DE112005000395T5 - System and method for transferring assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for transferring assemblies designed to be assigned to one of a plurality of categories, comprising:
an elevator (38) adapted to move a stack of trays along a vertical path; and
a locking mechanism (40) adapted to selectively and directly retain a tray in the stack of trays and to support the trapped tray and any additional trays located above the trapped tray.

Description

These Application claims the benefit of the provisional patent application in the United States of America number 60 / 546,103, filed on February 18, 2004, and the United States Patent Application States of America with the file number 10 / 916,626, filed on August 12, 2004, the respective disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference their entirety are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

The The present invention relates generally to the field of transfer of assemblies. In particular, the invention relates to methods and systems to hand over of assemblies sorted into a variety of categories become.

devices to the transfer of assemblies are typically used to electronic Assemblies to a test device to deliver any of a variety of exams at the performs electronic assemblies. For example, the testing device the actual Determine processor speed of a chip. If once the electronic assembly is tested, It can be based on the tested Properties can be arranged in a variety of categories. The device for transfer the modules can then the electronic components accordingly sort these categories.

Conventional transfer devices are very expensive and occupy a large floor space in the assembly workshop. In a conventional system to hand over from assemblies to a test environment become the sorting containers arranged horizontally with respect to each other. In such a system has to be a placement head horizontally over a big Move distance to a tested electronic assembly in one of a variety of containers accordingly to bring his performance characteristics. If the number of containers for the sorting categories increases, grows the movement time for the second placement head required to place an electronic assembly in a bin for a sorting category to bring to unacceptable levels. In addition, the size of the transfer machine increases, as a footprint known, dramatically, because every extra Sorting category the footprint increased.

Further invites conventional transfer systems an operator typically has a stack of input trays which contain electronic assemblies that are to be sorted.

If the sorting of the stack is completed, the operator must manually Remove sorted stacks and insert a new stack of input trays. During the Operator performs these tasks, It may be that the Testing device not is able to work, resulting in a significant downtime leads.

SUMMARY THE INVENTION

A embodiment The invention relates to a device for transferring assemblies, the are designed to be one of a variety of categories too to be shown. The device comprises an elevator designed for this purpose is to move a stack of trays along a vertical path a locking mechanism designed to be of choice to grab a tray from the stack of trays and the gripped Filing and additional Trays that are over gripped tray, hold, and a tray loading arm, which is arranged at a fixed vertical position and a Holding mechanism for holding one or more trays has, where The tray loader is designed to be horizontal in the vertical Way and out of it.

A another embodiment The invention relates to a method for sorting a tray with assemblies that are designed to be one of a variety to be assigned by category. The method includes receiving an assorted bin with assemblies assigned to one of these categories are, determining a sorting location for the sorted bin in one Pile of shelves on a platform, moving the platform vertically around a locking mechanism with a top shelf in the stack align directly above the sorting position, lock the upper tray with the locking mechanism, moving vertically the platform to a lower shelf below a loading arm too Position the sorted tray, with the bottom one Tray is located just below the sort position, and bring the assorted bin on the bottom shelf on the platform.

It should be understood that both the foregoing general description as well as the following detailed Description are exemplary and merely exemplary and not limiting for the invention, as claimed is.

SUMMARY THE DRAWINGS

1 Fig. 12 is a block diagram of an assembly testing system incorporating a system for transferring assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a plan view of a device for transferring assemblies according to an embodiment of the invention;

3 Fig. 12 is a plan view of an apparatus for transferring assemblies according to another embodiment of the invention;

4A Figure 3 is an isometric illustration of a modular class scheduling (BLP) load port for a device transfer assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

4B Figure 3 is an isometric illustration of a modular class scheduling (BLP) loader for a device transfer assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;

5A and 5B are front perspective views of the BLP the 4A with some panels removed from it;

6A Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a modular system with four BLP units;

6B and 6C illustrate the interface points of the modular system incorporated in 6A is shown;

7A and 7B illustrate a front and side view, respectively, of an elevator mechanism according to an embodiment for positioning trays with electronic assemblies;

8A - 8L illustrate the operation of various functions performed by an apparatus for transferring assemblies according to an embodiment of the invention;

9 Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a shelf for transporting assemblies using an apparatus for transferring assemblies according to an embodiment of the invention; and

10 FIG. 12 illustrates category separator plates for use with an assembly transfer device according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG.

PRECISE DESCRIPTION CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Regarding 1 is a block diagram of an assembly testing system 10 illustrated. The assembly testing system 10 includes a system 11 for transferring assemblies according to the invention. The assembly testing system 10 and the system 11 Subassemblies may be designed to test and transfer assemblies such as electronic assemblies including, for example, integrated circuits, semiconductor circuits, transistors, microprocessors, diodes, hybrid circuits, memory chips. The system 11 for the transfer of assemblies includes an input and sorting system 12 for supplying unchecked assemblies to a tester 20 and for sorting assemblies coming from the test equipment 20 have been tested, according to a variety of categories.

In certain embodiments, the input and sorting system includes 12 a plurality of horizontally arranged category staging stations in combination with a vertical class scheduler load port 13 , In this way, the tested modules can first be arranged in shelves according to different categories. When these trays are filled, the trays become a suitable location in the vertical class scheduling load port 13 transported. Such an embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG 2 described.

In other embodiments, the input and sorting system is 12 a vertical handoff system similar to the class scheduler load port described above. In this context, the horizontally arranged category storage location stations are not required. Instead, the assemblies are placed directly in a suitable position in a stack of vertically sorted trays. Such an embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG 3 described.

Again with respect to 1 becomes a transmission system 14 provided to accommodate unchecked assemblies of input trays and the unchecked devices into a charging station 16 bring to. The unaudited assemblies in the charging station 16 can become a thermal conditioner 18 in preparation for testing in the test facility 20 transported, as is known in the art. The transmission system 14 can also have tested devices at the charging station 16 and place the tested devices in one of a variety of categories based on the results of the test.

The testing device 20 can check each assembly, then can assign a sort category code to each of the assemblies, based on the inspection criteria, and then the assemblies for transport to the charging station 16 through a drain conveyor 22 hand back. In the case of electronic assemblies, the assemblies can be tested for different functional properties and then into a be be sorted category based on, for example, the speed or functionality of the particular electronic assembly. The invention is not limited to any particular type of inspection system or any particular type of assembly.

The test system 10 is preferred by a processor 24 controlled with each of the systems within the test system 10 can be connected. The processor 24 can also be in the system 11 for the transfer of assemblies or the input and sorting system 12 be included.

With reference now to 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a system 11 for transferring assemblies together with an assembly testing device 20 illustrated. In other embodiments, the system 11 for transferring assemblies without an assembly testing device 20 and work with any of a variety of types of other equipment. The illustrated embodiment of the system 11 for transferring assemblies comprises an input and sorting system comprising a plurality of storage location stations 28 includes. Each storage location station 28 corresponds to either an input, a buffer, or a sort category. An input placement mechanism 30 is provided to scan assemblies to be tested from an input tray in one of the storage location stations 28 to the test facility 20 to deliver. An output loading mechanism 32 is provided to the tested assemblies for storage in a filing station 28 due to a sorting category. Every assembly mechanism 30 . 32 is capable of two-dimensional movement in a substantially horizontal plane, in addition to a limited vertical movement for picking up and placing assemblies. The sorting categories in different depositing stations 28 can either be predetermined or dynamically assigned as needed.

A storage handover shuttle 26 is provided to transport a repository between the repository stations and one or more vertical sorting class scheduling load ports (BLPs). Other embodiments may include additional filing handover devices at various stations. The storage transfer shuttle device 26 is located below or above the storage location stations 28 However, for the sake of clarity, it is outside the system 11 shown for the transfer of assemblies. The shelves, as well as the shelf 27 Starting from the filing-transferring device 26 can be empty, contain unchecked assemblies, or contain assorted assemblies.

The embodiment that is in 2 includes four BLP units 13 , It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any practical number of BLP units 13 is used, depending on the particular application. The device 11 Submitting assemblies may be able to connect to one or more BLP units 13 via a standard docking interface and a communication protocol between the device 11 for submitting assemblies and the BLP 13 adapt.

In the operation of the system, which in 2 As illustrated, an operator may have one or more BLP units 13 loaded with a stack of equipment with unchecked assemblies and empty trays. A control processor, as well as the control processor 24 who in 1 shown, the operation of the test device 20 and the device 11 to transfer assemblies. In this regard, a particular bin (eg, empty or unchecked) may be owned by one of the BLP units 13 be requested. The BLP unit 13 then provides a shelf from the stack of trays through the use of a tray loader, as discussed below with reference to FIG 4A is described. The storage transfer shuttle device 26 Can the tray from the BLP unit 13 transport them to one of the depot stations 28 bring where it can be accurately positioned and held. The input placement mechanism 30 removes individual assemblies from the tray and transports them to the assembly checker 20 , After each assembly is tested, the output placement mechanism transports 32 the module from the module tester 20 and place them in a file according to the category used by the test facility 20 has been assigned. Trays can be of the device 11 for transferring assemblies and the assembly testing device 20 be presented automatically and sorted as described above.

If ever a filing in one of the filing stations 28 filled with tested assemblies, the filled tray from the tray transfer pendulum device 26 picked up and into one of the BLP units 13 be used.

In one embodiment, the tray becomes the same BLP unit 13 returned from which she has been picked up. The BLP unit 13 puts the tray in a vertically sorted position corresponding to the inspection category of the assemblies in the tray. Assembly processing can continue until all assemblies are from a single BLP unit 13 tested and in the same BLP unit 13 have been sorted back. At this time, the module test system 10 start editing brew groups from the next available BLP unit.

When an alternative of employing a single BLP may be the incoming bins are distributed between several BLP units, and the filing system will lay down for retrieve all associated BLP units as needed and sort.

Once all the assemblies in a given BLP unit 13 have been fully tested and sorted, the BLP unit can now become available for unloading and reloading by an operator. At any time, when a BLP unit is open for operator interaction, it may be blocked so that the bin handover shuttle facility 26 will not be able to fit into an enclosure of the particular BLP unit 13 enter.

3 illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of a module testing system. In this embodiment, the system 11 for passing assemblies with a vertical input and sorting system 12 similar to the BLP unit of the embodiment of the 2 and will be described in detail hereinafter. An input tray can be taken directly from the vertical input and sorting system 12 be submitted, which has been loaded with a stack of trays containing unexamined assemblies. Once an individual assembly has been tested, it is placed directly on a suitable tray in the vertically sorted stack of trays in the vertical input and sorting system 12 brought. In this context, the horizontally arranged category storage location stations located in 2 shown are not required.

4A illustrates an example BLP unit 13 , The BLP unit 13 includes a storage loading arm 34 who is in the BLP unit 13 into and out of it. In particular, the Ablageladearm 34 between a vertical path of an elevator within the BLP unit 13 and a loading / unloading position substantially outside the BLP unit 13 move. In view of this, the tray loader is 34 Ergonomically arranged to allow an operator to stack 36 to load or unload from shelves. Because the loading and unloading of the trays outside the BLP unit 13 happens, the module test system (in 4A not shown) to which the BLP unit 13 is attached, continues to process assemblies from other BLP units without interruption. This increases the number of assemblies processed per unit time. As noted above, the stack may 36 From trays contain such trays that are empty, loaded with unchecked assemblies or are loaded with tested and assorted assemblies. At the back of the BLP unit 13 can be a single filing 27 between the BLP unit 13 and exchanged, for example, with an assembly testing system (not shown). In this context, the filing transfer pendulum device 26 referring to above 2 has been described, used to remove trays from the BLP unit 13 pick up and inspected and sorted trays from the testing system (not shown) to the BLP unit 13 to transport.

4B illustrates another embodiment of a BLP. The BLP 13a who in 4B is illustrated comprises an automated transport device 35 , which allows automated loading and unloading of trays. In view of this, the BLP 13a work together with an external device designed to interface with the BLP. The external device (not shown) may be configured to have unchecked trays on the BLP 13a for example, to provide for testing. The checked and sorted files can be removed from the BLP 13a in an automated manner by the automated transport device 35 be collected.

The automated transport device 35 may include a conveyor belt configured to transport a stack of trays between devices. The conveyor belt may be driven by a motor adapted to rotate drive rollers located under the conveyor belt. Such transport systems are well known to those skilled in the art.

The 5A and 5B illustrate the BLP unit 13 of the 4A in further detail, with certain panels removed. The BLP unit 13 includes a lift 38 , which is designed to arrange a filing stack and separator plates vertically in the system. Partition plates are a particular type of tray that may not include assemblies, and will hereinafter be described in more detail with reference to FIGS 8A - 8L described. A disk locking mechanism 40 is provided to lock and hold a set of trays or category separator plates in a fixed position. The BLP unit 13 includes the storage loading arm 34 for separating and holding shelves with assemblies, as well as to allow an operator to place trays in the BLP unit 13 use and take out of it. The storage arm 34 becomes a mounting rail 44 held horizontally at a desired height. The height is generally adjusted to accommodate the ergonomic positioning of the tray loader arm 34 allowed when accessed by an operator.

A set of lower vertical storage guides 42 is provided to limit the lateral displacement of the shelves during the various steps. In view of this, make the guides 42 the correct orientation of the shelves for the intervention of various components safely, as hereafter with reference to the 8A - 8L is described. A set of top tray guides 46 is provided to laterally restrict the trays and separator plates during various operations as they extend above the tray lock mechanism 40 are located.

The elevator 38 is in the vertical direction by a drive motor 48 emotional. The drive motor 48 can be an electric motor. In the illustrated embodiment, a ball screw assembly is provided to receive power from the drive motor 48 to the elevator 38 transferred to. The elevator 38 can from a lift-rail 50 are held, which the movement of the elevator 38 in the vertical direction.

As in 2 described above represents an embodiment of the BLP unit 13 a modular platform available. With regard to how in 6A illustrates a variety of BLP units 13 in a system 52 used in which a machining component 54 can be changed as desired by the end user. Thus, every BLP unit is 13 provided with a substantially identical mechanical and electrical interface and is externally coupled to the processing component. Thus, the BLP unit 13 used interchangeably with any number of processing components. In the embodiment, in 6A is illustrated, the system includes 52 four BLP units 13 to a non-system class scheduling editing tool 54 are connected.

6B and 6C illustrate the mechanical and electrical interface points of the modular system incorporated in 6A is shown. As noted above, the BLP unit 13 be modularly coupled to a variety of external devices, such as the non-native class scheduling editing tool 54 that in the 6A and 6B is shown. As in 6B is shown includes the non-native class scheduling editing tool 54 a set of mechanical coupling points 76a -C for each BLP to be docked. In the embodiment, in 6B is the non-system class scheduling editing tool 54 with three mechanical coupling points 76a -C to correctly align the BLP with the editing tool 54 sure. Additional couplings can be provided for additional functions. For example, an electrical and pneumatic coupling 78 be provided to the electrical and pneumatic subsystems of the BLP with those of the machining tool 54 to pair.

As in 6C shown is every BLP 13 with interface points corresponding to the interface points of external devices to which the BLP can be modularly coupled. In the embodiment, in 6C 1, the BLP is designed to connect to an external device with interface points similar to those used on the non-system class scheduling editing tool 54 , this in 6B is shown, are, can be coupled. In view of this, the BLP is 13 with mechanical coupling 80a -C provided, the mechanical couplings 76a -C on the editing tool 54 of the 6B correspond. Next is an electrical and pneumatic coupling 82 on the BLP 13 provided with the electrical and pneumatic coupling 78 of the machining tool 54 of the 6B to be connected. Thus, connecting the BLP to any number of devices can be easily accomplished in a modular fashion through a common set of couplings for various subsystems.

7A and 7B illustrate a front and side view of an elevator mechanism 56 Used to arrange shelves and category separator plates in a vertical stack. Conventional systems use mechanical components to confine and move carrier racks for each sorting category. Mechanisms are provided to hold the shelves vertical, as well as mechanisms to move and hold a category holding latch. In view of this, multiple motors and carrier rails may be required. As in the 7A and 7B illustrates, the illustrated embodiment requires only a support rail 50 and a single ball screw 58 to raise and lower all plates and trays.

8A - 8L FIGS. 4 and 5 are front views illustratively describing the positioning and movement of the various mechanisms during certain operations, such as loading, sorting and unloading. Four categories of shelves are illustrated, comprising categories 1-3 and unchecked. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the system can be adapted to accommodate any number of categories.

8A Figure 4 illustrates the system as it may appear in the system during initial startup without shelves. At the illustrated light embodiment is the train on 38 provided so as to move in the vertical direction and a plurality of shelves (wherein in 8A not shown) and separator plates 64a -D stops. The storage arm 34 is provided so that it moves horizontally at a fixed height. The storage arm 34 is provided with a tray retention mechanism, such as retractable retaining fingers 60 to hold one or more shelves. The disk locking mechanism 40 is at a fixed height above the level of the storage loading arm 34 arranged. The disk locking mechanism 40 is designed to be a category separator plate 64a -D or a shelf with retractable latches 62 to keep safe, which are designed in jack receptacles 66 to grab in the category separator plates 64a - 64d are formed, or in features that are formed in the shelves or partition plates.

With reference now to 8B When an operator loads a stack of trays containing unchecked assemblies, the elevator moves 38 in a position that allows the pawls 62 the disk locking mechanism 40 in the partition plate 64a which is labeled "UNAUDITED." The pawls 62 be moved to the separation plate 64a to grab what additional separator plates 64b -D wears, and the elevator 38 then moves down to a position below the stacker arm 34 , as in 8B shown. The holding fingers 60 are extended, so that a platform is provided on which a stack 68 is kept out of shelves.

With reference now to 8C the elevator moves 38 up, until the stack of trays 68 from the elevator 38 is raised. The holding fingers 60 then retire, and the pile 68 gets completely from the elevator 38 held.

In certain embodiments, a number of trays may be contained in a stack which is separate from the tray loader 34 will be carried. In view of this, in certain embodiments, a full occupancy of input shelves may require multiple input cycles. In these cases, as in 8D shown, the elevator can lower, so that the stack 68 from trays in a position such that the upper tray in the stack 68 below the loading arm 34 is arranged. An additional stack 69 From trays can then be entered so that he to the stack 68 from shelves that are already held by the elevator, is added.

With reference now to 8E becomes, for example, a filing 68a from the stack 68 from shelves given to a module testing device. When the module checker requests a tray of unverified assemblies from the BLP, the elevator becomes 38 bring the stack of trays to a position where the holding fingers 60 the top shelf 68a in the pile 68 can grab. If the top shelf 68a from the holding fingers 60 is held, the elevator moves down. The top shelf 68a can then be transported to the apparatus for transferring assemblies to one of the depositing station stations described above with reference to FIG 2 have been described, for example by means of the storage transfer pendulum device. Additional trays may be provided to the apparatus for transferring assemblies or the inspection means in a similar manner until all trays in the stack are received 68 or an assorted file is required to be inserted in the BLP.

With reference now to 8F For example, the device handover device may require that a repository of tested and sorted subassemblies be returned to the BLP at a particular category location. The elevator 38 raises the pile 68 from trays until the stack 68 the dividing plates 64a -D above the disk locking mechanism 40 raising. At this point, the pawls become 62 the locking mechanism 40 withdrawn and detach from the partition plate 64a ,

With reference now to 8G the system prepares, a checked and sorted storage 70 to obtain, which belongs to the category 2. The elevator 38 moves down until the separator plate 64c labeled "CATEGORY 2" arranged to be separated from the disk locking mechanism 40 is held. At this point, the pawls grip 62 the partition plate 64c , and the elevator 38 moves down, with more category dividing plates 64a -B on the top of the stack 68 unchecked shelves. The elevator moves down far enough so that the top shelf or divider panel held by the elevator is below the height of the tray load arm 34 is located as in 8G is shown. The tested storage 70 can then be moved to their position, held by the holding fingers 60 , The elevator 38 can now move up to the tested filing 70 to hold, being made possible that the holding fingers 60 withdraw.

It is noted that, though 8G the tested storage 70 as belonging to "CATEGORY 2", the disclosed system does not require the pre-allocation of the categories, in particular, the assignment and assignment of the categories and the dividing plates 64a -D be carried out dynamically. Thus, for example, the first partition plate 64a regardless of the actual characteristics of the assemblies associated with the first tested tray. A second tested filing can the Abla ge 64a assigned to the first category if the properties of the assemblies in the second shelf correspond to those of the first shelf tested. Otherwise, the second partition plate 64b be dynamically assigned to the category of the second checked file. This process can be repeated to categorize all the bins to be tested. In certain embodiments, the sorting of the tested trays may be accomplished without the use of separator plates 64a -D be reached. In these embodiments, tested trays belonging to a category are arranged close to each other. The separation of the categories can be tracked by a processor inside or outside the BLP.

With reference now to 8H will now be the next unchecked filing 68b from the stack 68 arranged from shelves so that it is supplied to the device for transferring assemblies for testing. The elevator 38 moves up until the separator plate 64a that is marked "UNAUDITED" from the latches 62 can be grasped. The elevator 38 then moves down until the holding fingers 60 the unchecked filing 68b from the pile 68 can pick up, as it is in 8H is shown.

With reference now to 8I if all the trays with unchecked assemblies in the stack 68 have been tested, the shelves are placed with tested assemblies in a suitable manner. As in 8I As shown, each category of trays is arranged in a stack below a category separator which identifies the stack. Thus, a pile 70a From shelves belonging to category 1, above or below (below in the example which is in 8I illustrated) of the partition plate 64b arranged, which is labeled "CATEGORY 1." More stacks 70b . 70c are similarly each under appropriate partition plates 64c . 64c arranged.

With reference now to 8J The sorted trays can now be unloaded by an operator. As an example, the 8J Unloading files belonging to category 2. The elevator 38 moves up until the separator plate 64c , which is labeled "CATEGORY 2", from the pawls 62 can be grasped. If once the partition plate 64c from the pawls 62 is held, the elevator moves 38 down until the bottom shelf in the stack 70b the category 2 shelves of the holding fingers 60 can be held. The holding fingers 60 then exit and catch the bottom shelf in the sorted stack 70b , and the elevator 38 moves down. The storage arm 34 then can the stack 70b move horizontally for access by the operator.

8K and 8L illustrate a unloading operation in which the number of trays in a stack to be unloaded is greater than the capacity of either the tray loader 34 or another component of the system. In this case, the elevator moves 38 in a position such that the maximum capacity of trays of the stack 70a above the holding fingers 60 is arranged. The holding fingers 60 then go out to hold the maximum capacity on shelves, and the elevator 38 moves down with the remaining trays. Thus, the pile becomes 70a sorted Class 1 files into two piles 70a-1 . 70a-2 split, with a stack 70a-1 from the holding fingers 60 is held and the other pile 70a-2 held by the elevator as it is in 8K is shown. If the first of these stacks 70a-1 has been unloaded by the operator, the elevator moves 38 upwards to allow the retaining fingers 60 the remaining stack 70a-2 hold. The elevator 38 then moves down, and the remaining stack 70a-2 can then be unloaded by the operator.

It is important to note that the dividing plates 64a -D provide a visual guide to the categories of various shelves. The dividing plates 64a -D are not required for the operations of the embodiments of the invention. In certain embodiments, the partition plates 64a -D, and a processor can track the boundaries between different categories. In such an arrangement, the disk locking mechanism is 40 able to hold the trays in place of the separator plates.

The description of 8A - 8L corresponds to a BLP unit for use as in 2 shown. It should be noted that similar processes in an embodiment such as those described in U.S. Pat 3 is illustrated, can be performed. In view of this, a pickup mechanism can interact directly with trays which are arranged, for example, on the holding fingers.

9 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly tray 27 for use with embodiments of the invention. Filing 27 may be provided with a number of slots in which assemblies, such as an electronic assembly 72 , can be arranged. The module storage 27 may be formed of any number of materials, such as a rigid plastic.

10 Figure 12 illustrates class separator plates for use with embodiments of the present invention. The dividing plates 64 are with the jack recording 66 for the engagement of a latch 60 the disk locking mechanism 40 Mistake ( 8A ). The plates 64 are with a substantially flat surface 74 provided for holding the module shelves. The plates 64 can be made of a lightweight material, such as aluminum, which is capable of holding a desired number of trays.

The Pending covers the description of certain embodiments of the BLP. Those skilled in the art will recognize that BLPs are available in a variety of ways Because can be configured. For example, As noted above, BLPs with any type of storage with either Number of assemblies, lot separator plates or empty shelves, for example be designed. For such amendments it is intended that she within the scope of the invention.

The previous description of embodiments of the invention for illustrative purposes. she is not exhaustive or limiting the invention to the precise form disclosed, and Modifications and modifications are possible or may be in the light of the above teachings the exercise obtained the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described to the principles of the invention and its practical application to illustrate To enable a person skilled in the art, the invention in various embodiments and with different modifications to use as they are for the particular intended use are suitable. It is intended, that the Scope of the invention by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents is defined.

SUMMARY

A Device and a method for transferring assemblies, to they designed that one of a variety of categories will be assigned disclosed. The device comprises a lift adapted to run along a stack of trays to move a vertical path, a locking mechanism, which is designed so that he Optionally, a tray in the stack of trays engages and the gripped Filing and additional Trays positioned above the gripped tray, stops, and a tray loading arm arranged at a fixed vertical position is and a holding mechanism for holding one or more shelves has, wherein the Ablageladearm is designed to be in the vertical path or move horizontally out of it.

Claims (30)

Device for transferring assemblies designed to be assigned to one of a plurality of categories, comprising: a lift ( 38 ) adapted to move a stack of trays along a vertical path; and a locking mechanism ( 40 ) which is adapted to selectively and directly hold a tray in the stack of trays and to carry the trapped tray and any additional trays located above the trapped tray. The device of claim 1, wherein the trays in the stack of trays rest assemble subassemblies ( 27 ) and separating plates ( 64a -D). Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage loading arm ( 34 ), which is arranged at a fixed vertical position and has a holding mechanism for holding one or more trays, wherein the tray loading arm ( 34 ) is adapted to move horizontally in and out of the vertical path. Device according to Claim 3, in which the storage loading arm ( 34 ) is adapted to provide trays to an operator and to receive trays therefrom for unloading and loading the device. Device according to Claim 3, in which the storage loading arm ( 34 ) is designed to store files to an external device ( 54 ) and to receive trays therefrom to unload and load the device in an automated manner. Device according to Claim 3, in which the storage loading arm ( 34 ) is designed to store files to an external device ( 54 ) and to obtain filing from this to process the trays. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the external device comprises means for transferring assemblies with a tray transfer shuttle (FIG. 26 ). Device according to Claim 3, in which the storage loading arm ( 34 ) is adapted to position a particular tray so as to provide access to individual assemblies on the desired tray for an external device. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the external Device a loading mechanism includes. Apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a processor ( 24 ), which is designed to lift the elevator ( 38 ), the locking mechanism ( 40 ) and the storage loading arm ( 34 ) Construction sort groups in bins according to a variety of categories. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a modular interface ( 80a c, 82 ), which is designed to enable the device to be modularly connected to an external device ( 54 ) to be connected. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the modular interface comprises: one or more mechanical couplings ( 80a -C) adapted to mechanically align the device with the external device; and one or more subsystem couplings ( 82 ), each subsystem coupling configured to couple a subsystem of the device to a corresponding subsystem of the external device. Device for transferring assemblies designed to be assigned to a plurality of categories, comprising: a device ( 38 ) for moving a stack of trays along a vertical path; and a facility ( 40 ) for selectively and directly retaining a tray in the stack of trays and for holding the trapped tray and any additional trays located above the trapped tray. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the trays in the stack of trays rest assemble subassemblies ( 27 ) and separating plates ( 64a -D). Apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: means ( 34 for moving a stack of trays horizontally into and out of the vertical path, the means for moving being located at a fixed vertical position and having a holding mechanism for holding one or more trays. Device according to claim 15, in which the device ( 34 ) for moving a stack of trays horizontally to provide trays to and from an operator to unload and load the device. Device according to Claim 16, in which the device ( 34 ) for horizontally moving a stack of trays is adapted to deliver trays to or from an external device to unload or load the device in an automated manner. Device according to claim 15, in which the device ( 34 ) for moving a stack of trays horizontally is adapted to deliver trays to and receive from an external device for processing the trays. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said external device comprises means for transferring assemblies with a tray transfer shuttle (FIG. 26 ). Device according to claim 15, in which the device ( 34 ) for horizontally moving a stack of trays is adapted to position a desired tray so as to provide access to individual assemblies on the desired tray to an external device. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the external Device comprises a loading mechanism. Apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: means ( 80a c, 82 ) for modularly coupling the device to an external device. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the modular coupling apparatus comprises: means ( 80a -C) for mechanical alignment of the device with the external device; and a facility ( 82 ) for coupling a subsystem of the device to a corresponding subsystem of the external device. A method of sorting a repository of assemblies arranged to be assigned to one of a plurality of categories, comprising: obtaining a sorted repository of assemblies assigned to one of the categories; Determining a sorting location for the sorted bin in a stack of trays on a platform; vertically moving the platform to a locking mechanism ( 40 ) with an upper tray in the stack, with the upper tray located immediately above the sorting position; Locking the top shelf with the locking mechanism ( 40 ); vertical movement of the platform to a lower shelf below a loading arm ( 34 ), which has the sorted tray, with the bottom tray being immediately below the sorting position; and place the sorted tray on the lower shelf on the platform. The method of claim 24, wherein at least one of the upper tray and the lower tray comprises a separating plate (14). 64a -C). Program product, with a machine readable program code for causing a machine to perform the following method steps: obtaining a sorted bin with assemblies assigned to one of the categories; Determining a sorting location for the sorted bin in a stack of trays on a platform; vertically moving the platform to a locking mechanism ( 40 ) with an upper tray in the stack, with the upper tray located immediately above the sorting position; Locking the top shelf with the locking mechanism ( 40 ); moving the platform vertically to position a bottom shelf below a loader arm having the sorted tray, the bottom tray being immediately below the sorting position; and place the sorted tray on the lower shelf on the platform. The program product according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the upper tray and the lower tray is a separator plate (14). 64a -C). System for sorting a shelf with modules, designed to be one of a variety of categories, with: one Device for obtaining a sorted shelf with modules, which are assigned to one of the categories; a facility for determining a sorting position for the sorted bin in one Stack of trays on a platform; a device for moving the platform vertically to a locking mechanism align with an upper tray in the stack, with the upper tray is located immediately above the sorting position; one Means for locking the upper tray with the locking mechanism; one Device for moving the platform vertically to a lower one To position the tray below a loading arm that sorted Storage has, with the lower shelf immediately below the Sorting position is located; and a device for bringing the assorted bin on the bottom shelf on the platform. A method of sorting an assembly adapted to be assigned to one of a plurality of categories, comprising: obtaining a sorted assembly assigned to one of the categories; Setting a sorted bin for the sorted assembly in a stack of trays on a platform; vertically moving the platform to a locking mechanism ( 40 ) with an upper tray in the stack just above the sorter tray; Locking the top shelf with the locking mechanism ( 40 ); moving the platform vertically to position the sort bin in a loading position; and place the sorted tray on the top shelf on the platform. A system for sorting an assembly adapted to be assigned to one of a plurality of categories, comprising: means for obtaining a sorted assembly assigned to one of the categories; means for determining a sorted bin for sorted assembly in a stack of trays on a platform; a facility ( 30 ) for vertically moving the platform to align a latching mechanism with an upper tray in the stack immediately above the sorting tray; a facility ( 62 ) for locking the upper tray with the locking mechanism ( 40 ); a facility ( 38 ) for vertically moving the platform to position the sort bin in a loading position; and means for bringing the sorted tray onto the lower tray on the platform.