초록 ▼

Work is performed on workpieces, e.g., coating circuit boards, of different types in random order in assembly line fashion on a rotary table of an apparatus under programmed control. The table is rotated stepwise to move successive sections thereof from a load-unload station at which the respective

Work is performed on workpieces, e.g., coating circuit boards, of different types in random order in assembly line fashion on a rotary table of an apparatus under programmed control. The table is rotated stepwise to move successive sections thereof from a load-unload station at which the respective workpieces are loaded and unloaded in random order, to a sensing station at which the type and orientation of the workpiece is sensed, next to a work station at which work is performed on the workpiece in dependence upon its type and orientation previously sensed at the sensing station, and in turn back to the load-unload station to complete a cycle. The workpiece is either changed in orientation on the table section for a repeat cycle to perform further work thereon or is replaced by another workpiece in random order.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for performing work on workpieces of different types in random order in assembly line fashion, the method comprising: rotating stepwise at intervals a rotary table comprising circumferentially spaced apart table sections to move each table section stepwise in cycles from a load-unload stati

A method for performing work on workpieces of different types in random order in assembly line fashion, the method comprising: rotating stepwise at intervals a rotary table comprising circumferentially spaced apart table sections to move each table section stepwise in cycles from a load-unload station to a sensing station, then to a work station and in turn back to the load-unload station; providing a plurality of at least two different types of carriers receivable in random order respectively on the table sections, each type carrier being distinctive for carrying an associated type of workpiece different from that of each of the other types of carriers, and being capable of holding the associated type workpiece in at least two different alternative orientations for performing work on respectively portions thereof in each orientation; providing an associated type workpiece on each carrier in a said orientation; and carrying out therewith the following steps: (1) loading in random order a carrier holding an associated type workpiece in a said orientation onto each table section, on stepwise movement of the respective table section to the load-unload station; (2) sensing the type and orientation of the workpiece, on stepwise movement of the respective table section to the sensing station; (3) performing work on said portions of the workpiece in the said orientation, on stepwise movement of the respective table section to the work station, the work being performed in dependence upon the type and orientation of the workpiece previously sensed at the sensing station; (4) changing the workpiece from the said orientation to another orientation on the associated carrier, or alternatively unloading such carrier and loading in random order another carrier holding an associated type workpiece in a said orientation, on stepwise movement of the respective table section to the load-unload station to complete a cycle; and (5) repeating said steps sufficiently to complete at least one further cycle.