JP3832220B2 - Pallet transport system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pallet transport system that transports different types of workpieces using an L-type pallet. To Related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an assembly line that assembles automobile transmissions (hereinafter referred to as T / M), a single T / M or FR vehicle (front engine rear drive vehicle) for FF vehicles (front engine front drive vehicles) can be used on one line. ) Manual T / M and the like are assembled.
[0003]
By the way, the manual T / M is required to move smoothly with a good operation feeling.
[0004]
For this purpose, manual T / M does not perform product management in a random manner, but the assembled T / M is moved one by one in a simulated environment similar to the in-vehicle state, and so on. It is conceivable to slide precision parts inside the T / M.
[0005]
To achieve this, each T / M that has been assembled from the existing assembly line is transferred separately to a conveyance path using a pallet, and installed at a point away from where the assembly line equipment is located. , It will be conveyed by type to various sliding devices such as for FR.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Usually, a T / M assembly line uses a flat pallet, and various T / Ms are assembled on the pallet in a vertical position (an attitude in which the axial direction is in the vertical direction). For this reason, each T / M that has been assembled is installed vertically on the pallet.
[0007]
By the way, since the sliding device operates the T / M in the same posture as the vehicle-mounted state, the T / M is not in the vertical posture when the assembly is finished, but in the horizontal posture (the axis is in the horizontal direction). It must be transported to the sliding device in a facing position).
[0008]
For this reason, a pallet conveyance system that reverses various T / Ms from a vertical posture to a horizontal posture is required for conveyance from the assembly line to the sliding device.
[0009]
However, if a flat pallet with T / M similar to that used in the assembly line is used in the same system, the method of reversing from the vertical position to the horizontal position, and the conveyance after the reversal Is difficult. In addition, a dedicated pallet is inevitably used for each type of T / M, which inevitably results in a pallet conveyance system that is structurally complex and has a large cost burden. In addition, a pallet reversing device that inverts a flat pallet cannot perform stable reversal, and thus the structure is likely to be complicated.
[0010]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and the first object thereof is to ensure stable pallet conveyance and further reduce the cost burden, depending on the type of workpiece during conveyance. An object of the present invention is to provide a pallet transfer system that can change the installation posture of a workpiece.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the first object, the pallet transport system according to claim 1 transfers from a loading point where different types of workpieces are loaded vertically to a loading point where the workpieces are unloaded horizontally. An L-type pallet in which an L-shaped pallet surface that is conveyed by the conveyance path is formed and a workpiece installation surface for each type of workpiece is formed on the adjacent pallet surface portion, and an L-type pallet at the loading point A pallet positioning device that places the workpiece in a vertical position so that a predetermined workpiece installation surface that is combined with the workpiece is placed in a landscape orientation according to the type of workpiece that arrives, and receives the workpiece in a vertical position, and while the workpiece is being conveyed on the conveyance path, A system that combines an L-type pallet installed in a vertical position with a pallet reversing device that reverses the work so that the work is in a horizontal position according to the type of work. It was.
[0013]
As a result, the workpiece is first installed vertically for each type at the carry-in point by properly using adjacent workpiece installation surfaces across the corner portion of the L-type pallet. Thereafter, the L-type pallet is guided to the pallet reversing device by the conveyance path while maintaining a stable posture in which the work installation surface on which the work is installed is turned sideways. Then, the pallet is reversed by the pallet reversing device so that the work is turned sideways according to the type of the work, and the work is adjusted to a desired horizontal posture. The pallet that has finished the reversal is led to a carry-out point where the horizontal posture of the workpiece is required, with the stable posture in which the empty workpiece installation surface is in the horizontal direction.
[0014]
Using such an L-shaped pallet and a pallet transport system that changes the installation posture of the work according to the type of work, the pallet can be easily reversed, and both before and after the reversal can be stably conveyed on the conveyance path. The transport system is simple in structure and low in cost. Moreover, since the L-type pallet is common even if the types of workpieces are different, the number of pallets can be reduced, thereby reducing the cost burden.
[0015]
In addition to the first object described above, the pallet transport system according to claim 2 further carries out unloading so that the work can be reasonably guided to each unloading point in a desired lateral orientation when there are a plurality of unloading points for each type of work. When there are a plurality of points for each work type, the conveyance path is divided for each type of work from the middle to reach a plurality of carry-out points, and a pallet reversing device is installed in each of the divided conveyance path parts. By adopting a structure, the pallet can be transported to each unloading point for each type of workpiece.
[0016]
In addition to the first object, the invention described in claim 3 further includes a plurality of workpieces so that when the workpiece is taken out from the pallet after the workpiece is returned from the plurality of unloading positions, the workpiece can be taken out rationally. The next process transport path is provided at the unloading point of the next process, where the L-shaped pallet of the sideways workpieces returning from the respective unloading points is merged into one and transported to the unloading point of the next process different from the unloading point. In addition, a structure provided with a pallet inverting device for returning the posture of the inverted L-type pallet is employed so that the workpiece can be taken out from the pallet at one place.
[0017]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first object, the pallet positioning device is further arranged so that the L-type pallet is loaded at a loading position in a desired workpiece loading posture corresponding to the type of workpiece. The return path for returning the L-type pallet that has been unloaded to the carry-in point, and the posture in which the predetermined work installation surface for combining the L-type pallet with the work in the return path faces sideways according to the type of work that reaches the carry-in point The pallet reversing device for reversing the pallet is adopted, and the pallet return lane is utilized to change the pallet posture.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in FIGS.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pallet transport system to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1B, reference numeral 1 denotes an assembly line of a transmission (hereinafter referred to as T / M), for example. The assembly line 1 extends, for example, in the left-right direction. In this assembly line 1, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), various T / Ms, for example, manual T / Fs for FF vehicles, on a flat pallet 2 flowing along the conveying path 1a of the line 1 are used. The manual T / M3b for M3a and FR vehicles (both corresponding to different types of workpieces of the present application) is assembled in the vertical position. A transfer station 4 is formed on the end side of the transport path 1a, and the various assembled T / Ms 3a and 3b remain in a vertically placed posture (a posture in which the axis is directed in the vertical direction). , It is guided to the station 4.
[0021]
The flat pallet 2 is provided with a memory for storing information such as the type of T / M mounted on the pallet 2 for each pallet, for example, an ID unit 2a readable from the outside. An ID reading unit 2b that reads information from the ID unit 2a is attached in the middle of the transport path 1a. Further, the control unit 6 (for example, a microcomputer) is connected to the ID reading unit 2b, and various T / Ms 3a and 3b that flow while mixing the assembly line 1 from the ID information read by the ID reading unit 2b. It is possible to recognize at which position and in what order.
[0022]
At a lower point (in the drawing) away from the transfer station 4, a loading point A that moves up and down by the lifter device 7 a is provided. A section from the transfer station 4 to the carry-in point A is communicated by a transfer device, for example, an overhead transfer device 8. Then, the T / M 3a, 3b is lifted from the pallet 2 that has arrived at the transfer station 4 with the transfer device 8 in the vertical position (the posture in which the axis is directed in the vertical direction) to the loading point A. After moving, it is suspended from the loading point A.
[0023]
And T / M3a, 3b which arrives at this carrying-in point A is installed in the L-type pallet 20 at the carrying-in point A.
[0024]
The structure of the L-type pallet 20 is shown in FIG. The structure of the L-type pallet 20 will be described. The pallet 20 is composed of, for example, two plate-like members 21a and 21b combined in an L shape, and the two are connected by an L-shaped connecting member 22; An L-shaped pallet surface 23 is formed inside. A workpiece for clamping the T / M 3a at a plurality of pallet surface portions adjacent to each other across the corner portion 22a, for example, the pallet surface portion 23a extending in the vertical direction in FIG. A clamp portion 25 is attached. The T / M 3a clamped at the work crank portion 25, that is, the clamp on the flange portion 26a formed at the front end of the T / M case 26, allows the T / M 3a of the FF vehicle to be T as indicated by a two-dot chain line. The front end of the / M case 26 is in close contact with the pallet surface portion 23a and the rear end side protrudes from the pallet surface portion 23a so as to be detachably installed on the L-type pallet 20. Work clamp portions 28 for clamping the T / M 3b are attached to a plurality of locations on the pallet surface portion 23b extending in the lateral direction. The T / M 3b of the FR vehicle is indicated by a two-dot chain line by the clamp of the T / M 3b performed at the work crank portion 28, that is, the clamp to the flange portion 26a formed at the front end of the T / M case 26. The front end of the T / M case 26 is in close contact with the pallet surface portion 23b, and the rear end side protrudes from the pallet surface portion 23b so as to be detachably installed on the L-type pallet 20. In other words, the L-type pallet 20 has a work installation surface for each work type, and is a common pallet, and the T / M3a for FF vehicles or the T / M3b for FR vehicles (different types of workpieces). But it can be installed. In the drawings, these work installation surfaces are represented as “FF” (installation surface on which the T / M 3a for FF vehicles is installed) and “FR” (installation surface on which the T / M 3b for FR vehicles are installed). As in the case of the flat pallet 2, the ID reading unit 59 a is attached to each pallet surface portion 23 a, 23 b, and which type of T / M 3 a, 3 b is attached to which installation surface of the L-type pallet 20. It is structured so that it can be recognized whether it is installed.
[0025]
The L-type pallet 20 arranged at the carry-in point A is selected according to the type of T / M 3a, 3b (both vertically placed) that reaches the carry-in point A by the pallet positioning device 30 (shown in FIG. 2). / M3a and 3b are positioned and arranged in a posture in which the work installation surface ("FF" or "FR") combined with M3a, 3b is oriented horizontally and the other workpiece installation surfaces are oriented vertically. The T / M 3a for FF vehicles and the T / M 3b for FR vehicles, regardless of the type of workpiece, use the common L-type pallet 20 to place the T / M vertically (the axis is in the vertical direction). The flange portion 26a at the end of the T / M case is clamped by the clamp portion 25 or 28 as it is. The detailed structure of the pallet positioning device 30 will be described later.
[0026]
At a point away from the carry-in position A, for example, a point away from the carry-in position A to the right side, a sliding device 9 (T / M that has been assembled) A device that moves one by one in a simulated environment similar to the on-vehicle state and slides the precision components inside is installed. The device 9 includes two (plural) equipments for each type of T / M, that is, a sliding device 10 for the FF vehicle T / M and a sliding device 11 for the FR vehicle T / M arranged in the horizontal direction. It consists of equipment. At the lower points (in the drawing) of both the FF vehicle T / M sliding device 10 and the FR vehicle T / M sliding device 11, the FF vehicle T / M 3 a and the FR vehicle T / M 3 b are respectively provided. Are provided in the vehicle-mounted state, that is, in a lateral orientation, and carry-in port portions B1 and B2 (corresponding to the carry-out point of the present application) are provided.
[0027]
And between the carrying-in point A and each carrying-in port part B1, B2 (several carrying-out points), it connects with the conveyance path 12 which conveys the L-type pallet 20. As shown in FIG.
[0028]
In the transport path 12, a transport lane that is divided from the middle and heads toward each of the carry-in entrances B1 and B2 is adopted, and the L-type pallet 20 in which the T / M 3a and 3b are installed at the carry-in point A is / M3a and 3b are transported to the unloading points B1 and B2 by type (here, FF and FR). Specifically, the conveyance path 12 has, for example, a roller conveyor 13 that extends linearly from the carry-in point A downward (in the drawing) as a common conveyor, and at the end of the conveyor 13 two sets for separation. A structure is used in which two sets of belt-type conveyors 15a and 15b extending along the wall surfaces of the sliding devices 10 and 11 are connected via the turning devices 14a and 14b. As the belt conveyors 15a and 15b, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a conveyor having a structure in which an endless belt 15y is assembled on both sides in the width direction of a gantry 15x elongated in the transport direction. Due to the combination of the conveyors 13, 15a, 15b and the swiveling devices 14a, 14b, the conveyance path 12 is moved from the middle to the lane X for conveying only the L-type pallet 20 loaded with the T / M 3a, and the T / F for the FR vehicle. It is divided into a lane Y that transports only the L-shaped pallet 20 loaded with M3b (both correspond to the transport path portions divided in the present application). However, the L-type pallet 20 loaded with the T / M 3a is conveyed in a posture in which the vertical wall faces the rear side in the traveling direction, and the L-type pallet 20 loaded with the T / M 3b faces the vertical wall toward the front side in the moving direction. It is designed to be conveyed in a posture.
[0029]
Further, the belt type conveyor 15a is provided with, for example, a roller conveyor 16a toward the carry-in entrance B1 of the FF vehicle T / M sliding device 10, and the belt type conveyor 15b is loaded with the FR vehicle sliding device 11. For example, a roller conveyor 19b heading toward the mouth B2 is provided, and the L-type pallet 20 loaded with the T / M 3a for the FF vehicle transported in the lane X is guided to the transport inlet B1 and transported in the lane Y. The L-type pallet 20 on which the T / M 3b for the FR vehicle T / M is mounted is guided to the carry-in entrance B2.
[0030]
In each lane X and Y, for example, pallet reversing devices 40a and 40b are installed near the turning devices 14a and 14b, respectively, and the T / Ms 3a and 3b are installed vertically in the reversing devices 40a and 40b. The L-type pallet 20 from the carry-in point A is inverted so as to be in a vehicle-mounted state required by the sliding devices B1 and B2, that is, inverted to a posture in which the T / Ms 3a and 3b are in the horizontal direction.
[0031]
Each of these pallet reversing devices 40a and 40b employs a structure that changes the direction of the L-type pallet 20 by rotating the entire L-type pallet 20 around the corner 22a while supporting the outer surfaces of both walls. . The pallet reversing devices 40a and 40b are the same, and one of them, for example, the overall structure of the pallet reversing device 40a is shown in FIGS. 4 is a perspective view of the entire structure, and FIG. 5 is a front view and a bottom view of the entire structure.
[0032]
The structure of the pallet reversing device 40a will be described. FIG. 41 shows a reversing tool.
[0033]
The reversing tool 41 is disposed in an empty space in the middle of the belt-type conveyor 15a in the width direction, specifically, between the frames 15z and 15z on both sides in the width direction of the gantry 15x. The reversing tool 41 has a circular shaft member 42 disposed along the width direction of the conveyor 15a at a point below the belt conveying surface of the belt type conveyor 15a. The shaft member 42 is supported by the gantry 15x via a plurality of brackets 43 and a support member 44 (shown only in FIG. 5) that supports the brackets 43. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of, for example, three, short cylindrical bushes 46 are rotatably fitted on the outer peripheral portion of the shaft member 42. Then, the first region α and the second region β for setting (arranging) the L-type pallet 20 to the predetermined positions on both sides of the rotation axis formed by the axes of the bushes 46 (the first point of the present application, Equivalent to the second point). More specifically, the first region α is a region for setting the L-type pallet 20 in the L shape, and the second region β is a region for setting in the inverted L shape. These bushes 46 include a frame-shaped pallet support 47 (corresponding to the first support of the present application) in which three legs 47a to 47c protrude in the plane direction, and a frame-shaped pallet support 48 (which is the same shape as this). Corresponding to the second supporter of the present application). Specifically, the leg portions 47 a to 47 c of the pallet support 47 and the leg portions 48 a to 48 c of the pallet support 48 are alternately connected to the six bushes 46. A gap on the outer periphery of the shaft member 42 is filled with a spacer 49. Thus, the pallet supporter 47 can be rotated clockwise from the point of the second region β with the rotation axis formed by the bushing 46 as a fulcrum, and the pallet supporter 48 can be rotated about the rotation axis line formed by the bushing 46. Is pivotable counterclockwise from the point of the first region α.
[0034]
A rotation mechanism, for example, a hydraulic cylinder device 50 is connected to the pallet supports 47 and 48 so as to give the pallet supports 47 and 48 movement necessary for pallet reversal. The hydraulic cylinder device 50 employs a structure in which three hydraulic cylinders 51a to 51c that expand and contract along the conveyor conveyance direction are combined. Specifically, the hydraulic cylinder 51a is fixed in a sideways posture in which the tip (the side where the piston end is located) faces the pallet supporter in the gantry 15x on the front side in the conveyer direction away from the pallet supporters 47 and 48. It is. Reference numeral 52 denotes a bracket that supports the hydraulic cylinder 51a, and 53 denotes a support member that supports the bracket 52 on the gantry 15x. The remaining hydraulic cylinders 51b and 51c are assembled in parallel and arranged in series on the front side of the hydraulic cylinder 51a. The rear end portions of these hydraulic cylinders 51a and 51b are connected to the tip end portion (tip end of the piston) of the hydraulic cylinder 51a via the connecting bracket 54, and the hydraulic cylinder 51a and the hydraulic cylinders 51b and 51c are connected in series. It is connected to. The connecting bracket 54 is connected via a guide mechanism 55 that is a combination of a slider 55a assembled to the bracket 53 and a guide rail 55b that slidably supports the slider 55a in the conveyor transport direction. The cylinders 51a to 51c can be extended and contracted without undue stress being supported by the gantry 15x. The distal end portion of the hydraulic cylinder 51b is rotatably connected to the distal end portion of a lever 56 that protrudes obliquely rearward (relative to the pallet transport direction) from the bush 46 that rotatably supports the pallet support 48. 7 and FIG. 8, the pallet support 48 is rotated from the horizontal posture following the first region α to the vertical vertical posture by the stroke operation of the hydraulic cylinder 51b. It is. The tip of the hydraulic cylinder 51c is rotatably connected to the tip of a lever 57 that protrudes obliquely forward (relative to the pallet transport direction) from the bush 46 that rotatably supports the pallet support 47. . 7 and FIG. 8, the pallet supporter 47 is perpendicular to the horizontal posture following the second region β by the opposite strokes of the hydraulic cylinder 51a and the hydraulic cylinder 51b connected in series therewith. It is designed to be turned to a vertical orientation. By such rotation, the pallet supports 47 and 48 are set in an L shape or an inverted L shape along the outer wall surface of the L-type pallet 20 disposed in the first region α or the second region β. . From this state, by operating the hydraulic cylinder 51a to make a stroke, the pallet supports 47 and 48 are rotated around the rotation axis formed by the axis of the bush 46 while maintaining the L shape or the inverted L shape. It is like that.
[0035]
The hydraulic cylinders 51a to 51c are controlled by the control unit 6 for each lane X and Y. That is, in the case of the pallet reversing device 40a in the lane X, the control unit 6 has a function of bringing the pallet supports 47 and 48 in the initial state into a flat unfolded state following the first and second regions α and β. As shown in FIG. 7, the L-type pallet 20 on which the T / M 3a is mounted is used, for example, by using an elevating pallet stopper (not shown) so as to reverse the L-type pallet 20 from the L-shape to the inverted L-shape. A function for positioning in the first region α, a function for making the pallet support 47 in a vertical orientation, and a rotation to the second region β while maintaining both the vertical pallet support 47 and the lateral pallet support 48 in the L shape. The function to be set is set. When the L-shaped pallet 20 in the first region α is moved to the vacant second region β by the pallet supports 47 and 48 that rotate while being along the outer surfaces of the both walls, T / M3a is changed to an inverted L-shaped posture in which it is turned sideways. In the case of the pallet reversing device 40b in lane Y, as shown in FIG. 8, a function (T / M 3b is used to turn the pallet support 48 vertically) so as to reverse the L-shaped pallet 20 from the inverted L-shape to the L-shape. It also functions to position the mounted L-type pallet 20 in the second region β), and both the vertical pallet support 48 and the lateral pallet support 47 are rotated to the first region α while maintaining the L shape. The function is set. When the L-shaped pallet 20 in the second region β is moved to the vacant first region α by the pallet supports 47 and 48 that rotate while being along the outer surfaces of the two walls, T / M3b is changed to an L-shaped posture in a landscape orientation.
[0036]
By such pallet reversing devices 40a and 40b for reversing the L-type pallet 20 according to the T / M type, various T / Ms 3a and 3b can be sent in the desired lateral orientation toward the respective carry-in ports B1 and B2. It is. Each lane X and Y is provided with an ID reading unit 59b for confirming that the L-type pallet 20 has been inverted.
[0037]
On the other hand, the rear end of the belt type conveyor 15a extends to the turning device 60 installed at a point beyond the sliding device 11. From this turning device 60, for the next process line 61x, an unloading point C (unloading point different from the unloading ports B1 and B2) for unloading the T / M 3a, 3b that has been slid from the L-type pallet 20 The belt type conveyor 61 is extended to the head. Further, the extended belt type conveyor 15a is connected so that the roller conveyor 16b intersects, and a next process conveyance path 62 for guiding the work to the next process line 61x is formed in the section from the intersecting part to the unloading point C. is doing. By this next process conveyance path 62, the L-type pallet 20 of the horizontal direction T / M 3a, 3b, which finishes the rubbing and returns from the rubbing apparatuses 10, 11, is merged into one flow and conveyed to the unloading point C. It is like that. In addition, 61a shows the overhead type transfer apparatus for carrying out T / M on a pallet from the carrying-out point C, and carrying it to the entrance of the next process line 61x.
[0038]
The inverted L-shaped pallet 20 is returned to its original posture (posture in which T / M is placed vertically) in the middle of the next-process conveyance path 62, for example, in a conveyance path portion between the roller conveyor 16b and the turning device 60. A return pallet reversing device 63 is installed. The return pallet reversing device 63 employs the same structure as the pallet reversing devices 40a and 40b described above, and reverses the L-shaped pallet 20 using the movement of the pallet supports 47 and 48 described above. Thus, the L-type pallet 20 that has finished the sliding process can return to the original pallet posture in which the T / Ms 3a and 3b are placed vertically. The return pallet reversing device 63 is controlled by the control unit 6 so as to properly use two types of reversing processes according to the types of T / Ms 3a and 3b.
[0039]
The unloading point C communicates with the entrance of the return path 65 at the lower stage of the transport path 1 as shown in FIG. The return path 65 is configured by combining a belt-type conveyor 66, a swiveling device 67, a belt-type conveyor 68, a swiveling device 69, a roller conveyor 70, and the like that are sequentially arranged along the lower side of the forward-side transport system. . The exit of the return path 65 reaches the lifter device 7a at the carry-in point A, and the L-type pallet 20 that has finished carrying out the T / M 3a, 3b at the carry-out point C is returned to the carry-in point A. is there. A pallet reversing device 71 for arranging a work is installed in the middle of the return path 65, for example, on the belt type conveyor 68 near the turning device 68. The pallet reversing device 71 has the same structure as the pallet reversing devices 40a and 40b described above. The pallet reversing devices 40a and 40b know the types of T / Ms 3a and 3b that reach the carry-in point A under the control of the control unit 6, specifically the reading from the ID reading unit 2a, and the types of the T / Ms. Accordingly, the L-type pallet 20 of the return path 65 is passed through the original posture or reversed, and when the T / M 3a is for FF vehicles, “FF” is in the horizontal direction and “FR” is in the vertical direction. In the case of the T / M 3b for an FR vehicle, an L-type pallet 20 having a posture in which “FR” is in the horizontal direction and “FF” is in the vertical direction is obtained. Then, the control unit 6 controls the turning device 69, the roller conveyor 70, the lifter device 7a, etc., and combines with the T / M type that arrives at the timing before the T / M arrives at the loading point A. The L-shaped pallet 20 with the work installation surface turned sideways is positioned at the carry-in point A. The pallet positioning device 30 described above is configured by a structure that changes the posture of the L-type pallet 20 using the pallet return lane.
[0040]
By using such a pallet transport system, the work installation surface of the L-type pallet 20 is selectively used for each T / M type so that various T / Ms can be transported in the required directions.
[0041]
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 together show the situation where the pallet orientation changes.
[0042]
The operation of the pallet transport system will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Now, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), various T / Ms as workpieces are for FF vehicles, with the assembly line 1 facing the terminal side. It is assumed that the predetermined flow is in the order of T / M3a of the vehicle and T / M3b of the FR vehicle.
[0043]
At this time, the control unit 6 recognizes in which order the T / Ms 3a and 3b are conveyed by reading the ID unit 2a of each pallet 2 by the ID reading unit 2b.
[0044]
When the assembled T / M 3a for the FF vehicle arrives at the transfer station 4, the operator uses the overhead transfer device 8 to place the T / M 3a from the pallet 2 in a vertical posture. It is lifted as it is, moved to the loading point A, and hung to the loading point A.
[0045]
At this time, the L-type pallet 20 returning from the pallet return lane according to the T / M type arriving at the carry-in point A according to the control of the control unit 6 is already in a position suitable for the installation of the T / M 3a for the FF vehicle. S1, ie, “FF” is a plane (horizontal), “FR” is vertically oriented, and “FR” is positioned in the rearward direction of travel, and the T / M 3a suspended from the transfer device 8 is positioned. In the vertical position, it is installed on the “FF” surface (work installation surface for FF vehicles) facing the plane. Thereby, the workpiece | work suitable for conveyance is performed. Then, the L-type pallet 20 remains in a stable posture in which the “FF” on which the T / M 3a is installed is kept in the horizontal orientation, passes through the roller conveyor 13 and the turning device 14a, and then passes through the first region α of the pallet reversing device 40a in the lane X. Head to. At this time, “FR” faces forward in the traveling direction (L-shaped).
[0046]
Similarly, the T / M 3b for the FR vehicle arriving at the carry-in point A following the T / M 3a similarly has the posture S11 that matches the installation of the T / M 3a for the FR vehicle at the carry-in point A, that is, “FR”. Is placed on the “FR” surface (work mounting surface for FR vehicles) of the L-type pallet 20 that is positioned so that “FF” is vertically oriented and “FF” is vertically oriented and “FF” is directed forward in the traveling direction. Stick. Then, the L-type pallet 20 remains in a stable posture in which the “FR” on which the T / M 3b is installed is kept in the horizontal orientation, passes through the roller conveyor 13, the turning device 14a, and the turning device 14b, and passes through the pallet reversing device 40b in the lane Y. Head to the first region α. At this time, “FF” faces forward in the traveling direction (reverse L shape).
[0047]
Then, in each pallet reversing device 40a, 40b, the T / Ms 3a, 3b are reversed so as to be turned sideways.
[0048]
The movement of the pallet reversing device 40a at this time is shown in FIG. 7, and the movement of the pallet reversing device 40b is shown in FIG.
[0049]
Here, the movement of the pallet reversing device 40a will be described. Under the control of the control unit 6, the pallet support members 47 and 48 are initially expanded left and right (initial state), and the pallet stopper (not shown) is moved to the pallet stop position. Is rising. As a result, the L-type pallet 20 on which the T / M 3a is mounted is stopped by the pallet stopper as shown in FIG. 7 (a), and the L-shaped pallet 20 is placed on the pallet support 48 in the first region α. It is positioned with the posture. At this time, the hydraulic cylinders 51a and 51c are in a contracted state, and the hydraulic cylinder 51b is in an extended state (the same state applies to the pallet reversing device 40b). When the positioning is completed, the control unit 6 performs contradictory movements such as the extension operation of the hydraulic cylinder 51a and the contraction operation of the hydraulic cylinder 51b, and the pallet support in the first region α as shown in FIG. 7B. The tool 47 is rotated until it stands up. As a result, the pallet supports 47 and 48 are arranged in an L shape along the outer surfaces of both wall portions of the L-type pallet 20. Thereafter, the contraction operation of the hydraulic cylinder 51a is performed, and as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the pallet supports 47 and 48 are rotated to the vacant second region β while maintaining the L shape. Let Then, the L-type pallet 20 is inverted with the corner portion 22a as a fulcrum, and when it reaches the second region β, the L-type pallet 20 assumes an inverted L-shaped posture S2 in which the T / M 3a faces sideways.
[0050]
When the reversal is finished, the hydraulic cylinder 51a extends and the hydraulic cylinder 51b retracts, and the pallet supports 47 and 48 return to the initial state again deployed.
[0051]
The L-type pallet 20 that has been turned upside-down is a posture in which the vertical wall is directed rearward in the traveling direction while maintaining an inverted L-shaped stable posture in which the empty workpiece installation surface is horizontal and the workpiece installation surface to which the workpiece is attached is vertical. Then, it is led to the carry-in entrance B1 of the sliding device 10 for the FF vehicle T / M through the lane X and the roller conveyor 16a.
[0052]
As a result, in the sliding device 10, the sideways T / M 3a is operated in the same environment as the vehicle-mounted state, and precision parts such as synchro ring are slid together. When the sliding is finished, the L-shaped pallet 20 in the posture S2 is unloaded from the carry-in entrance B1 together with the T / M 3a and travels from the roller conveyor 16a to the next process conveyance path 62.
[0053]
The movement of the remaining pallet reversing device 40b will be described. Under the control of the control unit 6, the pallet supporters 47 and 48 shown in FIG. Subsequently, the hydraulic cylinder 51b is contracted to rotate the pallet support 48 in the first region α until it rises. The raised pallet support 48 receives the L-shaped pallet 20 flowing in the lane Y, and the pallet 20 is positioned on the pallet support 47 in the second region β. As a result, the pallet supports 47 and 48 are arranged in an inverted L shape along the outer surfaces of both wall portions of the L-type pallet 20. Thereafter, the extension operation of the hydraulic cylinder 51a is performed, and as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the pallet supports 47 and 48 are rotated to the vacant first region α while maintaining the inverted L shape. Move. Then, the L-type pallet 20 is inverted with the corner portion 22a as a fulcrum, and when it reaches the first region α, the L-type pallet 20 has an L-shaped posture S12 in which T / M 3b is oriented sideways.
[0054]
When the reversal is completed, the hydraulic cylinder 51a contracts and the hydraulic cylinder 51b retracts and expands, and the pallet supports 47 and 48 return to the initial state again deployed.
[0055]
The inverted L-shaped pallet 20 has a posture in which the vertical wall is directed rearward in the traveling direction while maintaining an L-shaped stable posture in which the empty workpiece installation surface is horizontal and the workpiece installation surface to which the workpiece is attached is vertical. , Through the lane Y and the roller conveyor 16b, it is led to the carry-in entrance B2 of the sliding device 11 for the FR vehicle T / M.
[0056]
As a result, in the sliding device 11, the sideways T / M 3b is operated in the same environment as the in-vehicle state, and the precision parts such as the synchro ring are slid together as in the case of the FF vehicle T / M 3a. . When the sliding is finished, the L-shaped pallet 20 in the posture S12 is unloaded together with the T / M 3b from the lateral loading port B2, and merges from the roller conveyor 16b to the next process conveyance path 62.
[0057]
The L-type pallet 20 in the posture S2 and the posture S12 that sequentially flows through the next process conveyance path 62 reaches the return pallet reversing device 63, and the L in the posture S1 is again caused by the reversal for each T / M type performed in the reversing device 63. The mold pallet 20 (the direction in which T / M 3a is placed vertically) is inverted to the L-type pallet 20 in the posture S11 (the direction in which T / M 3b is placed vertically). Note that this inversion method is the same as the inversion method described above, and therefore description of the inversion is omitted.
[0058]
The L-shaped pallet 20 in the posture S1 that has been inverted is directed to the unloading point C via the swivel device 60 and the belt-type conveyor 61 in a posture in which the vertical wall faces the front side in the traveling direction. Further, the L-type pallet 20 in the posture S11 is in a posture in which the vertical wall is directed to the rear side in the traveling direction, and goes to the unloading point C through the turning device 60 and the belt type conveyor 61.
[0059]
Then, at the unloading point C, the operator sequentially unloads the T / M 3a, 3b from the L-type pallet 20 by the overhead-type transfer measure 61a and carries it to the entrance of the next process line 61x.
[0060]
The L-type pallets 20 that have finished carrying out the T / Ms 3a and 3b are sequentially transferred from the lifter device 64 to the entrance of the return path 65 in the lower stage, and returned via the swiveling devices 67 and 69 and the roller conveyor 70. Head to the lifter device 7a at the exit of the path 65 (FIG. 2).
[0061]
At this time, the control unit 6 determines the type of the T / Ms 3a and 3b that reach the carry-in point A (according to information read by the ID reading unit 2b) and the L-type pallet 20 that is waiting at the entrance of the pallet reversing device 71. The posture (S1 or S11) is collated to determine whether or not the L-type pallet has the required posture. If the waiting L-type pallet 20 is in the required loading posture, the L-type pallet 20 passes through the pallet reversing device 71 as it is and leads from the lifter device 7a to the loading point A. Position in the same position. If the waiting L-type pallet 20 is not in the required loading position, the L-type pallet 20 is reversed in direction by the pallet reversing device 71 and adjusted to the required loading position. To the carry-in point A from the lifter device 7a, and positioned in the same posture. When the various T / Ms 3a, 3b are received from the assembly line 1 at the loading position A as described above, the conveyance of the various T / Ms 3a, 3b using the L-type pallet 20 is repeated.
[0062]
With such a pallet transfer system, not only can the T / M 3a, 3b (workpiece) be carried in, but also before and after the pallet inversion, the L-type or reverse L-type can be conveyed in a stable posture, and the pallet can be easily inverted. Yes. Moreover, since the L-type pallet 20 is common even if the types of T / Ms 3a and 3b are different, the number of pallets can be reduced.
[0063]
Therefore, it is possible to realize a pallet transport system that can change the installation posture of the T / Ms 3a and 3b (workpieces) during the transport with a simple structure and at a low cost.
[0064]
Moreover, the conveyance path 1a is divided from the middle for each T / M (work) type so as to be directed to the plurality of carry-in port portions B1 and B2, and the pallet reversing devices 40a and 40b are respectively installed on the divided conveyance path portions. Since the structure is adopted, the T / Ms 3a and 3b (workpieces) can be conveyed in a desired posture to each of the carry-in entrance portions B1 and B2.
[0065]
In addition, the next process transport path 62 is provided to join the T / Ms 3a and 3b returning from the plurality of transport inlet portions B1 and B2 to the unloading point C of the next process, and the posture is returned to the next process transport path 62. Since the structure in which the return pallet reversing device 63 is provided is adopted, the T / M can be rationally taken out from one unloading point C even with a plurality of types of T / Ms 3a and 3b (workpieces).
[0066]
Furthermore, since the return path 65 incorporating the pallet reversing device 71 is adopted and the desired loading posture corresponding to the type of T / M 3a, 3b (work) is obtained at the loading position A, the loading position A The L-type pallet 20 can be rationally carried in with a desired carry-in posture.
[0067]
In particular, each pallet reversing device employs a structure in which two rotatable pallet supports 47 and 48 are arranged along the outer wall surface of the L-shaped pallet 20 and the L-shaped pallet 20 is reversed around the corner portion 22a. Therefore, the L-type pallet 20 can be reversed to a desired posture with a simple structure.
[0068]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, three hydraulic cylinders are employed in the drive mechanism that rotates each pallet supporter of the pallet reversing device. You may make it rotate a tool. In one embodiment, an example of a system in which a plurality of types of T / Ms are installed and transported has been described.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, after the work is carried in, and before and after the pallet inversion, the L-shaped or reverse L-shaped posture can be conveyed and the pallet can be easily reversed. Yes. Moreover, since the L-type pallet is common even if the types of workpieces are different, the number of pallets can be reduced.
[0070]
Therefore, it is possible to provide a pallet transfer system that can change the installation posture of the workpiece during transfer with a simple structure and at a low cost.
[0071]
According to invention of Claim 2, in addition to the said effect, the effect that several types of workpiece | work can be conveyed to each of several carrying-out port in the desired attitude | position which the said carrying-out port calculates | requires rationally. Play.
[0072]
According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the above-described effect, even with a plurality of types of workpieces, there is an effect that the workpieces can be rationally carried out from a single carrying-out point toward the next process.
[0073]
According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the above effects, there is an effect that the L-type pallet can be rationally carried into the carry-in position with a desired carry-in posture.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a pallet conveyance system according to an embodiment of the present invention together with the posture status of an L-type pallet conveyed by the system.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a return lane disposed below the forward transfer lane of the system together with the posture state of the L-type pallet transferred to the lane.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the structure of an L-type pallet that is circulated and conveyed by the system.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of a pallet reversing device used in the system.
FIG. 5A is a front view of the pallet reversing device. (B) is a bottom view of the pallet reversing device.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view around the shaft member and the bush along the line TT in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining how an L-type pallet is reversed from an L shape to an inverted L shape by a pallet inverting device;
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining how an L-shaped pallet is reversed from an inverted L shape to an L shape by a pallet inverting device;
[Explanation of symbols]
3a, 3b ... T / M (work)
6. Control unit
10, 11 ... Sliding apparatus
12 ... Conveying path
20 ... L type pallet
23a, 23b ... Pallet surface part
25, 28 ... Clamp part
30 ... Pallet positioning device
40a, 40b ... Pallet reversing device
47, 48 ... Pallet support (first support, second support)
50. Hydraulic cylinder device (rotating mechanism)
62 ... Next process transport path
63 ... Pallet reversing device for return
65 ... Return path
71 ... Pallet reversing device for work arrangement
A ... Import point)
B1, B2 ... Carry-in entrance part (unloading point)
C ... Unloading point
X, Y ... Lane
α, β: first region, ... second region (first point, second point).

Claims (4)

A transfer path for transferring different types of workpieces from a loading point where the workpieces are loaded vertically to a loading point where the workpieces are unloaded horizontally;
An L-shaped pallet which is conveyed by the conveyance path, and an L-shaped pallet surface is formed and a workpiece installation surface according to the type of the workpiece is formed on an adjacent pallet surface part;
Pallet positioning in which the L-shaped pallet is placed at the carry-in point so that a predetermined work installation surface combined with the work is in a horizontal orientation according to the type of work that reaches the carry-in point, and the work is received vertically. Equipment,
A pallet reversing device for reversing the L-shaped pallet, in which the work is installed in a vertical position during conveyance on the conveyance path, according to the type of the work so that the work is in a horizontal position; Pallet transport system characterized by There are multiple unloading points for each work type,
The transport path is configured to be divided for each type of work from the middle to reach the plurality of unloading points,
The pallet reversing device according to claim 1, wherein the pallet reversing device is installed in each of the divided transport path portions. The plurality of unloading points are provided with a next process conveyance path for returning to the unloading point of the next process different from the unloading point by merging the L-shaped pallets of sideways workpieces returned from the unloading points into one,
The pallet conveyance system according to claim 2, wherein a pallet reaction device for returning the posture of the inverted L-type pallet to the original position is provided in the next process conveyance path. The pallet positioning device is
A return path for returning the L-shaped pallet after the work has been unloaded to the loading point;
The return path is configured to include a pallet reversing device that reverses the L-type pallet into a posture in which a predetermined work installation surface that is combined with the work is turned sideways, depending on the type of work that reaches the carry-in point. The pallet conveyance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

Images