JP2000281209A - Transfer device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] In a transfer device for assembling parts while placing a work on a pallet and circulating along a transfer path forming a closed loop, the transfer is performed without modifying a pallet drive device. The length of the route can be changed arbitrarily. Transfer the A first conveyer C ₁ and a second conveyor for mutual conveying the pallet P are arranged parallel to the C _2, the pallet P from the first end of the conveyor C ₁ at the starting end of the second conveyer C ₂ The first traverser T ₁ and the pallet P from the end of the second conveyor C ₂ to the start of the first conveyor C ₁
The constituting the conveying path L from the second traverser T ₂ Metropolitan for transferring. The first and second conveyors C ₁ and C ₂ come into contact with the front of the last pallet P by driving the main drive roller 22 provided at the beginning thereof by contacting the side of the pallet P at the end in the traveling direction. A plurality of pallets P connected in a state are pressed and driven simultaneously.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transfer apparatus for assembling components while circulating a work on a pallet along a transfer path forming a closed loop.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A transfer apparatus for assembling parts while circulating a pallet on which a work is placed along a transfer path forming a closed loop is conventionally known (Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-575).
No. 55). The above-described conventional transfer device circulates a pallet-shaped cart on which a work can be placed on a rail set along a rectangular transfer path, and the endless chain circulated and driven along the rail by a driving source. The truck is moved by connecting / disconnecting the truck, or the truck is driven one pitch at a time by engaging / disengaging the truck with a rack which is reciprocally driven a predetermined distance along a rail by a drive source. It was like.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, when the length of the transport path is changed, the length of the endless chain or the length of the rack provided along the transport path is changed. There was a problem that it was necessary to change it, and the renovation work became large and required a lot of cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is directed to a transfer apparatus for mounting parts on a pallet and assembling parts while circulating the work along a transfer path forming a closed loop. It is an object of the present invention to be able to arbitrarily change the length of a transport path without modifying a driving device.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a pallet is circulated along a transport path which has a loading station and a discharging station and forms a closed loop. A first conveyor and a second conveyor for assembling parts on a work on the pallet, the first conveyor and the second conveyor being arranged in parallel with each other and conveying a plurality of pallets in contact with each other;
A first traverser for individually transferring pallets from the end of the first conveyor to the beginning of the second conveyor, and a second traverser for individually transferring pallets from the end of the second conveyor to the beginning of the first conveyor. And the transfer path is configured in the first and second traversers, and a loading station and a discharging station are disposed adjacent to each other on or near the first and second traversers, and the first and second conveyors are
There has been proposed a transport apparatus characterized in that a pallet is driven by bringing a friction roller, which is rotated by a drive source provided on a fixed side, into contact with the pallet.

According to the above configuration, the first conveyor, the first traverser, the second conveyor, and the second traverser are arranged in the same horizontal plane to form a closed-loop transport path for transporting the pallets. The two-conveyor drives the pallet by bringing the rotating friction roller into contact with the pallet, so that the first and second friction rollers are not modified without any modification.
The number of pallets can be increased or decreased only by changing the length of the second conveyor, and the change of the length of the transfer device becomes extremely easy. Moreover, it is possible to drive the pallet smoothly by preventing the generation of vibration and noise while having a simple and low-cost structure. Also, loading of work etc. to the pallet
Since the carry-in station and the carry-out station for carrying out are arranged on or adjacent to the first and second traversers, space and time for carrying the work and the like and assembling parts over most of the carrying path are provided. And the time and space required for returning an empty pallet can be minimized.

According to the second aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the constitution according to claim 1, a carry-in station for carrying in the work to the pallet and a carry-out station for carrying out the work from the pallet are arranged adjacent to each other on or near the first and second traversers. Is proposed.

According to the above construction, the loading / unloading stations for loading / unloading the work onto / from the pallet are arranged adjacent to each other on or near the first and second traversers. The space and time required for returning empty pallets can be minimized while maximizing the space and time for transporting the pallets and assembling the parts.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
In addition to the configuration according to claim 1, a loading station for loading the component tray onto the pallet and a loading station for transporting the component tray from the pallet are arranged adjacent to each other on or near the first and second traversers. Is proposed.

According to the above construction, the loading / unloading stations for loading / unloading the component trays to / from the pallet are the first and second stations.
Positioned adjacent to each other on or near the traverser, empty pallets can be stored while maximizing space and time to transport component trays and assemble components over most of the transport path. The useless space and time required for the return can be minimized.

According to the invention described in claim 4,
In addition to the configuration according to claim 1, the first and second traversers transfer the work at one end of the first and second conveyors to the other end of the first and second conveyors. A transport device characterized by comprising means is proposed.

According to the above construction, the work at the end of either one of the first and second conveyors is transferred to the start of the other one of the first and second conveyors by the transfer means provided on the traverser. This enables smooth transfer of pallets.

According to the invention described in claim 5,
In addition to the configuration according to claim 4, the transport surface of the transport means is the first,
There has been proposed a transfer device characterized in that it can be moved up and down relatively between a position higher and lower than the bottom surface of the pallet on the second conveyor relative to the bottom surface.

According to the above construction, the transport surface of the transport means is
The first and second conveyors are relatively moved up and down between a position higher and lower than the bottom surface of the pallet on the first and second conveyors.
Pallets can be smoothly transferred between the traverser and the first and second conveyors.

According to the invention described in claim 6,
In addition to the configuration of claim 4, there is proposed a transfer device comprising a cylinder for pushing a pallet from the end of the first and second traversers to the start of the first and second conveyors.

According to the above construction, the pallets are pushed out from the ends of the first and second traversers by the cylinder to the start ends of the first and second conveyors.
The pallet can be smoothly transferred to the second conveyor.

According to the invention described in claim 7,
In addition to the configuration according to claim 1, an air tank for accumulating air for driving the air tool is provided on the pallet,
A transfer device has been proposed, in which an air supply means for supplying air to an air tank is provided at at least one position on a transfer path.

According to the above configuration, the air tool can be driven by the air accumulated in the air tank provided on the pallet, so that the operation of the air hose is simplified as compared with the case where air is supplied from outside the pallet. In addition, the operability of the air tool is improved. In addition, since air can be supplied to the air tank while the pallet circulates in the transport path, air can be easily supplied to the air tank.

According to the invention described in claim 8,
In addition to the configuration of claim 1, a work space in which a worker can move is provided inside the transfer path forming the closed loop, and the work space enhances the accessibility of the worker to the pallet. An apparatus is proposed.

According to the above configuration, the worker can approach any pallet through the work space provided inside the transport path, so that the workability can be improved.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sub-line for assembling a door of an automobile, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 3 is 3- in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, and FIG.
5 is an enlarged view of FIG. 5, FIG. 6 is a view in the direction of arrow 6 in FIG. 5, and FIG.
FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the operation of the traverser.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer apparatus of this embodiment is applied to a sub-line provided on a side of a main line for assembling an automobile, and is used as a work detached from a body of the automobile flowing through the main line. while the left and right rear doors D _L, by circulating transport path on L closed in a state equipped with D _R on the pallet P, is for performing the assembly of parts by workers boarded onto the pallet P . The left and right rear doors D _L , D _R after completing the assembly of the parts are returned to the main line, and are reattached to the vehicle body.

The conveying path L of the conveying device includes a first conveyor C ₁ and a second conveyor C ₂ arranged in parallel with each other, and a first conveyor C ₁ extending from an end of the first conveyor C ₁ to a starting end of the second conveyor C ₂ . 1 traverser T ₁ and a second traverser T ₂ extending from the end of the second conveyor C ₂ to the start of the first conveyor C ₁ , and the first
It is formed in a rectangular shape having a long side along the transport direction of the second conveyors C ₁ and C ₂ and a short side along the transport direction of the first and second traversers T ₁ and T ₂ .

A work loading station S ₁ and a work unloading station S ₂ are arranged adjacent to the side of the first conveyor C ₁ . Doors D _L , D _R conveyed by a carriage (not shown) from the main line are temporarily stored in the work loading station S ₁ , from which a pair of left and right doors D _L , D _R is transferred by the transfer device B ₁ . Each pallet P of the transfer device
It is sequentially transferred to the top. Work loading station S ₁ in the pair of left and right doors D _L, the pallet P having received the D _R, the first traverser T ₁ from the first end of the conveyor C _1, second conveyor C _2, a second traverser T ₂ and the first Conveyor C
Door D that circulates over ₁ and completes assembly of parts during that time
_L, D _R is reaches the work unloading station S _2, are paid out from the pallet P by the transfer device B _2. These doors D _L and D _R are mounted on a bogie by a predetermined number and returned to the main line.

Next, the structure of the pallet P will be described with reference to FIGS.

The pallet P has a substrate 11 formed in a rectangular plate shape, and four wheels 12 are provided on the lower surface thereof. The first conveyor C ₁ and the second conveyor C ₂
Each is provided with a pair of rails 13, on which the four wheels 12 are guided. Also, two wheels 12, 1 on the left and right sides of the pallet P
A pair of guide rollers 14, 14 are provided in the vicinity of each of the rails 2, and these guide rollers 14, 14 roll along either side surface of one of the rails 13, so that the wheels 12 ... 13 is prevented from falling off.

On the upper surface of the pallet P, two door support jigs 15 and 16 are erected, and one door support jig 15 is provided.
With the left side of the door D _L is supported in a standing posture to the supporting arm 15 ₂ to lift with the cylinder 15 ₁ provided, provided on the other door support jig 16 to lift in the cylinder 16 _first support arm 16 ₂ the right side of the door D _R is supported in an upright posture. On one side of the pallet P, a tray support 1
7 is provided so as to protrude laterally, the door D _L, window glass assembled to D _R, inner panel, a multi-stage tray of parts 18 in advance set the small parts such as said tray support table mounted on the pallet P 17 can be mounted. Since the work of assembling the parts on the pallet P is performed using air tools such as an impact wrench, an air tank 19 for filling the air for driving the air tools and an air tank for supplying air to the air tank 19 are provided. A joint 20 for receiving supply is provided below the tray support 17.

Next, the structure of the first conveyor C ₁ and the second conveyor C ₂ will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. Since the first and second conveyors C ₁ and C ₂ are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the transfer device and have substantially the same structure, the structure of the first conveyor C ₁ is typically used. explain.

The first conveyor C ₁ is provided with a pair of left and right rails 13 for guiding the four wheels 12 of the pallet P. Both ends of these rails 13 are first and second traversers T _1. extends into the interior of T _2. The first starting end of the conveyor C ₁ pair of left and right carrying drive rollers 2
1, 21 and a pair of left and right main drive rollers 22,
With 22 is provided, the first terminal end of the conveyor C ₁ pair of brake rollers 23, 23 and a pair of left and right discharge drive roller 24 and 24 is provided. Each of the rollers 21, 21; 2 constituting the friction roller of the present invention
2, 22, 23, 23, 24, and 24 are made of an elastic material such as rubber, and motors 25 provided below the elastic members are provided.
, And abuts the left and right long sides of the pallet P to generate a driving force or a braking force. The rollers 21, 21; 22, 22, 23;
23; 24, 24 so abut against moving the pallet P ... a, first, not only the structure of the second drive system of the conveyor C _1, C ₂ is very simple, it minimizes the occurrence of vibration and noise And the pallets P can be driven smoothly.

A plurality of pallets P are placed on the first conveyor C _1.
Are arranged without gaps, and the main drive roller 2
2 and 22 drive one pallet P located at the start end of the first conveyor C ₁ continuously at a low speed, thereby pressing a plurality of pallets P on the first conveyor C ₁ from behind. Move at the same time. The brake rollers 23, 23
Among the plurality of pallets P moved by the main drive roller 22, by applying a braking force to one of the pallet P located at the first end of the conveyor C _1,
The pallet P is prevented from overrunning on the first traverser T _1. Out drive roller 24 and 24 is driven at a higher speed than the main drive roller 22, the first starting end of the traverser T ₁ to disconnect the one pallet P located in the first end of the conveyor C ₁ from the following pallet P It is driven when moving to. Loading drive roller 2
1, 21 is driven at a higher speed than the main drive roller 22, a single pallet P located in the second end of the traverser T ₁ is moved to the first starting end of the conveyor C _1, the first conveyor C ₁ It is driven when catching up with the uppermost pallet P.

[0032] Incidentally, in the second starting end of the conveyor C _2, equipped with door D _L, the actual tray loading station S ₃ for supplying the parts tray 18 that Tsu preparative components assembled to D _R is provided on the pallet P .

Next, the structure of the first traverser T ₁ and the second traverser T ₂ will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Since the first and second traversers T ₁ and T ₂ are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the transfer device and have substantially the same structure, the first and second traversers T ₁ and T ₂ are typically
The structure of ₁ will be described.

The first traverser T ₁ has three roller conveyors 26, 27, 28 capable of supporting the lower surface of the pallet P, and these roller conveyors 26, 27, 28 are provided.
They are arranged in series toward the first end side of the conveyor C ₁ at the starting end side C ₂ of the second conveyor C _2. Each roller conveyor 26, 27 and 28 are capable synchronism with elevating the cylinder 29 ... respectively, the height of the conveying surface at the raised position the lower surface of the first, second conveyer C _1, C ₂ on the pallet P And the height of the conveying surface at the lowered position is lower than the height of the lower surface of the pallet P on the _first and second conveyors C ₁ and C ₂ .

The rollers of the roller conveyors 26, 27 and 28 are free rollers having no driving source, and
The mobile is carried out by a rodless cylinder 30 disposed along one side of the first traverser T _1. The output member 31 that reciprocates along the rodless cylinder 30 is free to stand up and down, and the output member 31 that stands up is a pallet P
Of the output member 3 which is engaged with one short side of
1 retracts downward so as not to interfere with the pallet P.

From the first conveyor C ₁ to the first traverser T ₁
In order to stop the pallet P is moved to the beginning of, can contact two stoppers 32, 32 are provided in the traveling direction front side of the short side of the pallet P to the starting end of the first traverser T _1.
Also in order to stop the pallet P is moved to the end from the beginning of the first traverser T _1, the traveling direction front side of the contact possible two stoppers 33 and 33 to the long side of the pallet P to the first end of the traverser T ₁ is Provided. The first one side of traverser T _1, and two guide rollers 34, 34 for guiding the traveling direction right short side of the pallet P, is provided with one guide rail 35.

Further is provided with rodless cylinder 36 is provided between the first traverser T ₁ of the termination and the second starting end of the conveyor C _2, output member 37 that reciprocates along its rodless cylinder 36, It is possible to stand up and down between a position engaging with the lower surface of the pallet P and a position not interfering with the lower surface of the pallet P.

At the end of the first traverser T ₁ , an empty tray unloading station S _{4 for} discharging an empty component tray 18 from the pallet P is provided. Also in the empty tray unloading station S _4, it is connected to a joint 20 provided on the pallet P side air supply means 38 is provided for supplying air to.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described.

When the leading empty pallet P in the traveling direction of the plurality of pallets P moving at a low speed on the first conveyor C ₁ passes through the work loading station S ₁ , a door support jig for the empty pallet P is provided. 15, 16 pair of door transfer device B ₁ to D _L, to transfer the D _R. At this time, a plurality of pallets P... Are connected to each other in a state of being in close contact with each other on the first conveyor C ₁ , and a pallet P ₁ located at the end of the plurality of pallets P. the traveling direction behind the pallet P) located on _one of the starting end, the pallet P located in the second end of the traverser T ₂ is continuous.

The door D _L in the workpiece loading station S _1,
When D _R a transfer pallet P reaches the position of the unloading drive roller 24 and 24 rotating at a high speed, moves to the starting end to the first traverser T ₁ is disconnected from the following pallet P .... In this case, the first three roller conveyor 26, 27 and 28 traverser T ₁ is in the lowered position, and the pallet P roller conveyor 26 located between the first two rails 13, 13 of the conveyor C ₁ Do not interfere.
Incidentally, a new pallet P reaches the first conveyor C ₁ to workpiece loading station S ₁ is braked in contact with the brake roller 23, 23 for generating a braking force, the pallet P
There is suppressed to overrun the starting end of the first traverser T _1. In parallel with the operation of the first conveyor C ₁ described above, the second conveyer C ₂ in the traveling direction leading pallet P is disconnected from the subsequent pallet P ... of second traverser T ₂
Move to the beginning of.

The pallet P moved from the end of the first conveyor C ₁ to the start of the first traverser T ₁ is moved to the stopper 3.
2 and 32, the cylinders 29 extend and the three roller conveyors 26, 27 and 28 are raised synchronously, and the pallet P is lifted by the roller conveyor 26 on the start end side. Subsequently, when the output member 31 rises and engages with one long side of the pallet P, the pallet P pushed by the output member 31 driven by the rodless cylinder 30 moves on the roller conveyors 26, 27, 28. and, first traverser T ₁ of the stopper 33 at the end,
Stops upon contact with 33. At this time, roller conveyor 2
Since 6, 27, 28 are in the raised position, there is no possibility that the pallet P will interfere with the rails 13 of the first and second conveyors C ₁ , C ₂ .

When the pallet P reaches the end of the first traverser T ₁ , the cylinders 29 contract and the roller conveyor 2
6,27,28 descends, supported pallet P to the roller conveyor 28 and a second rail 13, 13 of the conveyor C ₂
Will be transferred above. In this way, when the first traverser T pallet P from the beginning to the end of the ₁ moves, which in parallel with a first traverser T pallet P from the beginning to the end of the ₂ moves in the same action.

As described above, the first and second traversers T ₁ ,
First by lifting the roller conveyor 26, 27 and 28 of T _2, since the pallet P ... passing between the second conveyor C _1, C _2, the pallet P ... first, second conveyer C ₁ , the pallet P ... the first and prevented from interfering with the C _2, a second conveyor C _1, C ₂ and the first, can be transferred smoothly between the second traverser T _1, T _2.
Incidentally, the roller conveyor 27 at the center does not necessarily have to be moved up and down, and may be fixed at the raised position.

An empty tray unloading station S ₄ is provided at the end of the first traverser T ₁ , and the empty component tray 18 supported on the tray support 17 of the pallet P is removed by the automatic discharge conveyor 39 to remove the empty tray. is discharged to the carry-out station S _4. At the same time, connected to the fitting 20 of the pallet P to the air supply means 38 provided in the empty tray unloading station S _4, it fills the air in the air tank 19.

As described above, the air tank 1 is placed on the pallet P.
9, it is possible to simplify the operation of the air hose as compared with the case where air is supplied from the outside of the pallet P, and it is possible to continuously use the same air tool even when the pallet P moves. Operability is improved because it is possible. In addition, since air can be supplied to the air tank 19 while the pallet P circulates in the transport path L, it is extremely easy to supply air to the air tank 19.

Subsequently, the pallets P at the end of the first traverser T ₁ are moved to the start end of the second conveyor C ₂ by the carry-in drive rollers 21 and 21, and a plurality of pallets P moving at a low speed on the second conveyor C ₂ . To the pallet P at the end of the traveling direction. At this time, when the rodless cylinder 36 operates and the output member 37 presses the pallet P, the operation of the carry-in drive rollers 21 and 21 is assisted. In parallel with this, the second pallet P at the end of the traverser T ₂ also carrying the drive rollers 21, 21 and the rodless cylinder 36 is moved on a first conveyor C _1, to move the first conveyor C ₁ at a low speed A plurality of pallets P are connected to the last pallet P in the traveling direction.

The component pallet P which has moved from the second end of the traverser T ₂ at the starting end of the second conveyer C ₂ is when it passes through the actual tray loading station S _3, the door D _L, was set parts to assemble the D _R The tray 18 is placed on the tray support 17 of the pallet P by the automatic supply conveyor 40.

[0049] In Thus, the operator boarded on the pallet P, said pallet P is from the first conveyor C ₁ to move to the work unloading station S ₂ of the second conveyor C ₂ through the second traverser T ₂ during, to complete the operation of assembling the components on the component tray 18 door D _L, the D _R. Meanwhile, air for operating an air tool such as an impact wrench is supplied from an air tank 19 provided on the pallet P. When the pallet P reaches the work unloading station S ₂ of the first conveyor C _1, completed door D _L of the assembly, to discharge D _R from the pallet P on the work unloading station S _2, and ends one cycle of the process.

As described above, the first conveyor C ₁ and the second conveyor C ₂ are driven by the main drive rollers 22, 22 to drive the last pallet P, so that a plurality of pallets P connected in front thereof are connected. ... can be driven collectively. Therefore, the first conveyor C ₁ and the second conveyor C ₁
If you need to extend the length of the conveyor C ₂ may be extended only that rails 13 ... the length of the main drive roller 22 and other rollers 21, 21; 2
3, 23; 24, 24 do not need to be changed, so that the length of the transport path L can be easily modified.

Since most of the closed transport path L in which the pallets P ... are circulated is used for assembling parts, there is almost no portion used only for returning empty pallets P ... and effective use of space can be achieved. Can be On the contrary,
Empty pallet return line door D _L returning the P, than the conventional one provided separately from the work line to convey the actual pallet P mounted with D _R, results in wasted space to provide a return line, also space In the case where a return line is provided inside a pit where a floor is dug in order to avoid waste, there is a problem in that the pit excavation becomes large and construction costs increase significantly. Thus, according to the transfer apparatus of the present embodiment, it is not only extremely easy to change the length of the transfer path L, but also to construct an assembly line with high workability with minimum space and minimum equipment cost. be able to.

[0052] Further, first, second conveyer C _1, C ₂ and the first, the second traverser T _1, T ₂ working space W ₀ on the inner side of the conveying path L enclosed in is provided (FIG. 1, see FIG. 2), the operator through the working space W ₀ is becomes possible to easily accessible to any of the pallet P ... on the conveying path L, the workability is further improved.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, various design changes can be made in the present invention without departing from the gist thereof.

For example, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of transfer devices are divided and arranged on both left and right sides of a work or component transfer path provided in the center, and the upper left transfer device is used for assembling a rear door. Is used for assembling the tailgate, the upper right is used for assembling the front door, and the lower right is used for assembling the hood. A work loading / unloading station and a component loading / unloading station are provided at the end of each transport device facing the transport path for workpieces and components provided at the center. By adopting this layout, not only can the central transport path be shared and more efficient use of space can be achieved, but also the length of the transport device can be increased or decreased as necessary, making it easy to change models. Can respond. If the loading and unloading stations indicated by oblique lines are constituted by lifters, and the loading and unloading of workpieces and components are performed via an overhead conveyor, the area of the transport path can be reduced.

Also, in the second embodiment, since the work spaces W _{1 to} W ₄ are provided inside the four transport paths L, the worker can arbitrarily select the pallets P through the work spaces W _{1 to} W ₄ . Can be easily approached to further improve workability.

Further, the present invention can be applied to an assembly line for an arbitrary work other than a door, a tailgate, and a hood of an automobile.

The work loading station S ₁ , the work unloading station S ₂ , and the component tray loading station S
Position of the ₃ and the tray of parts unloading station S ₄ is not limited to the embodiments, first, mutually may be arranged adjacent on or near the second traverser T _1, T _2.

In this embodiment, the three roller conveyors 26, 27 and 28 of the first and second traversers T ₁ and T ₂ are moved up and down to transfer the pallet P to the first and second conveyors C ₁ and C ₂ . On the contrary, the heights of the three roller conveyors 26, 27 and 28 are fixed, and the rails 13 of the _first and _second conveyors C ₁ and C ₂ intersecting with the three roller conveyors 26, 27 and 28 are reversed. , 13 can be moved up and down to transfer the pallet P to the first and second traversers T ₁ , T ₂ .

[0059]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closed loop for transporting a pallet by arranging the first conveyor, the first traverser, the second conveyor and the second traverser in the same horizontal plane. A transport route is configured,
Since the first and second conveyors drive the pallet by rotating the rotating friction roller against the pallet, the length of the first and second conveyors can be changed without any modification to the friction roller. The number of pallets can be increased or decreased, and it becomes very easy to change the length of the transfer device. Moreover, it is possible to drive the pallet smoothly by preventing the generation of vibration and noise while having a simple and low-cost structure. In addition, since a loading station and a loading station for loading / unloading a work or the like with respect to the pallet are arranged on or adjacent to the first and second traversers, the work and the like are transported over most of the transport path. It is possible to minimize the useless space and time required for returning an empty pallet while maximizing the space and time for assembling parts.

According to the second aspect of the present invention,
Since the loading / unloading stations for loading / unloading the work onto / from the pallet are arranged adjacent to each other on or near the first and second traversers, the work is transported through most of the transport path to assemble the components. The space and time required for returning an empty pallet can be minimized while securing the maximum space and time for the use.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
Since the loading / unloading stations for loading / unloading the component trays on / from the pallet are arranged adjacent to each other on or near the first and second traversers, the component trays are transported along most of the transport path to assemble the components. The space and time required for returning empty pallets can be minimized while securing the maximum space and time for performing.

According to the invention described in claim 4,
The transfer means provided on the traverser transfers the work at one end of the first and second conveyors to the other end of the first and second conveyors, thereby enabling smooth transfer of the pallets. can do.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention,
Since the transfer surface of the transfer means relatively moves up and down between a position higher and lower than the bottom surface of the pallets on the first and second conveyors, the transfer surface between the first and second traversers and the first and second conveyors Pallets can be transferred smoothly.

According to the invention described in claim 6,
From the end of the first and second traversers, first and second cylinders
The first and second pallets are pushed out to the start of the conveyor.
Pallets can be smoothly transferred from the traverser to the first and second conveyors.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention,
Since the air tool can be driven by the air stored in the air tank provided on the pallet, the operation of the air tool is simplified as compared to the case where air is supplied from outside the pallet. The properties are also improved. In addition, since air can be supplied to the air tank while the pallet circulates in the transport path, air can be easily supplied to the air tank.

According to the invention described in claim 8,
The worker can approach any pallet through a work space provided inside the transport path, which can contribute to improvement of workability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sub-line for assembling a door of an automobile.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view taken in the direction of arrows 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part 5 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view in the direction of arrows in FIG. 5;

7 is a view in the direction of arrows in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a traverser.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a rear door,
Diagram showing the combination of the four sub-lines that make up the tailgate, front door and hood hood

[Explanation of symbols]

C ₁ First conveyor C ₂ Second conveyor D _L door (work) D _R door (work) L Transport path P Pallet S ₁ Work loading station (loading station) S ₂ Work loading station unloading station S ₃ Actual tray loading station ( receiving station) S ₄ real tray unloading station (unloading station) T ₁ first traverser T ₂ second traverser W ₀ to _W-4 working space 18 parts tray 19 air tank 21 carrying drive rollers (friction roller) 22 main drive roller (friction Roller) 23 Brake roller (friction roller) 24 Unloading drive roller (friction roller) 25 Motor (drive source) 26 Roller conveyor (transportation means) 27 Roller conveyor (transportation means) 28 Roller conveyor (transportation means) 36 Cylinder 38 Air supply means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) (72) Inventor Keiichi Kubota 1-10-1 Shinsayama, Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Saitama Factory Inside the Sayama Plant (72) Inventor Koichi Ikeda 1-10-10 Shin-Sayama, Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Saitama Plant Sayama Plant (72) Inventor Hideo Murakami 1-1-10 Shin-Sayama, Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture No. 1 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Saitama Factory Sayama Plant

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A loading station (S)₁, S_Three)and
Unloading station (S_Two, S_Four) To form a closed loop
The pallet (P) is circulated along the formed transport path (L).
Work (D) on the pallet (P)_L, D_R)
A transfer device for assembling parts into a pallet, which is arranged in parallel with each other and contacts a plurality of pallets (P).
Conveyor (C₁) And the second con
Bear (C_Two) And the first conveyor (C₁) From the end of the second
Conveyor (C_TwoPallets (P) are individually transferred to the start of
First traverser (T₁) And the second conveyor (C_Two)
From the end of the first conveyor (C₁) Pallet at the beginning
(P) are individually transferred to the second traverser (T_Two) And
When the transport path (L) is configured by being arranged in a horizontal plane,
In both cases, the first and second traversers (T₁, T_TwoAbove)
Is a nearby loading station (S₁, S_Three) And unloading
Tation (S_Two, S_Four) Placed next to each other,
The first and second conveyors (C ₁, C_Two) On the fixed side
A friction roller rotated by a provided drive source (25)
(21-24) is brought into contact with the pallet (P)
Transport device for driving the pallet (P)
Place. 2. A workpiece pallet _{(P) (D L, D} R)
And it carries the input station (S _1), output station (S ₂₎ and the first of the pallet (P) carries out the work (D _L, D _R), a second traverser (T _1,
2. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the transport devices are arranged adjacent to each other on or near T2). 3. A loading station (S ₃ ) for loading a component tray (18) into the pallet (P), and a pallet (P).
And an unloading station (S ₄ ) for unloading a component tray from the first and second traversers (T ₁ , T ₂ ). The transport device according to claim 1. 4. The first and second traversers (T ₁ , T ₂ )
The first, second conveyor (C _1, C ₂₎ one end of the workpiece (D _L, D _R) of the first, second conveyor (C _1, C ₂₎ the other one of the The transport device according to claim 1, further comprising transport means (26, 27, 28) for transferring the original to the start end. 5. The transfer surface of the transfer means (26, 27, 28) is located between a position higher and lower than the bottom surface of the pallet (P) on the _first and second conveyors (C ₁ , C ₂ ). Is characterized by being capable of ascending and descending relative to the bottom surface,
The transfer device according to claim 4. 6. First, the first from the end of the second traverser (T _1, T _2), comprising a cylinder (36) to push the pallet (P) to the starting end of the second conveyor (C _1, C ₂₎ The transport device according to claim 4, wherein: 7. An air tank (19) for accumulating air for driving an air tool is provided on a pallet (P), and air supply means (38) for supplying air to the air tank (19) is provided on a transport path (L). The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer device is provided in at least one of the following. 8. A work space (W _{0 to} W ₄ ) in which a worker can move is provided inside a transfer path (L) forming a closed loop, and the work space (W _{0 to} W ₄ ) allows the worker to use a pallet. (P) is characterized by improved accessibility
The transport device according to claim 1.