WO2018011887A1 - Module exchange-assisting device - Google Patents

Module exchange-assisting device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018011887A1
WO2018011887A1 PCT/JP2016/070558 JP2016070558W WO2018011887A1 WO 2018011887 A1 WO2018011887 A1 WO 2018011887A1 JP 2016070558 W JP2016070558 W JP 2016070558W WO 2018011887 A1 WO2018011887 A1 WO 2018011887A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
pallet
base
work
rail
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/070558
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
加藤　正樹
Original Assignee
富士機械製造株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 富士機械製造株式会社 filed Critical 富士機械製造株式会社
Priority to JP2018527287A priority Critical patent/JP6745882B2/en
Priority to PCT/JP2016/070558 priority patent/WO2018011887A1/en
Publication of WO2018011887A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018011887A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23Q—DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING; MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT
    • B23Q1/00—Members which are comprised in the general build-up of a form of machine, particularly relatively large fixed members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23Q—DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING; MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT
    • B23Q37/00—Metal-working machines, or constructional combinations thereof, built-up from units designed so that at least some of the units can form parts of different machines or combinations; Units therefor in so far as the feature of interchangeability is important
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G7/00—Devices for assisting manual moving or tilting heavy loads
    • B65G7/02—Devices adapted to be interposed between loads and the ground or floor, e.g. crowbars with means for assisting conveyance of loads
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
    • E01B23/00—Easily dismountable or movable tracks, e.g. temporary railways; Details specially adapted therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a module exchange assist device used when a work module is arranged on a base and the work module is exchanged with another work module.
  • the module replacement assist device of the present invention is a module replacement assist device that is used when replacing a work module in the above-described production system and assists its replacement, A table placed beside the base, A pallet that is detachably mounted on the table, an auxiliary rail is laid on the upper surface, and the work module can be placed on the auxiliary rail; A pallet movement allowing device that allows sliding movement with respect to the table of the pallet; The position where the auxiliary rail is positioned on the extension of the base rail so that the work module can be moved between the base rail and the auxiliary rail of the pallet which is allowed to slide by the pallet movement allowing mechanism. And a pallet positioning mechanism for positioning.
  • the work module arranged on the base can be placed on the pallet and the whole pallet can be removed, and the work module carried on the pallet can be removed.
  • the pallet By placing the pallet on the table, it can be placed on the base. For example, if the work module is transported together with the pallet by a forklift or the like, the work module can be easily replaced without using a crane.
  • a base having a rail laid on the upper surface and a work module that is placed on the rail and performs work while riding on the rail, and the work module is pulled out from the base along the rail.
  • a module exchange assist device that is used for the exchange and assists the exchange, A table placed beside the base; A pallet that is detachably mounted on the table, an auxiliary rail is laid on the upper surface, and the work module can be placed in a state of being put on the auxiliary rail; A pallet movement allowance mechanism that allows sliding movement of the pallet relative to the table;
  • the auxiliary rail is an extension of the base rail so as to allow the work module to move between the base rail and the auxiliary rail of the pallet that is allowed to slide by the pallet movement allowing mechanism.
  • a module replacement assist device comprising a pallet positioning mechanism for positioning to an upper position.
  • This aspect is a basic aspect of the module replacement assist device.
  • the work module arranged on the base in the production system can be transferred to the pallet placed on the table, and the work module can be transported together with the pallet. Then, another work module that has been transported together with the pallet is placed on the table together with the pallet, so that the other work module can be transferred from the pallet to the base of the production system.
  • the work module can be easily replaced.
  • the work modules can be transported together with the pallet, for example, by a forklift or the like, it is possible to perform these work without using a crane or the like.
  • module replacement assist device can be used not only for the replacement of the above-described work modules but also for the arrangement of the work modules, that is, the construction of the production system and the removal of the work modules. Incidentally, when exchanging work modules, it is desirable that there are two pallets, one for removed work modules and one for newly placed work modules.
  • This mode is a mode in which limitations on the types of work modules are added.
  • the type of work module is not limited.
  • the work module is a machining module in which a machining machine such as a lathe, a milling machine, a drilling machine, or a machining center is modularized, the weight of the work module is It will be quite large. In view of that, this aspect is a particularly significant aspect.
  • a plurality of parallel rails each serving as the rail are laid on the upper surface of the base, and the production system includes a plurality of work modules each serving as the work module on the base. Are arranged side by side, The module replacement assist device is used to replace one of the plurality of work modules with another work module, and the table is located at a position corresponding to one of the plurality of work modules to be replaced.
  • This mode is a mode in which limitations on the target production system are added.
  • a production system in which a plurality of work modules are arranged on the base, only one arbitrary work module is exchanged.
  • the replacement of one work module can be easily performed by arranging the table at a position corresponding to the one work module.
  • the module fixing mechanism prohibits the movement of the work module relative to the pallet, it is possible to easily carry the work module together with the pallet.
  • the pallet is In any one of the items (1) to (4), the work module has a fork hole into which the fork of the forklift is inserted for transporting the work module by a forklift while the work module is on the pallet.
  • the module replacement assist device according to the description.
  • the pallet in this aspect is assumed to be transported in a state in which the work module is placed on the pallet with a forklift. According to this aspect, the work module can be replaced without using a crane. .
  • the pallet on which the work module is placed can be placed on the table at an appropriate position, it is possible to easily change the work module from the pallet to the base.
  • the pallet positioning mechanism is (a) a first inclined surface defining portion that is provided on the pallet and defines a pair of inclined surfaces that are inclined in directions opposite to each other with respect to a direction in which the rail extends; and (b) provided on the table and inclined.
  • a second inclined surface defining portion that defines a pair of inclined surfaces that respectively match the surface, and by sliding the pallet in a direction in which the base exists, the first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion Any one of the items (1) to (6) configured to be positioned in a direction in which the rail of the pallet extends and in a direction perpendicular to the direction by the contact with the inclined surface defining portion.
  • the module replacement assist device according to 1.
  • This mode is a mode in which a limitation on the structure of the pallet positioning mechanism is added.
  • the positioning is performed so that the pair of inclined surfaces are matched with each other, so that the rail extends and the direction perpendicular to the direction only by sliding the work module with respect to the base. In this case, positioning can be performed easily.
  • first inclined surface defining portion and the “second inclined surface defining portion” are configured such that the distance between the pair of inclined surfaces defined by each of the first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion decreases toward the base. Further, the first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion do not necessarily have to have a substantial pair of inclined surfaces.
  • the inclined surface may be a virtual surface, and for example, one virtual surface may be defined by rod-shaped members extending along mutually parallel axes.
  • the pallet positioning mechanism is The module replacement assist device according to (7), further comprising an urging mechanism that urges the pallet in a direction toward the base when the pallet is positioned.
  • the position can be maintained by the urging mechanism. That is, the pallet on which the work module is placed is maintained at the positioned position by the biasing mechanism, so that the work module can be easily transferred from the pallet to the base.
  • This aspect is particularly effective when the pallet is positioned so that movement in the direction toward the base is prohibited and movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction is prohibited along with the prohibition. It is an aspect.
  • the table is A main base on which the pallet is placed;
  • a connecting portion having a connecting rail which is positioned on the base side of the main base portion and is releasably fastened to the main base portion and attached to the base and extending a rail of the base;
  • the module according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the pallet positioning mechanism is configured to position the pallet in a state where the auxiliary rail of the pallet extends the connection rail.
  • Exchange assist device is configured to position the pallet in a state where the auxiliary rail of the pallet extends the connection rail.
  • the table is composed of two parts, the main base part and the connecting part. According to this aspect, even if only the main base part is used, it is possible to pull out from the base of the work module to some extent using the connection rail.
  • the work module can be easily transferred to the base, that is, placed on the base.
  • the “location where the base is located” is not limited to a factory that manufactures and assembles the production system, for example.
  • the location is It can be a user's office.
  • the “module transport process” can be a process of performing land transport by truck, transport by container, and the like.
  • (12) including a module completion step of completing the work module on the pallet;
  • the work module can be completed on the pallet, and the completed work module can be transported together with the pallet to the place where the base is located. That is, when placing the completed work module on the base, it is not necessary to bother placing the work module on the pallet, and a simpler production system can be constructed. Furthermore, no crane or the like is required at the place where the work module is completed. That is, the work module can be completed even where there is no crane or the like.
  • the completion of a work module in this aspect is not limited to manufacturing a work module.
  • adjusting a work module that has already been arranged also corresponds to the completion of the work module.
  • the production system construction method includes a module completion step for completing the work module on the pallet.
  • the production system construction method according to item (14), wherein the place where the other work module is adjusted is a place where the module completion step is performed.
  • the work module can be adjusted on the pallet on which the work module is transported, and the work module adjusted on the pallet can be replaced for replacement. It is possible to transport the base to the place where the base is located while on the pallet.
  • a production system 10 that is a target of the module replacement assist device and production system construction method of the embodiment is generally a base 12 and two work modules arranged on the base 12. And a lathe module 14a and a machining center module 14b.
  • the left back in the figure is the front side (front side) of the production system 10, and the right front side is the rear side (back side).
  • front and rear are defined according to the front and rear of the production system 10, and left and right are defined in a state where the rear is viewed from the front.
  • the lathe module 14a is one of machining modules for performing machining, and the front side portion is a machining space. Although illustration is omitted, the workpiece is held by a spindle arranged along an axis extending in the front-rear direction, and the workpiece is cut by a cutting tool. A plurality of tools are attached to the turret head, and the turret head is sent in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction to perform lathe processing.
  • the machining center module 14b is also a machining module for performing machining, and a portion on the front side is a machining space in the same manner as the lathe module 14a.
  • a tool is attached to a spindle arranged along an axis extending in the vertical direction, and drilling, milling, and the like are performed by moving the spindle up and down, left and right, and back and forth.
  • a tool changer is provided to enable automatic tool change.
  • module 14 the lathe module 14a and the machining center module 14b are collectively referred to as “module 14”, and even when one of them is indicated, the description of “module 14” will be continued, and in front of these modules 14, A front panel 18 is provided, and in the space between each of the modules 14 and the front panel 18, although not shown, the work is attached to and detached from each of the modules 14, the work is transferred between the modules 14, and the module 14 A workpiece attaching / detaching / conveying device for carrying in and out the workpiece is provided.
  • the two modules 14 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction.
  • four rails 20a are laid on the upper surface. Since the four rails 20a are in pairs, if the pair of rails 20a is simply referred to as the rail 20, the base 12 is arranged in the left-right direction, Two rails 20 each extending parallel to the front-rear direction are laid.
  • Each of the modules 14 is provided with four wheels 22, and each of the modules 14 is in a state in which the four wheels 22 ride on the rails 20, more specifically, the two wheels 22 have one rail 20 a.
  • the other two wheels 22 are arranged on the other rail 20a. As the four wheels 22 roll on the rail 20, the module 14 can be moved back and forth relatively easily.
  • Each position of the module 14 shown in the drawing is a position in a state where the production system 10 is actually operated, that is, a steady position.
  • each of the modules 14 is a fixing mechanism (Not shown).
  • the forward movement of each module 14, that is, the forward pulling of the module 14 is allowed in a range where the front wheel 22 does not protrude forward from the rail 20. Pulling forward is performed.
  • rearward movement, that is, rearward pulling is permitted within a range in which the rear wheel 22 does not protrude from the rail 20. For example, when the module 14 is adjusted, the rearward pulling is possible. Done.
  • the module 14 is present on the base 12 for maintenance, replacement, etc. It is also desirable to move backwards until no longer occurs, that is, to pull the module 14 out of the base 12. More specifically, the module replacement assist device 30 according to the embodiment is used when such module is pulled out or pulled out. The module replacement assist device 30 is also used when one module 14 is arranged on the base 12.
  • the module replacement assist device 30 of the embodiment roughly includes a main base portion 32a and a connecting portion 32b, each of which generally forms a frame structure made of each pipe. And the pallet 34 that is detachably mounted on the table 32.
  • the table 32 and the pallet 34 is as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as a single unit, and the pallet 34 is placed on the table 32 in the main platform 32a.
  • auxiliary rail 36 composed of a pair of rails 36 a is laid on the top surface of the pallet 34, and a connecting rail 38 composed of a pair of rails 38 a is also laid on the connecting portion 32 b of the table 32 ( As in the case of the rail 20 laid on the base 12, the pair of rails 36a and the pair of rails 38a will be simply referred to as the auxiliary rail 36 and the connecting rail 38 for explanation.
  • the widths of the rails 20, the auxiliary rails 36, and the connecting rails 38 on the base 12, that is, the intervals between the pair of rails 20a, the pair of rails 36a, and the pair of rails 38a are made equal to each other.
  • the table 32 is arranged beside the rear side of the base 12 so that the connecting portion 32b is attached to the base 12. Specifically, when one module 14 is pulled out from the base 12, the module 14 is disposed at a position corresponding to the module 14. When the module 14 is disposed on the base 12, the module 14 is disposed at a position where the module 14 is disposed. It is arranged at the corresponding position. More specifically, the connecting portion 32 is connected to the base 32 such that the connecting rail 38 of the connecting portion 32b of the table 32 extends the rail 20 on the base 12 on which the corresponding module 14 is or is placed. 12 is fixedly arranged. 1 and 2 exemplify a state where the module replacement assist device 30 is disposed at a position corresponding to the machining center module 14b, and FIG. 2 illustrates a state where the machining center module 14b is pulled out.
  • ball rollers 40 are installed on the upper surface of the main base portion 32a of the table 32 on which the pallet 34 is placed (the “ball rollers” can also be called “free roll bearings”).
  • the pallet 34 is placed on the ball rollers 40, and can be easily slid back and forth with respect to the table 32 within a certain range. That is, in the module replacement assist device 30, the pallet movement permission mechanism 42 that includes the ball roller 40 and allows the pallet 34 to slide relative to the table 32 is configured.
  • the heights of the auxiliary rail 36 and the connecting rail 38 are aligned.
  • the module 14 is movable between the base 12 and the pallet 34 using the rail 20, the connecting rail 38, and the auxiliary rail 36 on the base 12, and in order to enable the movement, It is necessary to position the pallet 34 at a position where the auxiliary rail 36 is located on the extension of the rail 20 on the base 12, that is, a position where the connecting rail 38 is extended. If this position is called a set position, as shown in FIG. 6, the pallet 34 is placed behind the set position, advanced from the placed position, and positioned at the set position. Incidentally, FIG. 6 shows a state where the module 14 is on the pallet 34.
  • the pallet 34 is provided with a pair of engaging bars 44 protruding forward, and two rollers 46 and 48 are provided on the connecting portion 32b of the table 32 on the left and right sides of the rear portion, respectively. It is attached.
  • An inclined surface PL1 is provided in an outer portion of each of the pair of engaging bars 44 in the left-right direction, and the pair of inclined surfaces PL1 are inclined opposite to each other with respect to the front-rear direction.
  • an inclined surface PL2 is defined as a surface in contact with the outer peripheral surface of each of the rollers 46 and 48, and a pair of inclined surfaces PL2 defined by the two rollers 46 and 48 is a pair. In the same manner as the inclined surface PL1 of FIG.
  • the pallet 34 When the pallet 34 is moved forward, as shown in FIG. 3, in detail, as shown in FIG. 8A, the pallet 34 has a pair of inclined surfaces PL1 and a pair of inclined surfaces PL2 that coincide with each other. Positioning is performed in both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. That position, that is, the set position, at which position, the auxiliary rail 36 is in a posture to extend the connecting rail 38.
  • the module replacement assist device 30 can move the module 14 between the rail 20 of the base 12 and the auxiliary rail 36 on the pallet 34 that is allowed to slide relative to the table 32. Therefore, the auxiliary rail 36 has a pallet positioning mechanism 50 for positioning the auxiliary rail 36 at a position on the extension of the rail 20 of the base 12, and the mechanism includes a pair of engagement bars 44 and two rollers. 46 and 48 are comprised.
  • the pair of engagement bars 44 are provided as two first inclined surface defining portions that define a pair of inclined surfaces PL1 provided on the pallet 34 and inclined in directions opposite to each other with respect to the direction in which the rail 20 extends.
  • Each of the rollers 46 and 48 functions as a second inclined surface defining portion that is provided on the table 32 and defines a pair of inclined surfaces PL2 that coincide with the inclined surfaces PL1, respectively.
  • the first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion are in contact with each other so that positioning in the direction in which the rail 20 of the pallet 34 extends and the direction perpendicular to the direction is performed.
  • the pallet 34 is positioned in such a way that the forward movement of the pallet 34 is prohibited and the movement in the left-right direction is prohibited.
  • the module replacement assist device 30 is provided with an easy moving mechanism 60 for enabling the pallet 34 to be slid with a small force. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a slide body 62 is provided at the rear end portion of the main base portion 32a of the table 32 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.
  • the slide body 62 includes a base portion 62a and a support portion 62b that can move in the vertical direction with respect to the base portion 62a.
  • a nut 62a1 is fixed to the base portion 62a, and a screw rod 64 extending in the front-rear direction while being screwed to the nut 62a1 is held by the main base portion 32a so as to be rotatable and immovable in the front-rear direction. Yes.
  • a handle 66 attached to the rear end of the screw rod 64 By rotating a handle 66 attached to the rear end of the screw rod 64, the slide body 62 moves in the front-rear direction.
  • the support 62b of the slide body 62 is provided with a channel 62b1 for engaging a part of the pallet 34, and the channel 62b1 faces the front and back in a pair of cushioning materials 62b2.
  • FIG. 8 shows a state in which the support portion 62b is positioned at the lower end of the movable range with respect to the base portion 62a of the slide body 62. As can be seen from FIG. 8B showing a cross section in this state, the pallet A part of 34 is not engaged with the channel 62b1 of the support portion 62b. If the support 62b is allowed to move upward by operating the two rotating grips 68 and the support 62b is positioned at the upper end of the movable range, as shown in FIG.
  • the channel 62b1 Engages with a part of the pallet 34 via the cushioning material 62b2.
  • the module 14 is in a riding state by a force that turns the handle 66, that is, by a relatively small force.
  • the pallet 34 moves forward.
  • the pallet 34 is easily positioned at the set position by the pallet positioning mechanism 50.
  • FIG. 9B and FIG. 7 show a state in which the pallet 34 is positioned at the set position. When the pallet 34 positioned at the set position is moved backward, the handle 60 may be rotated in the opposite direction.
  • the module replacement assist device 30 is provided with an urging mechanism 70 that urges the pallet 34 positioned at the set position forward, that is, in a direction toward the base 12 in order to maintain the set position at the set position.
  • an urging mechanism 70 that urges the pallet 34 positioned at the set position forward, that is, in a direction toward the base 12 in order to maintain the set position at the set position.
  • a locking block 74 is attached to the pallet 34 as shown in FIGS. More specifically, a locking block 74 is attached to the rear end portion of each of the pair of rails 36 a constituting the auxiliary rail 36. As shown in FIG. 7, the locking block 74 locks the wheel 22 on the rear side of the module 14. By the locking block 74, the module 14 moves backward beyond an appropriate range. Is prohibited.
  • a locking block 76 similar to the locking block 74 described above can be attached. More specifically, the locking block 76 can be attached to the front end portion of each of the pair of rails 36a constituting the auxiliary rail 36. The locking block 76 locks the wheel on the front side of the module 14. When the locking block 76 is attached, the module 14 is prohibited from moving forward beyond the appropriate range. . Incidentally, a state in which both the locking block 74 and the locking block 76 are attached in a state where the module 14 is mounted on the pallet 34 is as shown in FIG.
  • the module 14 on the pallet 34 can be transported together with the pallet 34.
  • the pallet 34 is provided with a pair of fork holes 78 into which forks of the forklift are inserted. Due to the presence of the fork holes 78, the module 14 can be transported by a forklift without using a crane. If the module replacement assist device 30 is used, the pallet 34 on which the module 14 is placed can be placed on the table 32 or lowered from the table 32 by a forklift. The module 14 can be placed on the base 12 without using a crane.
  • a module fixing mechanism 80 that fixes the module 14 to the pallet 34 while the module 14 is on the pallet 34 is provided. Is provided.
  • the module fixing mechanism 80 includes two plates 82 on the left and right sides and four bolts 84 with grips on the left and right sides.
  • the pallet 34 is provided with two female screw holes on the left and right, and the module 14 is also formed with two female screw holes on the left and right.
  • Each plate 82 is formed with through holes at both ends, and the male screw portions of the bolts with grips 84 are passed through these through holes and screwed into the female screw holes of the pallet 34 and the female screw holes of the module 14. 6 and 10, the module 14 and the pallet 34 are fastened by the plate 82. According to the module fixing mechanism 80, the module 14 is fixed to the pallet 34 in this way.
  • the pallet 34 on which the module 14 is placed is placed on the table 32, and then, as described above, using the pallet positioning mechanism 50, Positioning of the pallet 34 to the set position is performed.
  • the pallet 34 needs to be placed behind the set position as described above.
  • the placement is performed by lowering the pallet 34 from above, but there is some difficulty in placing the pallet 34 in the proper placement range. In particular, when the placement is performed by a forklift, the difficulty is high.
  • each guide 86 has a plate-like shape so as to extend upward from the frame of the main base portion 32a.
  • the distance between the pair of guides 86 in the left-right direction is made somewhat larger than the width in the left-right direction of the portion of the pallet 34 sandwiched between the guides 86. Is within the proper placement range in the left-right direction.
  • a reference mark M0 is provided at the upper end of each guide 86 as shown in FIG. 11B, and three reference marks are provided on the side surface of the pallet 34 so as to correspond to the reference mark M0. M1, M2, and M3 are provided. If the pallet 34 is lowered straight at a position where the reference mark M0 matches the intermediate reference mark M2, the pallet 34 is positioned at the center of the proper placement range in the front-rear direction. If the reference mark M0 is lowered straight at a position that coincides with the reference marks M1 and M3 at both ends, the pallet 34 is positioned at the end of the proper placement range in the front-rear direction.
  • the pallet 34 is lowered straight at a position where the reference mark M0 exists between the reference mark M1 and the reference mark M3, the pallet 34 is within the proper placement range in the front-rear direction.
  • the presence of the pair of guides 86 facilitates the placement of the pallet 34 within the proper placement range.
  • a table 32 in which the main base portion 32a and the connecting portion 32b are integrated has been used.
  • the main base portion 32 a and the connecting portion 32 b are integrated using a pair of left and right fasteners 88. Although illustration is omitted, the fastening by the fastener 88 is released, and two feet 90 attached to the main base portion 32a are removed and attached to the attaching portion 92 of the connecting portion 32b, or the same foot 90 as the foot 90 is attached.
  • the connecting portion 32b By attaching to the attachment portion 92, only the connecting portion 32b can be disposed beside the base 12. By using the connecting portion 32b in this way, the module 14 can be largely pulled out rearward from the base 12, and the module 14 can be easily adjusted by the drawing.
  • the connecting portion 32b By only the connecting portion 32b is used, the locking block 74 attached to each of the pair of rails 36a constituting the auxiliary rail 36 or the same locking block 74 as the locking block is connected to the connecting rail.
  • the connecting rail By attaching to the rear end portion of each of the pair of rails 38a constituting the frame 38, it is possible to effectively prevent the module 14 from protruding backward from the connecting portion 32b, that is, the wheel 22 falling off the connecting rail 38. It is possible to prevent.
  • the production system 10 has been produced as shown in FIG. More specifically, the base 12 is completed in the base completion process, the module 14 is completed in the module completion process, and the completed base 12 and module 14 are respectively transported to a place where the assembly process is performed. That is, for the base 12, a base transport process for transporting to the place where the base 12 is located for assembly is performed, and for the module 14, a module transport process for transporting to the place where the base 12 is located is performed. It was broken.
  • the base transport process and the module transport process are mainly performed using the forklift 100.
  • a module placement process for placing the module 14 on the base 12 is performed.
  • the module placement process is mainly performed using the crane 102. In other words, the assembly process could only be performed at a location where the crane was located.
  • the production system 10 that has been assembled is shipped to the user through an inspection process.
  • the module 14 is completed, and in the module transporting process, the completed module 14 is transported together with the pallet 34 to a place where the base 12 is placed. Then, in the assembly process, the table 32 is arranged beside the base 12, and the module 14 that has been transported is placed on the table 32 together with the pallet 34. In the module placement step, the module 14 is placed on the base 12 using the module replacement assist device 30.
  • the module placement process performed in the assembly process can be executed without using a crane. That is, the restriction on the place where the assembly process is performed is reduced.
  • the module 14 is shipped alone in the case of replacement of the module 14 to be described later by the user or for convenience of transportation. In that case, as shown in FIG. 13, the module 34 can be stored on the pallet 34 and shipped.
  • the base transport process and the module transport process are transport processes from the manufacturer to the user's office. Even in such a case, the module 14 can be easily transported together with the pallet 34, and the base 12 is kept at the user's office and the table 32 is arranged beside the base 12, so that Even if a crane is not installed at the office, the module placement process can be easily performed.
  • a table 32 is arranged beside the base 12 at a position corresponding to the module 14 to be pulled out for replacement, while the new module is transported while being on the pallet 34.
  • 14 is prepared in the vicinity of the production system 10 as another module 14. Then, an empty pallet 34 different from the pallet 34 on which the module 14 is placed is placed on the table 32, and the other pallet 34 is placed on the base 12 using the module replacement assist device 30.
  • the module removal process is executed so that the module 14 is placed.
  • the module 14 is lowered together with the pallet 34 from the table 32, and another prepared module 14 is placed on the table 32 together with the pallet 34 on which the module 14 is placed. 12 is arranged. That is, the module placement process described above is performed.
  • the module 14 that has been removed and remains on the pallet 34 is returned to the manufacturer together with the pallet 34. That is, a module return process is performed.
  • the pallet 34 that is different from the pallet 34 that has been transported is transported to a place in the manufacturer where the module 14 is adjusted.
  • the place may be, for example, a place where the above-described module completion process is performed.
  • the module replacement assist device 30 is used, so that the module 14 can be easily replaced even if a crane is not installed at the user's office. Become.
  • the replacement of the module 14 by the user has been described.
  • the module 14 is also replaced when it is necessary to replace the arranged module 14 during the assembly process and the inspection process. It is also possible to perform the exchange using the exchange assist device 30.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
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Abstract

The present invention improves the usability of a module exchange-assisting device (30) that is used for exchanging work modules in a production system (10) in which work modules (14) are disposed on a base (12) on which rails (20) are laid. The module exchange-assisting device (30) is configured so as to comprise: (a) a table (32) disposed to the side of the base; (b) a pallet (34), which is separably loaded on the table, on the upper surface of which auxiliary rails (36) are laid, and on which a work module can be loaded so as to be loaded on the auxiliary rails; (c) a pallet movement-permitting mechanism for permitting sliding movement of the pallet with respect to the table; and (d) a pallet-positioning mechanism for positioning the pallet, the sliding movement of which is permitted, in order to make movement of the work module between the rails of the base and the auxiliary rails possible. Since work modules can be transported pallet and all, it is possible to exchange work modules conveniently without using a crane.

Description

モジュール交換アシスト装置Module replacement assist device
　本発明は、ベース上に作業モジュールが配置された生産システムにおいて、その作業モジュールを他の作業モジュールに交換する際に用いられるモジュール交換アシスト装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a module exchange assist device used when a work module is arranged on a base and the work module is exchanged with another work module.
　ベース上に作業モジュールが配置された生産システムとして、下記特許文献に記載されているようなシステムが存在する。そのシステムでは、ベースにレールが敷設されており、作業モジュールは、レールに乗るようにして配置される。作業モジュールをベース上に配置する際や、既に配置されている作業モジュールを撤去する際には、そのレールに沿って作業モジュールが移動させられる。 As a production system in which work modules are arranged on a base, there is a system as described in the following patent document. In the system, a rail is laid on the base, and the work module is placed on the rail. When the work module is arranged on the base or when the already arranged work module is removed, the work module is moved along the rail.
国際公開第２０１５／０３７１４７号パンフレットInternational Publication No. 2015/037147 Pamphlet
発明の解決しようとする課題Problems to be Solved by the Invention
　作業モジュールの交換や当該生産システムの構築の際、ベースに対する作業モジュールの出し入れを簡便に行うことが望まれる。本発明は、そのような実情に鑑みてなされたものであり、実用性の高いモジュール交換アシスト装置を提供することを課題とする。 When exchanging work modules or constructing the production system, it is desirable to simply put the work modules in and out of the base. This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and makes it a subject to provide a module replacement assistance apparatus with high practicality.
　上記課題に鑑み、本発明のモジュール交換アシスト装置は、上述の生産システムにおける作業モジュールの交換の際に用いられて、その交換をアシストするモジュール交換アシスト装置であって、
　ベースの傍らに配置されるテーブルと、
　そのテーブルに離脱可能に載置され、上面に補助レールが敷設され、作業モジュールを、補助レールに乗る状態で乗せることが可能なパレットと、
　そのパレットのテーブルに対するスライド移動を許容するパレット移動許容装置と、
　そのパレット移動許容機構によってスライド移動が許容された前記パレットを、ベースのレールと補助レールとの間での作業モジュールの移動を可能とすべく、補助レールがベースのレールの延長上に位置する位置に位置決めするパレット位置決め機構と
　を備えたことを特徴とする。 In view of the above problems, the module replacement assist device of the present invention is a module replacement assist device that is used when replacing a work module in the above-described production system and assists its replacement,
A table placed beside the base,
A pallet that is detachably mounted on the table, an auxiliary rail is laid on the upper surface, and the work module can be placed on the auxiliary rail;
A pallet movement allowing device that allows sliding movement with respect to the table of the pallet;
The position where the auxiliary rail is positioned on the extension of the base rail so that the work module can be moved between the base rail and the auxiliary rail of the pallet which is allowed to slide by the pallet movement allowing mechanism. And a pallet positioning mechanism for positioning.
　本発明のモジュール交換アシスト装置を利用すれば、ベース上に配置されている作業モジュールを、パレットに載せて、そのパレットごと撤去することができ、また、パレットに載せて搬送されてきた作業モジュールを、パレットごとテーブルに載置することで、ベース上に配置させることができる。例えば、フォークリフト等によってパレットごと作業モジュールを搬送すれば、クレーンを用いることなく、作業モジュールの交換を簡便に行うことができるのである。 If the module replacement assist device of the present invention is used, the work module arranged on the base can be placed on the pallet and the whole pallet can be removed, and the work module carried on the pallet can be removed. By placing the pallet on the table, it can be placed on the base. For example, if the work module is transported together with the pallet by a forklift or the like, the work module can be easily replaced without using a crane.
発明の態様Aspects of the Invention
　以下に、本願において特許請求が可能と認識されている発明（以下、「請求可能発明」という場合がある）の態様をいくつか例示し、それらについて説明する。各態様は請求の範囲と同様に、項に区分し、各項に番号を付し、必要に応じて他の項の番号を引用する形式で記載する。これは、あくまでも請求可能発明の理解を容易にするためであり、それらの発明を構成する構成要素の組み合わせを、以下の各項に記載されたものに限定する趣旨ではない。つまり、請求可能発明は、以下の各項に付随する記載，実施形態の記載等を参酌して解釈されるべきであり、その解釈に従う限りにおいて、各項の態様にさらに他の構成要素を付加した態様も、また、各項の態様から何某かの構成要素を削除した態様も、請求可能発明の一態様となり得るのである。 Hereinafter, some aspects of the invention that is recognized as being capable of being claimed in the present application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “claimable invention”) will be exemplified and described. As with the claims, each aspect is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and is described in a form that cites other section numbers as necessary. This is merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the claimable inventions, and is not intended to limit the combinations of the constituent elements constituting those inventions to those described in the following sections. In other words, the claimable invention should be construed in consideration of the description accompanying the following sections, the description of the embodiments, etc., and as long as the interpretation is followed, other components are added to the modes of the respective sections. In addition, an aspect in which some constituent elements are deleted from the aspect of each item can be an aspect of the claimable invention.
　なお、以下の各項において、（１）項～（９）項が、それぞれ、請求項１～９に相当する。 In the following items, items (1) to (9) correspond to claims 1 to 9, respectively.
［Ａ］モジュール交換アシスト装置の態様
　以下に、モジュール交換アシスト装置の各種態様について説明する。 [A] Mode of Module Replacement Assist Device Various modes of the module replacement assist device will be described below.
（１）上面にレールが敷設されたベースと、そのレールに乗る状態でそのベース上に配置されて作業を実行する作業モジュールとを備え、その作業モジュールが前記レールに沿って前記ベースから引き出されて他の作業モジュールと交換可能な生産システムにおいて、その交換の際に用いられて、その交換をアシストするモジュール交換アシスト装置であって、
　前記ベースの傍らに配置されるテーブルと、
　そのテーブルに離脱可能に載置され、上面に補助レールが敷設され、前記作業モジュールを、その補助レールに乗る状態で乗せることが可能なパレットと、
　そのパレットの前記テーブルに対するスライド移動を許容するパレット移動許容機構と、
　そのパレット移動許容機構によってスライド移動が許容された前記パレットを、前記ベースのレールと前記補助レールとの間での前記作業モジュールの移動を可能とすべく、前記補助レールが前記ベースのレールの延長上に位置する位置に位置決めするパレット位置決め機構と
　を備えたモジュール交換アシスト装置。 (1) A base having a rail laid on the upper surface and a work module that is placed on the rail and performs work while riding on the rail, and the work module is pulled out from the base along the rail. In a production system that can be exchanged with other work modules, a module exchange assist device that is used for the exchange and assists the exchange,
A table placed beside the base;
A pallet that is detachably mounted on the table, an auxiliary rail is laid on the upper surface, and the work module can be placed in a state of being put on the auxiliary rail;
A pallet movement allowance mechanism that allows sliding movement of the pallet relative to the table;
The auxiliary rail is an extension of the base rail so as to allow the work module to move between the base rail and the auxiliary rail of the pallet that is allowed to slide by the pallet movement allowing mechanism. A module replacement assist device comprising a pallet positioning mechanism for positioning to an upper position.
　本態様は、モジュール交換アシスト装置についての基本的態様である。本態様のモジュール交換アシスト装置を用いれば、例えば、生産システムにおいてベースに配置されている作業モジュールを、テーブルに載置されたパレットに移し、その作業モジュールをそのパレットごと、搬送することができる。そして、パレットごと搬送されてきた別の作業モジュールを、パレットごとテーブルに載置することで、その別の作業モジュールをそのパレットから生産システムのベース上に移すことが可能である。このように、本態様のモジュール交換アシスト装置によれば、作業モジュールの交換が、容易に行うことが可能である。それらの作業の際、パレットごと作業モジュールを、例えば、フォークリフト等にて搬送できるようにすれば、クレーン等を用いずして、それらの作業を行うことも可能である。なお、本態様のモジュール交換アシスト装置は、上述の作業モジュールの交換だけでなく、作業モジュールの配置、つまり、生産システムの構築や、作業モジュールの撤去にのみ用いることも可能である。ちなみに、作業モジュールの交換を行う場合には、上記パレットは、撤去される作業モジュール用のものと、新たに配置される作業モジュール用のものとの２つがあることが望ましい。 This aspect is a basic aspect of the module replacement assist device. By using the module replacement assist device of this aspect, for example, the work module arranged on the base in the production system can be transferred to the pallet placed on the table, and the work module can be transported together with the pallet. Then, another work module that has been transported together with the pallet is placed on the table together with the pallet, so that the other work module can be transferred from the pallet to the base of the production system. As described above, according to the module replacement assist device of this aspect, the work module can be easily replaced. When the work modules can be transported together with the pallet, for example, by a forklift or the like, it is possible to perform these work without using a crane or the like. Note that the module replacement assist device according to the present embodiment can be used not only for the replacement of the above-described work modules but also for the arrangement of the work modules, that is, the construction of the production system and the removal of the work modules. Incidentally, when exchanging work modules, it is desirable that there are two pallets, one for removed work modules and one for newly placed work modules.
（２）前記作業モジュールが、機械加工を行うための機械加工モジュールである( 1)項に記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 (2) The module replacement assist device according to item (1), wherein the work module is a machining module for performing machining.
　本態様は、作業モジュールの種類に対する限定が加えられた態様である。上記基本的態様では作業モジュールの種類が限定されないが、作業モジュールが、旋盤，フライス盤，ボール盤，マシニングセンタ等の機械加工機がモジュール化された機械加工モジュールである場合には、その作業モジュールの重量は相当に大きなものとなる。そのことに鑑みれば、本態様は、特に有意義な態様となる。 This mode is a mode in which limitations on the types of work modules are added. In the above basic mode, the type of work module is not limited. However, when the work module is a machining module in which a machining machine such as a lathe, a milling machine, a drilling machine, or a machining center is modularized, the weight of the work module is It will be quite large. In view of that, this aspect is a particularly significant aspect.
（３）ぞれぞれが前記レールとなる互いに平行な複数のレールが前記ベースの上面に敷設されており、前記生産システムが、それぞれが前記作業モジュールとなる複数の作業モジュールが前記ベース上に並んで配置されるものであり、
　当該モジュール交換アシスト装置が、それら複数の作業モジュールの１つを別の作業モジュールに交換するために用いられ、前記テーブルが、交換される複数の作業モジュールのうちの１つに対応する位置において、前記ベースの傍らに配置される( 1)項または( 2)項に記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 (3) A plurality of parallel rails each serving as the rail are laid on the upper surface of the base, and the production system includes a plurality of work modules each serving as the work module on the base. Are arranged side by side,
The module replacement assist device is used to replace one of the plurality of work modules with another work module, and the table is located at a position corresponding to one of the plurality of work modules to be replaced. The module replacement assist device according to (1) or (2), which is disposed beside the base.
　本態様は、対象となる生産システムについての限定が加えられた態様である。複数の作業モジュールがベース上に並ぶ生産システムでは、任意の１つの作業モジュールだけを交換するといったことが起こる。その際、複数の作業モジュールが隣接して配置されている場合には、１つの作業モジュールの交換が面倒な作業となることが予想される。本態様のモジュール交換アシスト装置によれば、その１つの作業モジュールに対応する位置にテーブルを配置することで、その１つの作業モジュールの交換が容易に行うことができる。 This mode is a mode in which limitations on the target production system are added. In a production system in which a plurality of work modules are arranged on the base, only one arbitrary work module is exchanged. At this time, when a plurality of work modules are arranged adjacent to each other, it is expected that replacement of one work module is a troublesome work. According to the module replacement assist device of this aspect, the replacement of one work module can be easily performed by arranging the table at a position corresponding to the one work module.
（４）前記パレットに、前記作業モジュールを、それが前記補助レールに乗った状態で固定するモジュール固定機構が設けられている( 1)項ないし( 3)項のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 (4) The module according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the pallet is provided with a module fixing mechanism for fixing the work module in a state where it is on the auxiliary rail. Exchange assist device.
　本態様によれば、上記モジュール固定機構によって、パレットに対する作業モジュールの移動が禁止されるため、パレットごと作業モジュールを搬送することが容易に行える。 According to this aspect, since the module fixing mechanism prohibits the movement of the work module relative to the pallet, it is possible to easily carry the work module together with the pallet.
（５）前記パレットが、
　前記作業モジュールが当該パレットに乗った状態でのその作業モジュールのフォークリフトによる運搬のために、そのフォークリフトのフォークが挿入されるフォーク穴を有する( 1)項ないし( 4)項のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 (5) The pallet is
In any one of the items (1) to (4), the work module has a fork hole into which the fork of the forklift is inserted for transporting the work module by a forklift while the work module is on the pallet. The module replacement assist device according to the description.
　本態様におけるパレットは、フォークリフトにて、作業モジュールをパレットに乗せた状態で搬送することが前提とされており、本態様によれば、クレーンを利用することなく、作業モジュールの交換が可能となる。 The pallet in this aspect is assumed to be transported in a state in which the work module is placed on the pallet with a forklift. According to this aspect, the work module can be replaced without using a crane. .
（６）前記テーブルに、前記パレット位置決め機構による位置決めを行い得る範囲にそのパレットを載置するためのガイドが設けられている( 1)項ないし( 5)項のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 (6) The module according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the table is provided with a guide for placing the pallet in a range where positioning by the pallet positioning mechanism can be performed. Exchange assist device.
　本態様によれば、作業モジュールを乗せたパレットを、適切な位置においてテーブルに載置することができるため、作業モジュールのパレットからベースへの乗り換えを容易に行うことが可能となる。 According to this aspect, since the pallet on which the work module is placed can be placed on the table at an appropriate position, it is possible to easily change the work module from the pallet to the base.
（７）前記パレット位置決め機構が、
　(a) 前記パレットに設けられ、前記レールが延びる方向に対して互いに反対方向に傾斜する１対の傾斜面を規定する第１傾斜面規定部と、(b) 前記テーブルに設けられ、それら傾斜面とそれぞれ合致する１対の傾斜面を規定する第２傾斜面規定部とを有し、前記パレットを前記ベースが存在する方向にスライド移動させることにより、それら第１傾斜面規定部と第２傾斜面規定部とが当接することで、前記パレットの前記レールが延びる方向およびその方向に直角な方向における位置決めが行われるように構成された( 1)項ないし( 6)項のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 (7) The pallet positioning mechanism is
(a) a first inclined surface defining portion that is provided on the pallet and defines a pair of inclined surfaces that are inclined in directions opposite to each other with respect to a direction in which the rail extends; and (b) provided on the table and inclined. A second inclined surface defining portion that defines a pair of inclined surfaces that respectively match the surface, and by sliding the pallet in a direction in which the base exists, the first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion Any one of the items (1) to (6) configured to be positioned in a direction in which the rail of the pallet extends and in a direction perpendicular to the direction by the contact with the inclined surface defining portion. The module replacement assist device according to 1.
　本態様は、パレット位置決め機構の構造についての限定が追加された態様である。本体用によれば、１対の傾斜面どうしが合致させられるようにして位置決めがされることで、作業モジュールをベースに対してスライド移動させるだけで、レールが延びる方向およびその方向に直角な方向において、簡便に、位置決めすることが可能となる。 This mode is a mode in which a limitation on the structure of the pallet positioning mechanism is added. According to the main body, the positioning is performed so that the pair of inclined surfaces are matched with each other, so that the rail extends and the direction perpendicular to the direction only by sliding the work module with respect to the base. In this case, positioning can be performed easily.
　「第１傾斜面規定部」，「第２傾斜面規定部」は、それらの各々が規定する１対の傾斜面の間隔がベースに向かうにつれて小さくなるようにされていることが望ましい。また、第１傾斜面規定部，第２傾斜面規定部は、必ずしも、実体的な１対の傾斜面を有している必要はない。傾斜面は仮想的な面でよく、例えば、互いに平行な軸線に沿って延びる棒状のものによって、１つの仮想面が規定されるようなものであってもよい。 It is desirable that the “first inclined surface defining portion” and the “second inclined surface defining portion” are configured such that the distance between the pair of inclined surfaces defined by each of the first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion decreases toward the base. Further, the first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion do not necessarily have to have a substantial pair of inclined surfaces. The inclined surface may be a virtual surface, and for example, one virtual surface may be defined by rod-shaped members extending along mutually parallel axes.
（８）前記パレット位置決め機構が、
　前記パレットが位置決めされた状態においてそのパレットを前記ベースに向かう方向に付勢する付勢機構を有する( 7)項に記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 (8) The pallet positioning mechanism is
The module replacement assist device according to (7), further comprising an urging mechanism that urges the pallet in a direction toward the base when the pallet is positioned.
　本態様によれば、パレットが、第１傾斜面規定部と，第２傾斜面規定部によって定まる位置に位置決めされた後に、上記付勢機構によって、その位置を維持することが可能となる。つまり、付勢機構によって、作業モジュールを乗せたパレットが、位置決めされた位置に維持されることで、作業モジュールのパレットからベースへの移し換えを容易に行うことが可能となる。本態様は、パレットが、ベースに向かう方向への移動が禁止され、その禁止に伴ってその方向に直角な方向への移動が禁止されるようにして位置決めされている場合に、特に、有効な態様である。 According to this aspect, after the pallet is positioned at a position determined by the first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion, the position can be maintained by the urging mechanism. That is, the pallet on which the work module is placed is maintained at the positioned position by the biasing mechanism, so that the work module can be easily transferred from the pallet to the base. This aspect is particularly effective when the pallet is positioned so that movement in the direction toward the base is prohibited and movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction is prohibited along with the prohibition. It is an aspect.
（９）前記テーブルが、
　前記パレットが載置される主台部と、
　その主台部の前記ベースの側に位置してその主台部に離脱可能に締結されるとともに、前記ベースに取り付けられ、前記ベースのレールを延長する連結レールを有する連結部と
　を有し、
　前記パレット位置決め機構が、前記パレットを、そのパレットの前記補助レールが前記連結レールを延長する状態で位置決めするように構成された( 1)項ないし( 8)項のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 (9) The table is
A main base on which the pallet is placed;
A connecting portion having a connecting rail which is positioned on the base side of the main base portion and is releasably fastened to the main base portion and attached to the base and extending a rail of the base;
The module according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the pallet positioning mechanism is configured to position the pallet in a state where the auxiliary rail of the pallet extends the connection rail. Exchange assist device.
　本態様では、テーブルが、上記主台部と上記連結部との２つの部分によって構成される。本態様によれば、主台部のみを用いることによっても、連結レールを利用して、作業モジュールのベースからのある程度の引き出しが可能となる。 In this aspect, the table is composed of two parts, the main base part and the connecting part. According to this aspect, even if only the main base part is used, it is possible to pull out from the base of the work module to some extent using the connection rail.
［Ｂ］生産システム構築方法の態様
　以下に、上述のモジュール交換アシスト装置を利用した生産システム構築方法の各種態様について説明する。 [B] Aspects of Production System Construction Method Various aspects of the production system construction method using the above-described module replacement assist device will be described below.
（１１）上面にレールが敷設されたベースと、そのレールに乗る状態でそのベース上に配置されて作業を実行する作業モジュールとを備え、その作業モジュールが前記レールに沿って前記ベースから引き出されて他の作業モジュールと交換可能な生産システムを、( 1)項ないし( 9)項のいずれか１つの記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置を利用して構築する生産システム構築方法であって、
　前記作業モジュールを、前記パレットごと、前記ベースが存置されている場所に搬送するモジュール搬送工程と、
　搬送された前記作業モジュールを、前記パレットごと、前記テーブル上に載置し、その作業モジュールを、前記モジュール交換アシスト装置を利用して、前記ベース上に配置するモジュール配置工程と
　を含んで構成された生産システム構築方法。 (11) A base having a rail laid on the upper surface and a work module that is placed on the rail and performs work while riding on the rail, and the work module is pulled out from the base along the rail. A production system construction method for constructing a production system that can be exchanged with another work module by using the module exchange assist device according to any one of items (1) to (9),
A module transporting step for transporting the work module to the place where the base is located for each pallet;
A module placement step of placing the transported work modules together with the pallets on the table, and placing the work modules on the base using the module replacement assisting device. Production system construction method.
　本態様によれば、作業モジュールを乗せたパレットをテーブルに載置することで、その作業モジュールのベースへの移し換え、つまり、ベース上への配置が、容易に行えることとなる。 According to this aspect, by placing the pallet on which the work module is placed on the table, the work module can be easily transferred to the base, that is, placed on the base.
　なお、「ベースが存置されている場所」は、例えば、当該生産システムを製造，組立する工場に限られない。例えば、当該生産システムが既にユーザに存在し、そのシステムの作業モジュールを交換等するような場合、当該生産システムにおけるベースだけが先行してユーザに存在するような場合等には、その場所は、ユーザの事業所となり得る。そのような場合には、「モジュール搬送工程」は、トラックによる陸送，コンテナによる搬送等を行う工程ともなり得る。 Note that the “location where the base is located” is not limited to a factory that manufactures and assembles the production system, for example. For example, when the production system already exists in the user and the work module of the system is exchanged, or when only the base in the production system exists in the user in advance, the location is It can be a user's office. In such a case, the “module transport process” can be a process of performing land transport by truck, transport by container, and the like.
（１２）前記作業モジュールを前記パレット上で完成させるモジュール完成工程を含み、
　そのモジュール完成工程において完成された前記作業モジュールを、前記モジュール搬送工程において、前記パレットごと、搬送するように構成された(11)項に記載の生産システム構築方法。 (12) including a module completion step of completing the work module on the pallet;
The production system construction method according to item (11), wherein the work module completed in the module completion process is transported together with the pallet in the module transport process.
　本態様によれば、パレットの上で作業モジュールを完成させ、その完成させられた作業モジュールをそのパレットごと、ベースが存置されている場所にまで搬送することができる。つまり、完成した作業モジュールのベースへの配置を行う際に、その作業モジュールをわざわざパレットに乗せる必要がなく、より簡便な生産システムの構築が実現される。さらに言えば、作業モジュールを完成させる場所において、クレーン等を必要としない。つまり、クレーン等がないところでも、作業モジュールの完成が可能となる。 According to this aspect, the work module can be completed on the pallet, and the completed work module can be transported together with the pallet to the place where the base is located. That is, when placing the completed work module on the base, it is not necessary to bother placing the work module on the pallet, and a simpler production system can be constructed. Furthermore, no crane or the like is required at the place where the work module is completed. That is, the work module can be completed even where there is no crane or the like.
　本態様における「作業モジュールの完成」とは、作業モジュールを製造することだけに留まらない。例えば、既に配置されている作業モジュールを調整（メンテナンス，改造等を含む概念である）することも、作業モジュールの完成に該当する。 “The completion of a work module” in this aspect is not limited to manufacturing a work module. For example, adjusting a work module that has already been arranged (a concept that includes maintenance, modification, etc.) also corresponds to the completion of the work module.
（１３）前記ベースに、前記作業モジュールとは別の作業モジュールが既に配置されている場合において、
　その配置されている前記別の作業モジュールを、前記モジュール交換アシスト装置を利用して、前記パレットとは別のパレットに乗せることで撤去するモジュール撤去工程を含み、
　そのモジュール撤去工程の後に、前記モジュール配置工程を行うように構成された(11)項または(12)項に記載の生産システム構築方法。 (13) In the case where a work module different from the work module is already arranged on the base,
Including a module removal step of removing the other work module arranged by placing the work module on a pallet different from the pallet using the module replacement assist device;
The production system construction method according to (11) or (12), wherein the module disposing step is performed after the module removing step.
　本態様によれば、既に配置されている作業モジュールの撤去も容易に行うこともでき、作業モジュールの交換を、相当に容易に行うことが可能となる。 According to this aspect, it is possible to easily remove the work modules that are already arranged, and it is possible to replace the work modules considerably easily.
（１４）前記モジュール撤去工程において撤去された前記別の作業モジュールを、前記別のパレットごと、その別の作業モジュールを調整する場所にまで返送するモジュール返送工程を含む(13)項に記載の生産システム構築方法。 (14) The production according to (13), including a module returning step of returning the other work module removed in the module removal step to the place where the other work module is adjusted for each other pallet. System construction method.
　本態様によれば、撤去された作業モジュールを調整する必要がある場合に、その作業モジュールの搬送を容易に行うことが可能である。 According to this aspect, when it is necessary to adjust the removed work module, it is possible to easily carry the work module.
（１５）当該生産システム構築方法が、前記作業モジュールを前記パレット上で完成させるモジュール完成工程を含む場合、
　前記別の作業モジュールを調整する場所が、前記モジュール完成工程が行われる場所である(14)項に記載の生産システム構築方法。 (15) When the production system construction method includes a module completion step for completing the work module on the pallet,
The production system construction method according to item (14), wherein the place where the other work module is adjusted is a place where the module completion step is performed.
　本態様によれば、作業モジュールの調整を、搬送されるときに乗っているパレット上で行うことが可能であり、さらに、そのパレットに乗せたまま、調整された作業モジュールを、交換のために、そのパレットに乗ったまま、ベースが存置されている場所にまで搬送することが可能である。 According to this aspect, the work module can be adjusted on the pallet on which the work module is transported, and the work module adjusted on the pallet can be replaced for replacement. It is possible to transport the base to the place where the base is located while on the pallet.
実施例のモジュール交換アシスト装置および生産システム構築方法の対象となる生産システムの全体を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the whole production system used as the object of the module exchange assistance apparatus and production system construction method of an Example. 生産システムを構成する作業モジュールがベースから引き抜かれた状態を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the work module which comprises a production system was extracted from the base. 実施例のモジュール交換アシスト装置の全体を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the whole module replacement | exchange assistance apparatus of an Example. モジュール交換アシスト装置を構成するテーブルの全体を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the whole table which comprises a module exchange assistance apparatus. モジュール交換アシスト装置を構成するパレットの全体を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the whole pallet which comprises a module exchange assistance apparatus. 作業モジュールが乗ったパレットをテーブルに載置した状態を部分的に示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows partially the state which mounted the pallet with which the work module got on the table. 作業モジュールが乗ったパレットが載置されたテーブルの後端部を部分的に示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows partially the rear end part of the table in which the pallet on which the work module was mounted was mounted. パレットのテーブル上での位置決めを説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating positioning on the table of a pallet. パレットのテーブル上での位置決めを説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating positioning on the table of a pallet. パレットに作業モジュールが乗った状態を部分的に示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the state where the work module got on the pallet partially. 作業モジュールが乗ったパレットをテーブルに載置するときの様子を示す図である。It is a figure which shows a mode when mounting the pallet which the work module got on the table. これまでの生産システムの製造を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating manufacture of the production system until now. モジュール交換アシスト装置を利用した生産システムの製造を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating manufacture of the production system using a module exchange assistance apparatus. モジュール交換アシスト装置を利用したユーザにおける作業モジュールの交換を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating replacement | exchange of the work module in the user using a module replacement | exchange assist apparatus.
　以下、請求可能発明の代表的な実施形態を、実施例として、図を参照しつつ詳しく説明する。なお、請求可能発明は、下記実施例の他、前記〔発明の態様〕の項に記載された態様を始めとして、当業者の知識に基づいて種々の変更、改良を施した種々の態様で実施することができる。また、〔発明の態様〕の各項の説明に記載されている技術的事項を利用して、下記の実施例の変形例を構成することも可能である。 Hereinafter, a representative embodiment of the claimable invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as an example. In addition to the following examples, the claimable invention is implemented in various modes including various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the mode described in the above [Mode of Invention]. can do. Moreover, it is also possible to constitute the modification of the following Example using the technical matter described in the description of each item of [Aspect of the Invention].
［Ａ］生産システム
　実施例のモジュール交換アシスト装置および生産システム構築方法の対象となる生産システム１０は、図１に示すように、概して、ベース１２と、ベース１２上に配置された２つの作業モジュールである旋盤モジュール１４ａおよびマシニングセンタモジュール１４ｂとを含んで構成されている。図における左奥が、当該生産システム１０の前方側（正面側）であり、右手前が後方側（背面側）となる。以降の説明では、特段の断りがない限り、生産システム１０の前後に準じて、前方，後方を定義し、前方から後方を見た状態において左方，右方を定義するものとする。 [A] Production System As shown in FIG. 1, a production system 10 that is a target of the module replacement assist device and production system construction method of the embodiment is generally a base 12 and two work modules arranged on the base 12. And a lathe module 14a and a machining center module 14b. The left back in the figure is the front side (front side) of the production system 10, and the right front side is the rear side (back side). In the following description, unless otherwise specified, front and rear are defined according to the front and rear of the production system 10, and left and right are defined in a state where the rear is viewed from the front.
　旋盤モジュール１４ａは、機械加工を行うための機械加工モジュールの１つであり、前方側の部分が加工スペースとされている。図示は省略するが、前後方向に伸びる軸線に沿って配置されたスピンドルによってワークを保持し、そのワークをバイトによって切削するように構成されている。バイトは、タレットヘッドに複数取り付けられ、そのタレットヘッドが、上下方向および前後方向に送られることで、旋盤加工が行われる。 The lathe module 14a is one of machining modules for performing machining, and the front side portion is a machining space. Although illustration is omitted, the workpiece is held by a spindle arranged along an axis extending in the front-rear direction, and the workpiece is cut by a cutting tool. A plurality of tools are attached to the turret head, and the turret head is sent in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction to perform lathe processing.
　マシニングセンタモジュール１４ｂも、機械加工を行うための機械加工モジュールであり、旋盤モジュール１４ａと同様に、前方側の部分が加工スペースとされている。図示を省略するが、上下方向に伸びる軸線に沿って配置されたスピンドルにツールが取り付けられ、そのスピンドルを上下，左右，前後に移動させることで、穴あけ加工，ミーリング加工等が行われる。また、ツールチェンジャが設けられており、自動でツール交換を行うことが可能とされている The machining center module 14b is also a machining module for performing machining, and a portion on the front side is a machining space in the same manner as the lathe module 14a. Although illustration is omitted, a tool is attached to a spindle arranged along an axis extending in the vertical direction, and drilling, milling, and the like are performed by moving the spindle up and down, left and right, and back and forth. In addition, a tool changer is provided to enable automatic tool change.
　以下、旋盤モジュール１４ａ，マシニングセンタモジュール１４ｂを、「モジュール１４」と総称し、どちらか一方を示す場合にも「モジュール１４」という文言を使用して説明を続ければ、それらモジュール１４の前方には、正面パネル１８が設けられ、モジュール１４の各々と正面パネル１８との間の空間には、図示を省略するが、モジュール１４の各々に対するワークの着脱、それらモジュール１４間のワークの搬送、モジュール１４の各々に対するワークの搬入，搬出を行うワーク着脱・搬送装置が設けられている。 Hereinafter, the lathe module 14a and the machining center module 14b are collectively referred to as “module 14”, and even when one of them is indicated, the description of “module 14” will be continued, and in front of these modules 14, A front panel 18 is provided, and in the space between each of the modules 14 and the front panel 18, although not shown, the work is attached to and detached from each of the modules 14, the work is transferred between the modules 14, and the module 14 A workpiece attaching / detaching / conveying device for carrying in and out the workpiece is provided.
　２つのモジュール１４は、左右方向において隣接して配置されている。ベース１２には、上面において４本のレール２０ａが敷設されている。それら４本のレール２０ａは、２本ずつが対をなしていることから、１対のレール２０ａを、単にレール２０と呼んで説明することとすれば、ベース１２には、左右方向に並び、それぞれが前後方向に平行に延びる２つのレール２０が敷設されている。モジュール１４の各々には、４つの車輪２２が設けられており、モジュール１４の各々は、それら４つの車輪２２が、レール２０に乗る状態で、詳しく言えば、２つの車輪２２が一方のレール２０ａに、別の２つの車輪２２が他方のレール２０ａに乗る状態で、配置されている。４つの車輪２２がレール２０上を転動することで、モジュール１４は、比較的容易に、前後に移動可能とされている。 The two modules 14 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. In the base 12, four rails 20a are laid on the upper surface. Since the four rails 20a are in pairs, if the pair of rails 20a is simply referred to as the rail 20, the base 12 is arranged in the left-right direction, Two rails 20 each extending parallel to the front-rear direction are laid. Each of the modules 14 is provided with four wheels 22, and each of the modules 14 is in a state in which the four wheels 22 ride on the rails 20, more specifically, the two wheels 22 have one rail 20 a. In addition, the other two wheels 22 are arranged on the other rail 20a. As the four wheels 22 roll on the rail 20, the module 14 can be moved back and forth relatively easily.
　図に示すモジュール１４のそれぞれの位置は、実際に当該生産システム１０が稼動する状態における位置、つまり、定常位置であり、その位置において、モジュール１４の各々は、ベース１２に設けられた固定機構（図示を省略）によって固定されている。その固定機構による固定を解除することで、モジュール１４の各々は、単独での前後への移動が許容される。各モジュール１４の前方への移動、つまり、前方への引き出しは、前方側の車輪２２がレール２０から前方にはみ出さない範囲で許容されており、例えば、バイト，ツールの交換の際等にその前方への引き出しが行われる。同様に、後方への移動、つまり、後方への引き出しも、後方側の車輪２２がレール２０からはみ出さない範囲で許容されており、例えば、モジュール１４の調整等の際に後方への引き出しが行われる。 Each position of the module 14 shown in the drawing is a position in a state where the production system 10 is actually operated, that is, a steady position. At that position, each of the modules 14 is a fixing mechanism ( (Not shown). By releasing the fixing by the fixing mechanism, each of the modules 14 is allowed to move back and forth independently. The forward movement of each module 14, that is, the forward pulling of the module 14 is allowed in a range where the front wheel 22 does not protrude forward from the rail 20. Pulling forward is performed. Similarly, rearward movement, that is, rearward pulling is permitted within a range in which the rear wheel 22 does not protrude from the rail 20. For example, when the module 14 is adjusted, the rearward pulling is possible. Done.
　調整をより容易に行うために、上記範囲を超えた引き出しを行うことも望まれ、また、図２に示すように、メンテナンスや交換等を行うために、モジュール１４をそれがベース１２上に存在しなくなるまで後方に移動させること、つまり、モジュール１４のベース１２からの引き抜きも望まれる。そのような引き出し，引き抜きの際、詳しく言えば、１つのモジュール１４の引き出し，引き抜きの際、実施例のモジュール交換アシスト装置３０が利用される。また、１つのモジュール１４を、ベース１２上に配置する際にも、そのモジュール交換アシスト装置３０が利用される。 In order to make adjustment easier, it is also desirable to pull out the above range, and as shown in FIG. 2, the module 14 is present on the base 12 for maintenance, replacement, etc. It is also desirable to move backwards until no longer occurs, that is, to pull the module 14 out of the base 12. More specifically, the module replacement assist device 30 according to the embodiment is used when such module is pulled out or pulled out. The module replacement assist device 30 is also used when one module 14 is arranged on the base 12.
［Ｂ］モジュール交換アシスト装置
　実施例のモジュール交換アシスト装置３０は、図３に示すように、大まかには、それぞれが概して各パイプ製のフレーム構造をなす主台部３２ａと連結部３２ｂとを含んで構成されたテーブル３２と、テーブル３２に離脱可能に載置されるパレット３４とを含んで構成されている。テーブル３２，パレット３４は、それぞれ単体では、図４，図５に示すようなものとなっており、パレット３４は、主台部３２ａにおいて、テーブル３２に載置される。 [B] Module Replacement Assist Device As shown in FIG. 3, the module replacement assist device 30 of the embodiment roughly includes a main base portion 32a and a connecting portion 32b, each of which generally forms a frame structure made of each pipe. And the pallet 34 that is detachably mounted on the table 32. Each of the table 32 and the pallet 34 is as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as a single unit, and the pallet 34 is placed on the table 32 in the main platform 32a.
　パレット３４の上面には、１対のレール３６ａからなる補助レール３６が敷設されており、また、テーブル３２の連結部３２ｂにも、１対のレール３８ａからなる連結レール３８が敷設されている（ベース１２に敷設されたレール２０と同様、１対のレール３６ａ，１対のレール３８ａを、単に、補助レール３６，連結レール３８と呼んで説明することとする）。ベース１２上のレール２０，補助レール３６，連結レール３８の幅、つまり、それらを構成する１対のレール２０ａ，１対のレール３６ａ，１対のレール３８ａの間隔は、互いに等しくされている。 An auxiliary rail 36 composed of a pair of rails 36 a is laid on the top surface of the pallet 34, and a connecting rail 38 composed of a pair of rails 38 a is also laid on the connecting portion 32 b of the table 32 ( As in the case of the rail 20 laid on the base 12, the pair of rails 36a and the pair of rails 38a will be simply referred to as the auxiliary rail 36 and the connecting rail 38 for explanation. The widths of the rails 20, the auxiliary rails 36, and the connecting rails 38 on the base 12, that is, the intervals between the pair of rails 20a, the pair of rails 36a, and the pair of rails 38a are made equal to each other.
　テーブル３２は、ベース１２の後方側の傍らに、連結部３２ｂがベース１２に取り付けられるようにして配置される。詳しく言えば、ベース１２上から１つのモジュール１４を引き抜く際には、そのモジュール１４に対応する位置に配置され、ベース１２にモジュール１４を配置する際には、そのモジュール１４が配置される位置に対応する位置に配置される。具体的に言えば、テーブル３２の連結部３２ｂの連結レール３８が、対応するモジュール１４が配置されている若しくは配置されるベース１２上のレール２０を延長するようにして、連結部３２は、ベース１２に固定して配置される。なお、図１，図２は、マシニングセンタモジュール１４ｂに対応する位置にモジュール交換アシスト装置３０が配置された状態を例示し、図２では、そのマシニングセンタジュール１４ｂが引き抜かれた状態を例示している。 The table 32 is arranged beside the rear side of the base 12 so that the connecting portion 32b is attached to the base 12. Specifically, when one module 14 is pulled out from the base 12, the module 14 is disposed at a position corresponding to the module 14. When the module 14 is disposed on the base 12, the module 14 is disposed at a position where the module 14 is disposed. It is arranged at the corresponding position. More specifically, the connecting portion 32 is connected to the base 32 such that the connecting rail 38 of the connecting portion 32b of the table 32 extends the rail 20 on the base 12 on which the corresponding module 14 is or is placed. 12 is fixedly arranged. 1 and 2 exemplify a state where the module replacement assist device 30 is disposed at a position corresponding to the machining center module 14b, and FIG. 2 illustrates a state where the machining center module 14b is pulled out.
　パレット３４が載置されるテーブル３２の主台部３２ａには、上面に、いくつかのボールローラ４０が設置されている（「ボールローラ」は、「フリーロールベアリング」と呼ぶこともできる）。パレット３４は、それらボールローラ４０の上に乗るようにされており、ある程度の範囲において、テーブル３２に対して、前後左右に容易にスライド移動可能とされている。つまり、本モジュール交換アシスト装置３０では、ボールローラ４０を含んで、パレット３４のテーブル３２に対するスライド移動を許容するパレット移動許容機構４２が構成されているのである。なお、パレット３４が主台部３２に載置された状態において、補助レール３６と連結レール３８との高さが揃うようになっている。 Several ball rollers 40 are installed on the upper surface of the main base portion 32a of the table 32 on which the pallet 34 is placed (the “ball rollers” can also be called “free roll bearings”). The pallet 34 is placed on the ball rollers 40, and can be easily slid back and forth with respect to the table 32 within a certain range. That is, in the module replacement assist device 30, the pallet movement permission mechanism 42 that includes the ball roller 40 and allows the pallet 34 to slide relative to the table 32 is configured. In addition, in a state where the pallet 34 is placed on the main platform 32, the heights of the auxiliary rail 36 and the connecting rail 38 are aligned.
　モジュール１４は、ベース１２上のレール２０，連結レール３８，補助レール３６を利用して、ベース１２上とパレット３４上との間を移動可能とされており、その移動を可能とするために、補助レール３６がベース１２上のレール２０の延長上に位置する位置、つまり、連結レール３８を延長する位置に、パレット３４を位置決めする必要がある。この位置を設定位置と呼べば、パレット３４は、図６に示すように、設定位置よりも後方に載置され、その載置された位置から前進させられて設定位置に位置決めされる。ちなみに、図６は、パレット３４にモジュール１４が乗った状態を示している。 The module 14 is movable between the base 12 and the pallet 34 using the rail 20, the connecting rail 38, and the auxiliary rail 36 on the base 12, and in order to enable the movement, It is necessary to position the pallet 34 at a position where the auxiliary rail 36 is located on the extension of the rail 20 on the base 12, that is, a position where the connecting rail 38 is extended. If this position is called a set position, as shown in FIG. 6, the pallet 34 is placed behind the set position, advanced from the placed position, and positioned at the set position. Incidentally, FIG. 6 shows a state where the module 14 is on the pallet 34.
　パレット３４には、前方に突出する１対の係合バー４４が付設されており、テーブル３２の連結部３２ｂには、後方側の部分の左右に、それぞれ、２つずつのローラ４６，４８が付設されている。１対の係合バー４４の各々の左右方向における外側の部分には、傾斜面ＰＬ１が設けられており、それら１対の傾斜面ＰＬ１は、前後方向に対して、互いに反対に傾斜している。一方で、１つずつのローラ４６，４８のそれぞれの外周面に接する面として、傾斜面ＰＬ２が規定され、２つずつのローラ４６，４８によって規定される１対の傾斜面ＰＬ２は、１対の傾斜面ＰＬ１と同様に、前後方向に対して、互いに反対に傾斜している。パレット３４を前進させると、図３に示すように、詳しくは、図８（ａ）に示すように、パレット３４が、それら１対の傾斜面ＰＬ１と１対の傾斜面ＰＬ２のそれぞれが互いに一致する位置に、前後方向，左右方向の両方において、位置決めされる。その位置が、すなわち、上記設定位置であり、その位置において、補助レール３６は、連結レール３８を延長する姿勢となる。 The pallet 34 is provided with a pair of engaging bars 44 protruding forward, and two rollers 46 and 48 are provided on the connecting portion 32b of the table 32 on the left and right sides of the rear portion, respectively. It is attached. An inclined surface PL1 is provided in an outer portion of each of the pair of engaging bars 44 in the left-right direction, and the pair of inclined surfaces PL1 are inclined opposite to each other with respect to the front-rear direction. . On the other hand, an inclined surface PL2 is defined as a surface in contact with the outer peripheral surface of each of the rollers 46 and 48, and a pair of inclined surfaces PL2 defined by the two rollers 46 and 48 is a pair. In the same manner as the inclined surface PL1 of FIG. When the pallet 34 is moved forward, as shown in FIG. 3, in detail, as shown in FIG. 8A, the pallet 34 has a pair of inclined surfaces PL1 and a pair of inclined surfaces PL2 that coincide with each other. Positioning is performed in both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. That position, that is, the set position, at which position, the auxiliary rail 36 is in a posture to extend the connecting rail 38.
　以上のような構成に鑑みれば、本モジュール交換アシスト装置３０は、テーブル３２に対するスライド移動が許容されたパレット３４を、ベース１２のレール２０と補助レール３６との間でのモジュール１４の移動を可能とすべく、補助レール３６がベース１２のレール２０の延長上に位置する位置に位置決めするパレット位置決め機構５０を有しており、その機構は、１対の係合バー４４，２つずつのローラ４６，４８を含んで構成されている。また、１対の係合バー４４は、パレット３４に設けられてレール２０が延びる方向に対して互いに反対方向に傾斜する１対の傾斜面ＰＬ１を規定する第１傾斜面規定部として、２つずつのローラ４６，４８は、テーブル３２に設けられてそれら傾斜面ＰＬ１とそれぞれ合致する１対の傾斜面ＰＬ２を規定する第２傾斜面規定部として機能し、当該パレット位置決め機構５０は、上記第１斜面規定部と上記第２傾斜面規定部とが当接することで、パレット３４のレール２０が延びる方向およびその方向に直角な方向における位置決めが行われるように構成されているのである。言い換えれば、パレット３４の前方への移動が禁止されるのに伴って左右方向への移動が禁止されるようにして、そのパレット３４の位置決めが行われるのである。 In view of the configuration as described above, the module replacement assist device 30 can move the module 14 between the rail 20 of the base 12 and the auxiliary rail 36 on the pallet 34 that is allowed to slide relative to the table 32. Therefore, the auxiliary rail 36 has a pallet positioning mechanism 50 for positioning the auxiliary rail 36 at a position on the extension of the rail 20 of the base 12, and the mechanism includes a pair of engagement bars 44 and two rollers. 46 and 48 are comprised. The pair of engagement bars 44 are provided as two first inclined surface defining portions that define a pair of inclined surfaces PL1 provided on the pallet 34 and inclined in directions opposite to each other with respect to the direction in which the rail 20 extends. Each of the rollers 46 and 48 functions as a second inclined surface defining portion that is provided on the table 32 and defines a pair of inclined surfaces PL2 that coincide with the inclined surfaces PL1, respectively. The first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion are in contact with each other so that positioning in the direction in which the rail 20 of the pallet 34 extends and the direction perpendicular to the direction is performed. In other words, the pallet 34 is positioned in such a way that the forward movement of the pallet 34 is prohibited and the movement in the left-right direction is prohibited.
　モジュール１４は、相当な重量があるため、パレット３４がボールローラ４０に乗っているものの、モジュール１４をパレット３４ごと動かすのには、相当な力が必要となる。そこで、本モジュール交換アシスト装置３０では、小さな力でのパレット３４のスライド移動を可能とするための容易移動機構６０が設けられている。具体的に説明すれば、図７に示すように、テーブル３２の主台部３２ａには、後端部に、スライド体６２が、前後方向に移動可能に設けられている。スライド体６２は、ベース部６２ａと、そのベース部６２ａに対して上下方向に移動可能な支持部６２ｂとを含んで構成されている。ベース部６２ａには、ナット６２ａ１が固定されており、そのナット６２ａ１に螺合する状態で前後方向に延びるねじロッド６４が、主台部３２ａに、回転可能かつ前後方向に移動不能に保持されている。ねじロッド６４の後端に取り付けられたハンドル６６を回転させることで、スライド体６２は、前後方向に移動する。 Since the module 14 has a considerable weight, the pallet 34 is on the ball roller 40, but a considerable force is required to move the module 14 together with the pallet 34. In view of this, the module replacement assist device 30 is provided with an easy moving mechanism 60 for enabling the pallet 34 to be slid with a small force. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a slide body 62 is provided at the rear end portion of the main base portion 32a of the table 32 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The slide body 62 includes a base portion 62a and a support portion 62b that can move in the vertical direction with respect to the base portion 62a. A nut 62a1 is fixed to the base portion 62a, and a screw rod 64 extending in the front-rear direction while being screwed to the nut 62a1 is held by the main base portion 32a so as to be rotatable and immovable in the front-rear direction. Yes. By rotating a handle 66 attached to the rear end of the screw rod 64, the slide body 62 moves in the front-rear direction.
　スライド体６２の支持部６２ｂには、パレット３４の一部を係合させるためのチャンネル６２ｂ１が設けられており、そのチャンネル６２ｂ１には、互いに前後方向に向かい合うようにして、１対の緩衝材６２ｂ２が設けられている。図８では、スライド体６２のベース部６２ａに対して、支持部６２ｂが可動範囲の下端に位置する状態を示しており、その状態での断面を示す図８（ｂ）から解るように、パレット３４の一部が支持部６２ｂのチャンネル６２ｂ１とは係合しない状態となる。２つの回転グリップ６８の操作により、支持部６２ｂの上方への移動を許容して、その支持部６２ｂを、可動範囲の上端に位置させれば、図９（ａ）に示すように、チャンネル６２ｂ１が緩衝材６２ｂ２を介してパレット３４の一部と係合する状態となる。この状態で、ハンドル６６を回すことで、チャンネル６２ｂ１とパレット３４の一部とが係合して、ハンドル６６を回す力によって、つまり、比較的小さな力によって、モジュール１４が乗った状態であっても、パレット３４は前方に移動する。スライド体６２，ねじロッド６４を含んで構成される容易移動機構６０によってパレット３４を前方に移動させることにより、上記パレット位置決め機構５０によって、パレット３４が容易に設定位置に位置決めされるのである。図９（ｂ），図７は、パレット３４が設定位置に位置決めされた状態を示している。なお、設定位置に位置決めされたパレット３４を後方に移動させる場合には、ハンドル６０を逆の方向に回せばよい。 The support 62b of the slide body 62 is provided with a channel 62b1 for engaging a part of the pallet 34, and the channel 62b1 faces the front and back in a pair of cushioning materials 62b2. Is provided. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the support portion 62b is positioned at the lower end of the movable range with respect to the base portion 62a of the slide body 62. As can be seen from FIG. 8B showing a cross section in this state, the pallet A part of 34 is not engaged with the channel 62b1 of the support portion 62b. If the support 62b is allowed to move upward by operating the two rotating grips 68 and the support 62b is positioned at the upper end of the movable range, as shown in FIG. 9A, the channel 62b1 Engages with a part of the pallet 34 via the cushioning material 62b2. In this state, by turning the handle 66, the channel 62b1 and a part of the pallet 34 are engaged with each other, and the module 14 is in a riding state by a force that turns the handle 66, that is, by a relatively small force. However, the pallet 34 moves forward. By moving the pallet 34 forward by the easy movement mechanism 60 including the slide body 62 and the screw rod 64, the pallet 34 is easily positioned at the set position by the pallet positioning mechanism 50. FIG. 9B and FIG. 7 show a state in which the pallet 34 is positioned at the set position. When the pallet 34 positioned at the set position is moved backward, the handle 60 may be rotated in the opposite direction.
　また、本モジュール交換アシスト装置３０では、設定位置に維持させるために、設定位置に位置決めされたパレット３４を、前方に、つまり、ベース１２に向かう方向に付勢する付勢機構７０が設けられている。図７，図９（ｂ）に示すように、テーブル３２の主台部３２ａには、１対のクランプ７２が取り付けられており、それらクランプ７２のレバーを操作することにより、それらクランプ７２は、図に２点鎖線で示す状態となり、パレット３４を、前方に向かって押すことになる。そして、解除のためのレバー操作が行われない限り、クランプ７２は、パレット３４を前方に付勢し続けることになる。１対のクランプ７２を含んで構成されるこのような付勢機構７０により、パレット３４は、効果的に、後方への移動が禁止されて、設定位置に維持されることになるのである。 Further, the module replacement assist device 30 is provided with an urging mechanism 70 that urges the pallet 34 positioned at the set position forward, that is, in a direction toward the base 12 in order to maintain the set position at the set position. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9B, a pair of clamps 72 are attached to the main base portion 32a of the table 32. By operating the levers of the clamps 72, the clamps 72 are It will be in the state shown with a dashed-two dotted line in a figure, and will push the pallet 34 toward the front. As long as the lever operation for release is not performed, the clamp 72 continues to urge the pallet 34 forward. With such an urging mechanism 70 including a pair of clamps 72, the pallet 34 is effectively prohibited from moving backward and maintained in the set position.
　モジュール１４のベース１２上からパレット３４上への移動において、モジュール１４が適切な範囲を超えて後方に移動することも予想される。そのため、パレット３４には、図５，図７に示すように、係止ブロック７４が取り付けられている。詳しく言えば、補助レール３６を構成する１対のレール３６ａの各々の後端部に、係止ブロック７４が取り付けられている。この係止ブロック７４は、図７に示すように、モジュール１４の後方側の車輪２２を係止するものであり、それら係止ブロック７４によって、モジュール１４の適切な範囲を超えた後方への移動が禁止される。 In the movement of the module 14 from the base 12 to the pallet 34, it is expected that the module 14 moves backward beyond an appropriate range. Therefore, a locking block 74 is attached to the pallet 34 as shown in FIGS. More specifically, a locking block 74 is attached to the rear end portion of each of the pair of rails 36 a constituting the auxiliary rail 36. As shown in FIG. 7, the locking block 74 locks the wheel 22 on the rear side of the module 14. By the locking block 74, the module 14 moves backward beyond an appropriate range. Is prohibited.
　また、一旦、パレット３４上に移動させられたモジュール１４であっても、何らかの力によって、適切な範囲を超えて前方に戻ってしまうことも予想される。そこで、本モジュール交換アシスト装置３０では、図５に示すように、先に説明した係止ブロック７４と同様の係止ブロック７６が、取り付け可能とされている。詳しく言えば、補助レール３６を構成する１対のレール３６ａの各々の前端部に、係止ブロック７６が取り付け可能とされているのである。この係止ブロック７６は、モジュール１４の前方側の車輪を係止するものであり、係止ブロック７６が取り付けられた状態では、モジュール１４の適切な範囲を超えた前方への移動が禁止される。ちなみに、パレット３４にモジュール１４が乗った状態において、係止ブロック７４，係止ブロック７６の両方が取り付けられた場合の様子は、図１０に示すようになる。 Also, even if the module 14 is once moved on the pallet 34, it is expected that it will return to the front beyond the appropriate range by some force. Therefore, in this module replacement assist device 30, as shown in FIG. 5, a locking block 76 similar to the locking block 74 described above can be attached. More specifically, the locking block 76 can be attached to the front end portion of each of the pair of rails 36a constituting the auxiliary rail 36. The locking block 76 locks the wheel on the front side of the module 14. When the locking block 76 is attached, the module 14 is prohibited from moving forward beyond the appropriate range. . Incidentally, a state in which both the locking block 74 and the locking block 76 are attached in a state where the module 14 is mounted on the pallet 34 is as shown in FIG.
　パレット３４に乗ったモジュール１４は、パレット３４ごと運搬可能とされる。フォークリフトによる運搬のために、パレット３４には、フォークリフトのフォークが挿入される１対のフォーク穴７８が設けられている。このフォーク穴７８の存在により、クレーンを使用することなく、フォークリフトによって、モジュール１４が運搬可能とされているのである。そして、本モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用すれば、フォークリフトによって、モジュール１４が乗った状態のパレット３４を、テーブル３２に載置したりテーブル３２から降ろしたりすることができるため、モジュール１４の交換，モジュール１４のベース１２上への配置を、クレーンを使わずして行うことができるのである。 The module 14 on the pallet 34 can be transported together with the pallet 34. For transport by a forklift, the pallet 34 is provided with a pair of fork holes 78 into which forks of the forklift are inserted. Due to the presence of the fork holes 78, the module 14 can be transported by a forklift without using a crane. If the module replacement assist device 30 is used, the pallet 34 on which the module 14 is placed can be placed on the table 32 or lowered from the table 32 by a forklift. The module 14 can be placed on the base 12 without using a crane.
　モジュール１４をパレット３４に乗せて搬送する際、先に説明した、係止ブロック７４，７６は、モジュール１４の移動を禁止するための有効な手段となる。しかしながら、そのモジュール１４の背が高い場合等には、モジュール１４だけが転倒してしまうことが予想される。そのことに鑑み、本モジュール交換アシスト装置３０では、図６，図１０に示すように、モジュール１４を、パレット３４に、当該モジュール１４がそのパレット３４に乗った状態で固定するモジュール固定機構８０が設けられている。モジュール固定機構８０は、左右２つずつのプレート８２と、左右４つずつのグリップ付ボルト８４とを含んで構成されている。パレット３４には、左右２つずつの雌ねじ穴が設けられており、また、モジュール１４にも、左右２つずつの雌ねじ穴が形成されている。そして、各プレート８２には、両端に貫通穴が形成されており、それら貫通穴にグリップ付ボルト８４の雄ねじの部分を貫通させて、パレット３４の雌ねじ穴，モジュール１４の雌ねじ穴と螺合させることで、図６，図１０に示すように、プレート８２によって、モジュール１４とパレット３４とが締結されるのである。モジュール固定機構８０によれば、このようにして、モジュール１４がパレット３４に固定される。 When the module 14 is transported on the pallet 34, the locking blocks 74 and 76 described above are effective means for prohibiting the movement of the module 14. However, when the module 14 is tall, only the module 14 is expected to fall. In view of this, in the module replacement assist device 30, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, a module fixing mechanism 80 that fixes the module 14 to the pallet 34 while the module 14 is on the pallet 34 is provided. Is provided. The module fixing mechanism 80 includes two plates 82 on the left and right sides and four bolts 84 with grips on the left and right sides. The pallet 34 is provided with two female screw holes on the left and right, and the module 14 is also formed with two female screw holes on the left and right. Each plate 82 is formed with through holes at both ends, and the male screw portions of the bolts with grips 84 are passed through these through holes and screwed into the female screw holes of the pallet 34 and the female screw holes of the module 14. 6 and 10, the module 14 and the pallet 34 are fastened by the plate 82. According to the module fixing mechanism 80, the module 14 is fixed to the pallet 34 in this way.
　モジュール１４をベース１２上に配置する場合、そのモジュール１４が乗ったパレット３４をテーブル３２に載置することが行われ、その後に、先に説明したように、パレット位置決め機構５０を利用して、パレット３４の設定位置への位置決めが行われる。その位置決めを行うためには、パレット３４は、先に説明したように、設定位置よりも後方に載置される必要がある。言い換えれば、パレット位置決め機構５０による位置決めを行い得る範囲、つまり、適正載置範囲に、パレット３４を載置する必要がある。その載置は、図１１（ａ）に示すように上方からパレット３４を下降させて行われるが、パレット３４を適正載置範囲に収めることに対してある程度の困難性を伴う。特に、その載置をフォークリフトによって行う場合に、その困難性は高いものとなる。 When the module 14 is arranged on the base 12, the pallet 34 on which the module 14 is placed is placed on the table 32, and then, as described above, using the pallet positioning mechanism 50, Positioning of the pallet 34 to the set position is performed. In order to perform the positioning, the pallet 34 needs to be placed behind the set position as described above. In other words, it is necessary to place the pallet 34 in a range where positioning by the pallet positioning mechanism 50 can be performed, that is, in an appropriate placement range. As shown in FIG. 11A, the placement is performed by lowering the pallet 34 from above, but there is some difficulty in placing the pallet 34 in the proper placement range. In particular, when the placement is performed by a forklift, the difficulty is high.
　そこで、本モジュール交換アシスト装置３０では、図３，図４に示すように、テーブル３２に、詳しく言えば、テーブル３２の主台部３２ａに、上記適正載置範囲にパレット３４を載置するための１対のガイド８６が設けられている。各ガイド８６は、主台部３２ａのフレームから上方に向かって延び出すようにされたプレート状のものである。１対のガイド８６の左右方向の間隔は、それらガイド８６によって挟まれるパレット３４の部分の左右方向における幅よりもある程度大きくされており、それらガイド８６にパレット３４が当接しない限り、そのパレット３４は、左右方向において適正載置範囲に収まるようになっている。 Therefore, in this module replacement assist device 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in order to place the pallet 34 on the table 32, more specifically, on the main base portion 32a of the table 32 in the proper placement range. A pair of guides 86 are provided. Each guide 86 has a plate-like shape so as to extend upward from the frame of the main base portion 32a. The distance between the pair of guides 86 in the left-right direction is made somewhat larger than the width in the left-right direction of the portion of the pallet 34 sandwiched between the guides 86. Is within the proper placement range in the left-right direction.
　一方、各ガイド８６の上端には、図１１（ｂ）に示すように、基準マークＭ０が設けられており、パレット３４の側面には、基準マークＭ０に対応するようにして、３つの目安マークＭ１，Ｍ２，Ｍ３が設けられている。基準マークＭ０が中間の目安マークＭ２に合致する位置でパレット３４を真っ直ぐ下降させれば、そのパレット３４は、前後方向において、適正載置範囲の中央に位置することになる。基準マークＭ０が、両端の目安マークＭ１，Ｍ３に合致する位置で真っ直ぐ下降させれば、そのパレット３４は、前後方向において、適正載置範囲の端に位置することになる。したがって、目安マークＭ１と目安マークＭ３との間に基準マークＭ０が存在する位置においてパレット３４を真っ直ぐ下降させれば、そのパレット３４は、前後方向において、適正載置範囲内に収まることになる。このように、本モジュール交換アシスト装置３０では、１対のガイド８６の存在により、適正載置範囲内へのパレット３４の載置が容易化されているのである。 On the other hand, a reference mark M0 is provided at the upper end of each guide 86 as shown in FIG. 11B, and three reference marks are provided on the side surface of the pallet 34 so as to correspond to the reference mark M0. M1, M2, and M3 are provided. If the pallet 34 is lowered straight at a position where the reference mark M0 matches the intermediate reference mark M2, the pallet 34 is positioned at the center of the proper placement range in the front-rear direction. If the reference mark M0 is lowered straight at a position that coincides with the reference marks M1 and M3 at both ends, the pallet 34 is positioned at the end of the proper placement range in the front-rear direction. Therefore, if the pallet 34 is lowered straight at a position where the reference mark M0 exists between the reference mark M1 and the reference mark M3, the pallet 34 is within the proper placement range in the front-rear direction. Thus, in the present module replacement assist device 30, the presence of the pair of guides 86 facilitates the placement of the pallet 34 within the proper placement range.
　ここまでは、モジュール１４の交換等について、説明したため、テーブル３２として、主台部３２ａと連結部３２ｂとが一体化されたものが使用されていた。テーブル３２の一部、詳しくは、連結部３２ｂだけを、ベース１２の傍らに配置して使用することができる。主台部３２ａと連結部３２ｂとは、図３，図４に示すように、左右１対の締結具８８を利用して一体化されている。図示は省略するが、締結具８８による締結を解除し、主台部３２ａに取り付けられている足９０を２つ外して連結部３２ｂの取付部９２に取り付ける、若しくは、その足９０と同じ足９０を取付部９２に取り付けることによって、連結部３２ｂだけをベース１２の傍らに配置することができる。このようにして連結部３２ｂを用いることで、モジュール１４を、ベース１２から後方に大きく引き出すことが可能となり、その引き出しによって、モジュール１４の調整をよりやり易くすることが可能となるのである。なお、連結部３２ｂだけを使用する場合、補助レール３６を構成する１対のレール３６ａの各々に取り付けられている係止ブロック７４、若しくは、その係止ブロックと同じ係止ブロック７４を、連結レール３８を構成する１対のレール３８ａの各々の後端部に取り付けることによって、連結部３２ｂから、後方に、モジュール１４がはみ出す、つまり、連結レール３８から車輪２２が外れ落ちることを、効果的に防止することが可能である。 Up to this point, since the exchange of the module 14 and the like has been described, a table 32 in which the main base portion 32a and the connecting portion 32b are integrated has been used. A part of the table 32, specifically, only the connecting part 32 b can be used by being arranged beside the base 12. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the main base portion 32 a and the connecting portion 32 b are integrated using a pair of left and right fasteners 88. Although illustration is omitted, the fastening by the fastener 88 is released, and two feet 90 attached to the main base portion 32a are removed and attached to the attaching portion 92 of the connecting portion 32b, or the same foot 90 as the foot 90 is attached. By attaching to the attachment portion 92, only the connecting portion 32b can be disposed beside the base 12. By using the connecting portion 32b in this way, the module 14 can be largely pulled out rearward from the base 12, and the module 14 can be easily adjusted by the drawing. When only the connecting portion 32b is used, the locking block 74 attached to each of the pair of rails 36a constituting the auxiliary rail 36 or the same locking block 74 as the locking block is connected to the connecting rail. By attaching to the rear end portion of each of the pair of rails 38a constituting the frame 38, it is possible to effectively prevent the module 14 from protruding backward from the connecting portion 32b, that is, the wheel 22 falling off the connecting rail 38. It is possible to prevent.
［Ｃ］モジュール交換アシスト装置を用いた生産システムの構築方法
　上述のモジュール交換アシスト装置３０を使用すれば、生産システム１０の構築を容易に行うことができる。以下に、モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を用いた生産システム１０の構築のいくつかの例を、説明する。 [C] Production System Construction Method Using Module Replacement Assist Device If the above-described module replacement assist device 30 is used, the production system 10 can be easily constructed. Below, some examples of construction of the production system 10 using the module replacement assist device 30 will be described.
　i）生産システムの製造
　生産システム１０を製造する場合、これまでは、図１２に示すようにされていた。詳しく説明すれば、ベース完成工程において、ベース１２を、モジュール完成工程において、モジュール１４を、それぞれ完成させ、それら完成したベース１２，モジュール１４を、それぞれ、組立工程を行う場所に搬送する。つまり、ベース１２については、組立てのためにベース１２が存置される場所にまで搬送するベース搬送工程が、モジュール１４については、ベース１２が存置されている場所に搬送するモジュール搬送工程が、それぞれ行われていた。それら、ベース搬送工程，モジュール搬送工程は、主に、フォークリフト１００を利用して行われていた。そして、組立工程では、ベース１２にモジュール１４を配置するモジュール配置工程が行われるのであるが、そのモジュール配置工程は、主に、クレーン１０２を用いて行われていた。つまり、組立工程は、クレーンのある場所でしか行い得なかった。なお、組立が完了した生産システム１０は、検査工程を経て、ユーザに出荷される。 i) Production System Production The production system 10 has been produced as shown in FIG. More specifically, the base 12 is completed in the base completion process, the module 14 is completed in the module completion process, and the completed base 12 and module 14 are respectively transported to a place where the assembly process is performed. That is, for the base 12, a base transport process for transporting to the place where the base 12 is located for assembly is performed, and for the module 14, a module transport process for transporting to the place where the base 12 is located is performed. It was broken. The base transport process and the module transport process are mainly performed using the forklift 100. In the assembly process, a module placement process for placing the module 14 on the base 12 is performed. The module placement process is mainly performed using the crane 102. In other words, the assembly process could only be performed at a location where the crane was located. The production system 10 that has been assembled is shipped to the user through an inspection process.
　上記モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用して、生産システム１０の製造（「生産システム１０の構築」の一例である）を行う場合は、図１３に示すように、モジュール完成工程において、上述のパレット３４の上でモジュール１４を完成させ、モジュール搬送工程において、その完成したモジュール１４をパレット３４ごと、ベース１２が存置される場所まで搬送する。そして、組立工程において、ベース１２の傍らに、上記テーブル３２を配置し、そのテーブル３２の上に、搬送されてきたモジュール１４をパレット３４ごと載置する。そして、モジュール配置工程において、モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用して、そのモジュール１４をベース１２上に配置する。このように、モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用することにより、組立工程にて行われるモジュール配置工程を、クレーンを使用することなく、実行することができる。つまり、組立工程を行う場所に対する制約が小さくなるのである。 When manufacturing the production system 10 using the module replacement assist device 30 (an example of “construction of the production system 10”), as shown in FIG. Then, the module 14 is completed, and in the module transporting process, the completed module 14 is transported together with the pallet 34 to a place where the base 12 is placed. Then, in the assembly process, the table 32 is arranged beside the base 12, and the module 14 that has been transported is placed on the table 32 together with the pallet 34. In the module placement step, the module 14 is placed on the base 12 using the module replacement assist device 30. Thus, by using the module replacement assist device 30, the module placement process performed in the assembly process can be executed without using a crane. That is, the restriction on the place where the assembly process is performed is reduced.
　なお、後に説明するモジュール１４のユーザにおける交換等の場合や、輸送上の都合で、モジュール１４を単独で、出荷することも考えられる。その場合、図１３に示すように、そのモジュール３４をパレット３４に乗せたまま保管し、出荷することも可能である。　　　 It should be noted that it is conceivable that the module 14 is shipped alone in the case of replacement of the module 14 to be described later by the user or for convenience of transportation. In that case, as shown in FIG. 13, the module 34 can be stored on the pallet 34 and shipped. *
　また、上記ベース完成工程，モジュール完成工程を、メーカにて行い、上記組立工程，検査工程を、ユーザの事業所にて行う場合にも、モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用した生産システム１０の構築方法が適用できる。その場合、ベース搬送工程，モジュール搬送工程は、メーカからユーザの事業所への運搬を行う工程となる。その場合であっても、パレット３４ごとモジュール１４を簡便に運搬することが可能となり、また、ユーザの事業所にベース１２を存置させるとともにそのベース１２の傍らにテーブル３２を配置することで、その事業所にクレーンが設置されていなくても、簡便に、モジュール配置工程を行うことが可能となる。 In addition, when the base completion process and the module completion process are performed by a manufacturer and the assembly process and the inspection process are performed at a user's office, a method for constructing the production system 10 using the module replacement assist device 30 Is applicable. In that case, the base transport process and the module transport process are transport processes from the manufacturer to the user's office. Even in such a case, the module 14 can be easily transported together with the pallet 34, and the base 12 is kept at the user's office and the table 32 is arranged beside the base 12, so that Even if a crane is not installed at the office, the module placement process can be easily performed.
　ii）モジュールのユーザにおける交換
　ユーザにおいて生産システム１０が稼動している場合に、その生産システム１０のモジュール１４を、調整，修理等の目的で、新たに別のモジュール１４に交換することも予想される。その場合にも、モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用できる。 ii) Replacement of module by user When the production system 10 is operated by the user, it is expected that the module 14 of the production system 10 is newly replaced with another module 14 for the purpose of adjustment, repair, etc. The Even in that case, the module replacement assist device 30 can be used.
　その場合、図４に示すように、交換のために引き抜かれるモジュール１４に対応する位置においてベース１２の傍らにテーブル３２を配置し、その一方で、パレット３４に乗ったまま搬送された新たなモジュール１４を、別のモジュール１４として、当該生産システム１０の近傍に準備する。そして、テーブル３２上に、モジュール１４が乗っているパレット３４とは別の空のパレット３４を載置し、その別のパレット３４に、当該モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用して、ベース１２上のモジュール１４を乗せるようにして、モジュール撤去工程を実行する。そのモジュール１４をパレット３４ごとテーブル３２から降ろし、準備されている別のモジュール１４を、そのモジュール１４が乗っているパレット３４ごと、テーブル３２に乗せ、当該モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用して、ベース１２上に配置する。つまり、先に説明したモジュール配置工程を行うのである。 In that case, as shown in FIG. 4, a table 32 is arranged beside the base 12 at a position corresponding to the module 14 to be pulled out for replacement, while the new module is transported while being on the pallet 34. 14 is prepared in the vicinity of the production system 10 as another module 14. Then, an empty pallet 34 different from the pallet 34 on which the module 14 is placed is placed on the table 32, and the other pallet 34 is placed on the base 12 using the module replacement assist device 30. The module removal process is executed so that the module 14 is placed. The module 14 is lowered together with the pallet 34 from the table 32, and another prepared module 14 is placed on the table 32 together with the pallet 34 on which the module 14 is placed. 12 is arranged. That is, the module placement process described above is performed.
　撤去されてパレット３４に乗ったままのモジュール１４は、そのパレット３４ごとメーカに返送される。つまり、モジュール返送工程が行われる。言い換えれば、搬送されてきたパレット３４とは別のパレット３４によって、メーカ内の当該モジュール１４を調整する場所に搬送されるのである。その場所は、例えば、上述のモジュール完成工程が行われる場所であってもよい。このように、ユーザにおけるモジュール１４の交換の際に、モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用することにより、そのユーザの事業所にクレーンが設置されていなくても、容易に、モジュール１４の交換が可能となる。 The module 14 that has been removed and remains on the pallet 34 is returned to the manufacturer together with the pallet 34. That is, a module return process is performed. In other words, the pallet 34 that is different from the pallet 34 that has been transported is transported to a place in the manufacturer where the module 14 is adjusted. The place may be, for example, a place where the above-described module completion process is performed. As described above, when the module 14 is replaced by the user, the module replacement assist device 30 is used, so that the module 14 can be easily replaced even if a crane is not installed at the user's office. Become.
　なお、ユーザにおけるモジュール１４の交換について説明したが、上述の生産システム１０の製造において、組立工程，検査工程の際に、配置されているモジュール１４に交換の必要が生じたときにも、当該モジュール交換アシスト装置３０を利用してその交換を行うことも可能である。 Note that the replacement of the module 14 by the user has been described. However, in the production of the production system 10 described above, the module 14 is also replaced when it is necessary to replace the arranged module 14 during the assembly process and the inspection process. It is also possible to perform the exchange using the exchange assist device 30.
　１０：生産システム　　１２：ベース　　１４：モジュール〔作業モジュール，機械加工モジュール〕　　１４ａ：旋盤モジュール　　１４ｂ：マシニングセンタモジュール　　２０：レール　　２２：車輪     ３０：モジュール交換アシスト装置　　３２：テーブル　　３２ａ：主台部　　３２ｂ：連結部　　３４：パレット　　３６：補助レール　　３８：連結レール　　４０：ボールローラ　　４２：パレット移動許容機構　　４４：係合バー〔第１傾斜面規定部〕　　４６，４８：ローラ〔第２傾斜面規定部〕　　５０：パレット位置決め機構　　６０：容易移動機構　　６２：スライド体　　　６４：ねじロッド　　６６：ハンドル　　７０：付勢機構　　７２：クランプ　　７４，７６：係止ブロック　　７８：フォーク穴　　８０：モジュール固定機構　　８６：ガイド
                                                                                 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Production system 12: Base 14: Module [work module, machining module] 14a: Lathe module 14b: Machining center module 20: Rail 22: Wheel 30: Module exchange assist device 32: Table 32a: Main base part 32b: Connection part 34: Pallet 36: Auxiliary rail 38: Connection rail 40: Ball roller 42: Pallet movement allowance mechanism 44: Engagement bar [first inclined surface defining portion] 46, 48: Roller [second inclined surface defining portion] 50: Pallet Positioning mechanism 60: Easy moving mechanism 62: Slide body 64: Screw rod 66: Handle 70: Energizing mechanism 72: Clamp 74, 76: Locking block 78: Fork hole 80: Module fixing mechanism 86: Guide

Claims (9)

  1. 　上面にレールが敷設されたベースと、そのレールに乗る状態でそのベース上に配置されて作業を実行する作業モジュールとを備え、その作業モジュールが前記レールに沿って前記ベースから引き出されて他の作業モジュールと交換可能な生産システムにおいて、その交換の際に用いられて、その交換をアシストするモジュール交換アシスト装置であって、
    　前記ベースの傍らに配置されるテーブルと、
    　そのテーブルに離脱可能に載置され、上面に補助レールが敷設され、前記作業モジュールを、その補助レールに乗る状態で乗せることが可能なパレットと、
    　そのパレットの前記テーブルに対するスライド移動を許容するパレット移動許容機構と、
    　そのパレット移動許容機構によってスライド移動が許容された前記パレットを、前記ベースのレールと前記補助レールとの間での前記作業モジュールの移動を可能とすべく、前記補助レールが前記ベースのレールの延長上に位置する位置に位置決めするパレット位置決め機構と
    　を備えたモジュール交換アシスト装置。     A base having a rail laid on the upper surface, and a work module that is placed on the rail and performs work by being placed on the rail, and the work module is pulled out from the base along the rail and the other In a production system that can be exchanged with a work module, a module exchange assist device that is used in the exchange and assists the exchange,
    A table placed beside the base;
    A pallet that is detachably mounted on the table, an auxiliary rail is laid on the upper surface, and the work module can be placed in a state of being put on the auxiliary rail;
    A pallet movement allowance mechanism that allows sliding movement of the pallet relative to the table;
    The auxiliary rail is an extension of the base rail so as to allow the work module to move between the base rail and the auxiliary rail of the pallet that is allowed to slide by the pallet movement allowing mechanism. A module replacement assist device comprising a pallet positioning mechanism for positioning to an upper position.
  2. 　前記作業モジュールが、機械加工を行うための機械加工モジュールである請求項１に記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 2. The module replacement assist device according to claim 1, wherein the work module is a machining module for performing machining.
  3. 　ぞれぞれが前記レールとなる互いに平行な複数のレールが前記ベースの上面に敷設されており、前記生産システムが、それぞれが前記作業モジュールとなる複数の作業モジュールが前記ベース上に並んで配置されるものであり、
    　当該モジュール交換アシスト装置が、それら複数の作業モジュールの１つを別の作業モジュールに交換するために用いられ、前記テーブルが、交換される複数の作業モジュールのうちの１つに対応する位置において、前記ベースの傍らに配置される請求項１または請求項２に記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。     A plurality of parallel rails, each of which serves as the rail, are laid on the upper surface of the base, and the production system includes a plurality of work modules, each of which serves as the work module, arranged side by side on the base. Is to be
    The module replacement assist device is used to replace one of the plurality of work modules with another work module, and the table is located at a position corresponding to one of the plurality of work modules to be replaced. The module replacement assist device according to claim 1, wherein the module replacement assist device is disposed beside the base.
  4. 　前記パレットに、前記作業モジュールを、それが前記補助レールに乗った状態で固定するモジュール固定機構が設けられている請求項１ないし請求項３のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 The module replacement assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a module fixing mechanism is provided on the pallet to fix the work module in a state where the work module is on the auxiliary rail.
  5. 　前記パレットが、
    　前記作業モジュールが当該パレットに乗った状態でのその作業モジュールのフォークリフトによる運搬のために、そのフォークリフトのフォークが挿入されるフォーク穴を有する請求項１ないし請求項４のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。     The pallet is
    5. The fork hole according to claim 1, further comprising a fork hole into which a fork of the forklift is inserted for transporting the work module by a forklift while the work module is on the pallet. 6. Module replacement assist device.
  6. 　前記テーブルに、前記パレット位置決め機構による位置決めを行い得る範囲にそのパレットを載置するためのガイドが設けられている請求項１ないし請求項５のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。 6. The module replacement assist device according to claim 1, wherein a guide for placing the pallet in a range where positioning by the pallet positioning mechanism can be performed is provided on the table.
  7. 　前記パレット位置決め機構が、
    　(a) 前記パレットに設けられ、前記レールが延びる方向に対して互いに反対方向に傾斜する１対の傾斜面を規定する第１傾斜面規定部と、(b) 前記テーブルに設けられ、それら傾斜面とそれぞれ合致する１対の傾斜面を規定する第２傾斜面規定部とを有し、前記パレットを前記ベースが存在する方向にスライド移動させることにより、それら第１傾斜面規定部と第２傾斜面規定部とが当接することで、前記パレットの前記レールが延びる方向およびその方向に直角な方向における位置決めが行われるように構成された請求項１ないし請求項６のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。     The pallet positioning mechanism is
    (a) a first inclined surface defining portion that is provided on the pallet and defines a pair of inclined surfaces that are inclined in directions opposite to each other with respect to a direction in which the rail extends; and (b) provided on the table and inclined. A second inclined surface defining portion that defines a pair of inclined surfaces that respectively match the surface, and by sliding the pallet in a direction in which the base exists, the first inclined surface defining portion and the second inclined surface defining portion The positioning according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the positioning is performed in a direction in which the rail of the pallet extends and in a direction perpendicular to the direction by the contact with the inclined surface defining portion. Module replacement assist device.
  8. 　前記パレット位置決め機構が、
    　前記パレットが位置決めされた状態においてそのパレットを前記ベースに向かう方向に付勢する付勢機構を有する請求項７に記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。     The pallet positioning mechanism is
    The module replacement assist device according to claim 7, further comprising an urging mechanism that urges the pallet in a direction toward the base when the pallet is positioned.
  9. 　前記テーブルが、
    　前記パレットが載置される主台部と、
    　その主台部の前記ベースの側に位置してその主台部に離脱可能に締結されるとともに、前記ベースに取り付けられ、前記ベースのレールを延長する連結レールを有する連結部と
    　を有し、
    　前記パレット位置決め機構が、前記パレットを、そのパレットの前記補助レールが前記連結レールを延長する状態で位置決めするように構成された請求項１ないし請求項８のいずれか１つに記載のモジュール交換アシスト装置。
                                                                                         The table is
    A main base on which the pallet is placed;
    A connecting portion having a connecting rail which is positioned on the base side of the main base portion and is releasably fastened to the main base portion and attached to the base and extending a rail of the base;
    The module replacement assist according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pallet positioning mechanism is configured to position the pallet in a state where the auxiliary rail of the pallet extends the connection rail. apparatus.
PCT/JP2016/070558 2016-07-12 2016-07-12 Module exchange-assisting device WO2018011887A1 (en)

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JPH0627556U (en) * 1992-09-05 1994-04-12 宏和 出月 Pallet device for transporting goods
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JPH0627556U (en) * 1992-09-05 1994-04-12 宏和 出月 Pallet device for transporting goods
JP2006068894A (en) * 2004-08-06 2006-03-16 Seiko Instruments Inc Production line
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JPWO2021053705A1 (en) * 2019-09-17 2021-03-25
JP7286779B2 (en) 2019-09-17 2023-06-05 株式会社Fuji Transfer table and transfer structure of processing module

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