JP3183687U - Assembly line final inspection system with built-in vehicle controller - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a vehicle in which an inspection system for performing a final inspection of a vehicle assembly line without using an external inspection device is incorporated in a controller of the vehicle.
A vehicle having a controller and a controller interface configured to control a vehicle, and the controller for operating the vehicle includes software that can be used for quality assurance inspection of various vehicle parts. Prepare. When the software is called by the controller, an electronic device that instructs the user to perform a step for activating the first vehicle function and indicates whether the step for activating the first vehicle function has been performed. Instructing the user to record the communication and indicate whether or not the first vehicle function has been operated as expected in response to the steps taken to activate the first vehicle function; It is determined whether the user input indicates pass or fail of the first vehicle function, and the determination is stored in the electronic storage device.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to completed vehicle assembly line inspection and, more particularly, to a system and method for inspecting a completed vehicle in which the inspection system is incorporated into the vehicle controller.

  When any product, including work machines, is produced, it is customarily accepted to inspect one or more of each process for quality assurance purposes. Such inspection can take the form of actual use of the device or visual inspection, or some other form. For some electronic devices or software embedded devices, visual inspection may not be sufficient for a complete inspection of the device. For some work machines, separate inspection devices can be created for the purpose of attaching to the finished work machine to perform diagnostic procedures to detect proper operation of various vehicle systems. This inspection device is a stand alone device connected to the finished work machine so that it can access and inspect the work machine's electronic and software work. Thus, each inspection device is a completely independent system that requires its own design, construction and maintenance. Further, if the work machine being inspected is changed and / or improved, the inspection apparatus may require similar changes and updates.

  Therefore, there is a need for the ability to inspect work machines without the above drawbacks.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a vehicle,
Car platform,
A grounding mechanism configured to support the chassis,
An electric motor configured to drive the grounding mechanism,
A power supply configured to supply power to the electric motor,
A controller configured to control an electric motor and other vehicle system comprising a processor;
And an electronic storage device placed in a vehicle and having software,
A vehicle is provided. When called to the controller, the software
Instructing the user to perform a step of activating the first vehicle function;
Recording electronic communication indicating whether or not a step of activating the first vehicle function has been performed;
Instructing the user to indicate whether or not the first vehicle function has been activated as expected in response to a process made to activate the first vehicle function;
Determining whether the recorded communication and user input indicate a pass or fail of the first vehicle function; and storing the determination in an electronic storage device;
Is executed by the controller.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure,
Fixedly coupling the work machine control interface to the work machine so that the control interface is placed in the cab of the work machine and is easily accessible to the operator of the work machine sitting on a seat placed in the cab;
Providing a control system electrically coupled to the work machine control interface, wherein the control system is connected to an electronic storage device;
And using a control interface to access a program stored in the electronic storage device;
A post-assembly inspection method for a work machine is provided. Program to control system,
Instructing the user to perform a step of activating the first vehicle function;
Recording electronic communication indicating whether or not a step of activating the first vehicle function has been performed;
Instructing the user to indicate whether or not the first vehicle function has been activated as expected in response to a process made to activate the first vehicle function;
Determining whether the recorded communication and user input indicate a pass or fail of the first vehicle function; and storing the determination in an electronic storage device;
To implement.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure,
Receiving the work machine frame,
Attaching the control system interface and the control system electrically to the electronic storage device and physically to the frame, the control system interface comprising a screen that the user can see;
Attaching the first accessory physically to the work machine frame and electronically to the control system and control system interface, and using the control system interface to call a program stored in the electronic storage device;
A method of assembling a work machine is provided. The program
Directing the user to interact with the control system interface and request activation of the first accessory;
Determining whether a desired signal has been sent to the first accessory, and requesting the user to indicate whether the first accessory has operated as desired,
Causes the control system to inspect the first accessory. The method further includes
Attaching the second accessory to the work machine frame physically and electrically to the control system and control system interface after inspection of the first accessory, and calling a program stored in the electronic storage device,
Directing the user to interact with the control system interface and request activation of the second accessory;
Determining whether a desired signal has been sent to the second accessory, and requesting the user to indicate whether the second accessory has operated as desired,
Using the control system interface to cause the control system to test the second accessory,
including.

  The above and other features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the manner of accomplishing them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Let's go.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a vehicle incorporating an integrated line final inspection module of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a representative diagram of an example of the user interface of the vehicle of FIG. FIG. 3 shows an electronic system coupled to and controlled by the interface of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing steps performed when the line final inspection protocol is executed.

  Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views. The illustrations presented herein are examples of embodiments of the present invention, and such illustration should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

  The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or are intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that those skilled in the art can utilize their teachings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an example working vehicle in the form of an excavator 10 is provided. Although utility vehicles are shown and described herein as excavators 10, utility vehicles include loaders, motor graders, tractors, bulldozers, ferrer bunchers, crawlers, skidders, freight vehicles or other vehicles. Utility vehicles can be included. The excavator 10 includes a chassis 12 and a ground drive element or grounding mechanism 14. The grounding mechanism 14 supports the chassis 12 and can propel the chassis 12 on the ground 15. Although the illustrated excavator 10 includes an endless track as the grounding mechanism 14, the excavator 10 may include another grounding mechanism, such as a wheel or other suitable grounding member.

  The excavator 10 further includes a vehicle control unit (VCU) 100 and an engine control unit (ECU) 120 that can be controlled via a main display unit (PDU) 16. The VCU 100 includes an automatic temperature control (ATC) HVAC unit 20, an AM / FM weather information broadcast receiver 22, a hydraulic system 28, a lamp 30, a washer / wiper 32, a joystick controller 34, and many additional electrical components, Many functions of the excavator 10 are controlled. The ECU 120 determines the fuel amount, ignition timing, and other parameters necessary to keep the internal combustion engine running. The ECU 120 reads a value from the multidimensional performance map and uses an input value (for example, engine speed) calculated from a signal input from a sensor device monitoring the engine.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the PDU 16 provides the user with an interface to the electronics and software used in the excavator 10. The PDU 16 is electronically connected to the VCU 100 and the ECU 120.

  The PDU 16 has a service mode 24. There is an inspection machine module 26 in the service mode 24. The PDU 16 operates via a controller-area network (CAN or CAN bus). CAN is a vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other within a vehicle without a host computer. The CAN can be accessed through the JDLink Service ADVISOR connector 46 to which the PDU 16 is connected.

  The inspection machine module 26 provides a program for inspecting the functionality of various functions of the excavator 10. In the assembly of the excavator 10, many different systems of the excavator 10 can be assembled at many geographically dispersed locations. When the assembly of a portion of the excavator 10 is complete, that portion is inspected. As previously mentioned, the use of external stand-alone test equipment requires that multiple inspection devices be provided at each of the various geographically dispersed assembly locations. Furthermore, in order to cope with each system assembly inspection site, a large number of inspection devices are required in the assembly factory. In the PDU 16 of the present disclosure, inspection software that was conventionally on the inspection apparatus is incorporated into the PDU 16 and thus the excavator 10. Therefore, in the excavator 10 of the present disclosure, it is not necessary to provide an inspection device at the manufacturing site.

  In one embodiment, the inspection machine module in PDU 16 consists of a single program that performs all inspections of excavator 10 at one time. In another embodiment, the inspector module in PDU 16 is divided into multiple inspection protocols so that less than all of the tests available at one time are performed. Such an embodiment is implemented when the excavator 10 is assembled at multiple geographically dispersed locations. However, such embodiments are also implemented for assembly performed at a single geographic location where individual inspection at multiple subassembly completion sites is desirable.

  As described above, each of the (ATC) HVAC unit 20, the AM / FM weather information broadcast receiver 22, the hydraulic system 28, the lamp 30, the washer / wiper 32, the joystick controller 34, and many additional electrical components are independent. Then, the inspection is performed in a group grouped into modules, or in a group in which all are grouped. An embodiment of such an inspection is shown in the inspection script. Each inspection script indicates the text displayed on the PDU 16, the user response options displayed on the PDU 16, and the action of the VCU software performed in response to the user response.

  The illuminating lamp 30 is inspected to ensure that all of the mounted illuminating lamps are operating correctly. The inspection also ensures that the appropriate lighting is activated for the particular excavator 10 under inspection. As shown in the inspection script, the inspection of the illuminating lamp 30 is started by displaying a question “All work lamps off?” 510 to the user via the PDU 16. Further, an indication is presented to the user that a response by pressing '1' on the PDU 16 indicates affirmation to the question and a response by pressing '2' indicates negative to the question. The VCU 100 holds the user input and then proceeds to the next step 520. Step 520 instructs the user to “press SSM work light button”. The VCU 100 then records and verifies a CAN message indicating that the commanded step has been taken.

  The excavator 10 is first configured to be ready for inspection. According to the ordering protocol, the VIN for the excavator 10 is obtained. The machine VIN is input by operator input, and options selected for a specific excavator being assembled are input by the ECU controller program in the factory setting. This is done before the VCU is incorporated into the excavator. This has been completed before the VCU is incorporated into the excavator.

  Subsequently, the engine controller is programmed at the factory to match the particular engine. This is also completed by the ECU controller program in the factory setting before the VCU is incorporated into the excavator.

  The VCU usually arrives with the correct software already installed. However, software updates may be made for many possible reasons. Since shipping the VCU from the supplier to the factory takes time, it may be necessary to reprogram the VCU to include the correct software.

  Once set and correctly programmed, the ECU and VCU are built into the excavator 10. This integration includes connecting the ECU and VCU to the PDU 16. When all of the controllers are installed, the code erasure operation is completed to remove all diagnostic trouble codes from the factory program.

  Regardless of whether any test is performed as a single test that includes all tests or as any module that includes less than all available tests, FIG. The protocol is taken. When an inspector module is called in the PRU 16, this module is allowed to exit only if all tests have been successfully passed, otherwise by calling the back door. Step 400 makes a call to a particular test module. Step 410 invokes a specific test within a specific test (“Test x”) within the selected test module. If immediately after step 400, step 410 invokes the first test of the module (x = 1). An embodiment of the module is given below. If necessary, step 420 repeats power on / off of the excavator 10. In step 430, the pass / fail status of the test is stored. Step 440 determines whether all tests in the module have been executed (n = number of tests in module). If all of the tests in the module have not been performed, steps 410-440 are repeated until all tests in the module have been performed.

  When all inspections are performed, in step 450, analysis of the test results asking whether all the inspections have passed is started. If so, the program ends at step 460. Otherwise, a failed test is displayed at step 470 and the user is given the option to re-run the failed test (step 480). If the test fails again, the user uses the back door to end the program.

  Inspection embodiments are listed below.

If only the illuminating lamp inspection boom lamp and frame lamp are present (this is determined by examining the VCU memory access value), the following inspection script and corresponding software measures are presented on the PDU 16 to inspect the illuminating lamp: To be executed by the VCU 100.

If boom lights, frame lights and headlamps are present (depending on the VCU memory access value), the following test script is presented on PDU 16 to test the lamps.

If boom lights, frame lights, headlamps and tail lights are present (depending on VCU memory access value), the following test script is presented on PDU 16 to test the lamps.

Washer / Wiper Inspection To inspect the upper wiper system, the following inspection script and corresponding software actions are presented on the PDU 16 and executed by the VCU 100.

In order to inspect the upper washer system, the following inspection script and corresponding software actions are presented on the PDU 16 and executed by the VCU 100.

The following test scripts and corresponding software actions are presented on PDU 16 and executed by VCU 100 to test the lower wiper system (if determined and present by reading VIN).

The following test scripts and corresponding software actions are presented on PDU 16 and executed by VCU 100 to test the lower washer system (if determined and present by reading VIN).

In order to check the engine start engine start capability 44, the following check scripts and corresponding software measures are presented on the PDU 16 and executed by the ECU 120 and the VCU 100.

Engine Speed Control To test engine speed control 42, the following test scripts and corresponding software actions are presented on PDU 16 and executed by ECU 120 and VCU 100.

In order to test the HVAC controlled HVAC system 20, the following test scripts and corresponding software actions are presented on the PDU 16 and executed by the VCU 100.

In order to inspect the hydraulic system check hydraulic travel circuit 36, the following inspection script and corresponding software measures are presented on the PDU 16 and executed by the VCU 100.

In order to check the hydraulic swing circuit 38, the following inspection script and corresponding software measures are presented on the PDU 16 and executed by the VCU 100.

Hydraulic boom / arm / bucket circuit check To inspect the hydraulic boom / arm / bucket circuit 40, the following inspection script and corresponding software actions are presented on the PDU 16 and executed by the VCU 100.

Diagnostic Trouble Code Check To test the diagnostic trouble code check, the following inspection script and corresponding software actions are presented on the PDU 16 and executed by the VCU 100.

When each of the above checks is completed, the VCU 100 holds the result in a storage location where memory access by the CAN is possible (step 430). In one embodiment, the result is:
・ 0x00 → Inspection not executed, not applicable (vehicle option);
・ 0x01 → pass the inspection at once;
・ 0x10 → failed inspection;
• 0x11 → Initially failed, but the problem has been resolved since then;
As formatted.

  If all tests pass, the excavator 10 is ready to receive an electronic “birth certificate”. A birth certificate is a summary of the results of all completed tests. It is recorded whether each individual test passed once, or if it did not pass once and had to be reworked. The birth certificate records the preload developed during each of the hydraulic tests, which can be used to check the component life of this work machine in the future or all delivered from the supplier. Can be used to track the quality level of parts. In the birth certificate, all DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) that existed during the EOL test are recorded. The birth certificate provides a record that the work machine has left the factory in normal operation, so if there is a problem when the work machine arrives at the dealer base, the manufacturer will have a problem during transportation. Know what happened and work to eliminate those problems. The birth certificate records that the HVAC system is working properly, so if the work machine is no longer working after delivery to the customer, the manufacturer knows that there was probably a leak. The excavator 10 is connected to an external computer that verifies that all inspections have passed. The external computer then forwards the birth certificate to the excavator 10 which verifies that all tests have passed.

  Furthermore, when the dealer receives the work vehicle, the above-described inspection can be repeated again to ensure that the work vehicle is in proper normal operation. Any problem found can be compared to the test value on the birth certificate to determine if the problem found seems to have occurred in transit.

  While this invention has been described as having a preferred configuration, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Furthermore, this application incorporates ideas from this disclosure that are within the scope of the utility model registration claims that this disclosure retains and that fall within the scope of the appended claims that are known in the art or that fall within conventional embodiments. It is supposed to include.

10 Excavator 16 Main Display Unit (PDU)
20 Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) HVAC Unit 22 AM / FM Weather Information Broadcasting Receiver 28 Hydraulic System 30 Illumination Light 32 Washer / Wiper 34 Joystick Controller 36 Hydraulic Travel Circuit 38 Hydraulic Swing Circuit 40 Hydraulic Boom / Arm / Bucket Circuit 42 Engine Speed Control 44 Engine starting capacity 46 JD link connector 100 Vehicle control unit (VCU)
120 Engine control unit (ECU)

Claims (16)

In the vehicle,
Car platform,
A grounding mechanism configured to support the chassis,
An electric motor configured to drive the grounding mechanism;
A power source configured to supply power to the electric motor;
A controller configured to control the electric motor and other vehicle system, comprising a processor; and an electronic storage device stationary on the vehicle and having software;
And when the software is invoked by the controller,
Instructing the user to perform a step for activating the first vehicle function;
Recording an electronic communication indicating whether or not the step for activating the first vehicle function has been performed;
Instructing the user to indicate whether or not the first vehicle function has been operated as expected in response to the step made to activate the first vehicle function;
Determining whether the recorded communication and user input indicate pass or fail of the first vehicle function; and storing the determination in the electronic storage device;
Causing the controller to execute
A vehicle characterized by that. The electronic storage device further has software on the electronic storage device, and the software is invoked by the controller;
Instructing the user to perform a step for activating the second vehicle function;
Recording an electronic communication indicating whether or not the step for activating the second vehicle function has been performed;
Instructing the user to indicate whether or not the second vehicle function has been activated as expected in response to the step made to activate the second vehicle function;
Determining whether the recorded communication and user input indicate pass or fail of the second vehicle function; and storing the determination regarding the second vehicle function in the electronic storage device;
Causing the controller to execute
The vehicle according to claim 1. The electronic storage device further has software on the electronic storage device, the software comprising:
Receiving an indicator to which the vehicle is connected to an external computer capable of issuing an electronic record representing an inspection history of the vehicle;
Sending an electronic record representing the inspection history of the vehicle to the vehicle, and data indicating the inspection performed on the vehicle and whether such inspection passed in one or subsequent runs. Receiving an electronic record representing an inspection history of the vehicle, including an indicator, wherein the electronic record is stored in the electronic storage device;
Run the
The vehicle according to claim 1. In a method for inspecting an assembled work machine,
A work machine control interface to the work machine so that the control interface is placed in a cab of the work machine and is easily accessible to a operator of the work machine sitting on a seat placed in the cab; A step of fixed coupling,
A control system electrically coupled to the work machine control interface, the control system being connected to an electronic storage device, and providing a control system; and accessing the program stored in the electronic storage device Using a control interface;
The program includes:
Instructing the user to perform a step of activating the first vehicle function;
Recording an electronic communication indicating whether the step of activating the first vehicle function has been performed;
Instructing the user to indicate whether or not the first vehicle function has been operated as expected in response to the step made to activate the first vehicle function;
Determining whether the recorded communication and user input indicate pass or fail of the first vehicle function; and storing the determination in the electronic storage device;
To implement the control system,
A method characterized by that. The electronic storage device further has software on the electronic storage device, and the software is invoked by the control system;
Instructing the user to perform a step for activating the second vehicle function;
Recording an electronic communication indicating whether or not the step for activating the second vehicle function has been performed;
Instructing the user to indicate whether or not the second vehicle function has been activated as expected in response to the step made to activate the second vehicle function;
Determining whether the recorded communication and user input indicate pass or fail of the second vehicle function; and storing the determination regarding the second vehicle function in the electronic storage device;
Causing the control system to execute
The method according to claim 4. The electronic storage device further has software on the electronic storage device, and when the software is invoked,
Receiving an indication that the vehicle is connected to an external computer capable of issuing an electronic record representing an inspection history of the vehicle;
Sending an electronic record to the vehicle, wherein the record indicates whether all of the tests performed were determined to have passed,
And a process of receiving a vehicle electronic record, i.e. a vehicle birth certificate, with data indicating the tests performed on the vehicle and an indication of whether such tests have passed in one or subsequent tests. The vehicle birth certificate is stored in the electronic storage device, and the process is executed.
The method according to claim 4.   7. The method of claim 6, further comprising transporting the vehicle having the electronic record stored in the electronic storage device from a manufacturing and assembly site to a dealer site.   8. The method of claim 7, further comprising allowing a dealer representative to view the electronic record. In the assembly method of the work machine,
Receiving the work machine frame,
Attaching the control system interface and the control system electrically to the electronic storage device and physically to the frame, the control system interface comprising a screen that can be viewed by a user;
Attaching a first accessory physically to the work machine frame and electronically to the control system and the control system interface;
Using the control system interface to call a program stored in the electronic storage device, the program comprising:
Directing a user to interact with the control system interface to request activation of the first accessory;
Determining whether a desired first signal has been sent to the first accessory;
Requesting the user to indicate whether the first accessory has operated as desired;
Causing the control system to inspect the first accessory by:
A second accessory is physically attached to the work machine frame after inspection of the first accessory and electronically to the control system and the control system interface; and stored in the electronic storage device Using the control system interface to invoke a program, the program comprising:
Directing a user to interact with the control system interface to request activation of the second accessory;
Determining whether a desired second signal has been sent to the second accessory;
Requesting the user to indicate whether the second accessory has operated as desired;
Causing the control system to inspect the second accessory by:
The assembly method characterized by including. The electronic storage device further comprises software on the electronic storage device, the software being invoked,
Receiving an indicator to which the work machine is connected to an external computer capable of issuing an electronic record representing an inspection history of the work machine;
Sending an electronic record to the work machine, wherein the record indicates whether all of the tests performed were determined to have passed,
Receiving a work machine electronic record, i.e., a work machine birth certificate, indicating data indicative of an inspection performed on the work machine and an indication of whether such inspection has passed in one or subsequent executions. The work machine birth certificate is stored in the electronic storage device;
Run the
The assembly method according to claim 9. The assembly method according to claim 10, wherein
Transporting the work machine to a dealer or end user, and providing the use of the control system interface to call a program stored in the electronic storage device by the dealer or end user, the program comprising: ,
Directing the dealer or end user to interact with the control system interface to request activation of the first accessory;
Determining whether a desired signal has been sent to the first accessory;
Requesting the dealer or end user to indicate whether the first accessory has operated as desired;
Causing the control system to inspect the first accessory by:
An assembly method further comprising:   Further comprising allowing the dealer or end user to compare the results of the inspection performed by the dealer or end user with the results recorded in the work machine electronic record sent to the work machine. The assembly method according to claim 11, wherein   The assembly method according to claim 9, wherein the first accessory is selected from a list consisting of a lamp, a windshield washer, a windshield wiper, an engine, an HVAC, and a hydraulic system.   The assembly method of claim 9, wherein the control system interface includes a display monitor.   The desired first signal corresponds to a signal expected to be generated when the user interacts with the control system interface to request activation of the first accessory. The assembly method according to Item 9   The assembly method according to claim 9, wherein the control system interface and the control system are provided uniquely to the work machine.

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