Tray for transporting components

Abstract

A component transport tray transports components to a predetermined destination by a mobile dolly including a lifter configured to move upward and downward in a vertical direction, and the component transport tray includes a tray body forming at least one coupling hole which can be coupled with the lifter, and a plurality of component alignment units having at least two position alignment pins which correctly position different types of components on the tray body, and the component alignment units are provided on the tray body to change positions of the position alignment pins according to types of the components.

Description

[0001] CITATION OF RELATED APPLICATION

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0019007 filed on February 10, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a component transport tray. More particularly, the present invention relates to a component transport tray for transporting components to a predetermined location. BACKGROUND

[0004] Generally, a tray is used to transport goods or components in a factory or industrial site. For example, in the process of assembling various assembly components or assembling assembly components to a vehicle body in a vehicle production process, assembly components are transported to a predetermined place through a tray.

[0005] Recently, in order to implement a smart factory in a vehicle production factory, research on automation of a production line is actively being conducted, and interest in the application of unmanned delivery of a tray is increasing.

[0006] Accordingly, in the production line of a vehicle production factory, an autonomous mobile robot (hereinafter referred to as AMR) that operates as a mobile pallet for unmanned transport of a flexible and efficient tray.

[0007] On the other hand, conventionally, a combination of a tray provided with a mechanism for aligning or correctly positioning components to an AMR is applied. In such an unmanned logistics system, the AMR autonomously drives along a predetermined path for each process, and is capable of transporting components placed on the tray to a predetermined location in an unmanned manner.

[0008] However, in the prior art, since a dedicated mechanism for aligning or correctly positioning a single type of component is formed on the tray, a new production tray corresponding to each type of component is required.

[0009] The information included in this Background section of the present invention is only for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the general background of the present invention, and can not be considered as acknowledging or implying in any form that this information forms the prior art known to those skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0010] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a component transport tray that collectively aligns or correctly positions a plurality of types of parts and allows it to be transported to a predetermined destination by a mobile pallet such as an AMR.

[0011] The component transport according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application transports components to a predetermined destination by a mobile pallet including a lifter configured to move up and down in a vertical direction according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, and including: i) a pallet body forming at least one coupling hole that can be coupled with the lifter; and ii) a plurality of component alignment units having at least two position alignment pins that correctly position different types of components on the pallet body, and the component alignment units are provided on the pallet body to change the positions of the position alignment pins according to the types of components.

[0012] In the component transport pallet according to exemplary embodiments of the present application, a lifting pin provided in the lifter can be coupled to the coupling hole.

[0013] Further, the component transport pallet according to exemplary embodiments of the present application can further include a plurality of component support pads provided in the pallet body.

[0014] Further, in the component transport pallet according to exemplary embodiments of the present application, the pallet body can include: a base plate supporting components; a plurality of legs provided in the base plate; and a positioning pin provided at a lower end portion of each leg.

[0015] Further, in the component transport pallet according to exemplary embodiments of the present application, the positioning pin can be coupled to a positioner provided at a predetermined destination in a vertical direction thereof.

[0016] Further, in the component transport pallet according to exemplary embodiments of the present application, the positioning pin can form a tapered portion at the lower end portion.

[0017] Further, in the component transport pallet according to exemplary embodiments of the present application, the tapered portion can be coupled to a pin coupling groove provided in the positioner.

[0018] Further, in the component transport pallet according to exemplary embodiments of the present application, the tapered portion can be guided to the pin coupling groove by a pin guide groove formed in a tapered shape provided in the positioner.

[0019] Further, in the component transport pallet according to exemplary embodiments of the present application, the leg can be provided to be configured to be dockably coupled to a docking groove formed in the positioner.

[0020] Further, in the component transport pallet according to exemplary embodiments of the present application, the component alignment unit can include: a holder coupled to the pallet body; a positioner including a branched portion branched in a plurality of directions, and rotatably coupled to the holder; and a position determination pin fixed to the positioner and coupled to the holder.

[0021] Also, in the component transport tray according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the component alignment unit can further include a knob provided at a connection point of the branch portion in the positioner.

[0022] Also, in the component transport tray according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the position alignment pin can be provided in the remaining branch portions except for the branch portion to which the position determination pin is coupled, among the branch portions.

[0023] Also, in the component transport tray according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the position determination groove corresponding to the branch portion, respectively, can be formed in the holder.

[0024] Also, in the component transport tray according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the position determination pin is configured to be fitted into one of the position determination grooves.

[0025] Also, in the component transport tray according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the component alignment unit can further include a support bar integrally provided in the positioner.

[0026] Also, in the component transport tray according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the support bar can be coupled to a support groove formed in the holder.

[0027] Also, in the component transport tray according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the tray body can include a main mounting hole for mounting the component alignment unit, and can include a backup mounting hole at a position close to the main mounting hole.

[0028] Also, in the component transport tray according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the tray body can further include a caster pivotally connected to a lower end portion of each leg.

[0029] The embodiments of the present application can ensure flexible productivity of multiple types of components, and reduce equipment investment costs.

[0030] Also, the effects obtainable or predicted from the various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be directly or indirectly included in the detailed description of the various exemplary embodiments of the present application. That is, various effects predicted from the various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be included in the detailed description to be described later.

[0031] The method and apparatus of the present application has other features and advantages which will be apparent from or that will be more readily understood by those persons skilled in the art after having considered the drawings and following detailed description of the various exemplary embodiments of the present application, which are taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1A component transport system to which a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is applied is schematically shown.

[0033] Figure 2 is a combined perspective view exemplarily showing a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 4 is a combined perspective view exemplarily showing a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 5 is a combined perspective view exemplarily showing a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 6 is a combined perspective view exemplarily showing a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 7 is a combined perspective view exemplarily showing a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 are used to describe the operation of a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 12 is a combined perspective view exemplarily showing a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0041] It is to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the application. The specific design features of the present application as included herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0042] In these drawings, like numerals of reference designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the application will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the description is not intended to limit the application to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the application is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that are within the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the application are shown. Like reference numerals can be used to refer to like elements throughout the specification. It is to be understood that the described embodiments are only exemplary of the application and are not intended to limit the scope of the application which is defined by the appended claims.

[0045] The accompanying drawings and the description are to be considered in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. Throughout this specification, like reference numerals can be used to denote identical elements throughout the description and the figures.

[0046] Since the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for the convenience of explanation, the present application is not necessarily limited to the drawings, and the thickness is exaggerated to clearly show various components and areas.

[0047] Also, in the following detailed description, the names of components include first, second, etc. in order to classify the components in the same relationship, and the order is not necessarily limited in the following description.

[0048] Throughout the specification, when a certain component is described to include a certain constituent element, it means that other constituent elements can also be included, rather than excluding other constituent elements, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0049] Figure 1 A component transport system to which a component transport pallet according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is applied is schematically shown.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1 The component transport pallet 100 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application can be applied to assemble various assembly components 1 (hereinafter, referred to as components for convenience) in a vehicle manufacturing factory, and / or to mount the components 1 to a vehicle body (not shown in the drawings).

[0051] Also, the component transport pallet 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present application can be applied to a process of assembling an electric vehicle battery 3 as a component 1.

[0052] Also, the component transport pallet 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present application can be applied to a component transport system 5 for transporting the electric vehicle battery 3 to a destination 4 as a predetermined assembly process.

[0053] Here, the electric vehicle battery assembly process performed at the destination 4 can be a process for fixing the battery cells installed in the battery case and applying a sealant to the battery cells for sealing.

[0054] However, the scope of the present application should not be construed as being limited to the transport of the electric vehicle battery 3 to the predetermined destination 4 as described above, and if an assembly process of transporting various components to the predetermined destination, the technical idea of the present application can be applied.

[0055] Meanwhile, the component transport system 5 can include a mobile carriage 6A including an autonomous mobile robot (hereinafter, referred to as an AMR) 6 of a technology known in the art, and the component transport tray 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is configured to be picked up by the mobile carriage 6A.

[0056] The AMR 6 is a carriage configured to autonomously travel along a predetermined path at a processing job site, and includes a lifter 7 that can move upward and downward in a vertical direction thereof. The lifter 7 is provided in the form of a square block, and a plurality of lifting pads 8 are provided on the upper surface corners of the lifter 7.

[0057] Further, in a pair of the lifting pads 8 provided in one diagonal direction, a lifting pin 9 is provided along the vertical direction. Here, an upper end portion of the lifting pin 9 can be formed in a tapered shape.

[0058] Alternatively, the mobile carriage 6A as described above is not limited to include the AMR 6, but can include an automated guide vehicle (AGV) or a manual carriage of a known technology.

[0059] Hereinafter, the following constituent elements will be described based on the vertical direction, and the upward portion will be referred to as an upper end portion, an upper portion, an upper end portion, and an upper surface, and the downward portion will be referred to as a lower end portion, a lower portion, a lower end portion, and a lower surface.

[0060] Further, the end portion (one end portion or the other end portion) in the following can be defined as either end portion, and can be defined as a certain portion (one end portion or the other end portion) including the end portion.

[0061] The component transport tray 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application can align or correctly position the components to a predetermined position, move by the AMR 6 along a predetermined path, and transport the components 1 to the destination 4.

[0062] The component transport tray 100 according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present application collectively aligns or correctly positions a plurality of types of components 1 and can be transported to a predetermined destination 4 by the AMR 6.

[0063] Figure 2 is an assembly perspective view exemplarily illustrating a component transport tray according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present application, Figure 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0064] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the component transport tray 100 according to the exemplary embodiments of the present application includes a tray body 10, a plurality of component alignment units 30, and a plurality of component support pads 60.

[0065] In the above, the tray body 10 serves to mount various constituent elements to be described later, and can be formed of one frame, or formed of two or more frames connected to each other.

[0066] Further, the tray body 10 can include various accessory elements, such as brackets, bars, rods, plates, blocks, ribs, etc., for supporting the various constituent elements.

[0067] However, since the accessory elements serve to mount each of the constituent elements to be further described below on the tray body 10, in the exemplary embodiments of the present application, the above-described accessory elements are referred to as the tray body 10 except for exceptional cases.

[0068] The tray body 10 according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present application includes a base plate 11, a plurality of legs 13, and a plurality of positioning pins 15.

[0069] The base plate 11 is formed in the shape of a substantially square plate. The base plate 11 includes an upper side that supports the components 1 and a lower side that supports the lifters 7.

[0070] Further, at least one coupling hole 17 is formed in the base plate 11, the coupling hole being configured to be coupled to the lifters 7 of the AMR 6. The coupling holes 17 can be formed in pairs along diagonal directions inside edge portions of the base plate 11.

[0071] Here, as Figure 4 shown, the coupling holes 17 are engaged with the lift pins 9 of the lifters 7. Further, the lift pads 8 of the lifters 7 support the lower surface of the base plate 11.

[0072] The lifters 7 can support the lower surface of the base plate 11 by the lift pads 8 while moving in the upward direction thereof.

[0073] Further, the lifter 7 is moved in the upward direction, and the tray body 10 can be moved in the upward direction while being coupled to the coupling hole 17 by the lifting pin 9. Further, the lifter 7 can move the tray body 10 in the downward direction while being moved in the downward direction thereof.

[0074] The leg 13 is connected to a corner portion of the lower surface of the base plate 11 in the vertical direction thereof. The positioning pin 15 is fixed to a lower end portion of the leg 13.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 1, the positioning pin 15 is vertically coupled to the positioner 21 provided at the destination 4 as described above. A tapered portion 19 coupled to the positioner 21 is formed in the positioning pin 15 (e.g., an end portion of the positioning pin). The positioner 21 serves to correctly position the tray body 10 at a predetermined position at the destination 4. Figure 5

[0076] The tapered portion 19 is formed in a tapered shape, the cross-sectional diameter of which is gradually reduced from the upper side to the lower side at the lower end portion of the positioning pin 15.

[0077] Meanwhile, the tray body 10 is transported to the destination 4 by the AMR 6 while the lifter 7 thereof is lifted in the upward direction. Further, the tray body 10 is lowered from the destination 4 in the downward direction thereof by the lifter 7.

[0078] When the tray body 10 is lowered as described above, the positioning pin 15 is coupled to the positioner 21 at the destination 4 by the tapered portion 19, and the tray body 10 can be correctly positioned at the predetermined position of the destination 4.

[0079] Here, the tapered portion 19 is inserted into and coupled to a pin coupling groove 23 provided in the positioner 21. In this case, the tapered portion 19 can be coupled to the pin coupling groove 23 while being guided to the pin coupling groove 23 by a tapered-shaped pin guide groove 25 provided in the positioner 21. The pin guide groove 25 is formed in a tapered shape, the cross-sectional diameter of which is gradually reduced from the upper side to the lower side, and is connected to the pin coupling groove 23.

[0080] Meanwhile, a docking groove 29 that can be docked and coupled to the lower end portion of the leg 13 is formed on the upper surface of the positioner 21. For example, the docking groove 29 is formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the leg 13, and is connected to the pin guide groove 25.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 1, the component alignment unit 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application aligns or correctly positions different types of components 1 at predetermined positions of the tray body 10. Figures 1 to 3

[0082] ​​The component alignment units 30 can be respectively provided on the upper corner portions of the substrate 11 in the tray body 10. For example, one pair of component alignment units 30 and another pair of component alignment units 30 can be provided in the diagonal direction of the substrate. The component alignment units 30 can have variable positions in the tray body 10 according to the type of the component 1.

[0083] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a component alignment unit applied to a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, Figure 7 is a combined sectional view schematically showing a component alignment unit applied to a component transport tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0084] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The component alignment unit 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application includes a holder 31, a positioner 33, a position determination pin 35, a position alignment pin 37, and a knob 39, along with the above-described drawings.

[0085] The holder 31 is formed in the form of a circular block, and is coupled to the edge portion of the upper surface of the substrate 11. The holder 31 is engaged to the substrate 11 through the main mounting hole 32 formed in the corner portion of the upper surface of the substrate 11.

[0086] In the holder 31, a support groove 41 is formed at the center, and a plurality of position determination grooves 43 are formed at the edge portion of the support groove 41. For example, three position determination grooves 43 can be formed on the holder 31, and the position determination grooves 43 can be disposed on the holder 31 at intervals of 120 degrees.

[0087] The positioner 33 supports the edge portion of the component 1, and is rotatably installed in the holder 31. Branch portions 45 branching in a plurality of directions are formed in the positioner 33. For example, the positioner 33 can include branch portions 45 branching in three directions corresponding to the position determination grooves 43 of the holder 31.

[0088] The positioner 33 is rotatably coupled to the support groove 41 of the holder 31 through a support rod 47. The support rod 47 is integrally provided on the lower surface of the positioner 33. The support rod 47 is connected to the connection point 34 of the branch portion 45 on the lower surface of the positioner 33 vertically, and is coupled to the support groove 41 of the holder 31 vertically.

[0089] The position determination pin 35 determines the rotational position of the positioner 33 through the support rod 47, and is used to fix the positioner 33 to the holder 31. The position determination pin 35 is singular, and is connected (fixed) to the lower surface of the positioner 33 vertically. The position determination pin 35 is coupled to the position determination groove 43 of the holder 31 vertically.

[0090] The position alignment pins 37 are used to properly position different types of parts 1 on the tray body 10, and are provided in the positioner 33. At least two or more position alignment pins 37 are provided in the positioner 33. The positions of the position alignment pins 37 can be changed by rotation of the positioner 33 according to the type of the parts 1.

[0091] The position alignment pins 37 are coupled with the pin holes 2 provided in the edge portions of the parts 1. The position alignment pins 37 are formed on the upper surfaces of the remaining two branch portions 45 except for one of the three branch portions 45 of the positioner 33 in the vertical direction.

[0092] The knob 39 is a component that holds the positioner 33 to change the positions of the position alignment pins 37, and can be held by a worker or a robot. The knob 39 is fixed to the connection points 34 of the branch portions 45 on the upper side of the positioner 33.

[0093] The above-described part alignment unit 30 is installed on the main installation hole 32 in the base plate 11 of the tray body 10, and according to the type of the parts 1, the part alignment unit 30 can be installed on the backup installation hole 36 at a position close to the main installation hole 32.

[0094] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the part support pad 60 is provided to support the bottom side of the parts 1 aligned in the part alignment unit 30.

[0095] The part support pad 60 is provided on the base plate 11 of the tray body 10. The part support pad 60 supports the lower surface of the parts 1 in a state in which the position alignment pins 37 of the part alignment unit 30 are inserted into the pin holes 2 formed on the edge portions of the parts 1.

[0096] The part support pad 60 is provided on the inner region of the region in which the part alignment unit 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 11. The part support pad 60 is fixed on the upper surface of the base plate 11 to be spaced apart therefrom. In addition, the part support pad 60 can be provided as a circular pad of a rubber material.

[0097] Hereinafter, the operation of the part transport tray 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application formed as described above will be described in detail with reference to the drawings included above.

[0098] First, in the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the AMR 6 is disposed in a predetermined region of a processing job site, and the lifter 7 of the AMR 6 is in a state of moving in the downward direction thereof.

[0099] Further, the component transport tray 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is disposed in a predetermined area. In the predetermined area, a component loading device (not shown in the drawings) grips the component 1 that is the electric vehicle battery 3, and loads the component 1 on the upper surface of the tray body 10.

[0100] On the other hand, the positioner 33 of the component alignment unit 30 is in a rotational state with respect to the holder 31 according to the type of the component 1. That is, the position of the position alignment pin 37 provided in the positioner 33 is in a variable state according to the type of the component 1.

[0101] In the process of changing the position of the position alignment pin 37 in the component alignment unit 30, the worker grips the knob 39 and lifts the positioner 33. Accordingly, the positioner 33 is lifted while being inserted into the support groove 41 of the holder 31 through the support rod 47. Further, the position determination pin 35 provided in the positioner 33 is separated from the position determination groove 43 of the holder 31.

[0102] After this, the worker rotates the positioner 33, changes the position of the position alignment pin 37 to match the type of the component 1, and inserts the positioner 33 into the support groove 41 of the holder 31 through the support rod 47.

[0103] Accordingly, the position determination pin 35 is inserted into the position determination groove 43 at another position. Accordingly, the position determination pin 35 determines the rotational position of the positioner 33, and fixes the positioner 33 to the holder 31.

[0104] Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the position of the position alignment pin 37 can be changed according to the type of the component 1 through the process as described above.

[0105] Here, the position of the position alignment pin 37 in a pair of component alignment units 30 disposed in any one diagonal direction can be varied according to two types of components 1.

[0106] Further, through the above process, the position of the position alignment pin 37 in a pair of component alignment units 30 disposed in the other diagonal direction can be varied according to the other two types of components 1.

[0107] Through this process, in the exemplary embodiment of the present application, it is possible to change the position of the position alignment pin 37 according to four types of components 1. This is possible because the position alignment pin 37 is provided in two branch portions 45 of the branch portions 45 that branch in three directions in the positioner 33, respectively.

[0108] Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11Operation of the component transport pallet for describing the exemplary embodiment according to the present application.

[0109] In Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 , it will be exemplarily shown that four position alignment units 30 are provided in the pallet body 10 of the component transport pallet, and four position alignment units 30-1, 30-2, 30-3 and 30-4 are provided at the corner portions of the pallet body 10.

[0110] Figure 8 a state in which a component of a first type is mounted on the component transport pallet is shown, Figure 9 a state in which a component of a second type is mounted on the component transport pallet is shown, Figure 10 a state in which a component of a third type is mounted on the component transport pallet is shown, Figure 11 a state in which a component of a fourth type is mounted on the component transport pallet is shown.

[0111] With reference to Figure 8 , when a component of the first type 1 is mounted on the component transport pallet, the component alignment units 30 are rotated such that the position alignment pins 37 of a pair of component alignment units 30-1 and 30-3 provided in any one of the diagonal directions of the four component alignment units face the component of the first type 1.

[0112] Further, in a pair of component alignment units 30-2 and 30-4 provided in the other diagonal direction, the component alignment units 30 are rotated such that the branch portions 45 on which the position alignment pins 37 and 37' are not formed face the component of the first type 1.

[0113] As described above, the position alignment pins 37 of a pair of component alignment units 30-1 and 30-3 provided in any one of the diagonal directions are rotated to face the component of the first type 1, and the branch portions 45 on which the position alignment pins 37 and 37' of a pair of component alignment units 30-2 and 30-4 provided in the other diagonal direction are not formed are rotated to face the component of the first type 1, so that the component of the first type 1 can be mounted on the component transport pallet.

[0114] With reference to Figure 9 , when a component of the second type 1 is mounted on the component transport pallet, the position alignment pins 37' of a pair of component alignment units 30-1 and 30-3 provided in any one of the diagonal directions of the four component alignment units 30 face the component of the second type 1 by rotation of the component alignment units 30.

[0115] Further, in the pair of component alignment units 30-2 and 30-4 disposed in the other diagonal direction, the component alignment units 30 are rotated such that the branch portions 45 in which the position alignment pins 37 and 37' of the pair of component alignment units 30-2 and 30-4 disposed in the other diagonal direction are not formed face the second type of component 1.

[0116] As described above, the position alignment pins 37' of the pair of component alignment units 30-1 and 30-3 disposed in any one diagonal direction are rotated to face the second type of component 1, and wherein the branch portions 45 in which the position alignment pins 37 and 37' of the pair of component alignment units 30-2 and 30-4 disposed in the other diagonal direction are not formed are rotated to face the second type of component 1, such that the second type of component 1 can be installed on the component transport pallet.

[0117] Referring to Figure 10 When the fourth type of component 1 is installed on the component transport pallet, the component alignment units 30 are rotated such that the branch portions 45 in which the position alignment pins 37 and 37' of the pair of component alignment units 30-1 and 30-3 disposed in any one diagonal direction of the four component alignment units are not formed face the third type of component 1.

[0118] Further, in the pair of component alignment units 30-2 and 30-4 disposed in the other diagonal direction, the component alignment units 30 are rotated such that the position alignment pins 37 face the third type of component 1.

[0119] As described above, wherein the branch portions 45 in which the position alignment pins 37 and 37' of the pair of component alignment units 30-2 and 30-4 disposed in any one diagonal direction are not formed are rotated to face the third type of component 1, and the position alignment pins 37 are rotated to face the third type of component 1 in the pair of component alignment units 30-2 and 30-4 disposed in the other diagonal direction, such that the third type of component 1 can be installed to the component transport pallet.

[0120] Referring to Figure 11 When the fourth type of component 1 is installed on the component transport pallet, the component alignment units 30 are rotated such that the branch portions 45 in which the position alignment pins 37 and 37' of the pair of component alignment units 30 disposed in any one diagonal direction of the four component alignment units 30-1 and 30-3 are not formed face the fourth type of component 1.

[0121] Further, in the pair of component alignment units 30-2 and 30-4 disposed in the other diagonal direction, the component alignment units 30 are rotated such that the position alignment pins 37' face the fourth type of component 1.

[0122] As described above, in a state in which the position of the position alignment pin 37 is changed according to the type of the component 1 in any one pair of the component alignment units 30-1 and 30-3, the branch portion 45 of the position alignment pin 37 is coupled to the pin hole 2 of the component 1 loaded on the upper surface of the tray body 10.

[0123] On the other hand, another pair of the component alignment units 30 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application can be installed in the spare installation hole 36 in the tray body 10. Accordingly, by the above-described process, the position of the position alignment pin 37 in the other pair of the component alignment units 30 can be changed to accommodate two other types of the components 1.

[0124] As described above, in a state in which the position of the position alignment pin 37 is changed according to the type of the component 1 in any one pair of the component alignment units 30-1 and 30-3, the branch portion 45 of the position alignment pin 37 is coupled to the pin hole 2 of the component 1 loaded on the upper surface of the tray body 10.

[0125] In this case, the component 1 is coupled to the position alignment pin 37 through the pin hole 2, while being supported by the branch portion 45 of the position alignment pin 37 among the branch portions 45 of the positioner 33 in which the position alignment pin 37 is not disposed. In this process, the component support pad 60 supports the lower surface of the component 1.

[0126] Further, when the component 1 is coupled to one pair of the component alignment units 30, the position alignment pin 37 in the other component alignment unit 30 is positioned at a position not interfering with the component 1.

[0127] Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the component 1 can be aligned to a predetermined position of the tray body 10 by the component alignment unit 30, and is positioned correctly.

[0128] In this way, in a state in which the component 1 is positioned correctly on the tray body 10, the AMR 6 autonomously travels along a predetermined path and moves to the lower side of the tray body 10. Thereafter, the AMR 6 moves the lifter 7 upward at a predetermined position below the tray body 10.

[0129] Accordingly, the lifter 7 supports the lower surface of the substrate 11 through the lifting pad 8, and lifts the tray body 10 in its upward direction. In this case, the lifter 7 is coupled to the coupling hole 17 of the substrate 11 through the lifting pin 9, and lifts the tray body 10 in its upward direction.

[0130] Next, the AMR 6 autonomously travels along a predetermined path, and transports the tray body 10 to a predetermined destination 4.

[0131] As described above, in a state in which the tray body 10 is transported to the destination 4 by the AMR 6, the AMR 6 moves the lifter 7 in a downward direction, and moves the tray body 10 in its downward direction.

[0132] Accordingly, the tapered portion 19 of the positioning pin 15 provided in the leg 13 of the tray body 10 is coupled to the pin coupling groove 23 while being guided to the pin coupling groove 23 by the pin guide groove 25 provided in the positioner 21 at the destination 4. In this case, the lower end portion of the leg 13 is stably butted to the butting groove 29 of the positioner 21.

[0133] Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the tray body 10 can be properly positioned at the predetermined position at the destination 4 while the leg 13 and the positioning pin 15 are combined on the positioner 21.

[0134] On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the component 1 that is the electric vehicle battery 3 is assembled at the destination 4, and, in the assembly process, for example, a seal can be applied to the battery cell of the electric vehicle battery 3.

[0135] The component transport tray 100 described so far according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application collectively aligns or properly positions a plurality of types of components 1 through the component alignment unit 30, and can be transported to the predetermined destination 4 by the AMR 6.

[0136] Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment of the present application, since a manufacturing dedicated tray is manufactured when a type of component 1 is added, and a device that aligns or properly positions a plurality of types of components 1 is manufactured, it is possible to secure flexible productivity of a plurality of types of components 1, and it is possible to reduce equipment investment costs.

[0137] Figure 12 An exemplary variation of the tray body applied to the component transport tray according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is illustrated.

[0138] Reference Figure 12 The tray body 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application can further include a caster 70 provided in the lower end portion of the leg 13.

[0139] The caster 70 is a caster of a well-known technology that rotates in a desired direction, and is rotatably provided in the vertical direction on the lower end portion of the leg 13.

[0140] The caster 70 is configured to be foldable on the leg 13 in the vertical direction separately from the positioning pin 15 provided at the lower end portion of the leg 13. That is, the caster 70 can be inclined to rotate in the vertical direction without interfering with the positioning pin 15.

[0141] Accordingly, when the caster 70 is tilted and rotated in the downward direction, the tray body 10 can be manually moved through the caster 70.

[0142] For ease of explanation and to precisely define the accompanying claims, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "front," "rear," "back," "interior," "exterior," "inward," "outward," "inner," "outer," "interior," "exterior," "forward," and "rearward" are used to describe the features of the example embodiments with reference to the positions of features as shown in the drawings. It will also be understood that the term "coupled" or its derivatives refer both to direct and indirect coupling.

[0143] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the application has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The example embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the application and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various example embodiments of the present application, and various alternatives and modifications thereto, apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the scope of the application be defined by the claims appended hereto, properly interpreted in light of the foregoing teaching, and by their equivalents.

Claims

1. A component transport tray that transports components to a predetermined destination by a mobile cart including a lifter configured to move upward and downward in a vertical direction, the component transport tray comprising: a tray body including at least one coupling hole configured to be coupled with the lifter; and a plurality of component alignment units having at least two position alignment pins that correctly position different types of components on the tray body and are disposed on the tray body to change positions of the at least two position alignment pins according to types of the components; wherein the tray body includes: a base plate that supports the components; a plurality of legs disposed in the base plate; and a positioning pin disposed at a lower end portion of each of the legs; and wherein the positioning pin is coupled to a positioner disposed at the predetermined destination in a vertical direction. A lifting pin disposed in the lifter is coupled to the at least one coupling hole.

2. The component transport tray of claim 1, wherein, 3.The component transport tray of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of component support pads disposed in the tray body. The positioning pin includes a tapered portion at a lower end portion of the positioning pin.

4. The component transport tray of claim 1, wherein, The tapered portion is coupled to a pin coupling groove disposed in the positioner and is guided to the pin coupling groove through a pin guide groove formed in the positioner.

5. The component transport tray of claim 4, wherein, The pin guide groove is tapered in shape.

6. The component transport tray of claim 5, wherein, The leg is configured to be docked to a docking groove formed in the positioner.

7. The component transport tray of claim 1, wherein, Each component alignment unit includes:

8. The component transport tray of claim 1, wherein, a holder coupled to the tray body; a positioner including a branched portion branched in a plurality of directions and rotatably coupled to the holder; and a position determination pin fixed to the positioner of the component alignment unit and coupled to the holder. Each component alignment unit further includes a knob disposed at a connection point of the branched portion in the positioner of the component alignment unit.

9. The component transport tray of claim 8, wherein, The position alignment pins are disposed in the remaining branched portions among the branched portions in the positioner except for the branched portion to which the position determination pin is coupled.

10. The component transport tray of claim 8, wherein, 11.The component transport tray of claim 8, position determination grooves corresponding to the branched portions, respectively, are formed in the holder, and wherein wherein the position determination pin is configured to fit into one of the position determination grooves. 12.The component transport tray of claim 8, the component alignment unit further includes a support bar integrally disposed in the positioner of the component alignment unit, and wherein, wherein the support bar is rotatably coupled to a support groove formed in the holder. The tray body includes a main mounting hole for mounting the component alignment unit in the main mounting hole.

13. The component transport tray of claim 1, wherein, The tray body further includes a backup mounting hole at a position adjacent to the main mounting hole for mounting the component alignment unit in the backup mounting hole.

14. The component transport tray of claim 13, wherein, The tray body further includes a caster pivotally connected to a lower end portion of each leg.

15. The component transport tray of claim 1, wherein, ​

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