Synchronization mechanism and conveyance device

Abstract

To provide a synchronization mechanism which can improve synchronous position accuracy without stopping a conveyor, and to provide a conveyance device using the same.SOLUTION: A synchronization mechanism 10 includes: a synchronization connection means 11 movable between a first position for moving to a conveyor 20 and connecting the conveyor 20 and a synchronization truck 30 and a second position for moving to the synchronization truck 30 and for releasing the connection between the conveyor 20 and the synchronization truck 30; and operation means 12 for moving the synchronization connection means 11 in such a manner that it is in the first position at a synchronization start position and is in the second position at a synchronization finish position. At a tip part of the synchronization connection means 11, a synchronization roller 11A is provided which is rotatable according to the movement from the first position to the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a synchronization mechanism that detachably connects a transport machine and a synchronized carriage, and to a transport device using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In an automobile assembly line, for example, a conveyor moves a vehicle body in one direction at a constant speed while assembling necessary parts and the like onto the vehicle body in an assembly line. When assembling parts and the like, for example, a synchronized carriage that moves in parallel with and in synchronization with the conveyor within a predetermined range is used. Tools and parts are loaded onto the synchronized carriage and moved to a position close to the worker, or an industrial robot or the like is disposed on the synchronized carriage and used to perform work while moving. The synchronized carriage is configured, for example, so that at a work start position, a connecting part moves toward the conveyor to connect with the conveyor, and the connecting part moves when pushed by the conveyor, and at a work end position, the connecting part moves toward the synchronized carriage to disconnect from the conveyor.

[0003] Furthermore, the synchronized carriage is configured to return to a work start position to perform the next work after being disconnected from the conveying machine. The synchronized carriage can be returned to its position mechanically using power from a motor or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1), but this method has problems in that it requires a complicated mechanism and requires electricity to drive the motor, which increases costs. Therefore, a method is known in which the synchronized carriage is returned to its position by using a biasing means such as a weight or a spiral spring in the direction opposite to the synchronous traveling direction (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-28460 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6058417 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the urging means is used to return the synchronized carriage to its original position, the conveyor moves the synchronized carriage against the urging force of the urging means. Therefore, at the connection between the conveyor and the synchronized carriage, the force moving the synchronized carriage to the work end position and the force returning it to the work start position press against each other with considerable force. This causes friction and wear at the connection when the synchronization is released, resulting in a problem of reduced synchronization position accuracy. Furthermore, while this pressing force can be reduced by temporarily halting the movement of the conveyor, this increases cycle time and reduces production efficiency.

[0006] The present invention has been made in response to such problems, and aims to provide a synchronization mechanism that can improve synchronous position accuracy without stopping the conveying machine, and a conveying device using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The synchronization mechanism of the present invention detachably connects a conveying machine and a synchronized carriage, and comprises a synchronized connection means disposed relative to the synchronized carriage and movable between a first position where it moves toward the conveying machine to connect the conveying machine and the synchronized carriage, and a second position where it moves toward the synchronized carriage to disconnect the conveying machine and the synchronized carriage, and an operating means for moving the synchronized connection means to the first position at the synchronization start position and to the second position at the synchronization end position, and the synchronized connection means has a synchronized roller at its tip that can rotate as it moves from the first position to the second position.

[0008] The conveying device of the present invention comprises a conveying machine, a synchronized carriage that moves in synchronization with the conveying machine, a return biasing means that biases the synchronized carriage in a direction returning from the synchronization end position to the synchronization start position, and the synchronization mechanism of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the tip of the synchronous connection means is provided with a synchronous roller that can rotate as the synchronous connection means moves from the first position to the second position, so that the rotation of the synchronous roller can release the pressing force at the connection between the synchronous connection means and the conveyor, allowing the conveyor and the synchronous connection means to be smoothly disconnected. Therefore, synchronization can be started and ended at the correct position without stopping the conveyor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a synchronization mechanism and a transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the synchronization mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration and operation of the synchronization mechanism illustrated in FIG. [Figure 4] 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating a synchronization release operation of the synchronization mechanism shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Fig. 1 shows the configuration of a conveying device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention and a synchronization mechanism 10 used therein. Fig. 2 shows the operation of the synchronization mechanism 10. Fig. 3 shows another example of the configuration and operation of the synchronization mechanism 10. Figs. 1 to 3 show the configuration of the synchronization mechanism 10 as viewed from above.

[0013] The conveying device 1 includes a conveying machine 20, a synchronized carriage 30 that moves in synchronization with the conveying machine 20, a return biasing means 40 that biases the synchronized carriage 30 in a direction returning from a synchronization end position to a synchronization start position, and a synchronization mechanism 10 that detachably connects the conveying machine 20 and the synchronized carriage 30. The conveying device 1 can be used, for example, in assembly lines for various products such as automobiles. In the following explanation, a specific example will be given of the case where the conveying device 1 is used in an automobile assembly line. Note that in FIGS. 1 to 3, the conveying machine 20 and the synchronized carriage 30 only represent the portion where the synchronization mechanism 10 is disposed, and the entire configuration is omitted.

[0014] The conveyor 20 conveys an object to be conveyed, such as a car body, and a plurality of conveyors are arranged at intervals on, for example, an automobile assembly line. For example, a plurality of wheels are provided on the bottom of the conveyor 20, and the conveyor 20 is configured to move at a constant speed by a drive source along a conveyor track, such as a rail, arranged on the assembly line. The conveyor 20 may be configured, for example, to convey the object by placing it thereon, or may be configured to convey the object by pushing a portion of it.

[0015] The synchronized carriage 30 is disposed, for example, beside the conveying machine 20 and moves in synchronization with the conveying machine 20 from a synchronization start position to a synchronization end position to transport tools and parts required for work or an industrial robot performing the work. The synchronized carriage 30 is provided with a platform on which tools and parts are placed, an industrial robot, and other equipment as needed. For example, wheels that rotate as the synchronized carriage 30 moves are provided on the bottom of the synchronized carriage 30, and the synchronized carriage 30 is connected to the conveying machine 20 so as to move together with the conveying machine 20. Preferably, the synchronized carriage 30 is configured to move along a synchronized carriage track, such as a rail, that is arranged parallel to a conveying machine track that guides the conveying machine 20.

[0016] The return biasing means 40 returns the synchronized carriage 30, which has been moved to the synchronization end position by the conveyance device 20, to the synchronization start position. The return biasing means 40 may be configured in any manner as long as it biases the synchronized carriage 30 in a direction returning from the synchronization end position to the synchronization start position. For example, the return biasing means 40 may bias the synchronized carriage 30 using the weight of a weight. Specifically, for example, a weight 41 may be connected to the rear of the synchronized carriage 30 by a string-like member 42, and the string-like member 42 may be hung on a rotating body 43 disposed rearward of the synchronization start position, so that the weight of the weight 41 is used to pull the synchronized carriage 30 toward the synchronization start position. Note that "rear" refers to the rear in the direction of movement of the conveyance device 20. In addition, a stopper 44 is preferably provided near the rotating body 43 to stop the synchronized carriage 30, which has been pulled toward the synchronization start position, at the synchronization start position. The stopper 44 is configured, for example, so that a part of the synchronized carriage 30 abuts against the stopper 44 to stop the movement of the synchronized carriage 30.

[0017] The synchronization mechanism 10 is provided with a synchronization connection means 11 that is disposed relative to the synchronization carriage 30 and is movable between a first position that connects the conveyance machine 20 and the synchronization carriage 30 and a second position that disconnects the conveyance machine 20 and the synchronization carriage 30, and an operating means 12 that moves the synchronization connection means 11 to the first position at a synchronization start position and to the second position at a synchronization end position. Note that Fig. 1 shows the first position, and Fig. 2(B) shows the second position. Furthermore, the synchronization mechanism 10 preferably includes a conveyance connection unit 13 that is disposed relative to the conveyance machine 20 and is connected to the synchronization connection means 11.

[0018] The synchronous connection means 11 is configured, for example, such that at the first position, the tip moves toward the conveyor 20 and engages with the conveyor 20, thereby connecting the conveyor 20 and the synchronous carriage 30; and at the second position, the tip moves toward the synchronous carriage 30 and is released from engagement with the conveyor 20, thereby releasing the connection between the conveyor 20 and the synchronous carriage 30. Specifically, the synchronous connection means 11 is preferably configured to engage by abutting against the conveyor connection part 13 at the first position. A synchronous roller 11A is provided at the tip of the synchronous connection means 11, which is rotatable as the synchronous connection means 11 moves from the first position to the second position. The rotation of the synchronous roller 11A can release the pressing force at the connection part between the synchronous connection means 11 and the conveyor 20 (for example, the abutting part between the synchronous connection means 11 and the conveyor connection part 13), allowing the synchronous connection means 11 to smoothly release the engagement with the conveyor 20.

[0019] The synchronized roller 11A is, for example, rotatably disposed relative to the tip of a support member 11B, which is disposed movably relative to the synchronized carriage 30. The support member 11B is preferably formed, for example, from a rod-shaped member. The thickness of the support member 11B is preferably smaller than the size of the synchronized roller 11A, and, for example, the synchronized connecting means 11 is preferably in contact with the transport connection part 13 at the synchronized roller 11A, while the support member 11 does not in contact with the transport connection part 13. This is because the movement of the synchronized connecting means 11 rotates the synchronized roller 11A, thereby obtaining the effect.

[0020] The operating means 12 may be configured, for example, by an actuator or the like and may be mechanically operated by power, or may be operated without power by utilizing the movement of the synchronous carriage 30. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the operating means 12 preferably includes a protruding biasing means 12A such as a spring that biases the synchronous connection means 11 in a direction that causes it to protrude toward the conveyor 20 to place it in the first position, a tracing roller 12B that is rotatably disposed at the base of the support member 11B, and a tracing guide 12C that guides the tracing roller 12B to move the synchronous connection means 11 toward the synchronous carriage 30 to place it in the second position. This operating means 12 utilizes the fact that the synchronous carriage 30 and the synchronous connection means 11 move in the same direction in synchronization with the conveying machine 10, and by guiding the movement direction of the tracking roller 12B with the tracking guide 12C, the synchronous connection means 11 is moved toward the synchronous carriage 30 (see Figures 3(B) and (C)).When synchronization is released, the synchronous carriage 30 and the synchronous connection means 11 are moved toward the synchronization start position by the return biasing means 40, and the synchronous connection means 11 is biased and moved toward the conveying machine 20 by the protruding biasing means 12A.

[0021] The tracking guide 12C is preferably disposed, for example, so that at the synchronization end position, the synchronization connection means 11 moves to the second position and synchronization is released. The tracking guide 12C is also preferably disposed, for example, so as to have a predetermined angle θ with respect to the direction of movement of the conveyor 20. The angle θ is preferably set to satisfy the relationship tan θ = Y1 / X1, for example. X1 is the distance the conveyor 20 moves from the start of synchronization release to the end of synchronization release, and Y1 is the distance the synchronized roller 11A moves toward the synchronized carriage 30 from the start of synchronization release to the end of synchronization release (see FIG. 4). The ratio of X1 to Y1 is the same as the ratio between the movement speed of the conveyor 20 and the movement speed of the synchronized roller 11A moving toward the synchronized carriage 30.

[0022] The transport connection part 13 is provided, for example, protruding from the transport machine 20 toward the synchronized carriage 30, and a contact surface against which the synchronized connection means 11 contacts is provided on the front side in the movement direction of the transport machine 20. The corners between the contact surface of the transport connection part 13 and the side surface on the synchronized carriage side are preferably rounded to form curved surfaces. This allows the synchronized roller 11A to roll on the corners and move smoothly to the second position. When the corners are rounded, the distance X traveled by the synchronized carriage 30 from the synchronization release start time when the synchronization release operation begins to the synchronization release end time when the synchronization is released can be calculated, for example, by X = X1 - X2, as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, it is preferable to start the synchronization release operation at a position X before the synchronization end position.

[0023] Note that X1 is the distance traveled by the conveyor 20 from the start of synchronization release to the end of synchronization release, and X2 is the distance in the conveying direction between the position where the center of the synchronized roller 11A is expected to be located at the end of synchronization release if the corners are not rounded and the lower end 13A of the corner of the conveyor connection part 13. In FIG. 4, the positions of the conveyor connection part 13, synchronized roller 11A, and support member 11B at the start of synchronization release are indicated by dashed lines, the positions of the conveyor connection part 13, synchronized roller 11A, and support member 11B at the end of synchronization if the corners are rounded are indicated by solid lines, and the position of the synchronized roller 11A at the end of synchronization release if the corners are not rounded (i.e., if the synchronized roller 11A does not roll at the corners) is indicated by dotted lines. Furthermore, the movement trajectory of the center position of the synchronized roller 11A when the corners are rounded is indicated by solid arrows, and the movement trajectory of the center position of the synchronized roller 11A when the corners are not rounded is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0024] The conveying device 1 operates, for example, as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 1 , the synchronized carriage 30 waits at the synchronization start position, and the synchronous connection means 11 is moved by the operating means 12 to a first position with its tip moved toward the conveying device 20. The conveying device 20 moves at a constant speed in the moving direction. For example, when the conveying connector 13 reaches the synchronization start position, the conveying connector 13 abuts against the synchronous connection means 11 and locks the synchronous connection means 11. This connects the conveying device 20 and the synchronized carriage 30, and synchronization begins. Next, as the conveying device 20 moves, the conveying connector 13 pushes the synchronous connection means 11, and the synchronized carriage 30 moves together with the conveying device 20. Note that, for example, the synchronized carriage 30 is biased by the return biasing means 40 in a direction returning from the synchronization end position to the synchronization start position, so the conveying device 20 moves the synchronized carriage 30 against the biasing force of the return biasing means 40.

[0025] Next, when the synchronized carriage 30 approaches the synchronization end position, for example, as shown in Figure 2(A) or 3(B), the operating means 12 starts moving the synchronized connection means 11 from the first position to the second position at the synchronization release start position, and the synchronized carriage 30 moves so as to release synchronization at the synchronization end position. As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 2(B) or 3(C), when the synchronized connection means 11 moves to a position where it does not abut against the conveying connection part 13, the synchronous connection means 11 releases its engagement with the conveying connection part 13, and the connection between the synchronized carriage 30 and the conveying machine 20 is released. At this time, in the synchronized connection means 11, the synchronized roller 11A rotates as the synchronous connection means 11 moves from the first position to the second position, so that the pressing force at the abutting portion between the synchronous connection means 11 and the conveying connection part 13 can be released, and the engagement with the conveying connection part 13 can be smoothly released.

[0026] After the synchronization between the conveying machine 20 and the synchronized carriage 30 is released, the conveying machine 20 moves in the movement direction and proceeds to the next process. The synchronized carriage 30 is biased by the return biasing means 40, so it moves from the synchronization end position to the synchronization start position, is stopped at the synchronization start position by the stopper 44, returns to its original position, and waits until the next conveying machine 20 arrives. In addition, the synchronous connection means 11 is moved from the second position to the first position by the operating means 12 (see FIG. 1).

[0027] As described above, according to this embodiment, the tip of the synchronous connection means 11 is provided with a synchronous roller 11A that can rotate as the synchronous connection means 11 moves from the first position to the second position, and the rotation of the synchronous roller 11A can release the pressing force at the connection portion between the synchronous connection means 11 and the conveyor 20, allowing the conveyor 20 to smoothly release the connection between the synchronous connection means 11. Therefore, synchronization can be started and ended at the correct position without stopping the conveyor 20.

[0028] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways. For example, although each component has been specifically described in the above embodiments, the specific configuration of each component may be different. In addition, it is not necessary to include all of the above-described components, and other components may be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] 1...conveying device, 10...synchronizing mechanism, 11...synchronizing connection means, 11A...synchronizing roller, 11B...support member, 12...operating means, 12A...protruding biasing means, 12B...conforming roller, 12C...conforming guide, 13...conveying connection portion, 13A...lower end of corner portion, 20...conveying machine, 30...synchronizing carriage, 40...return biasing means, 41...weight, 42...string-like member, 43...rotating body, 44...stopper

Claims

1. A synchronization mechanism that detachably connects a transport machine and a synchronized carriage, a synchronous connection means disposed relative to the synchronous carriage and movable between a first position where the synchronous connection means moves toward the transport machine to connect the transport machine and the synchronous carriage, and a second position where the synchronous connection means moves toward the synchronous carriage to disconnect the transport machine and the synchronous carriage; an operating means for moving the synchronization connection means so that the synchronization connection means is at a first position at a synchronization start position and at a second position at a synchronization end position; a conveying connection portion that is provided so as to protrude from the conveying machine toward the synchronized carriage, and that has an abutment surface on which the synchronized connection means abuts at a front side in the moving direction of the conveying machine, and that is connected to the synchronized connection means by the abutment of the synchronized connection means; A synchronization mechanism characterized in that the synchronization connection means has a synchronization roller at its tip that abuts against the transport connection portion and rotates as the synchronization connection means moves from the first position to the second position.

2. A conveyor; a synchronous carriage that moves in synchronization with the conveyor; a return biasing means for biasing the synchronized carriage in a direction returning it from the synchronization end position to the synchronization start position; The synchronization mechanism according to claim 1 A conveying device comprising:

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