Parts processing equipment

Abstract

To provide a compact component processing device that can appropriately invert the target component. [Solution] The material processing apparatus 10 includes a first conveying device 20 and a second conveying device 30 for conveying a target material T, a first arm portion 40 that rotates around a first pivot axis 41, and a second arm portion 50 that rotates around a second pivot axis 51. The first arm portion 40 lifts the target material T that has been conveyed by the first conveying device 20 with its first end T1 facing downwards and holds it above the first pivot axis 41. The second arm portion 50 receives the target material T from the first arm portion 40 above the first pivot axis 41, changes the orientation of the target material T so that its first end T1 faces upwards, and then places the target material T in a position where it can be conveyed by the second conveying device 30.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a member processing device, and particularly to a member processing device for inverting a target member.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for inverting a target member have already been developed, and the technique described in Patent Document 1 can be cited as an example. In the inverting device described in Patent Document 1, there are a portal-shaped support column arranged so as to straddle a plate-like body (target member) placed on a pedestal, a pair of gripping parts that grip the plate-like body in close contact with the front or back surface of the plate-like body, a pair of arm parts that rotatably support the gripping parts, a pair of carriages capable of traveling on the upper part of the support column, and a pair of elevating devices connected to the carriages and supporting the arm parts so as to be able to move up and down. In this inverting device, the plate-like body is gripped by one of the gripping parts and made to stand up, and the plate-like body is transferred by the other gripping part and placed on the pedestal, thereby inverting the front and back of the plate-like body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a large member processing device such as the inverting device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to secure sufficient installation space. On the other hand, as a member processing device, a compact member processing device that can be installed even in a limited installation space is required.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object is to provide a member processing device that is compact and can appropriately invert a target member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The above objective is achieved by the present invention's material processing apparatus, which comprises: a first conveying device and a second conveying device arranged in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, each for conveying a target material; a first arm portion positioned between the first and second conveying devices and having a first pivot axis extending in a second direction intersecting both the vertical and first directions, and rotating around the first pivot axis; and a second arm portion positioned between the first and second conveying devices and having a second pivot axis positioned on the second conveying device side of the first pivot axis and extending in a second direction, and rotating around the second pivot axis. The first arm portion lifts the target material conveyed by the first conveying device with its first end facing downward and holds it above the first pivot axis; and the second arm portion receives the target material from the first arm portion above the first pivot axis, changes the orientation of the target material so that its first end faces upward, and then places the target material in a position where it can be conveyed by the second conveying device.

[0007] The present invention provides a material processing apparatus that has two pivot axes between a first conveying device and a second conveying device, and includes two arm sections that rotate around these two pivot axes. Therefore, compared to a configuration with, for example, one pivot axis and one arm section that rotates around that pivot axis, the rotation radius of the arm section can be reduced. This makes it possible to provide a material processing apparatus that is compact and capable of appropriately inverting the target material.

[0008] Furthermore, the first arm portion and the second arm portion may be positioned at different locations in the second direction. With the above configuration, interference between the first arm and the second arm can be avoided, and as a result, the second arm can properly receive the target member from the first arm.

[0009] Furthermore, at least one of the first and second pivot shafts may be located below the conveying surface of at least one of the first and second conveying devices. With the above configuration, for example, the height of the tip of the arm during rotation can be reduced compared to the case where the pivot axis is at the same level as or above the conveying surface. This makes the material processing device more compact.

[0010] Furthermore, the component processing apparatus may also include a first lifting mechanism for raising the target component, the first lifting mechanism raising the target component located on the conveying surface of the first conveying device to a position higher than the conveying surface, and the first arm portion may lift the target component that has been raised to a position higher than the conveying surface by the first lifting mechanism. With the above configuration, before the first arm lifts the target member, the first lifting mechanism raises the target member to a position higher than the transport surface, thereby suppressing interference between the target member and, for example, peripheral equipment of the first transport device. As a result, the target member can be properly inverted.

[0011] Furthermore, the first arm portion may have a first support surface that supports the first end of the target member, and a second support surface that supports the second end of the target member facing downward at a position above the first pivot axis and extends in a direction intersecting the first support surface, and the second arm portion may have a third support surface that supports the third end of the target member opposite to the first end, and a fourth support surface that supports the second end of the target member and extends in a direction intersecting the third support surface. With the above configuration, the component processing device is equipped with first to fourth support surfaces to support the target component, and by supporting the target component on the first to fourth support surfaces, the target component can be properly inverted.

[0012] Furthermore, when the second arm receives the target member from the first arm, the portion of the first arm on which the second support surface is provided and the portion of the second arm on which the fourth support surface is provided may overlap when viewed from the second direction. With the above configuration, when viewed from a second direction, both the first and second arm portions can support a common position on the target member that is suitable for support (for example, a position corresponding to the center of gravity of the target member). As a result, the target member can be appropriately inverted.

[0013] Furthermore, the component processing apparatus may also include a second lifting mechanism for raising the target component, and after the second arm has rotated by a predetermined amount, the second lifting mechanism may raise the target component held by the second arm from a position on a virtual first rotation circle centered on the second rotation axis to a position on a virtual second rotation circle centered on the second rotation axis, which has a larger rotation radius than the first rotation circle. With the above configuration, the second lifting mechanism raises the target member, which prevents interference between the target member supported by the second arm and other peripheral devices of the second transport device during the rotation of the second arm. As a result, the target member can be properly inverted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a component processing apparatus that is compact and capable of appropriately inverting the target component. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a component processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of a component processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the control system of a component processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating the operation of a component processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating the operation of a component processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]Explanatory drawing (Part 3) regarding the operation of a member processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Explanatory drawing (Part 4) regarding the operation of a member processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Explanatory drawing (Part 5) regarding the operation of a member processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure showing an example of a reverse flow according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Explanatory drawing regarding the effects of a member processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a member processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of explanation, each part of the member processing apparatus is illustrated in a somewhat simplified or schematic manner. Also, the sizes (dimensions) of each part of the member processing apparatus shown in the drawings and the intervals between parts may be different from the actual ones. Further, unless otherwise specified, when explaining the position, orientation, posture, etc. of each part of the member processing apparatus, the position, orientation, posture, etc. in the state where the member processing apparatus is installed in the normal position will be explained.

[0017] Also, in this specification, the meanings of "the same" and "identical" may include the range of errors generally allowed in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Also, in this specification, the meanings of "vertical" and "orthogonal" include the range of errors generally allowed in the field to which the present invention belongs, and may also include cases where there is a deviation within a range less than several degrees (for example, 2 to 3°) from strict "vertical" and "orthogonal".

[0018] <<Regarding the Configuration of the Member Processing Apparatus According to this Embodiment>> Next, the configuration of the component processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "component processing apparatus 10") according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The component processing device 10 is a device that reverses the front and back sides of a target component T (see Figure 1). The general operation of the component processing device 10 is as follows: As shown in Figure 5, the first arm 40 is rotated to lift the target component T placed on the transport surface 24 of the first transport device 20. Next, as shown in Figure 6, the target component T lifted by the first arm 40 is transferred from the first arm 40 to the second arm 50. Then, as shown in Figure 8, the second arm 50 is rotated to place the target component T transferred to the second arm 50 onto the transport surface 34 of the second transport device 30. As a result, if the target component T shown in Figure 1, placed on the transport surface 24 of the first transport device 20, is facing the front side, the target component T shown in Figure 8, facing the back side, can be placed on the transport surface 34 of the second transport device 30.

[0019] The component processing device 10 is used, for example, in the welding process of a target component T, more specifically, in the welding process of welding both the front and back sides of the target component T. As an example, first, the target component T, which is placed on the transport surface 24 of the first transport device 20 with its front side facing outwards, is fixed to the transport surface 24 by a clamping device (not shown). Then, welding is performed on the welding target area on the front side of the target component T using a welding device (not shown). After that, the front and back sides of the target component T are reversed by the first arm section 40 and the second arm section 50, and then the target component T, which is placed on the transport surface 34 of the second transport device 30 with its back side facing outwards, is fixed to the transport surface 34 by a clamping device (not shown). Then, welding is performed on the welding target area on the back side of the target component T using a welding device (not shown). In the above description, the component processing device 10 is used in the welding process of the target component T, but it is not limited to this, and can be used for any purpose as long as it is used to reverse the front and back sides of the target component T.

[0020] The target member T is not particularly limited as long as it is a reversible member, but for example, it may be building materials used in a building, such as beams and columns. More specifically, the target member T may be a weldable metal member, such as various types of steel (H-beams, etc.) that make up the beams and columns of a building. For convenience, the following explanation will assume that the target member T is a member with a rectangular cross-section, as shown in Figure 1. However, it is not limited to this, and the target member T may also be a member with an H-shaped or L-shaped cross-section, such as various types of structural steel. Furthermore, in the following explanation, of the ends of the target member T, as shown in Figure 1, the end facing downwards when the target member T is placed on the conveying surface 24 of the first conveying device 20 (i.e., the lower end) will be referred to as the "first end T1". Also, of the ends of the target member T, the end opposite to the first end T1, that is, as shown in Figure 1, the end facing upwards when the target member T is placed on the conveying surface 24 of the first conveying device 20 (i.e., the upper end), will be referred to as the "third end T3". Furthermore, of the ends of the target member T, one end in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the direction in which the first end T1 and the third end T3 are aligned (the first direction in Figure 1), more specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the end located on the second conveying device 30 side in the first direction when the target member T is placed on the conveying surface 24 of the first conveying device 20, will be referred to as the "second end T2".

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the component processing apparatus 10 includes a first conveying device 20, a second conveying device 30, a plurality (three in Figure 2) of first arm sections 40, a plurality (three in Figure 2) of second arm sections 50, a first lifting mechanism 61, a second lifting mechanism 62, a first rotation mechanism 63, a second rotation mechanism 64, and a control unit 70 (see Figure 3).

[0022] <First conveying device and second conveying device> As shown in Figure 1, the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30 are arranged with a gap between them in a first direction perpendicular (intersecting) to the vertical direction. The first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30 each convey the target member T, and more specifically, as shown in Figure 2, they convey the target member T in a second direction that intersects both the vertical direction and the first direction. In other words, the second direction corresponds to the "conveying direction" of the target member T for both the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the first conveying device 20 includes a frame 21 and a conveying unit 22 positioned on the frame 21. As shown in Figure 2, the conveying unit 22 is composed of a plurality (three in Figure 2) of conveying rollers 23 arranged at intervals in a second direction. In Figure 2, only three conveying rollers 23 are shown for convenience, but the number is not particularly limited. The plurality of conveying rollers 23 rotate in the same direction while synchronously with each other by, for example, a known driving means. As an example of a driving means, a sprocket or pulley, for example, is attached to one end of the axial direction of the conveying roller 23, and each sprocket or pulley is wrapped around a common chain or belt, and the common chain or belt is rotated by a motor (not shown). As a result, all the conveying rollers 23 rotate in the same direction while synchronously with each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, among the planes perpendicular to the vertical direction, the plane at the same height as the upper end position of the conveying roller 23 corresponds to the "conveying surface 24" of the first conveying device 20.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the second conveying device 30 includes a frame 31 and a conveying unit 32 positioned on the frame 31. As shown in Figure 2, the conveying unit 32 has a plurality of (three in Figure 2) conveying rollers 33 arranged at intervals in the second direction. In Figure 2, only three conveying rollers 33 are shown for convenience, but the number is not particularly limited. The plurality of conveying rollers 33 rotate in the same direction synchronously, similar to the conveying rollers 23 of the first conveying device 20, for example, by a known driving means. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, among the planes perpendicular to the vertical direction, the plane at the same height as the upper end position of the conveying roller 33 corresponds to the "conveying surface 34" of the second conveying device 30. In this embodiment, the conveying surface 24 of the first conveying device 20 and the conveying surface 34 of the second conveying device 30 are assumed to be at the same height. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the conveying surfaces 24 and 34 may be at different heights.

[0025] <First Arm Section> The first arm portion 40 is positioned on the frame 11 and, specifically as shown in Figure 1, has a first pivot shaft 41, a first extension portion 42, a second extension portion 43, a first projection portion 44, a first support surface 45, and a second support surface 46.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the first rotating shaft 41 is positioned between the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30 in the first direction, and extends in the second direction as shown in Figure 2. The first rotating shaft 41 may be, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical shaft member. There are multiple first rotating shafts 41 corresponding to the number of first arm portions 40, but in this embodiment, adjacent first rotating shafts 41 are connected to each other to form a single integrally formed shaft member 15 that extends in the second direction, as shown in Figure 2. A rotating member 63a, which will be described later, is fixed to one end of the shaft member 15 in the axial direction, as shown in Figure 1, and the first rotating shaft 41 rotates when the rotating member 63a rotates around the first rotating shaft 41 (shaft member 15) by the drive of a cylinder 63b, which will be described later. In the above description, it was assumed that multiple first pivot shafts 41 constitute a single shaft member 15, but this is not limited to this. For example, multiple first pivot shafts 41 may exist independently, and each first pivot shaft 41 may be rotated by multiple rotating members 63a corresponding to the multiple first pivot shafts 41. As shown in Figure 1, the first rotating shaft 41 is located below both the conveying surface 24 of the first conveying device 20 and the conveying surface 34 of the second conveying device 30. The first rotating shaft 41 is also positioned on the frame 11 and is located at the end of the frame 11 on the side of the first conveying device 20 in the first direction.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the first extension 42 is fixed to the first pivot shaft 41 and extends radially from the first pivot shaft 41. The first extension 42 rotates by the same amount as the rotation angle of the first pivot shaft 41 when the first pivot shaft 41 is rotated.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the second extension 43 is the tip of the first extension 42, that is, the end of the first extension 42 opposite to the first pivot axis 41, and extends in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the extension direction of the first extension 42. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, when the first extension 42 is extending upward, the second extension 43 extends from the tip of the first extension 42 toward the first conveying device 20 in the first direction. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when the first extension 42 is extending toward the second conveying device 30 in the first direction, the second extension 43 extends upward from the tip of the first extension 42. The length of the second extension portion 43 in the extension direction is, for example, longer than the length of the first extension portion 42 in the extension direction.

[0029] Furthermore, although not shown in the illustration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second extension 43 may decrease as it approaches its tip (i.e., the end of the second extension 43 opposite to the first extension 42). "Cross section of the second extension 43" refers to the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the second extension 43. As a result, the cross-section of the second extension 43 becomes smaller at the tip end, and as will be described in more detail later, as shown in Figure 2, interference between the second extension 43 and the transport rollers 23 and the lifting section 61a can be suppressed when the second extension 43 is inserted between the transport rollers 23 of the first transport device 20. On the other hand, the cross-section of the second extension 43 becomes larger at the base end, so the strength of the base end of the second extension 43 can be increased. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, when supporting the target member T with the first support surface 45, which will be described later, the strength of the second extension 43 is ensured, so the target member T can be properly supported by the first arm section 40.

[0030] In this way, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the second extension portion 43 decreases towards the tip of the second extension portion 43, the first arm portion 40 can be made lighter than the first arm portion in the case where the cross-sectional area of ​​the second extension portion 43 is constant in the extension direction of the second extension portion 43, while maintaining a strength comparable to that of the first arm portion in the case where the cross-sectional area of ​​the second extension portion 43 is constant. By making the first arm portion 40 lighter, the output of the first rotation mechanism 63, which will be described later and rotate the first arm portion 40, more specifically the cylinder 63b, can be reduced, and as a result, it becomes possible to select a more compact cylinder 63b. And as the cylinder 63b becomes more compact, the material processing device 10 can be made more compact as a result. In addition, cylinders with high output are costly, but in the material processing device 10, as mentioned above, the output of the cylinder 63b is reduced, so the cost of the cylinder 63b is reduced, and as a result, the cost of the material processing device 10 can be reduced.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the first projection 44 is a portion that protrudes from the second extension 43. Specifically, the first projection 44 is located closer to the first extension 42 than the central position of the second extension 43 in the extension direction, and protrudes toward the opposite side (upward in Figure 1) from the first extension 42 in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the extension direction of the second extension 43 (the first direction in Figure 1). More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, when the second extension 43 extends toward the first conveying device 20 in the first direction, the first projection 44 protrudes upward. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when the second extension 43 extends upward, the first projection 44 protrudes toward the second conveying device 30 in the first direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first projection 44 decreases as it approaches the tip of the first projection 44 (i.e., the end of the first projection 44 opposite to the second extension 43). The "cross-section of the first projection 44" refers to the cross-section perpendicular to the projection direction of the first projection 44. As a result, the cross-section becomes smaller at the tip of the first projection 44, so as shown in Figure 6, interference between the first projection 44 and the second projection 54 of the second arm portion 50 (described later) can be suppressed when they are adjacent to each other in the second direction. On the other hand, the cross-section becomes larger at the base end of the first projection 44, so the strength of the base end of the first projection 44 can be increased. As a result, when supporting the target member T with the second support surface 46 (described later), the strength of the first projection 44 is ensured, so the target member T can be properly supported by the first arm portion 40.

[0033] The cross-sectional shapes of the first extension portion 42, the second extension portion 43, and the first projection portion 44 are not particularly limited and may be, for example, rectangular, circular, elliptical, a quadrilateral other than a rectangle, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, or an irregular shape. Furthermore, the first extension portion 42, the second extension portion 43, and the first projection portion 44 may be formed integrally (seamlessly), or they may be joined together by welding, adhesive bonding, or fastening using screws or the like. Furthermore, the material of the first extension 42, the second extension 43, and the first projection 44 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a resin material, a metal material, or a combination thereof.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the first support surface 45 constitutes a part of the outer surface of the second extension 43, and specifically, it is located at the end of the second extension 43 on the side where the first projection 44 protrudes. The first support surface 45 is a flat surface that extends from the first projection 44 to the tip of the second extension 43 in the extension direction of the second extension 43. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, when the second extension 43 extends toward the first conveying device 20 in the first direction, the first support surface 45 is a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction, in other words, the upper surface of the second extension 43. In this state, the first support surface 45 supports the first end T1 of the target member T from below. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when the second extension 43 extends upward, the first support surface 45 is a surface perpendicular to the first direction, in other words, the side surface of the second extension 43. In this state, as shown in Figure 6, the first support surface 45 supports the first end T1 of the target member T from the side.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the second support surface 46 constitutes a part of the outer surface of the first projection 44, and specifically, in the direction of extension of the second extension 43, it is located at the tip end of the second extension 43 of the first projection 44. The second support surface 46 is a flat surface and extends in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the first support surface 45, in other words, in the direction of projection of the first projection 44, and extends from the base end to the tip of the first projection 44. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, when the first projection 44 is projecting upward, the second support surface 46 is a surface perpendicular to the first direction, in other words, the side surface of the first projection 44. In this state, as shown in Figure 1, the second support surface 46 supports the second end T2 of the target member T from the side. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when the first projection 44 is projecting toward the second conveying device 30 in the first direction, the second support surface 46 is a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction, in other words, the upper surface of the first projection 44. In this state, as shown in Figure 6, the second support surface 46 supports the second end T2 of the target member T, in other words, the second end T2 of the target member T that faces downward at a position above the first pivot axis 41, from below. In the example shown in Figure 6, the second support surface 46 of the first protrusion 44 is at the same height as the fourth support surface 57 of the movable part 55, which will be described later. Since the movable part 55 is located closer to the viewer than the first protrusion 44 in the drawing, the second support surface 46 is obscured by the fourth support surface 57 in Figure 6.

[0036] The first arm portion 40, configured as described above, and more specifically the rotating body composed of the first extension portion 42, the second extension portion 43, and the first projection portion 44, can switch between the first state shown in Figure 1 and the second state shown in Figure 8 by rotating around the first pivot axis 41.

[0037] To describe the first arm portion 40 in the first state, the second extension portion 43 extends to the first conveying device 20 in the first direction, as shown in Figure 2, and fits between adjacent conveying rollers 23 of the first conveying device 20. The first support surface 45 of the second extension portion 43, as shown in Figure 1, forms the upper surface of the second extension portion 43 and supports the first end T1, which corresponds to the lower end of the target member T being conveyed to the first conveying device 20. However, strictly speaking, the first support surface 45 of the first arm portion 40 in the first state is located below the conveying surface 24 of the first conveying device 20 (the upper end position of the conveying roller 23), as shown in Figure 1. The first support surface 45 supports the first end T1 of the target member T from below during the process of the state of the first arm portion 40 switching from the first state to the second state (see Figure 5). In this way, the first support surface 45 of the first arm portion 40 in the first state is separated from the first end T1 of the target member T and does not support the first end T1 of the target member T. This prevents the first support surface 45 from coming into contact with the target member T during conveying of the target member T by the first conveying device 20, and prevents the first support surface 45 from becoming a conveying resistance to the target member T.

[0038] Furthermore, the first projection 44 of the first arm portion 40 in the first state extends upward, as shown in Figure 1. At this time, the first projection 44 is located outside the transport area of ​​the target member T, specifically, on the second transport device 30 side in the first direction from the transport area of ​​the target member T. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second support surface 46 (first projection 44) from coming into contact with the target member T during transport of the target member T by the first transport device 20, and prevent the second support surface 46 from becoming a transport resistance for the target member T.

[0039] Next, describing the first arm portion 40 in the second state, the second extension portion 43 extends upward as shown in Figure 8, and the first support surface 45 of the second extension portion 43 forms the side surface of the second extension portion 43. In addition, the first projection portion 44 extends toward the second conveying device 30 in the first direction, and the second support surface 46 forms the upper surface of the first projection portion 44.

[0040] <Second Arm Section> The second arm section 50 is positioned on the same frame 11 as the first arm section 40, that is, on the same frame 11 on which the first arm section 40 is positioned. Specifically, it has a second pivot shaft 51, a third extension 52, a fourth extension 53, a second projection 54, a movable section 55, a third support surface 56, and a fourth support surface 57.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the second pivot shaft 51 is positioned between the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30 in the first direction, and extends in the second direction as shown in Figure 2. The second pivot shaft 51 may be, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical shaft member. In this embodiment, there are multiple second pivot shafts 51 corresponding to the number of second arm portions 50, but adjacent second pivot shafts 51 are connected to each other to form a single integrally formed shaft member 16 that extends in the second direction, as shown in Figure 2. A rotating member 64a, which will be described later, is fixed to one end of the shaft member 16 in the axial direction, as shown in Figure 1, and the rotating member 63a rotates around the second pivot shaft 51 (shaft member 16) by the drive of a cylinder 63b, which will be described later, causing the second pivot shaft 51 to rotate. In the above explanation, it was assumed that multiple second pivot shafts 51 constitute a single shaft member 16, but this is not limited to this. For example, multiple second pivot shafts 51 may exist independently, and each second pivot shaft 51 may be rotated by multiple pivot members 64a corresponding to the multiple second pivot shafts 51.

[0042] Furthermore, the second pivot shaft 51 is located on the second conveying device 30 side of the first pivot shaft 41 in the first direction. The first pivot shaft 41 and the second pivot shaft 51 are spaced apart from each other, and this spacing is set considering design conditions such as the rotation radius of the first arm section 40 and the second arm section 50. As shown in Figure 1, the second drive shaft 51 is located below both the conveying surface 24 of the first conveying device 20 and the conveying surface 34 of the second conveying device 30. In this embodiment, the first pivot shaft 41 and the second pivot shaft 51 are located at the same height as each other and are positioned below the conveying surfaces 24 and 34 of both the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30. As a result, the height of the tips of the first arm portion 40 and the second arm portion 50 during rotation can be reduced in the material processing device 10 compared to the case where the pivot shafts are located at the same height as or above the conveying surface. Consequently, the material processing device 10 can be made more compact. Furthermore, the second rotating shaft 51 is positioned on the frame 11, and is located at the end of the frame 11 on the side of the second conveying device 30 in the first direction.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the third extension 52 is fixed to the second pivot shaft 51 and extends radially from the second pivot shaft 51. The third extension 52 rotates by the same amount as the rotation angle of the second pivot shaft 51 when the second pivot shaft 51 is rotated.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the fourth extension 53 is the tip of the third extension 52, that is, the end of the third extension 52 opposite to the second pivot axis 51, and extends in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the extension direction of the third extension 52. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, when the third extension 52 extends toward the first conveying device 20 in the first direction, the fourth extension 53 extends upward from the tip of the third extension 52. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when the third extension 52 extends upward, the fourth extension 53 extends toward the second conveying device 30 in the first direction from the tip of the third extension 52. The length of the fourth extension 53 in the extension direction is, for example, longer than the length of the third extension 52 in the extension direction.

[0045] Furthermore, although not shown in the illustration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth extension 53 may decrease as it approaches its tip (i.e., the end of the fourth extension 53 opposite to the third extension 52). "Cross section of the fourth extension 53" refers to the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the fourth extension 53. As a result, the cross-section of the fourth extension 53 becomes smaller at the tip end, and as will be described in more detail later, interference between the fourth extension 53 and the transport rollers 33 can be suppressed when the fourth extension 53 is inserted between the transport rollers 33 of the second transport device 30. On the other hand, the cross-section of the fourth extension 53 becomes larger at the base end, so the strength of the base end of the fourth extension 53 can be increased. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, when supporting the target member T with the third support surface 56, which will be described later, the strength of the fourth extension 53 is ensured, so the target member T can be properly supported by the second arm portion 50.

[0046] In this way, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth extension 53 decreases towards the tip of the fourth extension 53, the second arm 50 can maintain a strength comparable to that of the second arm in the case where the cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth extension 53 is constant in the extension direction of the fourth extension 53, while being lighter than the second arm in that case. By making the second arm 50 lighter, the output of the second rotation mechanism 64, more specifically the cylinder 64b, which rotates the second arm 50, is reduced, and as a result, it becomes possible to select a more compact cylinder 64b. And as the cylinder 64b becomes more compact, the material processing device 10 can be made more compact as a result. In addition, cylinders cost more as the output increases, but in the material processing device 10, as mentioned above, the output of the cylinder 64b is reduced, so the cost of the cylinder 64b is reduced, and as a result, the cost of the material processing device 10 can be reduced.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, the second protrusion 54 is a portion that protrudes from the fourth extension 53. Specifically, the second protrusion 54 is located closer to the third extension 52 than the central position in the extension direction of the fourth extension 53, and protrudes toward the opposite side of the third extension 52 in the direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the extension direction of the fourth extension 53 (the first direction in Figure 1) (towards the first conveying device 20 in Figure 1). More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, when the fourth extension 53 is extending upward, the second projection 54 protrudes toward the first conveying device 20 in the first direction. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when the fourth extension 53 is extending toward the second conveying device 30 in the first direction, the second projection 54 protrudes upward.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second projection 54 decreases as it approaches its tip (i.e., the end of the second projection 54 opposite to the fourth extension 53). The "cross-section of the second projection 54" refers to the cross-section perpendicular to the projection direction of the second projection 54. As a result, the cross-section becomes smaller at the tip of the second projection 54, and as shown in Figure 6, interference between the second projection 54 and the first projection 44 of the first arm portion 40 can be suppressed when they are adjacent to each other in the second direction. On the other hand, the cross-section becomes larger at the base end of the second projection 54, thus increasing the strength of the base end of the second projection 54. As a result, when supporting the target member T with the fourth support surface 57 of the movable portion 55, which will be described later, the strength of the second projection 54 to which the movable portion 55 is attached is ensured, and the target member T can be properly supported by the second arm portion 50.

[0049] The cross-sectional shapes of the third extension 52, the fourth extension 53, and the second projection 54 are not particularly limited and may be, for example, rectangular, circular, elliptical, a quadrilateral other than a rectangle, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, or an irregular shape. Furthermore, the third extension 52, the fourth extension 53, and the second projection 54 may be formed integrally (seamlessly), or they may be joined by welding, adhesive, or fastening using screws or the like. Furthermore, the material of the third extension 52, the fourth extension 53, and the second projection 54 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a resin material, a metal material, or a combination thereof.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the movable part 55 is a member that is movably attached to the second protrusion 54. Specifically, the movable part 55 is movable between a first position and a second position along the extension direction of the fourth extension 53 by a second lifting mechanism 62, which will be described later. The "first position" is the position adjacent to the second protrusion 54 in the extension direction of the fourth extension 53, as shown in Figure 1. The "second position" is the position located closer to the tip of the fourth extension 53 than the first position in the extension direction of the fourth extension 53, as shown in Figure 7, and is further away from the second protrusion 54 in the extension direction of the fourth extension 53 than the first position.

[0051] The movable part 55 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member that can move between the first position and the second position, and the cross-sectional shape and material of the movable part 55 are not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the movable part 55 may be, for example, a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, a quadrilateral other than a rectangle, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, or an irregular shape. The material of the movable part 55 may be, for example, a resin material, a metal material, or a combination thereof.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the third support surface 56 constitutes a part of the outer surface of the fourth extension 53, and specifically, it is located at the end of the fourth extension 53 on the side where the second projection 54 protrudes. The third support surface 56 is a flat surface that extends from the second projection 54 to the tip of the fourth extension 53 in the extension direction of the fourth extension 53. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, when the fourth extension 53 is extending upward, the third support surface 56 is a surface perpendicular to the first direction, in other words, the side surface of the fourth extension 53. In this state, as shown in Figure 6, the third support surface 56 supports the third end T3 of the target member T from the side. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when the fourth extension 53 extends toward the second conveying device 30 in the first direction, the third support surface 56 is a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction, in other words, the upper surface of the fourth extension 53. In this state, the third support surface 56 supports the third end T3 of the target member T from below.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the fourth support surface 57 constitutes a part of the outer surface of the movable portion 55, and specifically, in the extension direction of the fourth extension portion 53, it is located at the tip end of the fourth extension portion 53 of the movable portion 55. The fourth support surface 57 is a flat surface and extends in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the third support surface 56, in other words, in the projection direction of the second projection portion 54. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, when the fourth extension 53 is extending upward, the fourth support surface 57 is a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction, in other words, the upper surface of the movable part 55. In this state, as shown in Figure 6, the fourth support surface 57 supports the second end T2 of the target member T from below. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when the fourth extension 53 extends toward the second conveying device 30 in the first direction, the fourth support surface 57 is a surface perpendicular to the first direction, in other words, the side surface of the moving part 55. In this state, the fourth support surface 57 supports the second end T2 of the target member T from the side.

[0054] The second arm portion 50, configured as described above, and more specifically the rotating body composed of the third extension portion 52, the fourth extension portion 53, the second projection portion 54, and the movable portion 55, can switch between the third state shown in Figure 1 and the fourth state shown in Figure 8 by rotating around the second pivot axis 51.

[0055] To describe the second arm portion 50 in the third state, the fourth extension portion 53 extends upward as shown in Figure 1, and the third support surface 56 of the fourth extension portion 53 forms the side surface of the fourth extension portion 53. In addition, the second projection portion 54 extends toward the first conveying device 20 in the first direction, and the fourth support surface 57 of the movable portion 55 attached to the second projection portion 54 forms the upper surface of the movable portion 55.

[0056] Here, as shown in Figure 2, the first arm portion 40 and the second arm portion 50 are positioned at different locations in the second direction when viewed from above. More precisely, the rotating body composed of the first extension portion 42, the second extension portion 43, and the first projection portion 44, and the rotating body composed of the third extension portion 52, the fourth extension portion 53, the second projection portion 54, and the movable portion 55 are positioned at different locations in the second direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, when the second arm portion 50 receives the target member T from the first arm portion 40, in other words, when the first arm portion 40 is in the second state and the second arm portion 50 is in the third state, interference between the first arm portion 40 and the second arm portion 50 can be avoided. As a result, the second arm portion 50 can properly receive the target member T from the first arm portion 40.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when the second arm portion 50 receives the target member T from the first arm portion 40, the portion of the first arm portion 40 on which the second support surface 46 is provided (corresponding to the first protrusion 44) and the portion of the second arm portion 50 on which the fourth support surface 57 is provided (i.e., corresponding to the second protrusion 54 and the movable portion 55) overlap each other when viewed from the second direction. As a result, when viewed from a second direction, both the first arm portion 40 and the second arm portion 50 can support a common position on the target member T that is suitable for support (for example, a position corresponding to the center of gravity of the target member T). Consequently, the target member can be appropriately inverted.

[0058] Next, describing the second arm portion 50 in the fourth state, the fourth extension portion 53 extends to the second conveying device 30 in the first direction, as shown in Figure 8, and fits between the adjacent conveying rollers 33 of the second conveying device 30. The third support surface 56 of the fourth extension portion 53 forms the upper surface of the fourth extension portion 53 and supports the third end T3 of the target member T. However, strictly speaking, the third support surface 56 of the second arm portion 50 in the fourth state is located below the conveying surface 34 of the second conveying device 30 (the upper end position of the conveying roller 33), as shown in Figure 8. The third support surface 56 supports the third end T3 of the target member T from below during the process of the second arm portion 50 switching from the third state to the fourth state (see Figure 8). Thus, the third support surface 56 of the second arm portion 50 in the fourth state is separated from the third end T3 of the target member T and does not support the third end T3 of the target member T. This prevents the third support surface 56 from coming into contact with the target member T when the inverted target member T is conveyed by the second conveying device 30, thus preventing the third support surface 56 from becoming a conveying resistance.

[0059] Thus, the component processing apparatus 10 is equipped with a first support surface 45, a second support surface 46, a third support surface 56, and a fourth support surface 57 as support surfaces for supporting the target component T. When inverting the target component T, the target component T can be properly inverted by supporting it on the support surfaces 45, 46, 56, and 57.

[0060] <First Ascent Mechanism> As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the first lifting mechanism 61 lifts the target member T located on the conveying surface 24 of the first conveying device 20 to a position higher than the conveying surface 24. Specifically, the first lifting mechanism 61 has a lifting section 61a and a drive section 61b. The lifting section 61a is capable of moving up and down between a lowered position and an raised position along the vertical direction. The "lowered position" of the lifting section 61a is the position where the upper surface 61c of the lifting section 61a is below the conveying surface 24, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the "lowered position" of the lifting section 61a may be the position where the upper surface 61c of the lifting section 61a is at the same height as the conveying surface 24. The "raised position" of the lifting section 61a is the position where the upper surface 61c of the lifting section 61a is above the conveying surface 24, as shown in Figure 4.

[0061] The drive unit 61b is a means for raising the lifting unit 61a from the lowered position to the raised position. Its specific configuration is not particularly limited, and known mechanical mechanisms can be used, such as a cylinder (air cylinder). As the lifting unit 61a rises from the lowered position to the raised position, as shown in Figure 4, the upper surface 61c of the lifting unit 61a comes into contact with the target member T located on the conveying surface 24 of the first conveying device 20. As a result, the target member T is lifted by the lifting unit 61a to a position higher than the conveying surface 24. Subsequently, the first arm unit 40 rotates and lifts the target member T, which has been raised to a position higher than the conveying surface 24 by the first lifting mechanism 61. Thus, in the component processing apparatus 10, before the first arm portion 40 lifts the target component T, the first lifting mechanism 61 raises the target component T to a position higher than the transport surface 24, thereby suppressing interference between the target component T and peripheral devices of the first arm portion 40 (for example, welding equipment, clamping equipment, and other peripheral parts). As a result, the target component T can be properly inverted.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the lifting portion 61a is positioned between adjacent conveyor rollers 23 in the second direction. In particular, when the state of the first arm portion 40 is the first state, the second extension portion 43 is positioned between adjacent conveyor rollers 23. In this case, the lifting portion 61a is positioned between the conveyor rollers 23 and the second extension portion 43 (first arm portion 40) in the second direction.

[0063] The lifting section 61a is not particularly limited as long as it is a member that can move between the lowered position and the raised position, and the cross-sectional shape and material of the lifting section 61a are not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the lifting section 61a may be, for example, rectangular, circular, elliptical, a quadrilateral other than a rectangle, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, or an irregular shape. The material of the lifting section 61a may be, for example, a resin material, a metal material, or a combination thereof.

[0064] <Second Ascent Mechanism> The second lifting mechanism 62, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, is a mechanism for lifting the target member T, and specifically moves the movable part 55 from the first position to the second position. The specific configuration of the second lifting mechanism 62 is not particularly limited as long as it is a means for moving the movable part 55, and known mechanical mechanisms can be used, such as a cylinder (air cylinder). As shown in Figure 6, when the second arm portion 50 receives the target member T from the first arm portion 40, that is, when the second arm portion 50 is in the third state, the second lifting mechanism 62 positions the movable portion 55 in the first position, thereby positioning the fourth support surface 57 at the same height as the second support surface 46 or lower than the second support surface 46. In other words, when the second arm portion 50 receives the target member T from the first arm portion 40, the second lifting mechanism 62 positions the target member T at a position on a virtual first rotational circle centered on the second rotational axis 51 (the position of the target member T shown in Figure 6).

[0065] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, the second lifting mechanism 62 receives the target member T from the first arm portion 40, the second arm portion 50 begins to rotate, and after the second arm portion 50 has rotated a predetermined amount, moves the moving portion 55 from the first position to the second position. In other words, after the second arm portion 50 has rotated a predetermined amount, the second lifting mechanism 62 lifts (moves) the target member T held by the second arm portion 50 from a position on a virtual first rotation circle (the position of the target member T shown in Figure 6) to a position on a virtual second rotation circle centered on a second rotation axis with a larger rotation radius than the first rotation circle (the position of the target member T shown in Figure 7). In this way, by raising the target member T with the second lifting mechanism 62, it is possible to prevent the target member T supported by the second arm portion 50 from interfering with peripheral devices of the second transport device 30 (for example, welding equipment, clamping equipment, and other peripheral parts) during the rotation of the second arm portion 50. As a result, the target member T can be properly inverted. Regarding the "predetermined amount of rotation," for example, if the amount of rotation that the second arm portion 50 rotates from the third state to the fourth state is defined as rotation amount A (for example, 90°), then rotation amount B (for example, 45° to 60°), which is more than half of rotation amount A, may be defined as the "predetermined amount of rotation." In this embodiment, the second lifting mechanism 62 raises the target member T while rotating the second arm portion 50 without stopping the rotation of the second arm portion 50.

[0066] However, if the target member T is raised by the second lifting mechanism 62 before the second arm portion 50 is rotated, that is, while the second arm portion 50 is in the third state, the target member T may tip over in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the second arm portion 50 (clockwise when viewing the drawing from the front in Figure 6) due to the inertial force when it is raised. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second arm portion 50 starts to rotate, and after the second arm portion 50 has rotated a predetermined amount, the target member T is raised by the second lifting mechanism 62. That is, the second arm portion 50 is rotated to a position where the target member T will not tip over due to the inertial force when it is raised, and then the target member T is raised by the second lifting mechanism 62. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the target member T from tipping over in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the second arm portion 50, and the target member T can be appropriately reversed.

[0067] <First and second rotation mechanisms> The first rotation mechanism 63 is a mechanism for rotating the first arm portion 40, and the second rotation mechanism 64 is a mechanism for rotating the second arm portion 50. The specific configurations of the first rotation mechanism 63 and the second rotation mechanism 64 are not particularly limited, and known mechanical mechanisms can be used. In this embodiment, the first rotation mechanism 63 includes, for example, a rotating member 63a and a cylinder 63b, as shown in Figure 1. One end of the rotating member 63a is fixed to the first rotation shaft 41 and rotates together with the first rotation shaft 41. The cylinder 63b is, for example, an air cylinder, and is a mechanism in which a rod-shaped rod moves back and forth relative to the cylinder body. The tip of the rod is fixed to the other end of the rotating member 63a (the end opposite to the end fixed to the first rotation shaft 41). As the rod of the cylinder 63b moves back and forth relative to the cylinder body, the first rotation shaft 41 fixed to the rotating member 63a rotates, and the first arm portion 40 rotates. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second rotation mechanism 64 includes, for example, a rotating member 64a and a cylinder 64b, as shown in Figure 1. One end of the rotating member 64a is fixed to the second rotation shaft 51 and rotates together with the second rotation shaft 51. The cylinder 64b is, for example, an air cylinder and has the same configuration as the cylinder 63b described above, so its description is omitted.

[0068] Here, the cylinders 63b and 64b are located below the first pivot shaft 41 and the second pivot shaft 51. More specifically, at least a portion of the cylinders 63b and 64b are located within the internal space of the frame 11 that supports the first arm section 40 and the second arm section 50. Suppose the drive unit for rotating the rotating members 63a and 64a is not the cylinders 63b and 64b, but rather a motor or the like connected to the axial ends of the shaft members 15 and 16. In this case, the width of the material processing device 10 in the second direction will increase by the amount of the drive unit (motor, etc.) that is connected. In contrast, in this embodiment, cylinders 63b and 64b are provided as drive units for rotating the rotating members 63a and 64a, and the cylinders 63b and 64b are located below the first pivot shaft 41 and the second pivot shaft 51. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the width of the material processing device 10 in the second direction.

[0069] <Department Head> As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 70 is a device that controls the first lifting mechanism 61, the second lifting mechanism 62, the first rotation mechanism 63, and the second rotation mechanism 64, and is composed of a microprocessor and a control circuit, etc.

[0070] <<Regarding the inversion flow according to this embodiment>> Next, an example of the use of the component processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to the inverted flow shown in Figure 9. This example will be explained assuming that the component processing apparatus 10 is used in the welding process of the target component T. First, in the welding process, the target member T before welding is supplied to the first conveying device 20, and the supplied target member T is conveyed in the second direction by the first conveying device 20 to the target area on the conveying surface 24 where welding will be performed. Then, in the target area, the target member T is clamped by a clamping device (not shown), and welding is performed on the welding target location located on the third end T3 side (front side) of the target member T by a welding device (not shown). When welding of the welding target location on the third end T3 side of the target member T is completed, the clamping by the clamping device (not shown) is released. Then, a control signal indicating that welding of the front side of the target member T has been completed is output from the controller of the welding device (not shown) to the material processing device 10.

[0071] The inversion flow begins when the control unit 70 receives the above-mentioned control signal output from a welding device (not shown) (S001). At this time, the target member T is positioned on the transport surface 24 of the first transport device 20 with its first end T1 facing downwards, as shown in Figure 1. The first arm portion 40 is in the first state, and the second extension portion 43 of the first arm portion 40 is inserted between adjacent transport rollers 23. The first support surface 45 of the second extension portion 43 is lower than the transport surface 24 and is located away from the first end T1 of the target member T. The second arm portion 50 is in the third state, and the moving portion 55 is in the first position. The lifting portion 61a of the first lifting mechanism 61 is in the lowered position, and the upper surface 61c of the lifting portion 61a is lower than the transport surface 24. Therefore, the upper surface 61c is located away from the first end T1 of the target member T.

[0072] First, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 70 controls the first lifting mechanism 61 to raise the lifting section 61a from the lowered position to the raised position (S002). As a result, the first lifting mechanism 61 raises the target member T located on the transport surface 24 of the first transport device 20 to a position higher than the transport surface 24.

[0073] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 70 controls the first rotation mechanism 63 to rotate the first arm portion 40 around the first rotation axis 41 as the pivot point (S003). As a result, the first arm portion 40 switches from the first state to the second state. Specifically, the first arm portion 40 lifts the target member T that has been transported by the first transport device 20 with its first end T1 facing downwards, and holds it above the first rotation axis 41. More specifically, as the first arm portion 40 switches from the first state to the second state, as shown in Figure 5, the first lifting mechanism 61 lifts the target member T to a position higher than the transport surface 24. When the first support surface 45 becomes higher than the upper surface 61c of the rising portion 61a, the first support surface 45 begins to support the first end T1 of the target member T, and as a result, the first arm portion 40 lifts the target member T.

[0074] Subsequently, the first arm portion 40 rotates while supporting the target member T from the first end T1 side with the first support surface 45. Then, after the orientation of the target member T changes so that the second end T2 of the target member T faces downwards, the first arm portion 40 supports the target member T from the second end T2 side with the second support surface 46. When the state of the first arm portion 40 switches from the first state to the second state, as shown in Figure 6, the target member T is held in a position above the first rotation axis 41, in other words, the second arm portion 50 becomes capable of receiving the target member T from the first arm portion 40.

[0075] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 7, the control unit 70 controls the second rotation mechanism 64 to rotate the second arm portion 50 around the second rotation axis 51 as the pivot point (S004). This switches the second arm portion 50 from the third state to the fourth state. More specifically, the second arm portion 50 rotates while supporting the target member T from the second end T2 side with the fourth support surface 57, and after the posture of the target member T changes so that the third end T3 faces downward, the third support surface 56 supports the target member T from the third end T3 side. Then, when the state of the second arm portion 50 switches from the third state to the fourth state, as shown in Figure 8, the target member T is placed on the transport surface 34 of the second transport device 30 with the first end T1 facing upward. Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the second lifting mechanism 62 while the second arm 50 is switching from the third state to the fourth state. More specifically, after the second arm 50 starts rotating and rotates by a predetermined amount, the control unit 70 controls the second lifting mechanism 62 to move (raise) the movable part 55 from the first position to the second position (S005).

[0076] In this way, as the second arm portion 50 switches from the third state to the fourth state, the second arm portion 50 receives the target member T from the first arm portion 40 at a position above the first rotation axis 41, changes the orientation of the target member T so that the first end T1 faces upward, and then places the target member T in a position where it can be transported by the second transport device 30. At this time, the fourth extension portion 53 of the second arm portion 50 is inserted between adjacent transport rollers 33. Also, the third support surface 56 of the fourth extension portion 53 is located lower than the transport surface 34 and is located below the target member T, away from the third end T3 of the target member T. The inversion flow ends when the above series of steps are completed.

[0077] When the inversion flow is completed, the controller of the welding apparatus (not shown) receives a control signal from the control unit 70 indicating that the inversion of the target member T is complete. As a result, the welding apparatus (not shown) clamps the target member T with a clamping device (not shown) and performs welding on the welding target location located on the first end T1 side (back side) of the target member T. After welding of the back side of the target member T is completed, the clamping device releases the target member T, and it is transported by the second transport device 30 to proceed to the next process.

[0078] <<Regarding the effects of the component processing apparatus according to this embodiment>> As explained above, the material processing apparatus 10 has two pivot shafts 41 and 51 between the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30, and is equipped with two arm sections 40 and 50 that rotate around these two pivot shafts 41 and 51. Therefore, compared to a configuration that has, for example, one pivot shaft and one arm section that rotates around that one pivot shaft (hereinafter referred to as "material processing apparatus according to Comparative Example 1"), the rotation radius of the target material T can be reduced.

[0079] This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 10. In the component processing apparatus according to Comparative Example 1, as shown in Figure 10, for example, there is a pivot axis G at an intermediate position between the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30, and an arm portion (not shown) that rotates around the pivot axis G. The virtual trajectory traced by the target component T (more specifically, the lower corner on the second end T2 side of the target component T in Figure 10) lifted by this arm portion is referred to as the "rotation circle C" as shown in Figure 10. In the component processing apparatus according to Comparative Example 1, the arm portion rotates within a range corresponding to the rotation circle C, and as a result, the component processing apparatus becomes larger (especially on the upper side). In contrast, the component processing apparatus 10, as described above, has two pivot axes 41 and 51 between the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30, and is equipped with two arm sections 40 and 50 that rotate around these two pivot axes 41 and 51. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the target component T (more specifically, the lower corner on the second end T2 side of the target component T in Figure 10) traces a virtual rotation circle D1 centered on the first pivot axis 41 and a virtual rotation circle D2 centered on the second pivot axis 51. Therefore, in the component processing apparatus 10, the first arm section 40 and the second arm section 50 only need to rotate within a range corresponding to the rotation circles D1 and D2, and as a result, it is possible to provide a component processing apparatus 10 that is compact and can appropriately invert the target component T.

[0080] Furthermore, in the case of a component processing apparatus with a long arm section, as in Comparative Example 1, it is necessary to increase the size (area) of the cross-section of the arm section in order to ensure the rigidity (strength) of the arm section. When the size of the cross-section of the arm section is increased in this way, the possibility of interference with the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30 when the arm section is rotated increases. For this reason, when the arm section is rotated, for example, the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30 may be slid in the first direction to a position where they do not interfere with the arm section. Thus, in the component processing apparatus according to Comparative Example 1, the size of the component processing apparatus in the first direction may increase due to the need to retract the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30. In contrast, the component processing apparatus 10 allows for shorter lengths of the two arm sections 40 and 50 compared to the component processing apparatus according to Comparative Example 1, thereby suppressing an increase in the cross-sectional size of the arm sections 40 and 50. This makes it possible to rotate the arm sections 40 and 50 without retracting the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30 in the first direction. Thus, the component processing apparatus 10 can be made more compact because it does not require the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30 to be retracted in the first direction.

[0081] Furthermore, in the process of sequentially feeding multiple target members T, the member processing apparatus according to Comparative Example 1 has only one arm, so it is not possible to start processing the next target member T until the current target member T has been completely turned over, and therefore the processing time (pitch time) cannot be reduced. In contrast, the component processing device 10 is equipped with two arm sections 40 and 50, allowing them to perform separate operations. Specifically, while the second arm section 50 is inverting the target component T, the first arm section 40 can be returned from the second state to the first state, allowing the work (or preparation for work) on the next target component T to begin. In this way, the component processing device 10 can reduce the work time (pitch time) in a process of sequentially feeding multiple target components T.

[0082] Furthermore, in the member processing apparatus according to Comparative Example 1, for example, a configuration can be considered in which the center position in the extension direction of the arm is the rotation center, and both ends of the arm in the extension direction are used as holding parts for the target member T. In this configuration, one arm has two holding parts for holding the target member T. In this case, by rotating the arm around the rotation center, the target member T held at one end of the arm can be transported from the first conveying device 20 to the second conveying device 30 through the route above the rotation center. Moreover, in parallel with this process, the other end of the arm that has finished inverting the previous target member T can be returned from the second conveying device 30 to the first conveying device 20 through the route below the rotation center, thereby allowing the other end of the arm to hold the next target member T. This reduces the working time (pitch time) in the process of sequentially feeding multiple target members T. However, when the arm passes through a route below the center of rotation of the arm, the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30 must be slid (moved laterally) in a direction away from the arm in the first direction so that the arm does not interfere with them. This increases the size of the material processing device. In contrast, in the material processing device 10, the two arm sections 40 and 50 pass only through the upper route of the two pivot axes 41 and 51. Therefore, there is no need to slide (transversely feed) the first transport device 20 and the second transport device 30 away from the two arm sections 40 and 50 in the first direction, and the material processing device 10 can be made more compact.

[0083] Furthermore, in the material processing apparatus according to Comparative Example 1, as mentioned above, the cross-sectional size of the arm is large, so if the pivot axis G is positioned below the transport surfaces 24 and 34, the arm may interfere with peripheral equipment such as welding equipment. Therefore, although the pivot axis G is shown below the transport surfaces 24 and 34 in Figure 10, in reality, it may be positioned above the transport surfaces 24 and 34 to avoid interference with peripheral equipment. By positioning the pivot axis G above the transport surfaces 24 and 34, the position of the material processing apparatus becomes higher, and as a result, the size of the material processing apparatus becomes larger. In contrast, in the component processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the cross-sectional size of the arm portions 40 and 50 can be reduced compared to the arm portion of the component processing apparatus according to Comparative Example 1, making it possible to avoid interference with surrounding equipment. As a result, the first rotating shaft 41 and the first extension portion 42 can be positioned below the conveying surfaces 24 and 34, and as a result, the component processing apparatus 10 can be made more compact.

[0084] <<Regarding other embodiments>> Although one embodiment of the component processing apparatus and method of use of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the first pivot shaft 41 and the second pivot shaft 51 are assumed to be real pivot shafts such as cylindrical or cylindrical shaft members. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and at least one of the first pivot shaft 41 and the second pivot shaft 51 may be, for example, a virtual pivot shaft, and the first arm portion 40 and the second arm portion 50 may rotate around this virtual pivot shaft.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first pivot shaft 41 and the second pivot shaft 51 are positioned below the conveying surfaces 24 and 34 of both the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and at least one of the first pivot shaft 41 and the second pivot shaft 51 may be positioned below the conveying surface of at least one of the first conveying device 20 and the second conveying device 30.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each movable part of the material processing device 10, specifically the first arm 40, the second arm 50, the moving part 55, and the lifting part 61a, is designed to move automatically using driving force. However, it is not limited to this, and at least some of the movable parts may be moved manually. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 10. Parts processing equipment 11,21,31 Mounting frame 15 Shaft member 16 Shaft member 20. First conveying device 22,32 Conveyor section 23,33 Conveyor rollers 24,34 Conveyor surface 30. Second conveying device 40 First Arm Section 41 First moving axle 42 1st extension part 43 Second extension part 44 1st protrusion 45 1st support surface 46 Second support surface 50 Second Arm Section 51 Second drive axle 52 Third extension part 53 4th extension part 54 Second protrusion 55 Mobile section 56 Third support surface 57 4th support surface 61 First Ascent Mechanism 61a Rising section 61b Drive unit 61c top surface 62 Second Ascent Mechanism 63 First Moving Mechanism 63a, 64a Rotating members 63b, 64b Cylinder 64 Second Moving Mechanism 70 Control Unit C,D1,D2 Rotating circle G Rotary axis T Target component T1 1st end T2 2nd end T3 3rd end

Claims

1. Arranged in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, a first conveying device and a second conveying device for conveying target members, Displaced between the first conveying device and the second conveying device, the first arm portion has a first pivot axis extending in a second direction that intersects both the vertical direction and the first direction, and rotates around the first pivot axis, The device comprises a second arm portion that rotates around the second pivot axis, having a second pivot axis positioned between the first and second conveying devices and extending in the second direction, and located on the second conveying device side of the first pivot axis, The first arm portion lifts the target member that has been transported by the first transport device with its first end facing downward, and holds it in a position above the first pivot axis. A material processing apparatus wherein the second arm portion receives the target member from the first arm portion at a position above the first pivot axis, changes the orientation of the target member so that the first end faces upward, and then places the target member in a position where it can be transported by the second transport device.

2. The member processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first arm portion and the second arm portion are arranged at different positions from each other in the second direction.

3. The member processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first pivot shaft and the second pivot shaft is located below the conveying surface of at least one of the first conveying device and the second conveying device.

4. The system further comprises a first lifting mechanism for raising the target member, The first lifting mechanism raises the target member located on the conveying surface of the first conveying device to a position higher than the conveying surface. The member processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first arm portion lifts the target member that has been raised to a position higher than the conveying surface by the first lifting mechanism.

5. The first arm portion has a first support surface that supports the first end of the target member, and a second support surface that supports the second end of the target member that faces downward at a position above the first pivot axis and extends in a direction intersecting the first support surface. The member processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second arm portion has a third support surface that supports the third end of the target member opposite to the first end, and a fourth support surface that supports the second end of the target member and extends in a direction intersecting the third support surface.

6. The member processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the second arm receives the target member from the first arm, the portion of the first arm on which the second support surface is provided and the portion of the second arm on which the fourth support surface is provided overlap each other when viewed from the second direction.

7. The system further comprises a second lifting mechanism for raising the aforementioned target member, The member processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second lifting mechanism, after the second arm has rotated by a predetermined amount, lifts the target member held by the second arm from a position on a virtual first rotation circle centered on the second pivot axis to a position on a virtual second rotation circle centered on the second pivot axis with a larger rotation radius than the first rotation circle.

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