JP2010201518A - Workpiece support table and installation equipment using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a workpiece support table attitude-changeably supporting the workpiece and easily attaching/detaching the workpiece. <P>SOLUTION: The workpiece support table S includes: a base 1; a pair of arms 2 attachably/detachably mounted on the base 1; and attachments 4 rotatably mounted on the pair of arms 2 through rotation mechanisms 3, respectively. Each attachment 4 has a relief-shaped support surface 4a matching with a relief-like outer shape of the workpiece. When the attachment 4 is brought into contact with the workpiece, the support surface 4a follows and closely attaches the outer surface shape of the workpiece, thereby restricting relative movement of the workpiece with respect to the attachment 4. These attachments 4 rotate with respect to the arms 2, and hold a predetermined rotational direction position by the rotation mechanism 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a work support base used in a production line such as an engine assembly line in a state in which a work such as an engine block of an automobile is supported so that the posture can be changed, and an assembly facility using the work support base. .

  For example, an automobile engine production line includes an assembly line for assembling various parts such as a chain cover, an oil pan, and a head cover to an engine block. This type of assembly line usually conveys a transport pallet that supports a work (engine block) along the work area of various parts, and assembles predetermined parts in each work area. Since the assembly direction with respect to the workpiece differs depending on the type of component, it is necessary to support the workpiece in a posture that facilitates the assembly of the component in each work area from the viewpoint of workability and the like. Therefore, the conveyance pallet that supports the workpiece is required to have a function that can support the workpiece by changing the posture of the workpiece.

  For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a pallet that can support a workpiece (engine block Eg) so as to be movable in the vertical direction and rotatable about a rotation axis O in the horizontal direction. The pallet includes a main body 1, a support column 2 attached to the main body 1 so as to be slidable in a vertical direction, and a work holding unit 3 attached to the support column 2 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis O. The engine block Eg, which is a workpiece, is fastened with a bolt to the workpiece mounting bracket 34 of the workpiece holder 3 and is supported in a cantilever manner (see FIG. 2 and the like). The engine block Eg held by the work holding unit 3 can be moved to a desired position in the vertical direction by the lifter Lf, and can be rotated around the rotation axis O so as to have a desired posture suitable for work.

JP 2007-203385 A

  Since the pallet of Patent Literature 1 is configured to fasten and support a work (engine block Eg) to the work holding unit 3 with bolts, it takes time to attach and detach the work to and from the pallet, and there is room for improvement in terms of workability. There is.

  The subject of this invention is providing the workpiece support stand which can support a workpiece | work so that a posture change is possible, and can attach or detach a workpiece | work easily.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a work support that is suitable for both transport by a transport device and floor running.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembling facility that has good workability in assembling work and smooth cooperation with the preceding and following processes.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a work support base for supporting a work having an undulating outer surface, and a base, a pair of arms mounted on the base, and a pair of arms, respectively. An attachment having a support surface that is rotatably mounted and conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the workpiece, and sandwiching the outer surface of the workpiece with the support surface of the attachment that is attached to the pair of arms, the workpiece is placed on a horizontal surface on the base. The pair of arms are movably mounted on the base so that the attachment can move toward and away from the work, and the support surface of the attachment supports the outer surface of the work. The structure provided with the arm holding mechanism which hold | maintains an arm in the state clamped. In this specification, the “direction intersecting the horizontal plane” includes a direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane (in the vertical plane) and a direction inclined in the horizontal plane at an angle of less than 90 degrees (in the inclined plane).

  By clamping the outer surface of the workpiece with the support surface of the attachment that conforms to the undulating outer surface shape of the workpiece, the workpiece can be supported in a stable posture and can be attached and detached as compared to the support structure by bolt fastening etc. The time and effort required can be greatly reduced. Moreover, since the attachment is rotatably attached to the arm, the posture of the workpiece can be changed to a desired posture by rotating the workpiece together with the attachment. Furthermore, since the pair of arms are movably mounted on the base so that the attachment can move toward and away from the work, the work can be held and released easily by the attachment, and the arm holding mechanism Thus, the workpiece can be held stably and the workpiece can be stably supported.

  In the above configuration, the base may include a mounting table on which a transport pallet that supports a workpiece with a support member is mounted, and a lifting mechanism that drives the mounting table to move up and down. As a result, workpieces can be received from the previous process along with the transfer pallet, and the workpiece (assembly) can be transferred to the subsequent process along with the transfer pallet, making it easy to receive and transfer workpieces between processes. And it becomes possible to carry out smoothly. In addition, with the attachment held between the workpieces, the platform is lowered by the lifting mechanism, and the conveyance pallet placed on the platform is lowered together with the support member, so that the workpiece is supported by the conveyance pallet support member. Can be opened to make the workpiece rotatable.

  In the above configuration, each of the pair of arms can be detachably attached to the base. Thereby, it becomes possible to cope with workpieces having different outer surface shapes by exchanging the pair of arms together with the attachment without changing the base.

  In the above configuration, the base includes a mounting surface that is mounted on the floor, and a wheel that is movable between a protruding position that protrudes downward relative to the mounting surface and a retracted position that retreats upward. A wheel switching mechanism that switches and holds the wheel between the protruding position and the retracted position can be provided. In the present specification, the “floor portion” includes a floor surface, a transfer device installed on the floor surface, and the like. By using a wheel switching mechanism to switch and hold the wheel between the protruding position and the retracted position, a usage mode in which the wheel is mounted on a transport device or the like, and a usage mode in which the floor surface or the like travels with the wheel, It can be used on the same work support.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention is an assembly facility for producing an assembly by assembling parts to a workpiece having a undulating outer surface, and transporting a transport pallet that supports the workpiece with a support member. Production through a plurality of work areas, a supply support device that transports the work pallet from the supply-side transport device, a main transport device that transports the work support table along a plurality of work areas, and a plurality of work areas. A discharge-side transfer device that transfers and discharges the transfer pallet that supports the assembled assembly from the work support base. The work support base includes a base, a pair of arms mounted on the base, and a pair of arms It is necessary to change the posture of the workpiece. In such a predetermined work area, while holding the outer surface of the work with the support surface of the attachment mounted on the pair of arms, the lifting mechanism lowers the transport pallet mounted on the mounting table together with the support member, Provided is a configuration in which support of a work by a support member is released, the work is rotated in a direction intersecting a horizontal plane together with an attachment, and the work is supported in a predetermined change posture. Here, the “working area” includes not only an area for assembling parts but also an area for performing necessary inspections and measurements.

  According to the above configuration, the workpiece can be easily attached to and detached from the workpiece support base, and the workpiece can be changed to a desired posture by rotating the workpiece in a predetermined work area. In addition, the work is transferred and supplied from the supply-side transfer device to the work support table together with the transfer pallet, and the work (assembly) is transferred and discharged from the work support table to the discharge-side transfer device together with the transfer pallet. Therefore, it is possible to easily and smoothly receive and transfer the workpiece between the preceding and following processes. And by these effects, the workability | operativity of an assembly | attachment operation | work is high and can provide the assembly | attachment installation with smooth cooperation with the front and back process.

  In the above configuration, a return part for returning the work support base from the transfer discharge position of the transfer pallet to the transfer supply position is provided, and a part station for storing parts is disposed in the return part, A component mounting portion for mounting a predetermined component to be assembled to the work selected from the components stored in the component station may be provided on the support base. When returning the work support along the return part, select a specific part to be assembled to the next work from the parts station arranged in the return part and mount it in advance on the part mounting part of the work support. By doing so, it is possible to shorten the part preparation time during the assembly work and to improve the work efficiency. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a component supply area in the work area, or even when a component supply area is provided, the area of the area can be reduced, so that space can be saved.

  In the above configuration, the base of the work support base moves between a mounting surface mounted on the floor, a protruding position protruding downward with respect to the mounting surface, and a retracted position retracted upward. And a wheel switching mechanism for switching the wheel between the protruding position and the retracted position and holding the wheel at the retracted position by the wheel switching mechanism during transport by the main transport device. The workpiece support base is placed on the main transfer device with the mounting surface of the base, and when returning at the return section, the wheel is held at the protruding position by the wheel switching mechanism, and the workpiece support base is driven by the wheel. You may make it possible. As a result, the work support base can be stably transported by the main transport device, and in the return part, the work support base can be used as a wheel traveling carriage, so it is necessary to provide a large transport facility in the return part. The entire equipment can be simplified.

  In the above configuration, the pair of arms of the work support base are detachably attached to the base, respectively, and the base is opposed to the pair of arms so that the outer surface of the work can be clamped by the support surface of the attachment. The first mounting portion that is mounted at the position and the second mounting portion that is mounted at a position where the pair of arms are arranged in parallel with each other can be provided. The pair of arms mounted on the second mounting portion can be used as a handle when the work support is driven by wheels. Thereby, workability | operativity at the time of a worker carrying out wheel driving | running | working of a workpiece support stand can be improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the workpiece | work support stand which can support a workpiece | work so that a posture change is possible, and can attach or detach a workpiece | work easily can be provided.

  Moreover, according to this invention, the workpiece support stand suitable for both conveyance by a conveying apparatus and floor surface travel can be provided.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an assembling facility that has good workability in assembling work and smooth cooperation with the preceding and following processes.

It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of the workpiece | work support stand S which concerns on embodiment. It is a front view of the workpiece support S. It is a side view of the work support S. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the peripheral part of the 1st mounting part of a base. It is a side view which expands and shows the peripheral part of a wheel and a wheel switching mechanism. It is II sectional drawing (a figure) and II-II sectional drawing (b figure) of FIG. It is a side view which expands and shows the peripheral part of a wheel. It is a top view which expands and shows a step lever peripheral part. It is a side view which expands and shows the action | operation mechanism which act | operates the stopper arrange | positioned at the upper part of a base to an up-down direction. It is the top view (a figure) which expands and shows the peripheral part of a guide roller, and sectional drawing (b figure). It is a front view which shows the aspect which changes the attitude | position of a workpiece | work using the workpiece | work support stand. It is a perspective view which shows the workpiece | work support stand S of the state which mounted | wore the 2nd mounting part with a pair of arm. It is a figure which shows notionally the whole structure of the assembly equipment which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which shows a trolley | bogie introduction part. It is a side view which shows a trolley | bogie introduction part.

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

  1-3 has shown the whole structure of the workpiece | work support stand S which concerns on this embodiment. The work support S is used when, for example, various parts such as a chain cover, an oil pan, and a head cover are assembled to an engine block (work W) of an automobile. The base 1 and the base 1 are detachable. The main components are a pair of arms 2 that are attached to each other and an attachment 4 that is rotatably attached to the pair of arms 2 via a rotation mechanism 3.

  The base 1 is mainly composed of a frame structure composed of a structural material such as a steel square bar, a steel pipe material, and a steel plate material, and a first mounting portion 1a for detachably mounting a pair of arms 2 to the frame structure. And the 2nd mounting part 1b, the mounting base 1c which mounts the conveyance pallet 5, the raising / lowering mechanism A (refer FIG. 2) which raises / lowers the mounting base 1c, and the wheel 1e and the wheel switching mechanism B were mainly arranged. Is.

  The transport pallet 5 has a configuration in which the workpiece W is supported from below by a plurality of support members 5b on the pallet 5a (see FIG. 2), and the transport pallet 5 is arranged in the X direction shown in FIG. In order to supply to the mounting table 1c and to discharge from the mounting table 1c, conveying means, for example, a roller conveyor 1g, are arranged in parallel at both ends in the X direction of the upper part of the frame structure, and conveying means, for example, above the mounting table 1c. Roller conveyors 1h are arranged in parallel. Further, a stopper 1i that can come into contact with the transport pallet 5 is disposed on the upper part of the frame structure (when the transport pallet 5 is discharged from the mounting table 1c, the stopper 1i is lowered by an operating mechanism C described later). Note that when the transport pallet 5 is supplied and discharged, the pair of arms 2 is detached from the first mounting portion 1a and mounted on the second mounting portion 1b (see FIG. 12).

  The outer surface of the workpiece W (engine block) has an undulating shape, and the attachment 4 has an undulating support surface 4a that matches the outer surface shape of the workpiece W. In other words, the support surface 4a of the attachment 4 has a shape obtained by transferring the outer surface shape of the workpiece W, and when the attachment 4 is brought into contact with the workpiece W, the support surface 4a closely follows the outer surface shape of the workpiece W, The relative movement of the workpiece W with respect to the attachment 4 is restricted. The attachment 4 can be rotated with respect to the arm 2 by the rotation mechanism 3 and can hold a predetermined rotational direction position. In this example, the left rotation mechanism 3 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided with a handle 3a used for rotating the attachment 4 and a holding portion 3b for holding the attachment 4 in a predetermined rotational direction position. The holding portion 3b is configured to hold the attachment 4 at a predetermined position in the rotation direction by engaging with a pin hole, a convex portion, or the like provided at a predetermined pitch in the rotation direction on the rotation movable portion of the rotation mechanism 3. The illustration and detailed description are omitted. The attachment 4 is preferably formed of an elastic material such as synthetic resin or hard rubber in order to prevent the workpiece W from being damaged. Each of the pair of arms 2 is provided with a handle 2a used when the arm 2 is attached / detached or swinged.

  When the workpiece W is supported by the attachment 4, the pair of arms 2 are each mounted on the first mounting portion 1 a. As shown in FIG. 2, each arm 2 is swingably mounted on the first mounting portion 1 a so that the attachment 4 can move toward and away from the workpiece W, and holds the workpiece W by the attachment 4. In some cases, the arm 2 is swung in a direction in which the attachment 4 approaches each other, and when the work W is held by the attachment 4, the arm 2 is swung in a direction in which the attachment 4 is separated from each other. The swing of the arm 2 is regulated by an arm holding mechanism D described later in a state where the outer surface of the workpiece W is sandwiched between the support surface 4a of the attachment 4.

  The lifting mechanism A includes an actuator, for example, an air cylinder A1 and a guide A2 for guiding the lifting movement of the mounting table 1c. By the raising operation of the air cylinder A1, the mounting table 1c rises to a position where the conveyance pallet 5 can be supplied / discharged (position shown in FIG. 2), and the work cylinder is sandwiched between the attachment 4 and the air cylinder. When A1 is lowered, the mounting table 1c is lowered together with the transport pallet 5, and the support of the workpiece W by the support member 5b is released, and the workpiece W and the support member 5b are rotated together with the rotation of the workpiece W. Interference is avoided.

  FIG. 4 shows an enlarged peripheral portion of the first mounting portion 1a. The first mounting portion 1a has a cylindrical shape (in this example, a rectangular tube shape) having an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of the arm 2, and is mounted on the base 1 so as to be swingable by a pivot 1a1. A positioning pin 1a2 is fixed inside the first mounting portion 1a. When the arm 2 is inserted into the first mounting portion 1a, the positioning pin 1a2 is a positioning hole provided in the lower end portion of the arm 2. By fitting to 2b, the arm 2 is positioned with respect to the first mounting portion 1a.

  An arm holding mechanism D that can hold the arm 2 in a state where the work W is held by the support surface 4a of the attachment 4 is provided on one side of the first mounting portion 1a. The arm holding mechanism D includes a movable member D1 slidably disposed on one side surface of the first mounting portion 1a, and a fixed side mounted on the base 1 and facing the one side surface of the first mounting portion 1a. It is comprised with the member, for example, roller D2 which can be idled. On one side surface of the movable member D1, an inclined surface D11 that is inclined downward is provided. In a state where the arm 2 is swung in a direction in which the attachment 4 is separated from the work W, the movable member D1 is on the upper part of the roller D2, but the arm 2 is swung in a direction in which the attachment 4 approaches the work W. In the process, when the lower end of the movable member D1 is removed from the outer peripheral surface of the roller D2, the movable member D1 slides downward under its own weight, and the inclined surface D11 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the roller D2. When the movable member D1 is pushed downward with the arm 2 being swung to a position where the support surface 4a of the attachment 4 is in close contact with the outer surface of the workpiece W, the inclined surface D11 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the roller D2. The first mounting portion 1a and the arm 2 are held in that position by the wedge action. Further, from this state, when the movable member D1 is pushed up and the inclined surface D11 is removed from the outer peripheral surface of the roller D2, the arm 2 can swing in a direction in which the attachment 4 is separated from the workpiece W.

  5 to 8 show the periphery of the wheel 1e and the wheel switching mechanism B in an enlarged manner. The base 1 includes a mounting surface 1k that is mounted on a transfer device or the like, and the wheel 1e is between a protruding position that protrudes downward with respect to the mounting surface 1k and a retracted position that retracts upward. It is arrange | positioned so that movement is possible. The wheel 1e is moved and held at the protruding position and the retracted position by the wheel switching mechanism B.

  The wheel switching mechanism B includes a pair of side plates B1 (see FIG. 1) whose one end is rotatably mounted on the base 1 with a pivot B11, and a footboard B2 that connects the other ends of the pair of side plates B1. And a wheel mounting plate B3 rotatably mounted on the inner surface of each side plate B1 by a pivot B31 {see FIG. 6 (b)} and rotatably mounted on the base 1 by a pivot B33, A lock claw B4 (see FIG. 7) rotatably mounted on the inner surface of the side plate B1 by a pivot B41 is configured as a main element. The wheel 1e on the left side in FIG. 5 is attached to a wheel attachment part B12 provided at one end of the side plate B1 {FIG. 6 (a)}, and the wheel 1e on the right side in the figure is a wheel provided on the wheel attachment plate B3. It is attached to the attachment part B32 {FIG. 6B}.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the foot plate B2 is stepped on and the pair of side plates B1 are rotated clockwise around the pivot B11 in FIG. From this state, when the foot plate B2 is raised and the pair of side plates B1 are turned counterclockwise around the pivot B11 in the same figure, the wheel 1e retreats upward with respect to the mounting surface 1k. Move to the retracted position.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the wheel 1 e is held at the protruding position by engaging the lock claw B <b> 4 with the structural material below the base 1. The locking claw B4 is pivotally attached to the pivot B41 at one upper end portion of the locking claw B4, and due to the weight of the locking claw B4, a clockwise rotational moment is always acting in the same figure, but in the same direction of the locking claw B4. Is regulated by the first stopper B42. Then, when the side plate B1 rotates clockwise around the pivot B11 and the wheel 1e moves to the protruding position, the lock claw B4 autonomously engages with the structural material of the base 1. Thereby, the counterclockwise rotation of the side plate B1 is restricted, and the wheel 1e is held at the protruding position.

  The engagement between the lock claw B4 and the structural member of the base 1 can be released by operating the foot lever B5 shown in FIGS. The foot lever B5 is pivotally attached to the foot plate B2 with a rotation pin portion B51, and is rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 8 with the rotation pin portion B51 as a rotation center. Further, the foot lever B5 includes an operation portion B52 operated by the operator with his / her foot, an engagement portion B53 which can be engaged with an engagement pin B43 provided on the lock claw B4, and a stopper which can be engaged with the foot plate B2. And a pin B54. When the operator steps on the operation part B52, the foot lever B5 rotates about the rotation pin part B51, the engagement part B53 engages with the engagement pin B43 of the lock claw B4, and the lock claw B4. Is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. Thereby, the engagement between the lock claw B4 and the structural material of the base 1 is released, the side plate B1 can be rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 5, and the holding of the wheel 1e at the protruding position is released.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, each of the pair of side plates B1 is connected to the upper portion of the base 1 by an elastic member, for example, a spring B6, and when the lock claw B4 is detached from the structural material of the base 1, The pair of side plates B1 are rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 5 by the elastic force of the spring B6. As a result, the wheel 1e rises and is held at the retracted position where it is retracted upward with respect to the placement surface 1k. The side plate B1 may be rotated only by the elastic force of the spring B6 or by the cooperation of the elastic force of the spring B6 and the lifting force of the foot plate B2 by the operator. It may be a thing.

  FIG. 9 shows an operation mechanism C that operates the stopper 1 i disposed on the upper portion of the base 1 in the vertical direction. The stopper 1i is connected to a slide member C1 that is slidable in the vertical direction, and appears and disappears from the upper portion of the base 1 as the slide member C1 slides. The slide member C1 is connected to the release pedal C3 via a link mechanism C2, and is connected to the base 1 via an elastic member, for example, a spring C4. When the operator depresses the release pedal C3, the slide member C1 is pulled by the link mechanism C2 and slides downward, so that the stopper 1i is immersed in the upper part of the base 1. On the other hand, when the operator releases the release pedal C3, the slide member C1 is pulled by the elastic force of the spring C4 and slides upward, whereby the stopper 1i protrudes from the upper portion of the base 1. Therefore, when the transport pallet 5 is supplied to the mounting table 1c, the transport pallet 5 can be positioned in the supply direction by bringing the transport pallet 5 into contact with the stopper 1i, and the transport pallet 5 can be positioned from the mounting table 1c. When discharging, the transport pallet 5 can be discharged by operating the release pedal C3 and immersing the stopper 1i into the upper part of the base 1.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a guide roller 1m that can move up and down is disposed in the lower part of the base 1. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 10, the guide roller 1m includes a shaft portion 1m2 that is slidably inserted in the guide member 1m1 in the vertical direction, and a roller 1m3 that is rotatably mounted on the lower end portion of the shaft portion 1m2. And a control piece 1m4 for controlling the vertical movement of the shaft portion 1m2 and the roller 1m3. The guide member 1m1 is fixed to the lower structural material of the base 1 (see also FIG. 1), and the control piece 1m4 is connected to the wheel mounting portion B12 {FIG. 6 (a)} of the side plate B1 via the connecting rod 1m5 and the wheel. It is connected to the wheel mounting portion B32 {FIG. 6 (b)} of the mounting plate B3. The front end 1m41 of the control piece 1m4 is bifurcated and is externally mounted on the shaft 1m2, and can be engaged with a control pin 1m21 provided on the shaft 1m2. Further, a guide pin 1m42 is erected on the proximal end portion of the distal end portion 1m41 of the control piece 1m4. In a state where the wheel 1e is held at the protruding position by the wheel switching mechanism B, the shaft portion 1m2 slides down the guide member 1m1 due to its own weight and the weight of the roller 1m3, and the control pin 1m21 contacts the tip portion 1m41 of the control piece 1m4. Stop at the point of contact. At this time, the roller 1m3 protrudes downward with respect to the mounting surface 1k of the base 1 (lower end position). On the other hand, when the wheel 1e is moved to the retracted position by the wheel switching mechanism B, the connecting rod 1m5 connected to the wheel mounting part B12 and the wheel mounting part B32 moves upward along with the retracting movement of the wheel 1e. Further, the control piece 1m4 connected to the connecting rod 1m5 moves upward. With the upward movement of the control piece 1m4, the control pin 1m21 of the shaft portion 1m2 is lifted upward by the tip portion 1m41 of the control piece 1m4, and the shaft portion 1m2 and the roller 1m3 move upward (upper end position). When the wheel 1e is held at the retracted position by the wheel switching mechanism B, the roller 1m3 of the guide roller 1m is retracted upward with respect to the mounting surface 1k of the base 1.

  The workpiece support S of this embodiment can support a workpiece W such as an engine block in a desired posture by rotating the workpiece W in a vertical plane. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, in the engine assembly line, in the work area where the chain cover W1 is assembled to the workpiece W (engine block), the workpiece W is placed with the side portion where the chain cover W1 is assembled facing upward. In the work area where the oil pan W2 is assembled to the workpiece W, the workpiece W is rotated so that the lower portion where the oil pan W2 is assembled is supported upward {Fig. 11 (a)} 11 (b)}, in the work area in which the head cover W3 is assembled to the work W, the work W can be rotated and the work W can be supported in a posture in which the upper part to which the head cover W3 is assembled is directed upward {FIG. 11 (c) )}.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the workpiece support S of this embodiment can be attached to the second mounting portion 1b by removing the pair of arms 2 from the first mounting portion 1a. By changing the pair of arms 2 from the first mounting portion 1a to the second mounting portion 1b, the transport pallet 5 can be supplied to and discharged from the mounting table 1c in the X direction shown in FIG. When the wheel 1e is held at the protruding position by the wheel switching mechanism B and the work support base S is used as a wheel traveling carriage, the pair of arms 2 attached to the second attachment portion 1b can be used as a handle. . Furthermore, by attaching a component container or the like to a predetermined portion of the base 1 and providing the component mounting portion 1n, it is possible to provide a function as a component supply cart.

  FIG. 13 conceptually shows the overall configuration of the assembling equipment using the workpiece support S described above. The assembling equipment of this embodiment is to produce an engine assembly by assembling various parts such as a chain cover, an oil pan, and a head cover on a work W, for example, an engine block. 21, the workpiece support S to which the transport pallet 5 is transferred and supplied from the supply-side transport device 21, and the workpiece support S that is transported along a plurality of work areas P (work areas P <b> 1 to P <b> 12 in this example). The transporting device 22, the transporting pallet 5 that supports the assembly produced through the work areas P <b> 1 to P <b> 12, the discharge-side transporting device 23 that transfers and discharges from the work support base S, the supply-side transporting device 21, and the main transporting The carriage introduction part 24 disposed between the apparatus 22, the carriage lead-out part 25 disposed between the main transfer apparatus 22 and the discharge-side transfer apparatus 23, and the work support S are guided to the carriage. It constituted a return fitting 26 for returning the parts 25 to the carriage inlet section 24 as main elements.

  The main transfer device 22 is composed of, for example, a floor conveyor, and transfers the workpiece support S on which the transfer pallet 5 is transferred along with the worker M along the work area P (P1 to P12). M is assembled with the workpiece W in each work area P1 to P12 while being transferred along with the workpiece support S by the main transfer device 22 (a part of the work areas P1 to P12 is required). It may be an inspection area for inspection or a measurement area for required measurements). Each work area P1 to P12 is provided with necessary equipment such as a work tool used for assembling parts and a display for displaying work contents. These fixtures are arranged at predetermined positions above and on the side of the main transfer device 22 and do not move when the main transfer device 22 is transferred.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the carriage introduction section 24 is fixed on the floor, and travels by a plurality of drive rollers 24 a arranged in the X direction of the figure and the wheels 1 e of the work support base S. A rail 24b and a guide groove 24c for guiding the guide roller 1m (roller 1m3) of the work support S are provided. In the workpiece support S, the wheel 1e is held at the protruding position and the guide roller 1m (roller 1m3) is held at the lower end position, that is, the wheel 1e and the guide roller 1m (roller 1m3) are In a state of projecting downward with respect to the mounting surface 1k, it is introduced into the carriage introducing portion 24 in the Y direction in the figure. The work support base S travels on the travel rail 24b with the wheels 1e, and the guide roller 1m (roller 1m3) is guided by the guide groove 24c, so that the work support base S is smoothly introduced into the carriage introduction section 24 in a correct posture. {See the right figure in FIG. 15}.

  After introducing the workpiece support S into the carriage introduction part 24, the operator operates the step lever B5 and the foot plate B2 to move the wheel 1e to the retracted position and simultaneously move the guide roller 1m to the upper end position. Then, the mounting surface 1k of the base 1 is mounted on the driving roller 24b. In this state, the transfer pallet 5 is transferred and supplied from the supply-side transfer device 21 to the mounting table 1c of the work support table S. In a state where the mounting surface 1k of the base 1 is mounted on the driving roller 24a, the height H1 of the mounting table 1c (the position of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 1h) is equal to the height H2 of the supply-side transport device 21 (the driving roller 21a). (The position of the outer peripheral surface) is equal (or almost equal). Therefore, by driving the driving roller 21a of the supply side conveyance device 21, only the conveyance pallet 5 is conveyed in the X direction in the figure, and no special transfer equipment is required, and the conveyance pallet 5 is removed from the supply side conveyance device 21. It can be smoothly transferred to the workpiece support S.

  After the transfer pallet 5 is transferred to the mounting table 1c of the work support table S, the arm 2 on the rear side in the transfer direction of the pair of arms 2 is mounted on the first mounting portion 1a of the base 1, and the attachment 4 is attached to the work piece. In close contact with the outer surface of W, relative movement in the X direction with respect to the mounting table 1c of the transport pallet 5 is restricted by the stopper 1i on the front side in the transport direction and the attachment 4 on the rear side in the transport direction.

  Thereafter, the workpiece support S is transported in the X direction by the drive rotation of the drive roller 24 a of the carriage introduction unit 24, and is transferred to the floor surface 22 a of the main transport device 22 on the mounting surface 1 k of the base 1. The height H3 of the carriage introducing portion 24 (the position of the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller 24a) is equal to (or substantially equal to) the height H4 of the floor surface 22a of the main transport device 22, and the workpiece support base is driven by the drive rotation of the drive roller 24a. The workpiece support S can be smoothly transferred from the carriage introduction unit 24 to the main transfer device 22 without the need for special transfer equipment simply by transferring S in the X direction in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the workpiece support S transferred to the main transfer device 22 is transferred in the X direction together with the worker M, and is sequentially sent to the work areas P1 to P12. The worker M attaches the arm 2 on the front side in the transport direction to the first mounting portion 1a of the base 1 at a predetermined position, and holds the outer surface of the workpiece W with the attachment 4 of the pair of arms 2. At the same time, the lifting mechanism A is operated to lower the transport pallet 5 together with the support member 5b. Then, the worker M rotates the workpiece W in a manner as shown in FIG. 11 in a predetermined work area P where the posture of the workpiece W needs to be changed, and changes the posture of the workpiece W to a desired posture. Assembling is performed.

  The workpiece support base S that has passed through each of the work areas P1 to P12 is in a state of supporting an assembly in which various parts are assembled to the workpiece W, and is transferred to the carriage deriving unit 25 in this state. The configuration of the cart derivation unit 25, the transfer mode of the work support base S from the main transfer device 22 to the cart derivation unit 25, and the transfer mode of the transport pallet 5 from the cart derivation unit 25 to the discharge side transport device 23 are as follows: Since it is the same as the cart introduction part 24 (the transfer mode is the reverse operation of the cart introduction part 24), the description is omitted.

  In the cart derivation unit 25, the operator operates the lifting mechanism A of the work support base S to raise the transport pallet 5 together with the support member 5 b, and support the assembly by the support member 5 b of the transport pallet 5. At the same time, the pair of arms 2 is replaced from the first mounting portion 1a to the second mounting portion 1b (see FIG. 12). Then, after the transfer pallet 5 supporting the assembly is transferred to the discharge-side transfer device 23, the stepping plate B2 of the work support base S is stepped on, and the wheel 1e is moved to the protruding position and placed on the travel rail. Then, the guide roller 1m (roller 1m3) is moved to the lower end position so as to enter the guide groove, and the pair of arms 2 mounted on the second mounting portion 1b of the base 1 are used as handles to operate the work support S. The wheel travels and sends it to the return unit 26.

  The return portion 26 is configured by laying a traveling rail 26a on which the wheel 1e of the work support base S travels and a guide groove 26b for guiding the guide roller 1m (roller 1m3) of the work support base S in a predetermined direction on the floor surface. A part station 26c for storing parts (engine parts) is provided on one side or both sides thereof. Further, an upstream portion of the return portion 26 is provided with a reversing portion T for reversing the front-rear position of the work support base S in the returning direction. The operator causes the work support base S derived from the cart deriving section 25 to run on wheels using the pair of arms 2 mounted on the second mounting section 1b of the base 1 as handles and introduces them into the reversing section T. After the front and rear positions are reversed by the reversing unit T, the workpiece support S is continuously run on wheels. Then, when the workpiece support S is caused to travel on the wheel and passes through the parts station 26c, a predetermined part to be assembled to the workpiece W is selected from the parts stored in the parts station 26c, and the base of the workpiece support S is selected. It is mounted on the component mounting portion 1n provided on the table 1 (see FIG. 12), and in this way, the work support base S on which a predetermined component is mounted on the component mounting portion 1n is again introduced into the cart introduction unit 24.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Base 1a 1st mounting part 1b 2nd mounting part 1c Mounting base 1k Mounting surface 1n Parts mounting part 1e Wheel 2 Arm 3 Rotating mechanism 4 Attachment 4a Support surface 5 Transport pallet 5b Support member 21 Supply side transport device 22 Main transport Device 23 Discharge side transport device 24 Carriage introduction unit 25 Carriage derivation unit 26 Returning unit 26c Parts station A Lifting mechanism B Wheel switching mechanism D Arm holding mechanism P Action pit M Worker

Claims (8)

A workpiece support for supporting a workpiece having an undulating outer surface,
A base, a pair of arms mounted on the base, and an attachment having a support surface that is rotatably mounted on the pair of arms and conforms to the outer surface shape of the workpiece,
By sandwiching the outer surface of the workpiece with the support surface of the attachment attached to the pair of arms, the workpiece is supported rotatably in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane on the base,
Each of the pair of arms is movably attached to the base so that the attachment can move toward and away from the workpiece, and the outer surface of the workpiece is sandwiched between the support surfaces of the attachment. A work support base comprising an arm holding mechanism for holding the arm.   The workpiece support according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a mounting table on which a conveyance pallet that supports the workpiece with a support member is mounted, and a lifting mechanism that drives the mounting table to move up and down. Stand.   The work support base according to claim 1, wherein the pair of arms are detachably attached to the base.   The base includes a mounting surface mounted on a floor, a wheel movable between a protruding position protruding downward with respect to the mounting surface and a retracted position retracted upward, The work support base according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a wheel switching mechanism that switches and holds a wheel between the protruding position and the retracted position. An assembly facility for producing an assembly by assembling parts to a workpiece having a rough outer surface,
A supply-side transport device that transports a transport pallet that supports the workpiece with a support member, a work support base to which the transport pallet is transferred from the supply-side transport device, and the work support base along a plurality of work areas. A main transport device that transports the transport pallet, and a discharge-side transport device that transports and discharges the transport pallet that supports the assembly produced through the plurality of work areas from the work support base,
The work support base includes a base, a pair of arms attached to the base, an attachment having a support surface that is rotatably attached to the pair of arms and conforms to the outer surface shape of the work, Supporting the attachment mounted on the pair of arms in a predetermined work area that includes a mounting table on which the transfer pallet is mounted, and a lifting mechanism that drives the mounting table to move up and down. And sandwiching the outer surface of the workpiece with a surface, the lifting mechanism lowers the transport pallet placed on the mounting table together with the support member, and releases the support of the workpiece by the support member, An assembly facility, wherein the work is rotated in a direction intersecting a horizontal plane together with the attachment to support the work in a predetermined change posture.   A return section for returning the work support base from the transfer discharge position of the transport pallet to the transfer supply position is provided, and a parts station for storing parts is disposed in the return section. The assembly facility according to claim 6, wherein a component mounting portion for mounting a predetermined component selected from the components stored in the component station is provided on the work support base. The base of the work support base is movable between a placement surface placed on the floor, a projecting position protruding downward with respect to the placement surface, and a retracted position retracted upward A wheel and a wheel switching mechanism that switches the wheel to the protruding position and the retracted position and holds the wheel,
During transfer by the main transfer device, the wheels are held at the retracted position by the wheel switching mechanism, and the work support is placed on the main transfer device on the mounting surface of the base. The group according to claim 6, wherein the wheel is held at the projecting position by the wheel switching mechanism and the work support can travel on the wheel when the return unit returns. With equipment. The pair of arms of the work support base are detachably attached to the base, respectively, and the base is configured to sandwich the outer surface of the work with the support surface of the attachment. A first mounting part that mounts the pair of arms on opposite positions, and a second mounting part that mounts the pair of arms on a side-by-side position, wherein the pair of arms are mounted on the second mounting part, The assembling facility according to claim 7, which serves as a handle when the work support is caused to travel by the wheels.

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