Battery pack manufacturing workbench

Abstract

The battery pack will be made tiltable, and the entire process of tilting it will be made easy to perform. [Solution] The battery pack manufacturing workbench is a workbench for placing an object to be mounted, including a battery pack with at least some wiring installed. The battery pack manufacturing workbench comprises a frame base and a tilt device. The frame base has an opening on a predetermined side when viewed from above. The frame base is configured so that a transport vehicle carrying the object to be mounted can enter the inside from the opening side. The frame base is configured so that the object to be mounted can be placed on it when the transport vehicle has entered the inside. The tilt device tilts the frame base when the object to be mounted is placed on it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a workbench for placing a battery pack during the manufacture of the battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to enable more people to access affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy, research and development has been conducted on electric products that contribute to energy efficiency, such as electric vehicles including hybrid vehicles. Along with this, research and development has also been conducted on the manufacturing technology of battery packs installed in those electric products.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] During the manufacture of a battery pack, an operator needs to install predetermined wiring such as a bus bar on the battery pack. However, when the battery pack is horizontally large to a certain extent, it is difficult for the operator to access the central part or the like from around the battery pack. Therefore, it is preferable to tilt the battery pack to the standing side to facilitate access to the central part or the like of the battery pack. Further, it is preferable that a series of operations until the battery pack is tilted can be performed as simply as possible.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to make the battery pack tiltable and to enable a series of operations until the tilt is performed to be performed simply.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The inventors of the present invention discovered that the above objective could be achieved by providing a frame platform that allows a transport vehicle loaded with a battery pack to enter the inside, and by providing a tilt device that tilts the frame platform, leading to the present invention. The present invention is a battery pack manufacturing workbench described below in (1) to (10).

[0007] (1) A battery pack manufacturing workbench for placing an object to be mounted, including a battery pack before installation, with at least some of the wiring connected, A frame base having an opening on a predetermined side when viewed from above, configured such that a transport vehicle carrying the aforementioned object can enter the inside from the opening side, and the frame base is configured such that the aforementioned object can be placed on it when the transport vehicle has entered the inside, A tilt device that tilts the frame base while the aforementioned object to be placed on it, A battery pack manufacturing workbench equipped with the following features.

[0008] With this configuration, a transport vehicle can be easily inserted into the inside of the frame base from the opening side. The frame base is configured to be able to hold the object to be placed on it. Therefore, the object to be placed can be easily transferred from the transport vehicle to the frame base. Moreover, because there is a tilt device, the object to be placed on the frame base can be tilted as is. The object to be placed includes a battery pack. As a result of the above, with this configuration, the battery pack can be made tiltable, and the series of operations up to tilting the battery pack can be performed easily.

[0009] (2) The tilt device tilts the frame base such that the connecting portion side, which is opposite to the opening side, is on the lower side and the opening side is on the upper side. The battery pack manufacturing workbench described in (1) above.

[0010] In this configuration, the worker's working side and the transport vehicle's entry side are on opposite sides of the frame base. This makes it easier to avoid interference between the worker and the transport vehicle.

[0011] (3) A floating device that provides floating support for the object to be placed above using air on the frame base, The frame base includes a first engaging portion, The object to be mounted is provided with a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion. The floating device stops the floating support after the object to be placed on the frame base has been positioned by the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion during the floating support. The battery pack manufacturing workbench described in (1) or (2) above.

[0012] This configuration allows for efficient positioning of the object to be mounted on the frame base. Furthermore, the floating support is stopped only after the object to be mounted on the frame base is positioned by the engagement of the first and second engaging parts. Therefore, during tilting of the frame base, the object to be mounted is positioned and fixed to the frame base by the engagement of the first and second engaging parts without the need for floating support. This ensures fail-safe operation.

[0013] (4) The second engagement portion is an engagement hole that extends in the vertical direction, The first engaging portion is an engaging pin that protrudes upward, The engagement pin has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter towards the top. The battery pack manufacturing workbench described in (3) above.

[0014] With this configuration, even if the center position of the engagement hole is slightly offset from the center position of the engagement pin when viewed from above, the tapered shape of the engagement pin can guide the center position of the engagement hole to the center position of the engagement pin.

[0015] (5) The second engaging portion is an engaging hole extending in the vertical direction, The first engaging portion is an engaging pin that can project upward and retract downward, The battery pack manufacturing workbench, A presence sensor for confirming the presence of the object to be placed on the frame table, And an engagement sensor for confirming that the engagement pin is projecting upward, The floating device stops the floating support after the presence of the object to be placed is confirmed by the presence sensor and the projection of the engagement pin is confirmed by the engagement sensor. The battery pack manufacturing workbench according to (3) or (4) above.

[0016] According to this configuration, the floating support is stopped after confirming that the object to be placed is properly placed and positioned by the presence sensor and the engagement sensor. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the floating support is stopped while the object to be placed is not properly placed and positioned on the frame table, and tilting is performed as it is.

[0017] (6) A lock pin for locking the object to be placed with respect to the frame table, And a lock sensor for confirming that the lock by the lock pin has been made, The tilt device tilts the frame table after the lock is confirmed by the lock sensor. The battery pack manufacturing workbench according to any one of (1) to (5) above.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation where tilting is performed without being locked.

[0019] (7) On both sides sandwiching the frame table, a pair of support columns for supporting the frame table tiltably are provided, The tilt device includes an actuator for tilting the frame base only on one of the pair of support columns. The battery pack manufacturing workbench according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0020] According to this configuration, the frame base can be tilted with only one actuator.

[0021] (8) The end portion of the frame base opposite to the actuator is tiltably supported by the other of the pair of support columns. The battery pack manufacturing workbench according to (7) above.

[0022] According to this configuration, the end portion of the frame base opposite to the actuator can be made axially free. From this, the deflection of the frame base is allowed. From this, the frame base can be smoothly tilted with only one actuator.

[0023] (9) As seen in the length direction of the tilt axis in the state where the frame base is not tilted, the connecting portion as the portion of the frame base opposite to the opening side has an L-shape including a base portion extending in the horizontal direction and a protruding portion protruding upward from one end portion of the base portion. In the state where the tilt of the frame base is completed, the feet of the operator can be inserted into the space below the protruding portion. The battery pack manufacturing workbench according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

[0024] According to this configuration, a space for placing the feet of the operator can be secured, making it easier for the operator to work.

[0025] (10) The object to be placed includes a pallet on which the battery pack is fixed upward and a bucket stored inside the pallet. The connecting portion of the frame base, which is the part opposite to the opening side, is provided with a fall prevention structure that, when the frame base is tilted, contacts the bucket to prevent the bucket from sliding off. A battery pack manufacturing workbench as described in any one of (1) to (9) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] As described above, the battery pack manufacturing process described in (1) makes it possible to make the battery pack tiltable and to easily perform the series of operations leading up to the tilting. Furthermore, the configurations described in (2) to (10), which refer to (1), provide additional benefits. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a battery pack manufacturing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a transport vehicle with the object to be placed on it. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the pallet to be placed on. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing a battery pack manufacturing workbench. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the battery pack manufacturing workbench with the object to be placed on it. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing a battery pack manufacturing workbench. [Figure 7] This is a plan cross-sectional view showing the battery pack manufacturing workbench with the object to be placed on it. [Figure 8] This is a front cross-sectional view showing the X-side end and surrounding area of ​​the frame base. [Figure 9] This is a front cross-sectional view showing the X+ side end and its surrounding area in the frame base. [Figure 10] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the Y-side end and surrounding area of ​​the frame base. [Figure 11]This is a side view showing the battery pack manufacturing workbench and its surroundings in the tilted position. [Figure 12] This is a front cross-sectional view showing the X-side end and its surrounding area in the frame base of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the X-side end and its surrounding area in the frame base of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the X-side end and its surrounding area in the frame base. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited in any way to the following embodiments and can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0029] [First Embodiment] The battery pack manufacturing system 100 shown in Figure 1 is a system for worker H to efficiently install at least some of the wiring onto the battery pack 21 before installation. The battery pack 21 is an IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) or the like, and includes multiple batteries. The wiring includes busbars, etc.

[0030] Hereafter, two predetermined directions that are perpendicular to each other in the horizontal plane will be referred to as the "X direction" and the "Y direction". Furthermore, one side of the X direction will be called the "X- side", and the opposite side will be called the "X+ side". Similarly, one side of the Y direction will be called the "Y- side", and the opposite side will be called the "Y+ side".

[0031] The battery pack manufacturing system 100 includes a workbench 70 and a transport vehicle 90. Note that the workbench 70 may be read as a "battery pack manufacturing workbench." The transport vehicle 90 carries a predetermined object to be placed 20. The workbench 70 and the transport vehicle 90 are controlled by a predetermined control device (not shown) of the battery pack manufacturing system 100.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the mounting object 20 includes a battery pack 21, a pallet 25 on which the battery pack 21 is fixed with screws or the like, and a plurality of buckets 26 stored inside the pallet 25. The buckets 26 store, for example, parts of the battery pack 21, tools, etc.

[0033] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 90 is an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) or the like, and is configured to be self-propelled. As shown in Figure 7, the transport vehicle 90 is equipped with a lift 92 for raising and lowering the object to be placed 20.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, each workbench 70 comprises a pair of support columns 31 and 33 spaced apart in the X direction, a frame base 32 provided between them, and a tilt device 36. Each support column 31 and 33 extends in the vertical and Y directions. These pairs of support columns 31 and 33 support the frame base 32 so that it can tilt around the X direction as an axis. Therefore, the X direction corresponds to the length of the tilt axis. Hereinafter, as shown in Figure 4, the state in which the frame base 32 is not tilted will be referred to as the "basic state".

[0035] As shown in the top view in Figure 6, the frame base 32 has a U-shape that opens to the Y+ side in its basic state. Specifically, the frame base 32 comprises a pair of Y-direction extensions 321 and 323 and a connecting part 322. The pair of Y-direction extensions 321 and 323 are arranged side by side with a gap in the X direction. Each Y-direction extension 321 and 323 extends in the Y direction in its basic state. The connecting part 322 connects the Y-side ends of the pair of Y-direction extensions 321 and 323 when viewed in the basic state. Thus, the frame base 32 is configured so that the transport vehicle 90 with the object to be placed 20 on it can enter the inside from the Y+ side. And, as shown in Figure 7, the frame base 32 is configured so that the object to be placed 20 can be placed on it when the transport vehicle 90 has entered the inside.

[0036] The tilt device 36 shown in Figure 4 is configured to allow the frame base 32 to tilt towards the Y- side, that is, towards the side where the Y- side in the basic state is at the bottom and the Y+ side in the basic state is at the top. Hereafter, as shown in Figure 11, the state in which the frame base 32 is tilted approximately 60° towards the Y- side from the basic state is referred to as the "tilt completed state". The tilt device 36 includes an actuator 361 and a bearing 363.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the actuator 361 is a device for tilting the frame base 32 and is attached to one support column 31. The bearing 363 is attached to the other support column 33. The bearing 363 is a bearing unit or pillow bearing, etc., and allows the tilt axis to swing around the center of the bearing. That is, the tilt device 36 is equipped with the actuator 361 on only one support column 31, and the end of the frame base 32 opposite to the actuator 361 side is supported by the other support column 33 via the bearing 363 so as to be able to swing with the X direction as the axis of rotation. From the above, one end of the frame base 32 in the X direction is fixedly constrained to the drive shaft on the actuator 361 side, and the other end in the X direction is simply supported so as to be able to swing the tilt axis.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, when the object to be placed 20 is being transferred from the transport vehicle 90 to the work table 70, the pallet 25 is a cage-like structure with openings on both sides in the Y direction. A fall prevention structure 256 is provided at both ends of the pallet 25 in the Y direction. This fall prevention structure 256 prevents the bucket 26 from falling by contacting the bottom of the bucket 26 when the object to be placed 20 is moved by the transport vehicle 90.

[0039] As shown in Figure 10, the connecting portion 322 of the frame base 32 includes a base portion 322b and a projection portion 322a. As shown in Figure 10, in the basic state, when viewed in the X direction, the connecting portion 322 extends in the Y direction, and the projection portion 322a protrudes upward from the Y+ side end of the base portion 322b. The base portion 322b is the part for connecting a pair of Y-direction extending portions 321 and 323. A fall prevention structure 322p that protrudes to the Y+ side is attached to the lower surface of the base portion 322b. This fall prevention structure 322p prevents the bucket 26 from sliding off by contacting the basket 26 when the frame base 32 is tilted.

[0040] As shown in Figure 11, the protruding portion 322a is a part that receives the object to be placed 20 in the event that part or all of the object to be placed 20 slides down when the frame base 32 is tilted. The connecting portion 322 has an L-shape 322L that includes the protruding portion 322a and the base portion 322b described above. Therefore, when the tilt is completed, the worker H can insert their foot into the space below the protruding portion 322a in this L-shape 322L.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, each workbench 70 is further equipped with a floating device 41 and an engaging pin 43. Both the floating device 41 and the engaging pin 43 are provided for each Y-direction extension 321, 323. Each engaging pin 43 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the Y-direction extension 321, 323. Note that the engaging pin 43 may be read as the "first engaging part". The engaging pin 43 has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter towards the top.

[0042] Each floating device 41 is equipped with a plurality of air ejection holes 411 that open upward, and is configured to discharge air upward from these air ejection holes 411. Balls are housed in these air ejection holes 411. By floating the balls with air from these air ejection holes 411, the mounting object 20 shown in Figure 5 can be supported in a floating manner. As shown in Figure 7, the pallet 25 of the mounting object 20 is provided with an engagement hole 42 that penetrates in the vertical direction. Note that the engagement hole 42 may be read as the "second engagement part". During floating support, the engagement hole 42 is positioned above the engagement pin 43. When the engagement pin 43 is inserted into the engagement hole 42 while floating, the engagement pin 43 engages with the engagement hole 42 while being guided by its tapered shape. As a result, the pallet 25 and the battery pack 21 are positioned horizontally relative to the frame base 32 in the basic state. When the floating support is stopped with the engagement pin 43 inserted into the engagement hole 42, the pallet 25 and battery pack 21 are placed on the workbench 70 in a horizontally positioned position.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, each workbench 70 is equipped with a lock pin 51, a pin drive device 52, and a lock sensor 56 for each Y-direction extension 321, 323. The lock pin 51 is configured to be able to protrude inward in the X-direction and retract outward in the X-direction by the pin drive device 52. When the object to be mounted 20 is placed on the frame base 32, that is, when the engagement pin 43 is engaged in the engagement hole 42, the lock pin 51 protrudes inward in the X-direction to lock the object to be mounted 20 to the frame base 32. This prevents the engagement between the engagement hole 42 and the engagement pin 43 from being disengaged. The lock is released when the lock pin 51 retracts outward in the X-direction from that state.

[0044] The lock sensor 56 detects whether or not the lock is engaged. Specifically, the lock sensor 56 includes a pin extension sensor 561 and a pin retraction sensor 562. The pin extension sensor 561 confirms that the lock pin 51 has extended. The pin retraction sensor 562 confirms that the lock pin 51 has retracted. The tilt device 36 tilts the frame base 32 only if the lock by the lock pin 51 has been confirmed by the lock sensor 56.

[0045] Next, we will explain the procedure for placing the object to be placed 20, shown in Figure 5, onto the workbench 70 shown in Figure 4, and then tilting the object to be placed 20, as shown in Figure 11.

[0046] First, a transport vehicle 90, with the object to be placed 20 loaded on it, is brought inside the workbench 70 shown in Figure 4, as shown in Figure 5. Then, the transport vehicle 90 lowers the object to be placed 20 using the lift 92 shown in Figure 7. This transfers the object to be placed 20 from the transport vehicle 90 to the frame base 32. At this time, the aforementioned floating support is performed. Specifically, with the ball of the floating device 41 floating-supported by air, the object to be placed 20 is placed on the frame base 32. In this state, as described above, the engagement pin 43 is inserted into the engagement hole 42, causing the engagement hole 42 and the engagement pin 43 to engage. In this state, the frame base 32 stops the floating support by the floating device 41 and locks the object to be placed 20 with the lock pin 51. After that, the transport vehicle 90 is brought out from inside the frame base 32 towards the Y+ side.

[0047] Subsequently, the tilt device 36 tilts the frame base 32 by approximately 60°, that is, to the completed tilt position.

[0048] Next, after worker H has finished the wiring work, the procedure for returning the frame base 32 from the tilted position to the basic position shown in Figure 5, and then removing the object to be placed 20 from the workbench 70 will be explained.

[0049] First, as shown in Figure 5, the tilt device 36 rotates the frame base 32 from the tilted state shown in Figure 11 until it is horizontal. In other words, it returns the frame base 32 to its basic position.

[0050] Subsequently, the transport vehicle 90 is moved inside the frame base 32. From this position, the lock by the lock pin 51 shown in Figure 7 is released. Then, the lift 92 of the transport vehicle 90 is used to raise the object to be placed 20. This releases the positioning of the object to be placed 20 by the engagement hole 42 and the engagement pin 43, and transfers the object to be placed 20 from the frame base 32 to the transport vehicle 90. After that, the transport vehicle 90, with the object to be placed 20 on it, is moved out from inside the frame base 32 towards the Y+ side.

[0051] Furthermore, the series of operations performed by the transport vehicle 90 and the workbench 70 are automatically controlled by the control device (not shown) of the battery pack manufacturing system.

[0052] The configuration and effects of this embodiment are summarized below.

[0053] According to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the transport vehicle 90 can be easily inserted into the inside of the frame base 32 from the Y+ side. The frame base 32 is configured to be able to accommodate the object to be mounted 20 in that state. Therefore, the object to be mounted 20 can be easily transferred from the transport vehicle 90 to the frame base 32. Moreover, because there is a tilt device 36, the object to be mounted 20, which has been transferred to the frame base 32, can be tilted as shown in Figure 11. As a result, a series of operations from transferring the battery pack 21 from the transport vehicle 90 to the work table 70 and tilting it can be easily performed. This tilting allows the worker H to easily access the central part of the battery pack 21, etc., and makes it easy to perform wiring work on the battery pack 21.

[0054] The tilt device 36 shown in Figure 4 tilts the U-shaped frame base 32 so that the connecting portion 322 side is on the lower side and the opening side is on the upper side. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, the working side by worker H and the entry side of the transport vehicle 90 are on opposite sides of the frame base 32 in the Y direction. This makes it easier to avoid interference between worker H and the transport vehicle 90.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the mounting object 20 is provided with an engagement hole 42 that extends in the vertical direction. The floating device 41 shown in Figure 6 provides floating support for the mounting object 20 on the frame base 32. The engagement hole 42 shown in Figure 7 is positioned above the engagement pin 43 during floating support. Then, with the mounting object 20 in a floating support state, the engagement pin 43 is inserted into the engagement hole 42. This positions the mounting object 20 relative to the frame base 32. As a result, the positioning of the mounting object 20 relative to the frame base 32 can be performed efficiently. Moreover, the floating support is stopped with the engagement pin 43 inserted into the engagement hole 42. Therefore, during tilting of the frame base 32, the mounting object 20 is positioned and fixed to the frame base 32 by the engagement of the engagement hole 42 and the engagement pin 43 without floating support. Thus, fail-safe can be ensured.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the engagement pin 43 has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter towards the top. Therefore, even if the center position of the engagement hole 42 is slightly offset from the center position of the engagement pin 43 in the top view shown in Figure 7, the tapered shape of the engagement pin 43 can guide the center position of the engagement hole 42 to the center position of the engagement pin 43.

[0057] The locking pin 51 shown in Figure 7 locks the mounting object 20 to the frame base 32. The lock sensor 56 shown in Figure 6 confirms that the lock has been made by the locking pin 51. The tilt device 36 tilts only after the lock has been confirmed by the lock sensor 56. This prevents situations where tilting occurs when the object is not locked.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the workbench 70 has a pair of support columns 31 and 33 that tiltably support the frame base 32. The tilt device 36 is equipped with an actuator 361 for tilting on only one of the support columns 31. Therefore, the frame base 32 can be tilted using only one actuator 361.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, at the end of the frame base 32 opposite to the actuator 361, the tilt axis is simply supported by the other support column 33 via a bearing 363, allowing it to swing. As a result, as shown in Figure 9, deflection of the frame base 32 is permitted. Therefore, the frame base 32 can be smoothly tilted even with only one actuator 361. Note that in Figure 9, the deflection is exaggerated to make it easier to see.

[0060] As shown in Figure 10, in the basic state, when viewed in the X direction, the connecting portion 322 of the frame base 32 has an L-shape 322L that includes a base portion 322b extending in the Y direction and a projection portion 322a projecting upward from the Y+ end of the base portion 322b. Therefore, in the tilted state shown in Figure 11, the worker H's feet can be inserted below the projection portion 322a of the L-shape 322L. This provides space for the worker H to place their feet, making it easier for the worker H to work.

[0061] As shown in Figure 10, the connecting portion 322 of the frame base 32 is provided with a fall prevention structure 322p that prevents the bucket 26 from sliding off by contacting the basket 26 when the frame base 32 is tilted. As a result, costs can be reduced compared to the case where such a fall prevention structure 322p is provided for each pallet 25. Furthermore, since the fall prevention structure 322p is provided on the work table 70 side, it only functions when the object to be placed 20 is placed on the work table 70. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, when the object to be placed 20 is on the transport vehicle 90, the fall prevention structure 322p does not get in the way when the worker H takes out the bucket 26.

[0062] [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. The following embodiments will be described based on the first embodiment, focusing on the differences, and explanations of aspects that are the same as or similar to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0063] In this embodiment, an occupancy sensor 46 is provided on the upper surface of the frame base 32. This occupancy sensor 46 is a sensor for confirming that the object to be placed on the frame base 32 is present.

[0064] The engaging pin 43 is housed in a cylinder 44 attached to the frame base 32, allowing it to move vertically, and is biased upward by a biasing member (not shown) such as a spring. Thus, the engaging pin 43 is configured to be able to protrude upward and retract downward.

[0065] An engagement sensor 45 is attached to the cylinder 44. This engagement sensor 45 checks the position of the engagement pin 43 to determine whether the engagement pin 43 is protruding upward or retracting downward.

[0066] The workbench 70 inserts the engagement pin 43 into the engagement hole 42 while the workbench 70 is floating-supporting the object to be placed on it 20 by the floating device 41. Subsequently, after the presence of the object to be placed on it 20 is confirmed by the occupancy sensor 46 and the protrusion of the engagement pin 43 is confirmed by the engagement sensor 45, the workbench 70 stops the floating support by the floating device 41 and locks the object to be placed on it 20 with the lock pin 51.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the floating support is stopped only after confirming that the mounting object 20 is properly mounted and positioned by the occupancy sensor 46 and the engagement sensor 45. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the floating support is stopped and tilting occurs while the mounting object 20 is not properly mounted and positioned on the frame base 32.

[0068] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the workbench 70 is equipped with a tilt lock mechanism 34 and a tilt lock sensor 35 at its X-direction end. Note that these tilt lock mechanisms 34 and tilt lock sensor 35 may be provided at both ends of the workbench 70 in the X-direction, or at only one end in the X-direction.

[0069] The tilt lock mechanism 34 is configured to lock the frame base 32 in both the basic state and the tilted state. Hereinafter, this type of locking by the tilt lock mechanism 34 will be referred to as "tilt lock". The tilt lock sensor 35 is a sensor for confirming whether or not the tilt lock is engaged.

[0070] More specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the tilt lock mechanism 34 includes a tilt lock pin 341 provided on the support column 31,33 side and two types of pin holes 342a,342b provided on the frame base 32 side. One pin hole 342a is positioned to engage with the tilt lock pin 341 in the basic state. The other pin hole 342b is positioned to engage with the tilt lock pin 341 in the tilted state. The tilt lock pin 341 engages with either pin hole 342a,342b by protruding inward in the X direction from the support column 31,33 side, and releases the engagement by retracting outward in the X direction. The tilt lock sensor 35 checks whether the tilt lock is engaged by detecting the position of the tilt lock pin 341.

[0071] In the basic state, provided that the tilt lock is confirmed, the transport vehicle 90 is permitted to move the object to be placed 20 onto the workbench 70, and the transport vehicle 90 is permitted to move the object to be placed 20 off the workbench 70. In the tilt completed state, provided that the tilt lock is confirmed, the prohibition period is lifted.

[0072] According to this embodiment, safety is enhanced by the tilt lock mechanism 34. Specifically, if the actuator 361 malfunctions and attempts to rotate the frame base 32, the tilt lock mechanism 34 can prevent that rotation. Furthermore, if the frame base 32 becomes free to rotate due to a failure of the actuator 361, the tilt lock mechanism 34 can prevent that rotation.

[0073] Furthermore, in the basic state, loading and unloading by the transport vehicle 90 is permitted, provided that the tilt lock is confirmed. This allows loading and unloading to begin at the appropriate time. Also, in the tilt completed state, the prohibition period is lifted, provided that the tilt lock is confirmed. This allows the prohibition period for worker H to be lifted at the appropriate time.

[0074] [Other embodiments] The embodiments described above can be modified, for example, as follows: The mounting object 20 does not have to include the pallet 25 and the bucket 26. That is, the mounting object 20 may consist only of the battery pack 21, and the battery pack 21 may be placed directly on the frame base 32. Also, if necessary, the battery pack manufacturing system 100 may be equipped with multiple transport vehicles 90. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 20. Items to be placed 21 Battery Packs 25 pallets 26 buckets 31 X-side support column (one of the support columns) 32 Frame Stand 322 Connecting part 322a Protrusion 322b base 322L L shape 322p anti-slip structure 33 Support column on the X+ side (the other support column) 36 Tilt device 361 Actuator 363 Bearings 41 Floating device 42 Engagement hole (second engagement part) 43 Engaging pin (first engaging portion) 45 Engagement Sensor 46. ​​Occupancy Sensor 51 Locking pins 56 Lock Sensor 70 Workbenches (Battery Pack Manufacturing Workbenches) 90 transport vehicles Ar Safety Monitoring Area

Claims

1. A battery pack manufacturing workbench for mounting an object including a battery pack before installation, with at least some of the wiring connected, A frame base having an opening on a predetermined side when viewed from above, configured such that a transport vehicle carrying the aforementioned object can enter the inside from the opening side, and the frame base is configured such that the aforementioned object can be placed on it when the transport vehicle has entered the inside, A tilt device that tilts the frame base while the aforementioned object to be placed on it, A battery pack manufacturing workbench equipped with the following features.

2. The tilt device tilts the frame base such that the connecting portion side, which is opposite to the opening side, is on the lower side, and the opening side is on the upper side. A battery pack manufacturing workbench according to claim 1.

3. A floating device that provides floating support for the object to be placed above using air on the frame base, The frame base comprises a first engaging portion, The object to be mounted is provided with a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion. The floating device stops the floating support after the object to be placed on the frame base has been positioned by the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion during the floating support. A battery pack manufacturing workbench according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second engagement portion is an engagement hole that extends in the vertical direction, The first engaging portion is an engaging pin that protrudes upward, The engagement pin has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter towards the top. The battery pack manufacturing workbench according to claim 3.

5. The second engagement portion is an engagement hole that extends in the vertical direction, The first engaging portion is an engaging pin that can protrude upward and retract downward. The aforementioned battery pack manufacturing workbench is A presence sensor for confirming the presence of the aforementioned object on the frame stand, The system includes an engagement sensor that confirms that the engagement pin is protruding upward, The floating device stops its floating support after the presence of the object to be placed is confirmed by the presence sensor and the protrusion of the engagement pin is confirmed by the engagement sensor. The battery pack manufacturing workbench according to claim 3.

6. A locking pin for locking the aforementioned mounting object to the frame base, The system includes a lock sensor for confirming that the lock is engaged by the aforementioned lock pin, The tilt device tilts the frame base after the lock is confirmed by the lock sensor. A battery pack manufacturing workbench according to claim 1 or 2.

7. On both sides of the frame base are a pair of support columns that support the frame base so that it can be tilted, The tilt device is provided with an actuator for tilting the frame base on only one of the pair of support columns. A battery pack manufacturing workbench according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The end of the frame base opposite to the actuator is tiltably supported by the other of the pair of support columns. A battery pack manufacturing workbench according to claim 7.

9. When the frame base is not tilted, the connecting portion of the frame base opposite to the opening side, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tilt axis, has an L-shape including a base extending horizontally and a projection extending upward from one end of the base. When the tilt of the frame base is completed, the worker's feet can be inserted into the space below the protruding portion. A battery pack manufacturing workbench according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The mounting object includes a pallet on which the battery pack is fixed, and a bucket stored inside the pallet. The connecting portion of the frame base, which is the part opposite to the opening side, is provided with a fall prevention structure that, when the frame base is tilted, contacts the bucket to prevent the bucket from sliding off. A battery pack manufacturing workbench according to claim 1 or 2.

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