JP2902175B2 - Automatic test system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic test system for automatically performing a predetermined test on a relatively large device having a large number of connection terminals. The present invention relates to an automatic test system in which a plurality of automatic test machines are arranged and functional tests of predetermined items different from each other are performed by the automatic test machines.

In a transmission device used for a high-speed digital communication network such as INS and ISDN, if a failure occurs in the device, it has a great effect on a user, so it is important to ensure high reliability. Therefore, after assembling the device, it is necessary to perform a function test on various items such as a frequency characteristic, an S / N ratio, a data error rate, and an alarm function to check whether the design performance is satisfied.

[0003] These transmission devices generally have a size of width x depth x height = 800 m x 600 m x 1800 m and a weight of about 300 kg, and have an undercarriage structure in which a plurality of units are accommodated in a support. In addition, an extremely large number of optical cables for long-distance transmission, coaxial cables for short- and medium-distance transmission, various signal cables connected to in-plant equipment, etc. are connected in total of several hundred or more. A major issue is how to perform a functional test on such a relatively large and complicated device in a labor-saving and efficient manner, and various manufacturers are actively conducting research and development.

[0004] The present invention is intended to save labor in a functional test for an apparatus having a large number of connection terminals such as an underpass structure.
For efficiency, target devices are INS, ISD
The present invention is applicable not only to the N transmission devices but also to other types of devices such as switching devices and wireless devices.

[0005]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an INS transmission device having an overhead structure (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "transmission device") is a large and heavy device, and as shown in FIG. One common unit 13 and one or more system units 14-1 having the same configuration
To 14-n (in FIG. 26, n = 3). The common unit 12 is connected to each system unit 14-
Commonly used for 1 to 14-3. System unit 1
Each of 4-1 to 14-3 includes an optical cable 16 for long-distance transmission, a coaxial cable 17 for short- and medium-distance transmission, and various signal cables 18 used for connection with the common unit 13 and on-premises connection. Many are connected, and 1
Up to 100 optical connectors per system unit,
The number of coaxial connectors is 60, the number of other signal connectors is 50, and so on. The common unit 13 has a large number of input / output connectors, and the common unit 13 also has a large number of input / output connectors. .

In such a transmission device 11, in order to ensure high reliability of the device, a function test is performed on various items such as an input / output frequency characteristic, an S / N ratio, a data error rate, and an alarm function after the device is assembled. Need to do. Conventionally, in order to perform a functional test as automatically as possible, as shown in FIG. 27, a plurality of automatic test machines (ATE) 20-1, 2
0-2, 20-3,..., 20-m (m = 3 in FIG. 27), and each automatic testing machine has the maximum for a combined system of one system unit and one common unit. The connectors at one end of the optical cable, coaxial cable and signal cable are connected in advance. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, a caster 15 is provided below the support of the transmission device 11 so that it can be manually pushed.

The transmission apparatus 110 to be tested is composed of one common unit 13 and three system units 14-1.
To automatic test machines 20-1 to 20-
When it is necessary to test with three of three, first, the transmission device 1
10 to the first automatic testing machine 20-1 by hand and manually connect the connectors at the other end of each cable connected to the automatic testing machine 20-1 to the common unit 13 and the first system unit 14-. After the connection to No. 1, a test start command is given, and an automatic test of a predetermined item is performed. Next, the cable is disconnected from the transmission device 110, and the next automatic testing machine 20 is disconnected.
-2, the cables connected to the automatic testing machine 20-2 are connected to the common unit 13 of the transmission device 110.
And a system unit 14-1, and a test start command is given to perform an automatic test of the next predetermined item. Next, disconnect all the cables from the transmission device 110,
It is transported to the automatic testing machine 20-3, and the automatic testing machine 20-
3 are connected to the common unit 13 and the system unit 14-1 of the transmission device 110, and a test start command is given to perform an automatic test of the next predetermined item.

Thus, the system unit 14-
When the test of all the items related to the combination system of the common unit 13 and the common unit 13 is completed, the cable is disconnected from the transmission device 110 and returned to the first automatic testing machine 20-1 by hand. Common unit 1
For each of the third and second system units 14-2, a predetermined test is performed by each of the automatic test machines 20-1 to 20-3 in the same manner as described above. Is completed, the first automatic testing machine 20-
1, and this time, regarding the common unit 13 and the third system unit 14-3 of the transmission device 110,
As described above, a predetermined test is performed by each of the automatic testing machines 20-1 to 20-3.

[0009]

However, in the conventional test system described above, in order to test a combined system of one system unit and a common unit, the transmission device 110 must be connected to each of the automatic test machines 20-1 to 20-20. -3
, And manually connect the other end of one hundred or more cables, one end of which is connected to the automatic tester, to one desired system unit of the transmission device 110 and the common unit 13. In order to complete the functional test for all the system units 14-1 to 14-3, each of the automatic testers 20-1 to 20-3 is reciprocated two and a half times, and the connection and disconnection of the cable are performed by 9 times. It has to be repeated many times, and one cable connection operation takes about several tens of minutes, so that there has been a problem that a large amount of work time and labor are required.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic test system capable of greatly reducing the work load required for functionally testing a test target device having a large number of connection terminals with a plurality of automatic test machines. It is.

[0011]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention. Reference numeral 10 denotes a test line, 11 denotes an INS transmission device having a number of input / output connectors for connecting a number of optical cables, coaxial cables, and various signal cables, and 21 denotes an IN.
A pallet on which the S transmission device 11 can be carried to transport the test line. Reference numeral 32 denotes a target provided on the pallet and connectable to each input / output connector of the INS transmission device via a predetermined optical cable, coaxial cable, or signal cable. The device-side contact means, 20-1 to 20-3, are arranged at predetermined positions along the line, and each of the INS transmission devices 11 automatically tests three different test items automatically. , 37 are INS transmission devices mounted on a pallet,
The self-propelled vehicles 40-1 to 42-3 which are sequentially conveyed to a plurality of predetermined automatic test machines on the test line are pallets provided with each of the automatic test machines and carrying an INS transmission device with the self-propelled vehicles. A feeding / discharging device 43 for feeding / discharging is provided for each feeding / discharging device, and is detachably connected to a target device side contact means of a pallet supplied to the feeding / discharging device from the self-propelled vehicle, and is connected to the INS transmission device automatically. It is a testing machine side contact means for connecting the testing machine.

[0012]

The INS transmission device 11 is mounted on the pallet 21 in advance, and the input / output connector of the INS transmission device 11 is connected to the target device side contact means 32 of the pallet 21 by a predetermined optical cable, coaxial cable, or signal cable. The INS transmission device 11 mounted on the pallet 21 by the self-propelled vehicle 37 is connected to the first automatic testing machine 20-1 on the test line 10.
To the supply / discharge machine 40-1. When the supply is completed, the tester-side contact means 43 of the supply / discharge machine 40-1 is connected to the target apparatus-side contact means 32 of the pallet 21,
The automatic tester 20-1 and the INS transmission device 11 are connected. In this state, the automatic testing machine 20-1 automatically performs a test of a predetermined item.
The pallet 21 on which the transmission device 11 is mounted is discharged to the self-propelled vehicle 37, and the test device side contact means 43 and the target device side contact means 32 are separated. Next, the self-propelled vehicle 37 is conveyed to the next automatic testing machine 20-2 to perform a test of an item different from that of the automatic testing machine 20-1. 3 and performs a test of a predetermined item different from those of the automatic test machines 20-1 and 20-2.

Thus, the operator can previously contact the INS transmission device 11 and the target device side contact means (3) of the pallet 21.
By performing the connection in 2) once, the tests of the predetermined items can be automatically performed by the three automatic testers 20-1 to 20-3, and the INS transmission device 11 is connected to each of the automatic testers 20-1 to 20-3. Needless to say, it saves the trouble of moving to -1 to 20-3 one after another, and after many tests are completed by one automatic testing machine, many cables are disconnected or many cables are connected by the next automatic testing machine. It saves you the trouble and time of reworking.

When the INS transmission apparatus includes three or less identical system units supported by a support, three object units that can be individually connected to each of the three system units are connected to the object-side contact means of the pallet. An apparatus-side contact portion, and one tester-side contact portion detachably connected to one of the target device-side contact portions of the pallet, to a tester-side contact means provided for each supply / discharge machine; By providing a switching moving unit for moving the contact unit on the test machine side and switching and connecting the contact unit to each contact unit on the target device, the contact unit on the test machine side can be set to the required target device according to the number of system units included in the target device. Can be switched to the side contact section, and the number of cables required for connection between the tester side contact means and the automatic tester can be greatly reduced. The configuration of the tester is also simplified, without changing connecting multiple cables manually for each system unit, the test of each system unit INS transmission apparatus can be performed continuously.

When the target device includes one common unit supported by the support and three or less identical system units, one target device corresponding to the shared unit is provided to the target device side contact means of the pallet. A predetermined number of target device-side second contact portions respectively corresponding to each of the first side contact portion and the three system units are provided, and the pallet target is provided to the tester-side contact means provided for each supply / discharge unit. One tester-side first contact portion detachably coupled to the device-side first contact portion; one tester-side second contact portion detachably coupled to one of the target device-side second contact portions; By providing a switching moving unit that moves the tester-side second contact unit and switches and couples to the target device-side second contact unit, a system unit including the target device is provided. Accordingly, the second contact portion on the tester side can be switched and coupled to the second contact portion on the required target device, and the number of cables required for connection between the tester side contact means and the automatic tester can be greatly reduced. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration of the automatic tester and to test each combination system consisting of the common unit of the INS transmission device and one system unit without manually connecting and connecting a large number of cables to each system unit. Can be run continuously.

When a plurality of models having different test items are present in the INS transmission device, the self-propelled vehicle is sent to a plurality of predetermined automatic test machines according to test items predetermined according to the model of the INS transmission device. By sequentially transferring the target devices mounted on the pallet, INS of different models can be used on one test line.
A function test for the transmission device can be performed.

Further, a loading synchronous storage for loading the INS transmission device on the pallet and putting it on the test line is provided. The connection station where the INS transmission device is carried on the pallet by the lifter and the loading synchronous storage are placed on the pallet. In addition to providing a plurality of loading stations where the INS transmission device is temporarily placed, a connecting station and a loading station are provided along the traveling track of the self-propelled vehicle, loaded into the connecting station, and connected to the pallet target device-side contact means. By moving the INS transmission device together with the pallet to the loading station on the self-propelled vehicle, the pallet can be moved in the input synchronous storage and the pallet can be transported to each automatic testing machine on the same mobile vehicle. In terms of configuration, cost burden is reduced. Further, when a plurality of models having different test items exist in the INS transmission device, there is no restriction on the order of the models to be input to the test line, and efficient system operation can be performed.

Further, when a plurality of models having different test items exist in the INS transmission apparatus, the self-propelled vehicle may respond to a request from a predetermined automatic test machine which is in an empty state, and the INS of the model to be tested by the automatic test machine may be used. By transporting the transmission device from the input synchronous storage input station to the automatic tester that issued the request, when multiple INS transmission devices of different models are input, the idle time of the automatic tester is reduced, and the efficiency is reduced. The test can proceed.

Further, a discharge synchronous storage for discharging the INS transmission device from the test line is provided, and the INS transmission device removed from the pallet target device side connector means is removed to the discharge synchronous storage by a lifter. Station and a plurality of discharge stations where the INS transmission device placed on the pallet is temporarily placed,
A removal station and a discharge station are provided along the traveling track of the self-propelled vehicle. After the test is completed, the INS transmission device placed on a pallet by the self-propelled vehicle is temporarily placed in the discharge station, and then removed by the self-propelled vehicle. By moving to the station, the pallet can be transported to each automatic testing machine and the pallet can be moved in the discharge synchronous storage by the same self-propelled vehicle, thereby reducing the configuration and cost burden.

[0020]

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Reference numeral 11 denotes an INS transmission device as an example of a device to be subjected to a function test, and as shown in FIG. 3, a prescribed size (width × depth × height = 800 m × 600 m)
× 1800 m) support unit 12 and one common unit 13 and n units (M
> 2 and M ≧ n) system units 14-1 to 14-
n is an underpass structure (in this embodiment, M
= 3, and FIG. 3 shows a case where n = 3). A caster 15 is attached to the lowermost portion of the support 12 and can move a certain device by several hundred kg by hand. As shown in FIG. 3, a rectangular hole 19 is formed in a lower portion of the side surface of the support 12 so that an arm of a lifter described later can be inserted. Each system unit 14
-1 to 14-3 are optical cables 1 for long-distance transmission, respectively.
100 for 6 and 60 for coaxial cable 17 for short and medium distance transmission
The book and various signal cables 18 are connected to each other, and have many input / output connectors. The common unit 13 also has a number of input / output connectors, some of which are connected to the system units 14-1 to 14-3.

20-1 to 20-m are one test line 1
0A, and n automatic testers (ATE) that perform functional tests of predetermined items different from each other on the INS transmission device 11 (m = 5 in FIG. 2).
According to the model of the S transmission apparatus 11, the frequency characteristics between input and output, S
A function test of a plurality of predetermined items such as / N, an error rate, and an alarm function is executed. When the INS transmission device 11 has a plurality of system units, a test is performed on a combined system of one system unit and a common unit in a continuous order separately for each system unit. 2
0-1 'to 20-5' are also arranged along one test line 10B, and are automatic test machines for performing functional tests of predetermined items different from each other on the INS transmission device 11, and each of the automatic test machines 20 -1 to 20-5, so that the function test can be independently performed. Each of the automatic testers 20-1 to 20-5 and 20-1 'to 20-5' is based on the device drawing number and serial number of the INS transmission device 11 received from a host computer described later, a test program, and the number of system units. A predetermined function test is performed, and upon completion, the result is notified to the host computer.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a pallet on which the INS transmission device 11 is placed so as to be able to be automatically transported. The pallet 21 is provided with up to three system units 14-1 to 14-3 provided in the INS transmission device 11, and Common unit 13
And the target device side contact means 32 connectable to all the input / output connectors. 4 to 6 show pallet 2
1 shows a specific configuration. Reference numeral 22 denotes a bottom plate, and reference numeral 23 denotes a work table provided on the bottom plate 22 on which the INS transmission device 11 is mounted. 24 is a concave portion corresponding to the four corners of the work table 23,
The caster 15 of the INS transmission device 11 enters. 25 is a table provided at the front of the pallet 21; 26 is a contact plate suspended from the front end of the table 25; 27 is a reinforcing frame;
Cables 16, 17, 18 connecting to 4, 35, 36
Support frame for connecting to the INS transmission device 11,
Reference numeral 29 denotes a pair of slide members which allow the table 25 to slide forward on the work base plate 30, and reference numeral 31 denotes a set screw. The table 25 is provided on the work base plate 23 at a predetermined return position (see a solid line A in FIG. 5). ) And a predetermined position in front (see a two-dot chain line B).

Reference numeral 32 denotes a target device-side contact means provided on the contact plate 26. One target device-side first contact portion 33 disposed horizontally below the contact plate 26, and the center of the contact plate 26. There are three target device-side second contact portions 34 to 36 provided on both left and right sides. All input / output connectors of the common unit 13 of the INS transmission device 11 can be connected to the target device-side first contact portion 33 from the back side via a predetermined cable, and will be described later from the front side. The tester-side first contact portion can be detachably connected. The target device-side second contact portions 34 to 36 each include the INS transmission device 1
1, the system unit 14-1 of the INS transmission device 11 is connected to the target device-side second contact portion 34 from the rear side by a predetermined number. A connection can be made via a cable, and a tester-side second contact portion, which will be described later, can be detachably connected from the front side.
The system unit 14-2 of the INS transmission device 11 is also provided on the target device side second contact portion 35 (36) from the back side.
All of the input / output connectors of (14-3) can be connected via a predetermined cable, and the tester-side second contact portion can be detachably connected from the front side. Prior to the start of the test, the INS transmission device 11 and the target device-side contact means 32 of the pallet 21 are cable-connected by an operator.

Returning to FIG. 2, the pallets 21 and 38 are
The INS transmission device 11 placed on the test line 10A
A self-propelled vehicle (AGV) that sequentially conveys to a predetermined plurality of automatic testing machines among five units arranged along each of A and B,
It has a conveyor section (not shown) on the upper surface. Self-propelled car 3
7 and 38 receive a transfer command from a line control device (RCP) described later, and transfer the pallet 21 on which the INS transmission device 11 is mounted to a predetermined automatic testing machine. 40-1 to 4
0-5, 40-1 'to 40-5' are the respective automatic testers 20-
1 to 20-5, 20-1 'to 20-5', respectively.
The pallet 21 on which the S transmission device 11 is mounted is supplied and discharged.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the feeder / discharger 40 with the pallet 21 loaded therein. Reference numeral 41 denotes an apparatus main body having a conveyor portion on the upper surface, reference numeral 42 denotes a pallet stopper, and reference numeral 43 denotes an upper surface of the apparatus main body 41. Reference numeral 44 denotes a tester-side contact unit provided adjacent to the conveyor unit, and reference numeral 44 denotes a tester-side first contact unit detachably coupled to the target device-side first contact unit 33 provided on the pallet 21; A front-rear moving part for moving the tester-side first contact part back and forth to couple or disconnect it from / to the target apparatus-side first contact part 33, 46 is a nail always urged upward, and 47 is a claw 4
When the front-rear moving part 45 moves forward, the engaging member 47 moves forward while pushing down the pawl 46, passes the pawl 46, and the tester-side first contact part 44 moves to the target device. When the front and rear moving part 45 stops moving forward when the first connecting part 33 is connected to the side first contact part 33, the engaging member 47 engages with the claw 46 so that the connection is not released. When the fore-and-aft moving part 45 retreats, the claw 46 is lowered and disengaged.

Reference numeral 48 denotes a tester-side second contact portion detachably connected to one of the target device-side second contact portions 34 to 36 provided on the pallet 21. Reference numeral 49 denotes a tester-side second contact portion.
This is a switching moving unit that moves the contact unit 48 back and forth, left and right, and connects or disconnects it to or from any one of the target device-side second contact units 34 to 36. Among them, 50 is a back and forth moving device for moving the tester side second contact portion 48 back and forth, and 51 is a left and right moving device for moving the front and rear moving device 50 right and left. The tester-side first contact portion 44 and the tester-side second contact portion 48 are connected to the automatic tester via a number of cables. Supply / discharge machine 40-1
To 40-5 and 40-1 'to 40-5' are connected to the vehicle 37 or 38 in accordance with a command from the line control device.
The supply / discharge operation of the pallet 21 on which the NS transmission device 11 is mounted is performed, and the tester-side first contact portion 44 with respect to the target device-side first contact portion 33 according to a command from the automatic tester.
And the target device side second contact portion 34-
The connection and disconnection of the tester-side second contact portion 48 to and from the testing device 36 are performed. Target device side first contact portion 33,
Target device side second contact portions 34 to 36, test machine side first contact portion
For the contact portion 44, a zero insertion connector to which no force is applied at the time of attachment / detachment is used. An optical connector and a coaxial connector are attached to the tester-side second contact portion 48.

Returning to FIG. 2, reference numeral 52 denotes the INS transmission device 11.
Is loaded on the pallet 21 and loaded into the test line 10A or 10B.
7 and 38 are provided along the running track. As shown in FIG. 8, 53 is a connection station where the INS transmission device 11 is carried in on the pallet, and 54 to 57 are a plurality of input stations where the INS transmission device 11 mounted on the pallet 21 is temporarily placed. Numeral 58 lifts the INS transmission device 11 that has been moved by hand, and
This is a lifter to be carried into 3. Charging station 53,
Each of the connection stations 54 to 57 has a conveyor section on the upper surface. Lifter 58 at connection station 53
The INS transmission device 11 carried in by the vehicle 37 or 38 together with the pallet 21 by the self-propelled vehicle 37 or 38
To 57. The self-propelled vehicle 37 or 38 moves the pallet 21 from the connection station 53 to the loading stations 54 to 57 and sends the test line 10A from the loading stations 54 to 57 in accordance with a command from the line control device.
Or carry out to 10B. In addition, the input synchronous storages 54 to 57 also control the self-propelled vehicle 3 according to the command of the line control device.
The pallet 21 is exchanged with the pallet 7 or 38.

As shown in FIG. 9, the pallet 21 on which the INS transmission device 11 is mounted on the test line 10A or 10B is provided by the input synchronous storage 52 configured as described above.
The pallet 21 can be moved from the connection station 53 to the loading stations 54 to 57 by using the self-propelled vehicle 37 or 38 that transports the pallet 21.
A dedicated transport mechanism used for moving the pallet 21 in the pallet 2 becomes unnecessary, and the burden on the configuration and cost is reduced. Further, even when a plurality of types of the INS transmission devices 11 are mixed and tested at the same time, an arbitrary type can be connected to the test line 10A or 1A.
0B.

Although the loading stations are arranged on one side of the running track in FIG. 8, a plurality of loading stations may be arranged on both sides.
The input synchronous storage may be replaced with the rack master system shown in FIG. 10 or the conveyor system shown in FIG. In the rack master system shown in FIG. 10, reference numeral 60 denotes an input conveyor, 61 denotes a lifter for placing the target apparatus on the input conveyor 60, 62 denotes a rack having a number of shelves, 63 denotes a drive rail, and 64 denotes a drive rail. 60
Is a rack master that moves the target device carried into the rack 62 and temporarily stores it in the rack 62, receives the target device from the rack 62, and delivers it to the self-propelled vehicle 66 running on the test line 10. However, the rack master method requires a dedicated drive rail 63 and a rack master 64, which complicates the configuration and increases the cost. In addition, when the rack 62 is arranged in two upper and lower stages, the weight of the target device is heavy, so that it must have a very rigid structure.

In the conveyor system shown in FIG.
7 is a feeding conveyor, 68 is a feeding conveyor for the target device 70
The lifter 69 is a branch conveyor that carries and temporarily stores the target device carried into the loading conveyor 67, and transfers the target device from the end to the self-propelled vehicles 37, 38 running on the test lines 10A, 10B. However, in the conveyor system,
When multiple types of target devices are to be loaded, as shown in FIG.
9, the order of the models transported by the mobile vehicle 37 (38) is restricted by the order in which they are loaded by the lifter 68, and the automatic testing machine for testing a target device of a certain model Even if is empty, the target device may not be able to be loaded, and the operating efficiency of the test line will be reduced.

Returning to FIG. 2, reference numeral 70 denotes the INS transmission device 11.
Is discharged from the test line 10A or 10B, and is provided along the traveling trajectory of the self-propelled vehicles 37 and 38. As shown in FIG.
A removal station 72 for removing the NS transmission device 11 from the pallet 21 to take it out; a lifter 72 for taking out the INS transmission device 11 carried to the removal station 71;
76 are the INS transmission devices 11 mounted on the pallet 21
Are a plurality of ejection stations temporarily placed. A conveyor section is provided on the upper surface of each of the removal station 71 and the discharge stations 73 to 76. After the test is completed, the pallet 21 with the INS transmission device transported by the vehicle 37 or 38 from the test line 10A or 10B.
Is the discharge station 73 by the self-propelled vehicle 37 or 38
To 76 and temporarily stored. Then, the self-propelled vehicle 37 or 38 controls the discharge station 7.
It is moved from 3 to 76 to the removal station 71, discharged while being removed from the pallet 21 by the lifter 72, and transported by hand to a predetermined location. The self-propelled vehicle 37 or 38 is driven by the test line 10A or 10
The pallet 21 is moved from B to the discharge stations 73 to 76, and the pallet 21 is moved from the discharge stations 73 to 76 to the removal station 71. The discharge synchronous storage 70 also exchanges the pallet 21 with the vehicle 37 or 38 in accordance with a command from the line control device.

With the discharge synchronous storage 70 thus configured, the INS on the test line 10A or 10B
Discharge stations 73 to 76 are provided by using a mobile vehicle 37 or 38 that transports the pallet 21 on which the transmission device 11 is mounted.
Of the pallet 21 to the removal station 71 from the pallet 2 in the discharge synchronous storage 70.
This eliminates the need for a dedicated transport mechanism used for the movement of the first device, thereby reducing the structural and cost burdens. In addition, many types of INS
Even when the transmission devices 11 are mixed and tested at the same time, it is possible to sequentially discharge from any model. In FIG. 13, the discharge stations are arranged on one side of the traveling track, but a large number of discharge stations may be arranged on both sides.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a line control system according to this embodiment. Reference numeral 80 denotes a controller which is individually provided for each of the self-propelled vehicles 37 and 38 and controls traveling. Reference numeral 81 denotes each of the automatic testing machines 20-1 to 20-5 and 20-1 'to 20-.
5 ', a controller for controlling the supply / discharge and the contact of the tester-side contact means 43 and testing the product with an automatic tester;
2 is a controller provided in the discharge synchronization storage 70 to perform discharge control; 83 is a controller provided in the discharge synchronous storage 70 to perform discharge control; 84 is a host computer that performs overall management and control of the entire automatic test system; 85 is a host computer 84 This is a line control device that gives a predetermined command to each of the controllers 80 to 83 while communicating with the host computer and returns various signals received from the controllers 80 to 83 to the host computer 84. Each automatic testing machine 20-1
20-5, 20-1 'to 20-5' receive commands from the host computer 84 via the controller 81, return various signals, and supply / discharge machines 40-1 to 40-5 attached thereto. A predetermined signal is transmitted and received individually to and from 40-5 and 40-1 'to 20-5'. Reference numeral 82 denotes a terminal for giving an instruction to carry in the INS transmission device 11 carried in by the worker in the loading synchronous storage 52, and for inputting a serial number including the model of the device to be loaded into the test line 10A or 10B, the number of system units and the like. , 83 are the INS transmission devices 1 that the worker discharges in the discharge synchronous storage 70
This is a controller having a function of inputting one model or the like.

FIGS. 15 to 20 show the host computer 84.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a model-specific test pattern, and FIGS. 22 to 25 are explanatory diagrams of the work progress status of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to these drawings. In addition,
It is assumed that there are three types of A, B, and C in the INS transmission device 11 to be tested. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the type A is an automatic tester 20-1 (20-1 ') to 20-4 (20-
4 '), and the B-type is used for the automatic testing machine 12-3 (1).
2-3 ') and 12-5 (12-5'), and C
The models are the automatic testers 12-2 (12-2 ') and 12-4
The test shall be performed in (12-4 ').

The INS transmission device 11 with the casters 15 is carried by hand to the lifter 58 of the input synchronous storage 52, and the arm is inserted into the square hole 19 by operating the lifter 58 to scoop the INS transmission device 11. When the terminal 82 instructs the carry-in (step 201 in FIG. 15), the host computer 84 searches for the station where the empty pallet 21 exists from the registered data on the input synchronous storage 52 and the discharge synchronous storage 70. For example, when there is an empty pallet 21 in the charging station 57, when the line control device 85
3 is given (step 202).

The line control device 85 controls the vehicle 37 or 3
8, an instruction is given to a vacant one (here, the self-propelled vehicle 37) to move to the loading station 57. The controller 80 of the self-propelled vehicle 37 moves the self-propelled vehicle 37 according to the command, stops when the self-propelled vehicle 37 arrives at the loading station 57, and notifies the arrival. Upon receiving the arrival notification, the line control device 85 gives a command to deliver the pallet 21 from the loading station 57 to the loading synchronous storage 52 and a command to scoop the pallet 21 to the self-propelled vehicle 37. The controller 82 of the loading synchronous storage 52 controls the delivery to the loading station 57, and the controller 80 of the vehicle 37 controls the scooping of the pallets 21 to transfer the empty pallets 21 to the vehicle 37. Subsequently, the line control device 85 instructs the self-propelled vehicle 37 to move to the connection station 53, and upon receiving the arrival notification from the self-propelled vehicle 37, the line control device 85 instructs the input synchronous storage 52 to receive the data at the connection station 53, The wholesale command of the pallet 21 is given to the traveling vehicle 37. Controller 82 of the input synchronous storage 52
Performs the receiving control on the connection station 53, and the controller 80 of the self-propelled vehicle 37 controls the wholesale of the pallets 21 to transfer the empty pallets 21 to the connection station 53 (see FIG. 22A). After unloading the pallet 21, the controller 80 notifies the completion of the transfer, and the host computer 84, which has received the notification from the line control device 85, registers the current transfer contents (steps 203 and 2).
04).

In this state, the operator operates the lifter 58 to put the INS transmission device 11 on the empty pallet 21, removes the fixing by the set screw 31, and removes the table 2 of the pallet 21.
5, the INS transmission device 11 is connected to the target device side contact means 32 using a cable.
At this time, the common unit 13 is connected to the back side of the target device side first contact portion 33, and when three system units are included, the system units 14-1 to 14-3 are respectively connected to the target device side second contact portion 34. When two system units are connected, the system units 14-1 to 14-2 are connected to the back sides of the target device-side second contact portions 34 and 35, respectively. When only 14-1 is included, it is connected to the target device side second contact portion 34. After the connection is completed, the table 25 is returned to the original position, fixed with the set screw 31, and the serial number including the model of the INS transmission apparatus 11 carried in this time and the number of system units are input from the terminal 82 (step 205). The host computer 84 registers these data (step 206) and searches for a free space in the loading station. For example, when the loading station 57 is free, the line controller 85 transfers the data from the connection station 53 to the loading station 57. Give instructions (Step 2
07). It should be noted that I
It is assumed that a test pattern (see FIG. 21) that defines a test item and a test order for each model of the NS transmission device 11 is registered.

The line control device 85 instructs the vacant one of the vehicle 37 (or 38) (here, the vehicle 37) to move to the connection station 53. Loading station 5 for 52
3, the pallet 21 carrying the INS transmission device 11 is moved to the self-propelled vehicle 37, and then is moved to the loading station 57. , Input synchronous storage 52,
A pallet acceptance command to the loading station 57 and a pallet wholesale command to the self-propelled vehicle 37 are given, and the pallet 21 equipped with the INS transmission device 11 is moved to the loading station 57 (see (2) in FIG. 22). If there is a transfer completion notification from the self-propelled vehicle 37, the host computer 8
Transfer to 4. The host computer 84 registers the current transport contents (steps 208 and 209). Hereinafter, similarly, another INS transmission device 11 is carried in. Here, it is assumed that the various INS transmission devices 11 are stored in the input stations 54 to 57 of the input synchronous storage 52 as shown in FIG.

Next, when the terminal 82 instructs the start of the automatic test, the host computer 84 operates the test lines 10A and 10B while referring to the previously registered contents (steps 301 and 302 in FIG. 16). The test line is operated independently for 10A and 10B, and 37 and 38 for self-propelled vehicles.
Operate independently, but here, for the sake of simplicity, a description will be given assuming that only the test line 10A and the self-propelled vehicle 37 operate. When the test line 10A is operated, the automatic testing machine 20
-1 to 20-3 are attached supply / discharge machines 40-1 to 40-5
If the INS transmission device 11 is not loaded in the automatic tester 20
-4 and 20-5 indicate the target product request by the host computer 84.
And wait for the test instructions. Host computer 84
After registering each request input in the interrupt processing (step 701 in FIG. 20), first, the automatic test machines 20-1 to 20-3, which are the first steps of the test pattern for each model, execute the untested product request. (Step 30 in FIG. 16)
3) For the first input, search the registered data to see if the model corresponding to the request exists in the input station of the input synchronous storage 52 (step 304).

Here, the INS transmission apparatus 11-A of model A
Since A ₁ is present, INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₁ for the preparation number, test programs, is to prepare for conducted test instruction test, including the number of system units in automatic test unit 20-1 (step 305 and 306), INS transmission device 1
Providing from 1-A ₁ of placed the loading station 57 a conveyance instruction to the automatic testing unit 20-1 to the line controller 85 (step 307). The line control device 85 controls the self-propelled vehicle 3
7 is instructed to move to the loading station 57, and upon arrival, the delivery command from the loading station 57 to the loading synchronous storage 52, and the pallet 2
1 scoop provides an instruction, the pallet 21 provided with the INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₁ was transferred to a self-propelled vehicle 37, further supply and discharge device was attached to an automatic tester 20-1 against the self-propelled vehicle 37 40
-1 and, upon arrival, a command to accept the pallet 21 to the supply / discharge machine 40-1 and a command to wholesale the vehicle 37. The controller 80 of the self-propelled vehicle 37 that has received the wholesale command performs the wholesale control of the pallet 21, and the controller 81 of the supply / discharge machine 40-1 that has received the undertake command performs the under control of the pallet 21, and supplies the pallet 21 from the self-propelled vehicle 37. The pallet 21 is supplied to the discharger 40-1 (see FIG. 23A). Then, when there is a transfer completion notification from the self-propelled vehicle 37,
The line control device 85 transfers the data to the host computer 84. The host computer 84 registers the contents of the current transfer, and determines that the untested product request from the automatic testing machine 20-1 has been processed (steps 308 to 310).

The host computer 84 is connected to the automatic tester 20
Also for models -2 and 20-3, the model corresponding to the untested product request exists in the input synchronous storage 52.
The NS transmission apparatus 11-C ₁ is conveyed to the sheet discharge unit 40-2, which is attached to the automatic testing unit 20-2, input station 55
Transporting the INS-transmission device 11-B ₁ to supply and discharge device 40-3, which is attached to the automatic tester 20-3 (see FIG. 23 (2)). Thus, the input synchronous storage 52 and the self-propelled vehicle 3
7, the INS transmission device 1 by the operator
Automatic test machines 20-1 to 20-
The INS transmission device 11 can be continuously supplied to the test line 10A in response to the untested product request of 20-3, and the test system can be operated efficiently. In contrast, such as FIG. 11, the conveyer-type, can not be put to the test line 10A only carried the order, when carried in the order of INS transmission apparatus _{11-A 1, 11-B} 1, the automatic tester 20-1 in while testing INS transmission apparatus 11-a _1, INS transmission apparatus from the feeding synchronization storage 11-
It is impossible to put the B ₁ to the automatic tester 20-3.

The I / O unit 40-1 of the automatic testing machine 20-1 has I
When the pallet 21 provided with the NS transmission apparatus 11-A ₁ is supplied, it is loaded state stopped in pallet stop 42,
The target device side contact means 32 of the pallet 21 and the test machine side contact means 43 of the supply / discharge device 40-1 face each other in a close state. Here, the automatic testing machine 20-1 is provided with a supply / discharge machine 40-1.
And the supply / discharge machine 40-1 advances the forward / backward moving section 45 to couple the tester-side first contact section 44 to the target apparatus-side first contact section 33 of the pallet 21 and to perform switching movement. The left-right moving device 51 of the unit 49 is moved to the leftmost position and the front-rear moving device 50 is moved forward to couple the tester-side second contact portion 48 to the target device-side second contact portion 34 of the pallet 21. As a result, a combination system of the common unit 13 and system unit 14-1 INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₁ is an automatic tester 20-1 connected state.

Then, when there is a notification of contact completion from 40-1, the automatic testing machine 20-1 executes the combined system of the system unit 14-1 and the common unit 13 based on the test program previously instructed from the host computer 84. Perform an automatic test of the specified items. When the test is completed, if the number of system units this INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₁ for example 3, followed by the automatic tester 20
-1 gives a contact switching command to the supply / discharge machine 40-1. Then, 40-1 retracts the forward and backward moving device 50 of the switching moving unit 49 to disconnect the tester-side second contact unit 48 from the target device-side second contact unit 34,
The left-right moving device 51 is moved to the right by one step, and the front-rear moving device 50 is further advanced, so that the tester-side second contact portion 4 is moved.
8 is coupled to the target device side second contact portion 35. 4
If there is a contact completion notification from 0-1, an automatic test of a predetermined item for the combined system of the system unit 14-2 and the common unit 13 is performed, and after the test is completed, a contact switching command is given again, and in the same manner as described above. , The tester-side second contact portion 48 is coupled to the target device-side second contact portion 36 to form the system unit 14-3.
Then, an automatic test of the common unit 13 is performed.

When the test of the combined system of each of the system units 14-1 to 14-1 and the common system 13 is completed, the automatic testing machine 20-1 sends a contact disconnection command to the supply / discharge unit 4.
0-1. Then, the feeding / discharging device 40-1 has the claw 46.
Is lowered, the front-rear moving unit 45 is retracted to separate the tester-side first contact unit 44 from the target device-side first contact unit 33, and the front-rear moving unit 50 is retracted to reduce the tester-side second contact. The part 48 is separated from the target device-side first contact part 36. Next, the automatic testing machine 20-1 notifies the host computer 84 of the serial number and the test result, and outputs an unloading request. The host computer 84 performs the registration of the test result, the unloading, and the registration of the untested product request in the interrupt processing (Step 701 in FIG. 20). Other automatic tester 20-2 and 20-3 are similarly performs automatic testing of INS transmission apparatus 11-C ₁ and 12-B _1, and notifies the discharge and non as Sample requirements of the test results. Here, INS transmission device 11-B of the system unit ₁ is 1, the number of system unit 11-C ₁ is 3, the automatic tester 20-3,20-1,20-
It is assumed that unloading and untested product requests have been made in the order of 2.

The host computer 84 is connected to the automatic testing machine 2
When there is an unloading request from 0-3 (Step 4 in FIG. 17)
01), it is determined whether there is the next test item based on the test pattern of the model B (step 402). If so, it is determined whether there is a target request from the corresponding automatic testing machine 20-5 and it is free (step 403). ), if available, out acceptance notification to the automatic tester 20-3 (step 404), serial number relates INS transmission apparatus 11-B ₁ in the automatic testing machine 20-5, the test program, the test instruction including the number of system units Is given (step 405), a command to transfer the pallet 21 to the automatic testing machines 20-3 to 20-5 is given to the line controller 85 (step 406).

On the other hand, the line control device 85
, A command to move the automatic testing machine 20-3 to the feeder / discharger 40-3 is output.
And a scooping command to the self-propelled vehicle 37. The supply / discharge machine 40-3 which has received the delivery instruction is the pallet 2
Self-propelled vehicle 37 that has received the scooping command
Controller 80 performs scooping control of the pallet 21,
The pallet 21 is carried out from the supply / discharge machine 40-3 to the vehicle 37. Subsequently, the line control device 85 outputs a movement command to the supply / discharge device 40-5 of the automatic testing machine 20-5 to the self-propelled vehicle 37, and upon arrival, the INS transmission device 11-
The pallet 21 mounted with B ₁ allowed to loading the supply and discharge machine 40-5 (see FIG. 23 (3)). Upon receiving the transfer completion notification from the self-propelled vehicle 37, the host computer 84 registers the current transfer contents, and determines that the transfer request made by the automatic testing machine 20-3 has been processed (steps 407 to 40 in FIG. 17).
9). Automatic Tester 20-5, previously accordance test programming and the number of system units designated by the host computer 84, to perform automatic tests for INS transmission apparatus 11-B _1.

Next, based on the input order of the unprocessed requests made from the automatic testing machines 20-1 to 20-5, the host computer 84 first responds to the carry-out request from the automatic testing machine 20-1 by using the model A Based on the test pattern, it is determined whether or not there is a request for an untested product from the automatic test machine 20-2, which is the next step, and the state is empty (steps 401 to 40).
3) Since it is not yet here, it is suspended (step 410),
In response to the carry-out request from the automatic testing machine 20-2, based on the test pattern of the model B, it is determined whether there is a target request from the automatic testing machine 20-4, which is the next step, and whether the request is free (steps 411 and 412). , 403), including if available, out acceptance notification to the automatic testing unit 20-2 (step 404), INS transmission apparatus 11-C ₁ for producing numbers in the automatic testing machine 12-4, a test program, the number of system units After giving the test instruction (step 405), the line controller 85 is instructed to transport the pallet 21 from the automatic testing machines 20-2 to 20-4 (step 406). supply and discharge device of an automatic tester 20-2 INS transmission apparatus 11-C ₁ of already tested by 40-2
Is transferred to the feeding / discharging machine 40-4 of the automatic testing machine 20-4 (see FIG. 23 (4)).

Next, with respect to the carry-out request from the automatic tester 20-1 held earlier, the host computer 84 determines whether or not the automatic tester 20 in the next step is free based on the test pattern of the model A. (Steps 401 to 40
3) Since it is vacant, the unloading acceptance notification is sent to the automatic testing machine 20-1 and the INS transmission device 11-A _{1 is} sent to the automatic testing machine 20-2.
After giving a test instruction including a serial number, a test program, and the number of system units, the line controller 85
Pallet 2 from automatic testing machines 20-1 to 20-2
Giving first transport instruction, above an automatic tester INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₁ already tested by the self-propelled vehicle 37 in a similar manner 20
-1 from the feeder / discharger 40-1 of the automatic testing machine 20-2 (steps 404 to 409, FIG.
3 (5)). The automatic testing machine 20-2 is a supply / discharge machine 40-2.
When the pallet 21 is loaded in the host computer 8,
According to the test instruction from 4, a predetermined automatic test is performed.

Next, the host computer 84 determines whether there is an untested product in the input synchronous storage 52 in response to the untested product request from the automatic testing machine 20-3 (steps 303 and 304 in FIG. 16). Is not present, so it is suspended (steps 305 and 311).
In response to the untested product request made from 0-1, it is determined whether there is an untested product in the input synchronous storage 52, and the input station 5
Since INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₂ is present in the 6, INS
The transmission apparatus 11-A ₂ for the production number, the test program, is to prepare for conducted tests to automatic tester 20-1 instructions of the test, including the number of system units (Step 312,3
13, 305, 306), a transfer instruction from the input station 56 to the automatic testing machine 20-1 is given to the line control device 85 (step 307), and the transfer is performed by the self-propelled vehicle 37 (see FIG. 24 (1)). When the pallet is loaded into the feeding / discharging device 40-1, the automatic testing machine 20-1 performs an automatic test according to the test instruction.

[0050] Thereafter, the test is completed in the automatic testing machine 20-5, the unloaded and non as Sample request is made, the host computer 84 determines whether there is the following test items per INS transmission apparatus 11-B ₁ (Step 40 in FIG. 17)
1, 402), there is no empty station in the ejection synchronous storage 70 (step 5 in FIG. 18).
01) If there is, a notification of acceptance of the unloading request is sent to the automatic testing machine 20-5 (steps 502 and 503), and the automatic testing machine 20-5 is sent to the line control device 85 from the automatic testing machine 20-5 to the empty discharge station 73, for example. A transfer instruction is given (step 504). The line control device 85 gives a command to the self-propelled vehicle 37 to move to the automatic testing machine 20-5, and upon arrival, the INS transmission device 11-B ₁ from the supply / discharge device 40-5 to the self-propelled vehicle 37.
Then, a command to move the self-propelled vehicle 37 to the discharge station 73 is given. After arrival, the discharge station 73 performs acceptance control, the controller 80 of the self-propelled vehicle 37 performs wholesale control, and INS Transmission device 11-B ₁
Is moved to the discharge station 73. When the pallet 21 is completely unloaded, a notification of completion of transport is sent from the self-propelled vehicle 37, registered in the host computer 84, and the current unloading request is processed (steps 505 to 507, see FIG. 24 (2)). ).

[0051] Subsequently, the test is completed in the automatic testing machine 20-4, the carry-out request is made, the host computer 84 is to determine whether there is a following test items per INS transmission apparatus 11-C ₁ (FIG. 17 steps 401, 40
2) Since there is not, it is determined whether or not the discharge synchronous storage 70 has an empty discharge station.
4 to the line control device 85, and gives the line control device 85 a transfer command from the automatic testing machine 20-4 to the empty discharge station 74, for example. 11-C ₁ is transported to the discharge synchronous storage 74 (steps 501 to 501 in FIG. 18).
507).

After that, when the test in the automatic testing machine 20-2 is completed, the INS is instructed by a command from the host computer 84.
Automatic Tester 20 transmission apparatus 11-A ₁ is a self-propelled vehicle 37
-3, and the automatic test of the next item is started (FIG. 24).
(3)), and subsequently, when tested in the automatic testing machine 20-1 is completed, INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₂ is the self-propelled vehicle 3
The automatic tester 20-2 is moved to the automatic tester 20-2 to start the automatic test of the next item (see FIG. 24 (4)). Hereinafter, similarly, the INS transmission device 11-A ₁ is used by the automatic testing machine 20-4.
When the test is finished, all of the test for the INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₁ has been completed, the host computer 8
In accordance with the command of No. 4, the transfer is transferred to any one of the empty storages in the empty synchronous storage 72, and
When testing the INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₂ is completed in the automatic testing machine 20-4 are transferred to the discharge storage in a vacant state of the discharge synchronization storage 84. Thus, after all the tests INS transmission apparatus _{11-A 1, 11-A} 2, 11-B 1, 11-C 1 is completed, the discharge synchronization storage 70 is in a state of, for example, FIG. 24 (5).

When the operator wants to first discharge the model A from the discharge synchronous storage 70, and instructs the terminal 83 to discharge the model A, the host computer 84 refers to the registration data on the discharge synchronous storage 70, and Retrieve the placed discharge station (Step 6 in FIG. 19)
01, 602). Here, discharge stations 75 and 7
6 so that any one, e.g.
5 is instructed to the line control device 85 to transfer to the removal station 71 (steps 603 and 604).

The line controller 85 first instructs the vehicle 37 to move to the discharge station 75. The controller 80 of the self-propelled vehicle 37 moves the self-propelled vehicle 37 according to the command, and stops when the vehicle arrives at the discharge station 75,
Notification of arrival. If there is notification, discharge station 75 performs handover control, the controller 80 of the self-propelled vehicle 37 performs scooping control of pallet 21, transfer the pallet 21 provided with the INS transmission apparatus 11-A ₁ in the self-propelled vehicle 37 Let it. Subsequently, the line control device 85 instructs the self-propelled vehicle 37 to move to the removal station 71, and when there is an arrival notification from the self-propelled vehicle 37, the removal station 71 performs the undertaking control, and the controller 80 performs the wholesale control of the pallet 21, causing the transfer of the pallet 21 provided with the INS transmission apparatus 11-a ₁ in the detachment station 71 (see FIG. 25 (1)). After unloading the pallet 21, the controller 80 notifies the completion of the transfer, and the host computer 84 to which the notification has been transferred from the line control device 85 registers the current transfer contents (steps 605 and 60).
6).

The operator holds the table 25 of the pallet 21
Drawer, INS transmission device 11-A ₁Each unit 1
3, 14-1 to 14-3 and contact plate 26
After disconnecting all cables that are
Return and operate the lifter 72 to move the INS from the pallet 21
Transmission device 11-A₁Remove and carry by hand.
Then, the INS transmission device discharged this time by the terminal device 83
11-A₁When you instruct discharge completion with the serial number of
After registering the instruction, the host computer 84
Search for empty discharge station (steps 607-6)
09). Here, it will be 75, so the removal station
Of empty pallets 21 from 71 to discharge station 75
The transfer is instructed to the line controller 85 (step 61).
0, 611).

The line controller 85 instructs the vehicle 37 to move to the removal station 71. Self-propelled vehicle 37
The controller 80 moves the self-propelled vehicle 37 in accordance with the command, and after arriving at the removal station 71, the removal station 71 performs the delivery control. The controller 80 of the self-propelled vehicle 37 performs the scooping control of the pallet 21, and Palette 2
1 is moved to the self-propelled vehicle 37. Subsequently, the line control device 8
5 instructs the self-propelled vehicle 37 to move to the discharge station 75, and when there is an arrival notification from the self-propelled vehicle 37, the discharge station 75 performs reception control, and the controller 80 of the self-propelled vehicle 37 wholesales the pallet 21. The control is performed to move the empty pallet 21 to the discharge station 75. After unloading the pallet 21, the controller 80 notifies the completion of the transfer, and the host computer 84 to which the notification has been transferred from the line control device 85 registers the current transfer contents (steps 612 and 613, FIG. 25 (2)). reference). Hereinafter, similarly, the INS transmission devices 11-A ₂ , 11-B ₁ , 1
In the order of _1-C 1, to discharge work.

According to the present embodiment, a plurality of INS transmission apparatuses of the same model or different models are previously loaded into the input synchronous storage and connected to the pallet.
Even if there is no cable connection or disconnection between the transmission device and the automatic tester, the test of the predetermined items is automatically performed by the predetermined plural automatic testers according to the model, and the input synchronous storage, the automatic tester, Since the transportation between the discharge synchronous storages is also automatically performed by the self-propelled vehicle, the automatic test system can be operated completely unmanned, which is optimal for nighttime and holiday operation. In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of target devices are stored in the input synchronous storage, and then input to the test line. It may be. Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention can be variously modified in accordance with the gist of the present invention described in the claims, and the present invention does not exclude these.

[0058]

According to the present invention, a pallet on which a target device having a large number of connection terminals can be placed and transported is provided with target device-side contact means connectable to each connection terminal of the target device. A plurality of automatic test machines are provided at predetermined locations along the test line, each of which automatically performs a test of a predetermined item different from each other with respect to the target device. Cars are sequentially transported to a plurality of predetermined automatic testing machines on the test line by a traveling vehicle, and each automatic testing machine is provided with a supply / discharge device that supplies / discharges a pallet carrying the target device to / from a self-propelled vehicle. For each feeding / discharging machine, a testing machine side contact which is detachably connected to the target device side contact means of the target device mounted pallet supplied from the self-propelled vehicle to the feeding / discharging device, and connects the target device and the automatic testing machine. By having means, The trader can automatically perform a test of a predetermined item by a plurality of automatic testing machines only once beforehand by connecting the target device and the target device side contact means of the pallet once. Of course, it is possible to save the trouble of moving to the automatic tester one after another, and after the test with one automatic tester is completed, disconnect many cables or reconnect many cables with the next automatic tester. Labor and time can be saved, and significant labor savings can be achieved.

According to the present invention, when the target device includes a predetermined number or less of the same units supported by a support,
The target device side contact means is provided with a predetermined number of target device side contact portions individually corresponding to each of the predetermined number of units, and the test device side contact means provided for each supply / discharge machine is provided with a pallet target device side. One tester-side contact portion detachably coupled to one of the target device-side contact portions of the contact means, and moving the tester-side contact portion;
Since a switching moving section for switching and coupling to each target device side contact portion is provided, the test machine side contact portion can be switched and coupled to a required target device side contact portion according to the number of units included in the target device. It is possible to greatly reduce the number of cables required to connect the machine side contact means and the automatic tester, simplify the configuration of the automatic tester, and without having to manually connect and replace many cables to each unit. The test of each unit of the target device can be continuously performed.

Further, according to the present invention, when the target device includes one common unit supported by the support and equal to or less than a predetermined number of the same units, the target device-side contact means provided on the pallet includes the target device. One target device side first contact portion corresponding to the common unit and a predetermined number of target device side second contact portions individually corresponding to each of the predetermined number of the same units are provided for each supply / discharge machine. The tester-side contact unit provided includes one tester-side first contact portion detachably coupled to the target device-side first contact portion of the pallet target device-side contact device, and a target device-side second contact portion. One tester-side second contact portion detachably coupled to one, and a cut for moving the tester-side second contact portion and switching and coupling to each target device-side second contact portion By providing the moving unit, the tester-side second contact unit can be switched and connected to a required target device-side second contact unit in accordance with the number of the same units included in the target device. The number of cables required for connection between the means and the automatic tester can be greatly reduced, the configuration of the automatic tester can be simplified, and the target device can be connected without manually connecting a large number of cables to each unit. The test of each combined system consisting of one of the same units and a common unit can be performed continuously.

According to the present invention, when a plurality of models having different test items exist in the target device,
According to the test items predetermined according to the model of the target device, the target device mounted on the pallet is sequentially transported to a plurality of predetermined automatic testing machines, so that different types of devices can be tested on one test line. The targeted functional test becomes possible.

According to the present invention, there is provided a loading storage for loading a target device on a pallet and loading it on a test line.
The input storage includes a connection station where the target device is loaded onto the pallet by the lifter, and a plurality of input stations where the target device mounted on the pallet is temporarily placed. The pallet is moved along the trajectory of the pallet and moved to the loading station along with the pallet by the self-propelled vehicle. Can be carried out by the same self-propelled vehicle, and the burden on structure and cost is reduced. Further, when there are a plurality of models having different test items in the target transmission apparatus, there is no restriction on the order of the models to be input to the test line, and efficient system operation is possible.

Further, according to the present invention, when a plurality of models having different test items are present in the target device, the self-propelled vehicle is operated according to a request from a predetermined automatic test machine which is in an empty state among the automatic test machines. Since the target device of the model to be tested by the automatic testing machine is conveyed from the input storage input station to the automatic testing machine that has issued the request, automatic operation is performed when a plurality of target devices of different types are input. The test can be efficiently performed by reducing the idle time of the testing machine.

Further, according to the present invention, a discharge storage for discharging the target device from the test line is provided, and the discharge storage includes a removal station where the target device is carried out of the pallet by the lifter, and a target device mounted on the pallet. A plurality of discharge stations are temporarily placed, and the removal station and the discharge station are arranged along the traveling track of the self-propelled vehicle. By moving the pallet to the removal station together with the pallet using a self-propelled vehicle, the same pallet can be used to transport the pallet to each automatic testing machine and move the pallet in the discharge storage. The cost burden is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of a test target device.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a pallet.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a pallet.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pallet.

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a supply / discharge machine loaded with a pallet.

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of the input synchronous storage.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the input synchronous storage.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a rack master type input synchronous storage.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a conveyor type input synchronous storage.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a conveyor type input synchronous storage.

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a discharge synchronous storage.

FIG. 14 is an overall configuration diagram of a line control system.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the input processing of the host computer.

FIG. 16 is a first flowchart showing a transfer process of a host computer.

FIG. 17 is a second flowchart showing the transfer processing of the host computer.

FIG. 18 is a third flowchart showing the transfer processing of the host computer.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an ejection process of the host computer.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a request interruption process of the host computer.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a model-specific test pattern.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the progress of the input processing.

FIG. 23 is a first explanatory diagram showing the progress of the transfer processing.

FIG. 24 is a second explanatory diagram showing the progress of the transfer processing.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the progress of the discharging process.

FIG. 26 is an external perspective view showing a conventional test target device example.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a problem of a conventional test method.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 INS transmission device 20-1 to 20-3 Automatic test machine 21 Pallet 32 Target device side contact means 37 Self-propelled vehicle 40-1 to 40-3 Supply / discharge machine 43 Test machine side contact means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-84433 (JP, A) JP-A-1-135347 (JP, U) JP-B-47-23946 (JP, B1) (58) Survey Field (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G01M 19/00 G01M 15/00

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A pallet (21), on which a target device having a large number of connection terminals can be placed and transported, and a pallet (21) which is arranged at a predetermined location along a test line and has different predetermined items with respect to the target device. A plurality of automatic test machines (20-1 to 20-5) for automatically performing a test; and one or more machines for sequentially transporting the target device placed on the pallet to a plurality of predetermined automatic test machines on a test line A self-propelled vehicle (37), and a supply / discharge machine (40-1 to 40) attached to each of the automatic testing machines and configured to supply / discharge a pallet on which the target device is mounted, between the self-propelled vehicle and the self-propelled vehicle.
-5), target device side contact means (32) provided on the pallet and connectable to each connection terminal of the target device, provided for each supply / discharge machine, and supplied from the self-propelled vehicle to the supply / discharge device. Tester side contact means (43) for detachably connecting to the target apparatus side contact means of the pallet mounted on the target apparatus and connecting the target apparatus and the automatic testing machine , wherein the target apparatus is mounted on the support (12). Less than the supported number
And the target device-side contact hands provided on the pallet including the same units (14-1 to 14-3).
Steps correspond to each of the predetermined number of units individually.
A test device-side contact hand provided for each of the supply / discharge devices , including a constant device-side contact portion (34-36);
The column is the target device of the contact means on the target device side of the pallet.
One test that detachably connects to one of the side contacts
Machine side contact part (44) and the test machine side contact part
To the target device side contact section.
An automatic test system , comprising: a switching moving unit (49) for causing the automatic test to move . 2. A target device is mounted according to a request from a testing machine.
Self-propelled vehicle on the pallet with the pallet
Control of transport, delivery of pallets between self-propelled vehicles and supply / discharge machines
A control device for performing control and the like is provided, and the control device is used for a model of the target device and a test of the model.
The correspondence between the execution order of the tester and the
When there is a request from the testing machine to carry in the untested device,
The test machine runs the target device of the model whose execution order is the first.
Cars are transported to the supply / discharge machine corresponding to the testing machine, and
Of the target device from the tester
When the next test machine is determined from the correspondence,
Transport the equipment to the next tester
Automatic test system of claim 1 wherein the the feature. 3. A test line, wherein the target device is placed on a pallet.
Input storage, and the input storage is configured such that the target device is palletized by a lifter.
Connection station to be loaded on the pallet
Multiple loading stations where temporarily placed target devices are placed
And connection station and loading station
Is provided along the traveling track of the self-propelled vehicle,
The target device brought into the station is
Moved to loading station along with let
2. The automatic test system according to claim 1, wherein: 4. A target device is mounted according to a request from a testing machine.
A self-propelled vehicle with a pallet that has been loaded
Control to transfer to the supply / discharge machine according to the machine, between the self-propelled vehicle and the supply / discharge machine
Control device for controlling the transfer of pallets of the pallet, and the control device is used for a model of the target device and a test of the model.
First correspondence relationship with test machine execution order and input stage
And the model of the target device placed in the station
And a second test is performed, and there is a request to carry in an untested device from a predetermined testing machine.
At this time, the target equipment of the model whose test machine is in the first execution order
The input station where the device is located
From the loading station,
Transported to the supply / discharge machine according to the machine, and unloading of the target device from the specified test machine upon completion of the test
When there is a request, the next testing machine
And the target device is transferred to the next tester
4. The automatic test system according to claim 3, wherein the test is carried out . 5. Ejecting the target device from a test line
It has a discharge storage, and the discharge storage is configured such that the target device is a lifter and a pallet.
Removal station to be unloaded from the pallet
Including multiple ejection stations where the device is temporarily located
In addition, the removal station and discharge station are in front
It is provided along the traveling track of the self-propelled
Object placed at discharge station with more pallets
Transfer the equipment to a removal station with a pallet by self-propelled vehicle
The automatic test system according to claim 3, wherein the automatic test system is moved .