Abstract: The designing method for managing a plurality of units in a production line in the accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of: producing data base including a plurality of name data and operation data for each of a plurality of actuator devices included in the units, each name data enabling a user to identify the actuator device and each operation data expressing the operation of the respective actuator device; dividing the system into a plurality of subsystems, each of which functions to realize a part of the management of the plurality of units; and attaining the operation data of an objective actuator device by searching the data base with each name data as a key; whereby realizing the function of each subsystem.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a production line. The production line is in accordance with a ladder program, which is prepared on the basis of a map describing the operations of equipment composed of a plurality of drive devices. The method comprises the steps of: storing reference operation times necessary for executing the respective operations of the program elements of the ladder program; comparing the time it has actually taken a change to take place in the ON/OFF condition of each of confirmation devices for confirming the operations of the drive devices with the corresponding reference operation time; and locating, on the basis of the results of this comparison, any malfunctioning point of the production line.

Abstract: In a production process administration system, there are provided an assembly line comprising a plurality of assembly stations and a correction line comprising a plurality of correction stations for correcting defects which occur on the assembly line, the above two lines being connected in series to form a single production line. Defects detected in the assembly line are stored in a data carrier which is transported along with a work which is assembled. Defect data in the data carrier is read before the work enters the correction line, and correction operation instructions based on the read data are output to each station of the correction line.

Abstract: In a method and a system for restarting sequentially controlled equipment installed in a production line when the equipment is out of order, operations of the equipment are divided into a plurality of operation blocks, operations of each of which are executed independently of those in any other block. Each of the operation blocks are further divided into one or a series of operation steps to be sequentially executed in a predetermined order under a normal condition. At least one home position from which the equipment can be restarted is set in each operation block. An output element which has caused failure and is now stopped is restored to the home position after a cause of failure is removed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically composing a program for conducting sequential control of operations which are successively performed by various equipment units for a production line. These operations are grouped into operation blocks each having a sequence of unit operations so that each operation block can be conducted independently of the other blocks. Standardized step ladder patterns for the operation steps constituting each operation block is stored before the program composition. First data for describing the operation blocks and the ordinal relationship between the operation blocks is input. Second data for describing specific operations of the operation steps constituting each of the operation blocks and third data designating the order of execution of the operation steps are input and stored. The step ladder pattern corresponding to one of the operation steps constituting each operation block and the second data for this operation step are read out.

Abstract: A method of simulating a sequential control program by composing simulation ladder program elements with timer elements which correspond to the ladder program elements of the sequential control program. If the operations of a plurality of operation steps are performed in parallel with each other, a time chart is prepared by considering the parallel relationships between the operation steps, and simulation elements are thereafter formed in execution order in accordance with the timing chart.

Abstract: A breakdown diagnosing method prevents erroneous diagnosis of abnormalities and malfunctions in an operating system, particularly a production line. The fact that an abnormal state of the equipment is not accompanied by a malfunction can be detected. In the event the operating system equipment is actually in the abnormal operating state, an abnormal block and an abnormal operating step in the abnormal operating block of operations executed by the equipment can be promptly and correctly specified. Moreover, the concrete position of the abnormality can also be detected. The breakdown diagnosing method applied to an automatic program forming device can achieve a reduction in the number of processes in forming a sequential control program.

Abstract: A conveyor with linear motors provided for each working station of the transporting line having plural stations. A controller which controls working of two linear motors when two linear motors convey articles between adjoining stations is provided for every two adjoining stations. The controller is provided with a linear motor controller which controls linear motors for transportation and a sequence controller and a station controller which control the transporting line through the medium of the linear motor controller.

Abstract: This conveyor apparatus, when conveying articles between adjoining stations, under the control of the control device on the basis of conveying state conveyance is carried out by driving by both the linear motor unit and the servomotor unit in at least one of the low speed regions (acceleration region at the initial stage of conveyance and deceleration region at the last stage of conveyance) and by driving by the servomotor unit in the intermediate region at the intermediate stage of conveyance. Therefore, conveyance in the low speed region is assisted by the linear motor unit which generates large thrust, with the result that acceleration and deceleration in the low speed region are enhanced effectively and no deviation is caused at each speed change point by the servomotor unit of high positioning precision.