JPH06227624A - Line control method and transfer unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten the time for the preparation work at the time of the sort switching and eliminate the waiting time until the next product is fed in each process. CONSTITUTION:A test cell 22 is constituted of a general-purpose tester 24 and a transfer unit 23, a work jig container and a work diagram container are managed on shelves of an automatic warehouse 33 under the control of a control device 11, and the transfer unit 23 having the space for three or more product racks 17 is provided in each process. The product rack 17 for the next work is fed to the transfer unit 23 of each process with a self-propelled vehicle 21 in advance, and the product rack 17 completed with the work is discharged from the transfer unit 23 of each process with the self-propelled vehicle 21 during the work of the present product rack 17. At the time of the sort switching, the work jig and the work diagram after the sort switching are fed to the transfer unit 23 in each process with a self-propelled vehicle 21 in advance. The work jig and the work diagram having been used are discharged from the transfer unit 23 in each process with the self-propelled vehicle 21 during the work of the produce after the sort switching.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a line control method and a transfer machine, and in particular, it uses a general-purpose tester and a self-propelled vehicle under the control of a controller to convey a product and a product in each step. The present invention relates to a line control method for performing a test and a transfer machine.

In recent years, in order to cope with high-mix low-volume production, a line control method in which a general-purpose tester and a self-propelled vehicle are combined to carry and test products under the control of a controller has become important. In this line control method, it is necessary to shorten the preparation work time and the waiting time during the work when the product type is changed.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Products such as printed boards on which various electronic parts such as LSIs and transistors are mounted are subjected to a functional test of the products on a test line after completion of assembly.
FIG. 13 shows an explanatory diagram of the flow of the product test. When the product is sent from the assembly process to the test line, in the product entrance examination process process, processes such as acceptance process, warehousing process, inventory management, and warehousing process are performed.

The product that has undergone the product entrance examination process is transported to the test process. Generally, containers such as product racks are used to transport products, and tests in each process are performed in product rack units. In each step of the test line, first, test preparation is performed.
In the test preparation, test drawings such as test specifications, circuit diagrams, and mounting drawings of the products to be tested are prepared. Also, prepare and set up the measuring instrument.

After the above test preparation, at each step of the test line, the product is mounted on the tester and a functional test is performed. The result of the functional test is notified to the control device controlling the entire test line. In each process, when the test of the predetermined product conveyed is completed, the request for the next product is sent to the product entrance examination process. As a result, the next product is transported in the product rack to the process that requested the product.

The product which has been tested in one process is transported to the next process in product rack units. In addition, the products that have undergone the tests in all the steps are transported to the trial processing step in product rack units. In the trial processing step, acceptance processing, warehousing processing, inventory processing, warehousing processing and the like of the tested product are performed.

In the time column of FIG. 13, the contents of the time generated in each process are described. When the man-hours in each of the above steps are analyzed, it can be divided into test time, preparation work time, transportation time, and management time. Of these times, the test time is about 70%, the preparation work time is about 20%, and the transportation and management time is about 10%.

Conventionally, for mass-produced products, a combination of an automatic testing machine and an automatic feeding / discharging device has been used to reduce the handling work and unmanned. FIG. 14 shows a side view of an example of a conventional automatic testing machine and automatic feeding / discharging device.

Product rack 5 containing a plurality of products 58
7 is a roller of the supply unit 81a of the product supply / discharge unit 81,
It is conveyed to the elevating part 82 and is placed at the test position in the elevating part 82. The product 58 is automatically taken out from the product rack 57 arranged at the test position, mounted on the connecting portion 83 of the automatic tester 84, and the functional test is performed by the automatic tester 84.

The finished product 58 is the product rack 5
It is automatically returned to 7. When all the products in one product rack 57 are finished, the product rack 57 is discharged from the elevating unit 82 by the rollers of the discharge unit 81b of the product supply / discharge unit 81.

FIG. 15 is a side view showing another example of the conventional automatic tester and the automatic feeding / discharging device. In the example of FIG. 15, a defective product supply / discharge unit 86 for discharging a defective product and an elevating unit 85 are provided. Defective product rack 59 for conveying defective products
Are supplied by the rollers of the supply unit 86 a of the defective product supply / discharge unit 86, and are arranged at predetermined positions by the elevating unit 85. Defective products generated by the function test will automatically
Can be put in. The defective product rack 59 filled with defective products 60 is discharged by the rollers of the discharge unit 86b of the defective product supply / discharge unit 86.

In recent years, customer needs have been diversified and the delivery time has been shortened, and the products have become highly functional and have a wide variety of products. In such situations, there are cases where conventional test equipment that combines an automatic test machine for mass production and an automatic feeding / discharging device cannot handle it, and there is a growing need to efficiently operate general-purpose test machines and manual test machines. Is coming.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of a conventional line control method in which a general-purpose automatic tester and a self-propelled vehicle are combined.
17 is an explanatory view of the automatic transfer machine provided in each test cell, and FIG. 16 (A) is a perspective view of the automatic transfer machine.
6B shows a plan view of the automatic transfer machine.

As shown in FIG. 16, the entire line including the self-propelled vehicle 61 is controlled by the controller 51. In addition, containers such as product racks are used for product transportation, and tests in each process are performed in product rack units.

The assembled product is put into the entrance examination product warehouse 52 from the introduction unit 53, and is managed and placed on the shelf of the entrance examination product warehouse 52. Products that have passed the entrance examination process are self-propelled vehicles 6
1, the sheet is conveyed to the test cell 62 for performing the functional test in each process.

The test cell 62 comprises a general-purpose automatic tester 64 and an automatic transfer machine 63. The testing machine 64 is a personal computer (P
C) 65 is built in and communicates with the controller 51 to exchange data and the like.

As shown in FIG. 17B, the self-propelled vehicle 61 mounts the product rack 56 containing the product to be tested, and beside the base 63a provided with the roller 63b of the automatic transfer machine 63. arrive. When the self-propelled vehicle 61 arrives, the product rack 5
6 is the base 6 of the automatic transfer machine 63 automatically from the self-propelled vehicle 61.
Moved to 3a. The product rack 56 is placed on the base 63 a of the automatic transfer machine 63 until all the products in one product rack 56 have been tested.

The worker 71 mounts the product conveyed on the product rack 56 by the self-propelled vehicle 61 on the general-purpose automatic tester 64 to perform a functional test. When all the products in one product rack 56 have been tested, a test completion notification is sent to the controller 51.
Then, in order to transport the product rack 56 discharged by the self-propelled vehicle 61, it comes to the test cell 62 that has issued the test completion notice.

The self-propelled vehicle 61 is a base 63a of the automatic transfer machine 63.
When the vehicle arrives next to, the product rack 56 containing the tested products is automatically transferred from the automatic transfer machine 63 to the self-propelled vehicle 61. In the self-propelled vehicle 61, the product rack 56 containing the product for which the test in the test cell 62 is completed is replaced by the test cell 6 in the next process
Transport to 2. When the test cell 62 is the last test step, the product rack 56 is transported to the trial product warehouse 73.

The products carried by the self-propelled vehicle 61 to the trial goods warehouse 73 are loaded from the loading section 74, placed on the shelves of the trial goods warehouse 73, and managed. Then, if necessary, the sheet is discharged from the discharge section 76 and conveyed to the next step.

[0021]

When switching the product type to be tested, it is necessary to perform the preparatory work shown in FIG. However, in the conventional line control method shown in FIG. 16, the used work drawing and the measuring instrument are returned, and the working drawing of the product after the product type change and the measuring instrument are all prepared manually. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to return used work drawings and measuring instruments, work drawings for products after product type switching and search and transportation for measuring instruments, and long preparation work when switching product types. It was

Further, in each process, after the test of one product rack is completed, the next product rack is not supplied until the tested product rack is discharged, and a waiting time occurs during this period. There was a problem that it would end up.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to shorten the time for the preparation work at the time of switching the product type and eliminate the waiting time until the next product is supplied in each process. An object of the present invention is to provide a line control method and a transfer machine that can perform the transfer.

[0024]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, under the control of a control device, a product container containing a product is moved from a product shelf to a predetermined process in a self-propelled vehicle according to a predetermined process sequence. In the line control method of transporting the product container containing the product that has been transported and finished the work in each process to the next process or the product shelf, under the control of the above control device, the work in which the work jig is inserted The jig container is managed on the work jig shelf, the work drawing container containing the work drawing is managed on the work drawing shelf, and the transfer machine having a space for three or more product containers is used for each process. The product container to be worked next is supplied to the transfer machine of each process in advance by a self-propelled vehicle, and the finished product container is transferred to the above-mentioned transfer device of each process during the operation of the current product container. It is discharged from the mounting machine by a self-propelled vehicle, and when changing the product type, the work jig container and the work jig container after the product type switching are installed. The work drawing container containing the work drawing after the product type change was supplied to the above transfer machine in each process by a self-propelled vehicle in advance, and the work jig container containing the used work jig and the used work jig The work drawing container containing the work drawing is discharged from the transfer machine of each process by a self-propelled vehicle during the work of the product container after the product type switching.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer machine in which a container for the product, a container for the work jig, or a container for the work drawings is supplied from a self-propelled vehicle, and A container for products, a container for the work jigs, and a container for work drawings, which is located between the supply table part and the discharge table part for discharging the container to the self-propelled vehicle. Any one of the center stand on which the product container is placed during work and the product container, the work jig container, and the work drawing container placed on the supply stand, discharge stand or center stand. And a container moving mechanism for moving the container.

[0026]

In the structure of the first aspect of the present invention, the next product container can be conveyed to each process in advance while the product is being processed in each process. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the waiting time until the next product is supplied in each process. In addition, at the time of product type switching, the work jigs and work drawings after the product type switching are supplied to each process in advance, and the used work jigs and work drawings are
It is discharged from each process during the work of the product after the product type switching. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for the preparation work when the product type is switched.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a line control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows a perspective view of the test cell,
FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the test cell and the self-propelled vehicle, and FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the semi-automatic transfer machine and the self-propelled vehicle. 5 shows an explanatory view of the product rack, and FIG. 6 shows an external view of the automated warehouse.

The line shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a line for performing a functional test of a product such as a printed board on which various electronic parts such as an LSI and a transistor are mounted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the entire line including the self-propelled vehicle 21 is controlled by the controller 11 which is a control device. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a product rack 17 which is a product container is used for transporting the product 18, and the test in each process is performed in units of the product rack 17. In addition, as the product container, a defective rack containing defective products is used.

The assembled product 18 is the product rack 1
In the state of being put in the product 7, the product is put into the automatic warehouse 12 having a large number of product shelves 15 shown in FIG. The automated warehouse 12
Then, the entrance examination process shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

The automatic warehouse 33 is an automatic device 12 shown in FIG.
It is an automated warehouse similar to the above, but is equipped with a large number of product shelves, a loading section 34, and discharging sections 35, 36. The product 18 that has been tested in the functional test process is loaded into the automated rack 33 from the loading unit 34 while being loaded into the product rack 17, and is placed on a predetermined product shelf for management. In addition, a defective product rack containing defective products is placed on a predetermined product shelf and managed. In the automated warehouse 33, the trial processing shown in FIG. 13 is performed. Tested products can then be
The sheet is discharged from the discharge section 36 and conveyed to the next step.

Further, the automatic warehouse 33 is provided with a work jig shelf, and a container containing a measuring instrument, which is a work jig, is placed on the work jig shelf for management. Further, the automated warehouse 33 has a work drawing shelf and manages a work drawing container containing work drawings.

The functional test process comprises a plurality of processes.
Each process corresponds to a predetermined test cell 22. The product for which the entrance examination process has been completed is discharged from the discharge unit 14 and conveyed by the self-propelled vehicle 21 to the test cell 22 for performing a functional test of each process in a predetermined order. The product 18 that has undergone the functional tests of all the processes is transported to the automated warehouse 33 by the self-propelled vehicle 21 in the product rack 17.

Next, the test cell 22 will be described. The test cell 22 includes a general-purpose automatic tester 24 and a semi-automatic transfer machine 23. General-purpose automatic tester 24 is a personal computer (PC) 25
Is built in and communicates with the controller 51 to exchange data and the like.

The semi-automatic transfer machine 23, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, has a supply base 23a, a central base 23b, and a discharge base 23.
have c. The supply table 23a, the center table 23b, and the discharge table 23c have a sufficient space in which any one of the product rack 17, the defective product rack, the container for the work jig, the container for the work drawings, and the like can be placed. Therefore, the semi-automatic transfer machine 23
Can hold 3 of the above containers at the same time.

The supply table portion 23a and the discharge table portion 23c are provided with a ball caster 23e as a container moving mechanism for moving the product rack 17, the defective product rack, the container for the work jig, the container for the work drawings and the like. . In addition, the central stand 23b
Is provided with a roller 23d as a container moving mechanism.
In addition, the semi-automatic transfer machine 23 is a shelf 2 on which a defective rack or the like is placed.
3f is provided on the lower side.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the self-propelled vehicle 21 is
The product rack 17 containing the product 18 to be tested is placed and arrives along the self-propelled vehicle line 37 next to the supply base 23a of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23. When the self-propelled vehicle 21 arrives, the product rack 17 is automatically moved from the self-propelled vehicle 21 to the supply table 23a by the container moving mechanism of the self-propelled vehicle 21.

Usually, the product rack 17 containing the product 18 to be tested is placed on the central stand 23b or the discharge stand 23c. Therefore, the worker 31 moves the product rack 17 placed on the supply base 23a from the supply base 23a to the central base 23b or the discharge base 23c by using the ball casters 23e and the rollers 23d. Let

The product rack 17 is placed on the semi-automatic transfer machine 23 until all the products in one product rack 17 have been tested.

The worker 31 mounts the product 18 conveyed on the product rack 17 by the self-propelled vehicle 21 on the testing machine 24,
Perform functional tests. When all the products 18 in one product rack 17 have been tested, a test completion notification is sent to the controller 11
Then, in order to convey the product rack 17 discharged by the self-propelled vehicle 21, the self-propelled vehicle 21 comes along the self-propelled vehicle line 37 to the test cell 22 that has issued the test completion notice.

The self-propelled vehicle 21 arrives at the side of the discharge base portion 23c of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23 (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 3) and waits for the product rack 17 to be discharged to be mounted. The worker 31
Using the ball caster 23e, the end of the product rack 17 containing the tested product is placed on the self-propelled vehicle 21 from the discharge part 23c. The self-propelled vehicle 21 uses the container moving mechanism of the self-propelled vehicle 21, and the product rack 17 whose end is placed by the worker 31.
Is moved to a predetermined position in the center of the self-propelled vehicle 21.

When the product rack 17 to be discharged is placed,
The self-propelled vehicle 21 conveys the loaded product rack 17 to the test cell 22 for performing the test of the next process. Also, test cell 2
When 2 is the final step, the product rack 17 is transported to the automatic warehouse 33.

In the semi-automatic transfer machine 23 of the present invention, the product rack 17 is placed on the central stand portion 23b or the discharge stand portion 23c, and the product 18 is tested next during the test of the product 18.
Can be conveyed by the self-propelled vehicle and placed on the supply table 23a in advance. Therefore, one product rack 17
After the end of the test, the waiting time for waiting for the next product rack 17 to be tested to be transported is not required.

Further, since the tested product rack 17 can be discharged during the test of the product rack 17 through the central stand portion 23b or the discharge stand portion 23c, an extra time for discharging the tested product rack 17 is required. Is not necessary.

Therefore, by using the semi-automatic transfer machine 23 of the present invention, when the test of one product rack 17 is completed, the next product rack 17 can be tested without waiting time.

Since the tested product rack 17 can be placed on the discharge table 23c, the product rack 17 to be tested next.
The self-propelled vehicle 21 that has transported the
Can be carried on the vehicle, and the efficiency of transportation of the self-propelled vehicle 21 is high.

In addition, when the product type to be tested is switched, during the test of the product rack 17 before the product type switching, the measuring instrument and the work drawing after the product type switching are conveyed by the self-propelled vehicle in advance and supplied to the supply base 23a. Can be left in. Therefore, when the product type is switched, there is no need to wait for the measuring instrument and the working drawing after the product type is transferred to be conveyed. In addition, since the used drawings and the measuring instrument can be discharged after the product type is changed through the discharging base portion 23c during the test of the product 18, the used drawings,
No extra time is needed to drain the meter.

Further, since the supply of empty defective product racks and the discharge of defective product racks containing defective products can be performed during the test of the product rack 17 or during the measuring instrument switching work, the supply and discharge of the product rack 17 are performed. As well, does not require extra time.

Next, an example of a work sequence of the line control method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. 7 to 11
The symbol in is defined as follows. A circle indicates a product rack, for example, means a first product rack, and means a second product rack. ◎ indicates a measuring instrument that is a work jig, and ● indicates a measuring instrument that has been used after switching the test type.

FIG. 7 shows a sequence diagram of the operation start transfer and product rack replacement work. Step (hereinafter referred to as ST)
In No. 1, as a work preparation work, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the measuring device ◎, moves in the v direction in the drawing, and arrives next to the supply base portion 23a of the semi-automatic transfer device 23 of the test cell. Self-propelled vehicle 2
1 is a supply base section 2 of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23 after the arrival.
Lower to 3a. In ST2, the self-propelled vehicle 21 departs, moves in the v direction, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and the worker installs the measuring instrument in the general-purpose automatic tester.

In ST3, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the first product rack and arrives next to the supply base 23a of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and unloads the product rack on the supply base 23a. ST
In 4, the self-propelled vehicle 21 departs, moves in the v direction, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and the worker installs the measuring instrument on the supply table 23.
Move from a to the central stand portion 23b. In ST5, the worker mounts the product in the product rack on the testing machine and performs the test.
When all the products in the product rack have been tested, the product rack is tested.

In ST6, during the test of the product rack in ST5, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the product rack to be tested next and arrives next to the supply base 23a of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and supplies the supply base 23a. Take the product rack down. In ST7, the self-propelled vehicle 21 departs, moves in the v direction, and the semi-automatic transfer machine 2
Separate from 3.

Following the product rack test in ST5, S
At T8, the worker moves the product rack from the supply table portion 23a to the central table portion 23b and starts the test of the product rack. When all the products in the product rack have been tested, the product rack is tested.

In ST9 and ST10, during the test of the product rack in ST8, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the product rack to be tested next and arrives next to the supply table portion 23a of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and the supply table is supplied. The product rack is lowered onto the section 23a. ST
11, the self-propelled vehicle 21 moves from the supply base 23a to the discharge base 2
Move to the side of 3c. In ST12, the worker moves the tested product rack from the discharge table portion 23c to the mobile vehicle 21. In ST13, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts with the tested product rack mounted thereon, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

As described above, in the present embodiment, during the test of one product rack, the next product rack is supplied to the supply table 23a in advance, so that after the test of one product rack is completed, There is no need to wait for work to wait for the next rack of product to be tested to be shipped. Further, since the ejection of the tested product rack can be performed via the ejection table portion 23c during the test of the product rack, extra time is not required for ejecting the tested product rack. Therefore, when the test of one product rack is completed, the test of the next product rack can be performed without waiting time.

Further, the tested product rack has the discharge table portion 2
Since it can be placed in 3c, the self-propelled vehicle 21 that has transported the product rack to be tested next can carry the tested product rack and can convey it, and the efficiency of the transport of the self-propelled vehicle 21 is good.

The working drawings are similar to those of the measuring instrument.
Before or after the supply of the measuring device, the vehicle is transported to the test cell.

FIG. 8 shows a sequence diagram of operation start transfer and rack replacement work accompanied by defective rack transfer. The sequence of FIG. 8 differs from the sequence of FIG. 7 only in that a defective product rack for storing defective products generated in the test is transported before the test starts.

In ST21, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the measuring instrument indicated by ⊚ and arrives next to the supply table 23a of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and lowers the measuring instrument to the supply table 23a. In ST22, the self-propelled vehicle 21 departs, leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23,
The operator installs the measuring device on the tester.

In ST23, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the defective product rack 41 and arrives next to the supply table portion 23a of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and lowers the defective product rack 41 to the supply table portion 23a.
In ST24, the self-propelled vehicle 21 departs and the semi-automatic transfer machine 23
Further away, the worker places the defective rack 41 at a predetermined position such as a shelf under the transfer machine 23.

In ST25, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the first product rack and arrives next to the supply base 23a of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and unloads the product rack on the supply base 23a. S
At T26, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts, leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and the worker moves the product rack from the supply table 23a to the central table 23b. In ST27, the worker mounts the product in the product rack on the testing machine and performs the test. When all the products in the product rack have been tested, the product rack is tested.

In ST28, during the test of the product rack in ST27, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the product rack to be tested next and arrives next to the supply base 23a of the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and supplies the supply base 23a. Take the product rack down. ST29
Then, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23. Subsequent ST30 to ST35 are ST8 to S in FIG.
The work is exactly the same as T13.

FIG. 9 shows a sequence diagram of the product type switching work. In FIG. 9, the drawing number of the first product type is A, the product rack is the product type of drawing number A, and the drawing number after the product type switching is drawing number B.
And the product rack is the product number of drawing number B.

In ST41, the product rack of drawing number A is tested, and in ST42, the product rack of drawing number A is tested. In ST43 and ST44, during the test of the product rack in ST42, the self-propelled vehicle 21 arrives next to the supply base portion 23a of the transfer machine 23 with the measuring instrument indicated by ◎ for drawing number B mounted thereon. The measuring instrument for B is lowered onto the supply table 23a.

In ST45, the self-propelled vehicle 21 has the supply base 23
It moves from a to the side of the discharge table 23c. In ST46,
The operator moves the tested product rack from the discharge table portion 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21. In ST47, the self-propelled vehicle 21
Semi-automatic transfer machine 2 with a tested product rack
Move away from 3.

In ST48 and ST49, during the test of the product rack in ST42, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the product rack shown in FIG.
Lower product rack to 3a. In ST50, self-propelled vehicle 2
1 starts empty and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

After the test of the product rack is completed, in ST51, the operator unloads the measuring instrument for the drawing number B from the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and the measuring instrument for the drawing number A and the measuring instrument for the drawing number B. Replacement work.

In ST52, the self-propelled vehicle arrives beside the discharge table portion 23c, and in ST53, the worker moves the tested product rack from the discharge table portion 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21. S
At T54, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts with the tested product rack mounted thereon, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

After the replacement of the measuring instrument is completed, ST55
Then, the product rack shown in Fig. B is tested. During the test of the product rack in ST55, in ST56 and ST57,
The self-propelled vehicle 21 carries the product rack to be tested next and arrives next to the supply base 23a, and unloads the product rack on the supply base 23a. In ST58, the self-propelled vehicle 21 has the supply base 23a.
To the side of the discharge table 23c.

At ST59, the operator determines that the used drawing number A
The measuring instrument indicated by ● is moved from the discharge table portion 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21. In ST60, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts with the tested measuring device mounted thereon, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

The work drawing of the drawing number B is transported to the test cell by the self-propelled vehicle and is supplied before or after the supply of the measuring instrument in the same manner as the measuring instrument. Further, the used work drawing of the drawing number A is discharged by the self-propelled vehicle before or after discharging the used measuring instrument.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the product type is switched, the measuring instrument and the work drawing after the product type switching are carried by the self-propelled vehicle during the test of the product rack before the product type switching. Can be placed on the supply table 23a. For this reason,
At the time of product type switching, there is no need to wait for the measuring instruments and work drawings after product type switching to be conveyed. Further, after the product type is switched, the used drawings and the measuring instrument can be discharged through the discharging base 23c during the test of the product rack, so that extra time is required for discharging the used drawing and the measuring instrument. Absent.

FIG. 10 shows a sequence diagram of the product type switching work when the product product of the product type switching is one product rack. In FIG. 10, after the product rack of drawing number A is tested, the product rack of drawing number B is tested, and then the product rack of drawing number C is tested.

ST71 of FIG. 10 corresponds to ST42 of FIG. 9 and tests the last product rack of the drawing number A.

After the test of the product rack is completed, in ST72, the operator lowers the measuring instrument indicated by ⊚ for the drawing number B from the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and measures the measuring instrument for the drawing number A and the drawing number B. Replace the measuring instrument in.

In ST73, the self-propelled vehicle arrives beside the discharge table portion 23c, and in ST74, the worker moves the tested product rack from the discharge table portion 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21. S
At T75, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts with the tested product rack mounted thereon, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

After the replacement of the measuring instrument is completed, ST76
Then, the product rack shown in Fig. B is tested. During the test of the product rack in ST76, in ST77 and ST78,
The self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the measuring device ◎ for the drawing number C, and the supply platform 23
Arriving beside a, the measuring device is lowered onto the supply table 23a. S
At T79, the self-propelled vehicle 21 moves from the supply base 23a to the side of the discharge base 23c.

At ST80, the operator determines that the used drawing number A
The measuring instrument indicated by ● is moved from the discharge table portion 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21. In ST81, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts with the tested measuring device mounted thereon, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

In ST82 and ST83, during the test of the product rack in ST76, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the product rack of the number C in FIG.
Lower product rack to 3a. In ST84, self-propelled vehicle 2
1 starts empty and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

After the test of the product rack is completed, in ST85, the operator unloads the measuring instrument for the drawing number C from the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and the measuring instrument for the drawing number B and the measuring instrument for the drawing number C. Replacement work.

In ST86, the self-propelled vehicle arrives next to the discharge table portion 23c, and in ST87, the worker determines that the tested drawing number B has been reached.
The product rack of (1) is moved from the discharge table portion 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21. In ST88, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts with the tested product rack mounted thereon, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

After the replacement of the measuring instrument is completed, ST89
Now, test the product rack shown in Figure C. During the test of the product rack in ST89, in ST90 and ST91,
The self-propelled vehicle 21 carries the product rack to be tested next and arrives next to the supply base 23a, and unloads the product rack on the supply base 23a. In ST92, the self-propelled vehicle 21 has the supply base 23a.
To the side of the discharge table 23c.

At ST93, the operator determines that the used drawing number B
The measuring instrument of (1) is moved from the discharge table portion 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21.
In ST94, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts with the used measuring device mounted thereon, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

The working drawings are similar to those of the measuring instrument,
Before or after the supply of the measuring instrument, the vehicle is transported to the test cell and supplied. Further, the used work drawing is discharged by the self-propelled vehicle before or after the used measuring device is discharged.

As described above, even when the number of product racks for which product types are switched is one, as in the operation sequence of FIG. 9, during product type switching, during the test of the product racks before the product type switching, after the product type switching. The measuring instrument and the work drawing can be conveyed by the self-propelled vehicle in advance and placed on the supply table 23a. Therefore, when the product type is switched, there is no need to wait for the measuring instrument and the working drawing after the product type is transferred to be conveyed. Further, after the product type is switched, the used drawings and the measuring instrument can be discharged through the discharging base 23c during the test of the product rack, so that extra time is required for discharging the used drawing and the measuring instrument. Absent.

FIG. 11 shows a sequence diagram of a product type switching operation involving the transportation of defective products. In FIG. 11, the product rack,
Is the product type of drawing number A, and the product rack is the product type of drawing number B after the product type switching.

In FIG. 11, ST101 to ST110
Is exactly the same as ST41 to ST50 in FIG. After the test of the product rack, in ST111, the worker
The measuring instrument indicated by ⊚ for drawing number B is unloaded from the semi-automatic transfer machine 23, and the measuring instrument for drawing number A and the measuring instrument for drawing number B are exchanged.

In ST112 during the measuring instrument replacement work, the self-propelled vehicle arrives next to the discharge platform 23c, and in ST113, the worker moves the tested product rack from the discharge platform 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21. To do. In ST114, the self-propelled vehicle 21
Semi-automatic transfer machine 2 with a tested product rack
Move away from 3.

In ST115 and ST116, the self-propelled vehicle 21
Arrives next to the supply table 23a with an empty defective article rack 41 mounted, and lowers the defective article rack 41 to the supply table section 23a.
In ST117, the self-propelled vehicle 21 moves from the supply base 23a to the side of the discharge base 23c.

In ST118, the worker moves the defective product rack 42 containing the defective product from the discharge table portion 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21. In ST119, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts with the defective rack 42 mounted thereon, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

After the measuring instrument is replaced, ST12
In 0, the product rack of drawing number B is tested. ST12
ST121, ST12 during testing of product rack at 0
In 2, the self-propelled vehicle 21 mounts the product rack to be tested next and arrives next to the supply base 23a, and unloads the product rack on the supply base 23a. In ST123, the self-propelled vehicle 21 moves from the supply base 23a to the side of the discharge base 23c.

In ST124, the worker moves the used measuring instrument indicated by ● in the drawing number A from the discharge table portion 23c to the self-propelled vehicle 21. In ST125, the self-propelled vehicle 21 starts with the used measuring device mounted thereon, and leaves the semi-automatic transfer machine 23.

The working drawings are similar to those of the measuring instrument.
Before or after the supply of the measuring instrument, the vehicle is transported to the test cell and supplied. Further, the used work drawing is discharged by the self-propelled vehicle before or after the used measuring device is discharged.

As described above, replacement of defective racks can be performed during the replacement work of the measuring instruments, and no extra waiting time is required for replacement of defective racks.

FIG. 12 shows the preparation work time according to this embodiment.
9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of the effect of shortening the waiting time. 12
FIG. 12A shows a timing chart of the product type switching work in the conventional method shown in FIG. 16, and FIG. 12B shows a timing chart of the product type switching work in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a case where after the product racks A1 and A2 of the drawing number A are tested, the product type is switched to the drawing number B and the product rack B1 of the drawing number B is tested. FIG. 12B is a timing chart in the same case as the sequence of the product type switching work described in FIG.

In the timing chart of the conventional method of FIG. 12A, the product rack A1 is first supplied at the time t _I1 , and then the product rack A1 is tested at the time t _T1 . After this,
After discharging the product rack A1 at time t _O1 , the product rack A2 to be tested next is supplied at time t _I2 . Subsequently, the product rack A2 is tested at time t _T2 .

After the test of the product rack A2 is completed, as a preparatory work for switching the product type to the drawing number B, at the time t _H indicated by the dotted line in the figure, the worker searches for the working drawing and the measuring instrument for the drawing number B, and then the test cell Transport to. During this time t _H , product rack A2 is discharged at time t _O2 , and at time t _I3 , product rack B1 of drawing number B
Is supplied.

After carrying the work drawing for drawing number B and the measuring instrument, the measuring instrument is replaced at time t _G. After replacing the measuring device, the product rack B1 of the drawing number B is tested at time t _T3 .

In the timing chart of this embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, the product rack A1 is first supplied at the time t _I1 , and then the product rack A1 is tested at the time t _T1 . During the test of product rack A1, the next product rack A2 to be tested is supplied at time t _I2 . After the test of the product rack A1 is completed, the test of the product rack A2 is subsequently performed at time t _T2 .

During the product rack A2 test, the measuring instrument and the drawing for drawing number B are supplied at time t _J , after which the product rack A1 is discharged at time t _O1 . Further, after this, the product rack B1 of the drawing number B is supplied.

After the test of the product rack A2 is completed, the measuring instrument is replaced at time t _G. During this measuring instrument replacement time t _G , the product rack A2 is discharged at a time t _O2 . After replacing the measuring device, the product rack B1 of the drawing number B is tested at time t _T3 .

Therefore, in this embodiment of FIG. 12B, compared with the conventional method of FIG. 12A, the discharge time t _{O1 of} the product rack A1, the supply time t _I2 of the product rack A2, and the measuring instrument and the work are performed. It is possible to reduce the total time t _H of the drawing search and the transportation time.

As described above, in this embodiment, the product rack to be tested next is supplied to the test cell in advance, and the tested product rack is discharged during the test of the next product rack. Therefore, after the test of the product rack is completed, the next product rack can be tested without waiting.

In addition, when the product type is switched, the measuring instrument and the drawing of the next drawing number are supplied to the test cell in advance, and the used measuring instrument and the drawing are in the process of testing the product rack after the product type switching. Is discharged to. For this reason, it is not necessary to search for the measuring instrument and the drawing when the product type is changed and to carry the drawing, and the preparation time can be shortened.

[0105]

As described above, according to the invention of claim 1,
During the work of the product in each process, the container for the next product can be supplied to each process in advance, so that it is possible to eliminate the waiting time until the next product is supplied in each process.
At the time of product type switching, the work jig and work drawings after the product type switching are
Supplying to each process in advance, and used work jigs and work drawings are discharged from each process during the product work after the product type switching, so the preparation work time at the product type switching can be shortened. It has features such as

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a line control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a test cell.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a test cell and a vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a semi-automatic transfer machine and a self-propelled vehicle.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a product rack.

FIG. 6 is an external view of an automated warehouse.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of operation start transportation and product rack replacement work.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of operation start transfer and rack replacement work accompanying defective product rack transfer.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of product type switching work.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a product type switching operation when the switching product is one rack.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a product type switching operation involving the transportation of defective products.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an effect of time reduction.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of product testing.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an example of a conventional automatic tester and an automatic feeding / discharging device.

FIG. 15 is a side view of another example of the conventional automatic tester and the automatic feeding / discharging device.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional line control method.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional automatic transfer machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Controller 12 Automatic Warehouse 13 Input Section 14 Discharge Section 15 Product Rack 17 Product Rack 18 Product 21 Self-propelled Vehicle 22 Test Cell 23 Semi-Automatic Transfer Machine 23a Supply Stand 23b Central Stand 23c Discharge Stand 23d Rollers 23e Ball Caster 23f Shelf 24 General-purpose automatic tester 25 Personal computer 31 Worker 33 Automatic warehouse 34 Input section 35, 36 Discharge section 37 Self-propelled vehicle line 41, 42 Defective rack

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. Under the control of a control device (11), a product container (17) containing a product is conveyed from a product shelf to a predetermined process by a self-propelled vehicle (21) according to a predetermined process sequence. , Product containers containing finished products in each process (17)
In the line control method for transporting the work jig to the next step or product shelf, the work jig container containing the work jig is managed on the work jig shelf under the control of the control device (11), The work drawing container containing the drawings is managed on the work drawing shelf, and the transfer machine (23) having a space for three or more product containers (17) is provided in each process, and for the next product to be worked. The container (17) is supplied to the transfer machine 23 in each step in advance by the self-propelled vehicle (21), and the finished product container (17) is supplied to each of the product containers (17) during the operation of the current product container (17). It is discharged from the transfer machine (23) in the process by the self-propelled vehicle (21), and when the product type is changed, the work jig container containing the work jig after the product type change and the work drawing after the product type change are put. The working drawing container is supplied to the transfer machine (23) of each process by the self-propelled vehicle (21) in advance, and the used work recovery container is recovered. The work jig container containing the tools and the work drawing container containing the used work drawings are automatically transferred from the transfer machine (23) of each process during the work of the product container (17) after the product type switching. The line control method is characterized in that it is discharged by a running vehicle (21). 2. A supply table portion (23a) for supplying one of the product container (17), the work jig container, and the work drawing container from a self-propelled vehicle (21), A discharge table part (23c) for discharging any of the product container (17), the work jig container, and the work drawing container to the self-propelled vehicle (21), and the supply table part (23a). A central stand portion (23b) located between the discharge stand portions (23c) and on which the product container (17) is placed during work in the process, and the above-mentioned supply stand portion (23a), the discharge stand portion (23c) or the central stand. The product container (17) placed on the part (23b),
A transfer machine comprising a container moving mechanism (23d, 23e) for moving one of the working jig container and the working drawing container.