JPH1149349A - Cell system of production facility - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a work conveying cell system which can perform a multi- sort, small-quantity production or a different type and varying quantity production in good compliance with the given conditions while the space required to introduce the equipment and the costs are suppressed. SOLUTION: A production line is configured with at least one cell composed of a plurality of working stations 1b-1d which are installed on the line along a specified track 6 and apply a certain processing to a work, a work carry-in device 2a or carry-out device 2e which reciprocates on the track 6, sends an unmachined work to the working stations 1b-1d, and sends the machined work off from the stations, a work carry-in station 1a to supply unmachined work to the work carry-in device 2a, a work carry-out station 1e to collect the machined work from the work carry-out device 2e, and an elevation device which carries in unmachined work from the work carry-in device 2a to the working stations 1b-1d and carries out the machined work from the stations 1b-1d to the work carry-out device 2e.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cell system of a production facility, for example, a cell system of a production facility in which each step of an assembly line is divided into a plurality of cells and the plurality of cells are arranged to form an assembly line. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional automatic assembling line is a work process in which a work is carried in, a predetermined work is performed on the work, and a cycle time of the entire line until the work is unloaded is set within a predetermined production cycle. When a plurality of automatic machines provided for each operation step are arranged in series along the flow of the conveyor, or when the operation steps cannot be subdivided, as shown in FIG. The work that occurs on each of the conveyors C1 to C4 by branching to a plurality of conveyors C2 to C4 and arranging them in a plurality of rows in parallel, arranging automatic machines M1 to M3 in series on each of the conveyors C1 to C4, and flowing the work W. Tact variations are absorbed to ensure a predetermined production tact and production amount.

[0003]

However, in a method of sequentially transporting a work by arranging a plurality of automatic machines in series (hereinafter referred to as a progressive feeding method), the automatic machine includes loading and unloading of the work and positioning time. It is assumed that the work process can be subdivided so that the work tact of the automatic machine falls within the predetermined production tact.If the work tact of the automatic machine is shorter than the production tact, the work capacity of the automatic machine is The operation can be performed with a margin, but in other words, the work efficiency can be reduced by the amount including the redundant capacity.

[0004] When the difference between the work tact and the production tact is close, it can be said that the work capacity of the automatic machine determines the production capacity in the process. Require significant remodeling. In this progressive method, it is possible to design an automatic machine that can cope with different types of workpieces, but it cannot cope with a demand for increased production, and the temporary stoppage that occurs in one automatic machine immediately affects production efficiency. There are drawbacks.

Further, in a method using a plurality of automatic machines having a capability of coping with a variety of workpieces irrespective of a production tact, when a workpiece is transported by a conveyor, a transport line by the conveyor is branched into a plurality of parallel lines. By arranging automatic machines in series for each branch line, it is possible to absorb variations in the work tact on each branch line. In this parallel feeding method, the influence of the temporary stop of the automatic machine is small, and even if the increase in production is requested, the automatic machine and the transport conveyor can be added in parallel. However, in the transfer control of the work, not only does it require complicated control for branching / merging to the conveyor, etc., but also to secure the equipment area such as the method of supplying the assembled parts to the work and the maintenance area. However, there is a disadvantage that a considerable installation area is required even if an access area for an automatic machine is sacrificed.

Further, when a defective product is generated in a work process, the work is automatically discharged once out of the line, and the work is separately transported to a dedicated area for specifying and confirming a defective portion, and rework is performed. In order to repeat the same work again, it is often the case that the work is re-input to the upstream side of the work process, in which case equipment for discharging the work from the line, equipment for transferring the work to the dedicated area, and transferring the work to the line again A large space is required for installing the equipment and installing the equipment.

As described above, in the conventional automatic assembly line, the problem of securing a space must be solved in order to flexibly cope with a change in the production volume and the product type after the line is installed. In order to plan equipment that can respond quickly to the above, it is necessary to take a considerable amount of space, and also to prepare a large burden economically from the time of introduction of the equipment, and if equipment specifications corresponding to the predicted maximum production volume are used, Equipment costs and space are enormous, there is a problem that it is almost impossible to fully utilize the capacity of the production line and it is difficult to recover investment costs for equipment, and it is flexible to changes in production volume and production types In order to be able to cope with the situation, it is presently necessary to introduce equipment without solving the above problems.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cell system of a production facility capable of coping with high-mix low-volume production and variety / variation production while suppressing the space and cost required for introducing the facility.

Another object of the present invention is to flexibly cope with unpredictable changes in production types and production quantities in the future, because it has been concluded that the conventional problem is that the workpiece is being moved forward. A system that can respond quickly and swiftly can be laid out in a space-saving manner, shortening redundant working time, fully utilizing the capacity of the equipment, little impact of automatic machine suspension, and maintaining high production efficiency in the future An object of the present invention is to provide a cell system of a production facility which can be produced and has a high cost reduction effect.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a cell system of a production facility of the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, a plurality of working means arranged along a predetermined trajectory to perform a predetermined work on a work, and reciprocatingly moving on the predetermined trajectory, transferring an unworked work to the work means, and At least one work transfer means for transferring the unworked work to the work transfer means, and a work distribution means for collecting the worked work; and transferring the unworked work from the work transfer means to the work transfer means. A production line is configured by arranging at least one cell including a work carrying-in / out means for carrying in the work and carrying out the worked work from the working means to the work carrying means.

[0011] Preferably, the plurality of work means perform the same work on the unworked work.

Preferably, the work transport means includes a work mounting means capable of stacking the unworked work and the worked work in parallel.

Preferably, when one work is placed on the work placement means, the work placement means moves the work from one placement position to the other placement position. And moving means for moving.

Preferably, the work transfer means includes a first work transfer means for transferring the unworked work to the work means, and a second work transfer means for transferring the worked work from the work means. And

Preferably, the work distribution means includes a work supply means for supplying the unworked work to the work transfer means, and a work collection means for collecting the worked work from the work transfer means. Have.

Preferably, the work loading / unloading means picks up the unworked work from the work transfer means and loads the unworked work into the work means, and unloads the worked work from the work means. Elevating means for carrying out to the transport means is provided.

Preferably, the cells are arranged in series by connecting the second work transfer means of the upstream cell and the first work transfer means of the downstream cell.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a work transfer line for supplying the unworked work to the work distribution means and collecting the worked work from the work distribution means, wherein the cell is connected to the work transfer line. They are arranged in parallel with each other.

[0019] Preferably, the work means is an automatic machine for performing work with large variations in work time.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a work transfer device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the work transfer device of the first embodiment comprises three work stations 1b, 1c, 1d arranged on a gantry 50 for performing the same work, and a work carry-in station. 1a, a work carry-out station 1e, a work carry-in device 2a, and a work carry-out device 2e. Work stations 1b to 1d, a work carry-in station 1a, a work carry-out station 1e,
The work loading device 2a and the work unloading device 2e have columns 8a to 8e, respectively, extending upward from the gantry 50. The columns 8a to 8e move the workpieces 3a to 3e up and down, respectively. Devices 4a to 4e are mounted.

The work stations 1b to 1d are provided with
An automatic numerical control robot, which is arranged at substantially equal intervals on the upper side and incorporates a piston into a cylinder block of an engine, for example. The work stations 1b to 1d
Are not limited to three as in the present embodiment, and needless to say, it is not necessary to arrange them at equal intervals.

Arms 5a-5e of lifting devices 4a-4e
Are arranged so as to protrude by a substantially equal distance in the width direction, as shown in FIG. A rail-shaped track 6 extending from the work loading station 1a to the work unloading station 1e via the work stations 1b to 1d is laid on the gantry 50 facing the columns 8a to 8e.
As shown in FIG. 2, the work loading device 2a and the work unloading device 2e have work mounting tables 9a and 9e having a U-shaped cross section, and reciprocate on the track 6 so as not to interfere with each other.

The workpieces 3a to 3e are transported to the workpiece loading device 2a or the workpiece unloading device 2e via the workpiece transport jig pallets 7a to 7e, and are positioned and held on the lifting devices 4b to 4d.

As shown by broken lines H in FIG. 1, the lifting / lowering devices 4b to 4d are provided with a work loading device 2a on which the works 3a and 3e are mounted and a work unloading device 2e at each work station 1b.
The work pieces 3b to 3d are raised so that they can pass right below the work pieces 3b to 3d in steps 1 to 1d.

The work loading / unloading device 2a or the work unloading device 2e is mounted on the work stations 1b to 3e with the works 3a to 3e being placed in a state where the lifting devices 4a to 4e are located at the lower limit.
1d, the workpieces are transferred by moving them to the positions of the work loading station 1a and the work unloading station 1e and raising the lifting devices 4a to 4e, and transferring the work to the lifting devices 4a to 4e.
Lowers the elevating devices 4a to 4e in a state where the workpieces 3a to 3e are placed at the upper limit while the workpieces 3a to 3e are placed thereon.
Receive 3e.

The works 3a to 3e are placed on the lifting devices 4a to 4e via the work transfer jig pallets 7a to 7e or directly. The arms 5b to 5d of the lifting devices 4a to 4e are provided with positioning mechanisms for positioning the works 3a to 3e. The positioning mechanism includes positioning pins 12b to 12d provided on arms 5b to 5d of lifting / lowering devices 4b to 4d, and recesses 13 provided on the work transfer jig pallets 7b to 7d or the work itself.
b to 13d are fitted and positioned.

In this embodiment, each work station 1b
The work is raised / lowered by lifting / lowering devices 4a to 4e provided in the work loading / unloading stations 1a and 1e. However, the work loading / unloading devices 2a and 2e are provided with lifting / lowering devices to raise and lower the work. It can be lowered.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a work engagement shape between the work loading / unloading device 2a and the work unloading device 2e and the lifting / lowering devices 4a to 4e. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the work loading tables 9a and 9e of the work loading device 2a and the work unloading device 2e have a U-shaped cross section when viewed from above, and the cutout portions are formed by arms 5a to 5e. Are moved upward from below to pick up the work from the work mounting tables 9a and 9e, and to the work mounting tables 9a and 9e on which no work is mounted, the cutout portions of the arms 5a to 5a to mount the work. 5e
Is moved downward from above to transfer the work to the work mounting tables 9a and 9e. Further, as a modification of the work mounting table, as shown in FIG. 4, the work mounting table has a cross-sectional E-shape when viewed from above, and the lifting device can pass vertically through the cutout portion.

<Outline of Work Loading / Unloading Operation>
The outline of the work loading / unloading operation by the two work loading devices 2a and 2e will be described. The carry-in work 3a placed on the work carry-in station 1a at the position p1 is put into one of the work stations 1b to 1d at the positions p2 to p4, and is transferred to the work carry-out station 1e at the position p5. The carry-in work 3a is conveyed to a conveyor or the like (not shown) and is carried into the work carry-in station 1a from a work introduction robot or the like.

At the position p1, the lifting / lowering device 4a is lowered to transfer the loaded work 3a to the work loading device 2a. The work carry-in device 2a on which the carry-in work 3a is placed is located at positions p2 to p2.
Move to any of the work stations 1b to 1d of p4,
At the positions p2 to p4, one of the elevating devices 4b to 4d rises to move the incoming work 3b to 3d to each of the elevating devices 4b to 4d.
And raise it to the working position.

On the other hand, the completed work that has been completed is
For example, assuming that the work 3d has been worked at the work station 1d at the position p4, the work unloading device 2e moves to the position p4, the lifting device 4d descends, and the unloading work 3d is moved.
Is transferred to the work unloading device 2e. Thereafter, the work unloading device 2e moves the work unloading station 1 at the position p5.
Move to e.

At the position p5, the lifting / lowering device 4e rises to transfer the worked work 3e to the work unloading station 3e. The worked work 3e is put into another process by a work discharge robot (not shown) or the like.

<Details of Work Loading / Unloading Operation>
The work loading / unloading operation will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the work loading / unloading operation in detail. 6A to 6F are diagrams illustrating an operation example of the work loading device and the work unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, each work station 1
Assuming that the processing is started from a state where the work in the work station 1d is completed in a state where the works 3b to 3d are put into the work loading apparatus 2a and the work 3b to 3d are put into the work carry-in device 2a, in step S1 Then, it is determined whether there is a work that has been completed. If there is a work already completed in step S1 (Yes in step S1), the process proceeds to steps S2 and S3, and the work unloading device 2e waiting at the work unloading station 1e at the position p5 is moved (FIG. 6A).
Move to the work station 1d at the position p4 (FIG. 6)
B).

In step S4, the work station 1d
Is moved down in step S5 until the work 3d, which has been worked, can arrive at the work unloading device 2e (FIG. 6C). When it is confirmed in step S5 that the work 3d has been loaded on the work unloading device 2e (Yes in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6 to stop the lowering of the lifting device.

In step S7, the work unloading device 2e on which the worked work 3d is placed is moved to the work unloading station 1e at the position p5 (FIG. 6D), and the lifting device 4e is raised to transfer the worked work 3d to the unloading station 1e.
To be placed. In step S9, the work loading device 2a
It is determined whether or not the unworked work 3a has been received. If an unworked work 3a has been received in the work loading device 2a in step S9 (Yes in step S9)
s), proceed to steps S10 and S11 to move the work loading device 2a from the work loading station 1a at the position p1 to the work station 1d at the position p4 (FIGS. 6D and 6E).

In step S12, the work station 1
The lifting device 4d of d is raised, and raised in step S13 until the unworked work 3a can arrive at the work station 1d (FIG. 6F). Unworked work 3 in step S13
When it is confirmed that a has arrived at the work station 1d (Yes in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14, where the work carrying device 2a is moved to the work carrying station 1a at the position p1. Thereafter, a new unworked work 3a is put into the work carry-in device 2a at the work carry-in station 1a, and the worked work 3e is discharged from the work carry-out device 2e at the work carry-out station 1e.

<Control Block> As shown in FIG. 22, the work transfer device according to the first embodiment is numerically controlled by the host computer 100 in an integrated manner. The host computer 100 controls the operation so that the carry-in device 2a and the carry-out device 2e do not collide on the track 6 and further do not interfere with the lifting devices 4a to 4e.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a work transfer device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the work transfer device of the second embodiment reciprocates on the track 6 instead of the work loading device 2a and the work unloading device 2e of the first embodiment. Each work station 1 using a work loading / unloading device 20 having a mounting table 20a on which two works can be mounted;
The unloaded work is carried into and out of the worked work is carried out to b to 1d. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Further, the description of the control block is omitted because the control of the work loading / unloading device 20 is changed from the control of the two work loading / unloading devices 2a and 2e.

<Outline of Work Loading / Unloading Operation>
An outline of a work loading / unloading operation by the work loading / unloading device 20 will be described. 9A to 9D are diagrams illustrating an operation example of the work loading / unloading device.

As shown in FIG. 9A, for example, the work at the work station 1c is completed, and the unworked work put into the work loading station 1a at the position p1 is placed on the work mounting table 21 on one side of the work loading / unloading device 20. A work 3c is placed on the work station 1c while the work 3a is placed thereon.
9 from the state where is mounted on the workpiece mounting table 22 on the other side, FIG.
As shown in B, at the work station 1c at the position p3, the lifting device 4c is raised to place the unworked work 3a at the work position of the work station 1c.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9C, the work loading / unloading device 20 having the work 3c placed on the other work loading table 22 is transferred to the work unloading station 1e at the position p5. In FIG. 9D, at the work unloading station 1e, the lifting device 4e is raised to
c is moved to the work discharge position. From the state shown in FIG. 9D, the work loading / unloading device 20 is moved to the work loading / unloading station 1a at the position p1, and the work loading / unloading station 1 is moved to the work mounting table 21 on one side of the work loading / unloading device 20.
After the unworked work 3a placed in the work a is placed, the work is moved to the work station where the work is completed, and the operation shown in FIG. 9A is repeated.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a work transfer device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side view of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the work transfer device of the third embodiment is different from the work mounting table 20a of the work loading / unloading device 20 of the second embodiment in that the work mounting table 20a is shifted from the mounting table 33 on one side to the other. A work moving device 31 capable of moving a work is provided on a mounting table 34 on the side, and a work carry-in / carry-out device 30 capable of mounting and moving two works by reciprocating on the track 6 instead of the work carrying-in / out device 20. It is used to carry in unworked work to each of the work stations 1b to 1d and carry out worked work. The work moving device 31 is composed of two short conveyors provided on the mounting table 33 on one side and the mounting table 34 on the other side, respectively, and the work can be moved by rotating the short conveyor forward or backward. In the third embodiment, the loading and unloading of the work can be performed in common by one work loading / unloading station 10. Work loading / unloading station 1
Numeral 0 has a conveyor 11 for loading or unloading a work from the work loading / unloading device 30 and a lifting device 12.

In addition, the same components as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Also,
Except for the control of the short conveyor, the control block is substantially the same as the work loading / unloading device 20 and will not be described.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the shape of the connection of the work between the work loading / unloading device 30 and the lifting / lowering devices 4b to 4d. FIG. 13 is a plan view of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the work mounting table 32 of the work loading / unloading device 30 has a U-shaped cross section when viewed from above, and the notch portion has a similar U-shaped cross section. The work is placed on the lifting device 4 by passing the hands 5b to 5d of the lifting device upward from below, and the work is placed on the work mounting table 3 by passing the work downward from above.
2.

<Details of Work Loading / Unloading Operation>
The work loading / unloading operation will be described in detail.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the work loading / unloading operation by the work loading / unloading device 30 in detail. 15A to 15H are diagrams illustrating an operation example of the work loading / unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, assuming that the processing is started from a state where the works 3b to 3d are being put into the work stations 1b to 1d, in step S21, the work is carried out to the work loading / unloading station 10 at the position p4. It is determined whether or not the unworked work 3a is placed. Step S2
If there is an unworked work 3a in step 1 (Yes in step S21), the unworked work 3a is moved from the work carry-in / out station 10 to the work carry-in / out device 30 (FIG. 15).
A). In step S23, it is determined whether there is a work that has been completed. If there is a work completed in step S23 (Yes in step S22), step S24
Proceeding to S25, the work loading / unloading device 30 is moved to the work station 1b at the position p1, and the mounting table 33 on the left side of the work loading / unloading device 30 (the side where the work is not placed) is moved to the work station 1b. (Figure 15
B).

In step S26, the work station 1
In step S27, the work 3b, which has been worked, is placed on the left mounting table 3 of the work loading / unloading device 30 in step S27.
3 is lowered until it can be received (FIG. 15C). When it is confirmed in step S27 that the work 3b has been loaded on the work loading / unloading device 30 (Yes in step S27).
s) The process proceeds to step S28 to stop the lowering of the lifting device 4b.

In steps S29 and S30, the mounting table 34 on the right side of the work loading / unloading device 30 (the side on which the unworked work is mounted) moves until it is positioned at the work station 1b (FIG. 15D).

In step S31, the work station 1
The unworked work 3a is moved to the work position by raising the lifting / lowering device 4b at the lower limit of b (FIG. 15E). In step S32, the unworked work 3a is moved to the work station 1b.
It is determined whether or not it has been moved to the upper limit. Step S3
If the unworked work 3a has been moved to the upper limit of the work station 1b in Step 2 (Yes in Step S32), the process proceeds to Step S33 to move the work carry-in / out device 30 to the carry-in / out station 10 (FIG. 15F).

In step S34, the work loading / unloading device 30
Has moved to the loading / unloading station 10 (Yes in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35, in which the work 3b placed on the left loading table 33 of the work loading / unloading device 30 is moved to the right loading table 34. (Figure 15
G).

In steps S36 and S37, after the completed work 3b has been moved from the left mounting table 33 of the work loading / unloading device 30 to the right mounting table 34, the completed work 3b is moved from the right mounting table 34 to the work. Move to the loading / unloading station 10 (FIG. 15H).

Thereafter, a new unworked work 3a is loaded into the work carry-in / out device 30 at the carry-in / out station 10, and the same operation is repeated for each of the work stations 1b to 1d.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 16 is a front view showing a work transfer device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a side view of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the work transfer device of the fourth embodiment is different from the work transfer device of the first embodiment in that a spare station 1f is provided between a work station 1d and a work unloading station 1e. Is provided. This preliminary station 1f also has a lifting device 4f
Is provided.

The spare station 1f can be used, for example, as a placement station for defective products, defective products, repair products, etc., or as an additional work station.

In addition, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Also, the control blocks are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

<Outline of Work Loading / Unloading Operation> The work unloading device 2e is connected to any of the work stations 1b to 1b.
If a defective work comes out in d, this defective work 3f
Instead of moving to the work unloading station 1e,
After taking the defective work to the standby station 1f, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed. The other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

[Work Loading Device, Work Loading Device, Driving Method of Work Loading / Unloading Device] FIG. 18 shows a work loading device,
It is a front view which shows the drive system in the case of driving a work carrying-out apparatus and a work carrying-in / out apparatus on a track. FIG.
FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a drive mechanism 60 is provided below the work loading device 2a.
The drive mechanism 60 includes a servo motor 61 and a pinion gear 62 axially mounted on the servo motor 61, and a pinion gear 62 is mounted on a rack 63 provided inside the track 6.
Are engaged. By rotating the servo motor 61 forward or backward, the work loading device 2a is moved on the track 6. The electric power to the work loading device 2a is supplied from the track 6 or the rack 63, and the servo motor 6
1 and the power supply of the lifting / lowering device 4a.

The driving method of the work loading device 2a is a combination of a rack and pinion method, a timing belt method, a ball screw method, a wheel driving method and the like and a method capable of numerical control such as a servo motor and a stepping motor. There is no particular limitation. The lifting device 4a is not particularly limited to a drive system such as an air cylinder, a ball screw and a servo motor as long as it lifts the work together with the work transfer jig pallet 7a and withstands the force generated in the work station.

The above-mentioned driving method is based on the work carrying-out device 2e.
Also, the same applies to the work carrying-in / out devices 20 and 30 of other embodiments.

[Cell Structure] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a layout in a case where an assembly line is configured by using the work transfer devices of the first to fourth embodiments as cells.

Assuming that the work transfer devices of the first to fourth embodiments are a set of cells, as shown in FIG. 20, a straight main line into which the work W is loaded / discharged is defined as a loading line L1. The cells S1 to S3 are arranged at right angles between the input line L1 and the discharge line L2 (that is, when the work is input at the work loading station and the work is discharged at the work unloading station). In the case of an H-shaped layout, the work transfer devices of the first to third embodiments can be applied. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, a main line L on which the workpiece W is loaded / unloaded is provided.
In the case of a T-shaped layout in which the cells S1 to S3 are cut out at right angles to the main line L by using only one line (that is, when the work input / output is performed at a common work loading / unloading station), The work transfer device of the fourth embodiment can be applied.

As described above, the work transfer apparatuses according to the first to fourth embodiments are considered as a set of cells, and FIGS.
By laying out as shown in (1), loading / discharging of a workpiece can be realized using one or two workpiece transfer devices.

Further, by considering the work transfer device of the first to fourth embodiments as a set of cells and arranging a plurality of these cells to constitute an assembly line, in a process in which the work tact varies widely, The same work can be performed in parallel at a plurality of work stations.

Further, by controlling the drive of the work loading device and the work unloading device with a servomotor or the like, the work can be moved so as not to interfere with the elevating device of each work station.

Further, when the lifting / lowering means is located at the upper limit or the lower limit, the work loading device and the work unloading device can be moved irrespective of whether or not the work is mounted.

Further, as in the first embodiment, two cells are used.
When operating with two work loading and unloading devices,
A plurality of cells can be arranged in series or incorporated into a part of an assembly line.

In the case where the cell is operated by one work loading / unloading device as in the second and third embodiments, one cell is used.
One work loading / unloading device may be arranged in series on a part of an assembly line, or a T-shaped cell may be cut out and arranged laterally from the assembly line to share a work loading station and a work unloading station. This increases the degree of freedom in layout.

As described above, when the assembly line is formed into a cell structure, an unworked work and a worked work can be exchanged in the cell for each work at an arbitrary work station where work has been completed, and the work process can be subdivided. Therefore, there is no need to match the production tact, and there is no need to provide a buffer space (a space for at least one work) between each work station when using the conveyor, so that the installation area can be reduced.

Further, as in the fourth embodiment, by providing at least one spare station in the cell, it can be used as an additional work station for responding to an increase in production, a discharge station for defective products, and a repair station. It can also serve as a buffer between the side cell and the downstream cell.

In addition, by performing the same work at a plurality of work stations, the temporary stoppage of one work station does not directly affect the work of another work station due to the variation in work tact, and the work is performed for each work station. Can continue.

Further, even if the assembly line has a cell structure, it can be realized in a space equal to or less than that of a line using a conventional conveyor, and cells can be cut out from the line and arranged in a T shape. It is also possible to arrange a plurality of branches and to arrange them in parallel, so that a layout corresponding to a variety and variation production can be realized with a simple installation and control with a small installation area.

Further, the work loading / unloading device includes a work mounting table on which unworked work and processed work can be loaded in parallel, and when one work is mounted on the work mounting table, the work loading / unloading device can be used. By moving the work from one mounting position to the other mounting position, the replacement of the work can be smoothly performed by one work loading / unloading device. Of course, it is also possible to incorporate this cell linearly in the assembly line.

Further, by arranging the cells in a straight line in series, it is easy to expand the cells using the spare station, and by installing the spare station in advance, defective or defective products can be removed. Ejection, repair and re-injection of work-in-progress can be easily controlled with a small space and simple equipment.

Further, when increasing the production, it is possible to cope with the situation by increasing the number of workers, so that the spare station will have a role for adding a working station in the future. In addition, the installation of work stations below the planned production capacity at the time of equipment introduction and the addition of equipment based on the results of production volume can be checked. There is an advantage that it is sufficient to increase the

If the production line is composed of at least one cell, the cell is incorporated in a part of the assembly line, and the other part is of a progressive feeding system using a conventional conveyor,
There is no need to forcibly subdivide the work steps, and this has the effect of enabling a highly flexible layout and production form.

Therefore, in the cell system of the production equipment according to the present embodiment, the problem of the conventional automatic assembly line, that is, the problem of space must be solved in order to flexibly cope with a change in production after the introduction of the equipment. In addition, when planning a system that can respond immediately to an increase in production volume, considerable space and economic burdens must be prepared from the time of introduction of the equipment, and the equipment specifications of the production capacity according to the predicted maximum salable amount In this case, the facility cost and space are enormous, and it is difficult to recover the capital investment cost because the facility capacity is hardly exhibited to its fullest. Because it is possible, there is no need to install equipment with the maximum production capacity from the time of planning, and there is no need for major remodeling when expanding, so simple equipment and control , Its economic effects can contribute to the construction of a space-efficient layout and highly flexible production system is extremely high.

The present invention can be applied to a modification or modification of the above embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By arranging at least one cell that can freely transfer a work to a required position to form a production line, the work exchange operation can be realized with simple equipment and control, and a space-efficient layout can be realized. A flexible production line can be constructed.

Further, by arranging a plurality of the above-mentioned cells in the work process of the unpredictable work tact, it is possible to process a plurality of works at the same time and to secure production efficiency.

Further, by arranging a plurality of cells performing the same operation in series, it is possible to form an assembly line linearly, or to cut out the assembly line at a right angle to the side of the assembly line. Increase.

Further, it is easy to set the operation time when planning the equipment of a production line having operations that are longer than the production tact of the line and have many variations, and it is possible to cope with the dispersion of the estimated time by providing a spare station.

That is, there is no need to plan equipment introduction in anticipation of the maximum variation in work time when introducing equipment, and it is possible to add the equipment at any time according to the production situation, and to flexibly respond to subsequent production changes. And economically superior production equipment can be realized.

[0094]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a work transfer device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a work engagement shape between a work loading device 2a, a work unloading device 2e, and lifting devices 4a to 4e.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a work loading / unloading operation.

6A is a diagram illustrating an operation example of a work loading device and a work unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 5;

6B is a diagram showing an operation example of the work loading device and the work unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an operation example of the work loading device and the work unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the work loading device and the work unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the work loading device and the work unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6F is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the work loading device and the work unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a work transfer device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an operation example of the work loading / unloading device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the work loading / unloading device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9C is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the work loading / unloading device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an operation example of the work loading / unloading device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a work transfer device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a work loading / unloading device 30 and elevating devices 4b to 4d.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a shape of engagement of a work between the two.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a work loading / unloading operation performed by the work loading / unloading device 30 of the third embodiment.

15A is a diagram showing an operation example of the work carrying-in / out device according to the flowchart of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an operation example of the work loading / unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 14;

15C is a diagram showing an operation example of the work carrying-in / out device according to the flowchart in FIG. 14;

FIG. 15D is a diagram showing an operation example of the work loading / unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15E is a diagram showing an operation example of the work carrying-in / out device according to the flowchart of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15F is a diagram showing an operation example of the work loading / unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15G is a diagram showing an operation example of the work loading / unloading device according to the flowchart of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15H is a diagram showing an operation example of the work carrying-in / out device according to the flowchart of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front view showing a work transfer device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a drive system when the work loading device, the work unloading device, and the work loading and unloading device are driven on a track.

FIG. 19 is a side view of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout in a case where the work transfer apparatuses according to the first to fourth embodiments are arranged in an assembly line.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layout in a case where the work transfer apparatuses according to the first to fourth embodiments are arranged in an assembly line.

FIG. 22 is a control block diagram of the work transfer device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a layout of a conventional assembly line.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1a Work loading station 1b-1d Work station 1e Work loading station 2a Work loading device 2e Work loading device 3a-3f Work 4a-4f Lifting device 7a-7e Work transport jig pallet 20, 30 ... Work loading / unloading device

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of working means arranged along a predetermined trajectory for performing a predetermined work on a work; and a reciprocating operation of the predetermined trajectory to transfer an unworked work to the work means, At least one work transfer means (2a,
2e, 20, 30) and a work distribution means (1) for supplying the unworked work to the work transport means and collecting the worked work.
a, 1e), a work carrying-in / out means (4b, 4c, 4d) for carrying in the unworked work from the work carrying means to the working means and carrying out the worked work from the working means to the work carrying means. ), Wherein a production line is configured by arranging at least one cell including: 2. The cell system for a production facility according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of work means perform the same work on said unworked work. 3. The production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the work transport means includes a work mounting means (20a, 32) capable of stacking the unworked work and the worked work in parallel. Equipment cell system. 4. The moving means for moving the work from one mounting position to another mounting position when one work is mounted on the work mounting means. The cell system according to claim 3, further comprising (31). 5. The first work transfer means (2) for transferring the unworked work to the work means.
2. The cell system for a production facility according to claim 1, comprising: a) and second work transport means (2e) for transferring the worked work from the work means. 6. The work distribution means comprises: a work supply means (1a) for supplying the unworked work to the work transfer means; and a work collection means (1e) for collecting the worked work from the work transfer means. 2. The cell system for a production facility according to claim 1, comprising: 7. The work carrying-in / out means picks up the unworked work from the work carrying means and carries it into the working means, or unloads the worked work from the working means and sends it to the work carrying means. The cell system for a production facility according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting unit for carrying out. 8. The cell according to claim 5, wherein the cells are arranged in series by connecting the second work transfer means of the upstream cell and the first work transfer means of the downstream cell. Cell system for production equipment. 9. A work transfer line for supplying the unworked work to the work distribution means and collecting the worked work from the work distribution means, wherein the cells are arranged in parallel with the work transfer line. The cell system for a production facility according to claim 4, wherein the cell system is arranged in a shape. 10. The cell system for a production facility according to claim 1, wherein said work means is an automatic machine for performing work with a large variation in work time.