JPH0475833A - Assembly line - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To relieve an influence exercised on the whole of an assembly line by failure in operation of an automatic device by independently installing conveyors for conveying bodies to be assembled to an automatic assembly zone and an auxiliary work zone and interconnecting the conveyors at the two zones through a plurality of connection parts. CONSTITUTION:An assembly line comproises an automatic assembly zone AZ where conveyors are disposed adjacently and tin parallel to each other and an auxiliary work zone MZ. First and second conveyors C1 and C2 having a closed loopform conveyance routes are disposed on the upper stream side and the downstream side, respectively, of the automatic assembly zone AZ along a longitudinal direction. The outbound and the inbound passage of a first conveyor C1 forming a closed loop are interconnected through three connection parts J1 - J3 enabling a hanger to pass in any direction, and the first conveyor C1 is divided into four blocks B1 - B4 forming a small closed loop. Similarly, the outbound and inbound passages of a second conveyor C2 are interconnected through two connection parts J4 and J5, and the second conveyor is divided into three blocks B5 - B7.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention A0 Object of the Invention (1) Industrial Application Field The present invention relates to an assembly line for assembling objects to be assembled, such as the bodies of motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles, using a combination of automatic machines and human hands. Regarding.

(2) Conventional technology Traditionally, the assembly work of motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles was mainly done manually, but automated machines were placed on the side of the assembly line to automatically assemble parts that were easy to automate. For example, when assembling a motorcycle, tightening the bolts to mount the engine on the body frame is a task, and when assembling a four-wheeled vehicle, the work involves carrying the seat into the cabin and installing the windshield and rear glass. Work is automated to save labor.

(3) Problems to be solved by the invention However, in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for improved appearance quality of products and homogenization of assembly, and at the same time it has been desired to reduce the number of workers involved in assembly work. There is a need for assembly lines that are superior to conventional ones in terms of work accuracy and efficiency.

To this end, it is conceivable to place as many automatic machines as possible along the assembly line, but in this way,
If one automatic machine breaks down, not only is there a possibility that the entire line will stop, but also problems will arise in terms of ensuring the working environment for workers (work environment for workers, etc.) between each automatic machine.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is intended to reduce the impact on the entire assembly line due to a failure of the automatic machine in an assembly line that uses both automatic machines and manual labor, and to create a good working environment for workers. The purpose is to ensure that

B1 Structure of the Invention (1) Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an automatic assembly zone in which work is performed by a plurality of automatic machines and an auxiliary work zone in which work is performed manually. The assembly line is provided with separate conveyors for conveying objects to be assembled into the automatic assembly zone and the auxiliary work zone, and the conveyors in both zones are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting parts. This is the first feature.

In addition to the first feature, the present invention has a second feature in that the conveyor in the automatic assembly zone and the conveyor in the auxiliary work zone are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

In addition to the second feature, the present invention has a third feature in that at least the conveyor in the automatic assembly zone has a closed loop shape.

In addition to the third feature, a fourth feature of the present invention is that the conveyor in the automatic assembly zone is divided into a plurality of closed loops for each automatic machine or for each group thereof.

Further, in addition to the third or fourth feature, the present invention provides that the conveyor of the automatic assembly zone and the conveyor of the auxiliary work zone are provided with a conveyance jig for supporting the objects to be assembled, and the conveyor is provided on the conveyance path of these conveyors. The fifth feature is that a special part of the jig is provided.

(2) Effect According to the first feature of the present invention described above, the assembly line is separated into an automatic assembly zone and an auxiliary work zone, and the objects to be assembled are placed between the conveyor of the automatic assembly zone and the conveyor of the auxiliary work zone. The supports are passed alternately through a plurality of connections and are assembled in sequence by an automatic machine in the automatic assembly zone and manually in the auxiliary work zone. At that time, even if a problem occurs with the automatic machine installed in the automatic assembly zone, the objects to be assembled can be moved from the automatic assembly zone to the auxiliary work zone and the manual work can be continued, affecting the entire assembly line. can be prevented from spreading. Furthermore, since automatic machines are not placed in the auxiliary work zone where most workers work, safety can be ensured and the work environment can be improved.

Further, according to the second feature of the present invention, not only the automatic assembly zone and the auxiliary work zone are laid out in a rational manner so that floor space can be used effectively, but also the space between the conveyor of the automatic assembly zone and the conveyor of the auxiliary work zone is The vehicle body can be easily transferred.

Furthermore, according to the third feature of the present invention, the assembled objects that have been assembled by the automatic machine in the automatic assembly zone can be returned to the upstream side in the transport direction of the conveyor in the auxiliary work zone. Area can be used effectively.

According to the fourth feature of the present invention, the objects to be assembled that have passed through each automatic machine in the automatic assembly zone can be immediately returned to the auxiliary work zone, thereby improving work efficiency.

Furthermore, according to the fifth feature of the present invention, since the objects to be assembled are conveyed while being supported by the conveyor jig, the work of transferring the objects to be assembled between both conveyors is easily carried out. By temporarily stopping the conveyance jig in a special section provided on the conveyance path, the conveyance jig can be smoothly transferred between the conveyors via the connection section.

(3) Examples Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail based on the drawings.

The drawing is a plan view showing a motorcycle assembly line,
The assembly line consists of an automatic assembly zone Az and an auxiliary work zone Mz which are arranged adjacent to and parallel to each other. On the upstream and downstream sides of the automatic assembly zone Az, a first conveyor C having a closed-loop conveyance path along the longitudinal direction thereof.
A conveyor I and a second conveyor Ct are respectively provided. The first conveyor C1 and the second conveyor Ct are well-known overhead conveyors, in which a body frame of a motorcycle as an object to be assembled is supported on a large number of hangers serving as conveyance jigs that run along rails supported on the ceiling surface. and transport it. The outward and return paths of the first conveyor C3 forming a closed loop include three connections J,, J!, through which the hanger can pass in either direction. ,J,, thereby dividing the first conveyor CI into four blocks B, ,B, ,B, ,B, forming a small closed loop. Similarly, the outgoing and returning paths of the second conveyor C2 have two connecting portions J, , J.
, three blocks Bs, B-
, By.

Various automatic machines for automatically assembling the body frame of a motorcycle are arranged on the outbound path of the first conveyor C1 and the second conveyor C1. That is, corresponding to the block B+ of the first conveyor CI, an automatic frame chuck machine M and an automatic frame number stamping/stone-plastering machine Mt are provided, and a rear frame joining automatic machine M is corresponding to the block B. , an automatic engine coupling machine M4 and an automatic engine tightening machine M, corresponding to block B3, an automatic front fork coupling machine MA, an automatic swing arm coupling/front fork tightening machine M7, and block B4. Automatically tightens the swing arm and pulls the chain 1! Mg, an automatic machine M for attaching the top bridge and L cover, and an automatic machine M1 for wheel alignment and stand angle measurement are installed.

Then, near the automatic frame chuck machine M, a motorcycle body frame is transported from the painting station by a frame transport conveyor Cf consisting of an overhead conveyor, and an automatic machine for coupling the engine M is transported therein. An engine to be mounted on the vehicle body frame is carried into the vicinity of M4 by an engine carrying conveyor Ce consisting of an overhead conveyor. Also, on the outward path of the second conveyor Ct, an automatic muffler mounting machine M8.
However, an automatic four-liquid injection machine Mtt and an automatic upper cowl attaching machine M11 are disposed corresponding to block B, and an automatic middle cowl attaching machine M4 is disposed corresponding to block B7.

Also, at appropriate locations on the return path of the first conveyor CI and the second conveyor C2, there is a special section S1-3 that temporarily stops the hangers. and special equipment sections S and -S+Z are provided, respectively.

Upstream of the auxiliary work zone Mz, there is an automatic assembly zone Az.
A closed-loop third conveyor C1 consisting of an overhead conveyor is arranged in parallel with the first conveyor C1, and a plurality of work positions P1 to P are provided on its outward path. Then, the outward path of the third compare C1 and the automatic assembly zone Az
The return path of the first conveyor C+ is interconnected by four connections J, -J. Further, on the downstream side of the auxiliary work zone Mz, a fourth conveyor C1 made of a slat conveyor is arranged parallel to the second conveyor C2, and the downstream end of the third conveyor CS and the upstream end of the fourth conveyor C4 are mutually connected. connected to. The fourth conveyor C4 has a plurality of working positions P1.
~P+w, and the return path of the second conveyor C2 of the automatic assembly zone Az and the three connections J. ~JIz
connected via.

A parts carry-in conveyor Cp for carrying in small parts is provided along the third conveyor C8 and the fourth conveyor C4.

Therefore, the plurality of work positions P, ~P of the auxiliary work zone Mz
Two workers W are placed in each I'S, and an automatic assembly zone AzO frame chuck automatic machine M,
- number of workers W are arranged in each of the automatic engine coupling machine M4 and the automatic engine coupling machine M4, and a small number of workers W' (for example, 5 workers) whose positions are not fixed are arranged between the other automatic machines.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be explained.

When the body frame of the motorcycle is carried into the automatic assembly zone Az from the painting drawing by the frame carrying conveyor Cf,
The body frame is transferred to the automatic @M+ by worker W. The car body frame chucked onto the empty hanger of the first conveyor CI by the automatic machine M is transferred to the next automatic machine I1M.
Z, where a unique frame number is engraved on each body frame, and then the number is copied onto paper using stone printing. In this way, the automatic machine M for frame chuck and the automatic machine M for stamping and stone printing frame numbers! When the work in block B is completed, the hanger supporting the car body frame is returned from the forward route to the return route of the first conveyor CI via the connecting part J1, and is further transferred to the auxiliary work zone Mz via the connecting part J. The receiver is transferred to the third conveyor C2.

At that time, if the hanger is passed from the third conveyor C8 to the first conveyor 01 side via the connection part J,
The hanger that supports the body frame after the work in block B+ is completed is in the special equipment section S.

Wait at - time.

The vehicle body frame transferred from the first conveyor CI to the third conveyor C3 is assembled by the worker W at two work positions P and P provided along the third conveyor C7. , again via the connection J7
The receiver is passed to block Bχ of conveyor C. The hanger that supports the vehicle body frame is conveyed from the return side of the first conveyor C3 to the outbound side via the connection J, but if it interferes with the hanger of the block B1 at the connection J, Block B, number one is special equipment department S
Temporarily waits at step 2. The vehicle body frame that has reached the outbound path of the first conveyor C0 is first assembled with a rear frame at the automatic vehicle 1i M3.

Next, in the automatic machine M4, the engine carried in by the engine carrying conveyor Ce is inserted into the lower part of the vehicle body frame which is positioned and fixed, and is coupled with bolts. At this time, the engine coupling automatic@M.

The engine coupling work is assisted by one of two workers: the worker located at the work position P3 of the auxiliary work zone Mz, which will be described later. Then, in the next automatic 11M5, the bolts connecting the engine are tightened to completely fix the engine to the vehicle body frame.

In this way, the body frame whose work in block B2 has been completed is delivered to the third conveyor C5 via the connecting portion J.

The vehicle body frame assembled by the worker W at the five working positions IE ps to P7 of the third conveyor C1 is moved from the connection part J to the block B of the first conveyor C1.
The bridge is transferred to automatic machine M, where it is positioned and fixed in automatic machine M, and the front fork is connected.
At this point, the previously connected front fork is tightened and completely fixed, and the swing arm is newly connected. And this body frame is the connection part J.

The receiver is passed to the third conveyor C3 via the work position P, and after assembly is performed by the worker W at the working position P, the receiver is passed from the connecting part J to the block B4 of the first conveyor C. The body frame is then sent to automatic machine M in block B4, where the swing arm is tightened and completely fixed, and a chain pulling unit wraps the drive chain around the rear wheel sprocket. Next, the top bridge and cover are installed in automatic machine M, and finally the alignment and stand angle of both front and rear wheels are measured in automatic machine M. In this way, the vehicle body frame that has been completely assembled automatically on the first conveyor is returned to the third conveyor C2 via the connecting portion J, passes through its working position p*, and completes all the manual assembly work on the third conveyor Cs.

Subsequently, the vehicle body frame is removed from the hanger of the third conveyor C1 and transferred to the fourth conveyor C4.
Conveyor C4 and second conveyor C2 in automatic assembly zone A2
As described above, the receiver is passed alternately between the manual assembly work and the automatic I! Assembly work is performed by 1M, . . . -Mla.

That is, the working position P of the fourth conveyor C4. ~P4.
While the manual assembly work of the worker W is sequentially performed by the smell, the connecting part J between the work positions PI3 and PI3 is
,. From the second conveyor C! The body frame transferred to the hanger in block Bs is then fitted with a muffler by automatic machine M installed in block Bs, and the working positions PUS and PI are
6, the body frame sent from the connection J11 to the block B of the second conveyor C1 is injected with four liquids of lubricating oil, brake oil, fuel, and cooling water by the automatic machine M1□, and then transferred to the automatic machine M1□. The upper cowl is attached at M and s, and the working positions P0 and PI? Connection part J between
The middle cowl is attached to the body frame sent from +t to block B of the second conveyor C2 by automatic machine MI4. In this way, the vehicle body frame on which all the assembly operations at the automatic @M, ~M+a and work positions P1-P1w have been completed is delivered from the downstream end of the fourth conveyor C4 to the completion inspection process. The small parts to be assembled on the vehicle body frame in the auxiliary work zone Mz are carried to each work position by the parts conveyor Cp, and the assembly is carried out in a stockyard (not shown) provided at the upper part of the automatic assembly zone Az. Various jigs used for the work are prepared in advance)
-/to be written down.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various small design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention described in the claims. Is possible.

In short, the present invention is applicable not only to an assembly line for motorcycles but also to an assembly line for four-wheeled vehicles and other objects to be assembled.

Further, as the first conveyor C1 to the fourth conveyor Ci, other types of conveyors can be used instead of the overhead conveyor or the slash conveyor.

Effects of the C0 Invention As described above, according to the first feature of the present invention, the assembly line for assembled objects is separated into an automatic assembly zone and an auxiliary work zone, and the assembled objects are connected by a plurality of connections. As the trays are assembled while being passed alternately between the conveyor in the automatic assembly zone and the conveyor in the auxiliary work zone, even if a problem occurs with the automatic machine installed in the automatic assembly zone,
The objects to be assembled can be moved from the automatic assembly zone to the auxiliary work zone to continue manual work, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of stopping the entire assembly line when the automatic machine breaks down. In addition, since most workers gather in the auxiliary work zone where automatic machines are not located, it is not only unnecessary to install safety shelves around automatic machines, but also eliminates the feeling of alienation among workers, making the work environment more comfortable. is significantly improved.

Further, according to the second feature of the present invention, not only the automatic assembly zone and the auxiliary work zone are laid out in a rational manner so that floor space can be used effectively, but also the space between the conveyor of the automatic assembly zone and the conveyor of the auxiliary work zone is The receiver for the object to be assembled can be easily transferred.

Furthermore, according to the third feature of the present invention, the assembled objects that have been assembled by the automatic machine in the automatic assembly zone can be returned to the upstream side in the transport direction of the conveyor in the auxiliary work zone. Area can be used effectively.

According to the fourth feature of the present invention, the objects to be assembled that have passed through each automatic machine in the automatic assembly zone can be immediately returned to the auxiliary work zone, thereby improving work efficiency.

Further, according to the fifth feature of the present invention, since the objects to be assembled are transported while being supported by the conveyor jig, the work of transferring the objects to be assembled between both conveyors can be easily performed, and furthermore, the work of transferring the objects to be assembled between the two conveyors can be carried out easily. By temporarily stopping the conveyance jig in a special section provided on the route, the conveyance jig can be smoothly transferred between the conveyors via the connection section.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The figure is a plan view showing an assembly line for motorcycles. Az...Automatic assembly zone %C1-C4...Conveyor, J, ~JIz...Connection part, M1-M, 4...Automatic machine, Mz...Auxiliary work zone, S, ~Sat・...Special equipment department patent applicant Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) An assembly line that is separated into an automatic assembly zone (Az) where work is performed by a plurality of automatic machines (M_1 to M_1_4) and an auxiliary work zone (Mz) where work is performed manually, The automatic assembly zone (Az) and the auxiliary work zone (Mz)
A conveyor (C_1, C_2; C_
3, C_4) are provided independently, and conveyors (C_1, C_2; C_2;
_3, C_4) to multiple connections (J_6 to J_1_2)
An assembly line characterized by interconnected lines. (2) Conveyor (C_1) of the automatic assembly zone (Az)
, C_2) and the conveyor (C_2) of the auxiliary work zone (Mz).
3, C_4) are arranged substantially parallel to each other. (3) The assembly line according to claim (2), characterized in that at least the conveyors (C_1, C_2) of the automatic assembly zone (Az) have a closed loop shape. (4) Conveyor (C_1) of the automatic assembly zone (Az)
, C_2) is divided into a plurality of closed loops for each automatic machine (M_1 to M_1_4) or for each group thereof. (5) Conveyor (C_1) of the automatic assembly zone (Az)
, C_2) and the conveyor (C_2) of the auxiliary work zone (Mz).
3) is characterized in that it includes a conveyance jig that supports the objects to be assembled, and special parts (S_1 to S_1_2) of the conveyance jig are provided in the conveyance path of these conveyors (C_1, C_2, C_3). , the assembly line according to claim (3) or (4).