Remote Human-Machine Interface

Abstract

Title: Remote Human-Machine Interface The present invention relates to a production line management system (100) comprising at least one machine, said system comprising at least one human-machine interface (20) referred to as HMI connected to a programmable logic controller (19), referred to as PLC, of ​​a machine of said production line (100), and / or a portable terminal (23), and a production control system (25) referred to as MES, notable in that it comprises at least one remote terminal (21) attached to the machine or to a safety enclosure (22) of said machine and connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) or connected to the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine,said remote terminal (21) comprising means for detecting the presence of the portable terminal (23) within a defined perimeter and means for connecting said portable terminal (23) with the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) and / or the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine, and in that said portable terminal (23) comprises means for connecting to at least two wireless networks simultaneously, a first wireless network being dedicated to each machine on the production line (100), through the remote terminal (21),and a second wireless network dedicated to the production control system (25) (MES) such that said handheld terminal (23) is connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) and / or the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine when said handheld terminal (23) is detected within the defined range of a remote access point (21) and said handheld terminal (23) is continuously connected to the production control system (25) (MES). Figure for the abbreviation: 2,

Description

Title of the invention: Remote human-machine interface technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the management of a production line comprising at least one machine, a human machine interface called HMI connected to at least one machine of said production line and / or a portable terminal capable of being connected to said machine. State of the art

[0002] In the field of industrial production line management, particularly on a beverage production line, it is well known that a programmable logic controller (PLC) is a digital computer used for automating electromechanical processes, such as controlling machines on production lines. Unlike ordinary computers, PLCs are designed for multiple inputs and outputs, wide temperature ranges, immunity to electrical noise, and resistance to vibration and shock. The programs used to control machine operation are generally stored in non-volatile memory.

[0003] The main difference with other PC-type computers, according to the English acronym "Personal Computer," lies in the fact that PLCs are generally shielded to withstand harsh conditions (such as dust, humidity, heat, cold, etc.) and that they have a large number of input / output (I / O) ports for connecting, for example, to sensors and actuators. Thus, PLCs can be capable of reading limit switches, analog process variables (such as temperature and pressure), and the positions of complex positioning systems.

[0004] Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) can be used in critical environments where failures can compromise the safety of workers, the public, and / or the environment, or result in significant costs. This is why they are commonly used on production lines for bottles and beverages in general.

[0005] To reduce the load on these controllers, industrial programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are equipped with other specific devices that form an interface for operating personnel. These devices are called control and monitoring devices or human-machine interface (HMI), and more commonly HMI according to the Anglo-Saxon acronym "Human Machine Interface".

[0006] The term HMI is a generic term that covers all components associated with this group of devices. Control panels, or OPs, are one example. These can be fixed or mobile. Furthermore, HMIs are frequently used in networked automation to help operating personnel display and control process data for the technical unit being controlled. This function is called a real-time control and data acquisition system, or SCADA, from the English acronym "Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition." To this end, the HMI is generally equipped with specific hardware. In other words, it has a touchscreen, for example, and is specially protected from environmental influences. It is also equipped with specific software. This software provides functions that improve the usability, quality, and safety of the operations performed by the operator.Thus, HMIs can be used to visualize, control, configure, and generate interactive process maps of the technical unit being operated. On the one hand, this allows for the selective display of responses from the technical unit, typically in the form of measured values ​​and messages. On the other hand, the customized predefinition of control operations and data inputs allows the technical unit to be switched into the required states.

[0007] HMIs are usually permanently integrated, for example in the form of terminals, as fixed components in an automation system. These terminals are then generally permanently connected to the PLC by cables. If these terminals are in the form of handheld devices, their operating range is limited by a connecting cable. In many cases, this ensures that an operator can only perform safety-critical operations in the immediate vicinity of the technical unit or at least when there is adequate visual contact.

[0008] To overcome this drawback, it has already been envisioned that the HMI could take the form of a mobile operator panel, such as a touchscreen tablet or similar device. Such a mobile control and monitoring device can, for example, be connected to the automation system via a long-range radio link. In this case, it is possible that an operator using a mobile control and monitoring device could move so far away from an associated technical unit that safety-critical operations are performed at a distance that is not permitted. In this case, the safety of personnel could not be guaranteed.

[0009] This is particularly the case with document EP2077473, which describes a method and system for accessing an element in a process control environment using a portable communicator. This includes defining several control zones in the process control environment and determining the position of a user using a portable communicator relative to one or more zones. control, establishing a user identity and selectively authorizing the user to access an element in the process control environment via the portable communicator based on the user's determined position relative to one or more control zones and based on the user's identity.

[0010] Although these portable HMIs, unlike fixed HMIs which limit the display of machine actuators and require the machine operator to walk around to see the result of their command on the fixed HMI, allow the operator to control the machine actuators with the doors open by being directly in front of said "open doors" to view the result of their command, these portable HMIs do not allow the operator to perform an emergency stop when these commands cause a machine fault requiring an emergency shutdown. Indeed, the emergency stop command is usually a push button connected to the PLC, so the operator does not have direct access to it when controlling the actuators from the portable HMI.

[0011] Furthermore, these portable HMIs do not allow an operator to have access to all the alarms of each machine on the production line. Disclosure of the invention

[0012] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a simple and inexpensive design system for managing a production line of bottles or drinks, allowing the operator to have access to all the alarms of each machine in a production line.

[0013] To this end, and in accordance with the invention, a production line management system is proposed, comprising at least one machine, said system comprising at least one human-machine interface (HMI) connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) of a machine on said production line, and / or a portable terminal, a manufacturing execution system (MES) collecting in real time the production data of the machine(s) on the production line, said data being analyzed with regard to traceability and / or quality control and / or production monitoring and / or scheduling and preventive and corrective maintenance, or similar;said system is remarkable in that it includes at least one remote terminal attached to the machine or to a safety enclosure of said machine and connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) or connected to the industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) of the machine, said remote terminal including means for detecting the presence of the portable terminal within a determined perimeter and means for connecting said portable terminal with the human-machine interface (HMI) and / or to the industrial programmable logic controller (PLC); of the machine, and in that said handheld terminal has means of connection to at least two wireless networks simultaneously, a first wireless network being dedicated to each machine of the production line, through the remote terminal, and a second wireless network being dedicated to the production control system (MES) in such a way that said handheld terminal is connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) and / or the programmable logic controller (PLC) of the machine when said handheld terminal is detected within the determined perimeter of a remote terminal and that said handheld terminal is continuously connected to the production control system (MES).

[0014] According to a first embodiment, the portable terminal comprises two separate wireless transmitter-receivers.

[0015] According to a second embodiment, the portable terminal comprises a single wireless transmitter-receiver capable of operating according to the so-called SBS protocol according to the Anglo-Saxon acronym "Single Band Simultaneous" and / or according to the so-called DBS protocol according to the Anglo-Saxon acronym "Double Band Simultaneous".

[0016] Said wireless network(s) consist(s) of a wi-fi and / or bluetooth and / or zigbee network.

[0017] Furthermore, advantageously, said handheld terminal includes an emergency stop which is automatically connected to the emergency stop management system of the human-machine interface (HMI) and / or to the industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) of the machine when said handheld terminal is detected within the determined perimeter and connected with the human-machine interface (HMI) and / or to the industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) of the machine.

[0018] In addition, preferably, each remote terminal includes an emergency stop switch connected to the emergency stop management system of the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or to the industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of the machine.

[0019] Preferably, the handheld terminal automatically connects to the machine's human-machine interface (HMI) and / or programmable logic controller (PLC) when said handheld terminal is detected within the perimeter of the remote terminal.

[0020] Incidentally, the handheld terminal includes sensory alarm means which are triggered when said handheld terminal leaves the perimeter of the remote terminal and said handheld terminal includes at least one camera.

[0021] Advantageously, said portable terminal includes means capable of customizing the human-machine interface (HMI) of the machine to which it is connected. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of several embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, of the management system for a bottle or beverage production line according to the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of the structure of a bottle or beverage production line comprising a management system for said line according to the invention,

[0024] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a container manufacturing unit comprising a production line management system according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of a portable terminal for the production line management system according to the invention and its simultaneous connection to a manufacturing execution system (MES) and to the machine's human-machine interface (HMI) or programmable logic controller (PLC). Embodiment of the invention

[0026] In the remainder of the description of the container according to the invention, the same numerical references designate the same elements. The different views are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0027] With reference to [Fig. 1], the bottle or beverage production line 100 essentially comprises a unit 1 for manufacturing containers, such as bottles, from thermoplastic material, a unit 2 for filling said containers, and a unit 3 for conveying the manufactured containers from the outlet 4 of the manufacturing unit 1 to the inlet 5 of the filling unit.

[0028] It will be noted that said bottle or beverage production line 100 may possibly also include a labelling unit and / or a container capping unit and / or a container surface treatment unit, of the type allowing the deposition of a barrier coating by plasma, not shown in [Fig.1] without going out of the scope of the invention.

[0029] The manufacturing unit 1 can be of any type suitable for manufacturing containers, such as bottles, from thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or others. At its inlet, it receives preforms of amorphous material from a preform feeding unit 7. The unit 7 can consist of a hopper 8 receiving preforms manufactured by preform molding in bulk and another location, which hopper is connected to the inlet 6 by a sorter 9 that isolates and positions the preforms onto a conveying device 10 connected to the inlet 6 of the manufacturing unit (cold preform feeding) as shown in [Fig. 1]. The unit 7 can also consist of the preform molding unit itself, which delivers the freshly molded and still hot preforms directly to the inlet 6 of the manufacturing unit (preform feeding). hot preforms).

[0030] The preform processing within the manufacturing unit can be of any type and adapted to the type of containers to be produced (single or double blow molding, single or multiple heat treatment, etc.). Figure 1 illustrates, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, a simple preform processing method. The preforms are mounted at 11 on a transfer chain 12, then heated in a tunnel furnace 13 before being transferred at 14 to be introduced, while still hot, into a blow molding or stretch-blow molding device 15 with multiple molds arranged on a carousel. After controlled cooling, the newly manufactured containers are presented at the outlet 4 of the manufacturing unit 1.

[0031] The containers received at the inlet 5 of the filling unit 2 are placed on a rotating drum filling device 16 from which, once filled, they are extracted and presented to a capping device 17. The filled and capped containers are then evacuated through the outlet 18 of the filling unit 2, to a labeling station and then to a packaging station (not shown).

[0032] The container manufacturing unit 1 and the filling unit 2 are arranged as close as possible to each other so that the distance between the outlet 4 of the former and the inlet 5 of the latter is as short as possible. The conveying unit 3, which extends from the aforementioned outlet 4 to the aforementioned inlet 5, is therefore short, and the introduction of the containers from the conveying unit 3 into the filling unit 2 is carried out directly, without passing through a washing device, which has become unnecessary due to the now very low risk of internal contamination of the containers.Given its short length, the conveying unit 3 can certainly be of the air jet type like the very long conveying devices used in current installations, but it can also be made under economically acceptable conditions in the form of an endless chain conveying device, for example with grippers, which is suitable for transporting containers with a constant spacing.

[0033] With reference to [Fig.2], the container manufacturing unit 1 includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 to control the various components of said manufacturing unit 1 and a human-machine interface (HMI) 20 connected to said programmable logic controller 19.

[0034] It goes without saying that each unit, i.e. each machine, of the production line 100 includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a human-machine interface (HMI), although only the container manufacturing unit 1 is shown in [Fig. 1].

[0035] Furthermore, the management system of a production line 100 includes a remote terminal 21 attached to a safety enclosure 22, the container manufacturing unit 1, and connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 or connected to the PLC. industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of said container manufacturing unit 1, said remote terminal 21 comprising means for detecting the presence of a handheld terminal 23 within a defined perimeter and means for connecting said handheld terminal 23 with the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or to the industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of the container manufacturing unit 1.It will be observed that, in this particular embodiment, the production line management system 1 comprises a plurality of remote terminals 21 attached to the safety enclosure 22, at different locations, each remote terminal 21 being connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or to the programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 and respectively defining a determined perimeter in which the handheld terminal 23, the latter connecting to the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or to the programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 only when said handheld terminal 23 is located within one of these determined perimeters of the remote terminals 21.

[0036] It is quite clear that the remote terminal(s) 21 can be attached to each machine, i.e. to each container manufacturing unit 1, container filling unit 2, or container conveying unit 3, without going out of the scope of the invention.

[0037] Said portable terminal 23 may be in the form of a computer terminal, in the form of a tablet or a cell phone, a connected watch, namely any terminal equipped with a screen.

[0038] It will be noted that said portable terminal 23 can also include a holographic display surface, such as a holographic headset or glasses, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0039] Thus, the operator can carry said portable terminal 23 as he moves along the production line 100, having direct access to all or part of the computerized management of a unit through said human-machine interface (HMI) 20. Furthermore, through said human-machine interface (HMI) 20, without limitation, the operator can select different operating modes of the container manufacturing unit 1, check the status of certain components or follow the production in progress, check for potential anomalies, adjust settings, enter production-related data, control and perform a maintenance step, etc.

[0040] Particularly advantageously, said handheld terminal 23 includes an emergency stop that is automatically connected to the emergency stop management system of the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or to the programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of the machine when said handheld terminal 23 is detected within the defined perimeter and connected with the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or to the industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of the container manufacturing unit 1. Thus, the operator can perform an emergency stop from the handheld terminal 23 when his commands, listed above, on his handheld terminal 23, which then constitutes a portable human-machine interface (HMI), cause a fault on the container manufacturing unit 1 which requires an emergency shutdown of said container manufacturing unit 1. Incidentally, each remote terminal 21 may also include an emergency stop switch 24, also connected to the emergency stop management system of the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or to the industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of the container manufacturing unit 1, or to any other machine of the production line 100, and which is for example in the form of a push button or similar.

[0041] Advantageously, the handheld terminal connects to the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or the programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of the container manufacturing unit 1 via a wireless network. This wireless network is a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee network, or any other suitable wireless network. Each remote terminal 21 is connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or the programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of the container manufacturing unit 1 by a wired connection, not shown in [Fig. 2].

[0042] Preferably, the handheld terminal 23 automatically connects to the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or the programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of the container manufacturing unit 1 when said handheld terminal 23 is detected within the perimeter of the remote terminal 21. However, the connection of the handheld terminal 23 may also be obtained by a request issued by the operator using said handheld terminal 23, said request then being transmitted to the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or the programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 via the remote terminal 21 corresponding to the determined perimeter in which the handheld terminal 23 is located, the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or the programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 sending back to the handheld terminal 23 confirmation of the connection via the remote terminal 21.

[0043] Preferably, the portable terminal 23 includes sensory alarm means that are triggered when said portable terminal leaves the perimeter of the remote beacon. These sensory alarm means consist, for example, of audible and / or vibratory and / or visual means.

[0044] Furthermore, the machine's human-machine interface (HMI) 21 includes means for setting said perimeter in the form of a distance determined from the remote terminal 21.

[0045] Incidentally, said portable terminal 23 includes at least one camera, not shown in the figures, to allow the operator to film an element of the machine and to send the corresponding video to a remote technical support system. In this regard, incidentally, said portable terminal 23 may advantageously include an optional audio communication means for communicating with a remote troubleshooting service and / or means of connection to a remote server, such as a remote server of said remote technical support system, for example, said server including a database of the machine's technical plans in particular.

[0046] Furthermore, said portable terminal 23 includes means capable of customizing the human-machine interface (HMI) 21 of the machine to which it is connected.

[0047] Furthermore, said portable terminal 23 includes means for connecting to a remote server.

[0048] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the management system according to the invention also includes a production control system 25, referred to as MES (Manufacturing Execution System), which collects real-time production data from the machine(s) on the production line. This data is analyzed with regard to traceability, quality control, production monitoring, scheduling, and preventive and corrective maintenance, in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art. It is understood that said production control system 25, referred to as MES, may be replaced by any other similar system without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0049] Said portable terminal 23 advantageously includes means for connecting to at least two wireless networks simultaneously, a first RS 1 wireless network being dedicated to each machine of the production line 100, through the remote terminal 21, and a second RS2 wireless network being dedicated to the production control system 25 (MES) in such a way that said portable terminal 23 is connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) 20 and / or to the industrial programmable logic controller (PLC) 19 of the machine when said portable terminal 23 is detected within the determined perimeter of a remote terminal 21 and that said portable terminal 23 is continuously connected to the production control system 25 (MES).

[0050] Thus, the handheld terminal 23 connects locally to a machine and simultaneously to the line supervisor, i.e., to the production control system 25. It is clear that the local connection of the handheld terminal 23 is made with different machines composing the production line 100, with said connection being made one by one with each remote terminal 21, while the connection to the line supervisor, i.e., to the production control system 25, is permanent and allows access to all the alarms of each machine on the production line, thus compensating for the fact that the local connection of the handheld terminal 23 only provides the operator with access to the alarms of the machine at which portable terminal 23 is connected to, is done on one machine at a time.

[0051] According to a first embodiment, the portable terminal 23 includes at least two separate wireless transceivers to manage the at least two wireless networks RS1 and RS2.

[0052] According to a second embodiment, the portable terminal 23 comprises a single wireless transceiver capable of operating according to the SBS protocol (Single Band Simultaneous) and / or the DBS protocol (Double Band Simultaneous). In the case of the DBS protocol, the wireless transceiver then has two bandwidths, for example, a 2.4 GHz bandwidth and a 5 GHz bandwidth for a Wi-Fi transceiver. It is clear that said wireless network(s) may consist of a Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth and / or Zigbe network and / or any other equivalent wireless network without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] Finally, it is quite clear that the examples just given are only particular illustrations and in no way limiting as to the fields of application of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. System for managing a production line (100) comprising at least one machine, said system comprising at least: a human-machine interface (20) called HMI connected to an industrial programmable logic controller (19), called API or PLC according to the English acronym “Programmable Logic Controller”, of a machine of said production line (100), and / or a portable terminal (23); a production control system (25) called MES according to the English acronym “Manufacturing Execution System” collecting in real time the production data of the machine(s) of the production line, said data being analyzed with regard to traceability and / or quality control and / or production monitoring and / or scheduling and preventive and curative maintenance,or similar; characterized in that it comprises at least one remote terminal (21) secured to the machine or to a safety enclosure (22) of said machine and connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) or connected to the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine, said remote terminal (21) comprising means for detecting the presence of the portable terminal (23) in a determined perimeter and means for connecting said portable terminal (23) with the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) and / or to the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine, and in that said portable terminal (23) comprises means for connecting to at least two wireless networks simultaneously, a first wireless network being dedicated to each machine of the production line (100), through the remote terminal (21),and a second wireless network being dedicated to the production control system (25) (MES) in such a way that said portable terminal (23) is connected to the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) and / or to the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine when said portable terminal (23) is detected within the determined perimeter of a remote terminal (21) and said portable terminal (23) is continuously connected to the production control system (25) (MES).,

2. Production line management system according to claim 1 characterized in that the portable terminal (23) comprises two separate wireless transceivers.

3. Production line management system according to claim 1 characterized in that the portable terminal (23) comprises a single wireless transmitter-receiver capable of operating according to the protocol known as SBS according to the English acronym “Single Band Simultaneous” and / or according to the protocol known as DBS according to the English acronym “Double Band Simultaneous”.

4. System for managing a production line according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said wireless network(s) consist of a Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth and / or Zigbee network.

5. Production line management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said portable terminal (23) comprises an emergency stop which is automatically connected to the emergency stop management system of the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) and / or to the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine when said portable terminal (23) is detected in the determined perimeter and connected with the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) and / or to the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine.

6. Production line management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each remote terminal (21) comprises an emergency stop switch (24) connected to the emergency stop management system of the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) and / or to the programmable logic controller (PLC) (19) of the machine.

7. Production line management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the portable terminal (23) automatically connects to the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) and / or to the programmable industrial controller (PLC) (19) of the machine when said portable terminal (23) is detected within the perimeter of the remote terminal (21).

8. Production line management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the portable terminal (23) comprises sensory alarm means which are triggered when said portable terminal (23) leaves the perimeter of the remote terminal (21).

9. Production line management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said portable terminal (23) comprises at least one camera.

10. System for managing a production line according to any one of of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that said portable terminal (23) comprises means capable of personalizing the human-machine interface (HMI) (20) of the machine to which it is connected.

Images