JP5122675B2 - Conveying device and assembly device - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to achieve flexible application to an unstandardized step and to achieve improved productivity, in a transfer apparatus (1), work (W1) on a work table (6) of a transfer unit (2a) is transferred to a first position (P1) on a rotary index machine (4) of a transfer unit (2b) by means of a SCARA robot (3) of the transfer unit (2b), then, the work is processed at the first position (P1), and is transferred from the first position (P1) to the work table (6) of the transfer unit (2b).

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport device and an assembling apparatus used in an assembling process of a display device or the like provided in a portable device, for example.

  In recent years, for example, in an assembly process of a display device provided in a portable device such as a mobile phone, a portable game machine, a portable navigation system, and a digital camera, the assembly process is performed to ensure productivity (throughput) and quality stability. Process automation is actively progressing and being studied.

  FIG. 20 is a process diagram for explaining an example of a general assembly process of a liquid crystal display device provided in a portable device or the like.

  20A shows the liquid crystal display panel 100 provided in the display device, and FIG. 20B shows a process of attaching polarizing plates 101a and 101b to the upper and lower surfaces of the liquid crystal display panel 100. FIG. Show.

  20C shows a process of providing the driver IC 102 on the liquid crystal display panel 100. FIG. 20D shows an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) which is a wiring board on which electronic components (not shown) are mounted. The process of connecting 103 to the liquid crystal display panel 100 is shown.

  In each of the steps shown in FIGS. 20B, 20C, and 20D, although the shapes of the polarizing plates 101a and 101b and the FPC 103 are various, the order is determined and the operations are almost standardized. Therefore, the automation is relatively easy, and many automation facilities used for each of these assembly processes have been proposed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a driver IC is mounted around a display panel, a so-called TAB (Tape Automated Bonding) connection such as COF (Chip On Film) or FPC, and a printed circuit board (PCB) are mounted. A display panel module assembling apparatus is disclosed.

  The display panel module assembling apparatus enables each processing work apparatus to be connected with the minimum necessary width, shortens the overall length of the display panel module assembling apparatus, and has a wide range of sizes from small substrates to large substrates. It is described that the substrate can be processed with high accuracy and high speed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a glass substrate transport apparatus that is provided in a mounting apparatus that automatically mounts a TCP (Tape Carrier Package) device on a glass substrate such as a liquid crystal panel and that can transport the glass substrate without dropping. Yes.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a panel processing apparatus for mounting a semiconductor device composed of a plurality of TCPs on a panel by a TAB method and connecting a printed circuit board (PCB) so as to be connected to the semiconductor device. In the panel processing apparatus, the panel can be transferred between the processing stages smoothly and reliably without damaging the panel.

  Further, Patent Document 4 discloses a display panel assembling apparatus that assembles a display panel by crimping a driver electronic component to a glass substrate via an adhesive tape. It is described that the facility space can be made compact for large panels.

  In the following, each assembly process of the display device following each process shown in FIGS. 20B, 20C, and 20D will be described.

  FIG. 20E shows a process of incorporating the liquid crystal display panel 100 into the backlight unit 104 to which the FPC 105 is connected. FIG. 20F shows the process from the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104. This shows a process of fitting the liquid crystal display module to bezel 106 which is a metal casing.

  20 (g) shows a process of soldering the terminals of the FPC 103 connected to the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the terminals of the FPC 105 connected to the backlight unit 104. FIG. h) shows a process of applying various protective tapes 107 to the soldered portions.

  FIG. 20I shows a process in which the FPC 103 connected to the liquid crystal display panel 100 is bent and attached to the back surface of the bezel 106 that is a metal casing.

  Through such assembling steps, the liquid crystal display device 108 shown in FIG. 20J can be completed.

  However, since a portable device including the liquid crystal display device 108 is uniquely designed for each product, the size of the liquid crystal display panel 100, the structure of the backlight unit 104, and the FPC 103 connected to the liquid crystal display panel 100 are used. The shape, the fitting method with the bezel 106, the number of soldering points, and the like are different.

  Therefore, the assembly process of the liquid crystal display device 108 does not necessarily include all the processes shown in FIGS. 20E, 20F, 20G, 19H, and 19I.

  On the other hand, in the assembly process of the liquid crystal display device 108, in addition to the steps shown in FIGS. 20 (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i), for example, the liquid crystal display device 108 such as a touch panel. In some cases, a process of assembling the accessory part is included.

  Further, the order of the processes shown in (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) of FIG. 20 is not particularly determined.

  Further, in each of the above steps, the upper surface of the liquid crystal display panel 100, which is the surface on which the polarizing plate 101a is attached to the liquid crystal display panel 100, and the liquid crystal display, which is the surface on which the polarizing plate 101b is attached to the liquid crystal display panel 100. Which surface of the lower surface of the panel 100 faces upward is not necessarily determined.

  Further, in each of the above steps, it is necessary to rotate the liquid crystal display panel 100, the backlight unit 104, the bezel 106, and the like in a direction in which an operator can easily work.

  Therefore, each process as shown in (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of FIG. 20 is difficult to automate and currently relies on human hands.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a part of the assembly process of the conventional liquid crystal display device 108 by hand.

  First, the workers 115a and 115b on the leftmost side in the drawing take the liquid crystal display panel 100 from the storage tray 109 in which the liquid crystal display panel 100 is stored with one hand, and the backlight unit 104 with the other hand. The backlight unit 104 is removed from the storage tray 110 stored, and the liquid crystal display panel 100 is assembled into the backlight unit 104 on the positioning jig 114 provided on the work table 113 to complete the work W1 (FIG. 20). (E) Step), placed on the belt conveyor 112 moving from the left side to the right side in the figure.

  The workers 115c and 115d take the work W1 from the belt conveyor 112 that moves from the left side to the right side in the drawing with one hand, and take the bezel 106 from the storage tray 111 in which the bezel 106 is stored with the other hand. On the positioning jig 114 provided on the work table 113, the work W1 composed of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 is fitted into the bezel 106 to complete the work W2 (step (f) in FIG. 20). It is placed again on the belt conveyor 112 moving from the left side to the right side in the figure.

  Then, the workers 115e and 115f take the workpiece W2 from the belt conveyor 112 that moves from the left side to the right side in the drawing with one hand, place it on the positioning jig 114 provided on the work table 113, and solder the yarn. The soldering iron is picked up, and the terminals of the FPC 103 connected to the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the terminals of the FPC 105 connected to the backlight unit 104 on the positioning jig 114 provided on the work table 113. And the work W3 is completed (step (g) in FIG. 20) and placed again on the belt conveyor 112 moving from the left side to the right side in the drawing.

  In FIG. 21, steps corresponding to steps (h) and (i) in FIG. 20 are omitted, and only three assembly steps corresponding to steps (e), (f), and (g) in FIG. Is shown as an example.

  In FIG. 21, the solid arrows indicate the flow of the workpieces W1, W2, and W3, and the dotted arrows indicate the input directions of the liquid crystal display panel 100, the backlight unit 104, and the bezel 106, which are materials used in each assembly process. Show.

  FIG. 22 is a timing chart for explaining the total time required for one process cycle when the workers 115e and 115f in FIG. 21 perform the process (g) of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the process (g) of FIG. 20 includes a process in which the operator takes the workpiece W2 from the conveyor (1.5 seconds), and the operator uses the workpiece W2 as a jig for positioning. A step of setting (1.0 second), a step of processing by the operator (1.5 seconds), a step of assembly by the worker (4.0 seconds), and the worker assembling the above assembly onto the conveyor. And a step (1.5 seconds) of placing the processed workpiece W3.

  Then, based on FIG. 21, the above steps will be described as follows.

  The workers 115e and 115f take the workpiece W2 from the belt conveyor 112 that moves from the left side to the right side in the drawing with one hand, place the workpiece W2 on the positioning jig 114 provided on the work table 113, and solder the solder and solder. The hand is picked up, and the terminals of the FPC 103 connected to the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the terminals of the FPC 105 connected to the backlight unit 104 are soldered on the positioning jig 114 to complete the workpiece W3. Then, it is placed again on the belt conveyor 112 moving from the left side to the right side in the figure.

  In step (g) of FIG. 20, it takes 9.5 seconds to perform all these steps once (one step cycle). However, since all the steps are performed by one worker, one step cycle is required. It is difficult to reduce the total time required for the operation.

  Accordingly, in the case of a production form that relies on human hands as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, there is always a problem of productivity (throughput), and all the steps are performed by one worker. When processing, there is a high possibility of making a mistake, and there will be a problem in quality stability.

  In FIG. 22, the time required for the process for the operator to set up the process, that is, the process for the operator to take the thread solder and the soldering iron and prepare for the process of assembling is 1.5. However, this time will change if the type of assembly processing changes.For example, when the assembly processing is a process of applying an insulating protective tape, the setup work such as peeling the protective tape from the mount of the protective tape. This is the time.

  In addition, the process of setting the workpiece on the jig shown in FIG. 22 is an indispensable process when the type of assembly processing requires precise alignment such as soldering or application of an insulating protective tape. However, it can be omitted if precise alignment is not required.

  As described above, productivity (throughput) problems always occur, and since all the above steps are performed by one worker, there is a high possibility of making mistakes when an operator performs assembly processing, and quality Since problems arise in stability, the introduction of automated equipment has been attempted even in production processes that rely on manpower as shown in FIGS.

  For example, Patent Document 5 includes a processing device 201 and a rotary table 203 that are arranged with a plurality of transporting units 205 and perform different processing steps for each transporting unit 205 as illustrated in FIG. A configuration is disclosed.

  The arm 210 provided in the conveying means 205 moves to the A position, sucks the raw workpiece, moves again to the B position, and when the raw workpiece is placed on the rotary table 203, the rotary table 203 rotates, An unmachined workpiece is disposed at the D position of the machining head 204 that can be machined by the machining apparatus 201.

  Then, the workpiece processed by the processing apparatus 201 is returned to the B position again by the rotation of the rotary table 203, and is adsorbed by the arm 210 provided in the conveying means 205, placed at the C position on the transfer table 230, and transferred. By the platform 230, the arm 210 provided in the adjacent conveying means 205 is transferred to the E position where the arm 210 can return.

  According to the above configuration, workpieces can be automatically loaded and unloaded between the machining apparatuses 201 that perform different machining processes.

  Also in Patent Document 6, as shown in FIG. 24, a rotatable index table 310 is provided on the side of the conveyor 350 that conveys the substrate Q, and the conveyor 350 and the index table are loaded by the loader / unloader 312. A configuration in which the substrate Q is transferred to and received from the 310, the position is aligned at the transfer / payment location on the index table 310, and a printing location is provided at a location other than the transfer location on the index table 310 to perform screen printing. Is disclosed.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to automatically carry in / out the substrate Q to and from the screen printing process.

JP 2010-91683 A (released on April 22, 2010) JP-A-8-26475 (published January 30, 1996) JP 2007-99466 A (published April 19, 2007) Japanese Patent No. 3731513 (registered on October 21, 2005) JP 61-119511 A (released on June 6, 1986) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-10832 (published on January 19, 1999)

  However, since each apparatus described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 is an apparatus for performing almost standardized work, for example, (e), (f), (g), ( Like each process shown in h) and (i), it cannot be used for automation of operations that are not standardized.

  Further, in the case of the configuration of Patent Document 5 illustrated in FIG. 23, when the work process is increased, it is necessary to add the transfer table 230 in addition to the rotary table 203 and the transport unit 205, and thus the work process is increased. Is a time-consuming configuration.

  Furthermore, in the configuration of Patent Document 5, when the work needs to be reversed or rotated, it is necessary to replace the transfer table 230 with one having a mechanism capable of reverse transfer or rotation transfer. This is the configuration. That is, it cannot be said that it can respond flexibly to increase / decrease and replacement of processes.

  Moreover, in the structure of the said patent document 5, since the transfer stand 230 is the structure provided between the processing apparatuses 201, there also exists a problem that the installation area of an installation will become large.

  Similarly, in the configuration of Patent Document 6 illustrated in FIG. 24, three transport mechanisms are provided (index table 310, loader / unloader 312 and conveyor 350), and it takes time to increase and decrease the work process. It has a configuration.

  And in the structure of the said patent document 6, since the main conveyance system is conveyor conveyance, it is necessary to make it the conveyor matched with the longest process, and there exists a problem that the installation area of an installation will become large.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can flexibly cope with non-standardized work processes such as change of work process flow, increase / decrease of work process, and change of workpiece external dimensions. And it aims at providing the conveyance apparatus and assembly apparatus which can suppress productivity (throughput) and can suppress that the installation area of an installation becomes large.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the transport device of the present invention includes a plurality of transport units, transports a workpiece to be an assembly process between the transport units, and a processing process for the workpiece is assigned to each transport unit. Each transport unit includes a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism for reciprocally transporting the work between the first and second positions, and a work subjected to the processing. The first transport mechanism provided in the transport unit that performs the second processing process in the transport unit that performs the first processing process and the transport unit that performs the second processing process includes: The second transport mechanism provided in the transport unit for transferring the workpiece subjected to the first processing process to the first position in the transport unit for performing the second processing process and performing the second processing process is as follows. Second processing The first transport mechanism provided in the transport unit that moves the workpiece that has been subjected to the first machining process to the first or second position and performs the second machining process is The workpiece that has been subjected to the second machining process at the first or second position in the transfer unit that performs the machining process is transferred to the work table of the transfer unit that performs the second machining process.

  According to the said structure, it can respond flexibly to the increase / decrease in a work process by adding or reducing only the said conveyance unit.

  Further, by changing the arrangement order of the transport units, it is possible to flexibly cope with changes in the work process flow.

  In each of the transport units, the processing can be performed at the first position and / or the second position, so that a complicated work process flow can be flexibly handled.

  Further, the transport unit can flexibly cope with a change in the outer dimension of the workpiece.

  Furthermore, since the said conveying apparatus is the structure provided with two or more said conveying units, it can suppress that the installation area of an installation becomes large.

  Therefore, it is possible to realize a transfer apparatus that can flexibly cope with work processes that are not standardized, can improve productivity (throughput), and can suppress an increase in the installation area of equipment.

  In addition, the conveying apparatus of this invention can be expressed as follows.

  A transport device that transports a workpiece that is a target of a process in a predetermined process, and the transport device includes a plurality of transport units each including a work table, a first transport mechanism, and a second transport mechanism. In the plurality of transport units, among the two adjacent transport units, the work on the work table provided in one transport unit is transferred by the first transport mechanism provided in the other transport unit. The second transport unit is transferred to the first position on the second transport mechanism that reciprocates between the first position and the second position provided in the other transport unit, and is provided in the other transport unit. The workpiece transferred onto the transport mechanism is subjected to the predetermined step at the first position and / or the second position, and the first transport mechanism provided in the other transport unit is Predetermined process is performed Conveying apparatus characterized by transferring the the work on said first worktable provided in the other of the transport unit from the position.

  In the transport apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the second transport mechanism or the work table is provided with a positioning member.

  According to the above configuration, the positioning member that determines the position at which the workpiece to be assembled is placed on the second transport mechanism or the workpiece base is provided. It is possible to prevent the positional deviation of the workpiece, such as sliding on the conveyance mechanism or the workpiece table, and it is possible to more reliably convey the workpiece to a position where processing is performed without positional deviation.

  Therefore, it is possible to realize a transport apparatus that can improve productivity (throughput) and can cope with high-precision machining.

  In the transport apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of transport units includes a reversing mechanism that reverses the front surface and the back surface of the workpiece.

  According to the above configuration, since the reversing mechanism for reversing the front surface and the back surface of the work is provided, even if it is necessary to reverse the front surface and the back surface of the work in the predetermined process, Since the work is reversed between the front surface and the back surface, it is possible to realize a transport apparatus that can improve productivity (throughput).

  In the transport apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of transport units includes a rotation mechanism that rotates a surface of the workpiece on which the processing is performed by a predetermined angle.

  According to the above configuration, since the rotation mechanism that rotates the surface of the workpiece on which the machining process is performed by a predetermined angle is provided, even if the workpiece needs to be rotated by a predetermined angle in the machining process, Since the workpiece is rotated by a predetermined angle by the conveying device, a conveying device capable of improving productivity (throughput) can be realized.

  In the transport apparatus of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of transport units includes a third transport mechanism that reciprocally transports another work for processing the work between the third and fourth positions. The first transport mechanism provided in the transport unit is configured to transfer the second work transported from the fourth position to the third position by the third transport mechanism. It is preferable that the second transport mechanism transports the workpiece to the first position in order to perform processing in combination with the other workpiece.

  According to the above configuration, since a plurality of different workpieces can be transferred, a transfer device that can improve productivity (throughput) can be realized.

  In the transport apparatus of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of transport units includes two or more second transport mechanisms, and each of the second transport mechanisms has a workpiece subjected to the processing. The first transfer mechanism sequentially transfers the workpieces transferred to the first position by the respective second transfer mechanisms to the workpiece table. It may be a configuration.

  According to the said structure, the process corresponding to the said conveyance unit can be performed in two or more places in one conveyance unit. Such a configuration is particularly effective when time is required for processing corresponding to the transport unit, for example.

  In the transport apparatus of the present invention, in the plurality of transport units, a fourth transport mechanism and a work table are provided between at least a part of two adjacent transport units, and the fourth transport mechanism includes: The workpiece on the workpiece table provided in the one conveyance unit is transferred to the workpiece table provided between the two adjacent conveyance units, and the workpiece on the workpiece table provided between the two conveyance units. The workpiece may be transferred to the first position on the second transport mechanism provided in the other transport unit by the first transport mechanism provided in the other transport unit. .

  According to the above configuration, since the arrangement interval can be changed in at least a part of the plurality of transport units, it is possible to realize a transport apparatus that can flexibly cope with work processes that are not standardized. .

  It is preferable that the conveyance apparatus of the present invention includes an automatic workpiece supply device that automatically supplies the workpiece.

  According to the said structure, since the said workpiece | work can be supplied automatically, the conveying apparatus which can improve productivity (throughput) more is realizable.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the assembling apparatus of the present invention includes the transfer device and an automatic operation unit at a second position where the predetermined process of at least a part of the transfer units is performed. It is characterized by being.

  According to the above configuration, since the conveyance device and the automatic operation unit that performs the predetermined process are provided, it is possible to flexibly cope with a non-standardized operation process and improve productivity (throughput). An assembling apparatus that can be realized can be realized.

  As described above, in the transport apparatus of the present invention, each transport unit includes the first transport mechanism, the second transport mechanism that reciprocally transports the workpiece between the first and second positions, and the processing process. And a work unit for performing a first machining process, and a transport unit for performing a second machining process. The first unit provided in the transport unit for performing a second machining process. The transfer mechanism is provided in the transfer unit that performs the second machining process by transferring the workpiece on which the first machining process has been performed to the first position in the transfer unit that performs the second machining process. In order to perform the second machining process, the second conveyance mechanism moves the work subjected to the first machining process to the first or second position, and is provided in a conveyance unit that performs the second machining process. The first transport mechanism is configured to carry a second processing process. The second processing is performed the work in the first or second position in the unit, is configured to transfer the work table of the transport unit for the second processing.

  Further, as described above, the assembling apparatus of the present invention is provided with the transport device and the automatic operation unit at the second position where the processing of at least a part of the transport units is performed. It is the structure characterized by these.

  Therefore, it is possible to flexibly deal with non-standard work processes such as changes in work process flow, increase / decrease of work processes, changes in workpiece external dimensions, etc. and improve productivity (throughput) and equipment. The conveyance apparatus and assembly apparatus which can suppress that the installation area of becomes large can be implement | achieved.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the positioning jig in the conveyance unit with which the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention was equipped. It is a figure which shows the flow of the workpiece | work in the case of performing an assembly process using the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the process time in the case of performing an assembly process using the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other modification of the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the conveyance unit which can be equipped with the further another modification of the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the further another modification of the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the further another modification of the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the SCARA robot provided with the inversion mechanism which can be equipped with the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the conveyance unit provided with another inversion mechanism which can be equipped with the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating another inversion mechanism which can be equipped with the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the rotation mechanism which can be equipped with the conveying apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the conveying apparatus of other one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the assembly process combined with the conveying apparatus of other one Embodiment of this invention, and the conventional process. (A) is a top view which shows one structure among the some conveyance units with which the conveying apparatus of the modification 2-1 was equipped, (b) is the procedure of the assembly process by the conveyance unit shown to (a). It is a flowchart which shows. (A) is a top view which shows one structure among the some conveyance units with which the conveyance apparatus of the modification 2-2 was equipped, (b) is the procedure of the assembly process by the conveyance unit shown to (a). It is a flowchart which shows. (A) is a top view which shows one structure among the some conveyance units with which the conveying apparatus of the modification 2-3 was equipped, (b) is the procedure of the assembly process by the conveyance unit shown to (a). It is a flowchart which shows. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the assembly apparatus of further another embodiment of this invention. It is process drawing for demonstrating an example of the general assembly process of the liquid crystal display device with which a portable apparatus etc. are equipped. It is a figure which shows a part of assembly process of the conventional liquid crystal display device by hand. It is a figure which shows the timing chart for demonstrating the total time concerning one process cycle, when an operator performs the process (g) of FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the conventional conveying apparatus described in patent document 5. FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the conventional automatic operation apparatus described in patent document 6. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in this embodiment are merely one embodiment, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto.

  In the following embodiments, the assembly process of the liquid crystal display device will be described as an example. However, it is needless to say that the transfer device of the present invention can be used in other fields than the assembly process.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a transport apparatus 1 in which five transport units are connected.

  As shown in the figure, five transport units 2a, 2b,... 2e are connected and used. Each of these transport units is assigned various assembly processes in the assembly process of the liquid crystal display device.

  In this embodiment, the five assembling processes (processing processes) in the assembling process of the liquid crystal display device shown in (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) of FIG. Correspondingly, five transport units 2a, 2b,... 2e are connected and used. However, the number of transport units to be connected is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined as necessary.

  Each of the transport units 2a, 2b,... 2e includes a work table 6 on which workpieces W1, W2,... W5 to be temporarily assembled are placed, and workpieces W1, W2,. SCARA robot 3 serving as a first transport mechanism for transferring from position P3 on position 6 to position P1 on transfer (first position) P1 or position P3 on position of workpiece 6 from position P1, and workpieces W1 and W2. ... a rotary index 4 as a second transport mechanism that moves W5 from the transfer position P1 to the assembly processing position (second position) P2 or from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1. ing. In other words, the rotary index 4 reciprocally conveys the workpieces W1, W2,... W5 between the transfer position P1 and the assembly processing position P2.

  At the tip of the SCARA robot 3, a mechanism for vacuum-sucking or mechanically holding the workpieces W1, W2,... W5 is provided.

  As shown in the figure, the rotary index 4 is set to rotate counterclockwise, and a positioning jig 5 (positioning member), which will be described in detail later, is provided on the rotary index 4. ing.

  In the present embodiment, the rotary index 4 is set to rotate 180 degrees counterclockwise at a time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transfer position P1 and the assembly processing position P2 are considered. And may be set as appropriate.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a workpiece when an assembly process is performed using the transfer device illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in the figure, in the transport units 2a, 2b,... 2e, the assembly processing position P2 is arranged closer to the operator than the transfer position P1. Further, the transfer position P1 is arranged closer to the SCARA robot 3 than the assembly processing position P2.

  In this embodiment, each of the transport units 2a, 2b,... 2e is used for each of the five assembly processes shown in FIGS. 20 (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i). It is used as.

  First, in the transport unit 2a (the transport unit that performs the first processing process), the operator 8a takes the liquid crystal display panel 100 from the storage tray 109 in which the liquid crystal display panel 100 is stored, and the polarizing plate of the liquid crystal display panel 100. A protective film (not shown) affixed to (not shown) is peeled off and placed on the positioning jig 5.

  Next, the backlight unit 104 is removed from the storage tray 110 in which the backlight unit 104 is stored, a protective film (not shown) attached to the surface of the backlight unit 104 is peeled off, and the outer periphery of the backlight unit 104 is removed. A double-sided tape (not shown) previously applied to the substrate is exposed. Note that the order of taking the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 may be reversed.

  Then, with the positioning jig 5 provided at the assembly processing position P2, the liquid crystal display panel 100 is assembled into the backlight unit 104, and the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 are attached via the double-sided tape, The work W1 is completed (step (e) in FIG. 20), and then a work completion button (not shown) is pressed to rotate the rotary index 4, thereby moving the work W1 from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1.

  Then, the workpiece W1 is transferred from the transfer position P1 to the position P3 on the work table 6 by the SCARA robot 3.

  Then, the workpiece W1 is provided in the transfer unit 2b from the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transfer unit 2a by the SCARA robot 3 provided in the transfer unit 2b (transfer unit performing the second processing). Is transferred to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4.

  Then, the workpiece W1 is moved from the transfer position P1 to the assembly processing position P2 as the rotary index 4 is rotated.

  The operator 8b takes the bezel 106 from the storage tray 111 in which the bezel 106 is stored, and mechanically fits the work W1 including the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 on the bezel 106 on the positioning jig 5. Then, the workpiece W2 is completed (step (f) in FIG. 20), and then a work completion button (not shown) is pressed to rotate the rotary index 4 again, thereby moving the workpiece W2 from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1. Move.

  In this embodiment, in order to mechanically fit the work W1 including the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 to the bezel 106, the backlight unit 104 has a convex portion, and the bezel 106 has a concave portion. Although it is set as the structure each provided, it is not limited to this.

  Then, the workpiece W2 is transferred from the transfer position P1 to the position P3 on the work table 6 by the SCARA robot 3.

  Thereafter, the workpiece W2 is moved from the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transfer unit 2b to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 provided in the transfer unit 2c by the SCARA robot 3 provided in the transfer unit 2c. Reprinted.

  Then, the workpiece W2 is moved from the transfer position P1 to the assembly processing position P2 by rotating the rotary index 4, and the operator 8c moves the liquid crystal display panel on the positioning jig 5 at the assembly processing position P2. The FPC terminal connected to 100 and the FPC terminal connected to the backlight unit 104 are soldered to complete the workpiece W3 (step (g) in FIG. 20). By pushing and rotating the rotary index 4 again, the workpiece W3 is moved from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1.

  Then, the workpiece W3 is transferred from the transfer position P1 to the position P3 on the work table 6 by the SCARA robot 3.

  Then, the workpiece W3 is moved from the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transfer unit 2c to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 provided in the transfer unit 2d by the SCARA robot 3 provided in the transfer unit 2d. Reprinted.

  Then, the workpiece W3 is moved from the transfer position P1 to the assembly processing position P2 by rotating the rotary index 4, and the operator 8d performs the soldering on the positioning jig 5 at the assembly processing position P2. Various protective tapes are pasted on the finished part to complete the work W4 (step (h) in FIG. 20), and then the work completion button (not shown) is pressed to rotate the rotary index 4 again to assemble the work W4. Move from position P2 to transfer position P1.

  Then, the workpiece W4 is transferred from the transfer position P1 to the position P3 on the work table 6 by the SCARA robot 3.

  Then, the workpiece W4 is moved from the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transfer unit 2d to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 provided in the transfer unit 2e by the SCARA robot 3a provided in the transfer unit 2e. Reprinted.

  Note that a portion of the SCARA robot 3a that lifts the workpiece W4 is provided with a reversing mechanism 17 that reverses the upper and lower surfaces of the workpiece W4 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the support portion of the reversing mechanism 17 extends on the left side in the drawing and supports the lower surface of the work W4. The work W4 is vacuum-sucked to the support portion of the reversing mechanism 17. Or a mechanical holding mechanism is provided.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the support portion of the reversing mechanism 17 lifts the workpiece W4 and reverses the upper and lower surfaces of the workpiece W4. FIG. 10C illustrates the workpiece W4 by the reversing mechanism 17. It is a figure which shows a mode that was upside down.

  Therefore, since the reversing mechanism 17 described above is provided in the transport unit 2e, the work W4 is moved from the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transport unit 2d to the rotary index 4 provided in the transport unit 2e. When the transfer position P1 is transferred, the upper and lower surfaces are reversed, and the upper surface of the work W4 at the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transfer unit 2d and the rotary index 4 provided in the transfer unit 2e. The upper surface of the workpiece W4 at the transfer position P1 is the opposite surface.

  The workpiece W4 is moved from the transfer position P1 to the assembly processing position P2 by rotating the rotary index 4, and the operator 8e moves the liquid crystal display panel on the positioning jig 5 at the assembly processing position P2. The FPC 103 connected to 100 is bent, and the workpiece W5 is completed on the back surface of the bezel 106, which is a metal housing (step (i) in FIG. 20). By rotating the rotary index 4, the workpiece W5 is moved from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1.

  Then, the workpiece W5 is transferred from the transfer position P1 to the position P3 on the work table 6 by the SCARA robot 3a, and the liquid crystal display device completed through all assembly steps is placed at the position P3 on the work table 6. Will be.

  In FIG. 3, solid arrows indicate the flow of the workpieces W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5, and dotted arrows indicate the liquid crystal display panel 100, the backlight unit 104, and the bezel 106, which are materials used in each assembly process. Indicates the direction of charging.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to flexibly cope with a non-standardized work process, improve the productivity (throughput), and realize a transfer device 1 that can suppress an increase in the installation area of the facility. be able to.

  In the present embodiment, by using the transfer unit 2e provided with the SCARA robot 3a having the reversing mechanism 17, the reversal of the upper and lower surfaces of the workpiece W4 can be automated, and productivity (throughput) and quality stability can be achieved. It is possible to realize the transport device 1 that can improve the above.

  In the present embodiment, the transfer unit 2e provided with the SCARA robot 3a having the reversing mechanism 17 is used for reversing the upper and lower surfaces of the workpiece W4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in the figure, the upper and lower surfaces of the workpiece W4 can be reversed using a transport unit 2d provided with another reversing mechanism 18.

  When the transport unit 2d provided with another reversing mechanism 18 is used, the transport units 2a, 2b, and 2c including the SCARA robot 3 that does not have the reversing mechanism 17 may be used as the transport unit 2e.

  Another reversing mechanism 18 is installed in the vicinity of the work table 6, and a work W 4 whose upper and lower surfaces are reversed is placed on the work table 6.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining another reversing mechanism 18.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the support portion of the other reversing mechanism 18 supports the lower surface of the workpiece W4, and holds the workpiece W4 in a vacuum or mechanically holds it. Mechanism is provided.

  FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the workpiece W4 is vacuum-sucked or mechanically held by a support portion of another reversing mechanism 18.

  When the other reversing mechanism 18 changes from the state of FIG. 12B to the state of FIG. 12C, the upper and lower surfaces of the work W4 placed on the work table 6 are reversed. .

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12 (d), the support portion of another reversing mechanism 18 is returned to the state of FIG. 12 (a) in a state where the vacuum suction or mechanical holding is released. As a result, only the work W4 can be placed on the work table 6 with its top and bottom surfaces reversed.

  Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the positioning jig 5 provided on the rotary index 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the positioning jig 5.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the positioning jig 5 includes a plurality of positioning pins 7a and a base plate 7b, and a plurality of positioning pins 7a and a base plate 7b on the surface on which the workpiece W1 is placed. Positioning pins 7a are placed.

  That is, the positioning jig 5 has a configuration in which a plurality of positioning pins 7a are provided on the base plate 7b to position the workpiece W1 on the basis of the outer shape.

  The workpiece W1 is transferred from the workpiece table 6 onto the positioning jig 5 of the rotary index 4 by the SCARA robot 3, but the positioning pin 7a is in the initial state and the lower side of the workpiece W1. The part in contact with is fixed, and the others can be moved freely.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, after the workpiece W1 is transferred onto the positioning jig 5, the positioning pins of the portion in contact with the right side of the workpiece W1 and the portion in contact with the upper side of the workpiece W1. By moving 7a to the state shown in FIG. 2C, the workpiece W1 can be positioned on the basis of the outer shape.

  In the present embodiment, the positioning pin 7a can be configured to be driven on the base plate 7b using an air slider or the like, but is not limited thereto.

  In addition, in order to hold | maintain the workpiece | work W1 more firmly, it is also possible to use vacuum suction together.

  By doing in this way, generation | occurrence | production of the process malfunction which may arise because the workpiece | work W1 moves during a worker's operation | work can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the workpiece W1 is released from the positioning jig 5, the above-described procedure may be performed in the reverse order.

  Further, if necessary, the work table 6 may be provided with positioning pins 7, and the work table 6 may be used as the positioning jig 5.

  FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the process time when the assembling process is performed using the transport apparatus 1 as shown in FIG.

  In the assembly process using the transport device 1, the work is automatically transported to the operator's hand, and the work is placed at a predetermined position with positioning accuracy suitable for the work. The processing setup process can be performed in parallel during conveyance.

  Therefore, the operator only needs to perform the process of performing the process setup and the process of performing the assembly process.

  By adopting such an automatic conveyance production form, as shown in FIG. 4, the operator can process the SCARA robot 3 while the SCARA robot 3 is operating or the rotary index 4 is operating. A process for performing setup and a process for assembling can be performed, and productivity can be improved.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the total time required for one process cycle can be shortened to 5.5 seconds.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the conventional production form, the total time taken for one process cycle was 9.5 seconds. However, by taking the above-described automatic transfer production form, the total time taken for one process cycle is reduced to 5 seconds. It can be shortened to 5 seconds, and the total time required for one process cycle can be reduced by about 40%, so that an improvement in productivity can be realized.

  Hereinafter, an example that can be used as a first transport mechanism other than the SCARA robots 3 and 3a will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transport apparatus 1a having transport units 9a and 9b provided with a direct-acting pick and place 10 as a first transport mechanism.

  As illustrated, the linear motion pick and place 10 is provided in the transport unit 9b from a position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transport unit 9a, for example, while moving in the left-right direction in the figure. So as to transfer to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 or from the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 provided in the transport unit 9b to the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transport unit 9b. It has become.

  Further, in the linear motion pick-and-place 10, a part for lifting the work W1 is provided with a mechanism for vacuum-sucking or mechanically holding the work W1.

  In addition to the linear motion pick and place 10, for example, a linear motion robot or a transfer transport mechanism can be used as the first transport mechanism.

  The transfer transport mechanism receives the workpiece W1 from the rotary index 4 provided corresponding to the assembly processing position P2 after the processing at the assembly processing position P2, and assembles the workpiece W1 downstream of the assembly processing position P2. Move linearly to the processing position P2, transfer the workpiece W1 to the rotary index 4 provided corresponding to the downstream assembly processing position P2, and by the end of the processing process at the downstream assembly processing position P2, A transport mechanism that moves linearly back to the original assembly processing position P2.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transport apparatus 1b having transport units 11a and 11b provided with a rotary pick and place 12 as a first transport mechanism.

  As shown in the figure, the rotary pick and place 12 moves in the left-right direction in the figure, and for example, the work W1 is provided in the transport unit 11b from the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transport unit 11a. Transfer to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 or from the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 provided in the transport unit 11b to the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transport unit 11b. ing.

  Further, in the rotary pick-and-place 12, a part for lifting the work W1 is provided with a mechanism for vacuum-sucking or mechanically holding the work W1.

  The structure of the rotary pick and place 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can move up and down and move in a horizontal plane.

  Hereinafter, an example that can be used other than the rotary index 4 as the second transport mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a transport unit provided with a direct acting slider instead of the rotary index 4 as the second transport mechanism.

  FIG. 7A shows a schematic configuration of the transport unit 13 provided with one linear slider 14a, and FIG. 7B shows two linear sliders 14a. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the transport unit 13a.

  FIG. 7C shows a schematic configuration of a transport unit 13b provided with two linear motion sliders 14b that slide obliquely.

  In this embodiment, the rotary index 4 is used as the second transport mechanism. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second transport mechanism includes the rotary index 4 and a linear slider. What combined 14a * 14b suitably can also be used.

  In the present embodiment, the description has been given by taking the conveyance device including only the conveyance unit as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as illustrated in FIG. In addition, a transfer device 1c including a SCARA robot 15 as a fourth transfer mechanism and a work table 16 can be provided.

  The SCARA robot 15 transfers the workpiece from the position P3 on the workpiece table 6 provided in the conveyance unit 2a to the position P4 on the workpiece table 16, and the workpiece transferred to the position P4 on the workpiece table 16 is conveyed. The SCARA robot 3 provided in the unit 2b is transferred to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 provided in the transport unit 2b.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been given by taking as an example a transport apparatus in which a plurality of transport units are arranged in a straight line, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is illustrated in FIG. As described above, a transport apparatus 1d in which a plurality of transport units 2a, 2b, and 2c are arranged in a non-linear manner may be used.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the transport unit provided in the transport apparatus according to the present embodiment may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the workpiece.

  FIG. 13A shows a schematic configuration of a SCARA robot 3b provided with a rotating mechanism 19 capable of rotating the workpiece W1 by a predetermined angle at a portion where the workpiece W1 is lifted.

  Since the SCARA robot 3b is provided with the rotation mechanism 19, the work W1 can be rotated by a predetermined angle as required in the assembly process and then placed at the assembly processing position P2. Therefore, productivity (throughput) is improved. Can be improved.

  When the transport unit is provided with both the rotation mechanism and the reversing mechanism, the transport unit may be provided with the SCARA robot 3b and the reversing mechanism as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13B shows a case where the positioning jig 5 provided on the rotary index 4 is provided so as to be rotatable by a predetermined angle. FIG. 13C shows a direct acting slider. The case where the positioning jig 5 provided on 14a is provided so as to be rotatable by a predetermined angle is shown.

  According to such a configuration, the work W1 can be rotated by a predetermined angle and then placed at the assembly processing position P2 as required in the assembly process, so that productivity (throughput) can be improved. .

  In the present embodiment, the case where the assembling process is performed only at the assembling position P2 has been described as an example. However, as in the second and third embodiments described later, the assembling process is transferred. Of course, it can also be performed at the position P1.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. 14 and FIG. The transport apparatus 1e according to the present embodiment includes a transport unit 2f that can perform an assembling work including a SCARA robot 3 and two rotary indexes 4 and 4a (second transport mechanism and third transport mechanism). In other respects, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as described in the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transfer apparatus 1e provided with a transfer unit 2f having a SCARA robot 3 and two rotary indexes 4 and 4a. As shown in the figure, in the transport unit 2f, the assembly processing position P6 is arranged closer to the operator than the transfer position P5. Further, the transfer position P5 is arranged closer to the SCARA robot 3 than the assembly processing position P6.

  First, in the transport unit 2f, the worker 8a takes the backlight unit 104 from the storage tray 110 in which the backlight unit 104 is stored, and positions it on the rotary index 4a that is the assembly processing position P6 (fourth position). After placing on the jig 5, a work completion button (not shown) is pressed to rotate the rotary index 4 a, thereby moving the backlight unit 104 (other work) from the assembly processing position P 6 to the transfer position P 5 (third). To the position). The rotary index 4a as a third transport mechanism reciprocates and transports the backlight unit 104 for performing a bonding process on the liquid crystal display panel between the transfer position P5 and the assembly processing position P6.

  On the other hand, in the transport unit 2f, the operator 8b takes the liquid crystal display panel 100 (work) from the storage tray 109 in which the liquid crystal display panel 100 is stored, and a positioning jig 5 on the rotary index 4 that is the assembly processing position P2. Then, a work completion button (not shown) is pressed and the rotary index 4 is rotated to move the liquid crystal display panel 100 (workpiece) from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1.

  Worker 8a and worker 8b repeat the above work.

  Then, the SCARA robot 3 provided in the transport unit 2f takes the backlight unit 104 (another work) at the transfer position P5 on the rotary index 4a, and the liquid crystal at the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 The liquid crystal display panel 100 is moved onto the display panel 100 (work), the liquid crystal display panel 100 is assembled in the backlight unit 104, and the liquid crystal display panel 100 is connected to the outer periphery of the backlight unit 104 via a double-sided tape (not shown). A backlight unit 104 is attached.

  That is, the transport unit 2f is a transport unit that can be assembled. In other words, the SCARA robot 3 transfers the backlight unit 104 conveyed from the assembly processing position P6 to the transfer position P5 by the rotary index 4a onto the transfer position P1 in the rotary index 4. On the other hand, the liquid crystal display panel 100 is conveyed to the transfer position P <b> 1 by the rotary index 4. And it combines with the backlight unit 104 in the said transfer position P1, and a bonding process is given.

  Then, a work (work processed) in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100 is moved by the SCARA robot 3 provided in the transfer unit 2f to the position on the work table 6 provided in the transfer unit 2f. Moved to P3.

  Thereafter, the workpiece is transferred from the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transfer unit 2f to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 provided in the transfer unit 2b by the SCARA robot 3 provided in the transfer unit 2b. Reprinted.

  Then, by rotating the rotary index 4 provided in the transport unit 2b, the workpiece is moved from the transfer position P1 to the assembly processing position P2.

  Then, the worker 8c removes the bezel 106 from the storage tray 111 in which the bezel 106 is stored, and on the positioning jig 5 at the assembly processing position P2 of the rotary index 4 provided in the transport unit 2b, the liquid crystal display panel 100. And the backlight unit 104 are mechanically fitted to the bezel 106, a work completion button (not shown) is pressed, and the rotary index 4 is rotated again to move the work from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1. Move.

  Further, in the transport device 1e of the present embodiment, the assembly work can be performed even during the transport, and the operator 8c installs the bezel 106 on the positioning jig 5 at the position P2 of the transport unit 2b, and rotates the rotary device 1c. While the index 4 is rotated and the bezel 106 is moved to the position P1, the work gripped by the SCARA robot 3 can be lowered and the bezel 106 can be incorporated into the work at the position P1.

  Since the subsequent steps have already been described in Embodiment 1, they are omitted here.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the transfer apparatus 1e provided with the transfer unit 2f having the SCARA robot 3 and the two rotary indexes 4 and 4a may be combined with the conventional process shown in FIG. it can.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the conventional process and the transport apparatus 1e of the present invention are combined via the transport unit 2f. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one rotary index is used. The conventional process and the transport apparatus of the present invention can also be combined through the transport unit 2a having 4.

(Modification 2-1)
In the configuration of the transport apparatus 1e, another modification of the configuration shown in FIG. 14 will be described. (A) of FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a conveying device of the transport unit 2f ₁ provided in the configuration of the modified example 2-1. Since the for subsequent processes from bonding processing of the liquid crystal display panel and a backlight unit (processing of the transport unit 2f _1), has already been described, it is omitted here.

As shown in the figure, the conveying device of Modification 2-1, the transport unit 2f _1, as a third transport mechanism, instead of the rotary index 4a, and a reversal index 4b having a reversing mechanism. The reverse index 4 b includes a reverse mechanism 23. The reversing mechanism 23 reverses the liquid crystal display panel 100 upside down when the liquid crystal display panel 100 (work) moves from the assembly processing position P6 to the transfer position P5. Therefore, in the inversion index 4b, the upper surface of the liquid crystal display panel 100 at the transfer position P5 and the upper surface of the liquid crystal panel 100 at the assembly processing position P6 are opposite surfaces.

(B) in FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the sequence of assembling by the transport unit 2f ₁ shown in FIG. 16 (a). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 16B, the procedure is shown by dividing into work by the reverse index 4b, work by the rotary index 4, and work by the SCARA robot 3.

  As shown in the figure, in the work with the reverse index 4b, the worker 8a first takes the backlight unit 104 from the storage tray 110 in which the backlight unit 104 is stored, and places it at the assembly processing position P6 in the reverse index 4b. (Step a). Then, a work completion button (not shown) is pressed to move the backlight unit 104 from the assembly processing position P6 to the transfer position P5 (step b). At this time, the upper and lower surfaces of the backlight unit 104 are reversed by the reversing mechanism 23 and moved from the assembly processing position P6 to the transfer position P5. Then, the reversing mechanism 23 is returned to the original state so that the operator 8a can be placed at the assembly processing position P6 in the reversal index 4b (step c). The worker 8a repeats steps a to c.

  In the operation using the rotary index 4, the worker 8 b takes the liquid crystal display panel 100 from the storage tray 109 in which the liquid crystal display panel 100 is stored, and places it on the positioning jig 5 on the rotary index 4 that is the assembly processing position P <b> 2. Place (step d). Thereafter, a work completion button (not shown) is pressed and the rotary index 4 is rotated to move the liquid crystal display panel 100 (work) from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1 (step e). The worker 8b repeats steps d and e.

  The work by the SCARA robot 3 is started after the steps b and e are completed. The SCARA robot 3 includes a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the backlight unit 104, and pressurizes, for example, about 1 kgf and 1 s. First, the SCARA robot 3 takes the backlight unit 104 (work) at the transfer position P5 on the reverse index 4b and places it on the liquid crystal display panel 100 (work) at the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4. Move (step g). Then, alignment between the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 is performed (step h). Here, an alignment camera (not shown) that images the positional relationship between the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 on the transfer position P1 is provided below the transfer position P1 in the rotary index 4. . In step h, alignment is performed based on the positional relationship between the liquid crystal display panel 100 captured by the alignment camera and the backlight unit 104. The alignment mechanism used in step h includes the alignment camera, an XYθ automatic stage, and a camera system. The XYθ automatic stage can be moved in the X direction and the Y direction with respect to the liquid crystal display panel 100 at the transfer position P1, and can be tilted at the tilt angle θ. The camera system operates the XYθ automatic stage based on the screen imaged by the alignment camera.

  After alignment (step h), the liquid crystal display panel 100 is assembled in the backlight unit 104, and the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 are attached via a double-sided tape (not shown) that is attached in advance to the outer periphery of the backlight unit 104. Are pasted together (step i). Then, the SCARA robot 3 moves the work in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100 from the transfer position P1 of the rotary index 4 to the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the slider 24 (process). j). Thereafter, the SCARA robot 3 returns the arm to the position on the transfer position P5 of the reverse index 4b (step f).

  The work moved to the position P3 on the work table 6 is moved to the position P4 by the slider 24.

  An example of an approximate work tact in the flowchart shown in FIG. When the tact time of the work by the rotary intex 4 is estimated, it is 7.0 s (seconds) (step e (1.0 s) + step a (6.0 s)). In this case, the operation by the SCARA robot 3 is completed during the process a. When the tact time of the work by the SCARA robot 3 is estimated, it is 7.0 s (seconds) (step g (1.5 s) + step h (1.5 s) + step i (1.0 s) + step j (2.0 s). ) + Step f (1.0 s)).

(Modification 2-2)
In the configuration of the transport apparatus 1e, another modification of the configuration shown in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 17A is a plan view showing a configuration of a transport unit 2f ₂ provided in the transport apparatus of Modification 2-2.

As shown in the figure, in the transport apparatus of Modification 2-2, the transport unit 2f ₂ includes a SCARA robot 3, two rotary indexes 4 and 4a, and a transfer transport / reversing mechanism 25. The transfer conveying / reversing mechanism 25 includes a transfer conveying mechanism 24a and a reversing mechanism 23a. The transfer conveyance mechanism 24a linearly moves the assembly jig 26 of the backlight unit 104 (work) at the processing assembly position P7 to the transfer position P8. Further, the reversing mechanism 23 a reverses the assembly jig 26 of the backlight unit 104 up and down and moves it to the assembly processing position P <b> 2 of the rotary index 4. The built-in jig 26 includes a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the backlight unit 104 and pressurizes, for example, about 1 kgf and 1 s.

(B) in FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the sequence of assembling by the transport unit 2f ₂ shown in FIG. 17 (a). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 17B, the procedure is divided into work by the rotary index 4a, work by the transfer conveyance / reversing mechanism 25, work by the rotary index 4, and work by the SCARA robot 3.

As shown in the figure, in the work by the rotary index 4a, first, the operator 8a takes the liquid crystal display panel 100 from the storage tray 109 in which the liquid crystal display panel 100 is stored, and moves on the rotary index 4a which is the assembly processing position P2. Is placed on the positioning jig 5 (step a ₁ ). Thereafter, a work completion button (not shown) is pressed and the rotary index 4a is rotated to move the liquid crystal display panel 100 (work) from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1 (step b ₁ ). Operator 8a repeats the steps _{a 1} and _{b 1.}

In the operation by the transfer conveyance / reversing mechanism 25, the operator 8b takes the backlight unit 104 from the storage tray 110 in which the backlight unit 104 is accommodated, and the assembly jig is located at the assembly processing position P7 of the transfer conveyance / reversing mechanism 25. 26 (step c ₁ ). Then, the assembly jig 26 is moved from the assembly processing position P7 to the transfer position P8 (step d ₁ ).

Working with SCARA robot 3 is started after the step b ₁ is completed. First, the SCARA robot 3 takes the liquid crystal display panel 100 (work) at the transfer position P2 on the rotary index 4a and moves it to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 (step e ₁ ).

Working with the rotary index 4 is started after the step e ₁ is completed. First, the worker 8b presses a work completion button (not shown) and rotates the rotary index 4 (step f ₁ ), thereby moving the liquid crystal display panel 100 moved to the transfer position P1 in step e ₁ to the assembly processing position. Move to P2. Then moves in step d ₁ the transfer position P8, the built jig 26 backlight unit 104 is attached, is reversed by the reversing mechanism 23a, the alignment of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 Perform (step g ₁ ). The alignment may be performed manually or automatically, and can be set as appropriate according to the tact. When the alignment is automatically performed, the alignment mechanism described in Modification 2-1 can be used.

After the alignment (step g ₁ ), the liquid crystal display panel 100 is assembled into the backlight unit 104, and the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit are attached via a double-sided tape (not shown) attached in advance to the outer periphery of the backlight unit 104. Then, the backlight unit 104 is removed from the assembly jig 26 (step h ₁ ). Then, the assembling jig 26 is moved from the assembly processing position P2 of the rotary index 4 to the transfer position P8 by the reversing mechanism 23a (step i ₁ ). After the process i ₁ is completed, the process returns to the process f ₁ , and the operator 8 b presses a work completion button (not shown) to rotate the rotary index 4, whereby the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100. The workpiece is moved to the transfer position P1. Thus, in operation by the rotary index 4, the operator 8b repeats the step _f 1 through i _1.

After the process i ₁ is completed, the SCARA robot 3 returns to the process f ₁ and the worker 8b presses a work completion button (not shown) and waits until the rotary index 4 is rotated (process j ₁ ). Then, the SCARA robot 3 moves the work in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100 from the transfer position P1 of the rotary index 4 to the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the slider 24 (process). k _1). Thereafter, the SCARA robot 3 returns the arm to the position on the transfer position P1 of the rotary index 4a (step l ₁ ). The work moved to the position P3 on the work table 6 is moved to the position P4 by the slider 24.

An example of work tact estimation in the flowchart shown in FIG. 17B is shown below. Estimating the tact time of work by the rotary intex 4 is 7.0 s (seconds) (step b ₁ (1.0 s) + step g ₁ (inversion 1.5 s + alignment 1.5 s) + step h ₁ (1.5 s). ) + Step i ₁ (1.5 s)). In this case, when estimating the tact of operation by the scalar robot 3, and becomes 7.0s (seconds) (Step _e 1 (2.5 s) + Step _j 1 (1.0 s) + Step _k 1 (2.5 s) + Step l ₁ (2.0 s)). Further, when the tact time of the work of the worker 8a is estimated, it is 7.0 s (seconds) (step c ₁ (4.5 s) + step d ₁ (4.5 s)).

(Modification 2-3)
In the configuration of the transport apparatus 1e, another modification of the configuration shown in FIG. 14 will be described. (A) of FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the configuration of the transport unit 2f ₃ provided in the transport device of the modification 2-3.

As shown in the figure, in the transport apparatus of Modification 2-3, the transport unit 2f ₃ includes a SCARA robot 3, two rotary indexes 4 and 4d as a second transport mechanism, and two reversing mechanisms 23b.・ 22c. The reversing mechanisms 23b and 23c are provided on the rotor indexes 4 and 4d, respectively. The reversing mechanism 23b reverses the assembling jig 26 of the backlight unit 104 up and down and moves it to the assembly processing position P2 of the rotary index 4d. Further, the reversing mechanism 23 c reverses the assembly jig 26 of the backlight unit 104 up and down and moves it to the assembly processing position P <b> 2 of the rotary index 4. Further, the conveying unit 2f _3, for each worker 8a · 8b, storage tray 109 and the storage tray 110 is assigned.

(B) in FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a conveyance unit 2f ₃ by assembling step shown in FIG. 18 (a). In the flowchart shown in (b) of FIG. 18, the procedure is divided into work by the rotary index 4 a, work by the rotary index 4, and work by the SCARA robot 3.

As shown in the figure, in the assembly process by the transport unit 2f _3, work by a rotary index 4a, and work by a rotary index 4 is the same work. Therefore, the worker 8a and the worker 8b perform the same work.

Specifically, in the work using the rotary index 4d, first, the worker 8a takes the backlight unit 104 from the storage tray 110 in which the backlight unit 104 is stored, and attaches the backlight unit 104 to the assembly jig 26 (step a ₂ ). . Next, the liquid crystal display panel 100 is removed from the storage tray 109 in which the liquid crystal display panel 100 is stored, and placed on the positioning jig 5 on the rotary index 4d that is the assembly processing position P2 (step b ₂ ). Next, the embedded jig 26 backlight unit 104 is attached, it is reversed by the reversing mechanism 23b, the alignment of the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 (step _c 2). The alignment may be performed manually or automatically, and can be set as appropriate according to the tact. When the alignment is automatically performed, the alignment mechanism described in Modification 2-1 can be used. Next, the liquid crystal display panel 100 is assembled into the backlight unit 104, and the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the backlight unit 104 are bonded to each other via a double-sided tape (not shown) that has been previously bonded to the outer periphery of the backlight unit 104. Then, the backlight unit 104 is removed from the assembly jig 26 (step d ₂ ). Then, the assembling jig 26 is returned from the assembly processing position P2 of the rotary index 4 to the original position by the reversing mechanism 23a (step e ₂ ). Thereafter, the worker 8a presses a work completion button (not shown) to rotate the rotary index 4d, thereby moving the work in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100 to the transfer position P1. Thus, in operation by the rotary index 4, the operator 8a repeats the steps _{a 2} ~f 2.

In the work using the rotary index 4, the worker 8 b performs the same work as steps a _{2 to} f ₂ , assembles a work in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100, and moves the rotary index 4. moving the mounting position P1 (step _g 2 _~l 2).

Working with SCARA robot 3 is started after the step f ₂ is completed. First, the SCARA robot 3 moves the work, in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100, from the transfer position P1 of the rotary index 4d to the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the slider 24 (process). m ₂ ). Thereafter, the arm is moved to a position on the transfer position P1 of the rotary index 4 (step n ₂ ). Next, after the step l ₂ is completed, the work in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100 is moved from the transfer position P1 of the rotary index 4 to a position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the slider 24. Move (step o ₂ ). Then, the arm is moved to a position on the transfer position P1 of the rotary index 4d (step p ₂ ).

The transport unit 2f ₃ includes two rotary indexes 4 and 4d as a second transport mechanism. Then, for each of the rotary indexes 4 and 4d, the liquid crystal display panel 100 is subjected to bonding processing with the backlight unit 104 at the assembly processing position P2. Then, the work in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100 (work subjected to the processing) is transferred to the transfer position P1. Then, the SCARA robot 3 sequentially transfers the work conveyed to the transfer position P1 by the rotary indexes 4 and 4d to the work table 6.

Thus, according to the conveying device of Modification 2-3, in one transport unit 2f _3, the processing corresponding to the transport unit 2f ₃ can be performed in two places.

An example of an approximate work tact in the flowchart shown in FIG. 18B is shown below. Approximating the tact of the two workers 8a and 8b is 14.0 s (seconds) (step a ₂ · g ₂ (4.5 s) + step b ₂ · h ₂ (4.5 s) + step c ₂ I ₂ (inversion 1.0 s + alignment 2.0 s) + step d ₂ · j ₂ (2.0 s) + step e ₂ · k ₂ (1.0 s)). In this case, the tact time of the work by the SCARA robot 3 is roughly 10.0 s (seconds) (step m ₂ (4.0 s) + step n ₂ (1.0 s) + step o ₂ (4.0 s) + Step p ₂ (1.0 s)).

  By using the conveyance devices of the modified examples 2-1 to 2-3, the tact time of the operation of incorporating the backlight unit 104 into the liquid crystal display panel 100 can be set to 7 s or less.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The assembling apparatus 1f of the present embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the assembling apparatus 1f is provided with a transport unit 2b having a SCARA robot 3 and one rotary index 4 and capable of assembling work. The other configurations are the same as those described in the second embodiment. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the assembling apparatus 1f.

  As shown in the drawing, the bezel 106 (work) from the storage tray 111 in which the bezel 106 is stored is automatically placed on the positioning jig 5 at the assembly processing position P2 on the rotary index 4 provided in the transport unit 2b. It comes to be supplied.

  Then, when the rotary index 4 provided in the transport unit 2b is rotated, the bezel 106 (work) is moved from the assembly processing position P2 to the transfer position P1.

  Then, the work in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100 is prepared in the transport unit 2b from the position P3 on the work table 6 provided in the transport unit 2f by the SCARA robot 3 provided in the transport unit 2b. The workpiece is transferred to the transfer position P1 on the rotary index 4 and the work in which the backlight unit 104 is combined with the liquid crystal display panel 100 and the bezel 106 (work) are mechanically fitted together.

  That is, the transport unit 2b is configured to supply the bezel 106 from the assembly processing position P2, and to change the operation of the transport mechanism in part, so that the assembly operation can be performed even though it is a transport unit.

  Further, as shown in the figure, the liquid crystal display panel 100, the backlight unit 104, and the bezel 106 are automatically supplied to the positioning jig 5 on the rotary indexes 4 and 4a by the automatic loader 20. Therefore, the number of workers can be reduced accordingly.

  Further, since the transport unit 2c is provided with an automatic assembly unit 21 that replaces the work of the worker, and the transport unit 2d is provided with an automatic assembly unit 22 that replaces the work of the worker, respectively, The number of can be reduced.

  According to the above configuration, since the number of workers can be reduced, productivity (throughput) and quality stability can be improved.

  The assembling apparatus 1f of the present embodiment shows an example of a configuration that does not require an operator.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and the present invention can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be suitably used for, for example, a transport device and an assembly device used in an assembly process such as a display device.

1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Transfer device 1f Assembly device 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e Transfer unit 3 SCARA robot (first transfer mechanism)
4 Rotary index (second transport mechanism)
4a Rotary index (third transport mechanism)
4b Reverse index (third transport mechanism)
4d Rotary index (second transport mechanism)
5 Positioning jig (positioning member)
6, 16 Work table 7a Positioning pin 7b Base plate 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e Worker 9a, 9b Transport unit 10 Direct acting pick and place (first transport mechanism)
11a, 11b Transport unit 12 Rotary pick and place (first transport mechanism)
13, 13a, 13b Transport unit 14a, 14b Direct acting slider (second transport mechanism)
15 SCARA robot (fourth transport mechanism)
17, 18 Reverse mechanism 19 Rotation mechanism 20 Automatic loader (workpiece automatic supply device)
21, 22 Automatic assembly unit (automatic work unit)
23, 23a, 23b, 23c Reverse mechanism 24 Slider 25 Transfer conveyance / reversal mechanism 26 Assembly jig P1 Transfer position (first position)
P2 Assembly processing position (second position)
P3, P4 Position on work table P5 Transfer position (third position)
P6 Assembly processing position (fourth position)
P7 Transfer position P8 Assembly processing position W1, W2, W3, W4, W5 Workpiece

Claims (8)

A transport device that includes a plurality of transport units, transports a workpiece that is an object of an assembly process between transport units, and is assigned a processing for the work for each transport unit,
Each conveyance unit includes a first conveyance mechanism, a second conveyance mechanism that reciprocates the workpiece between the first and second positions, and a work table on which the workpiece subjected to the processing is placed. Prepared,
In the transport unit that performs the first processing and the transport unit that performs the second processing, the first transport mechanism included in the transport unit that performs the second processing is subjected to the first processing. Transferring the workpiece to the first position in the transport unit for performing the second processing;
The second transport mechanism provided in the transport unit that performs the second processing process moves the workpiece subjected to the first processing process to the second position in order to perform the second processing process, After the second machining process, the workpiece subjected to the second machining process is moved to the first position,
The first transport mechanism provided in the transport unit that performs the second processing process is configured to transfer the workpiece, which has been subjected to the second processing process and moved to the first position by the second transport mechanism , to the second position. A transfer device for transferring to a work table of a transfer unit that performs the processing of
At least one of the plurality of transport units is provided with a third transport mechanism for reciprocally transporting another work for processing the work between the third and fourth positions,
The first transport mechanism provided in the transport unit transfers the other workpiece transported from the fourth position to the third position by the third transport mechanism in the first transport mechanism. Transferred over the position,
The transport apparatus characterized in that the second transport mechanism transports the work to a first position in order to perform processing in combination with the other work . A transport device that includes a plurality of transport units, transports a workpiece that is an object of an assembly process between transport units, and is assigned a processing for the work for each transport unit,
Each conveyance unit includes a first conveyance mechanism, a second conveyance mechanism that reciprocates the workpiece between the first and second positions, and a work table on which the workpiece subjected to the processing is placed. Prepared,
In the transport unit that performs the first processing and the transport unit that performs the second processing, the first transport mechanism included in the transport unit that performs the second processing is subjected to the first processing. Transferring the workpiece to the first position in the transport unit for performing the second processing;
The second transport mechanism provided in the transport unit that performs the second processing process moves the workpiece subjected to the first processing process to the second position in order to perform the second processing process, After the second machining process, the workpiece subjected to the second machining process is moved to the first position,
The first transport mechanism provided in the transport unit that performs the second processing process is configured to transfer the workpiece, which has been subjected to the second processing process and moved to the first position by the second transport mechanism, to the second position. A transfer device for transferring to a work table of a transfer unit that performs the processing of
At least one of the plurality of transport units includes two or more of the second transport mechanisms,
Each of the second transport mechanisms transfers the workpiece subjected to the processing from the second position to the first position,
The said 1st conveyance mechanism transfers the workpiece | work conveyed to the 1st position by each said 2nd conveyance mechanism sequentially to the said work stand, The conveying apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned . The second transport mechanism or above the worktable, the conveying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the positioning member is provided. At least one, conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reversing mechanism that reverses the front and back surfaces of the workpiece are provided in said plurality of transport units. At least one, any one of 4 claims 1, characterized in that the processing is provided with a rotating mechanism rotated by a predetermined angle to the surface to be applied in the work of the plurality of transport units The conveying apparatus as described in. In the plurality of transport units, at least a part between two adjacent transport units includes a fourth transport mechanism and a work table,
It said fourth transport mechanism is to transfer the workpiece on the work table provided in the transport unit hand to the work platform provided between the two transport units adjacent above,
Work on the work platform provided between the two transport unit, by the first transfer mechanism provided in the transport unit other hand, the first on the second conveyor mechanism provided on the other of the transport unit conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 5, characterized in that it is transferred to the first position. Conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a automatic workpiece supply device for supplying the work automatically. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in a second position where the processing of at least a part of the conveying unit is subjected, characterized in that the automatic work units are provided Assembling equipment.

Images