Machine Summary of Multi-Mode Handler

The Multi-mode handler machine is designed to perform multiple functions of its counterpart of Autoveyor's NG Stocker, Loader, Unloader and Buffer Stocker. The Stocker is designed to allow stacking up of either PCB/Pallet/Slip and/or releasing of PCB/Pallet/Strip automatically from the assembly line. It has the capacity of a filled magazine at the bottom tier and an empty magazine at the top tier. It allows for auto-change over of magazines. The handler is designed to handle the magazine, NKAJ-0525N3 and NKAJ-0539R from NIKKO only.

The handler can operate in 5 modes namely: -



NG / REJECT MODE

The NG mode is used when extended SMEMA signal is provided by Upstream Machine.

In this mode, the NG PCBs will be stacked up in the magazine but the 'good' PCBs will be transferred to the downstream machine when there is a request.

LOADER MODE

The Loader mode is used in the case when the upstream line is down. The production at downstream can still continue by switching to the Loader mode.

In the loader mode, the handler functions as a loader. It will load PCB from the magazine to the downstream machine. All PC boards from the upstream machine will not be attended. However, the 'pusher out' cylinder will push out the PCB in the magazine when the downstream machine request for a PCB.

The machine will stop once the bottom tier magazine is empty and wait there for a new magazine to be manually placed on it. Change the magazine.

UNLOADER MODE

The Unloader mode is used in the case when the downstream line is down. The production at upstream can still carry on by switching to the Unloader mode.

In the unloader mode, the handler functions as an unloader. The 'pusher in' cylinder will push in the incoming PCBs. The machine will stop once the top tier magazine is full and wait for a new magazine to be placed on it. Change the magazine.

PASS THROUGH MODE

This mode is used only when no PCB is required to be buffered in the Stocker's magazine.

In this mode, only one PCB is allowed to stay in the magazine. The next PCB will not be transferred in until the PCB at the magazine is transferred out.

FIFO MODE

This mode is used when there is a need to buffer the PCB between the upstream and downstream production lines.

In this mode, PCBs from the upstream are allowed to stay in the magazine when the downstream production has no request.

When there is a downstream request, the magazine will be indexed until the slot where the earliest remaining board is and that board will be pushed out.

When the upstream production has a board, the magazine will be indexed to the slot just below the latest remaining board to receive the upstream board.

This mode is usually used when there is a time limit for the board in between processes.

LIFO MODE

This mode is used when there is a need to buffer the PCB between the upstream and downstream production lines.

In this mode, PCBs from the upstream are allowed to stay in the magazine when the downstream production has no request.

When there is a downstream request, the latest remaining board will be pushed out. Any upstream board will be pushed into the slot just below the latest remain board.

This mode is usually used when a quick cycle time is needed.