JP6794477B2 - Transport system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transport system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transport system in which a plurality of carriages on which a work or component is mounted and on which an operator can board are moved in a line along a work station.

The manufacturing line for manufacturing automobiles includes a plurality of sublines for manufacturing modularized module parts such as instrument panels, bumpers, and suspension assemblies, and a main line for assembling various module parts manufactured in these multiple sublines to the vehicle body. ..

Here, a so-called cell production method is often adopted for the subline. More specifically, the skeleton parts and a plurality of small parts required for manufacturing the module parts are transported to the work station by a trolley. Then, the worker manufactures the module parts by performing the assembly work of assembling the small parts to the skeleton parts transported by the trolley at the work station. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a plurality of carriages are moved in a row in a truck-shaped transport path, and the front and rear of the plurality of carriages are connected to each other.

Patent No. 5849931

However, in the technique shown in Patent Document 1, two carriages are connected by engaging a claw member provided on the other carriage with a pin extending from one carriage along the traveling direction. Therefore, the connected bogies are also restricted from moving in the width direction orthogonal to the traveling direction. Therefore, in the technique shown in Patent Document 1, even if some trouble occurs in one of a plurality of trolleys connected in a row, only the one in which this trouble occurs is platooned. Cannot be removed from.

An object of the present invention is to provide a transport system capable of moving one of a plurality of carriages moving along a traveling direction in a width direction orthogonal to the traveling direction.

(1) The transport system according to the present invention (for example, the module manufacturing system S described later) is equipped with a work (for example, a skeleton part W described later) or a part (for example, a small part P described later) and is boarded by an operator. A plurality of possible carriages (for example, the automatic transport carriage 2 described later) and the plurality of the carriages are moved in a row along a work station (for example, the first work station 11 and the second work station 12 described later). A control device (for example, a bogie controller 7 to be described later) is provided, and the bogie main body (for example, the bogie main body 21 to be described later) of the bogie is provided with a front connecting portion (for example, a bogie main body 21 to be described later) for connecting with a preceding bogie. , The front-rear link arm 24) described later and a rear connecting portion (for example, the front-rear link rail 25 described later) for connecting to the trailing carriage are provided, and either the front connecting portion or the rear connecting portion is provided. The connecting portion of the above extends along a width direction orthogonal to the traveling direction and has a concave recess (for example, a recess 251 described later) in a cross-sectional view, and the other connecting portion has an engaging portion (for example, an engaging portion that engages with the recess). A cam follower 241) described later is provided, and the engaging portion is slidable along the width direction in a state of being engaged with the recess.

(2) In this case, the other connecting portion extends along the traveling direction, and the arm member (for example, the arm member 242 described later) provided with the engaging portion on the tip end side thereof and the base of the arm member. A support member (for example, an instruction member 243 described later) that swingably supports the end side with respect to the bogie body in the vertical direction and the arm member are urged to the bottom side of the recess along the vertical direction. The urging member (for example, the urging member 244 described later) is provided, and the outer edge portion (for example, the edge portion 252 described later) of the recess is provided with a tapered surface (for example, the edge portion 252 described later) that is inclined in the vertical direction. It is preferable that the tapered surface 253) described later is formed.

(3) In this case, the station guide rails (for example, the first station guide rails 13 and the second station guide rails 13 and the second, which will be described later) are provided on the side portion of the bogie body on the work station side with respect to the traveling direction. A side connecting portion (for example, a side link arm 26 described later) for connecting to the second station guide rail 14) is provided, and the side connecting portion is connected to the station guide rail and is connected to the station guide rail. The work station is slidable along the extending direction of the work station, and the work station has a connection release mechanism (for example, a connection release mechanism 80, 80A described later) that releases the connection between the side connecting portion and the station guide rail. 80B, 80C) are provided, and when the connection between the side connecting portion and the station guide rail is released by the connection releasing mechanism, the control device moves the trolley to which the connection is released in the width direction. It is preferable to move the rail along the rail in a direction away from the work station.

(4) In this case, the station guide rail extends along the extending direction and includes a concave station recess (for example, a recess 131 described later) in a cross-sectional view, and the lateral connecting portion engages with the station recess. A matching lateral engaging portion (for example, a cam follower 261 described later) and a side arm member extending along the width direction and having the lateral engaging portion provided on the tip end side thereof (for example, an arm member 262 described later). ), A side support member (for example, a support member 263 described later) that swingably supports the base end side of the side arm member with respect to the trolley body in the vertical direction, and the side arm member. Is provided with an urging member (for example, an urging member 264 described later) that urges the bottom side of the station recess along the vertical direction, and the connection release mechanism can move forward and backward with respect to the inside of the station recess. (For example, the disconnection blocks 81, 81A, 91B.81C described later) and actuators (for example, actuators 84A, 84B, 84C described later) for moving the block forward and backward are provided. It is preferable to release the connection between the side connecting portion and the station guide rail by pushing the side engaging portion from the inside of the station recess to the outside.

(5) In this case, the side portion of the bogie body that faces the lateral connecting portion is provided with a lateral recess (for example, a recess 271 described later) that extends along the traveling direction and is concave in cross-sectional view. It is preferable that the lateral engaging portion is slidable along the traveling direction in a state of being engaged with the lateral recess.

(1) The transport system according to the present invention includes a plurality of carriages on which a work or component is mounted and on which an operator can board, a control device for moving these plurality of carriages in a line along a work station, and the like. To be equipped. The bogie body of these bogies is provided with a front connecting portion for connecting to the leading bogie of the row and a rear connecting portion for connecting the trailing bogie of the row. Further, one of these connecting portions has a concave recess extending along a width direction orthogonal to the traveling direction and having a concave recess in cross-sectional view, and the other connecting portion has an engaging portion that engages with the recess. Therefore, in the transport system, the front connecting portion and the rear connecting portion of the preceding bogie are engaged with each other, and the rear connecting portion and the front connecting portion of the trailing bogie are engaged with each other to connect the front and rear of the bogie. A platoon can be formed and this dolly platoon can be moved along the work station. Therefore, according to the transport system, the worker can board the trolley from the work station, perform assembly work for assembling parts to the work on the moving trolley, and move on these plurality of trolleys. Further, in the transport system, the engaging portion is slidable along the width direction while being engaged with the recess. If any problem occurs in the multiple trolleys that make up the platoon, only the dolly with this problem is moved along the width direction, and the connection with the preceding trolley and the trailing trolley is released. can do. Further, in the transport system, since the carriages can be disconnected from each other simply by moving the carriages along the width direction, it is not necessary to provide the carriages with an actuator for disconnecting the carriages. Therefore, the weight of the dolly can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. Further, in the transport system, by making either one of the front connecting portion and the rear connecting portion into a recess extending along the width direction, the amount of protrusion of these connecting portions in the traveling direction can be reduced.

(2) In the transport system according to the present invention, the other connecting portion extends along the traveling direction and has an arm member provided with an engaging portion on the tip end side thereof, and the base end side of the arm member with respect to the carriage body. A support member that swingably supports the arm member in the vertical direction and an urging member that urges the arm member to the bottom side of the recess along the vertical direction are provided. Further, a tapered surface that is inclined in the vertical direction is formed on the outer edge of the recess, that is, the edge of the recess on the side of the adjacent carriage. As a result, according to the transport system, the two carriages can be connected by simply approaching them in the traveling direction. That is, when the arm member provided on one carriage and the recess provided on the other carriage are brought close to each other along the traveling direction, the engaging portion provided on the tip end side of the arm member and the tapered surface of the recess come together. Contact. When the engaging portion is further approached from this state, the engaging portion slides in the vertical direction along the tapered surface while resisting the urging force of the urging member, and when it gets over the edge of the recess, the urging member causes the bottom side of the recess. Is urged to engage with the recess. As described above, according to the transport system, the carriages can be connected to each other without using an actuator, so that the carriages can be quantified and the cost can be further reduced.

(3) In the transport system according to the present invention, a side connecting portion for connecting to the station guide rail provided in the work station is provided on the side portion of the bogie main body on the work station side with respect to the traveling direction. Further, the side connecting portion is slidable along the extending direction of the station guide rail in a state of being connected to the station guide rail. Therefore, according to the transport system, a trolley of trolleys is formed in which the front and rear of each trolley are connected, and the platoon of these trolleys is moved along the extending direction of the work station while connecting the side portions of these trolleys to the work station. be able to. Further, according to the present invention, for example, the side connecting portion of the trolley is connected to the station guide rail of the work station by bringing the trolley close to the work station along a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the station guide rail. Can be done. Therefore, according to the present invention, the trolley can be connected to the work station even when the space for connecting the trolley cannot be secured before and after the work station. Further, in the transport system, the work station is provided with a connection release mechanism for releasing the connection between the side portion of the bogie and the station guide rail, and the control device is connected when the connection is released by the connection release mechanism. Move the released trolley away from the work station along the width direction. As a result, according to the transport system, if there are no problems with the trolleys that make up the formation, a stable work floor can be formed by connecting these trolleys to the work station, and if any problems occur, Only the dolly in which this defect has occurred can be detached.

(4) In the transport system according to the present invention, the station guide rail extends along the extending direction and includes a concave station recess in a cross-sectional view, and the side connecting portion is a lateral engaging portion that engages with the station recess. And, the side arm member extending along the width direction and having the side engaging portion provided on the tip side thereof and the base end side of the side arm member are supported so as to be swingable along the vertical direction with respect to the bogie body. A side support member for urging the side arm member and an urging member for urging the side arm member to the bottom side of the station recess along the vertical direction are provided. Therefore, according to the transport system, the trolley and the work station can be connected only by bringing the trolley close to the station guide rail along the width direction. Further, in the transport system, the connection release mechanism is a block provided so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the inside of the station recess, and by pushing the side engaging portion from the inside of the station recess to the outside, the side connecting portion and the station guide rail are formed. To break the connection. As a result, according to the transport system, the carriage and the work station can be disconnected at the position where the disconnection mechanism is provided, and the carriage can be detached.

(5) In the transport system according to the present invention, a side portion of the bogie body that faces the side connecting portion is provided with a concave lateral recess extending along the traveling direction in a cross-sectional view, and a lateral engaging portion. Is slidable along the traveling direction in a state of being engaged with the lateral recess. Therefore, according to the transport system, the carriages can be connected to each other along the width direction by using the side connecting portion used for connecting the carriage and the work station.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the automobile manufacturing line which includes the module manufacturing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the assembly work area. It is a perspective view of an automatic transport carriage. It is a figure which looked at the front-rear link arm of the automatic transport carriage, and the front-rear link rail of the preceding carriage traveling forward along the traveling direction with respect to the automatic transport carriage along the width direction. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure of connecting the front-rear link arm of an automatic transport carriage, and the front-rear link rail of a preceding carriage. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure of connecting the front-rear link arm of an automatic transport carriage, and the front-rear link rail of a preceding carriage. It is a figure which looked at the side link arm of the automatic transport carriage, and the 1st station guide rail provided in the 1st work station, along the extending direction of the 1st station guide rail parallel to the traveling direction. It is a figure which looked at the side link rail of the automatic transport carriage and the side link arm provided in the parallel running carriage running in parallel with the automatic transport carriage along the traveling direction. It is a figure which shows the state which a plurality of automatic transport carriages are traveling along the 1st work station in an assembly work area. It is sectional drawing which follows the cross section perpendicular to the traveling direction of the hollow permission area. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the middle line IX-IX. It is a figure which shows the structure of the connection release mechanism of the modification 1. It is a figure which shows the structure of the connection release mechanism of the modification 1. It is a figure which shows the structure of the connection release mechanism of the modification 2. It is a figure which shows the structure of the connection release mechanism of the modification 2. It is a figure which shows the structure of the connection release mechanism of the modification 3. It is a figure which shows the structure of the connection release mechanism of the modification 3. It is a figure which shows the two-row formation formed by a plurality of automatic transport carriages.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the module manufacturing system S as the transport system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an automobile manufacturing line L including a module manufacturing system S according to the present embodiment. The automobile manufacturing line L is a manufacturing line that manufactures two or more types of automobiles, and manufactures a main line Lm through which various models of automobiles flow and a plurality of types of module parts M that can be assembled to the automobile body flowing through the main line Lm. It is provided with a module manufacturing system S for carrying and transporting.

Two or more models of vehicle bodies flow in the main line Lm in a predetermined order according to a predetermined production plan. The main line Lm includes a plurality of vehicle body assembly steps for assembling various module parts M according to the model of the target vehicle body to the vehicle body flowing from the upstream. FIG. 1 shows three steps of assembling the instrument panel module, the front end module, and the bumper module, which are the module parts M manufactured by the module manufacturing system S, to the vehicle body among the plurality of vehicle body assembly processes included in the main line Lm. Only illustrated.

In the instrument panel assembly process L1, assembling work is performed to assemble the instrument panel modules of each model supplied from the module manufacturing system S to the vehicle body flowing through the main line Lm according to the model of the target vehicle body. .. In the front-end module assembly process L2, the assembly work of assembling the front-end modules of each model supplied from the module manufacturing system S to the vehicle body flowing through the main line Lm according to the model of the target vehicle body. Is done. In the bumper assembly step L3, the assembly work is performed to assemble the bumper modules of each model supplied from the module manufacturing system S to the vehicle body flowing through the main line Lm according to the model of the target vehicle body. ..

The module manufacturing system S is a skeleton component set in which a plurality of automatic transport trolleys 2 that move in response to a command and a skeleton component mounting operation for mounting a skeleton component W on a plurality of automatic transport trolleys 2 by a plurality of workers are performed. A pack area 3 and a small parts set pack area 6 in which a plurality of small parts P are mounted on a plurality of automatic transport carts 2 by a plurality of workers, and a skeleton part W by a plurality of workers. An assembly work area 1 in which an assembly operation for manufacturing a module component M by assembling a plurality of small parts P is performed, and a plurality of automatic transport carriages 2 are assembled along a predetermined route including at least the assembly work area 1. A dolly controller 7 that moves the dolly controller 7 in a predetermined loading order is provided.

Each automatic transport trolley 2 generates a communication device that receives a command from the trolley controller 7, a trolley main body on which skeleton parts W, small parts P, module parts M, etc. are mounted, and power to move the trolley main body. The drive device is provided, and a control device that controls the drive device and moves the table at a predetermined speed along a path determined according to a command transmitted from the carriage controller 7. The detailed configuration of the automatic transport carriage 2 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and the like.

The carriage controller 7 can communicate with the communication device mounted on each automatic transport carriage 2 by, for example, wirelessly. The trolley controller 7 wirelessly transmits a command to each automatic transport trolley 2 to move each automatic transport trolley 2 in a predetermined loading order along a route described below.

The skeleton parts trolley route followed by the automatic transport trolley 2 paid out from the skeleton parts set pack area 3 is the route C21 from the skeleton parts set pack area 3 to the assembly work area 1 and the assembly work area 1 to the main line Lm. The route C22 and the route C23 from the main line Lm to the frame component set pack area 3 are included.

The small parts trolley route followed by the automatic transport trolley 2 paid out from the small parts set pack area 6 is the route C51 from the small parts set pack area 6 to the assembly work area 1 and the small parts set pack area from the assembly work area 1. Includes route C52 leading to 6.

The automatic transport carriage 2 on which the new skeleton component W is mounted after the skeleton component mounting work in the skeleton component set pack area 3 follows the path C21 from the skeleton component set pack area 3 to reach the assembly work area 1. The automatic transport carriage 2 on which a plurality of new small parts P are mounted after the small parts mounting work in the small parts set pack area 6 follows the path C51 from the small parts set pack area 6 to reach the assembly work area 1.

The automatic transport carriage 2 on which the module component M manufactured through the assembly work in the assembly work area 1 is mounted reaches the main line Lm from the assembly work area 1 by following the route C22. Here, when the module component M mounted on the automatic transport trolley 2 is an instrument panel module, the automatic transport trolley 2 moves to the instrument panel assembly process L1 of the main line Lm, and the instrument panel module is moved to the instrument panel assembly process L1. Supply. When the module component M mounted on the automatic transport carriage 2 is a front-end module, the automatic transport carriage 2 moves to the front-end module assembly process L2 of the main line Lm, and the front-end module is assembled into this front-end module assembly. It is supplied to the attachment process L2. When the module component M mounted on the automatic transport carriage 2 is a bumper module, the automatic transport carriage 2 moves to the bumper assembly process L3 of the main line Lm, and supplies the bumper module to the bumper assembly process L3. To do.

The automatic transport carriage 2 that has been emptied through the assembly work on the main line Lm follows the route C23 from the main line Lm to reach the skeleton component set pack area 3. The automatic transport carriage 2 that has returned to the skeleton parts set pack area 3 in this way is loaded with a new skeleton part W after the skeleton parts mounting work in the skeleton parts set pack area 3, and again follows the path C21 to the assembly work area. It is paid out to 1.

The automatic transport trolley 2 that has been emptied after the assembly work in the assembly work area 1 follows the path C52 from the assembly work area 1 to reach the small parts set pack area 6. The automatic transport trolley 2 that has returned to the small parts set pack area 6 in this way is loaded with a plurality of new small parts P after the small parts mounting work in the small parts set pack area 6, and is reassembled by following the route C51 again. It is paid out to work area 1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the assembly work area 1. Hereinafter, a case where two models (model A and model B) of instrument panel modules, front-end modules, and bumper modules are manufactured in the assembly work area 1 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The types of module parts manufactured in the assembly work area are not limited to these three types of instrument panel modules, front-end modules, and bumper modules, and the number of module parts manufactured in the assembly work area is of model A and model B. Not limited to two models.

The assembling work area 1 includes a fixed platform 10 on which workers who are in charge of assembling work can move, and a plurality of units berthed at a first work station 11 formed on the fixed platform 10 (in the example of FIG. 2, in the example of FIG. 2). It is composed of 10 trolleys) and a plurality of trolleys (10 in the example of FIG. 2) berthed at the second work station 12 formed on the fixed platform 10.

The fixed platform 10 has a rectangular island shape extending to the left and right in FIG. 2, for example. A first work station 11 extending along the longitudinal direction is formed on the upper side of the fixed platform 10 in FIG. 2, and a second work station 12 extending along the longitudinal direction is formed on the lower side in FIG. ..

The left end of the first work station 11 in FIG. 2 is put into the assembly work area 1 by following the automatic transport trolley 2 and the path C51 which are put into the assembly work area 1 by following the route C21. It is the first berthing point 11a where the automatic transport trolley 2 berths. Further, the end of the first work station 11 on the right side in FIG. 2 is a first berthing point 11b where the automatic transport trolley 2 berthed at the first work station 11 berths. In order to extend between the first berthing point 11a and the first berthing point 11b of the first work station 11 along the left-right direction in FIG. 2 and to berth each automatic transport trolley 2 at the first work station 11. The first station guide rail 13 of the above is formed.

The right end of the second work station 12 in FIG. 2 is put into the assembly work area 1 by following the path C21 and the automatic transport carriage 2 and the path C51. It is the second berthing point 12a where the automatic transport trolley 2 berths. Further, the end of the second work station 12 on the left side in FIG. 2 is a second berthing point 12b at which the automatic transport trolley 2 berthed at the second work station 12 berths. In order to extend between the second berthing point 12a and the second berthing point 12b of the second work station 12 along the left-right direction in FIG. 2 and to berth each automatic transport trolley 2 at the second work station 12. The second station guide rail 14 of the above is formed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first berthing point 11a and the second berthing point 12b face each other along the lateral direction of the fixed platform 10, and the first berthing point 11b and the second berthing point 12a are fixed. Opposing the platform 10 along the lateral direction.

The automatic transport carriage 2 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and basically moves in the lateral direction as the traveling direction. The shape and traveling direction of the automatic transport carriage 2 in a plan view are not limited to this. The shape of the automatic transport carriage 2 in a plan view is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be a square shape, or any other shape. Further, the traveling direction of the automatic transport carriage 2 is not limited to the lateral direction but may be the longitudinal direction.

Skeleton parts set A skeleton parts stand 51 on which skeleton parts are installed is provided in the center along the longitudinal direction of the automatic transport trolley 2 discharged from the pack area 3. Further, among the automatic transport carts 2 paid out from the skeleton parts set pack area 3, the first work stage 52 and the second work stage 53 on which an operator can board are formed on both sides of the skeleton parts base 51, respectively. Therefore, the operator gets on the first work stage 52 and the second work stage 53, and performs the assembly work on the skeleton parts mounted on the skeleton parts base 51 while the automatic transport carriage 2 is moving. It is possible.

When the automatic transport carriage 2 paid out from the skeleton component set pack area 3 follows the route C21 under the control of the carriage controller 7 and reaches the first berthing point 11a (or the second berthing point 12a), refer to FIG. 6 later. The side link arm 26 to be described engages with the first station guide rail 13 (or the second station guide rail 14), whereby the automatic transport carriage 2 berths at the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12). .. Further, the automatic transport carriage 2 berthed at the first berthing point 11a (or the second berthing point 12a) maintains a state of berthing at the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12) under the control of the trolley controller 7. While still, move along the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2) extending along the first station guide rail 13 (or the second station guide rail 14), and move along the first berthing point 11b (or the first berthing point 11b). 2 Reach the berthing point 12b). When the automatic transport carriage 2 reaches the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12b), the side link arm 26 comes off from the first station guide rail 13 (or the second station guide rail 14), and the first Leave the shore from the work station 11 (or the second work station 12). The automatic transport carriage 2 that has left the shore at the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12b) follows the route C22 under the control of the trolley controller 7 and moves to the main line Lm.

Further, while moving along the first station path CS1 (or the second station path CS2) as described above, the automatic transport carriage 2 on which the skeleton parts are mounted will be described later with reference to FIG. 5B. The state in which the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2) is connected to the rear end of the automatic transport carriage 2 that moves in advance in the traveling direction is maintained.

The automatic transport trolley 2 paid out from the small parts set pack area 6 includes a first front container 54, a second front container 55, a first rear container 56, and a second rear container 57, each of which is loaded with a plurality of small parts. It is provided.

The front containers 54 and 55 are provided on the front side in the traveling direction and the rear containers 56 and 57 are provided on the rear side in the traveling direction in the automatic transport carriage 2 paid out from the small parts set pack area 6. The first front container 54 is provided on the right side (that is, the work stations 11 and 12 sides) when viewed along the traveling direction, and the second front container 55 is provided on the left side when viewed along the traveling direction. The first rear container 56 is provided on the right side when viewed along the traveling direction, and the second rear container 57 is provided on the left side when viewed along the traveling direction.

Therefore, for example, when the automatic transport carriage 2 on which the skeleton parts are mounted is connected to the front side in the traveling direction of the automatic transport carriage 2 on which the small parts are mounted, the worker boarding the first work stage 52 of the preceding vehicle is the first. 1 Small parts provided in the front container 54 can be taken out and assembled to the skeleton parts mounted on the skeleton parts base 51. Further, the worker boarding the second work stage 53 of the preceding vehicle takes out the small parts provided in the second front container 55 and assembles them to the skeleton parts mounted on the skeleton parts base 51. Can be done.

Further, when the automatic transport trolley 2 for mounting the skeleton parts is connected to the rear side of the automatic transport trolley 2 for mounting the small parts in the traveling direction, the worker boarding the first work stage 52 of the trailing vehicle is the first rearward. Assembling work can be performed by taking out the small parts provided in the container 56 and assembling them to the skeleton parts mounted on the skeleton parts base 51. Further, the worker boarding the second work stage 53 of the trailing vehicle performs the assembly work of taking out the small parts provided in the second rear container 57 and assembling them to the skeleton parts mounted on the skeleton parts base 51. Can be done.

When the automatic transport carriage 2 paid out from the small parts set pack area 6 follows the route C51 under the control of the carriage controller 7 and reaches the first berthing point 11a (or the second berthing point 12a), the first station guide rail 13 (or the second berthing point 12a) Alternatively, it engages with the second station guide rail 14), whereby the automatic transport carriage 2 berths at the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12). Further, the automatic transport carriage 2 berthed at the first berthing point 11a (or the second berthing point 12a) maintains a state of berthing at the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12) under the control of the trolley controller 7. With this, it moves along the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2) and reaches the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12b). When the automatic transport carriage 2 reaches the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12b), the automatic transport trolley 2 comes off from the first station guide rail 13 (or the second station guide rail 14), and the first Leave the shore from the work station 11 (or the second work station 12). The automatic transport carriage 2 that has left the shore at the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12b) follows the path C52 under the control of the trolley controller 7 and moves to the small parts set pack area 6.

Further, while moving along the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2) as described above, the automatic transport carriage 2 on which the small parts are mounted is moved along the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2). The state in which the CS2) is connected to the rear end of the dolly that moves in advance in the traveling direction is maintained. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to simultaneously dock a plurality of predetermined automatic transport carriages 2 (10 in the example of FIG. 2) at the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12). It has become. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of automatic transport trolleys that move along the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2) while berthing at the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12). 2 are connected in a row. As a result, the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12) is formed with a work area formed by connecting a plurality of automatic transport carriages 2 in a row.

Therefore, after the automatic transport trolley 2 on which a certain skeleton component is mounted berths at the first berthing point 11a (or the second berthing point 12a), the worker sets the automatic transport trolley 2 at the first berthing point 11b. It is possible to perform the assembling work on the skeleton parts mounted on the automatic transport carriage 2 until leaving the shore at (or the second berthing point 12b). Further, as described above, a plurality of trolleys berthed at the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12) are connected. Therefore, the worker can go back and forth between these connected automatic transport trolleys 2 and assemble the skeleton parts mounted on the automatic transport trolley 2 different from the automatic transport trolley 2 that was first boarded. It is possible.

Further, in this way, the passing time required for the automatic transport trolley 2 to pass through the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12) (more specifically, the automatic transport trolley 2 has the first berthing point 11a (more specifically). Alternatively, the time required from berthing at the second berthing point 12a) to berthing at the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12b) is determined by the trolley controller 7 of these automatic transport trolleys 2. It is adjusted by controlling the speed along the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2).

Therefore, for example, at the first berthing point 11a (or the second berthing point 12a), the worker boarded the automatic transport trolley 2 on which the skeleton parts are mounted from the fixed platform 10, and then the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12a). By getting off from the automatic transport trolley 2 at the offshore point 12b), the assembly work can be basically performed over the passing time. Further, as described above, the first berthing point 11b faces the second berthing point 12a along the short side of the fixed platform 10, and the second berthing point 12b is the short side of the first berthing point 11a and the fixed platform 10. Oppose along the direction. Therefore, as described above, the worker who performed the assembly work on the first work station 11 side (or the second work station 12 side) after getting off at the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12b). , Board the automatic transport trolley 2 again from the fixed platform 10 at the second berthing point 12a (or the first berthing point 11a), and then from the automatic transport trolley 2 at the second berthing point 12b (or the first berthing point 11b). By getting off, the assembly work can be basically performed over the transit time. Therefore, the worker can alternately and repeatedly perform the assembling work at the first work station 11 and the assembling work at the second work station 12 with a small moving distance.

In the assembly work area 1 as described above, the skeleton parts mounted on the automatic transport carriage 2 are operated while the automatic transport carriage 2 passes through the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2). Assembling work is performed by a person, and the module parts are completed by this. The automatic transport carriage 2 on which the completed module parts are mounted leaves the shore at the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12b), and then follows the route C22 under the control of the trolley controller 7 to follow the main line Lm. Move to.

Further, in the assembly work area 1 as described above, the plurality of small parts mounted on the automatic transport carriage 2 are mounted on the automatic transport carriage 2 while the automatic transport carriage 2 passes through the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2). , Used for assembly work by workers. After the necessary small parts are taken out in this way, the automatic transport carriage 2 leaves the shore at the first berthing point 11b (or the second berthing point 12b), and then under the control of the trolley controller 7. Follow the path C52 to move to the small parts set pack area 6.

Further, when the automatic transport trolley 2 on which the small parts are mounted is connected to the front and rear in the traveling direction of the automatic transport trolley 2 on which the skeleton parts are mounted as described above, the vehicle is boarded on the automatic transport trolley 2 in the middle. The operator can take out small parts from the two automatic transport carts 2 connected to the front and rear and perform the assembly work. Therefore, the trolley controller 7 is connected to the automatic transport trolley 2 on which the skeleton parts are mounted and the automatic transport trolley 2 on which a plurality of small parts to be assembled to the skeleton parts mounted on the automatic transport trolley 2 are mounted. In this state, the automatic transport trolley 2 paid out from the skeleton parts set pack area 3 and the small parts set pack area 6 are automatically paid out so as to run in parallel along the first station route CS1 (or the second station route CS2). It is preferable that the transport carts 2 and the transport carts 2 are alternately put into the first work station 11 (or the second work station 12).

Note that FIG. 2 shows the automatic transport trolley 2 on which the bumper skeleton A, which is the skeleton component of the bumper module of model A, is mounted, the small component Bpr-A assembled to the bumper skeleton A, and the skeleton component of the front end module of model A. An automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a small component FEM-A to be assembled to the front skeleton A, an automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a front skeleton A, and an instrument panel skeleton which is a skeleton component of the small component FEM-A and the instrument panel module of model A. An automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a small component IP-A to be assembled to A, an automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with an instrument panel skeleton A, an automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a small component IP-A and a small component Bpr-A, An automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a bumper skeleton A, an automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a small part Bpr-A and a small part FEM-A, an automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a front skeleton A, a small part FEM-A and The case where the automatic transport skeleton 2 on which the small part IP-A is mounted and the automatic transport skeleton 2 are put into the first work station 11 in this order is shown. As a result, the worker boarding the automatic transport trolley 2 berthed at the first work station 11 can take out the necessary small parts from the left and right sides of each and assemble them to the skeleton parts to be berthed with a small moving distance. it can.

Further, FIG. 2 shows an automatic transport carriage 2 on which the bumper skeleton B, which is a skeleton part of the bumper module of the model B, is mounted, a small part Bpr-B assembled to the bumper skeleton B, and a skeleton part of the front end module of the model B. An automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a small component FEM-B to be assembled to the front skeleton B, an automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a front skeleton B, and an instrument panel skeleton which is a skeleton component of the small component FEM-B and the instrument panel module of model B. An automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a small component IP-B assembled to B, an automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with an instrument panel skeleton B, an automatic transport trolley 2 equipped with a small component IP-B and a small component Bpr-B, Automatic transport trolley 2 with bumper skeleton B, automatic transport trolley 2 with small parts Bpr-B and small parts FEM-B, automatic transport trolley 2 with front skeleton B, small parts FEM-B and The case where the automatic transport skeleton 2 on which the small component IP-B is mounted and the automatic transport skeleton 2 are loaded into the second work station 12 in this order is shown. As a result, the worker boarding each automatic transport trolley 2 berthed at the second work station 12 can take out the necessary small parts from the left and right sides of each and assemble them to the skeleton parts to be berthed with a short moving distance. Can be done.

The order in which the automatic transport carriage 2 is loaded into the first work station 11 and the second work station 12 by the carriage controller 7 is not limited to that shown in FIG. The loading order of the automatic transport trolley 2 is determined according to the man-hours for assembling the skeleton parts mounted on the automatic transport trolley 2 so as to reduce the loss in the assembly work by the operator.

In FIG. 2, the trolley controller 7 introduces the automatic transport trolley 2 on which the skeleton parts of the model A are mounted and the automatic transport trolley 2 on which the small parts to be assembled to the skeleton parts of the model A are mounted on the first work station 11. By doing so, the module parts used for the model A are manufactured at the first work station 11, and the automatic transport trolley 2 for mounting the skeleton parts of the model B and the automatic transport trolley 2 for mounting the small parts to be assembled to the skeleton parts of the model B are automatically mounted. A case where a module component used for the model B is manufactured in the second work station 12 by throwing the transport carriage 2 into the second work station 12 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The skeleton parts and small parts of the models A and B may be mixed and input to the work stations 11 and 12, and the module parts of the models A and B may be manufactured at the stations 11 and 12. ..

Next, the detailed configuration of each automatic transport carriage 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the automatic transport carriage 2. The automatic transport trolley 2 includes a flat trolley main body 21, a front-rear link arm 24, a front-rear link rail 25, a side link arm 26, and a side link rail 27 provided at four ends of the trolley main body 21, respectively. A drive device 22, a turntable 23, a communication device (not shown), and a control device (not shown) provided on the lower surface side of the bogie body 21 are provided.

The dolly body 21 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. On the upper surface of the trolley main body 21, a skeleton parts base 51 provided with skeleton parts, containers 54 to 57 containing a plurality of small parts, and the like are installed as described with reference to FIG. It is possible to form work stages 52 and 53 that can be boarded.

The drive device 22 includes four drive wheels 22a to 22d, a battery 22e that can be appropriately charged in the frame component set pack area 3 and the small component set pack area 6, and a plurality of motors (not shown) that are not shown by the electric power supplied from the battery 22e. 22f is provided with a drive device main body 22f that rotationally drives the drive wheels 22a to 22d and changes the steering angles of the drive wheels 22a to 22d by driving the drive wheels 22a to 22d. The control device controls the drive device main body 22f in response to a command from the bogie controller 7 received via the communication device, and extends the bogie main body 21 to the front side of the traveling direction Fd extending along the lateral direction of the bogie main body 21. Or move the dolly body 21 backward in the traveling direction Fd.

Further, the drive device main body 22f is attached to the center of the lower surface of the bogie main body 21 via a turntable 23 that extends along the vertical direction and is rotatable around a rotation shaft O that passes through the center of the bogie main body 21. Therefore, the control device rotates the turntable 23 around the rotation shaft O in response to a command from the carriage controller 7 received via the communication device, so that the directions of the drive wheels 22a to 22d are set to the traveling direction Fd. It is possible to make the carriage body 21 orthogonal to the vehicle and to translate the carriage body 21 along the width direction Wd orthogonal to the traveling direction Fd. Further, by inclining the directions of the drive wheels 22a to 22d with respect to the traveling direction Fd, it is possible to move the carriage main body 21 in an oblique direction with respect to the traveling direction Fd.

Of the lower surface side of the bogie body 21, two front and rear ends extending along the traveling direction Fd of the bogie body 21 as front connecting portions for connecting to the preceding bogie at the front end along the traveling direction Fd. A link arm 24 is provided. Further, on the lower surface side of the bogie body 21, one front and rear link rail extending along the width direction Wd as a rear connecting portion for connecting to the trailing bogie at the rear end portion along the traveling direction Fd. 25 is provided.

FIG. 4 shows the front-rear link arm 24 of the automatic transport carriage 2 and the front-rear link rail 25 of the preceding carriage 2a traveling forward along the traveling direction Fd with respect to the automatic transport carriage 2 along the width direction Wd. It is a figure.

The front-rear link rail 25 extends along the width direction Wd orthogonal to the traveling direction Fd, and a concave recess 251 is formed downward along the vertical direction in a cross-sectional view. A tapered surface 253 that is inclined in the vertical direction is formed on the outer edge portion 252 of the recess 251.

The front-rear link arm 24 includes a cam follower 241 that engages with a recess 251 of the front-rear link rail 25, an arm member 242 that extends along the traveling direction Fd and has a cam follower 241 provided on the tip end side thereof, and a base end side of the arm member 242. A support member 243 that swingably supports the carriage body 21 in the vertical direction, and an urging member 244 that biases the arm member 242 in the vertical direction.

The cam follower 241 includes a roller 241a having an outer peripheral surface 241b in contact with the inner wall surface of the recess 251 and a shaft 241c that rotatably supports the roller 241a. The shaft 241c is provided on the tip end side of the arm member 242. The shaft 241c extends along the vertical direction.

The support member 243 includes a rotation shaft 243a provided on the base end side of the arm member 242 and extending along the width direction Wd, and a stay fixed to the lower surface of the carriage body 21 and rotatably supporting the rotation shaft 243a. 243b and. As a result, the support member 243 supports the arm member 242 so as to be swingable along the vertical direction.

The urging member 244 is, for example, a tension coil spring extending in the vertical direction, the upper end portion 244a thereof is fixed to the arm member 242, and the lower end portion 244b is fixed to the stay 243b. More specifically, the upper end portion 244a of the urging member 244 is fixed to the rear side of the arm member 242 extending along the traveling direction Fd along the traveling direction Fd with respect to the rotation shaft 243a. Further, the lower end portion 244b of the urging member 244 is fixed to the lower side of the stay 243b than the upper end portion 244a. The urging member 244 constantly generates an elastic force in a direction that brings the upper end portion 244a and the lower end portion 244b close to each other along the vertical direction. As a result, the urging member 244 urges the arm member 242 toward the bottom 254 side of the recess 251 of the front-rear link rail 25 along the vertical direction.

5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a procedure for connecting the front / rear link arm 24 of the automatic transport carriage 2 and the front / rear link rail 25 of the preceding carriage 2a.

When the automatic transport carriage 2 is first brought closer to the preceding carriage 2a by advancing along the traveling direction Fd, the cam follower 241 of the front-rear link arm 24 comes into contact with the tapered surface 253 of the front-rear link rail 25. From this state, when the automatic transport carriage 2 is further brought closer to the preceding carriage 2a against the elastic force of the urging member 244, the cam follower 241 slides downward along the tapered surface 253 as shown in FIG. 5A. Move.

Further, when the automatic transport carriage 2 is further brought closer to the preceding carriage 2a from the state shown in FIG. 5A, the cam follower 241 gets over the edge portion 252 of the recess 251. When the cam follower 241 gets over the edge portion 252, the cam follower 241 is urged toward the bottom portion 254 of the recess 251 by the urging member 244, whereby the cam follower 241 engages with the recess 251. As a result, the automatic transport carriage 2 and the preceding carriage 2a are connected, and movement along the traveling direction Fd is restricted. As described above, the automatic transport carriage 2 and the preceding carriage 2a are connected only by bringing them close to each other along the traveling direction Fd.

Further, as described above, the roller 241a of the cam follower 241 is rotatably supported by a shaft 241c extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, the cam follower 241 can slide along the extending direction (that is, the width direction Wd) of the front-rear link rail 25 while maintaining the state in which the roller 241a is engaged with the recess 251. Therefore, after the automatic transport carriage 2 and the preceding carriage 2a are connected, any of the automatic transport carriage 2 and the preceding carriage 2a is moved along the width direction Wd by the front-rear link arm 24 and the front-rear link rail 25. You can break the connection.

Returning to FIG. 3, the end of the bogie main body 21 on the right side (that is, the work stations 11, 12 side) when viewed along the traveling direction Fd is connected to the work stations 11, 12 or the parallel running bogie. Two side link arms 26 extending along the width direction Wd are provided as side connecting portions for the purpose.

FIG. 6 shows the side link arm 26 of the automatic transport carriage 2 and the first station guide rail 13 provided on the first work station 11 along the extending direction of the first station guide rail parallel to the traveling direction Fd. It is a figure. Since the configuration of the second station guide rail 14 provided in the second work station 12 is almost the same as that of the first station guide rail 13, the description thereof will be omitted below.

The first station guide rail 13 extends along its extending direction, and a concave recess 131 is formed downward in the vertical direction in a cross-sectional view. A tapered surface 133 that is inclined in the vertical direction is formed on the outer edge 132 of the recess 131.

The side link arm 26 includes a cam follower 261 that engages with the recess 131 of the first station guide rail 13, an arm member 262 that extends along the width direction Wd and is provided with a cam follower 261 on the tip end side thereof, and a base of the arm member 262. A support member 263 that supports the end side of the bogie body 21 so as to swing in the vertical direction, and an urging member 264 that urges the arm member 262 in the vertical direction are provided.

The cam follower 261 includes a roller 261a having an outer peripheral surface 261b in contact with the inner wall surface of the recess 131, and a shaft 261c that rotatably supports the roller 261a. The shaft 261c is provided on the tip end side of the arm member 262. The shaft 261c extends along the vertical direction.

The support member 263 includes a rotation shaft 263a provided on the base end side of the arm member 262 and extending along the traveling direction Fd, and a stay fixed to the lower surface of the carriage body 21 and rotatably supporting the rotation shaft 263a. 263b and. As a result, the support member 263 supports the arm member 262 so as to be swingable along the vertical direction.

The urging member 264 is, for example, a tension coil spring extending in the vertical direction, the upper end portion 264a thereof is fixed to the arm member 262, and the lower end portion 264b is fixed to the stay 263b. More specifically, the upper end portion 264a of the urging member 264 is fixed inward along the width direction Wd with respect to the rotation shaft 263a among the arm members 262 extending along the width direction Wd. Further, the lower end portion 264b of the urging member 264 is fixed to the lower side of the stay 263b than the upper end portion 264a. The urging member 264 constantly generates an elastic force in a direction that brings the upper end portion 264a and the lower end portion 264b close to each other along the vertical direction. As a result, the urging member 264 urges the arm member 262 toward the bottom 134 side of the recess 131 of the first station guide rail 13 along the vertical direction.

According to the first station guide rail 13 and the side link arm 26 configured as described above, the automatic transport carriage 2 and the first work station 11 are the first work stations in which the automatic transport carriage 2 is placed along the width direction Wd. It is connected only by approaching 11. Since the specific procedure for connecting the automatic transport carriage 2 and the first work station 11 is the same as the procedure described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Returning to FIG. 3, one side link rail 27 extending along the traveling direction Fd at the end of the bogie main body 21 on the left side when viewed along the traveling direction Fd is connected to the parallel traveling bogie. Is provided.

FIG. 7 is a view of the side link rail 27 of the automatic transport carriage 2 and the side link arm 26 provided on the parallel traveling carriage 2b running in parallel with the automatic transport carriage 2 along the traveling direction Fd.

The side link rail 27 extends along the traveling direction Fd, and a concave recess 271 is formed downward along the vertical direction in a cross-sectional view. A tapered surface 273 that is inclined in the vertical direction is formed on the outer edge portion 272 of the recess 271. The urging member 264 of the side link arm 26 urges the arm member 262 toward the bottom 274 side of the recess 271 of the side link rail 27 along the vertical direction.

According to the side link rail 27 and the side link arm 26 configured as described above, the automatic transport carriage 2 and the parallel running carriage 2b approach the automatic transport carriage 2 and the parallel traveling carriage 2b along the width direction Wd. It is connected just by letting it. Since the specific procedure for connecting the automatic transport carriage 2 and the parallel traveling carriage 2b is the same as the procedure described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of automatic transport carriages 2 (six in the example of FIG. 8) are traveling along the first work station 11 in the assembly work area 1. The carriage controller 7 moves a plurality of automatic transport carriages 2 in a row along the first work station 11 in the assembly work area 1.

As described above, each of the automatic transport carriages 2 can be connected in a row by engaging the front and rear link arms 24 with the front and rear link rails 25 of the preceding carriage traveling on the front side along the traveling direction Fd. It is possible. Further, each automatic transport carriage 2 can be connected to the first work station 11 by engaging each side link arm 26 with the first station guide rail 13 of the first work station 11. .. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the carriage controller 7 forms a platoon by connecting a plurality of automatic transport carriages 2 in a row, and the automatic transport carriages 2 are docked at the first work station 11 to form a first station. It is possible to move along the route CS1. As a result, the worker can board the automatic transport trolley 2 from the fixed platform 10 and perform the assembly work.

By the way, in the skeleton parts set pack area 3 and the small parts set pack area 6 described with reference to FIG. 1, the automatic transport trolley 2 on which the defective small parts and the skeleton parts are mounted may be erroneously paid out. When such a defect is discovered after the automatic transport trolley 2 is paid out, the defective small parts and skeleton parts are mounted from among the plurality of automatic transport trolleys 2 traveling in a line at the first work station 11. It is necessary to make only what you do. Therefore, in the first work station 11, the side link arm 26 of the automatic transport carriage 2 and the first station are located in the hollow permission area 8 defined between the first berthing point 11a and the first berthing point 11b. A connection release mechanism 80 for releasing the connection with the guide rail 13 is provided.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section perpendicular to the traveling direction Fd of the hollow permit area 8.
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the middle line IX-IX of FIG. 9A.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the disconnection mechanism 80 is composed of the disconnection block 81 provided only in the recess 131 in the hollow permit area 8 of the first station guide rail 13. As shown in FIG. 9B, tapered surfaces 82 and 83 are formed at both ends of the disconnection block 81. Therefore, when the automatic transport carriage 2 moving along the first work station 11 invades the hollowing permission area 8, the cam follower 261 of the side link arm 26 rides on the disconnection block 81 as shown in FIG. 9A. Therefore, the automatic transport carriage 2 is temporarily disconnected from the first work station 11 in the hollowing permission area 8. Therefore, in the trolley controller 7, when the automatic transport trolley 2 to be hollowed out enters the hollowing permission area 8 and the connection is released by the connection release mechanism 80, the automatic transfer that is temporarily released from the connection is released. By translating the trolley 2 in a direction away from the first work station 11 along the width direction Wd, the automatic transport trolley 2 to be hollowed out is separated from the formation.

10A and 10B are diagrams showing the configuration of the connection release mechanism 80A of the first modification. The connection release mechanism 80A includes a connection release block 81A provided in the through hole 13a formed in the first station guide rail 13, and an actuator 84A for moving the connection release block 81A forward and backward along the horizontal direction. In the connection release mechanism 80A of the modification 1, when the automatic transfer carriage 2 to be hollowed out enters the hollowing permission area 8, the coupling disconnection block 81A is connected to the recess 131 by the actuator 84A as shown in FIG. 10B. Advance inward. As a result, the cam follower 261 of the side link arm 26 is pushed out from the inside of the recess 131, and the connection between the automatic transport carriage 2 and the first work station 11 is released. Further, when the connection between the automatic transport carriage 2 to be hollowed out and the first work station 11 is released by the disconnection release mechanism 80A, the carriage controller 7 sets the automatic transport carriage 2 along the width direction Wd. 1 By translating in a direction away from the work station 11, the automatic transport trolley 2 to be hollowed out is separated from the formation. Further, in the connection release mechanism 80A of the modification 1, when the automatic transport carriage 2 entering the hollowing permission area 8 is not a hollowing target, the connection release block 81A is retracted to the outside of the recess 131 as shown in FIG. 10A. Let me. As a result, only the automatic transport carriage 2 to be hollowed out can be separated from the first work station 11.

11A and 11B are diagrams showing the configuration of the connection release mechanism 80B of the second modification. The connection release mechanism 80B includes a connection release block 81B provided in a through hole 13b formed in the first station guide rail 13, and an actuator 84B for moving the connection release block 81B forward and backward in the vertical direction. In the connection release mechanism 80B of the modified example 2, when the automatic transport carriage 2 to be hollowed out enters the hollowing permission area 8, the coupling disconnection block 81B is connected to the recess 131 by the actuator 84B as shown in FIG. 11B. It is advanced inward to release the connection between the automatic transport carriage 2 and the first work station 11. Further, when the connection between the automatic transport carriage 2 to be hollowed out and the first work station 11 is released by the connection release mechanism 80B, the carriage controller 7 sets the automatic transport carriage 2 along the width direction Wd. 1 By translating in a direction away from the work station 11, the automatic transport trolley 2 to be hollowed out is separated from the formation. Further, in the connection release mechanism 80B of the modification 2, when the automatic transport carriage 2 entering the hollowing permission area 8 is not a hollowing target, the connection release block 81B is retracted to the outside of the recess 131 as shown in FIG. 11B. Let me. As a result, only the automatic transport carriage 2 to be hollowed out can be separated from the first work station 11.

12A and 12B are diagrams showing the configuration of the connection release mechanism 80C of the modification 3. The connection release mechanism 80C is an actuator including a connection release block 81C provided in a through hole 13c formed in the first station guide rail 13 and a rotation shaft 85C extending along the extending direction of the first station guide rail 13. It includes 84C and a swing arm 86C that extends along the radial direction of the rotary shaft 85C and connects the rotary shaft 85C and the disconnection block 81C. In the connection release mechanism 80C of the modification 3, when the automatic transfer carriage 2 to be hollowed out enters the hollowing permission area 8, the coupling disconnection block 81C is recessed by using the actuator 84C as shown in FIG. 12B. It is advanced to the inside of 131 to release the connection between the automatic transport carriage 2 and the first work station 11. Further, when the connection between the automatic transport carriage 2 to be hollowed out and the first work station 11 is released by the disconnection release mechanism 80C, the carriage controller 7 sets the automatic transport carriage 2 along the width direction Wd. 1 By translating in a direction away from the work station 11, the automatic transport trolley 2 to be hollowed out is separated from the formation. Further, in the connection release mechanism 80C of the modification 3, when the automatic transport carriage 2 entering the hollowing permission area 8 is not a hollowing target, the connection release block 81C is retracted to the outside of the recess 131 as shown in FIG. 12B. Let me. As a result, only the automatic transport carriage 2 to be hollowed out can be separated from the first work station 11.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. Within the scope of the gist of the present invention, the detailed configuration may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the work subject performing the assembly work in the assembly work area 1 is a worker has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The work subject may be a robot in addition to the worker, or may be a combination of the worker and the robot.

Further, in the above embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 8, the carriage controller 7 forms a row of platoons by a plurality of automatic transport trolleys 2, and moves this platoon along the first work station 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the side link rail 27 of the automatic transport carriage 2 is engaged with the side link arm 26 provided on the parallel running carriage 2 running in parallel with the automatic transport carriage 2, and is automatically conveyed. The bogie 2 and the parallel running bogie can be connected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the carriage controller 7 has a plurality of platoons 2d formed on the side link rails 27 of the plurality of automatic transport trolleys 2 forming the platoon 2c connected to the first work station 11. By connecting the side link arms 26 of the automatic transport carriage 2, two rows of formations can be formed.

Further, in the above embodiment, the front-rear link arm 24 is provided as a front connecting portion as a front connecting portion at the front end portion of the bogie main body 21 along the traveling direction Fd, and the rear connecting portion is provided at the rear end portion along the traveling direction Fd. However, the present invention is not limited to this, although the case where the front and rear link rails 25 are provided has been described. For example, in the bogie body 21, a front-rear link rail 25 is provided as a front connecting portion at the front end along the traveling direction Fd, and a front-rear link arm is provided as a rear connecting portion at the rear end along the traveling direction Fd. 24 may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the next automatic transport carriage is connected to the rear of the automatic transport carriage previously connected to the work station to form a platoon of the automatic transport carriages at the work station has been described. The procedure for connecting the transport carriages is not limited to this. For example, the next automatic transport trolley may be connected in front of the automatic transport trolley previously connected to the work station, or the automatic transport trolley may be interrupted between the two automatic transport trolleys previously connected to the work station. The next automatic transport trolley may be connected.

L ... Automobile manufacturing line S ... Module manufacturing system (conveyance system)
1 ... Assembly work area 10 ... Fixed platform 11 ... 1st work station (work station)
13 ... 1st station guide rail (station guide rail)
131 ... Recess (station recess)
134 ... Bottom (bottom)
132 ... Edge 133 ... Tapered surface 12 ... Second work station (work station)
14 ... 2nd station guide rail (station guide rail)
2 ... Automatic transport trolley (trolley)
W ... Skeleton parts (work)
P ... Small parts (parts)
21 ... Bogie body 24 ... Front and rear link arms (front connection)
241 ... Cam follower (engagement part)
242 ... Arm member 243 ... Support member 244 ... Biasing member 25 ... Front and rear link rail (rear connecting part)
251 ... Recessed portion 254 ... Bottom (bottom)
252 ... Edge 253 ... Tapered surface 26 ... Side link arm (side connection)
261 ... Cam follower (side engagement part)
262 ... Arm member (side arm member)
263 ... Support member (side support member)
264 ... Biasing member 27 ... Side link rail 271 ... Recess (side recess)
272 ... Edge 273 ... Tapered surface 3 ... Skeleton parts set pack area 6 ... Small parts set pack area 7 ... Cart controller (control device)
8 ... Hollow-out permission area 80, 80A, 80B, 80C ... Disconnection mechanism 81, 81A, 81B, 81C ... Disconnection block (block)
84A, 84B, 84C ... Actuator

Claims (4)

Multiple trolleys that can carry workpieces or parts and can be boarded by workers,
A transport system including a control device for moving a plurality of the carriages in a line along a work station.
The bogie body of the bogie is provided with a front connecting portion for connecting to the preceding bogie and a rear connecting portion for connecting to the trailing bogie.
One of the front connecting portion and the rear connecting portion extends along a width direction orthogonal to the traveling direction and has a concave recess in a cross-sectional view, and the other connecting portion engages with the recess. With a joint
The engaging portion is Ri slidably der along the width direction while engaging with said recess,
A side connecting portion for connecting to the station guide rail provided in the working station is provided on the side portion of the bogie body on the work station side with respect to the traveling direction.
The lateral connecting portion is slidable along the extending direction of the station guide rail in a state of being connected to the station guide rail.
The work station is provided with a connection release mechanism for releasing the connection between the side connection portion and the station guide rail.
When the connection between the side connecting portion and the station guide rail is released by the disconnection mechanism, the control device separates the disconnected carriage from the work station along the width direction. A transport system characterized by moving in a direction . The other connecting portion has an arm member extending along the traveling direction and having the engaging portion provided on the tip end side thereof, and swinging the base end side of the arm member in the vertical direction with respect to the carriage body. A support member that can support the arm member and an urging member that urges the arm member toward the bottom side of the recess along the vertical direction are provided.
The transport system according to claim 1, wherein a tapered surface that is inclined in the vertical direction is formed on the outer edge of the recess. The station guide rail extends along the extending direction and includes a concave station recess in a cross-sectional view.
The side connecting portion includes a side engaging portion that engages with the station recess, a side arm member that extends along the width direction and is provided with the side engaging portion on the tip end side thereof, and the side. A side support member that swingably supports the base end side of the side arm member with respect to the bogie body in the vertical direction and the side arm member are attached to the bottom side of the station recess along the vertical direction. Equipped with a urging member
The disconnection mechanism includes a block provided so as to be able to advance and retreat to the inside of the station recess, and an actuator for advancing and retreating the block. The transport system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the connection between the side connecting portion and the station guide rail is released by pushing out to. A side portion of the bogie body that faces the side connecting portion is provided with a concave lateral recess extending along the traveling direction and having a concave shape in a cross-sectional view.
The transport system according to claim 3 , wherein the lateral engaging portion is slidable along the traveling direction in a state of being engaged with the lateral recess.

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