream process branches for processing. Existing production lines generally employ a structure of multiple process branches connected in parallel or series to meet differentiated process requirements such as painting, assembly, inspection, welding, or specific attribute interactions. To achieve branch-based flow control, traditional solutions typically involve the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) issuing vehicle production queues, and the group control or scheduling system then directing vehicles to specific branches based on vehicle type / configuration rules. For example, when a particular model can only be processed on a specific branch, a unique matching allocation is performed based on vehicle type or configuration. When multiple branches have the same processing capacity, a fixed branch-bound rule is often used to complete the allocation.

[0003] However, while fixed binding or allocation based solely on vehicle model / configuration rules can meet process adaptation needs, in scenarios where multiple process lines have similar or partially overlapping capabilities, the lack of coordination regarding differences in line capacity, work-in-process inventory, and production rhythm fluctuations can easily lead to some process lines being chronically congested while others are idle, resulting in uneven workload distribution across process lines. Therefore, a multi-process line scheduling method is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings mentioned above, this invention provides a scheduling method and system for multiple process branches.

[0005] Firstly, a production scheduling method for multiple process branches is provided, the method comprising: Obtain the vehicle production queue and the bill of materials corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue; Based on the bill of materials, determine the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of each vehicle in the vehicle production queue; Each process branch line in the production line is defined as a process unit, and each process unit is assigned an appropriate vehicle type, an appropriate vehicle configuration, an appropriate variety code, and a vehicle allocation ratio. Configure the connection relationships, branching points and merging points of each process unit according to the preset production line layout. The connection relationships include parallel relationships and series relationships. When a vehicle in the vehicle production queue arrives at the diversion point, the appropriate target process unit connected to the diversion point is determined based on the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of the vehicle. Based on the number of target process units, the vehicle allocation ratio, and the vehicle production queue, vehicles are allocated to each target process unit. After the vehicle completes processing in the target process unit, it merges into the main line of the production line through the merging point.

[0006] As an optional implementation, obtaining the vehicle production queue and the bill of materials corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue includes: Receive vehicle data of vehicles to be produced from the manufacturing execution system. The vehicle data includes the vehicle assembly serial number, vehicle tracking code and vehicle serial number. The vehicles to be produced are sorted according to their assembly serial numbers to determine the vehicle production queue; Based on the vehicle tracking code and the vehicle serial number, retrieve the bill of materials corresponding to the vehicle in the vehicle production queue in the manufacturing execution system.

[0007] As an optional implementation, defining each process branch line in the production line as a process unit, and setting suitable vehicle type, suitable vehicle configuration, suitable product code, and vehicle allocation ratio for each process unit, includes: A process unit attribute table is established for each process unit, and the process unit attribute table records the compatible vehicle types, compatible vehicle configurations, compatible variety codes, and the preset vehicle allocation ratio corresponding to the process unit.

[0008] As an optional implementation, configuring the connection relationships, branching points, and merging points of each process unit according to a preset production line layout includes: Determine the connection relationships of each process branch line based on the production line layout; The process units corresponding to each process branch are numbered according to the connection relationship; wherein, process units in parallel relationship are numbered using the same main number and consecutive sub-numbers, and process units in series relationship are numbered using consecutive numbers. A flow splitting point is set at the inlet of multiple parallel process units; A merging point is set at the outlet of multiple series or parallel process units, the merging point being used to rejoin the vehicle into the main line or downstream process unit.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the method further includes: The process unit sequence is determined based on the connection relationship of each process unit; Based on the process unit sequence, the required materials for each process unit are pulled sequentially.

[0010] As an optional implementation, when a vehicle in the vehicle production queue arrives at the diversion point, determining the appropriate target process unit connected to the diversion point based on the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of the vehicle includes: At the diversion point, the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of the vehicle are matched with the appropriate vehicle type, appropriate vehicle configuration, and appropriate variety code of each connected process unit, respectively. If all match, the process unit is determined as the target process unit.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the method further includes: If the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of the vehicle do not match one or more of the matching vehicle type, matching vehicle configuration, and matching variety code of each connected process unit, the vehicle is determined to be misassigned to the production line, the vehicle is removed from the production line, and an abnormality is reported.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the allocation of vehicles to each of the target process units based on the number of target process units, the vehicle allocation ratio, and the vehicle production queue includes: If there is only one target process unit, then the vehicle is assigned to the target process unit; If there are multiple target process units, the vehicles are allocated to each target process unit according to the vehicle allocation ratio and the order of the vehicle production queue.

[0013] As an optional implementation, if there are multiple target process units, the method of allocating vehicles to each target process unit according to the vehicle allocation ratio and the order of the vehicle production queue includes: In each allocation cycle, the number of vehicles that each process unit should receive in that allocation cycle is determined according to the vehicle allocation ratio of each target process unit, and the vehicles are allocated to each target process unit in sequence according to the order of the vehicles in the vehicle production queue.

[0014] Secondly, a multi-process branch line scheduling system is provided, the system comprising a manufacturing execution system, a group control system, and an intelligent vehicle scheduling system; wherein... The manufacturing execution system is used to issue vehicle data for vehicles to be produced. The vehicle data includes the vehicle assembly serial number, vehicle tracking code, and vehicle serial number, and is used to provide a bill of materials corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue. The group control system is used to generate a vehicle production queue based on the vehicle assembly sequence number issued by the manufacturing execution system. The group control system is also used to parse the vehicle type, vehicle configuration and variety code of each vehicle in the vehicle production queue based on the bill of materials, and configure the connection relationship, diversion point and merging point of the process unit according to the preset production line layout. The group control system is also used to allocate each vehicle in the vehicle production queue to the corresponding process unit; The intelligent vehicle scheduling system is used to control the intelligent vehicles to perform vehicle transfer between the process units according to the allocation results of the group control system.

[0015] Thirdly, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program executable on the processor, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0016] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0017] This invention provides a scheduling method and system for multiple process branches. The method includes: obtaining a vehicle production queue and a bill of materials (BOM) corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue; determining the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and product code of each vehicle in the vehicle production queue based on the BOM; defining each process branch in the production line as a process unit, and setting an appropriate vehicle type, appropriate vehicle configuration, appropriate product code, and vehicle allocation ratio for each process unit; configuring the connection relationships, branching points, and merging points of each process unit according to a preset production line layout, wherein the connection relationships include parallel and series relationships; when a vehicle in the vehicle production queue arrives at the branching point, determining the appropriate target process unit connected to the branching point based on the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and product code; allocating vehicles to each target process unit based on the number of target process units, the vehicle allocation ratio, and the vehicle production queue; and merging the vehicle into the main line of the production line through the merging point after the vehicle completes processing in the target process unit.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By parsing the attributes of the vehicle production queue and its bill of materials, and abstracting each process branch line into a process unit with a clear adaptation range and vehicle allocation ratio, precise matching of vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and product code among process branches is achieved. By constructing the serial and parallel connection relationship of process units in the production line layout and dynamically allocating them at the distribution points based on the vehicle allocation ratio, the uneven load problem existing in traditional branch line allocation methods can be effectively avoided. This ensures the accuracy of vehicle processing sequence and process adaptation, improves the load balancing capability among process branches, and enables stable collaborative operation of multiple process branches in mixed-line production scenarios, thereby significantly improving the overall production line efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A flowchart of a multi-process branch line scheduling method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a process unit attribute setting interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the definition of process branch point locations provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-process branch line scheduling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0021] The following will describe in detail, with reference to specific embodiments, a multi-process branch line scheduling method provided by the present invention. Figure 1 A flowchart of a multi-process branch line scheduling method provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the specific steps are as follows: S101, obtain the vehicle production queue and the bill of materials corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue.

[0022] In implementation, the vehicle production queue is used to determine the planned production sequence of vehicles, and the Bill of Materials (BOM) is used to parse vehicle attribute information. To ensure queue accuracy and data integrity, the vehicle production queue and BOM can be obtained from the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or related systems. For example, the system can obtain raw vehicle data from the MES, including the vehicle assembly sequence number, vehicle tracking code, and vehicle serial number (VSN). The group control system can then sort the vehicles in ascending order based on the assembly sequence number to form a vehicle production queue and query the corresponding BOM from the MES based on the vehicle tracking code and vehicle serial number. Alternatively, the group control system can read a list from a cached list of vehicles awaiting production, sort it by timestamp and work order priority to generate a vehicle production queue, and then access the work order server to obtain the BOM via the vehicle serial number.

[0023] As an optional implementation, the specific steps for obtaining the vehicle production queue and the bill of materials corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue in S101 are as follows: S201: Receive vehicle data for vehicles to be produced from the manufacturing execution system. The vehicle data includes the vehicle assembly serial number, vehicle tracking code, and vehicle serial number.

[0024] In implementation, the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is responsible for generating vehicle assembly serial numbers according to the production plan and outputting basic vehicle production attributes. The group control system can obtain the vehicle assembly serial number and key fields (vehicle tracking code and vehicle serial number) needed to identify and query the bill of materials by receiving vehicle data of vehicles to be produced from the MES. For example, the MES can push data packages of vehicles to be produced to the group control system via an API interface. The group control system can also periodically (e.g., every 5 seconds) send data requests to the MES's production scheduling data interface to retrieve the latest batch of vehicles to be put into production.

[0025] S202, Sort the vehicles to be produced according to the vehicle assembly sequence number to determine the vehicle production queue.

[0026] In practice, the group control system can read all vehicle data to be produced and sort them in ascending order according to the vehicle assembly serial number. The sorting result is the vehicle production queue.

[0027] S203, based on the vehicle tracking code and vehicle serial number, retrieve the bill of materials corresponding to the vehicle in the vehicle production queue in the manufacturing execution system.

[0028] In practice, the vehicle tracking code and vehicle serial number are the unique production identification fields of the vehicle in the manufacturing execution system. The group control system can index the corresponding bill of materials through the vehicle tracking code and vehicle serial number.

[0029] S102, Based on the bill of materials, determine the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of each vehicle in the vehicle production queue.

[0030] In implementation, vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code all originate from structural items, material items, or configuration items in the bill of materials (BOM). The group control system can extract corresponding attributes from the BOM based on preset mapping rules. For example, the group control system can read information such as the vehicle type field, drive system item, and exterior package configuration item from the BOM, and map the vehicle model level to the vehicle type, the configuration item set to the vehicle configuration, and the variety identifier to the variety code according to preset mapping rules. Alternatively, a rule engine (such as Drools) can be used to automatically calculate the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code based on trigger rules such as material number range, group number, and configuration group identifier.

[0031] S103 defines each process branch line in the production line as a process unit, and sets the appropriate vehicle type, appropriate vehicle configuration, appropriate variety code and vehicle allocation ratio for each process unit.

[0032] In implementation, process units are used to abstract the location and processing capacity of different process branches. By defining the adaptation attributes and vehicle allocation ratio of each branch, process matching and load balancing can be achieved according to vehicle model / configuration. For example, process engineers can fill in the adapted vehicle models, adapted configurations, adapted product sets, and vehicle allocation ratio of each process unit through the back-end interface.

[0033] As an optional implementation, in S103, each process branch line in the production line is defined as a process unit, and the specific method for setting the appropriate vehicle type, appropriate vehicle configuration, appropriate product code, and vehicle allocation ratio for each process unit is as follows: A process unit attribute table is established for each process unit. The process unit attribute table records the compatible vehicle types, compatible vehicle configurations, compatible variety codes, and the preset vehicle allocation ratio corresponding to the process unit.

[0034] In implementation, different process branches have different process capabilities, such as welding processes that can only be performed on specific vehicle models and electrical inspection stations that can only be performed on specific configurations. In order to achieve accurate allocation according to vehicle attributes, each process branch needs to be abstracted into a process unit, and each process unit needs to be configured with a range of attributes that can be processed (i.e., vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and model code). Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a process unit attribute setting interface provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, those skilled in the art can set the unit code, unit name, vehicle allocation ratio, compatible vehicle type, compatible vehicle configuration, compatible product code, and points included in the process branch (such as a workstation or other preset points with diversion or merging functions) in the interface. Furthermore, they can set whether the corresponding process unit is activated based on the actual activation status of the process branch, thereby ensuring that the process unit corresponds to the actual process branch. For example, the compatible vehicle type can be SUV, sedan, and MPV, or it can be classified according to different internal classification methods of different enterprises. The compatible vehicle configuration can be high-end, low-end, electrified, etc. The compatible product code can be a code set according to the enterprise's preset coding rules, such as A01, A02, etc. The vehicle allocation ratio can be set based on factors such as the operating cycle time of the process unit and historical production data. For example, the calculation formula for determining the vehicle allocation ratio according to the operating cycle time of each process unit can be: (Formula 1) in,( P 1: P 2: … : P i : … : P n )express n The proportion of each process unit T i Indicates the first i Average cycle time of each process unit n This indicates the number of process units involved in the allocation. When the average cycle time of the first process unit is 30 seconds / vehicle and the average cycle time of the second process unit is 60 seconds / vehicle, the vehicle allocation ratio can be set to 2:1, allowing the first process unit to handle more vehicles in the same amount of time. Alternatively, based on historical production data, the actual completion volume of each process unit within the statistical period can be determined. The vehicle allocation ratio can be adjusted based on the actual completion volume of each process unit to reduce long-term backlogs. The vehicle allocation ratio can be calculated based on the proportion of the actual completion volume of each process unit, as shown in the following formula: (Formula 2) in, ( P 1': P 2': … : P i ': … : P n ') represents the proportion of n process units adjusted based on historical production data. Mi Indicates the first i Mtotal represents the actual number of vehicles completed by each process unit within the statistical period. n The total number of vehicles actually completed by each process unit within the statistical period. In certain production stages, to avoid critical process bottlenecks, the vehicle allocation ratio of the bottleneck process unit can be artificially reduced to avoid process problems. For example, for the bottleneck process unit, a preset margin, such as 30%, can be reduced based on the preset vehicle allocation ratio.

[0035] S104. Configure the connection relationships, branching points and merging points of each process unit according to the preset production line layout. The connection relationships include parallel relationships and series relationships.

[0036] In implementation, connectivity determines how vehicles flow between multiple process units, while branching and merging points are key control nodes for vehicles entering process units and returning to the main line. For example, process engineers can predefine a table of connectivity between process branches, and the group control system can generate parallel and series connections based on the fields in the table, and automatically generate branching and merging points.

[0037] As an optional implementation, the specific steps in S104 for configuring the connection relationships, branching points, and merging points of each process unit according to the preset production line layout are as follows: S301, determine the connection relationship of each process branch line according to the production line layout.

[0038] In implementation, the production line layout determines the spatial and process flow sequence of different process branches. By analyzing layout files, process diagrams, or equipment, it's possible to determine whether certain branches are parallel (can be processed simultaneously), series (processed sequentially), or independent. For example, the position coordinates of each workstation can be read from the layout file exported from AutoCAD. The connection relationships between process branch nodes can be used to determine if multiple process branches originate from the same point, indicating a parallel relationship. If the exit of one process branch connects to the entrance of another, it indicates a series relationship. Furthermore, based on the process flow diagram, connection relationships can be analyzed. For example, if process 50 → process 51 and process 52 → process 60, then 51 and 52 are determined to be parallel. If process 70 → process 71 → process 72, then it is determined to be a series relationship.

[0039] S302, Number the process units corresponding to each process branch according to the connection relationship. In implementation, process units in parallel are numbered using the same main number and consecutive sub-numbers, while process units in series are numbered using consecutive numbers.

[0040] In implementation, a primary number + secondary number method can be used to distinguish between parallel relationships (parallel relationships share the primary number) and series relationships (sequential numbering). For example: Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of process branch point definition provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 3 As shown, 1 is the main line, and A is a branching point. At point A, the intelligent vehicle can send a branching command to the group control system. Then, according to the instructions of the group control system, the intelligent vehicle assigns vehicles to the parallel process branches 1-1 and 1-2 respectively. Here, the number "1" before "-" represents the main number, and "1" and "2" after "-" represent the sub-numbers. Process branch 1-1 has two points B and C, and process branch 1-2 has one point D. The intelligent vehicle starts assigning vehicles from the branching point A, and completes the branching of process branch 1-1 and process branch 1-2 at points B and D respectively. Then, according to the distribution of process branches, process branch 1-1 and process branch 1-2 merge at the merging point E. Before this, the intelligent vehicle sends a merging request to the group control system at points C and D respectively, and then completes the merging at the merging point E according to the instructions of the group control system. Then, the intelligent vehicle sends a traffic diversion request to the group control system at point E, and then assigns the vehicle to process branches 2-1 and 2-2. Process branches 2-1 and 2-2 are connected in parallel, so they have the same main number and consecutive sub-numbers. Process branches 2-1 and 2-2 are connected in series with process branches 1-1 and 1-2, so they are assigned consecutive numbers. The subsequent diversion and merging procedures are similar to those for process branches 1-1 and 1-2, and will not be described in detail here.

[0041] S303, a branch point is set at the inlet of multiple parallel process units.

[0042] In implementation, fixed industrial control equipment (such as RFID readers and PLCs) can be installed at the entrance of the parallel unit. Based on the target process unit instructions given by the group control system, the corresponding intelligent vehicle can be controlled to send the vehicle into the correct process branch line. Alternatively, after the intelligent vehicle arrives at the diversion point, the group control system can issue a water temperature scheduling instruction to a certain process unit, and the intelligent vehicle can drive into the entrance of the corresponding process branch line according to the instruction.

[0043] S304, a merging point is set at the outlet of multiple series or parallel process units, the merging point is used to rejoin the vehicle into the main line or downstream process unit.

[0044] In practice, merging points are used to rejoin vehicles from multiple process units into the main line or downstream branch line to ensure the continuity of the overall production process.

[0045] As an optional implementation, the group control system can also determine the process unit sequence based on the connection relationship of each process unit; Based on the process unit sequence, the required materials for each process unit are pulled in sequence.

[0046] In implementation, the connection relationship between process units not only determines the vehicle flow sequence but also the consumption cycle and pull sequence of materials in each process unit. Arranging process units according to their connection relationship forms a process unit sequence. For example, when multiple process units are connected in series, the process unit sequence can be arranged according to the order in which vehicles pass through. When parallel process units exist, they can be treated as parallel nodes at the same level, uniformly considered as the same sequence level, without distinguishing their order within that level. For example, if the connection relationship of process units in a production line layout is: starting from the main process unit U1, passing through parallel process units U2-1 and U2-2, and then to the downstream process unit U3, then the process unit sequence can be determined as: U1, {U2-1, U2-2}, U3. Based on the process unit sequence, the group control system can trigger the material preparation or pull actions of downstream process units in advance, thereby improving the continuity and real-time nature of material supply and avoiding branch line stagnation or cycle time fluctuations caused by material waiting.

[0047] S105, when a vehicle in the vehicle production queue arrives at the diversion point, the appropriate target process unit connected to the diversion point is determined based on the vehicle type, vehicle configuration and variety code.

[0048] In implementation, when a vehicle arrives at the distribution point, a suitable process unit can be matched based on the vehicle's attributes; otherwise, situations such as incorrect vehicle deployment, inability to process, or branch line overload may occur. For example, the group control system can match vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and product code with the matching set of each process unit, and determine the target process unit based on the matching results.

[0049] As an optional implementation, in S105, when a vehicle in the vehicle production queue arrives at the diversion point, the specific steps for determining the suitable target process unit connected to the diversion point based on the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code are as follows: S401, at the branching point, the vehicle type, vehicle configuration and variety code are matched with the appropriate vehicle type, appropriate vehicle configuration and appropriate variety code of each connected process unit according to the vehicle type, vehicle configuration and variety code.

[0050] In implementation, the triage point is used to determine which process branch a vehicle should enter. Each process branch is abstracted as a process unit with specific process capabilities, including the types, configurations, and model codes of vehicles that can be handled. When a vehicle arrives at the triage point, its attributes need to be compared one by one with the matching attributes of each process unit to select the target process unit that can handle the vehicle.

[0051] S402, if all match, then the process unit is determined as the target process unit.

[0052] In practice, if the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code all match, then the process unit is determined as the target process unit.

[0053] As an optional implementation, if the vehicle type, configuration, and variety code of a vehicle do not match one or more of the compatible vehicle type, configuration, and variety code of each connected process unit, the vehicle is determined to be misassigned to the production line, removed from the production line, and an anomaly is reported. After being removed from the production line, the vehicle can be guided to a preset waiting buffer or anomaly handling station, triggering manual intervention or system processing. System processing may include re-verifying vehicle attribute information and re-determining compatible process units, while manual intervention may involve manually adding the vehicle back to the production queue and manually scheduling it.

[0054] During implementation, some vehicle attributes may not match or only partially match the compatibility of any process unit, indicating that the vehicle has been assigned to the wrong production line or that the bill of materials data is abnormal. To prevent process branch failures, equipment damage, or vehicle rework, such vehicles can be identified and removed, and the anomaly information can be reported for processing by the manufacturing execution system or operations personnel.

[0055] S106, based on the number of target process units, the vehicle allocation ratio, and the vehicle production queue, allocates vehicles to each target process unit.

[0056] In practice, when multiple target process units have overlapping capabilities, the splitting ratio is used to maintain the load balance of the branch lines, avoid overload or idleness of a certain unit, and thus improve the overall cycle stability.

[0057] As an optional implementation, the specific steps in S106 for allocating vehicles to each target process unit based on the number of target process units, the vehicle allocation ratio, and the vehicle production queue are as follows: S501, if there is only one target process unit, then the vehicle is assigned to the target process unit.

[0058] In implementation, when a vehicle's type, configuration, and model code match only one process unit, the vehicle does not need to participate in the vehicle allocation ratio and can directly enter that process unit. In this case, the selection of the target process unit is unique, and there is no load balancing issue. For example, if the vehicle type is an SUV and the configuration is high-spec, branch line unit U1 is compatible with both SUVs and high-spec models, and the group control system automatically allocates the vehicle to U1.

[0059] S502, if there are multiple target process units, then the vehicles are allocated to each target process unit according to the vehicle allocation ratio and the order of the vehicle production queue.

[0060] In practice, when multiple process units can handle the vehicle, the vehicles can be rotated or weighted according to a preset vehicle allocation ratio to prevent overload or idling of a certain process branch and to ensure the overall cycle time consistency of multiple process branches.

[0061] As an optional implementation, the group control system can also dynamically adjust the allocation according to the real-time capacity of the process unit.

[0062] In implementation, the group control system can monitor the operational status of each process unit in real time. This status includes at least the current queue length or idle status of the process unit. When the queue length of a process unit exceeds a preset threshold, or when it remains fully loaded for a continuous period, the group control system can determine that the process unit is congested and accordingly reduce its vehicle allocation ratio. Conversely, when another process unit is detected to be idle or under low load, its vehicle allocation ratio can be increased to guide subsequent vehicles to be preferentially allocated to process units with lower loads. For example, if the queue length of vehicles in process unit U1 is 8, exceeding the preset threshold of 5, U1 is determined to be overloaded, while process unit U2 is under low load. In this case, the vehicle allocation ratio can be temporarily adjusted according to preset rules. For example, a low load threshold can be set. When the queue length is less than the low load threshold, the process unit is determined to be in a low load state. The vehicle allocation ratio of the process unit in the low load state is adjusted according to a preset first ratio coefficient. The vehicle allocation ratio of the process unit in the overload state is adjusted according to a preset second ratio coefficient. Taking the first ratio coefficient as 0.5 and the second ratio coefficient as 2 as an example, if the original vehicle allocation ratio is U1:U2=2:1, the adjusted vehicle allocation ratio can be 1:2.

[0063] As an optional implementation, if there are multiple target process units in S501, the specific method for allocating vehicles to each target process unit according to the vehicle allocation ratio and the order of the vehicle production queue is as follows: In each allocation cycle, the number of vehicles that each process unit should receive in that allocation cycle is determined according to the vehicle allocation ratio of each target process unit, and the vehicles are allocated to each target process unit in sequence according to the order of the vehicles in the vehicle production queue.

[0064] In implementation, the allocation cycle can be divided according to factors such as the number of vehicles and the length of time. For example, an allocation cycle can be set to allocate a fixed number of vehicles for a certain duration. When the accumulated number of vehicles in the vehicle production queue reaches the specified number, a new allocation cycle is triggered. Alternatively, the allocation cycle can be set to a fixed duration. After a preset time interval is reached, the number of vehicles that each target process unit should receive in the next allocation cycle is recalculated based on the vehicle allocation ratio. If multiple process units are configured with the same vehicle type, configuration, and variety code, the queues can be allocated sequentially according to the vehicle allocation ratio. For example, if the current vehicle production queues are 1, 2, 3, and 4, and both process units U1 and U2 can handle them, if the vehicle allocation ratio U1:U2 is 1:1, then vehicle 1 can be allocated to process unit U1 first, vehicle 2 to process unit U2, then vehicle 3 to process unit U1, and finally vehicle 4 to process unit U2. If the vehicle allocation ratio U1:U2 is 2:2, then vehicles 1 and 2 can be allocated to process unit U1 first, and then vehicles 3 and 4 to process unit U2.

[0065] S107, after the vehicle has completed processing in the target process unit, it merges into the main line of the production line through the merging point.

[0066] In practice, after completing processing at the target process unit, vehicles can rejoin the main line or downstream workstations. The rejoining point is used to ensure that vehicles from different process branches return correctly. For example, after the target process unit is completed, intelligent vehicles (such as AGVs, IGVs, etc.) transport the vehicles to the rejoining point, synchronizing with the main line cycle and achieving automatic rejoining.

[0067] This invention provides a multi-process branch line scheduling method, comprising: obtaining a vehicle production queue and a bill of materials (BOM) corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue; determining the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and product code of each vehicle in the vehicle production queue based on the BOM; defining each process branch line in the production line as a process unit, and setting an appropriate vehicle type, appropriate vehicle configuration, appropriate product code, and vehicle allocation ratio for each process unit; configuring the connection relationships, branch points, and merging points of each process unit according to a preset production line layout, wherein the connection relationships include parallel and series relationships; when a vehicle in the vehicle production queue arrives at a branch point, determining the appropriate target process unit connected to the branch point based on the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and product code; allocating vehicles to each target process unit based on the number of target process units, vehicle allocation ratio, and vehicle production queue; and merging the vehicle into the main line of the production line through the merging point after the vehicle completes processing within the target process unit. This invention achieves precise matching of vehicle type, configuration, and product code among process branches by parsing the attributes of vehicle production queues and their bills of materials, and abstracting each process branch into a process unit with a clear adaptation range and vehicle allocation ratio. By constructing the serial and parallel connection relationship of process units in the production line layout and dynamically allocating them at the distribution points based on the vehicle allocation ratio, this invention can effectively avoid the uneven load problems existing in traditional branch allocation methods. It not only ensures the accuracy of vehicle processing sequence and process adaptation, but also improves the load balancing capability among process branches, enabling multiple process branches to operate stably and collaboratively in mixed-line production scenarios, thereby significantly improving the production efficiency of the entire production line.

[0068] It should be understood that, although Figure 1 The steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order in which these steps are executed, and they can be performed in other orders. Figure 1 At least some of the steps in the process may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but may be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but may be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0069] This invention also provides a scheduling system for multiple process branches. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-process branch line scheduling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the system includes a manufacturing execution system 410, a group control system 420, and an intelligent vehicle scheduling system 430. Among them, Manufacturing Execution System 410 is used to issue vehicle data for vehicles to be produced. The vehicle data includes the vehicle assembly serial number, vehicle tracking code, and vehicle serial number, and is used to provide a bill of materials corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue.

[0070] The group control system 420 is used to generate a vehicle production queue based on the vehicle assembly sequence number issued by the manufacturing execution system 410.

[0071] The group control system 420 is also used to analyze the vehicle type, vehicle configuration and variety code of each vehicle in the vehicle production queue based on the bill of materials, and configure the connection relationship, diversion point and merging point of the process unit according to the preset production line layout.

[0072] The group control system 420 is also used to allocate each vehicle in the vehicle production queue to the corresponding process unit.

[0073] The intelligent vehicle scheduling system 430 is used to control the intelligent vehicles to perform vehicle transfer between process units based on the allocation results of the group control system 420.

[0074] Specific limitations regarding the scheduling system for multi-process lines can be found in the limitations of the scheduling method for multi-process lines mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Each module in the aforementioned multi-process line scheduling system can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device, or stored in the memory of a computer device as software, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0075] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0076] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a related manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0077] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0078] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A production scheduling method for multi-process branches, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the vehicle production queue and the bill of materials corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue; Based on the bill of materials, determine the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of each vehicle in the vehicle production queue; Each process branch line in the production line is defined as a process unit, and each process unit is assigned an appropriate vehicle type, an appropriate vehicle configuration, an appropriate variety code, and a vehicle allocation ratio. Configure the connection relationships, branching points and merging points of each process unit according to the preset production line layout. The connection relationships include parallel relationships and series relationships. When a vehicle in the vehicle production queue arrives at the diversion point, the appropriate target process unit connected to the diversion point is determined based on the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of the vehicle. Based on the number of target process units, the vehicle allocation ratio, and the vehicle production queue, vehicles are allocated to each target process unit. After the vehicle completes processing in the target process unit, it merges into the main line of the production line through the merging point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the vehicle production queue and the bill of materials corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue includes: Receive vehicle data of vehicles to be produced from the manufacturing execution system. The vehicle data includes the vehicle assembly serial number, vehicle tracking code and vehicle serial number. The vehicles to be produced are sorted according to their assembly serial numbers to determine the vehicle production queue; Based on the vehicle tracking code and the vehicle serial number, retrieve the bill of materials corresponding to the vehicle in the vehicle production queue in the manufacturing execution system.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of defining each process branch line in the production line as a process unit, and setting the appropriate vehicle type, vehicle configuration, product code, and vehicle allocation ratio for each process unit, includes: A process unit attribute table is established for each process unit, and the process unit attribute table records the compatible vehicle types, compatible vehicle configurations, compatible variety codes, and the preset vehicle allocation ratio corresponding to the process unit.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration of the connection relationships, branching points, and merging points of each process unit according to the preset production line layout includes: Determine the connection relationships of each process branch line based on the production line layout; The process units corresponding to each process branch are numbered according to the connection relationship; wherein, process units in parallel relationship are numbered using the same main number and consecutive sub-numbers, and process units in series relationship are numbered using consecutive numbers. A flow splitting point is set at the inlet of multiple parallel process units; A merging point is set at the outlet of multiple series or parallel process units, the merging point being used to rejoin the vehicle into the main line or downstream process unit.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The process unit sequence is determined based on the connection relationship of each process unit; Based on the process unit sequence, the required materials for each process unit are pulled sequentially.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When a vehicle in the vehicle production queue arrives at the diversion point, the appropriate target process unit connected to the diversion point is determined based on the vehicle type, configuration, and variety code of the vehicle, including: At the diversion point, the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of the vehicle are matched with the appropriate vehicle type, appropriate vehicle configuration, and appropriate variety code of each connected process unit, respectively. If all match, the process unit is determined as the target process unit.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the vehicle type, vehicle configuration, and variety code of the vehicle do not match one or more of the matching vehicle type, matching vehicle configuration, and matching variety code of each connected process unit, the vehicle is determined to be misassigned to the production line, the vehicle is removed from the production line, and an abnormality is reported.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The allocation of vehicles to each of the target process units based on the number of target process units, the vehicle allocation ratio, and the vehicle production queue includes: If there is only one target process unit, then the vehicle is assigned to the target process unit; If there are multiple target process units, the vehicles are allocated to each target process unit according to the vehicle allocation ratio and the order of the vehicle production queue.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, If there are multiple target process units, then vehicles are allocated to each target process unit according to the vehicle allocation ratio and the order of the vehicle production queue, including: In each allocation cycle, the number of vehicles that each process unit should receive in that allocation cycle is determined according to the vehicle allocation ratio of each target process unit, and the vehicles are allocated to each target process unit in sequence according to the order of the vehicles in the vehicle production queue.

10. A production scheduling system for multiple process branches, characterized in that, The system includes a manufacturing execution system, a group control system, and an intelligent vehicle scheduling system; among which... The manufacturing execution system is used to issue vehicle data for vehicles to be produced. The vehicle data includes the vehicle assembly serial number, vehicle tracking code, and vehicle serial number, and is used to provide a bill of materials corresponding to the vehicles in the vehicle production queue. The group control system is used to generate a vehicle production queue based on the vehicle assembly sequence number issued by the manufacturing execution system. The group control system is also used to parse the vehicle type, vehicle configuration and variety code of each vehicle in the vehicle production queue based on the bill of materials, and configure the connection relationship, diversion point and merging point of the process unit according to the preset production line layout. The group control system is also used to allocate each vehicle in the vehicle production queue to the corresponding process unit; The intelligent vehicle scheduling system is used to control the intelligent vehicles to perform vehicle transfer between the process units according to the allocation results of the group control system.

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