Projection system

Abstract

To provide a projection system capable of flexibly corresponding to a layout change or the like of a production line.SOLUTION: A projection system (3) includes a projection device (31) that projects information (I) on or in the vicinity of a production facility (2) including a conveyance device (21) that conveys a vehicle body (V). The information (I) includes facility information (IA) related to the production facility (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a projection system for projecting information onto a production line. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known technologies for projecting information onto objects being transported in production lines for automobiles, etc. (Patent Documents 1 and 2). These technologies reduce assembly errors by projecting information such as assembly procedures or component mounting positions directly onto the objects. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-114190 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-110804 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, with the introduction of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), it is expected that the frequency of changes to production line layouts will increase. Accordingly, there is a demand for the development of technology that can flexibly respond to changes in production line layouts and that allows workers to easily check the status of production equipment such as conveyance devices, but such technology has not yet been realized.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a projection system that can flexibly respond to changes in the layout of a production line and that allows workers to easily check the status of production equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a projection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a projection device that projects information onto or near a production facility that includes a transport device that transports an object, and the information includes facility information regarding the production facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a projection system that can flexibly respond to changes in the layout of a production line and that allows workers to easily check the status of production equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a production line system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the production line system shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the production line system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the friction drive unit shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the production line system. [Figure 6] 10 is a plan view showing an example of switching of facility information projected in the operation projection mode. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of facility information projected in the maintenance projection mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a production line system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the projection system of the present disclosure is applied to an automobile production line. However, the projection system of the present disclosure is not limited to automobile production lines and can be applied to production lines for various products. Furthermore, the following description is an example of a projection system according to the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0010] [Projection System Overview] First, an overview of the projection system 3 of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an automobile production line system 1 to which the projection system 3 of the present disclosure is applied. As shown in Fig. 1, the production line system 1 includes a production facility 2 including a transport device 21 that transports a car body (object) V, and a projection system 3 including a projection device 31 that projects information I onto or near the production facility 2.

[0011] The projection system 3 is used to display various information I to workers by projecting the information I at a position that is easily visible to workers, such as on the production equipment 2 or on the floor or wall surface near the production equipment 2.

[0012] The projection device 31 projects equipment information IA related to the production equipment 2 as information I. This equipment information IA includes, for example, operation information indicating the operation states (operating states) of the various devices and equipment that make up the production equipment 2. In the illustrated example, the equipment information IA includes, as operation information of the transport device 21, characters indicating the operation states of the transport device 21, such as "transferring," "launch command," or "stopped (standby)," as well as symbols corresponding to the operation states of the transport device 21.

[0013] The projection system 3 projects equipment information IA related to the production equipment 2 using the projection device 31, and therefore the equipment information IA can be projected at a desired position by, for example, changing the projection angle, projection range, or installation position of the projection device 31. Furthermore, because the projection system 3 projects the equipment information IA onto or near the production equipment 2, workers can check the equipment information IA without moving from their work area. Therefore, the projection system 3 can flexibly respond to changes in the production line layout, and allows multiple workers to check the status of the production equipment 2 simultaneously.

[0014] Furthermore, in addition to the equipment information IA, the projection device 31 may also project, for example, work information IB necessary for work on the vehicle body V. This work information IB may include, for example, information such as the model of each vehicle body V, the work content, and the part installation position. In the illustrated example, the work information IB includes the model name of the vehicle body V, the part installation position (inspection position) M, etc. This allows the worker to confirm the information necessary for work on the vehicle body V based on the projected work information IB.

[0015] The projection device 31 may project information I including the contents of both the equipment information IA and the work information IB, allowing the worker to confirm both the equipment information IA and the work information IB from the single projected information I.

[0016] [Production line system configuration] Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the production line system 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the production line system 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the production line system 1 shown in Fig. 2.

[0017] 2 and 3, the production line system 1 includes a production facility 2 that manufactures, assembles, processes, or inspects a vehicle body V. The production facility 2 includes a conveying device 21 that conveys the vehicle body V in a conveying direction DT, a transfer device 22 that transfers the vehicle body V to the conveying device 21, and a work platform 23 that is installed along the conveying path of the conveying device 21. The transfer device 22 is installed upstream of the work platform 23 in the conveying direction DT. The production facility 2 may also include an industrial robot device 24 (see FIG. 5) that is installed on the conveying path of the conveying device 21 and that manufactures, assembles, processes, or inspects the vehicle body V.

[0018] 2 and 3 show a part of a production line configured by the production equipment 2. A conveying device 21 is installed along the production line, and the conveying device 21 sequentially conveys the vehicle bodies V in a conveying direction DT.

[0019] The conveying device 21 includes a pallet (moving body) 211 on which the vehicle body V is mounted, a pair of conveying rails 212 extending along the conveying path, and friction drive units (drive devices) 213 installed along the conveying rails 212 and moving the pallets 211 on the conveying rails 212 in the conveying direction DT.

[0020] The pallet 211 is a carriage on which the vehicle body V is mounted. A plurality of support members 211A are protrudingly provided on the upper surface of the pallet 211 to support the underside of the vehicle body V. The vehicle body V is transferred onto these support members 211A by the transfer device 22.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the friction drive unit 213 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 4, a pallet detector (device) 214 that detects the position of the pallet 211 is attached to the conveying rail 212. When the pallet 211 turns on the pallet detector 214, the friction drive unit 213 uses the air cylinder (device) 21A to pull in the bracket 21B in the direction of arrow A1. This causes the bracket 21B to rotate, and the wheel 21C moves in the direction of arrow A2 toward the pallet 211, and when the bracket 21B rotates, it turns on the rotation detector (device) 21D. This causes a drive unit (device) 21E formed of a motor or the like to rotate the wheel 21C in the direction of arrow A3, thereby sending out the pallet 211 in the conveying direction DT.

[0022] The friction drive units 213 are installed on both sides of a pair of conveyor rails 212. Therefore, the conveyor device 21 presses the wheels 21C of the friction drive units 213 against both sides of the pallet 211, and sends the pallet 211 in the conveying direction DT by the rotation of the wheels 21C. For example, when moving outside the work area where the worker W works, the pallets 211 move one by one at high speed. On the other hand, when moving within the work area where the work platform 23 is installed, the pallets 211 move at low speed, and the pallets 211 move in a line.

[0023] The configuration of the transport device 21 is not particularly limited. The transport device 21 may be an automated guided vehicle, or a device that combines an automated guided vehicle with a dolly. The transport device 21 may also be a device such as a slat conveyor, a roller conveyor, or a chain conveyor. Furthermore, the transport device 21 may be an overhead type device that transports the vehicle body A in a suspended state.

[0024] The work platform 23 is, for example, a scaffolding installed and fixed on both sides of the transport device 21. The height of the work platform 23 may be approximately the same as the floor height of the pallet 211. In the production facility 2, a worker W stands on the pallet 211 or the work platform 23 to perform work on the vehicle body V being transported in the transport direction DT. The worker W performs a predetermined task on the vehicle body V within the time it takes for the pallet 211 to move along the transport path.

[0025] The projection device 31 is a projector that projects information I. The projection device 31 is installed, for example, above the transport device 21, and projects the information I onto or near the transport device 21. In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the projection device 31 projects the equipment information IA on the upstream side of the work platform 23, that is, between the transfer device 22 and the work platform 23. However, the position at which the equipment information IA is projected is not particularly limited as long as it is on or near the production equipment 2, and can be changed as appropriate as long as it is a position that is easily visible to the worker W.

[0026] In this disclosure, "projecting information I onto the production equipment 2" means that at least a portion of the information I is projected (displayed) so as to overlap the production equipment 2 or the vehicle body V in a planar view. Also, "projecting information I near the production equipment 2" means that the information I does not overlap the production equipment 2 or the vehicle body V in a planar view, and the entire information I is projected (displayed) on, for example, the floor surface near the production equipment 2.

[0027] 2 and 3, for example, illustrate a state in which equipment information IA is projected onto the floor surface between a pair of conveyor rails 212 of the conveying device 21. In this case, the equipment information IA does not overlap with the production equipment 2, and is projected entirely onto the floor surface. Therefore, the position where the equipment information IA is projected in the illustrated example corresponds to the "vicinity of the production equipment 2." Note that the "vicinity of the production equipment 2" includes, for example, the sidewalk, platform, walkway, etc., leading to access to the work area (work platform 23) where the worker W performs work on the vehicle body V.

[0028] The projection device 31 may be capable of switching its projection mode between an operation projection mode in which projection is performed when the production equipment 2 is in operation, and a maintenance projection mode in which projection is performed when maintenance is performed on the production equipment 2. In this case, the projection device 31 may be configured to switch the content of the equipment information IA to be projected between the operation projection mode and the maintenance projection mode. This makes it possible to project optimal equipment information IA according to the projection mode, for example, by projecting operation information indicating the operating status of the production equipment 2 in the operation projection mode and projecting maintenance information related to maintenance of the production equipment 2 in the maintenance projection mode.

[0029] The projection device 31 may have an angle adjustment mechanism that can change the angle at which the information I is projected using a motor or the like. This allows the position of the information IA to be easily changed so that it is easily visible to the worker W.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a production line system 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the production line system 1 includes, for example, a control panel (equipment control unit) 25 that controls a conveyance device 21 or an industrial robot device (a robot arm having a manipulator) 24, and a control device 26 that performs overall control of the entire production line system 1. The production line system 1 also includes, as a projection system 3 that projects information I, a projection device 31 and a projection control unit 32 that controls the projection device 31. The projection control unit 32 is connected to a communication unit 33 that is configured, for example, by an LTE router, and is capable of communicating with a mobile terminal 34 via a web cloud C.

[0031] The control panel 25 and the control device 26 are configured by a computer equipped with a processor such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a memory such as RAM or ROM. The processor of the control panel 25 and the control device 26 executes various programs stored in the memory to control each part of the production line system 1 connected by wire or wirelessly and to perform various calculations.

[0032] Signals indicating the operating status of each part of the production equipment 2 are input to the control panel 25 and the control device 26. These signals are, for example, signals indicating the position of each pallet 211 of the conveying device 21. The control panel 25 and the control device 26 may also manage information indicating the type of vehicle V loaded on the pallet 211, or may receive information as needed from a higher-level control panel (not shown as it is publicly known). From these signals and information, the control panel 25 and the control device 26 can obtain the position of each pallet 211, the type of vehicle V loaded on that pallet 211, etc.

[0033] It should be noted that a known technique can be used as a method for capturing (tracking) the position of the pallet 211. For example, an encoder may be used for the friction drive unit 213 to determine the conveying distance or conveying speed of the pallet 211, and the position of the pallet 211 may be captured based on this.

[0034] Alternatively, an identifier serving as position information may be set on the conveyor rail 212 or on the floor, and the position of the pallet 211 may be acquired by reading the identifier with a reading device attached to the pallet 211. In this case, the identifier may be used to switch the speed of the pallet 211 so that the pallet moves at a first speed when a first identifier is read, and moves at a second speed when a second identifier is read.

[0035] The control device 26 outputs information indicating the operating state of the production equipment 2, including the position information of the pallet 211, as an equipment signal S1 to the projection control unit 32. In addition, the control device 26 may include information necessary for the work of the worker W on the vehicle body V in the equipment signal S1 and output it to the projection control unit 32.

[0036] The transport device 21 or the control panel 25 that controls the transport device 21 may be able to communicate with the projection control unit 32 via wire or wirelessly. In this case, the facility signal S1 indicating the operating state of the transport device 21 may be sent directly from the transport device 21 to the projection control unit 32 without going through the control device 26.

[0037] The projection control unit 32 controls the projection device 31 based on the facility signal S1. The projection control unit 32 controls the projection device 31 according to, for example, the position or operating state of the pallet 211 of the transport device 21, and switches the content, size, or position of the facility information IA to be projected.

[0038] Furthermore, the projection control unit 32 acquires an operation signal S2 corresponding to an operation by the worker W on the mobile terminal 34 via the communication unit 33, and controls the projection device 31 based on the operation signal S2. The mobile terminal 34 is a communication device such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0039] The mobile terminal 34 can access the production line system 1 by reading a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) that can recognize the production equipment 2 or the conveyance device 21. When the worker W reads the code on-site, an operation screen for selecting the information I to be projected from the projection device 31 or an operation screen for switching the projection mode of the projection device 31 is displayed on the mobile terminal 34. Therefore, the worker W can switch the display of the information I or the projection mode of the projection device 31 by operating the mobile terminal 34. For example, the worker W can check the operating status of the production equipment 2 in the operation projection mode, and then operate the mobile terminal 34 to switch to the maintenance projection mode, thereby smoothly transitioning to maintenance work on the production equipment 2.

[0040] Instead of reading the code using the mobile terminal 34, identification information for accessing the production line system 1 may be stored in the mobile terminal 34 in advance.

[0041] [Projection System Projection Behavior] Next, we will explain an example of the projection operation of the projection system 3 of this embodiment. As mentioned above, the projection device 31 is capable of switching its projection mode between an operation projection mode in which projection is performed when the production facility 2 is in operation, and a maintenance projection mode in which projection is performed when maintenance is performed on the production facility 2.

[0042] (Working projection mode) First, an example of the projection operation of the projection system 3 in the operating projection mode will be described. Reference numerals 601 to 606 in Fig. 6 are plan views showing an example of switching of facility information IA projected in the operating projection mode. The following projection operation is performed by the projection control unit 32 controlling the projection device 31 based on, for example, a facility signal S1 acquired from the control device 26.

[0043] The data of the information I, such as the facility information IA and the work information IB, projected by the projection device 31 is stored in advance in the projection device 31 or the projection control unit 32, for example.

[0044] As shown by the symbol 601 in Figure 6, when the pallet 211 not carrying the vehicle body V is moving to the transfer position P set in front of the transfer device 22, the projection device 31 projects equipment information IA including the words "Transferring in progress" and a symbol indicating the direction of movement of the pallet 211.

[0045] Next, as shown by the symbol 602 in Figure 6, when the pallet 211 stops at the transfer position P and the vehicle body V is being transferred from the transfer device 22 to the pallet 211, the projection device 31 switches the content of the equipment information IA and projects equipment information IA including the words "Transferring" and a symbol indicating that the pallet 211 is being transferred.

[0046] Next, as shown by the symbol 603 in Figure 6, after the transfer of the vehicle body V from the transfer device 22 to the pallet 211 is completed, when the pallet 211 is waiting for a departure command, the projection device 31 switches the content of the equipment information IA and projects equipment information IA including the words "Waiting (waiting for departure command)" and a symbol indicating that the pallet 211 is waiting (stopped).

[0047] Next, as shown by symbol 604 in Figure 6, when the pallet 211 receives a departure command and is ready to depart, the projection device 31 switches the content of the equipment information IA and projects equipment information IA including the words "Departure command" and a symbol indicating the departure direction of the pallet 211.

[0048] Next, as shown by symbol 605 in Figure 6, when the pallet 211 starts moving and resumes movement, the projection device 31 switches the content, size and position (projection range) of the equipment information IA depending on the position of the pallet 211, and projects the equipment information IA including only a symbol indicating the direction of movement of the pallet 211.

[0049] Next, as indicated by reference numeral 606 in FIG. 6, the pallet 211 moves further, and when the pallet 211 passes a predetermined position, the projection device 31 stops projecting the equipment information IA.

[0050] The projection device 31 repeatedly performs the operation of projecting the equipment information IA indicated by reference numerals 601 to 606 in FIG.

[0051] In this way, the projection device 31 may be configured to switch the content, size, or position of the equipment information IA to be projected depending on the position of the transport device 21 or the operating states of the transport device 21 and the transfer device 22. This allows the equipment information IA, the content of which depends on the position of the transport device 21 or the operating states of the transport device 21 and the transfer device 22, to be projected at a size or position (range) that is easy for the worker W to see.

[0052] (Maintenance projection mode) Next, an example of the projection operation of the projection system 3 in the maintenance projection mode will be described. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing an example of facility information IA projected in the maintenance projection mode. For example, when an operator W operates the mobile terminal 34 to switch the projection mode of the projection device 31 from the operation projection mode to the maintenance projection mode, the projection control unit 32 receives an operation signal S2 corresponding to the operation of the operator W via the communication unit 33, and switches the projection mode to the maintenance projection mode based on the operation signal S2.

[0053] The maintenance projection mode is a mode used when a problem occurs or when maintenance inspection is performed on the production equipment 2. The equipment information IA projected in the maintenance projection mode includes, for example, ON / OFF information of equipment (for example, various equipment provided in the production equipment 2, such as detectors, motors, etc.), input signals of the equipment, information on when to replace the equipment (when to perform maintenance), normal / abnormal information of the equipment, current value information, charge amount information, etc. The current value information includes, for example, the current value of the friction drive unit 213, etc. Note that, 7, the projection device 31 projects the facility information IA onto or near the equipment 215, such as a detector attached to the transport device 21. This makes it easier for the worker W to check the location and replacement time of the equipment 215, enabling efficient maintenance work.

[0054] The content of the facility information IA projected in the operation projection mode and the maintenance projection mode is not particularly limited. For example, if the transport device 21 includes a cart with a charging unit, facility information IA displaying "charging," "charge amount," "time until charging is complete," or the like may be projected onto or near the cart while the cart is being charged at the charging station.

[0055] [Projection System Effects] Thus, the projection system 3 of this embodiment is equipped with a projection device 31 that projects information I onto or near the production equipment 2, which includes a conveying device 21 that conveys the vehicle body V, and the information I includes equipment information regarding the production equipment 2.

[0056] The projection system 3 projects the facility information IA using the projection device 31, and therefore, by adjusting the angle or position of the projection device 31, for example, the facility information IA can be projected at a desired position.

[0057] Furthermore, in the past, in order to check equipment information such as the cause of equipment shutdown or the conditions under which the equipment could be operated, equipment information such as the ON / OFF signals of the production equipment 2 was checked on a monitor on a control management panel or equipment operation panel installed away from the work area. This required the worker W to go in front of the monitor to check the equipment information IA. Furthermore, if the equipment information was displayed using a head-mounted device or tablet, for example, each worker W had to carry their own head-mounted device or tablet.

[0058] In contrast, the projection system 3 projects the equipment information IA onto the production equipment 2 or near the production equipment 2, so that multiple workers W can simultaneously view the equipment information IA without each worker W having to move in front of the monitor.

[0059] Furthermore, compared to displaying the equipment information IA using a head-mounted device or tablet, for example, multiple people can view it.

[0060] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a projection system 3 that can flexibly respond to changes in the layout of the production line and that allows the worker W to easily check the status of the production equipment 2.

[0061] [Embodiment 2] [Projection System Configuration] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the previous embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0062] 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an automobile production line system 1 to which a projection system 3A of the present disclosure is applied. The projection system 3A differs from the projection system 3 described above in that it further includes a movement device 35 that moves the projection device 31.

[0063] 8, the projection system 3A includes a projection device 31, a projection control unit 32, and a moving device 35. The projection device 31 is installed above the transport device 21, and is connected to the projection control unit 32 by wire or wirelessly.

[0064] In this embodiment, the projection device 31 projects the information I (work information IB) onto the pallet 211 or the work platform 23. In this way, the projection device 31 may project the information I onto a position other than the vehicle body V. When the information I is projected onto the vehicle body V, the shape of the vehicle body V can easily cause out-of-focus, distortion, reflection, etc., making it difficult for the worker W to read the information I. Furthermore, the color of the vehicle body V affects the visibility of the information I, so depending on the color of the vehicle body V, it may be difficult for the worker W to read the information I.

[0065] Therefore, by projecting the information I at a position other than the vehicle body V, the projected information I becomes easier for the worker W to read without being affected by the shape and color of the vehicle body V. In this case, it is preferable to project the information I onto a flat edge portion such as the pallet 211, the work platform 23, or the floor surface. This reduces out-of-focus and distortion of the information I, making it easier for the worker W to read the information I.

[0066] For example, by managing information (e.g., 2D data or 3D data, etc.) regarding the size and type of the vehicle body V or pallet 211 in the control device 26, the projection device 31 can be controlled based on this information so as not to project information I onto the vehicle body V.

[0067] The production line is divided into multiple work sections (process sections). In the illustrated example, one work section Sn is shown, with the start end of the work section Sn being LSn and the end end being LSn+1. LSn+1 is also the start end of the next work section. A worker W is assigned to each work section Sn, and the worker W performs predetermined tasks in a predetermined order.

[0068] The moving device 35 includes a guide rail 351 installed along the production line, and a drive unit 352 that moves the projection device 31 along the guide rail 351. The projection control unit 32 controls the drive unit 352 to move the projection device 31 to any position.

[0069] The guide rail 351 may be installed across multiple work zones so that the projection device 31 can advance to the next work zone. This allows the work information IB to be switched and projected for each of the multiple work zones.

[0070] Projection System Behavior Next, an example of the operation of the projection system 3A according to this embodiment will be described. The projection control unit 32 moves the projection device 31 in synchronization with the movement of the pallet 211, based on, for example, an equipment signal S1 output from the control panel 25 or the control device 26.

[0071] First, the projection control unit 32 checks the position of the pallet 211 based on the equipment signal S1. Here, it is confirmed that the pallet tip position F of the pallet 211 has reached the start end LSn of the work section.

[0072] Next, the projection control unit 32 controls the projection device 31 and the drive unit 352 in accordance with the passage of the starting end LSn, projects work information IB corresponding to the work content in the work section Sn, and moves the projection device 31 in accordance with the speed of the pallet 211. At this time, the projection control unit 32 may control the movement of the projection device 31 based on, for example, a preset movement pattern of the projection device 31. In this way, the projection device 31 can be moved in accordance with the movement of the pallet 211 so that the work information IB is projected forward onto the vehicle body V.

[0073] [Modification] The equipment information IA may include work availability information indicating whether the worker W can perform the work. For example, if the work of the worker W upstream or the operation of the production equipment 2 has not been completed, the projection device 31 may display the equipment information IA indicating "work not possible." This makes it easier for the worker W to check whether the work is possible based on the equipment information IA.

[0074] Furthermore, the equipment information IA may include no-entry information indicating the location of no-entry areas for the worker W in the production equipment 2. This makes it easier for the worker W to confirm the location of the no-entry areas based on the equipment information IA, improving work safety.

[0075] Furthermore, the equipment information IA may include position information of the conveying device 21 indicating the normal position of the conveying device 21 (pallet 211). This makes it easier for the worker W to confirm the normal stopping position (original stopping position) of the pallet 211, for example, when recovering from a problem, based on the equipment information IA.

[0076] The equipment information IA may also include equipment information about the industrial robot device 24 arranged on the transport path of the transport device 21. In this case, the equipment information IA may also include movement range information indicating the movement range of the industrial robot device 24. This makes it easier for the worker W to check the movement range of the industrial robot device 24, for example, and improves work safety.

[0077] 〔summary〕 The projection system according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure includes a projection device that projects information onto or near a production facility including a conveying device that conveys an object (vehicle body V), and the information includes equipment information regarding the production facility.

[0078] In the above configuration, the facility information is projected by the projection device, so that the facility information can be projected at a desired position by adjusting, for example, the angle or position of the projection device.

[0079] Furthermore, in the past, to check information such as the cause of equipment shutdown or the conditions under which operation was possible, equipment information such as the ON / OFF signals of the production equipment 2 was checked on a monitor on a control management panel or equipment operation panel installed away from the work area. This required the worker W to go in front of the monitor to check the equipment information. In contrast, with the above configuration, the projection device projects the equipment information onto the production equipment or near the production equipment, allowing multiple workers W to check the equipment information simultaneously without each worker having to go in front of the monitor.

[0080] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a projection system that can flexibly respond to changes in the layout of the production line and that allows workers to easily check the status of the production equipment.

[0081] In a projection system according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure, in aspect 1, the equipment information may be information relating to the conveying device, and the projection device may project the equipment information onto or near the conveying device.

[0082] According to the above configuration, the equipment information regarding the transport device is projected onto or near the transport device, making it easier for workers around the transport device to check the equipment information.

[0083] In the projection system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first or second aspect, the facility information may include operation information indicating an operating state of the production facility or the transport device.

[0084] According to this configuration, the operator can check the operation status of the transport device (for example, receiving a departure command, transporting, waiting, transferring, etc.) based on the projected operation information.

[0085] In a projection system according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 3, the projection device may switch the content, size, or position of the equipment information to be projected depending on the position or operating status of the transport device.

[0086] According to the above configuration, facility information whose content corresponds to the position or operating state of the transport device can be projected at a size or position that is easily visible to the worker.

[0087] In a projection system according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 4, the equipment information is information regarding an input signal of an apparatus equipped in the production equipment, and the projection device may project the equipment information onto or near the apparatus.

[0088] According to the above configuration, facility information relating to the input signal of the device is projected onto or near the device, making it easier for workers around the device to check the state of the device and the installation location of the device.

[0089] In a projection system according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the information may further include work information required for work on the object.

[0090] According to the above configuration, it becomes easier for a worker to check information necessary for work on an object based on the work information.

[0091] In a projection system according to aspect 7 of the present disclosure, in aspect 6, the production equipment may further include a work platform installed on the transport path of the transport device, and the projection device may project the work information onto the transport device or the work platform.

[0092] According to this configuration, the work information is projected at a position that is easily visible to the worker, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0093] In the projection system according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 7, the projection device is capable of switching its projection mode between an operation projection mode in which projection is performed when the production equipment is in operation, and a maintenance projection mode in which projection is performed when the production equipment is being maintained, and the content of the equipment information to be projected may be switched between the operation projection mode and the maintenance projection mode.

[0094] According to the above configuration, it is possible to project appropriate information according to the projection mode, for example, by projecting information relating to the operation of production equipment in the operation projection mode and by projecting information relating to the maintenance of production equipment in the maintenance projection mode.

[0095] A projection system according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is in accordance with the eighth aspect, wherein the projection device may be configured so that the projection mode can be switched by a mobile terminal.

[0096] According to the above configuration, for example, an operator can easily switch the projection mode of the projection device by operating a mobile terminal. For example, after checking the operating status of the production equipment in the operation projection mode, the operator can smoothly switch to the maintenance projection mode by operating the mobile terminal, thereby moving on to maintenance work on the production equipment.

[0097] The projection system according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is in any one of the first to ninth aspects, and may further include a moving device that moves the projection device.

[0098] According to the above configuration, the projection position of the facility information can be easily changed by controlling the moving device.

[0099] In a projection system according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the projection device may project the information at a position excluding the target object.

[0100] For example, when projecting information directly onto an object, the shape of the object can easily cause the image to go out of focus, making it difficult for workers to read the information. Also, the color of the object can affect the visibility of the information, making it difficult for workers to read the information depending on the color of the object.

[0101] According to the above configuration, by projecting information onto a position other than the target object, the projected information becomes easier for the worker to read without being affected by the shape and color of the target object.

[0102] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 2: Production equipment 3,3A:Projection System 21:Transportation device 21A: Air cylinder (equipment) 21D: Rotation detector (device) 21E: Drive unit (equipment) 23: Work platform 31: Projection device 35: Mobile device 214: Detector (equipment) 215:Equipment I: Information IA: Facility Information IB: Work Information

Claims

1. a projection device that projects information onto or near a production facility including a transport device that transports an object; The information includes facility information regarding the production facility.

2. the facility information is information about the transport device, the projection device projects the facility information onto the transport device or near the transport device.

10. The projection system of claim 1.

3. The facility information includes operation information indicating an operation state of the production facility or the conveying device.

3. A projection system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the projection device switches the content, size, or position of the facility information to be projected depending on the position or operating state of the transport device.

3. A projection system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the facility information is information about input signals of devices included in the production facility, The projection device projects the facility information onto or near the equipment.

3. A projection system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The information further includes work information necessary for work on the object.

3. A projection system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The production facility further includes a work platform installed on the transport path of the transport device, The projection device projects the work information onto the transport device or the work platform.

7. The projection system of claim 6.

8. The projection device is an operating projection mode in which projection is performed while the production equipment is operating; a maintenance projection mode for projecting during maintenance of the production equipment; The projection mode can be switched to The content of the facility information to be projected is switched between the operation projection mode and the maintenance projection mode.

3. A projection system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The projection mode of the projection device can be switched by a mobile terminal.

9. The projection system of claim 8.

10. Further comprising a moving device that moves the projection device.

3. A projection system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the projection device projects the information at a position excluding the object.

3. A projection system according to claim 1 or 2.

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