Component assembling fixture and component assembling support device

Abstract

To allow a user to determine during assembly whether or not a plurality of components are properly assembled to a tabular body having projections.SOLUTION: A component assembling fixture is used for assembling a plurality of assembly components to a tabular body having a plurality of projections projected to a predetermined surface direction so as to penetrate the tabular body at respective positions of the plurality of projections. The component assembling fixture includes a plurality of tabular body support parts for supporting the tubular body, and an assembly determination unit that determines whether or not the plurality of assembly components have been properly assembled to the tabular body. The plurality of tabular body support parts are each provided with a hollow part for storing the projection, and each include an assembly component detector for detecting the assembly component in an inside of the hollow part, and an opening end surface of the hollow part is abutted on the tabular body. The assembly determination unit makes the determination on the basis of a detection state of the assembly component detector of the plurality of tabular body support parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a part assembly jig used when assembling parts onto a plate-like body. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the development of CAD (Computer Aided Design) technology, plate-like components (plate-like components) with complex shapes have come to be used more frequently. In particular, in transportation machinery such as automobiles, there is a growing demand to optimize the shapes of individual parts in order to improve energy efficiency, and plate-like components with complex shapes have come to be used more frequently.

[0003] Furthermore, when various plate-like members are attached to a structure such as a chassis, cushioning members such as rubber bushings are attached to the locations where fastening parts such as bolts are attached in order to suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to vibration, etc. When cushioning members are attached in this way, even if the plate-like member itself has a flat shape, the overall plate-like structure (plate-like body) to which the cushioning members are attached will have parts (protruding portions) that protrude from the plate-like member, making the shape complex.

[0004] Typically, when a plate-like body is attached to a structure, fastening parts are assembled to the plate-like body in advance. After the process of assembling the fastening parts (assembly process), an inspection process is performed to determine whether the fastening parts have been properly assembled. However, when the plate-like body has a complex shape, such as when a plate-like member with a complex shape is used or when the plate-like body has a protrusion, it is not necessarily easy to determine whether the fastening parts have been properly assembled. Therefore, whether the fastening parts have been properly assembled to a plate-like body with a complex shape is determined using, for example, a laser displacement sensor (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0005] However, when multiple fastening parts are to be assembled to a plate-like body, there is a risk of nonconformity, such as missing fastening parts. Although such nonconformity can be corrected in the assembly process, if the assembly is determined to be improper in the inspection process, the assembly process and inspection process will be performed again, resulting in an increase in turnaround time. In order to prevent such an increase in turnaround time, it is desirable to determine whether the multiple fastening parts are properly assembled to the plate-like body in the assembly process. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Kaizen Case Studies", Keyence Corporation, 2000, p.5 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the assembling process, it is difficult to determine whether or not multiple fastening parts have been properly assembled to a plate-like body using the method described in Non-Patent Document 1. This problem is common not only to the case where multiple fastening parts are assembled to a plate-like body, but also to the process of assembling multiple parts to a plate-like body having a protruding portion so as to penetrate the plate-like body.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and makes it possible to determine whether or not multiple parts have been properly assembled on a plate-like body having protrusions when assembling the parts on the plate-like body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve at least part of the above objects, the present invention can be realized in the following forms or application examples.

[0010] [Application example 1] a component assembly jig for assembling a plurality of components to be assembled onto a plate-like body having a plurality of protruding portions protruding in a predetermined surface direction, so that the components penetrate the plate-like body in the predetermined surface direction at the positions of each of the plurality of protruding portions; the component assembly jig comprising: a plurality of plate-like body support portions for supporting the plate-like body; and an assembly determination portion for determining whether the plurality of components to be assembled have been assembled onto the plate-like body properly, wherein each of the plurality of plate-like body support portions is provided with a hollow portion for accommodating the protruding portions, and has an assembly component detector inside the hollow portion that detects the components to be assembled, the open end face of the hollow portion being configured to abut against the plate-like body, and the assembly determination portion makes the determination based on the detection states of the assembly component detectors of the plurality of plate-like body support portions.

[0011] By using the part assembly jig of this application example, when assembling a plurality of parts to be assembled onto a plate-like body, it can be determined whether the plurality of parts to be assembled have been properly assembled onto the plate-like body.

[0012] [Application example 2] The component assembly jig according to Application Example 1 further includes a plate-shaped object detection unit that detects the plate-shaped object when the plate-shaped object is placed in contact with the open end faces of the plurality of plate-shaped object support units, and the assembly determination unit further performs the determination based on a detection state of the plate-shaped object detection unit.

[0013] According to this application example, by appropriately setting the shape and arrangement of the plate-shaped object detector, it is possible to prevent improper plate-shaped objects that have a different shape from proper plate-shaped objects from being attached to the component assembly jig, or to prevent the plate-shaped object from being detected when attached to the component assembly jig. Therefore, even if an improper plate-shaped object is mistakenly mixed in, it is possible to prevent the improper plate-shaped object from being determined to be proper and being sent to the next process.

[0014] [Application example 3] The component assembly jig according to Application Example 1 or 2, further comprising a determination result indicator whose lighting state is set according to the result of the determination.

[0015] According to this application example, it is possible to check whether the part to be assembled has been properly assembled on the plate-shaped body based on the lighting state of the determination result indicator lamp.

[0016] [Application example 4] The component assembly jig according to Application Example 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of plate-like body support portions each have an assembly status indicator light whose lighting state is set in accordance with the detection state of the component detector.

[0017] According to this application example, the location where the part to be assembled can be ascertained based on the lighting state of the assembly state display, etc., so that when there are a large number of parts to be assembled, the parts can be assembled more quickly.

[0018] [Application example 5] a camera that photographs the plate-like body that is placed in contact with the open end faces of the plurality of plate-like body support parts; and a plate-like body determination unit that is configured to determine whether the plate-like body is appropriate based on the image photographed by the camera, wherein the component assembly support device determines whether the plurality of components to be assembled onto the plate-like body has been appropriately assembled based on the determination results by the assembly determination unit and the determination results by the plate-like body determination unit.

[0019] According to this application example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of non-conforming products caused by the plate-like body at the stage of assembling the assembly parts to the plate-like body.

[0020] The present invention can be realized in various forms, such as a component assembly jig, a component assembly support device using the component assembly jig, and an assembly method for assembling a component to be assembled onto a plate-like body using the jig or device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the appearance of the component assembly jig; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a plate-shaped body to which a part to be assembled is assembled using a part assembly jig. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the external appearance of the component assembly jig and the plate-shaped body in a state where the plate-shaped body is attached to the component assembly jig. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing the appearance of the part assembling jig, the plate-like body, and the parts to be attached in a state where three parts to be attached are attached to the plate-like body. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how a part is assembled onto a plate-like body using a part assembly jig. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a part assembly support device that uses a part assembly jig. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image captured by a camera. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. A. First embodiment: B. Second embodiment: C. Variations:

[0023] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a component assembly jig 10 according to a first embodiment. This component assembly jig 10 is used to assemble predetermined components (hereinafter also referred to as "components to be assembled") onto a substantially plate-shaped plate. The configurations of the plate and the components to be assembled, as well as the manner of use and operation of the component assembly jig 10 when assembling the components to be assembled onto the plate, will be described later. In FIG. 1 and other drawings, the X and Y directions represent two horizontal directions that are orthogonal to each other, and the Z direction represents the vertically upward direction. Therefore, hereinafter, the +Z direction will be referred to as "upward" or simply "up," and the -Z direction will be referred to as "downward" or simply "down."

[0024] 1, the component assembly jig 10 includes a base plate 11, and three plate-like body support units 100, 200, and 300, each fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 11, a plate-like body detection unit 400, a determination display unit 500, and a battery box 600. Note that the determination display unit 500 is connected to each of the three plate-like body support units 100, 200, and 300, the plate-like body detection unit 400, and the battery box 600 via wiring, but these wiring is not shown in FIG. 1 and other drawings.

[0025] As will be described in detail later, the three plate-like body support parts 100, 200, and 300 are configured to support a plate-like body by abutting against the plate-like body to which an assembly component is to be assembled. These plate-like body support parts 100, 200, and 300 have the same configuration. Therefore, the last two digits of the reference numerals attached to similar parts in the plate-like body support parts 100, 200, and 300 are the same, and the following description will use one of the plate-like body support parts 100, 200, and 300, and description of the other plate-like body support parts will be omitted.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the plate-shaped body support part 100 has a base part 110 attached to the upper surface of the base plate 11, an abutment part 120 attached to the upper side of the base part 110 and abutting against the plate-shaped body, a limit switch 130, and an LED lamp 140 as an indicator light.

[0027] The pedestal 110 is a member whose cross-section (outer peripheral shape) in a horizontal plane (XY plane) is convex, and is composed of a flat bottom plate 111 provided on its lower end side, and a hollow cylindrical portion 112 extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom plate 111. The bottom plate 111 is provided with a through-hole (not shown) that penetrates in the up-down direction, and the pedestal 110 is attached to the base plate 11 by a screw that passes through the through-hole. The lower end of the pedestal 110 is also provided with an opening 119 that opens in the -Y direction.

[0028] The abutting portion 120 is composed of a flat flange portion 121 whose outer shape is the same as the outer peripheral shape of the base portion 110 and a substantially cylindrical tubular portion 122 arranged above the flange portion 121. The flange portion 121 constituting the abutting portion 120 is provided with a through-hole (not shown) that penetrates in the vertical direction, and the abutting portion 120 is attached to the base portion 110 by a screw that passes through the through-hole.

[0029] The cylindrical portion 122 is provided with a through-hole 128 that penetrates from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 122 to the inner hollow portion 129, and the limit switch 130 is arranged to extend from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 122 to the hollow portion 129 through the through-hole 128. In addition, below the end of the limit switch 130 in the -Y direction, the flange portion 121 is provided with a through-hole (not shown) that penetrates in the vertical direction, and wiring connected to the limit switch 130 is introduced into the base portion 110 through the through-hole.

[0030] Furthermore, in the convex flange 121, a protruding portion located at the end in the −X direction is provided with a through-hole (not shown) that penetrates in the vertical direction and corresponds to the position of the lead wire of the LED lamp 140. The lead wire of the LED lamp 140 is introduced into the base 110 through this through-hole and connected to the wiring.

[0031] In this way, the wiring connected to the limit switch 130 introduced inside the base portion 110 and the wiring connected to the lead wire of the LED lamp 140 inside the base portion 110 are taken out to the outside of the base portion 110 (plate-shaped body support portion 100) through the opening 119 provided at the lower end of the base portion 110.

[0032] The plate-like object detection unit 400 has a base unit 410 attached to the upper surface of the base plate 11, and a sensor unit 420 attached to the upper side of the base unit 410 and having a sensor for detecting a plate-like object.

[0033] The pedestal 410 is a member having a rectangular outer peripheral shape, and is composed of a flat bottom plate 411 provided on the lower end side thereof, and a hollow cylindrical portion 412 extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom plate 411. The bottom plate 411 is provided with a through-hole (not shown) that penetrates in the up-down direction, and the pedestal 410 is attached to the base plate 11 by a screw that passes through the through-hole. The lower end of the pedestal 410 is also provided with an opening 419 that opens in the -Y direction.

[0034] Sensor unit 420 is composed of flange portion 421 in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and columnar portion 422 in the shape of a square pillar arranged above flange portion 421. Flange portion 421 constituting sensor unit 420 is provided with a through-hole (not shown) that penetrates in the up-down direction, and sensor unit 420 is attached to base portion 410 by a screw that passes through the through-hole.

[0035] A sensor hole 429 is provided near the center of the columnar portion 422, and a reflective photoelectric sensor (reflective sensor) (not shown) is disposed at the bottom of the sensor hole 429. The reflective sensor detects an object by emitting light and detecting the light that is reflected by the object and enters the sensor hole 429. In the first embodiment, providing the reflective sensor at the bottom of the sensor hole 429 can suppress false detections that occur when external light enters the reflective sensor.

[0036] The wiring connected to the reflection sensor is introduced into the inside of the base part 410 through a through-hole (not shown) that penetrates downward from the bottom of the sensor hole 429. Then, the wiring introduced into the inside of the base part 410 is taken out to the outside of the base part 410 (plate-shaped object detection part 400) through the opening part 419.

[0037] In the example of Figure 1, the upper end surface of the columnar portion 422 is inclined so that the +Y side faces upward (+Z direction), but generally, the inclination direction of the upper end surface of the columnar portion is set to match the inclination direction of the lower surface of the plate-like body placed at the top of the component assembly jig 10 at the position of the plate-like body detection unit.

[0038] The determination display unit 500 has a housing 501, an LED lamp 502 arranged on the top surface of the housing 501, and a character section 503 indicating the "determination result" and "OK." Inside the housing 501 is arranged a microcomputer (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and an input / output interface. This microcomputer is driven by power from a battery box 600.

[0039] The input / output interface of the microcomputer is connected to the limit switches 130, 230, 330 and LED lamps 140, 240, 340 of the three plate-shaped object support parts 100, 200, 300, respectively, the reflection sensor of the plate-shaped object detection part 400, and the LED lamp 502 of the determination display part 500.

[0040] 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of a plate-shaped body 900 to which components are assembled using the component assembly jig 10 (FIG. 1). Fig. 2A is an external perspective view showing the shape of a plate-shaped member 950 that constitutes the plate-shaped body 900, and Fig. 2B is an external perspective view showing the overall configuration of the plate-shaped body 900.

[0041] 2(a), plate-like member 950 constituting plate-like body 900 is a plate-like member curved in the Y direction. Further, through-holes 959 and 958 penetrating substantially in the vertical direction (Z direction) are provided at the -X direction end and the +X direction end of the +Y direction end of plate-like member 950, respectively. Furthermore, a through-hole 957 penetrating substantially in the vertical direction is also provided at the -X direction end of the -Y direction end of plate-like member 950.

[0042] 2(b), rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 are attached to the three through holes 959, 958, 957 formed in the plate-like member 950, respectively. The rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 each have a first large diameter portion 911, 921, 931 and a second large diameter portion 912, 922, 932, each having a large outer diameter, and small diameter portions (not shown) disposed therebetween and having a thickness and outer diameter set to be approximately the same as the thickness of the plate-like member 950 and the inner diameters of the through holes 959, 958, 957.

[0043] Therefore, in the plate-like body 900 in which the rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 are attached to the plate-like member 950, the first large diameter portions 911, 921, 931 of the rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 protrude downward from the plate-like member 950, and the second large diameter portions 912, 922, 932 protrude upward from the plate-like member 950. Note that, since the first large diameter portions 911, 921, 931 of the rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 protrude downward from the plate-like member 950 in this way, they can also be referred to as protruding portions 911, 921, 931 protruding downward from the bottom surface, respectively.

[0044] Furthermore, center holes 919, 929, and 939 are respectively formed in rubber bushings 910, 920, and 930 attached to through holes 959, 958, and 957 of plate-like member 950. Therefore, plate-like body 900 is provided with through holes (i.e., center holes 919, 929, and 939) that penetrate substantially in the vertical direction.

[0045] 3 is an external perspective view showing the appearance of the component assembly jig 10 and the plate-shaped body 900 in a state in which the plate-shaped body 900 is attached to the component assembly jig 10. When the plate-shaped body 900 is attached to the component assembly jig 10, large diameter portions 911, 921, 931 (FIG. 2) on the lower surfaces of the rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 attached to the plate-shaped body 900 are housed in hollow portions 129, 229, 329 (FIG. 1) provided in the cylindrical portions 122, 222, 322 of the corresponding plate-shaped body supports 100, 200, 300, respectively.

[0046] In this way, the large diameter portions 911, 921, 931 of the rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 are fitted into the hollow portions 129, 229, 329 of the plate-shaped body support portions 100, 200, 300, and in order to ensure that the plate-shaped body 900 is stably held in the component assembly jig 10, the inner diameters of the hollow portions 129, 229, 329 are set to be the same as or slightly larger than the large diameter portions 911, 921, 931 of the rubber bushings 910, 920, 930.

[0047] 3, when the plate-shaped body 900 is attached to the component assembling jig 10, the plate-shaped member 950 of the plate-shaped body 900 is close to the sensor unit 420 (FIG. 1) of the plate-shaped body detection unit 400. Therefore, when the plate-shaped body 900 is attached to the component assembling jig 10, light emitted from the reflective sensor is reflected by the plate-shaped member 950 and enters the reflective sensor provided in the sensor unit 420. Therefore, by detecting whether or not reflected light is incident on the reflective sensor provided in the plate-shaped body detection unit 400, the component assembling jig 10 can detect whether or not the plate-shaped body 900 has been attached.

[0048] 4 is an external perspective view showing the appearance of the component assembly jig 10, plate-shaped body 900, and components 810, 820, and 830 to be assembled when the components 810, 820, and 830 are assembled to the plate-shaped body 900. In the example of FIG. 4, bolts 811, 821, and 831 and washers 812, 822, and 823 threaded through the bolts 811, 821, and 831 are assembled to the plate-shaped body 900 as the components 810, 820, and 830 to be assembled, respectively.

[0049] The assembly parts 810, 820, 830 are assembled to the plate-like body 900 so that the threaded portions of the respective bolts 811, 821, 831 pass downward through central holes 919, 929, 939 (FIG. 3) provided in the rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 of the plate-like body 900.

[0050] In addition, the inner diameters of the center holes 919, 929, 939 of the rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 are set slightly smaller than the outer diameters of the bolts 811, 821, 831 so as to prevent the assembly parts 810, 820, 830 from falling off the plate-like body 900 after the assembly parts 810, 820, 830 are assembled to the plate-like body 900.

[0051] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing how a part to be assembled 820 is assembled to a plate-like body 900 using the part assembly jig 10 (FIG. 1). Figures 5A to 5C are partial cross-sectional views of the vicinity of the plate-like body support part 200 at the cross section A shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, respectively.

[0052] As described above, in the plate-like body support part 200, the limit switch 230 is arranged so as to extend from the outer periphery side of the cylindrical part 222 to the hollow part 229 through the through-hole 228 that penetrates from the outer periphery side of the cylindrical part 222 to the hollow part 229. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the plunger 231 of the limit switch 230 is arranged approximately in the center of the hollow part 229.

[0053] 5(a), when no load is applied to the plunger 231 and the plunger 231 is not pushed in, the limit switch 230 is in the OFF state. Then, the determination display unit 500 (FIG. 1) to which the limit switch 230 is connected determines that the assembly part 820 is not assembled, and the LED lamp 240 of the plate-shaped body support unit 200 and the LED lamp 502 of the determination display unit 500 are turned off.

[0054] 5(b), in a state where the plate-shaped body 900 is attached to the component assembly jig 10, as described above, the lower large diameter portion 921 of the rubber bushing 920 attached to the plate-shaped body 900 is housed in the hollow portion 229. This prevents the plate-shaped body 900 from moving significantly in the X and Y directions relative to the base plate 11.

[0055] Furthermore, the lower surface of the plate-like member 950 of the plate-like body 900 abuts against the upper end surface (open end surface of the hollow portion 229) of the tubular portion 222 of the plate-like body support portion 200. This restricts movement of the plate-like body 900 in the −Z direction (downward) relative to the base plate 11, and prevents the plate-like body 900 from rattling.

[0056] In this way, movement and rattle of the plate-like body 900 relative to the base plate 11 are suppressed, so that the plate-like member 950 constituting the plate-like body 900 is curved as shown in Fig. 2, and even if a protruding portion such as the large-diameter portion 921 of the rubber bushing 920 is present below the plate-like body 900, the plate-like body 900 is stably held in the component assembly jig 10 (Fig. 1). Therefore, by using the component assembly jig 10, it is possible to insert the threaded portion of the bolt 821 into the center hole 929 of the rubber bushing 920, and to assemble the component 820 to the plate-like body 900 more easily.

[0057] 5(b), when the plate-shaped body 900 is attached to the component assembly jig 10, as described above, reflected light from the plate-shaped body 900 (plate-shaped member 950) is incident on the reflection sensor of the plate-shaped body detection unit 400 (FIG. 1). Therefore, the determination display unit 500 to which the reflection sensor is connected determines that the plate-shaped body 900 has been attached to the component assembly jig 10.

[0058] 5(c), when the assembly part 820 is properly assembled to the plate-shaped body 900 and the washer 822 is sandwiched between the rubber bushing 920 and the head of the bolt 821, the tip of the bolt 821 (the tip of the assembly part 820) pushes in the plunger 231 of the limit switch 230. This switches the limit switch 230 from an OFF state to an ON state.

[0059] When the limit switch 230 is switched to the on state, the judgment display unit 500 (FIG. 1) to which the limit switch 230 is connected judges that the part to be assembled 820 has been properly assembled, and the LED lamp 240 of the plate-shaped body support unit 200 turns on. In this way, when the LED lamp 240 turns on, it can be confirmed that the assembly of the part to be assembled 820 has been completed at the position of the plate-shaped body support unit 200.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the LED lamp 240 is lit when the limit switch 230 is turned on, but generally, the lighting state may be set according to the on / off state of the limit switch 230, i.e., the state of the parts to be assembled detected by the limit switch 230. For example, the LED lamp 240 may be turned off when the limit switch 230 is turned on. In this case, the parts that require the installation of parts to be assembled can be confirmed by the lit LED lamp, so that when there are a large number of parts to be assembled, the parts to be assembled can be assembled more quickly.

[0061] In this way, by providing the LED lamp 240 on the contact portion 220 (plate-shaped body support portion 200), the work of assembling the assembly parts to the plate-shaped body becomes easier, but it is also possible to omit the LED lamp.

[0062] As described above, when the judgment display unit 500 judges that the plate-shaped body 900 is attached to the component assembly jig 10 and the other limit switches 130, 330 are turned on, the judgment display unit 500 judges that all of the assembly components 810, 820, 830 (Figure 4) have been properly assembled to the plate-shaped body 900, and the LED lamp 502 of the judgment display unit 500 turns on.

[0063] As can be seen from Figure 5(c), the dimensions of each part, such as the height (length in the Z direction) of the cylindrical part 222 of the abutment part 220, the thickness of the flange part 221, and the height of the base part 210, are set appropriately depending on the shapes of the limit switch 230, the rubber bushing 920, and the assembly part 820, and the thickness of the plate-like member 950.

[0064] In this way, the component assembly jig 10 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment makes it easier to assemble the components 810, 820, and 830 (FIG. 4) to the plate-like body 900, and also makes it possible to check whether the components 810, 820, and 830 have been properly assembled to the plate-like body 900 by checking the lighting state of the LED lamp 502 of the judgment display unit 500.

[0065] Then, in the process of assembling the parts to be attached 810, 820, and 830 to the plate-like body 900 (assembly process), it is possible to check whether the parts to be attached 810, 820, and 830 have been properly assembled to the plate-like body 900. Therefore, the process of determining whether the parts to be attached 810, 820, and 830 have been properly assembled to the plate-like body 900 (inspection process) after the assembling process can be omitted, thereby simplifying the entire process.

[0066] Furthermore, although an assembly omission of an assembly part or the like can be corrected in the assembly process, if the assembly is determined to be improper in the inspection process, the assembly process and the inspection process will have to be carried out again, which will result in an increase in turnaround time. However, according to the first embodiment, the occurrence of problems that can be corrected in the assembly process is suppressed in the assembly process, making it possible to shorten the turnaround time.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the determination display unit 500 is provided with an LED lamp 502, and the lighting state of the LED lamp 502 is set to indicate whether or not the parts to be attached 810, 820, and 830 have been properly attached to the plate-like body 900. However, a sounding device such as a buzzer may be provided to issue an audible notification when it is determined that all of the parts to be attached 810, 820, and 830 have been properly attached to the plate-like body 900. In this case, the LED lamp 502 may be omitted. However, in cases where the work of assembling parts to be attached is performed using multiple part assembly jigs at one location, it is preferable to set the lighting state of the indicator lamp according to the determination result, as in the first embodiment, because this makes it possible to recognize which part assembly jig has been determined to be proper.

[0068] Furthermore, the judgment result may be sent to an external device without displaying the result using the LED lamp 502 or notifying the user with a buzzer or the like. For example, instead of the judgment display unit 500, an assembly judgment unit may be provided that judges whether all of the parts to be assembled 810, 820, and 830 have been properly assembled on the plate-like body 900, and the judgment result may be sent to a control device or the like of a production line. Note that the judgment display unit 500 has the function of judging whether all of the parts to be assembled 810, 820, and 830 have been properly assembled on the plate-like body 900, and therefore the judgment display unit 500 can be interpreted as including an assembly judgment unit.

[0069] B. Second embodiment: Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a component assembly support device 1a that uses a component assembly jig 10a. As shown in Fig. 6, the component assembly support device 1a is made up of a component assembly jig 10a, a camera 710a, and a computer 720a.

[0070] The component assembly jig 10a used in the second embodiment differs from the component assembly jig 10 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment in that the battery box 600 is omitted, the determination display unit 500a is positioned closer to the +X direction, and the determination display unit 500a is connected to a computer 720a. Other points are the same as those of the component assembly jig 10 of the first embodiment, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0071] In the example shown in FIG. 6, a plate-shaped member 900a is attached to the component assembly jig 10a, with a part number sticker 951a bearing the part number "123-456" affixed to the plate-shaped member 950a. Note that this plate-shaped member 900a differs from the plate-shaped member 900 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 2 to 4) in that the part number sticker 951a is affixed to the plate-shaped member 950a. Since the other points are the same as the plate-shaped member 900 of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted here. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the part number sticker 951a bearing the part number is affixed to the plate-shaped member 950a, but the part number may be engraved on the plate-shaped member.

[0072] Camera 710a is placed above plate 900a and captures an image of the area including plate 900a, and then captures the image of plate 900a and sends the captured image to computer 720a.

[0073] The computer 720a analyzes the image sent from the camera 710a and determines whether the plate-like object 900a attached to the component assembly jig 10a is appropriate. The determination of the appropriateness of the plate-like object attached to the component assembly jig 10a can be achieved by various well-known methods. In this way, the function of analyzing the image and determining the appropriateness of the plate-like object is achieved by the computer 720a, so it can also be said that the computer 720a has a plate-like object determination unit that determines the appropriateness of the plate-like object based on the image.

[0074] For example, machine learning can be performed using an image of when the appropriate plate-shaped body 900a is attached, and the appropriateness of the plate-shaped body can be determined using the learning data generated by the machine learning. Furthermore, during machine learning, it is also possible to generate learning data for determining the appropriateness of the plate-shaped body by using images of when an inappropriate plate-shaped body is attached in addition to images of when the appropriate plate-shaped body 900a is attached.

[0075] Furthermore, instead of relying on machine learning, a conventional method can be used in which feature points are extracted from an image and the appropriateness of a plate body is determined based on the extracted feature points and reference feature points. Furthermore, feature points can be extracted by machine learning, and the appropriateness of a plate body can be determined based on the extracted feature points and reference feature points. For example, the product number written on the product number label can be recognized using machine learning, and the recognized product number can be compared with the product number of an appropriate plate body 900a to determine the appropriateness of the plate body.

[0076] In this way, after the computer 720a determines whether the plate-like body attached to the component assembly jig 10a is appropriate or not, the determination result is sent from the computer 720a to the determination display unit 500a. The determination display unit 500a determines whether the plate-like body is appropriate or not based on the determination result sent from the computer 720a, the on / off states of the limit switches 130, 230, 330 (FIG. 1) provided on the plate-like body support units 100, 200, 300, and the state of reflected light incident on the reflection sensor provided in the plate-like body detection unit 400, and displays the determination result.

[0077] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of images IMa and IMb captured by camera 710a (Fig. 6). Fig. 7(a) shows image IMa captured when parts to be attached 810, 820, and 830 are properly assembled to a proper plate-like body 900a, as shown in Fig. 6, and Fig. 7(b) shows image IMb captured when parts to be attached are assembled to an inappropriate plate-like body.

[0078] 7(a), an image IMa captured when the parts 810, 820, and 830 are properly assembled to the plate-shaped body 900a (FIG. 6) includes an image IP1a representing the plate-shaped body 900a. Inside the image IP1a, an image IP2a corresponding to the product number label 951a attached to the plate-shaped body 900a (plate-shaped member 950a) is included.

[0079] Computer 720a (FIG. 6) analyzes image IMa captured in this way and recognizes the plate-shaped object's product number "123-456" from image IP2a of product number label 951a. The recognized product number "123-456" is then compared with the product number "123-456" of the appropriate plate-shaped object 900a. Because these product numbers are the same, the plate-shaped object is determined to be appropriate, and the determination result is sent to determination display unit 500a.

[0080] In the example of Figure 6, the assembly parts 810, 820, and 830 are properly assembled to the plate-shaped body 900a, so the on / off states of the limit switches 130, 230, and 330 (Figure 1) of the plate-shaped body support parts 100, 200, and 300 and the state of reflected light incident on the reflection sensor of the plate-shaped body detection part 400 are in states (on state and incident state) that indicate that the assembly parts 810, 820, and 830 are properly assembled.

[0081] Then, the judgment display unit 500a judges that the assembly parts 810, 820, 830 have been properly assembled to the proper plate-like body 900a based on the on / off state (on state) of the limit switches 130, 230, 330, the incident state (incident state) of the reflected light to the reflective sensor of the plate-like body detection unit 400, and the product number judgment result in the computer 720a, and turns on the LED lamp 502.

[0082] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7(b), image IMb taken when assembly parts 810, 820, and 830 (Figure 6) are assembled to an improper plate-like body includes image IM1b of a plate-like body with a different shape, including image IP2b of a product number sticker with product number "123-789" written on it, which is different from the product number on the correct plate-like body 900a.

[0083] Therefore, computer 720a (Figure 6) determines that the product number "123-789" recognized from image IP2b of the product number sticker is not the appropriate product number "123-456" of plate-shaped body 900a, and sends the determination result that the plate-shaped body is inappropriate to determination display unit 500a.

[0084] Then, the judgment display unit 500a judges that the assembly of the parts 810, 820, 830 to be assembled is proper based on the on / off state (on state) of the limit switches 130, 230, 330 and the incident state (incident state) of the reflected light to the reflective sensor of the plate-shaped body detection unit 400, but based on the judgment result of the computer 720a that the plate-shaped body is improper, it judges that the parts 810, 820, 830 to be assembled are not properly assembled to the proper plate-shaped body 900a and keeps the LED lamp 502 in an off state.

[0085] As described above, according to the second embodiment, if the plate-shaped body to which the parts to be assembled 810, 820, and 830 are to be assembled is inappropriate, it is possible to determine that the assembly is inappropriate even when all of the parts to be assembled 810, 820, and 830 have been assembled. Therefore, even if an inappropriate plate-shaped body is mistakenly mixed in, it is possible to prevent the inappropriate plate-shaped body from being judged as appropriate and sent to the next process.

[0086] In the above explanation using Figure 7, the part number on the part number sticker attached to the plate is recognized and the recognized part number is compared with the correct part number. However, the shape of the plate may also be compared with the correct shape of plate 900a (Figure 6). Furthermore, in addition to the part number and shape of the plate, defects such as scratches and chips on the plate may be detected, and defective plates may not be used. In this way, the occurrence of non-conforming products due to the plate can be reduced at the stage of assembling parts to the plate.

[0087] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, image analysis is performed by the computer 720a, but it is also possible to implement the image analysis function of the computer 720a in the camera and omit the computer 720a.

[0088] C. Variations: The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0089] C1. Variation 1: In the above embodiment, bolts 811, 821, and 831 are attached to plate-like bodies 900 and 900a through washers 812, 822, and 823 as attachment parts 810, 820, and 830, respectively, so as to penetrate the plate-like bodies 900 and 900a. However, the present invention can be applied to various components that can be attached to plate-like bodies so as to penetrate the plate-like body. For example, the present invention can also be applied to cases where fastening parts such as bolts, rivets, and push-in fasteners, or sensor heads of various sensors, are attached to plate-like bodies as attachment parts.

[0090] C2. Variation 2: In each of the above embodiments, three parts to be attached 810, 820, and 830 are attached to the plate-like bodies 900 and 900a, but the number of parts to be attached to the plate-like bodies can be any number equal to or greater than 2. In this case, the part assembling jig is provided with the same number of plate-like body support parts as the number of parts to be attached.

[0091] C3. Variation 3: In the above embodiments, the plate-like members 950, 950a (FIG. 2) constituting the plate-like bodies 900, 900a are curved in the Y direction, but the plate-like members may be flat or curved in a different manner.

[0092] Furthermore, the plate-like members 950, 950a have regions in which through holes 959, 958, 957 for attaching the rubber bushings 910, 920, 930 are provided that are substantially parallel to one another. Therefore, the mounting members 810, 820, 830 are assembled so as to penetrate downward (toward the lower surface) of the plate-like members 950, 950a (plate-like bodies 900, 900a), but generally, the mounting members are assembled so as to penetrate toward one surface of the plate-like body.

[0093] C4. Variation 4: In the above embodiments, the plate-like bodies 900, 900a to which the parts to be assembled are attached are composed of plate-like members 950, 950a and rubber bushings 910, 920, 930. However, the plate-like bodies can take various forms as long as they are plate-shaped, have a plurality of protruding portions protruding in one surface direction, and allow the parts to be inserted in the surface direction at the positions of the protruding portions. However, the plate-like body can take various forms as long as it is plate-shaped, has a plurality of protruding portions protruding in one surface direction, and the assembly parts can be passed through the protruding portions in the surface direction at the positions of the protruding portions.

[0094] The present invention can be applied to a plate-like body to which various components having holes for passing through the assembly parts are attached, such as a bushing made of a material other than rubber instead of a rubber bushing, a collar made of metal or resin, etc. The present invention can also be applied to a plate-like body made of a single plate material that is molded so as to protrude in one direction at a position where the assembly part will pass through.

[0095] C5. Variation 5: In the above embodiments, the structural components of the plate-shaped body support parts 100, 200, and 300 are configured with the abutment parts 120, 220, and 320 and the base parts 110, 210, and 310. However, the structural components of the plate-shaped body support parts may be modified in various ways. For example, the parts corresponding to the abutment parts and the base parts may be integrated into one body. In general, the plate-shaped body support part is required to have a hollow portion that accommodates the protruding part of the plate-shaped body, and the open end face of the hollow portion is configured to abut against the plate-shaped body. Note that if the structural components of the plate-shaped body support part are modified, the manner in which the plate-shaped body support part is attached to the base plate 11, the wiring arrangement, and the like may also be modified as appropriate.

[0096] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the structural portion of the plate-like object detection unit 400 is composed of the base portion 410 and the sensor portion 420, but the structural portion of the plate-like object detection unit may be configured in various ways. For example, the portions corresponding to the sensor portion and the base portion may be integrated into one unit. When the structural portion of the plate-like object detection unit is configured in a different way, the manner in which the plate-like object detection unit is attached to the base plate 11, the method of routing the wiring, and the like may be changed as appropriate.

[0097] C6. Variation 6: In the above embodiments, the limit switches 130, 230, 330 detect that the parts to be attached 810, 820, 830 have been attached to the plate-like body support parts 100, 200, 300, but other means can also be used to detect that the parts to be attached 810, 820, 830 have been attached. For example, an inductive or capacitive proximity sensor can be placed at the bottom of the opening, and the proximity sensor can detect the leading ends of the parts to be attached 810, 820, 830. It is also possible to detect the leading ends of the parts to be attached 810, 820, 830 using a transmission-type photoelectric sensor.

[0098] C7. Variation 7: In each of the above embodiments, the plate-shaped object detection unit 400 uses a reflective photoelectric sensor to detect that the plate-shaped object 900, 900a has been attached to the component assembly jig 10. However, other means may be used to detect that the plate-shaped object 900, 900a has been attached. For example, a limit switch may be disposed at the upper end of the plate-shaped object detection unit, and the plunger of the limit switch may be detected when the plate-shaped object 900, 900a (plate-shaped member 950, 950a) is pressed down. Alternatively, an inductive or capacitive proximity sensor may be disposed at the upper end of the plate-shaped object detection unit, and the proximity sensor may be used to detect the plate-shaped object 900, 900a (plate-shaped member 950, 950a).

[0099] C8. Variation 8: In each of the above embodiments, the judgment display unit 500, 500a judges whether or not the parts 810, 820, 830 to be attached to the plate-shaped body support unit 100, 200, 300 have been properly attached based on the on / off state of the limit switches 130, 230, 330 provided on the plate-shaped body support unit 100, 200, 300 and the state of incidence of reflected light on the reflection sensor provided on the plate-shaped body detection unit 400. However, it is also possible to omit the plate-shaped body detection unit 400 and judge whether or not the parts 810, 820, 830 to be attached to the plate-shaped body support unit 100, 200, 300 have been properly attached based only on the on / off state of the limit switches 130, 230, 330.

[0100] However, by appropriately setting the shape and arrangement of the plate-shaped object detector, it is possible to prevent improper plate-shaped objects that are different in shape from proper plate-shaped objects from being attached to the component assembly jig, or to prevent the plate-shaped object from being detected when attached to the component assembly jig. Therefore, even if an improper plate-shaped object is mistakenly mixed in, it is possible to prevent the improper plate-shaped object from being judged as proper and sent to the next process.

[0101] C9. Variation 9: In each of the above embodiments, a microcomputer is provided in the judgment display unit 500, 500a, and the microcomputer judges whether the parts 810, 820, 830 to be assembled on the plate-shaped bodies 900, 900a have been properly assembled, and controls the illumination states of the LED lamps 140, 240, 340, 502. However, it is also possible to judge the assembly state and control the illumination states using wired logic, which is an appropriate combination of logic circuits. However, using a microcomputer is preferable because it makes it easier to handle processes involving a wide variety of small quantities of plate-shaped bodies and to respond to design changes in the plate-shaped bodies, etc.

[0102] C10. Variation 10: In the above embodiments, the plate-shaped object support units 100, 200, 300, the plate-shaped object detection unit 400, and the determination display units 500, 500a are mounted on the base plate 11. However, the base plate 11 on which these units 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 500a are mounted may be omitted. In this case, the units 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 500a are mounted directly to a workbench or the like.

[0103] However, when handling multiple types of plate-shaped bodies, it is preferable to use the base plate 11 as in the above embodiments, because it is easier to prepare a separate part assembly jig for each type of plate-shaped body. Also, as in the first embodiment, by attaching the battery box 600 to the base plate 11 and driving the determination display unit 500 with power supplied from the battery box 600, it is possible to determine whether the parts 810, 820, and 830 to be assembled on the plate-shaped body 900 have been properly assembled using only the plate-shaped body assembly jig 10. Therefore, when outsourcing assembly work to a subcontractor or a home-based contractor, the quality of the assembled delivered product can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1a...Parts assembly support device 10, 10a... Part assembly jig 11...Base plate 100, 200, 300...Plate support part 110, 210, 310...Base 111,211,311…Bottom plate part 112, 212, 312...Cylindrical part 119, 219, 319...Opening 120,220,320…Contact part 121, 221, 321...Flange section 122, 222, 322...Cylindrical part 128, 228, 328...Through holes 129,229,329…Hollow part 130, 230, 330...Limit switches 140, 240, 340...LED lamp 231...Plunger 400...Plate-shaped object detection unit 410...Base 411…Bottom plate part 412...Cylindrical part 419...Opening 420...Sensor section 421...Flange part 422...Columnar part 429...Sensor hole 500,500a...judgment display section 501…Housing 502...LED lamp 503…Text section 600...Battery box 710a...camera 720a...Computer 810, 820, 830...Assembly parts 811,821,831...volts 812, 822, 823...washers 900, 900a...plate-shaped body 910, 920, 930...Rubber bushings 911, 921, 931...First large diameter section 912, 922, 932...Second large diameter section 919,929,939…center hole 950, 950a... Plate-shaped member 951a...Product number sticker 959, 958, 957...Through holes IMa,IMb…Images

Claims

1. A component assembling jig for assembling a plurality of components to be assembled onto a plate-like body having a plurality of protruding portions protruding in a predetermined surface direction, so that the components penetrate the plate-like body in the predetermined surface direction at positions of the plurality of protruding portions, a plurality of plate-shaped body support portions that support the plate-shaped body; an assembly determination unit that determines whether the plurality of parts to be attached have been properly attached to the plate-like body; It is equipped with each of the plurality of plate-like body support parts is provided with a hollow part that accommodates the protrusion, and has an assembly part detector that detects the assembly part inside the hollow part, and is configured so that an open end surface of the hollow part abuts against the plate-like body; the assembly determination unit makes the determination based on detection states of the assembly component detectors of the plurality of plate-like body support units. Parts assembly jig.

2. The part assembly jig according to claim 1, further comprising: a plate-like object detection unit that detects the plate-like object when the plate-like object is arranged in contact with the open end faces of the plurality of plate-like object support units, The assembly determination unit further performs the determination based on a detection state of the plate-like object detection unit. Parts assembly jig

3. 3. The part assembly jig according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a determination result indicator lamp whose lighting state is set according to the result of the determination; Parts assembly jig.

4. The part assembly jig according to claim 1 or 2, Each of the plurality of plate-like body support portions has an assembly state indicator lamp whose lighting state is set according to the detection state of the assembly component detector. Parts assembly jig.

5. A part assembly support device, The part assembly jig according to claim 1 or 2; a camera that photographs the plate-like object placed in contact with the open end surfaces of the plurality of plate-like object support portions; a plate-like object determination unit configured to determine whether the plate-like object is appropriate based on the image captured by the camera; Equipped with whether or not the assembly of the plurality of parts to be attached to the plate-like body has been properly performed is determined based on the determination result by the assembly determination unit and the determination result by the plate-like body determination unit. Parts assembly support device.

Images