JP2008012649A - Work conveying pallet and work conveying device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a work conveying pallet and a work conveying device having a work gripping part capable of automatically changing a size according to a shape of the work, and capable of automatically coping with a model change of the work. <P>SOLUTION: This work conveying pallet 1 comprises a pallet body 11 contacting a pallet conveying path 51, work gripping parts 12 engaged with and held by the pallet body 11, and guide rails 13 arranged on both ends of the work gripping part 12 and smoothly guiding an opening/closing action of the work gripping part 12. The work gripping parts 12 are arranged symmetrically sideways to nip, grip and fix a work WK located at a center of the work conveying pallet 1 from the right and the left, and comprise a left work gripping part 12L arranged on the left side, and a right work gripping part 12R arranged on the right side. The work WK is located at the center of the work gripping part 12 in the opened condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a workpiece conveyance pallet that conveys various types of workpieces having different sizes in an assembly work process, and a workpiece conveyance device to which such a workpiece conveyance pallet is applied.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a workpiece transfer apparatus that processes a plurality of models having different shapes on the same pallet transfer path is known as a flexible processing apparatus.

  In such a workpiece transfer device, a dedicated workpiece transfer pallet is used for each workpiece according to the type of workpiece. Therefore, when there are a large number of workpiece types, many types of dedicated workpiece transfer pallets are prepared. There must be. In addition, in preparation for the case where the same type of workpiece is continuously processed, it is necessary to prepare a number of dedicated workpiece transport pallets for one type of workpiece.

  Therefore, when the types of workpieces increase, the storage space (work transport pallet pool) for the dedicated work transport pallet increases accordingly, and the entire flexible processing apparatus becomes larger, increasing the dedicated area. . In addition, since the dedicated workpiece transfer pallet is heavy, it takes a considerable amount of time to put in and out of the dedicated workpiece transfer pallet in the workpiece transfer pallet pool, and the processing efficiency (production efficiency) of the workpiece transfer device is greatly reduced. There is a problem.

  That is, the conventional flexible processing apparatus has a problem that when the number of types of workpieces to be processed increases, a dedicated area for storing the workpiece transfer pallet increases, equipment costs increase, and processing efficiency decreases.

  Moreover, in patent document 1, even if the kind of workpiece | work changes, it is not necessary to replace | exchange a heavy pallet main-body part by making the workpiece conveyance pallet into the two-piece structure of the subpallet which fixes a main body and a workpiece | work, A workpiece transfer pallet that only requires replacement of a lightweight and small sub-pallet is disclosed. According to this configuration, storing the sub-pallet takes less area than storing the workpiece transfer pallet, and thus has an advantage that the exclusive area does not increase so much without reducing the processing efficiency.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, the replacement part (sub-pallet) is made part of the work transport pallet to reduce labor and storage space, but a sub-pallet corresponding to the model is required. There is no change.

  For example, in the case of a work subject to the same processing as the processing process, the storage space by the sub-pallet cannot be ignored, as the models are subdivided and the shape changes greatly, such as liquid crystal modules and liquid crystal TVs as work It is.

  In the situation where the workpiece size is growing at a rapid rate year by year, the size of the workpiece transfer pallet is also increasing, and the system that applies the dedicated workpiece transfer pallet corresponding to each model is the storage space of the dedicated workpiece transfer pallet In fact, there is a big problem.

In addition, when a dedicated work transfer pallet or sub-pallet is applied, it takes time to switch between them, and there is a problem that production efficiency cannot be improved because excessive manpower and time are required.
JP-A-8-252783

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and by providing a workpiece gripper that can automatically change the size according to the shape of the workpiece, it is possible to automatically cope with a change in workpiece model. An object is to provide a work pallet that can be used.

  In addition, the present invention provides a workpiece transfer pallet having a workpiece gripper that can be automatically resized according to the shape of the workpiece, and a pallet transfer path that can be applied to such a workpiece transfer pallet, thereby changing the model of the workpiece. Another object of the present invention is to provide a workpiece transfer apparatus that can automatically cope with it.

  A workpiece transfer pallet according to the present invention is a workpiece transfer pallet that holds a mounted workpiece and is transferred by a pallet transfer path, and is configured to open and close, and is configured to hold and hold a workpiece by a closing operation. And a pallet main body part placed on the pallet conveyance path.

  With this configuration, since the workpiece is fixed and gripped by the closing operation of the workpiece gripping portion that opens and closes according to the outer shape of the workpiece, the workpiece can be gripped and transported in a stable state regardless of the size of the workpiece. This enables a workpiece transfer pallet that can automatically respond to workpiece model changes (size changes).

  Moreover, in the workpiece conveyance pallet according to the present invention, the opening / closing control unit performs the opening / closing operation via a power acquisition unit that engages with a power supply mechanism arranged corresponding to the workpiece mounting position of the pallet conveyance path. It is the structure which acquires the motive power of.

  With this configuration, the workpiece transfer pallet can acquire power from a power supply mechanism arranged corresponding to the workpiece mounting position, and it is not necessary to provide a power source in the workpiece transfer pallet itself. The configuration can be simplified, and a convenient and efficient workpiece transfer pallet is obtained.

  The workpiece transfer pallet according to the present invention further includes a power transmission stop mechanism unit that stops transmission of power from the power acquisition unit to the opening / closing control unit when the workpiece gripping unit fixes and positions the workpiece. It is characterized by that.

  With this configuration, the transmission of power to the open / close control unit can be reliably stopped in accordance with the fixing of the work, so that excessive pressure can be prevented from being applied to the work, the open / close control unit, and the power acquisition unit. . That is, it is possible to easily and surely prevent the workpiece from being damaged, improve the stability of the mechanism portion and prevent the damage, and to obtain a workpiece conveying pallet with high productivity.

  In the workpiece transfer pallet according to the present invention, the power transmission stop mechanism is a torque limiter.

  With this configuration, a power transmission stop mechanism with a simple configuration can be obtained, and a highly reliable workpiece transfer pallet can be obtained.

  Moreover, in the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns on this invention, the said workpiece holding part is provided with the workpiece contact surface which inclines and contacts with respect to a workpiece | work.

  With this configuration, the workpiece contact surface comes into contact with the workpiece in an inclined state, so that the workpiece can be appropriately moved and the workpiece can be positioned easily and smoothly.

  Moreover, in the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns on this invention, the said workpiece | work contact surface is comprised with the raw material with small friction, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  With this configuration, the workpiece can be slid and held, and the workpiece can be positioned more smoothly.

  In the workpiece conveyance pallet according to the present invention, the open / close control unit includes a fixed state maintaining unit that maintains a fixed state of the workpiece by the workpiece gripping unit.

  With this configuration, even when the supply of power is stopped, the workpiece gripping part does not loosen, so it is possible to easily and reliably maintain the workpiece fixed state by the workpiece gripping part, and to transport the workpiece stably. Can do.

  Moreover, in the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns on this invention, the workpiece | work mounting surface of the workpiece | work support pillar which supports the mounted workpiece | work is comprised with the raw material with small friction, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  With this configuration, since the workpiece can be moved easily and smoothly in a state where the workpiece is supported by the workpiece support column, it is possible to easily and smoothly align the workpiece.

  Moreover, the workpiece conveyance pallet according to the present invention is characterized by including a workpiece standing portion that raises the workpiece gripping portion in a direction intersecting the workpiece main body portion.

  With this configuration, the work can be raised and arranged at an appropriate position where the work on the work can be easily performed, and the workability with respect to the work can be improved.

  In addition, a workpiece transfer device according to the present invention includes a workpiece transfer pallet that grips a mounted workpiece, a pallet transfer path for mounting and transferring the workpiece transfer pallet, and a workpiece mounting position on the pallet transfer path. And a power supply mechanism that supplies power to the work transport pallet, and is configured to mount the work on the work transport pallet at the work mounting position, the work transport pallet according to the present invention. It is the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns.

  With this configuration, when a workpiece is placed on the workpiece conveyance pallet at the workpiece loading position on the pallet conveyance path, the workpiece can be gripped according to the outer shape by automatically opening and closing the workpiece gripping part. A workpiece transfer device capable of stably transferring a workpiece regardless of the shape.

  In the workpiece transfer device according to the present invention, a fixed state release block for releasing the fixed state of the workpiece by the workpiece gripping portion is provided corresponding to the workpiece lowering position of the pallet transfer path.

  With this configuration, since the fixed state of the workpiece maintained by the fixed state maintaining unit is released by the fixed state release block at the workpiece lowering position, the workpiece can be easily and reliably lowered at the workpiece lowering position on the pallet conveyance path. It becomes a possible workpiece transfer device.

  According to the workpiece transfer pallet and the workpiece transfer device according to the present invention, since the workpiece gripping portion that can be automatically resized according to the shape of the workpiece is provided, it is possible to automatically cope with a change in the workpiece model. Thus, there is an effect that it is not necessary to switch the workpiece conveyance pallet even when the workpiece type is changed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state of a workpiece conveyance pallet and a workpiece conveyance device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The left side of the figure shows the movement state (conveyance state) of the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 placed and conveyed on the pallet conveyance path 51, that is, the conveyance position (pallet conveyance position PPC, workpiece mounting position PPL, workpiece work position PPP, workpiece lowering). Note that the pallet transfer position PPC indicates inter-process transfer, and sequentially indicates the pallet transfer position PPCa, pallet transfer position PPCb, and pallet transfer position PPCc in accordance with the order in the pallet transfer path 51. The state of the workpiece gripping part 12 (see FIG. 2) of the workpiece transfer pallet 1 at each transfer position of the pallet transfer path 51 is shown.

  The workpiece conveyance pallet 1 that grips the workpiece WK and the pallet conveyance path 51 that conveys the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 constitute the main part of the workpiece conveyance device 50. In addition, the pallet conveyance path 51 is comprised by the conveyor etc., for example, and is set as the structure which mounts and conveys the workpiece conveyance pallet 1. As shown in FIG. That is, the pallet conveyance path 51 is moved in the arrow F direction, and the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 is conveyed according to this.

  The pallet transfer position PPCa indicates a range in which the workpiece transfer pallet 1 placed on the pallet transfer path 51 is transferred between processes toward the workpiece mounting position PPL. On the upstream side of the workpiece mounting position PPL, the workpiece gripper 12 is released from the fixed state and performs an opening operation so as to shift from the closed state to the opened state. Thereafter, the workpiece transfer pallet 1 with the workpiece gripping portion 12 in the open state is transferred to the workpiece mounting position PPL through the pallet transfer path 51.

  The workpiece loading position PPL indicates that the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 conveyed by the pallet conveyance path 51 is a position where the workpiece WK is loaded. The workpiece WK is mounted on the workpiece transfer pallet 1 at the workpiece mounting position PPL. Since the workpiece gripping portion 12 is in the open state, the workpiece WK having a shape within the opening / closing range can be reliably and easily mounted without being affected by the shape of the workpiece WK. Thereafter, the workpiece transfer pallet 1 on which the workpiece WK is mounted is transferred between processes toward the pallet transfer position PPCb.

  The pallet transfer position PPCb indicates a range in which the work transfer pallet 1 on which the work WK is mounted is transferred between processes toward the work position PPP. Within this range, the workpiece gripper 12 first performs a closing operation so as to shift from the open state to the closed state. The workpiece conveyance pallet 1 is closed by performing the closing operation of the workpiece gripping portion 12, and the mounted workpiece WK is fixed and fixed. Since the workpiece gripping portion 12 is in a fixed state, the workpiece WK can be reliably and stably conveyed. Thereafter, the work transport pallet 1 maintains a state in which the work WK is fixed (maintained in a fixed state), and is transported to the work position PPP through the pallet transport position PPCb. That is, the work transport pallet 1 transports the gripped work WK to the work position PPP in conjunction with the pallet transport path 51.

  The work position PPP indicates a position where work is performed on the workpiece WK conveyed by the workpiece conveyance pallet 1. Work is performed on the workpiece WK while the workpiece gripping unit 12 maintains the fixed state. Since the fixed state is maintained, the work on the workpiece WK can be performed with high accuracy. Thereafter, the workpiece transfer pallet 1 with the workpiece WK fixed is transferred between processes at the pallet transfer position PPCc.

  The pallet transfer position PPCc indicates a range in which the work transfer pallet 1 is transferred between processes by the pallet transfer path 51 toward the work lowering position PPU. On the upstream side of the work lowering position PPU, the work gripping portion 12 is released from the fixed state and performs an opening operation so as to shift from the closed state to the open state. Thereafter, the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 with the workpiece gripping portion 12 in the open state is conveyed to the workpiece lowering position PPU.

  The workpiece lowering position PPU indicates that the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 conveyed by the pallet conveyance path 51 is a position where the workpiece WK is lowered. The workpiece WK is lowered from the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 at the workpiece lowering position PPU. Since the workpiece gripping portion 12 is in the open state, the workpiece WK can be reliably and easily lowered.

  As described above, at the workpiece transfer position PPCa upstream of the workpiece mounting position PPL, the workpiece gripping portion 12 is released from the fixed state and is opened. The workpiece WK is mounted on the workpiece transfer pallet 1 (work gripping portion 12) at the workpiece mounting position PPL. After the work WK is mounted, the work gripping portion 12 is closed by the closing operation at the work transport position PPCb upstream of the work work position PPP, and the work WK is fixed, and the fixed state is maintained.

  Thereafter, a predetermined work for the work WK is performed at the work work position PPP. After the work on the workpiece WK is completed, the workpiece transfer pallet 1 is transferred to the workpiece transfer position PPCc upstream of the workpiece lowering position PPU. At the workpiece transfer position PPCc, the workpiece gripping portion 12 is released from the fixed state and is opened to enter the opened state. At the workpiece lowering position PPU, the workpiece WK is lowered from the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 (work gripping portion 12).

  Thereafter, the mounting of the workpiece WK, the work on the workpiece WK, and the lowering of the workpiece WK can be repeated as appropriate in accordance with the configuration of the conveyance process (pallet conveyance path 51, workpiece conveyance device 50). In other words, since the workpiece transport pallet 1 grips and fixes the workpiece WK having an arbitrary shape by opening and closing the workpiece gripping portion 12, it automatically responds to changes in the shape of the workpiece WK (model change of the workpiece WK). It becomes possible to respond. Therefore, the workpiece transfer pallet 1 and the workpiece transfer device 50 that can automatically cope with the model change of the workpiece WK can be obtained.

  The work WK includes, for example, a liquid crystal module. The external shape (work size) of the liquid crystal module changes according to the screen size of the finished product. As the work transfer device 50, a single work transfer pallet 1 can be applied regardless of the size of the work WK. It becomes. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a larger number of workpiece transfer pallets 1 than necessary, and it is possible to provide the workpiece transfer pallet 1 and the workpiece transfer apparatus 50 having high versatility.

  As described above, the workpiece transfer device 50 transfers the workpiece WK through the workpiece transfer pallet 1 and the pallet transfer path 51 and performs processing on the workpiece WK at the work position PPP to constitute a predetermined production process.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration when the work transport pallet according to the embodiment of the present invention is opened and a work is placed thereon.

  The workpiece conveyance pallet 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is placed on a pallet conveyance path 51 (see FIG. 1) that moves in the direction of arrow F, and is conveyed on the pallet conveyance path 51.

  The workpiece conveyance pallet 1 is disposed at both ends of the pallet main body 11 that is in contact with the pallet conveyance path 51, the workpiece gripping portion 12 that is engaged and held by the pallet main body 11, and the workpiece gripping portion 12. The guide rail 13 is provided so that the opening / closing operation of 12 can be smoothly performed.

  The pallet main body 11 has a predetermined strength so that the workpiece WK can be gripped, fixed, and conveyed, and is formed in a frame shape that abuts the pallet conveyance path 51. By making it into a frame shape, it is possible to reduce the weight while ensuring the strength. The pallet main body 11 is a basic structure of the work transport pallet 1 and is configured to engage and hold the work gripping part 12 inside a frame shape, for example. In addition, the shape of the pallet main-body part 11 is not restricted to this.

  The workpiece gripping portion 12 is configured to grip and fix the workpiece WK placed and placed in the central portion of the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 from the left and right of the drawing (upstream and downstream directions with respect to the arrow F). The left work gripping part 12L is arranged symmetrically on the left and right, and the right work gripping part 12R is arranged on the right side (hereinafter, the left work gripping part 12L and the right work gripping part 12R in particular). If it is not necessary to distinguish between them, the workpiece gripping portion 12 is simply used.) The workpiece WK is placed at the center of the workpiece gripping portion 12 in the open state.

  The workpiece gripping portion 12 is closed by moving in synchronization with each other in the directions of the arrows FLc and FRc to fix and grip the workpiece WK, and moves in synchronization with each other in the directions of the arrows FLw and FRw. Thus, the workpiece WK can be placed or lowered by the opening operation. That is, the work WK is fixed and held by the opening / closing operation. The workpiece gripping unit 12 can grip the workpiece WK corresponding to the size within the range of the opening / closing operation.

  On the inner side of the workpiece gripping portion 12 (surface corresponding to the workpiece WK), gripping grooves 12g having shapes facing each other are formed. Since the workpiece WK is inserted into the gripping groove 12g when the workpiece WK is gripped by the closing operation of the workpiece gripping portion 12, the workpiece gripping portion 12 can securely and firmly grip the workpiece WK. In addition, the gripping groove 12g (work gripping portion 12) includes a work contact surface 12s that contacts the work WK with an inclination. Since the workpiece contact surface 12s is an inclined surface, the workpiece WK is appropriately moved in the direction of the arrow FW in which the interval between the opposing inclined surfaces is increased, and the workpiece WK is locked by the workpiece receiving end 14t of the workpiece receiving portion 14. Thus, the workpiece WK can be gripped and fixed in a state of being aligned with higher accuracy.

  In addition, since the workpiece contact surface 12s is made of a material with low friction so that the workpiece WK can be easily moved, the workpiece WK can be slid and gripped. Positioning with respect to the surface 12s and the workpiece receiving end 14t can be performed easily and smoothly. Note that a fluorine-based resin can be applied as a material with low friction.

  Since the workpiece WK is moved and gripped, the accuracy in placing the workpiece WK can be lowered, and the work efficiency when placing the workpiece WK on the workpiece transport pallet 1 can be improved. Is possible. That is, when the workpiece WK is placed on the workpiece conveyance pallet 1, high-precision alignment is not necessary, and it is sufficient to roughly align the workpiece WK with the workpiece receiving portion 14.

  A plurality of workpiece support columns 16 that support the workpiece WK on the same plane as the workpiece receiving portion 14 are arranged at positions corresponding to the workpiece WK. Since the work support column 16 is fixedly disposed on the pallet main body 11 via the support member 16s (see FIG. 7), the work WK can be reliably and stably supported. In addition, since the workpiece placement surface 16w of the workpiece support column 16 is made of a material with low friction, the workpiece WK can be slid and moved, and the workpiece WK can be positioned easily and smoothly. be able to. In addition, as a raw material with small friction, it is possible to apply a fluorine-type resin as above-mentioned.

  The guide rail 13 is configured to guide both ends of the workpiece gripping portion 12 so that the opening / closing operation of the workpiece gripping portion 12 can be smoothly performed, and extends in the opening / closing direction at both ends of the workpiece gripping portion 12. That is, the guide rail 13 includes a lower guide rail 13D disposed on the workpiece receiving portion 14 side and an upper guide rail 13U disposed on the opposite side of the workpiece receiving portion 14 (hereinafter referred to as a lower guide rail). If the rail 13D and the upper guide rail 13U do not need to be particularly distinguished, they are simply referred to as guide rails 13).

  Since the workpiece gripping portion 12 is reliably guided at both ends by the lower guide rail 13D and the upper guide rail 13U, a stable opening / closing operation can be performed. Note that the lower guide rail 13D and the upper guide rail 13U are coupled to each other by the subframe 15 so that the workpiece gripping portion 12 can be guided reliably and accurately.

  The subframe 15 has a structure that is pivotally supported by the pallet main body 11 via a rotating shaft 15ra. With this configuration, the workpiece WK can be erected in a direction intersecting the pallet main body 11 (see FIG. 8).

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an opening / closing control unit that performs an opening / closing operation of the workpiece transfer pallet according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view showing the workpiece gripping portion in FIG. 3 in an enlarged manner.

  The basic configuration is the same as in FIG. 2, and illustration and description are omitted as appropriate.

  The opening / closing control unit 20 that controls the opening / closing operation of the work gripping unit 12 includes an opening / closing driving gear 20g configured as a spur gear, a rack-like lower movable linear gear 20d arranged symmetrically above and below the opening / closing driving gear 20g, The upper movable linear gear 20u is used. Further, the lower movable linear gear 20d is fixed to the left workpiece gripping portion 12L, and the upper movable linear gear 20u is fixed to the right workpiece gripping portion 12R.

  With this configuration, the rotational power of the opening / closing drive gear 20g is converted into a linear motion (opening / closing operation of the workpiece gripping portion 12), and the left workpiece gripping portion 12L and the right workpiece gripping portion 12R arranged on the left and right are symmetrically synchronized. Can be opened and closed. That is, when the open / close drive gear 20g rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the arrow ROT direction, the workpiece gripping portion 12 moves in the arrow FLc and FRc directions to close, and rotates clockwise. The workpiece gripping part 12 moves in the directions of the arrows FLw and FRw and opens. Therefore, the opening / closing operation can be controlled easily and efficiently with a simple structure.

  Further, the opening / closing control unit 20 includes a power supply mechanism 30 (see FIG. 7) disposed corresponding to the workpiece mounting position PPL of the pallet conveyance path 51. The power supply mechanism 30 includes an upper fixed linear gear 30u and a lower fixed linear gear. The power for the opening / closing operation of the workpiece gripper 12 is acquired through the power acquisition unit 32 engaged with the power acquisition unit 32. That is, the opening / closing drive gear 20g is configured to rotate coaxially with the power acquisition unit 32. In addition, it is preferable from a viewpoint of the simplification of a mechanism to comprise the power supply mechanism 30 and the power acquisition part 32 with the gear which meshes | engages mutually.

  As described above, the work transport pallet 1 can acquire power from the power supply mechanism 30 arranged corresponding to the work mounting position PPL, and it is not necessary to provide a power source in the work transport pallet 1 itself. The configuration of the workpiece transfer pallet 1 can be simplified, and a highly convenient workpiece transfer pallet can be obtained.

  The workpiece gripping portion 12 rotates along the lower guide rail 13D and the lower guide roller 12gd and the upper guide rail 13U that smoothly moves (opens and closes) the workpiece gripping portion 12 by rotating along the lower guide rail 13D. Is provided with an upper guide roller 12 gu that smoothly moves (opens and closes) the workpiece gripping portion 12.

  When the workpiece gripping portion 12 clamps and fixes the workpiece WK by the closing operation and enters the state of gripping the workpiece WK (fixed state), the workpiece gripping portion 12 stops the closing operation. In this state, if power is directly transmitted from the power acquisition unit 32 to the opening / closing drive gear 20g, excessive pressure is applied to the workpiece WK, which may damage the workpiece WK. This also causes a failure of the mechanism unit configured by the unit 32.

  In order to avoid such an inconvenience, the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 is controlled to open / close from the power acquisition unit 32 when the workpiece gripping unit 12 fixes and positions the workpiece WK and a pressure higher than a certain level is applied to the workpiece WK. A power transmission stop mechanism 34 for stopping transmission of power to the unit 20 (open / close drive gear 20g) is provided.

  With this configuration, the supply of power to the open / close drive gear 20g is stopped and the open / close drive gear 20g stops rotating in synchronization with the timing at which the work gripper 12 fixes and positions the work WK. Accordingly, the lower movable linear gear 20d and the upper movable linear gear 20u are stopped from opening and closing (closing operation) by rotating the power acquisition unit 32 while holding the outer shape of the work WK at a predetermined pressure. It is possible to prevent an overload (excessive pressure) from being applied to the control unit 20, the power acquisition unit 32, and the workpiece WK.

  The power transmission stop mechanism 34 is preferably composed of a torque limiter. By using the torque limiter, power transmission from the power acquisition unit 32 to the opening / closing control unit 20 can be reliably and easily prevented with a simple configuration.

  Further, the fixed state maintaining unit 22 is turned on in order to maintain the state in which the workpiece gripping unit 12 fixes and positions the workpiece WK. In order to turn on the fixed state maintaining unit 22, the fixed state release block 53 (see FIG. 6) provided along the pallet conveyance path 51 is terminated. By setting the fixed state maintaining unit 22 to the on state, the fixed state of the work gripping unit 12 is not loosened even when the supply of power is stopped. That is, it is possible to easily and reliably maintain the fixed state of the workpiece WK by the workpiece gripping portion 12, and the workpiece can be stably conveyed.

  The workpiece gripping portion 12 is engaged with the lower guide rail 13D via a gripping movable shaft 12ax (see FIG. 4). The work gripping portion 12 is configured to be rotatable about a gripping movable shaft 12ax as a rotation center. With this configuration, the workpiece gripping portion 12 is configured to rotate and pivot about the grip rotation shaft 12ax in synchronization with the standing of the subframe 15.

  FIG. 5 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the workpiece conveyance pallet according to the embodiment of the present invention seen from the power acquisition unit side.

  The basic configuration is the same as that shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, and illustration and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The pallet main body 11 of the work transport pallet 1 is mounted on the pallet transport path 51 and includes a base part 11 d serving as a mechanism member of the pallet main body 11. On the base part 11d, a work gripping part 12 for gripping the work WK and an upper floor part 11u including a subframe 15 are formed so as to overlap each other.

  The work support column 16 that supports the work WK is formed at an appropriate height on a support member 16s extended from the base part 11d, and supports the work WK together with the work gripping part 12. The power acquisition unit 32 is pivotally supported by the pallet main body 11.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the fixed state maintaining unit of the work transport pallet according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The basic configuration is the same as that shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, and illustration and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  As described above, the opening / closing control unit 20 (the opening / closing drive gear 20g, the lower movable linear gear 20d, and the upper movable linear gear 20u) includes the fixed state maintaining unit 22 that maintains the fixed state of the workpiece WK by the workpiece gripping unit 12. The fixed state maintaining unit 22 meshes with the spring receiving surface 22b serving as a reference position and the lower movable linear gear 20d to stop the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing control unit 20 (work gripping unit 12) and fix the work WK. The fixed engagement portion 22t that maintains the positioned state, the follower roller 22f that follows the pallet conveyance path 51 and the fixed state release block 53, and the fixed state release block 53 that is fixed and juxtaposed with the pallet conveyance path 51 are linked. A spring portion 22s for switching on and off in a fixed state.

  Since the pallet conveyance path 51 is conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow F, the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 placed on the pallet conveyance path 51 is also conveyed in the arrow F direction accordingly. For example, when the work transport pallet 1 is on the upstream side of the start point 53 s, the fixed state release block 53 does not exist, so the follower roller 22 f follows the pallet transport path 51. Accordingly, since the spring portion 22s exerts an extension force on the spring receiving surface 22b, the fixed gear portion 22t that is coaxially connected to the follower roller 22f is fitted to the lower movable linear gear 20d to move the lower portion. The linear gear 20d is fixed. That is, the fixed state maintaining unit 22 is in a state in which the on state is maintained.

  When the work transport pallet 1 passes through the starting point 53s of the fixed state release block 53 and reaches the block top 53t, the position of the follower roller 22f follows the block top 53t, and therefore the spring 22s with respect to the spring receiving surface 22b. Compress. Therefore, the fixed meshing portion 22t fixed coaxially with the follower roller 22f is separated from the lower movable linear gear 20d to make the lower movable linear gear 20d movable (free state). That is, the fixed state maintaining unit 22 is turned off. When the position of the tracking roller 22f is within the range of the block top 53t, the fixed state maintaining unit 22 is turned off, and the opening / closing control unit 20 can freely control the opening / closing operation of the workpiece gripping unit 12. .

  When the fixed state maintaining unit 22 is turned off, the workpiece holding unit 12 is in a state in which the fixed state is released, and the opening / closing control unit 20 may open the workpiece holding unit 12. It becomes possible. Therefore, the workpiece holding part 12 can be opened by placing the fixed state release block 53 in parallel with the pallet transport path 51 in correspondence with the workpiece mounting position PPL on which the workpiece WK is mounted and the workpiece lowering position PPU at which the workpiece WK is lowered. The work WK can be mounted and lowered.

  That is, it can be said that the position of the pallet conveyance path 51 in which the fixed state release block 53 is juxtaposed is also the fixed state release position. In addition, by setting the workpiece loading position PPL and workpiece lowering position PPU for loading and lowering the workpiece WK in the region of the fixed state release position, the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 for realizing the flow shown in FIG. It can be set as the workpiece conveyance apparatus 50 which conveys the workpiece conveyance pallet 1. FIG.

  When the work transport pallet 1 is further transported through the pallet transport path 51 and reaches the end point 53e, the fixed state maintaining unit 22 is turned on, and the fixed state of the mounted work WK is maintained while maintaining the fixed state again. It becomes.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the power supply mechanism for supplying power to the work conveyance pallet according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The basic configuration is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, and illustration and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the workpiece transfer device 50 includes a workpiece transfer pallet 1 that holds the workpiece WK, and a pallet transfer path 51 on which the workpiece transfer pallet 1 is placed and transferred. The pallet conveyance path 51 is moved in the direction of arrow F, and the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 placed on the pallet conveyance path 51 is conveyed according to this.

  The work conveying device 50 is further juxtaposed with the work mounting position PPL of the pallet conveying path 51 to supply power to the work conveying pallet 1 (power acquisition unit 32) (the power supplying mechanism 30 is an upper fixed linear gear). 30u and the lower fixed linear gear 30d), and the work WK can be mounted on the work transport pallet 1 at the work mounting position PPL.

  With this configuration, when the workpiece WK is placed on the workpiece conveyance pallet 1 at the workpiece loading position PPL of the pallet conveyance path 51, the workpiece WK can be gripped according to the outer shape by the automatic opening / closing operation of the workpiece gripping portion 12. Therefore, the workpiece transfer device 50 can stably transfer the workpiece WK regardless of the workpiece shape.

  The upper fixed linear gear 30u and the lower fixed linear gear 30d are formed with grooves that mesh with the gear of the power acquisition unit 32. Therefore, when the workpiece transfer pallet 1 reaches the upstream end of the workpiece mounting position PPL, the power acquisition unit 32 rotates counterclockwise in the figure by meshing with the upper fixed linear gear 30u (for convenience of explanation, FIG. 3). The workpiece gripping portion 12 starts an opening operation and is in an open state at the illustrated position. In this state, the workpiece WK can be placed as indicated by an arrow WF.

  Further, when the work transport pallet 1 is transported in the downstream direction, the power acquisition unit 32 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. The workpiece gripping portion 12 is opened when the workpiece conveying pallet 1 reaches the downstream end of the workpiece mounting position PPL. In this state, the workpiece WK can be maintained in a fixed state.

  Although the pallet conveyance path 51 has been described as being the workpiece mounting position PPL, the same can be applied to the case of the workpiece lowering position PPU. Further, at the workpiece mounting position PPL and the lowered position PPU, the fixed state releasing block 53 described in FIG. 6 is juxtaposed with the pallet transport path 51 to release the fixed state. It is also possible to mount and lower the workpiece WK at the same position, and it is possible to adopt an appropriate conveyance form according to the content and situation of the work process.

  Further, the work support column 16 is fixed to the pallet main body 11 via the support member 16s and is configured to support the work WK securely and firmly.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the workpiece gripping portion of the workpiece conveyance pallet according to the embodiment of the present invention is erected in a direction intersecting with the workpiece main body portion.

  The basic configuration is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, and illustration and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  Further, the pallet main body part 11 is provided with a work erecting part 18 for erecting the work gripping part 12 in a direction crossing the pallet main body part 11. Therefore, it is possible to stand the workpiece WK in the vertical direction intersecting the pallet main body 11 together with the workpiece gripping portion 12, the guide rail 13, and the subframe 15 (not shown) by using the workpiece standing portion 18. That is, the work WK can be disposed at an appropriate position where the work on the work WK can be easily performed, and the work efficiency on the work WK can be improved.

  The processes performed in the standing state include an appearance inspection and a display screen characteristic inspection.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the state of the workpiece conveyance pallet and workpiece conveyance apparatus which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows schematic structure when the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns on embodiment of this invention is made into an open state, and mounts a workpiece | work. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the opening / closing control part which performs the opening / closing operation | movement of the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the elements on larger scale which expand and show the work holding part in Drawing 3. It is a side view which shows the schematic structure which saw the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the power acquisition part side seeing through. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the fixed state maintenance part of the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the power supply mechanism which supplies motive power to the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the state which stood up the workpiece holding part of the workpiece conveyance pallet which concerns on embodiment of this invention in the direction which cross | intersects a workpiece | work main-body part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Work conveyance pallet 11 Pallet body part 11d Base part 11u Upper floor part 12, 12L, 12R Work holding part 12g Holding groove 12s Work contact surface 12ax Holding movable shaft 13 Guide rail 14 Work receiving part 14t Work receiving end 15 Subframe 16 Work support column 16w Work placement surface 16s Support member 18 Work standing part 20 Open / close control part 20g Open / close drive gear 20d Lower movable linear gear 20u Upper movable linear gear 22 Fixed state maintaining part 30 Power supply mechanism 30u Upper fixed linear gear 30d Lower fixed linear gear 32 Power acquisition unit 34 Power transmission stop mechanism unit 50 Work transfer device 51 Pallet transfer path 53 Fixed state release block FLc Close operation FRc Close operation FLw Open operation FRw Open operation PPC Pallet transfer position PPL Work load position PPP Work position PPU work lowering position WK work

Claims (11)

A workpiece transfer pallet that grips a placed workpiece and is transferred by a pallet transfer path,
A workpiece gripping portion configured to open and close and to fix and grip the workpiece by a closing motion;
An opening / closing control unit for controlling the opening / closing operation of the workpiece gripping unit;
And a pallet main body mounted on the pallet conveyance path.   The opening / closing control unit is configured to acquire power for the opening / closing operation via a power acquisition unit that engages with a power supply mechanism arranged corresponding to a workpiece mounting position of the pallet conveyance path. The workpiece conveyance pallet according to claim 1.   The power transmission stop mechanism unit that stops transmission of power from the power acquisition unit to the opening / closing control unit when the workpiece gripping unit fixes and positions the workpiece. 2. The work conveyance pallet according to 2.   The work transfer pallet according to claim 3, wherein the power transmission stop mechanism is a torque limiter.   The work conveyance pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the work gripping portion includes a work contact surface that is inclined to contact with the work.   The work conveyance pallet according to claim 5, wherein the work contact surface is made of a material having low friction.   The work opening / closing pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the opening / closing control unit includes a fixed state maintaining unit that maintains a fixed state of the work by the work gripping unit.   8. The workpiece transfer pallet according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece mounting surface of the workpiece supporting column that supports the mounted workpiece is made of a material with low friction. .   The work conveyance pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a work erecting part that erects the work gripping part in a direction intersecting the work main body. A workpiece transfer pallet that holds the mounted workpiece, a pallet transfer path for mounting and transferring the workpiece transfer pallet, and a power supply to the workpiece transfer pallet that are juxtaposed at the workpiece mounting position of the pallet transfer path A workpiece transfer device comprising a power supply mechanism and configured to mount a workpiece on the workpiece transfer pallet at the workpiece mounting position,
The workpiece transfer pallet is the workpiece transfer pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 9.   11. The workpiece transfer apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a fixed state release block that releases a fixed state of the workpiece by the workpiece gripping unit in correspondence with a workpiece lowering position of the pallet transfer path.

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