JP7240369B2 - vehicle manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to vehicle manufacturing equipment, and more particularly to a technique for improving the arrangement of main lines and sub-lines in a vehicle assembly line.

For example, in an automobile manufacturing plant, an automobile is assembled by sequentially performing various operations on a vehicle or vehicle parts that are conveyed on a predetermined manufacturing line. Among these lines, the automobile assembly line usually consists of a main line where various parts are assembled to the body while transporting the body that will be the main body of the vehicle, and a sub-line where the parts to be assembled to the body on the main line are assembled. It consists of a sub-line that assembles assemblies (for example, door panels, instrument panels, engines, etc.). In this case, the sub-line is normally installed close to the main line for the purpose of conveying the sub-assembly to the body in the shortest distance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-247064

By the way, in the automobile assembly line as described above, space restrictions and layout restrictions often occur due to factors such as the size and shape of the factory. In such a case, since the sub-line cannot be arranged close to the main line as described in Patent Document 1, it becomes necessary to move the sub-assembly over a long distance from the sub-line to the main line. Here, if an automatic transport device is used for transporting the sub-assembly, the equipment cost will rise. It is also possible to transport by hand using minimal equipment (transport auxiliary equipment, etc.), but in this case, an extra sub-assembly transport process is required, and a dedicated worker is required, there is a problem in terms of work efficiency.

In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present specification is to provide a vehicle manufacturing facility capable of efficiently assembling a sub-assembly to a body at low cost regardless of the layout of the main line. technical issues to be addressed.

The solution of the above problems is achieved by a vehicle manufacturing facility according to the present invention. That is, this manufacturing facility is equipped with a vehicle assembly line, and the assembly line comprises a main line for assembling subassemblies to the vehicle body and a subline for sequentially sending out the subassemblies to the main line. , and the main line is provided with a folded portion for reversing the conveying direction of the bodies, and the downstream end of the sub-line is arranged at or near the folded portion. It should be noted that the sub-assemblies referred to here include not only parts such as door panels, instrument panels, engines, etc., which are conventionally assembled near the main line, but also parts located away from the main line or in separate facilities (for example, other areas). General parts such as seats and batteries that are assembled at the factory) are widely included.

As described above, in the vehicle manufacturing facility according to the present invention, the main line constituting the vehicle assembly line is provided with a turn-back section for reversing the conveying direction of the body, and the sub-line downstream of the sub-line constituting the assembly line together with the main line is provided. The sub-lines were arranged so that the ends were located at or near the folds. Generally, on a main line, which is a body assembly line, bodies are assembled with subassemblies while being conveyed on the main line at a constant speed. On the other hand, when the production line is provided with a folding section as in the present invention, the body can be transported and transported relatively easily at the folding section for the reasons of the body transport mechanism and the layout of the workers. A transport mechanism can be provided that can be repeatedly stopped. Focusing on this point, the present invention arranges the sub-line so that the downstream end of the sub-line is positioned at or near the folded portion of the main line. By arranging the downstream end of the sub-line at or near the folded portion, the sub-assembly sent from the sub-line can be mounted on the body on the main line at the shortest distance, so the sub-assembly transfer equipment from the sub-line to the main line. can be simplified or omitted to keep the equipment cost low. Further, as described above, since the body can be easily stopped at the folded portion, the sub-assembly can be mounted without providing a device for synchronizing with the body, for example. Therefore, the equipment for mounting the sub-assembly on the body can be simplified, and this also makes it possible to keep the equipment cost low. Further, if the facilities for transportation and mounting can be simplified, the working space can be increased accordingly, and the working efficiency can be improved. Of course, since the assembly work can be performed while the body is stopped, it is possible to improve work efficiency in this respect as well.

In addition, in the vehicle manufacturing facility according to the present invention, the body can be stopped in a predetermined posture at the folded portion, and a predetermined type of sub-assembly is installed in accordance with the posture of the body in the stopped state. It may be configured so that it can be supplied from the sub-line to the stopped body.

At the folding portion, the body is conveyed, for example, on a predetermined conveying line so that the conveying direction is reversed. Therefore, in the course of passing through the folded portion, the body can be conveyed while continuously changing its posture within a range of substantially 180° or close thereto. Therefore, by stopping the body at a predetermined position of the folded portion, the body can be stopped in an arbitrary posture corresponding to the stop position. Therefore, by constructing a sub-assembly capable of supplying a predetermined type of sub-assembly to the body from the sub-line according to the position of the body in the stopped state, the body can be assembled according to the type of the sub-assembly and the location where it is attached to the body. You can adjust the posture of time. Therefore, for example, the sub-assembly can be moved to a predetermined assembly point in the shortest distance, and the assembly can be efficiently performed. In particular, when a sub-assembly to be assembled, such as a seat, is large and the assembly flow line with respect to the body is restricted, for example, one of the left and right front seats is assembled while the body is stopped in a posture that facilitates assembly. After that, the body is moved along the folded portion, and the other left and right seats can be assembled while the body is stopped in a posture in which the other seat can be easily assembled. Therefore, it is possible to greatly improve the workability of assembly.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle manufacturing facility capable of efficiently assembling a sub-assembly to a body at low cost regardless of the layout of the main line. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a main part for conceptually explaining an arrangement mode of vehicle manufacturing equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a folded portion of the first main line shown in FIG. 1; 2 is an enlarged plan view of a folded portion of the third main line shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an example of the process of assembling a predetermined sub-assembly to the body at the folded portion shown in FIG. 3, in which the first sub-assembly is assembled while the body is stopped in the first posture; It is a plan view showing the. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an example of the process of assembling a predetermined sub-assembly to the body at the folded portion shown in FIG. 3, in which the second sub-assembly is assembled while the body is stopped in the second posture; It is a plan view showing the.

Hereinafter, the content of a vehicle manufacturing facility according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of essential parts of a vehicle manufacturing facility according to the present embodiment. That is, FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a vehicle assembly line 10 of vehicle manufacturing facilities. Here, the assembly line 10 includes one or a plurality of main lines 11 to 13 for assembling the subassemblies 2 to 4 to the vehicle body 1, and can sequentially send out the subassemblies 2 to 4 toward the main lines 11 to 13. sub-lines 14-16. The configuration of each line 11 to 16 will be described below in order.

The main lines 11-13 have a first main line 11, a second main line 12 and a third main line 13 in this embodiment (see FIG. 1). Here, these three main lines 11-13 are arranged parallel to each other. Also, the body 1 is conveyed in the order of the first main line 11, the second main line 12, and the third main line 13, and undergoes various assembly operations. On the other hand, the first main line 11 located on the most upstream side as viewed from the conveying direction of the bodies 1 is relatively arranged on the one side in the width direction (lowest side in FIG. 1), The second main line 12 located downstream of the one main line 11 is relatively arranged on the othermost side in the width direction (the uppermost side in FIG. 1). A third main line 13 located on the downstream side of the second main line 12 is arranged relatively centrally in the width direction of the three main lines 11 to 13 .

The first main line 11 is mainly for assembling interior parts of a vehicle, and has a plurality of assembling processes 11a, 11b, . . . as shown in FIG. Workers W1, W1, . FIG. 2 exemplifies a case where the working device 17 is arranged in place of the worker W1 in a part of each of the assembling processes 11a, 11b, and the assembling work is automatically performed. Workers W1, W1, . . . may be assigned to the assembling processes 11a, 11b, .

These assembling processes 11a, 11b, . In this embodiment, the transport line L1 extends linearly along a predetermined direction, and after turning back at a predetermined position and changing the direction by 180°, the body of the first main line 11 extends again linearly. 1 transport mechanism is configured. In other words, at one end in the longitudinal direction of the first main line 11, the folded portion 21 of the transport line L1 is provided.

Here, the transport mechanism for the bodies 1 in the region of the first main line 11 excluding the folded portion 21 (the region in which the assembling processes 11a, 11b, . . . are provided) and the transport mechanism for the bodies 1 in the folded portion 21. mutually different. In the region where each of the assembling processes 11a, 11b, . there is On the other hand, in the folded portion 21, the interval between the bodies 1 adjacent in the direction along the transport line L1 can be adjusted, and the transport mechanism of the bodies 1 is configured so that each body 1 can be stopped and driven at an arbitrary position. (illustration of any transport mechanism is omitted). In this case, the folded portion 21 can function as a buffer area of the body 1 . That is, the body 1 before the assembling step 24 or the body 1 after the assembling step 24, which will be described later, can stand by inside the folded portion 22. As shown in FIG. The folded portions 22 and 23 of the second and third main lines 12 and 13, which will be described later, can also have a similar buffer function.

The first sub-line 14 is configured so as to be able to sequentially send out the first sub-assemblies 2 toward the first main line 11 . Here, the first sub-assemblies 2 are, for example, instrument panel modules, and as shown in FIG. 2, are conveyed in an aligned state on a conveying line L4 linearly extending along a predetermined direction. Further, a plurality of assembling processes 14a, 14b, . Then, the first sub-assembly 2, which has undergone the most downstream assembly step (here, the assembly step 14c shown in FIG. 2) and has been assembled, is further conveyed downstream on the conveying line L4. One sub-assembly 2 is carried into a sub-assembly assembly process 24 adjacent to the first sub-line 14 . It should be noted that the first sub-assembly 2 referred to here includes not only sub-assemblies ready to be carried out from the first sub-line 14 after completing a plurality of assembly processes 14a, 14b, but also the assembly processes 14a, 14b. Sub-assies in a state before implementation, that is, sub-assies in the process of being assembled are included. The same applies to second and third subassemblies 3 and 4, which will be described later.

Also, workers W4, W4, . A sub-assembly assembly process 24 provided adjacent to the downstream end of the first sub-line 14 is provided with a worker W4' who performs work in this sub-assembly assembly process 24. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, since the assembly process 14c on the most downstream side and the sub-assembly assembling process 24 are adjacent, for example, the worker W4' of the sub-assembly assembling process 24 14c may also be in charge.

The second main line 12 is a line for mainly assembling parts related to the undercarriage of the vehicle such as the engine and rear suspension. assembly process. Workers who perform work in each assembly process are assigned to each assembly process.

These multiple assembling processes are arranged on the transport line L2 (see FIG. 1) of the body 1. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the conveying line L2 extends linearly along a predetermined direction, and after turning back at a predetermined position and changing the direction by 180°, the body of the second main line 12 extends linearly again. 1 transport mechanism is configured. In other words, at one end in the longitudinal direction of the second main line 12, the folded portion 22 of the transport line L2 is provided.

Here, the conveying mechanism of the bodies 1 in the area of the second main line 12 excluding the folded portion 22 (the area where each assembling step is provided) and the conveying mechanism of the bodies 1 in the folded portion 22 are different from each other. That is, like the first main line 11, the bodies 1 are conveyed along the conveying line L2 at a constant speed in the region where each assembling process is provided, while being aligned along the longitudinal direction. transport mechanism is configured. On the other hand, in the folded portion 22, the interval between the bodies 1 adjacent in the direction along the transport line L2 can be adjusted, and the body 1 transport mechanism is configured so that each body 1 can be stopped and driven at an arbitrary position. It is In this embodiment, illustration of any transport mechanism is omitted.

The second sub-line 15 is configured so as to be able to sequentially send out the second sub-assemblies 3 toward the second main line 12 . Here, the second sub-assy 3 is, for example, an engine module, and as shown in FIG. 1, is conveyed in an aligned state on a conveying line L5 extending linearly along a predetermined direction with folding. Although not shown, a plurality of assembling processes for assembling the second sub-assembly 3 are provided on the transfer line L5 of the second sub-assembly 3. As shown in FIG. Then, the second sub-assembly 3, which has undergone the assembly process on the most downstream side and has been assembled, is further conveyed downstream on the conveying line L5, so that the second sub-assembly 3 is transferred to the sub-assembly assembly process. (illustration is omitted). In this case, the sub-assembly assembly process is located adjacent to the second sub-line 15 and within the folded portion 22 of the second main line 12 .

The third main line 13 is mainly for assembling the remaining interior parts, seats, etc. of the vehicle, and has a plurality of assembling processes 13a, 13b, . . . Workers W3, W3, . As shown in FIG. 3, a working device 18 may be arranged in place of the worker W3 in a part of each of the assembling processes 13a, 13b, . . . to automatically perform the assembling work.

These assembling processes 13a, 13b, . In this embodiment, the conveying line L3 extends linearly along a predetermined direction, and after turning back at a predetermined position and changing the direction by 180°, the body of the third main line 13 extends linearly again. 1 transport mechanism is configured. In other words, at one end in the longitudinal direction of the third main line 13, the folded portion 23 of the transport line L3 is provided.

Here, the mechanism for transporting the bodies 1 in the region of the third main line 13 excluding the folded portion 23 (the region in which the assembling processes 13a, 13b, . . . are provided) and the transport mechanism for the bodies 1 in the folded portion 23. mutually different. As with the first main line 11, in the area where the assembling processes 13a, 13b, . A transport mechanism for the body 1 is constructed. On the other hand, in the folded portion 23, the interval between the adjacent bodies 1 in the direction along the transport line L3 can be adjusted, and the transport mechanism for the bodies 1 is configured so that each body 1 can be stopped and driven at an arbitrary position. It is In this embodiment, illustration of any transport mechanism is omitted.

The third subline 16 is configured so as to be able to sequentially send out the third subassemblies 4 toward the first mainline 13 . Here, the third sub assembly 4 is, for example, a front seat, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. It can be transported along lines L6a and L6b. The main purpose of the dedicated sublines 16a and 16b constituting the third subline 16 is to deliver to the third mainline 13. As shown in FIG. Therefore, unlike the other sublines (the first subline 14 and the third subline 16), no assembly process is provided on the transfer line L6 (L6a, L6b). Of course, when the unfinished third sub-assembly 4 (front sheet) is carried into the third sub-line 16, the assembly process for assembling the necessary parts for the third sub-assembly 4 is carried out on the transfer line L6a. (L6b) may be provided above. Also, each dedicated sub-line 16a, 16b may be associated with the storage of the third sub-assembly 4 (4a, 4b), or may have the function of sending only. Variations in the configuration described above can be employed for the first and second sublines 14, 15 as well.

Here, a first sub-assembly assembling process 26a for assembling the left front seat 4a to the body 1 is arranged at the downstream end of the dedicated sub line 16a for the left front seat 4a. A second sub-assembly assembling process 26b for assembling the right front seat 4b to the body 1 is provided at the downstream end of the dedicated sub line 16b for the right front seat 4b. Therefore, the front sheets 4a and 4b are conveyed downstream on the corresponding conveying lines L6a and L6b, and are respectively carried into the sub-assembly assembly processes 26a and 26b adjacent to the dedicated sub-lines 16a and 16b. (See Figure 3).

In this case, there is, for example, one worker W6 who works in each of the assembling processes 26a and 26b, and is placed between the two dedicated sublines 16a and 16b and adjacent to the downstream end. Then, depending on the stop position P2 (P3) of the body 1, the corresponding assembling steps 26a and 26b can be performed sequentially.

Next, an example of a vehicle manufacturing method (assembling method) using the assembly line 10 configured as described above will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the body 1, which has undergone a predetermined temporary assembly, is carried into the upstream end of the first main line 11, which is located on the most upstream side among the plurality of main lines 11-13. Then, while continuously transporting the bodies 1 along the transport line L1 of the first main line 11, the assembling processes 11a, 11b, . . .

Also, the first sub-assembly 2 assembled on the first sub-line 14 is conveyed onto the conveying line L1 toward the folding portion 21 of the first main line 11, and the sub assembly 2 provided on the folding portion 21 is transported. It is carried into the assembly assembly process 24 . On the other hand, the body 1 that has been assembled correspondingly in each of the assembly steps 11a, 11b, . In this case, the stop position P1 is set so that the body 1 can be easily assembled with the first sub-assembly 2 (for example, it can be introduced to the assembly position in the shortest distance or is easily introduced). When the body 1 stops at this position P1, the worker W4' mounts the first sub-assembly 2 on the body 1 and assembles it at a predetermined position. For example, when the first sub-assembly 2 is an instrument panel module, the door panel is removed in advance, the first sub-assembly 2 is introduced from the front door opening of the body 1, and assembled at the front position of the passenger compartment. . The work of mounting the first sub-assembly 2 on the body 1 may be performed by the worker W4' only by hand, or may be performed using a mounting auxiliary device such as a hanging support device. The same applies to the sub-assembly assembling step at the folded portion 22 and the sub-assembly assembling step 26 at the folded portion 23, which will be described later.

After the assembly of the first sub-assembly 2 is completed in this way, the transport of the body 1 is resumed toward the next assembly step 11d. Then, after the remaining assembling steps 11d, 11e, .

The unloaded body 1 is conveyed toward the second main line 12 by a conveying device (not shown) and is carried into the upstream end of the second main line 12 . Then, while the bodies 1 are continuously transported along the transport line L2 of the second main line 12, the assembling process (not shown) installed on the transport line L2 is sequentially performed.

Further, the second sub assembly 3 assembled on the second sub line 15 is conveyed toward the folding portion 22 of the second main line 12 on the transportation line L2, and the sub assembly 3 provided on the folding portion 22 is transported onto the transportation line L2. It is carried into the assembly assembly process (not shown). On the other hand, the body 1 that has been assembled in each assembly process on the transport line L2 is stopped at a predetermined position within the folding portion 22. As shown in FIG. Then, an operator mounts the second sub-assembly 3 on the stopped body 1 and assembles it at a predetermined position. For example, when the second sub-assembly 3 is an engine module, the second sub-assembly is introduced from below the body 1 and assembled at a predetermined position.

After the assembly of the second sub-assembly 3 is completed in this manner, the body 1 is resumed to be conveyed toward the assembly process, which is the next process (see FIG. 1). After carrying out the rest of the assembly process on the transport line L2, the body 1 is unloaded from the downstream end of the second main line 12. As shown in FIG.

The unloaded body 1 is conveyed toward the third main line 13 by a conveying device (not shown) and is carried into the upstream end of the third main line 13 . Then, while continuously transporting the bodies 1 along the transport line L3 of the third main line 13, the assembling steps 13a, 13b, .

Further, the third sub-assembly 4 assembled on the third sub-line 16 is conveyed onto the conveying line L3 toward the folding portion 23 of the third main line 13, and the sub assembly 4 provided on the folding portion 23 is transported. It is carried into the assembly assembly process 26 . On the other hand, the body 1, which has been assembled correspondingly in each of the assembly processes 13a, 13b, . . . Then, the worker W6 mounts the second sub-assembly 3 on the stopped body 1 and assembles it at a predetermined position.

In this embodiment, left and right front seats 4 a and 4 b are assembled to the body 1 as the third sub-assembly 4 . The assembling mode at this time will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.

That is, in the present embodiment, the left front seat 4a is assembled to the body 1 first, and then the right front seat 4b is assembled to the body 1 in a posture different from when the left front seat 4a was assembled. First, as shown in FIG. 4, the body 1 is introduced into the turn-around portion 23 and stopped at a position P2 before the turn-around point of the transport line L3. In this case, the body 1 is in a stopped state with its left front portion approaching the third subline 16 . On the other hand, the left front sheet 4a is conveyed toward the third main line 13 by a dedicated subline 16a as the third subline 16, and a subassembly assembly process 26 (first subassembly assembly) provided in the folded portion 23 is carried out. The left front seat 4a is delivered to the attaching step 26a). Here, the worker W6 who is in charge of the sub-assembly assembling process 26 mounts the sent left front seat 4a on the body 1. As shown in FIG.

At this time, the body 1 is in a stopped state with its left front portion approaching the third subline 16 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, for example, the left front seat 4a can be easily and quickly introduced to the assembly position through the left front seat opening of the body 1. As shown in FIG.

After the left front seat 4a is assembled in this manner, the conveying mechanism of the body 1 is driven to restart the conveying of the body 1 along the conveying line L3. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the body 1 is stopped at a position P3 beyond the turning point of the transport line L3. In this case, the body 1 is stopped with its left rear portion approaching the third subline 16 . On the other hand, the right front sheet 4b is conveyed toward the third main line 13 by a dedicated subline 16b as the third subline 16, and a subassembly assembly process 26 (second subassembly assembly) provided in the folded portion 23 is carried out. The right front seat 4b is delivered to the attachment step 26b). Here, the worker W6 who is in charge of the sub-assembly assembling process 26 mounts the delivered right front seat 4b on the body 1. As shown in FIG.

At this time, the body 1 is in a stopped state with its left rear portion approaching the third subline 16 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the worker W6 can easily and quickly introduce the right front seat 4b to the assembly position through the right front seat opening by passing the right side of the body 1, for example.

After completing the assembly of the third sub-assembly 4 (4a, 4b) in this manner, the body 1 is restarted to be conveyed toward the next assembly step 13d. After carrying out the remaining assembling steps 13d, 13e, . . . Furthermore, if there is a main line (not shown), for example, final assembly of doors, tires, etc. is performed on the main line, and the vehicle is completed in a state ready for shipment after inspection.

As described above, in the vehicle manufacturing facility according to the present embodiment, the main lines 11 to 13 constituting the vehicle assembly line 10 are provided with the folding portions 21 to 23 for reversing the conveying direction of the body 1, The sublines 14 to 16 are arranged so that the downstream ends of the sublines 14 to 16 forming the assembly line 10 together with the main lines 11 to 13 are positioned at or near the folded portions 21 to 23 . According to this configuration, the subassemblies 2 to 4 sent out from the sublines 14 to 16 can be mounted on the body 1 on the main lines 11 to 13 at the shortest distance, so that the sublines 14 to 16 are transferred from the sublines 14 to 16 to the main lines 11 to 13. It is possible to simplify or omit the transportation equipment for the sub-assemblies 2 to 4, and to keep the equipment cost low. Further, as described above, the body 1 can be easily stopped by the folded portions 21 to 23, so that the subassemblies 2 to 4 can be mounted without providing a device for synchronizing with the body 1, for example. Therefore, the equipment for mounting the sub-assemblies 2 to 4 on the body 1 can be simplified, which also makes it possible to keep the equipment cost low. Further, if the facilities for transportation and mounting can be simplified, the working space can be increased accordingly, and the working efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the assembly work can be performed while the body 1 is stopped, it is possible to improve work efficiency in this respect as well. Furthermore, by moving the sub-assembly assembly process 24 (26) provided adjacent to the conventional assembly processes 11a, 11b, . . . (13a, 13b, . . Since it is free, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of process organization in the work areas of the main lines 11 to 13 (areas where the assembling processes 11a, 11b, . . . are provided).

Further, in the present embodiment, the body 1 is configured to be able to stop at predetermined positions P1 to P3 on the transport lines L1 to L3 at the folding portions 21 to 23. The sub-assemblies 2 to 4 of the type are configured so as to be able to be supplied from the sub-lines 14 to 16 to the body 1 in the stopped state. With this configuration, the stopping attitude of the body 1 transported on the predetermined transport lines L1 to L3 can be arbitrarily set so that the transport direction is reversed at the folding parts 21 to 23 . Therefore, depending on the posture of the body 1 in the stopped state, the sub-assemblies 2-4 (4a, 4b) of a predetermined type can be supplied to the body 1 from the sub-lines 14-16. The posture during assembly of the body 1 can be adjusted according to the type and the location where it is attached to the body 1 . Therefore, for example, the sub-assemblies 2 to 4 can be moved to a predetermined assembly position in the shortest distance, and the assembly can be efficiently performed. In particular, when the left and right front seats 4a and 4b are assembled at the folded portion 23 as in the present embodiment, one of the left and right front seats 4a can be assembled with the body 1 stopped in a posture that facilitates assembly. After that, the body 1 is moved along the conveying line L3 of the folded portion 23, and the body 1 is stopped in a posture in which the other of the left and right front seats 4b can be easily assembled. can be assembled with the front seat 4b. Therefore, it is possible to greatly improve the workability of assembly.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the vehicle manufacturing facility according to the present invention can adopt configurations other than those described above without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the left and right front sheets 4a and 4b are conveyed toward the folding section 23 by separate dedicated sub-lines 16a and 16b respectively at the folding section 23 of the third main line 13, and assembled. was exemplified, but of course it is not limited to this. For example, the third sub-line 16 may be a mixed flow line for the left front seat 4a and the right front seat 4b, and the left and right front seats 4a and 4b alternately conveyed on this mixed flow line may be assembled to the body 1.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, the case where one sub-assembly 2 (4a, 4b) is assembled to one stop position P1 (P2, P3) of the body 1 was exemplified, but it is of course not limited to this. For example, although illustration is omitted, at the folded portion 23 of the third main line 13, the rear portion of the body 1 is stopped in an attitude (for example, the attitude shown in FIG. 5) directed toward the downstream end of the third sub-line 16. Then, the right front seat 4b may be assembled to the body 1 and the resin back door may be assembled to the body 1 as well. If the assembling positions are separated from each other to some extent, there is no concern that the flow lines leading to the body 1 of the sub-assemblies will be obstructed, so that it is possible to assemble a plurality of sub-assemblies at the same time.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, the case where one sub-assembly assembly process 24 is provided in the folded portion 21 and two sub-assembly assembly processes 26a and 26b are provided in the folded portion 23, respectively, but there is a problem of space. If not, three or more sub-assembly assembly steps may be provided for the folded portion 21 (22, 23).

Further, in the above embodiment, one worker W4 (W6) is assigned to one folded portion 21 (23) and is in charge of one or a plurality of sub-assembly assembly processes 24 (26a, 26b). Although exemplified, of course, it is also possible to adopt an arrangement mode other than this. For example, when assembling a plurality of subassemblies (the right front seat 4b and the back door) for one stop posture of the body 1 as described above, a plurality of workers may be arranged. Alternatively, at least part of the sub-assembly assembling process 24 (26a, 26b) may be automated by a dedicated assembling apparatus. Since the folding portion 21 (22, 23) has less space restrictions, it is easy to apply an assembly device having a simple configuration.

In the above-described embodiment, the main lines 11 to 13 on which the folded portions 21 to 23 are provided are all linearly extended except for the folded portions 21 to 23 (see FIG. 1). ), but of course not limited to this. The main lines 11-13 can take any form as long as they have the folded portions 21-23. The same applies to the sublines 14 to 16. As long as the subassemblies 2 to 4 assembled to the body 1 at the folded portions 21 to 23 can be sent out sequentially toward the main lines 11 to 13, the sublines 14 to 16 are It can take any form.

1 Body 2-4 Sub-assy 4a, 4b Front seat 10 Assembly line 11-13 Main line 11a-11f, 13a-13f Assembly process 14-16 Sub-line 14a, 14b, 14c Assembly process 16a, 16b Dedicated sub-line 17, 18 Work Devices 21-23 Folding parts 24-26, 26a, 26b Sub-assembly assembly processes L1-L6, L6a, L6b Transfer lines P1-P3 Stop positions W1-W4, W4', W6 Operator

Claims (1)

A vehicle manufacturing facility comprising a vehicle assembly line,
The assembly line includes a main line for assembling a sub-assembly to the body of the vehicle;
A vehicle manufacturing facility having a sub-line capable of sequentially sending out the sub-assemblies toward the main line,
A conveying line for the bodies is provided along the main line, and the bodies assume a posture corresponding to a tangential direction of the conveying line,
The conveying line is provided with a curved folded portion for reversing the conveying direction of the body, and the body can be stopped at an arbitrary position on the folded portion in a posture corresponding to the tangential direction of the conveying line. configured to
a downstream end of the sub-line is arranged at or near the folded portion ; and
A manufacturing facility for a vehicle , wherein a process for assembling the sub-assembly is provided on the folded portion .

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