JPH07266159A - Material assembling method and device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make assemblage achievable at one work station alone by contriving an assembling method in use of a turntable at a time when an assembly being made up of assembling plural pieces of parts and another assembly are assembled together in a positioning state. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with a turntable 1 repeating a rotational motion at every half turn, and respective set jigs 2 and 3 for an assembly and another assembly installed in each one side of this turntable. In addition, a set station N1 performing the setting work of the assembly to another assembly set to the setting work of the specified parts to each set jig and a positioning state, and an assembling station N2 performing the assembling work of respective parts themselves of the assembly and another assembling work between the assembly and another assembly both are installed in each side of the turntable. Further a lifter unit, returning the assembled body onto this turntable again after holding it once at the outside of the turntable, is installed in the set station.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of assembling an article in which an assembly constructed by assembling a plurality of parts with each other and other assembled parts are assembled in a positioned state to obtain a final assembly, and a method therefor. Regarding the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a final assembly is obtained by assembling an assembly composed of a plurality of parts assembled together and other assembled parts in a positioning state, the assembly is positioned at a predetermined assembly station. After assembling each component to the assembled state, set the other assembled components in the positioning state with the above assembly at another assembly station, and then install the other assembly. A method is known in which the assembled assembly is transported to a station, the assembly and other assembly parts are combined at another assembly station, and both are assembled together to obtain a final assembly. .

For example, as an example of assembling a front body assembly of an automobile body as a final assembly, the front body assembly is as follows.
The left and right wheel apron assemblies that form the sides of the engine compartment are assembled with the N0.1 cross member at the front end of the vehicle body, the shroud assembly, and the dash lower panel. As is well known, the wheel apron assembly is formed as a kind of assembly of a wheel apron, a front frame and a torque box. In this case, at the work station where the wheel apron assembly is assembled, etc., set the above wheel apron, front frame and torque box to the positioning state and then weld these parts by spot welding.
At the work station for assembling (temporarily) and assembling the front body assembly, the above N0.1
Set the cross member, shroud assembly, and dash lower panel in the positioning state.In this state, transport the left and right wheel apron assemblies that have already been assembled, set them in the positioning state for the front body assembly, and then perform spot welding. By doing so, the entire front body assembly is assembled.

By the way, when assembling an article, 1
There is known a method of efficiently assembling articles by using a turntable which is rotated by a predetermined angle by a turning operation and provided with a plurality of assembling work stations on the turntable (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-212630). (See gazette).
Conventionally, this turntable is generally set so as to finish a predetermined series of work by completing one rotation of the turntable. While assembling two kinds of assemblies,
Furthermore, it was difficult to assemble these assemblies on a turntable.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the above-mentioned conventional assembling method, in short, after the assembly is assembled at the work station, the assembled assembly is assembled with other assembly parts. The work station is transported to the other work station and final assembly is performed at the other work stations.However, this method requires the work stations to be provided at a plurality of places, and as a result, the assembling device (generally a robot Device is used), and also a transfer device connecting each station is required. In particular, in the case of the above-mentioned automobile, in many cases, the setting work of each component and each assembly part of the above-mentioned assembly has to depend on the manual work of the operator, and the setting work is performed in plural. There are many uneconomical points to do in one place (that is, with multiple people), such as waiting time at each work station is large.

In view of the above, the present invention devises an assembling method using a turntable when assembling an assembly composed of a plurality of parts and other assembling parts in a positioning state, thereby providing a single location. The purpose is to make it possible to obtain the final assembly at the work station.

[0007]

Therefore, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application (hereinafter, referred to as the first invention) includes an assembly constituted by assembling a plurality of parts with each other and another assembly part. In the method of assembling an article by assembling in a positioning state to obtain a final assembly, while disposing a set jig for an assembly for setting each part of the assembly in a positioned state on the half surface of the turntable, On the other half of the turntable, set jigs for the other assembled parts for setting the other assembled parts in the positioning state, and to one side of the turntable, While providing a set station capable of performing a setting operation of a predetermined part and a setting operation of the assembly with respect to the other assembly parts set in a positioning state,
On the other side of the turntable, there is provided an assembling station capable of performing an assembling operation of the respective parts of the assembly set in a positioning state and an assembling operation of the assembly and the other assembling parts. The set station is provided with a temporary receiving device for holding the assembly assembled in the assembly station once outside the turntable and then returning it to the turntable again. While moving, set each part of the above assembly to the positioning state at the set station, after assembling each part of the set assembly above at the assembly station, The set station holds the outside of the turntable by the temporary receiving device, while the set station positions the other assembled parts. After setting, return the assembled assembly that was held outside the turntable to the turntable and set it in the positioning state with respect to the other assembled parts that have been set at the setting station, and then The other assembled component set at the assembling station and the assembled assembly already assembled are assembled to obtain a final product.

The invention according to claim 2 of the present application (hereinafter,
According to a second invention), in the first invention, after rotating the turntable by half a turn at a time, each part of the assembly is set to a positioning state at the set station, and then the turntable is half-turned. Rotate and assemble the parts of the assembly already set at the assembling station to each other, then turn the turntable a half turn, and at the set station, the temporarily assembled device at the assembled assembly. After holding the outside of the turntable by the and setting each part of the assembly for the next cycle to the positioning state, turn the turntable half-turn, and set each assembly of the assembly for the next cycle already set at the assembly station. After assembling the parts with each other and setting the above-mentioned other assembled parts in the positioning state at the set station, The assembled assembly that was held outside the turntable is returned to the turntable and set in the positioning state with respect to the other assembled components that have been set, and then the turntable is rotated half a turn. While holding the assembly for the next cycle assembled at the set station outside the turntable by the temporary receiving device, the assembly assembled with the other assembly parts set at the assembly station is assembled. The feature is that a final product is obtained by assembling with a solid.

The invention according to claim 3 of the present application (hereinafter,
3rd invention), in the above-mentioned 1st or 2nd invention, the assembling work at the assembling station is at least the assembling work of each part of the assembly set in the positioning state, It is characterized in that it is carried out by a robot device capable of performing an assembling work of the above-mentioned other assembled parts set in the positioning state and the assembled body already assembled.

The invention according to claim 4 of the present application
(Hereinafter, referred to as a fourth invention) is characterized in that, in the invention of any one of the first to third inventions, the assembling work at the assembling station includes a welding work. is there.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 of the present application
(Hereinafter, referred to as a fifth invention) is the wheel apron assembly for a vehicle body of an automobile according to the fourth invention, wherein the assembly includes a wheel apron, a front frame and a torque box. The attached parts are a cross member at the front end of the vehicle body, a shroud assembly, and a dash lower panel, and are characterized in that a front body assembly of a vehicle body of an automobile is obtained as a final assembly.

The invention according to claim 6 of the present application
(Hereinafter, referred to as a sixth invention) is the invention according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, characterized in that the setting work at the setting station is performed manually by an operator. is there.

The invention according to claim 7 of the present application (hereinafter,
A seventh invention) is an article assembling apparatus that obtains a final assembly by assembling a plurality of parts assembled to each other and other assembly parts in a positioning state. A turntable that repeats a rotating operation, a set jig for an assembly that is arranged on one half surface of the turntable and sets each component of the assembly in a positioning state, and is arranged on the other half surface of the turntable. And a set jig for the other assembled parts for setting the other assembled parts in a positioning state, and setting work of a predetermined part on each of the set jigs on one side of the turntable. On the other side of the turntable, a setting station is provided for performing the setting operation of the assembly to the positioning state for the other assembly parts set to the positioning state. An assembly station is provided which is capable of performing an assembly operation of the respective parts of the assembly set in the set state and an assembly operation of the assembly and the other assembly parts, and the set station, A temporary receiving device is provided which temporarily holds the assembly assembled at the assembly station outside the turntable and then returns it to the turntable again.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 8 of the present application.
(Hereinafter, referred to as an eighth invention). In the seventh invention, the assembly station includes at least an assembly operation of each component of the assembly set in a positioning state and a setting state in the assembly state. It is characterized in that a robot device capable of performing an assembling work of the above-mentioned other assembling parts and the already assembled assembly is arranged.

Further, the invention according to claim 9 of the present application
(Hereinafter, referred to as a ninth invention) is characterized in that, in the seventh or eighth invention, the assembling work at the assembling station includes a welding work.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 10 of the present application.
(Hereinafter, referred to as a tenth invention) is the wheel apron assembly of a vehicle body of an automobile according to the ninth invention, wherein the assembly includes a wheel apron, a front frame, and a torque box. The attached parts are a cross member at the front end of the vehicle body, a shroud assembly, and a dash lower panel, and are characterized in that a front body assembly of a vehicle body of an automobile is obtained as a final assembly.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 11 of the present application.
(Hereinafter, referred to as an eleventh invention) is the lifter device according to any one of the seventh to tenth inventions, wherein the temporary receiving device moves up and down the assembled assembly with respect to a turntable. It is characterized by being composed of.

[0018]

According to the first invention method of the present application, the set jig for the assembly is arranged on the half surface of the turntable, while the other half surface of the turntable is used for the other assembled parts. Since the set jig is provided and the set station is provided on one side of the turntable, the assembly station is provided on the other side of the turntable, so that the turntable can be rotated half a turn. Thus, at the setting station, the setting work of the predetermined parts to the setting jigs (that is, the setting work of setting the respective parts of the assembly to the positioning state and the setting work of the other assembled parts to the positioning state) (Setting work) and setting work of the assembly to the positioning state for the other assembly parts set to the positioning state, while, The serial assembly station, it is possible to perform the assembling work of the assembly work and the assembly and the other assembly parts of the components to each other in the set in the positioned state the assembly. In this case, since the temporary receiving device is provided in the set station, the assembled assembly is once held outside the turntable, and after the other assembled parts are set in the positioning state at the set station. The assembly can be returned to the turntable again and set in a positioning state with respect to the other assembly parts. That is, unlike the conventional art, without providing a plurality of work stations, an assembly constituted by assembling a plurality of parts and other assembled parts are assembled in a positioning state at a work station at one place to form a final assembly. Obtainable. As a result, unlike the conventional case where a plurality of work stations are provided, it is not necessary to connect the work stations with each other by a transfer device, so that the installation cost of the transfer device can be reduced and the productivity in the assembly process can be reduced. Can be increased. Also, the assembling device can be minimized.

Further, according to the second invention method of the present application, basically the same effect as that of the first invention can be obtained. Especially, during the process of assembling the final assembly, part of the assembly process of the final assembly in the next cycle is started, so by repeating the above steps continuously, one cycle after another is repeated. The final assembly can then be assembled.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application, basically, the same effect as that of the first or second invention can be obtained. Particularly, by using the robot apparatus, at the assembling station, the assembling work of the respective parts of the assembly set in the positioning state and the assembling work of the assembly and the other assembling parts are performed. Can be performed with one type of device. In this case, since there is only one assembling station, the number of installed robot devices can be minimized.

Further, according to the fourth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the invention of any one of the first to third inventions can be obtained. Especially, the assembling work including the welding work can be performed at the assembling station.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned fourth invention can be obtained. In particular, in the process of assembling an automobile body, a wheel apron assembly as a kind of assembly composed of a wheel apron, a front frame and a torque box, and a front end cross member of a vehicle body, a shroud assembly and a dash as other assembly parts. The lower panel and the lower panel can be assembled in a positioned state to assemble the front body assembly of the automobile body as a final assembly.

Further, according to the sixth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of any one of the first to fifth inventions can be obtained. In particular, set the predetermined parts to the set jigs (that is, set the parts of the assembly to the positioning state and set the other assembled parts to the positioning state) and set the positioning state. Even when the setting work of the assembly with respect to the set other assembled parts is performed manually by the worker, these setting works can be performed at the setting station limited to one place. You can
The work efficiency of the worker can be improved.

According to the seventh invention of the present application, the set jig for the assembly is arranged on the half surface of the turntable, while the other half surface of the turntable is used for the other assembly parts. While the set jig is provided and the set station is provided on one side of the turntable, the assembling station is provided on the other side of the turntable. , At the set station, set work of the predetermined parts to each of the set jigs (that is, set work of setting each part of the assembly in a positioning state and set work of the other assembly parts in a positioning state) Work) and setting work of the assembly to the positioning state for the other assembly parts set to the positioning state, while The serial assembly station, it is possible to perform the assembling work of the assembly work and the assembly and the other assembly parts of the components to each other in the set in the positioned state the assembly. In this case, since the temporary receiving device is provided in the set station, the assembled assembly is once held outside the turntable, and after the other assembled parts are set in the positioning state at the set station. The assembly can be returned to the turntable again and set in a positioning state with respect to the other assembly parts. That is, unlike the conventional art, without providing a plurality of work stations, an assembly constituted by assembling a plurality of parts and other assembled parts are assembled in a positioning state at a work station at one place to form a final assembly. Obtainable. As a result, unlike the conventional case where a plurality of work stations are provided, it is not necessary to connect the work stations with each other by a transfer device, so that the installation cost of the transfer device can be reduced and the productivity in the assembly process can be reduced. Can be increased. Also, the assembling device can be minimized.

Further, according to the eighth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as the seventh aspect of the invention can be obtained. Particularly, by using the robot apparatus, at the assembling station, the assembling work of the respective parts of the assembly set in the positioning state and the assembling work of the assembly and the other assembling parts are performed. Can be performed with one type of device. In this case, since there is only one assembling station, the number of installed robot devices can be minimized.

Further, according to the ninth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the seventh or eighth invention can be obtained. Especially, the assembling work including the welding work can be performed at the assembling station.

Further, according to the tenth invention of the present application, basically, the same effect as that of the ninth invention can be obtained. In particular, in the process of assembling an automobile body, a wheel apron assembly as a kind of assembly composed of a wheel apron, a front frame and a torque box, and a front end cross member of a vehicle body, a shroud assembly and a dash as other assembly parts. The lower panel and the lower panel can be assembled in a positioned state to assemble the front body assembly of the automobile body as a final assembly.

Furthermore, according to the eleventh invention of the present application, basically, the same effect as that of any one of the seventh to tenth inventions can be obtained. In particular, since the temporary receiving device is composed of the lifter device that raises and lowers the assembled assembly with respect to the turntable, the assembled assembly is securely held once outside the turntable. , Can be put back on this turntable again.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking as an example a case where a front body assembly of an automobile body is assembled as a final assembly. In this embodiment, the front body assembly is a wheel apron assembly which is a kind of assembly constructed by assembling a plurality of parts to each other, and the other assembly parts are an N0.1 cross member, a shroud assembly and a dash lower panel. And are assembled in a positioning state.

The wheel apron assembly is
As is well known, it is provided in a pair on the left and right to configure both sides of an engine room of an automobile. For example, the right side of the vehicle body will be described as an example.
A wheel apron 11 that includes the suspension tower 11a and the wheel house portion 11b and constitutes the side wall of the engine room.
And a front frame 12 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body at the bottom of the engine room, and a torque box 13 connecting the front frame 12 and a vehicle body-side member (not shown) such as a floor panel to reinforce the vehicle body front portion. Is
These three components 11, 12 and 13 are assembled together and spot welded to form a wheel apron assembly 10 as a kind of assembly.

As shown in FIG. 4, the left and right wheel apron assemblies 10 have a No. 1 cross member 16 (front end cross member) to be located at the front end of the vehicle body, a shroud assembly 17 for partitioning the front side of the engine room 15, and The dash lower panels 18 constituting the rear wall of the engine room 15 are assembled in a positioned state and spot welding is performed to form the above-mentioned front body assembly 20 constituting a basic wall portion and frame of the front portion of the vehicle body.

Next, the front body assembly 2 described above
An assembling apparatus for assembling 0 will be described. still,
In the following description, the wheel apron assembly 10 is an assembly, the wheel apron 11, the front frame 12 and the torque box 13 are its components, and the front end cross member 16, the shroud assembly 17 and the dash lower panel 18 are other components. The assembled parts and the front body assembly 20 will be appropriately referred to as a final assembly. Figure 5
Article according to the present embodiment (front body assembly 20)
FIG. 3 is a plan explanatory view of a turntable 1 which is one of main parts of the assembling apparatus of FIG. As shown in this figure, in the above-mentioned assembly device, the left and right wheel apron assemblies 10 (assembly) are provided on the half surface of the turntable 1 (the left half surface in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 5). While a pair of left and right assembly jigs 2 (2L, 2R) for setting 13 respectively in the positioning state are provided, the other half surface of the turntable 1 (the right half surface in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 5) The other assembly component setting jig 3 for setting the other assembly components 16, 17, and 18 in the positioning state is provided in the.

Also, one side of the turntable 1 (see FIG. 5)
On the left side of the above), the work of setting the predetermined parts 11 to 13 and 16 to 18 on the setting jigs 2 and 3 and the above-mentioned set in the positioned state by the setting jig 3 for other assembling parts. There is provided a set station N1 capable of performing the setting operation of the assembly 10 to the positioning state of the other assembly parts 16, 17, and 18. On the other hand, on the other side of the turntable 1 (on the right side in FIG. 5), the parts 11, 12, 13 of the assembly 10 are set to each other by the assembly setting jig 2 (2L, 2R) in a positioned state. Which is capable of performing the assembling work (spot welding work in this embodiment) and the assembling work of the assembly 10 and the other assembling parts 16, 17, and 18 (spot welding work in this embodiment). Attached station N2 is provided.

At this assembly station N2, at least each component 1 of the assembly 10 set in the positioned state by the assembly setting jig 2 (2L, 2R).
The welding work of 1, 12, 13 and the other assembly parts 16, 17, 18 set in the positioning state by the other assembly part setting jig 3 and the assembled body 10 already assembled. Multifunctional welding robots 4, 4 capable of performing welding work are arranged. The setting work at the setting station N1 is performed manually by the operator.

Further, in the set station N1,
As will be described below, the assembled assembly 10 assembled at the assembly station N2 is temporarily held outside the turntable 1 and then returned to the turntable 1 again as a temporary receiving device. A lifter device is provided which can raise and lower the assembly 10 with respect to the turntable 1. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lifter device 5 includes a rail 21 arranged above the turntable 1.
A base 22 that can move up, a base 23 supported by the base 22, and an elevating hanger 25 supported by rods 24, 24 that can be moved up and down with respect to the base 23,

The base 22 is provided with a pair of wheels 26 that can roll on the rail 21 and a drive motor 27 that applies a driving force to the wheels 26. The drive motor 27 is operated to drive the wheels. By rolling 26, 26, the base portion 22 moves along the rail 21, the position of the hanger 25 in the rail 21 direction can be adjusted, and the position can be accurately positioned on the set station N1 of the turntable 1.
Further, guide cylinders 28, 28 for guiding the up-and-down movement of the rods 24, 24 are provided upright on the upper side of the base 23,
On the lower side of the hanger 25, the first and second parts for clamping the assembled assembly (wheel apron assembly 10) are attached.
Clamp jigs 31 and 32 are attached.

In this embodiment, the first clamp jig 31 is used.
Positions the hole on the suspension tower 11a of the wheel apron 11 as a reference, and then clamps the wheel apron 11, and the second clamp jig 32 causes the wheel apron 11 to move.
The wheel apron assembly 10 is clamped in the front-rear direction and lifted upward by clamping the upper front side of the. Then, at the set station N1 of the turntable 1, when the setting work of the other assembly parts (the front end cross member 16, the shroud assembly 17, the dash lower panel 18) to the other assembly part setting jig 3 is completed, the hanger 25 is lowered onto the set station N1, and the other assembly parts 16,
Wheel apron assembly 10 for 17 and 18
Is set to the positioning state.

In this way, the assembled assembly 10 assembled at the assembling station N2 is temporarily installed outside the turntable 1 and then returned to the turntable 1 again. Since the lifter device 5 for raising and lowering the assembly 10 with respect to the turntable 1 is provided, the assembled assembly 10 is securely held once outside the turntable 1 (upper), and then this turn is performed again. It can be returned to the set station N1 on the table 1.

The turntable 1 has the same construction as the well-known one and has the same operation. Although not specifically shown, for example, the turning force of the drive motor is used. , For example, a drive that transmits to a gearbox via a coupling, performs deceleration and conversion of rotation direction with this gearbox, and rotates a ring gear arranged parallel to the table in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotation speed in a predetermined direction. While the mechanism is provided below the table, a driven gear that meshes with the ring gear is fixed to the lower side of the table, and the ring gear is rotatably driven to cause the table to move at a predetermined angle through the driven gear. The rotating operation is performed in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotation speed. In the present embodiment, the table is set to rotate 180 degrees (half rotation) and repeat normal rotation and reverse rotation by one rotation operation. Instead of repeating the forward and reverse rotation operations in this way, the rotation operation may be repeated in half rotations in the same direction. In this case, one rotation operation is
In order to prevent the stopper that regulates 0 degree (half rotation) from interfering with the rotating operation of the table, it is generally necessary to provide a retracting mechanism that retracts the stopper with respect to the rotation trajectory of the table.

The assembly jig 2 (2L, 2R) and the other assembly component set jig 3 are the same as those conventionally used. For example, the set jig 2 (2L, 2R) for the assembly will be described as an example. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a large number of columns 35 are erected upright over the half surface of the turntable 1. Each of these columns 35
Further, a clamp jig 36 for clamping each part of the assembly 10 in a positioned state, a cylinder device 37 for driving each clamp jig 36, and the like are attached. The other set jigs 3 for assembly parts are basically the same as the above-mentioned assembly jigs 2 (2L, 2R) in terms of arrangement structure, quantity, etc. It is configured by mounting a clamp jig, a cylinder device, and the like on a large number of upright columns.

Further, near the assembling station N2, there is provided a carry-out station for carrying out the final assembly 20 (front body assembly) assembled at the assembling station N2 to the next step. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, an overhead type front body assembly transfer device 40 is disposed in the unloading station, and the transfer device 40 is hung and fixed from, for example, a ceiling beam 41 of an assembly plant. Running rail 42
And a carrier 50 that moves on the traveling rail 42 by wheels 51, 51 driven by a motor 53.

As shown in detail in FIG. 11, the carrier 50 has a base 52 suspended from the wheels 51, 51 (see FIG. 10), and an elevating hanger for performing an elevating operation below the base 52. And the base 52
Includes a storage box 55 in which a suspending member 56 (for example, a wire or a chain) for suspending the elevating hanger 60 is accommodated, and the elevating hanger 60 is elevated by pulling out and winding the suspending member 56. A motor 57 for mounting is attached. Further, on the lower surface side of the base 52, a guide tube 58 that guides a guide rod 59 attached to the upper side of the hanger 60 and assists the smooth ascending operation of the hanger 60 when the elevating hanger 60 is moved downward. It is provided so as to project.

On the other hand, on the lower surface side of the lifting hanger 60,
Assembled final assembly (Front body assembly 2
0) for clamping the first and second clamp jigs 611.
And 62 are attached. In the present embodiment, the first clamp jig 61 positions the hole portion of the suspension tower 11a of the wheel apron 11 as a reference and then clamps the wheel apron 11, and the second clamp jig 62 makes the front upper part of the front body assembly 20. The front body assembly 20 is clamped in the front-rear direction and lifted up by clamping the upper part of the front side of the wheel apron 11, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first clamp jig 61 has a fixed arm 61a and a movable arm 61b, and a cylinder 63 for driving the movable arm 61b.
And the movable arm 61a is rotated by expanding and contracting the piston rod 63p of the cylinder 63,
The clamp state and the unclamp state of the suspension tower 11a are switched. Further, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first clamp jig 62 includes a fixed arm 62a, a movable arm 62b, and a movable arm 62b.
and a cylinder 64 that drives b, and the piston rod 64p of the cylinder 64 is expanded and contracted to rotate the movable arm 62a.
The clamped state and the unclamped state for the front upper part of the can be switched. In addition, the lift hanger 2 of the lifter device 5 arranged at the set station N1.
First and second clamp jigs 31 attached to No. 5
And 32 are configured similarly to the first and second clamp jigs 61 and 62 in the carrier 50, respectively.

Final assembly at the assembly station N2
When the assembling of the (front body assembly 20) is completed, the carrier 50 is positioned above the assembling station N2, the elevating hanger 60 is lowered, and the first and second clamp jigs 61 and 62 are used. After the front body assembly 20 is clamped at the front and rear, the hanger 60 rises while holding the front body assembly 20. Then, the carrier 50 travels along the travel rail 42 and carries out the front body assembly 20 toward the next step.

With the above structure, the final assembly 20 can be obtained through the following steps while rotating the turntable 1 by half rotation. That is, the parts 11, 12, and 13 of the assembly 10 are set to the positioning state at the set station N1, and the parts 11, 12, and 13 of the assembled assembly 10 are assembled together at the assembly station N2. . Next, the assembled assembly 10 is held above the turntable 1 by the lifter device 5 at the set station N1, while the other assembly parts 16, 17, 18 are positioned at the set station N1. Set to state. And
The assembled assembly 10 held above the turntable 1 is returned to the turntable 1 and the other assembled parts 1 set at the setting station N1.
6, 17 and 18 are set in a positioning state, and then the other assembly parts 16, 17, 18 already set at the assembly station N2 and the assembled assembly 10 are assembled, and finally. Assemble the assembly 20.

Next, the assembling process of the final assembly (front body assembly 20) using the assembling apparatus will be described more specifically with reference to Table 1.

[0048]

[Table 1]

First, the assembly jig 2 (2L, 2
In the initial state in which R) is located on the set station N1 side (see the solid line in FIG. 5), the left and right wheel apron assemblies 10 (assembly) are set by the set jigs 2L and 2R for the left and right assembly bodies at the set station N1. ) Each component 11, 12, 13 is set to the positioning state. At this time, there is no work to be assembled in the assembling station N2, and no work is performed.

Next, the turntable 1 is rotated half a turn.
(Hereafter, rotation in this direction is referred to as forward rotation). Due to the turning operation of the turntable 1, as shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 5, another set jig 3 for assembly parts is set in the set station N1, and a set jig N1 for assembly is set in the assembly station N2. Will be located. The turning operation of the turntable 1 is performed, for example, by the operator of the set station N1 turning on the turning switch of the turntable 1 at the time when the setting work is completed. At this normal position, the left and right assemblies 10 that have been set to the positioning state at the assembly station N2.
The constituent parts 11, 12 and 13 are spot-welded by the welding robots 4 and 4 and assembled to each other. At this point, the set operation is not performed at the set station N1.

Next, the turntable 1 is reversed by half a turn. As a result, the turntable 1 returns to the same arrangement state as the initial state. In the reverse position, the left and right assemblies 10 assembled by spot welding are held above the turntable 1 by the lifter device 5 at the set station N1. Then, each component 11 of the wheel apron assembly 10 (assembly) for the next cycle,
12 and 13 are set to the positioning state by the assembly jig 2 (2L, 2R). At this time, there is no work to be assembled in the assembling station N2, and no work is performed.

Next, the turntable 1 is rotated forward by a half rotation. At this forward rotation position, the assembly station N2
Then, the constituent parts 11, 12, and 13 of the assembly 10 for the next cycle, which have been set to the positioning state, are assembled together and spot-welded. On the other hand, in the set station N1, the other assembly parts 16, 17, 18 are set in the positioning state by the other assembly part setting jig 3. And
After that, the assembled left and right assembled bodies 10 held above the turntable 1 are returned to the turntable 1,
The assembled parts 16, 17, 18 already set are set in a positioned state.

Thereafter, the turntable 1 is reversed by a half rotation, and the assembly 10 for the next cycle, which has been assembled at the set station N 1, is held above the turntable 1 by the lifter device 5. Each component 1 of the assembly 10 for the second cycle
Set 1, 12, and 13. On the other hand, in the assembling station N2, the other assembling parts 16, 17,
The front body assembly 20 as a final assembly is obtained by assembling the assembly 18 and the assembled assembly 10, 10 by spot welding. The front body assembly 20 is unloaded toward the next step by the unloading device.

After that, the above steps and the above steps are repeatedly executed to obtain the final assembly.
The (front body assembly 20) is assembled one after another and carried out toward the next process. That is, since a part of the assembly process of the final assembly 20 of the next cycle is started from the middle of the process of assembling the final assembly 20, the above-mentioned steps are continuously repeated so as to respond to this repeated cycle. The final assembly 20 can be assembled one after another.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the assembly jig 2 (2L, 2R) is arranged on the half surface of the turntable 1 while the turntable 1 is arranged.
On the other half surface of the turntable 1, the set jig 3 for other assembling parts is arranged, and on one side of the turntable 1, the set station N1 is provided, while on the other hand, the turntable 1
Since the assembling station N2 is provided on the other side, by rotating the turntable 1 by half rotation,
At the set station N1, the set jigs 2
(2L, 2R) and 3 set work of predetermined parts 11, 12, 13 and 16, 17, 18 (that is, the above-mentioned assembly 10
Setting work for setting each of the parts 11, 12, 13 in the positioning state and setting work for the other assembly parts 16, 17, 18 in the positioning state) and the other assembly part 16 set in the positioning state, Assembly 1 for 17, 18
It is possible to perform setting work to the positioning state of 0,
On the other hand, in the assembling station N2, the assembling work of the parts 11, 12, 13 of the assembly 10 set in the positioning state, the assembling work 10 and the other assembling parts 1 are carried out.
Assembling work with 6, 17, 18 can be performed.

In this case, since the lifter device 5 is provided in the set station N1, the assembled assembly 10 is temporarily held above the turntable 1,
At this set station N1, other assembly parts 16, 17,
After the 18 is set to the positioning state, the assembly 1
It is possible to return 0 to the turntable 1 again and set it in a positioning state with respect to the other assembly parts 16, 17, and 18 described above. That is, unlike the conventional case, one work station is provided without providing a plurality of work stations.
(Turntable 1) A plurality of parts 11, 12 and 13 are assembled together to form an assembly 10 and other assembly parts 16 and 1
7 and 18 are assembled together in the final position, and the final assembly 20
Can be obtained. As a result, unlike the conventional case where a plurality of work stations are provided, it is not necessary to connect the work stations with each other by a transfer device, so that the installation cost of the transfer device can be reduced and the productivity in the assembly process can be reduced. Can be increased. Also, the assembling device can be minimized.

Further, particularly in this embodiment, the assembling work at the assembling station N2 includes welding (spot welding) work, and in the process of assembling the body of the automobile, the wheel apron 11 and the front frame are assembled. The left and right wheel apron assembly 10 as a kind of assembly composed of 12 and the torque box 13, the vehicle body front end cross member 16, the shroud assembly 17, and the dash lower panel 18 as other assembly parts are positioned. After assembly and spot welding, the front body assembly 20 of the vehicle body can be assembled as a final assembly.

Further, assembling at the assembling station N2
By using the robot apparatus 4 for the (spot welding) work, the spot welding work between the components 11, 12, 13 of the assembly 10 set in the positioning state at the assembly station N2, the assembly 10 and the above Other assembly parts 1
Spot welding work with 6, 17, and 18 can be performed by one type of device. In this case, since there is only one assembly station N2, the robot device 4
It is possible to keep the number of installed vehicles to a minimum (two).

Furthermore, each of the set jigs 2 (2L, 2
R) and given parts 11, 12, 13 and 16, 1 to 3
7 and 18 setting work (that is, setting work for setting each component 11, 12, 13 of the assembly 10 in the positioning state and setting work for the other assembly parts 16, 17, 18 in the positioning state) ) And setting work of the assembly 10 to the positioning state with respect to the other assembly parts 16, 17 and 18 set to the positioning state, even if the worker manually performs the setting work. The work can be performed at the set station N1 limited to the place, and the work efficiency of the worker can be improved.

Although the above-mentioned embodiment is a case where the front body assembly of the automobile body is assembled by spot welding as the final assembly, the present invention is not limited to the above case. The present invention can be generally applied to the case where a final assembly (article) is assembled by assembling an assembly formed by assembling a plurality of parts with each other and other assembled parts in a positioned state. Further, even when there are a plurality of other assembly parts and the other assembly parts themselves constitute a kind of assembly, it can be effectively applied.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wheel apron assembly for an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the wheel apron assembly.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the wheel apron assembly.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory plan view of a front body assembly of the automobile.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a turntable of the assembling apparatus according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory front view of a lifter device of the assembling apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the lifter device.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory plan view of a set jig for an assembly of the assembly apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the assembly jig.

FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of the front body assembly transporting device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front explanatory view of a carrier of the front body assembly carrier.

FIG. 12 is a front explanatory view of a first clamp jig of the transport machine.

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the first clamp jig.

FIG. 14 is a front explanatory view of a second clamp jig of the transport machine.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating the second clamp jig.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Turntable 2, 2L, 2R ... Assembly jig for assembly 3 ... Assembly jig for other assembly parts 4 ... Welding robot 5 ... Lifter device 10 ... Wheel apron assembly (assembly) 11 ... Wheel apron (assembly) 3D parts 12 ... Front frame (assembly parts) 13 ... Torque box (assembly parts) 16 ... Front end cross member (other assembly parts) 17 ... Shroud assembly (other assembly parts) 18 ... Dash Lower panel (other assembly parts) 20 ... Front body assembly (final assembly) N1 ... Set station N2 ... Assembly station

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A method of assembling an article, wherein an assembly constituted by assembling a plurality of parts with each other and other assembled parts are assembled in a positioned state to obtain a final assembly. While setting a set jig for the assembly that sets each part of the assembly in the positioning state, for other assembly parts that sets the other assembly part in the positioning state on the other half surface of the turntable While arranging the set jig of, on one side of the above turntable,
The turntable is provided with a set station capable of performing a setting operation of setting a predetermined component on each of the setting jigs and a setting operation of the assembly to a positioning state of the other assembly component set to a positioning state. On the other side, there is provided an assembling station capable of performing an assembling operation of the respective parts of the assembly set in the positioning state and an assembling operation of the assembly and the other assembling parts, The station is provided with a temporary receiving device for temporarily holding the assembly assembled at the assembly station outside the turntable and then returning it to the turntable again, while rotating the turntable half a turn. , Set each part of the above assembly to the positioning state at the set station, and set each part of the set assembly above to the assembly station. After assembling each other with, while holding the assembled assembly outside the turntable by the temporary receiving device at the set station, while setting the other assembled parts in the positioning state at the set station, Return the assembled assembly that was held outside the turntable to the turntable and set it in the positioning state with respect to the other assembled components that have been set by the setting station, and then set the assembly station. A method for assembling an article, comprising: assembling the other assembling component set in step 1 above with the already assembled assembly to obtain a final assembly. 2. The turntable is rotated by half a turn, each part of the assembly is set in a positioning state at the set station, and then the turntable is half-turned and set at the assembling station. After assembling the parts of the above assembly with each other, then the turntable is half-turned, and at the set station, the assembled assembly is held outside the turntable by the temporary receiving device and the next cycle is performed. After setting each part of the assembly for positioning to the positioning state, half-turn the turntable to assemble the parts of the assembly for the next cycle already set at the assembly station with each other, After setting the above other assembly parts to the positioning state, the assembly that was held outside the turntable The assembled assembly is returned to the turntable and set in a positioning state with respect to the other assembled parts that have been set, and then the turntable is rotated half a turn, and the assembled assembly at the setting station is removed. The assembly for the cycle is held outside the turntable by the temporary receiving device, while the other assembled parts set in the assembly station and the assembled assembly are assembled to obtain a final assembly. Claim 1 characterized by the above.
A method for assembling the described article. 3. The assembling work at the assembling station,
At least assembly work of each part of the assembly set in the positioning state, and assembly work of the other assembled parts set in the positioning state and the assembled assembly can be performed. The method for assembling an article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method is performed by a robot device. 4. The method of assembling an article according to claim 1, wherein the assembling work at the assembling station includes a welding work. 5. The assembly is a wheel apron assembly for a vehicle body of an automobile, which comprises a wheel apron, a front frame and a torque box, and the other assembly parts include a cross member and a shroud assembly at a front end of the vehicle body. 5. A method for assembling an article according to claim 4, wherein a front body assembly of a vehicle body of an automobile is obtained as a final assembly. 6. The method of assembling an article according to claim 1, wherein the setting operation at the setting station is performed manually by an operator. 7. An article assembling apparatus in which an assembly constituted by assembling a plurality of parts with each other and another assembly part are assembled in a positioned state to obtain a final assembly, and a rotating operation every half rotation. And a set jig for an assembly, which is arranged on one half of the turntable to set each component of the assembly in a positioning state, and the other half of the turntable is arranged on the other half of the turntable. It is equipped with a set jig for other assembled parts that sets the other assembled parts in the positioning state, and sets the predetermined parts on each of the set jigs on one side of the turntable and sets the positioning state. On the other side of the turntable, a setting station is provided for performing the setting work of the assembly to the positioning state of the set other assembly parts. An assembly station capable of performing an assembling work of the respective parts of the assembly set in a state and an assembling work of the assembly and the other assembling parts, and the assembling station is provided in the setting station. An apparatus for assembling articles, comprising a temporary receiving device for holding the above-mentioned assembly assembled at the attaching station once outside the turntable and then returning the assembly on the turntable again. 8. The assembly station includes at least an assembly operation for mutually assembling each part of the assembly set in a positioning state and an assembly of the other assembly parts set in a positioning state. 8. An apparatus for assembling articles according to claim 7, wherein a robot apparatus capable of performing an assembly work with the assembly is arranged. 9. The apparatus for assembling articles according to claim 7, wherein the assembling work at the assembling station includes a welding work. 10. The assembly is a wheel apron assembly for a vehicle body of an automobile, which comprises a wheel apron, a front frame and a torque box, and the other assembly parts include a cross member and a shroud assembly at a front end of the vehicle body. 10. The apparatus for assembling articles according to claim 9, which is a dash lower panel, and obtains a front body assembly of an automobile body as a final assembly. 11. The tentative receiving device is constituted by a lifter device for moving up and down the assembled assembly with respect to a turntable.
7. An apparatus for assembling an article according to any one of 1.