Apparatus and method for assembling multi-component objects

Abstract

A method for producing a multi-component object (100) comprising a first component (101) and a second component (102) assembled thereto, the method comprising: supplying the first component (101) to a loading station (S2) and supplying the second component (102) to the loading station (S2), and then assembling them to produce the multi-component object (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembling apparatus and an assembling method for assembling a multi-component object, that is, an object composed of a plurality of components, typically a base component to which one or more additional components are assembled. The multi-component object that can be assembled or manufactured using the apparatus and method of the present invention can even have a low unit value economically, such as an airtight closing member of a container, such as a sealable cap for a container.

Background Art

[0002] For example, apparatuses and methods for manufacturing multi-component objects, such as seal caps for containers, are known, and a function of automatically assembling two or more components to manufacture an object as described above is provided.

[0003] Known types of apparatuses include a conveying system capable of moving the components to be assembled between various processing stations. For example, a suitable gripping member provided in the conveying system receives the first component and conveys it toward one or more processing stations. In the processing station, it is possible to couple other additional components to the first component.

[0004] In some cases, the conveying system includes a plurality of sliders or shuttles configured to perform different processes on the first component while holding it as a base component.

[0005] For example, a processing station as described above can include a welding station where an additional component is supplied for welding and assembling to the first component, and / or another station where another type of process, such as cutting or drilling, is provided.

[0006] One drawback of known solutions is the complexity of managing the transit times of the various components being assembled, taking into account the typically different cycle times for each process, so that each component arrives at the appropriate processing station at the right time.

[0007] The timing of component movement is highly complex because it must correlate with the cycle times of the various processes provided on the line. It is clear that slow processing can be inefficient, because typically several components may stop and wait for processing by such stations, which can lengthen the machine's cycle time.

[0008] Therefore, one drawback of known solutions is the inability to efficiently manage the movement of components being assembled in order to achieve productivity comparable to that of automated industrial processing plants.

[0009] In some known solutions, such processing stations are arranged in sequence, primarily according to a linear layout, and the objects to be processed are advanced along the processing path by appropriate linear conveyors.

[0010] In other known solutions, processing stations are arranged in a series around the periphery of an equal number of rotatable conveyors, such as a carousel type where each rotates around a corresponding axis, and the objects to be assembled are transported between the various carousels. In this case, the step of transporting the objects to be assembled between the carousels is crucial because, in known devices and methods, the objects themselves may fall and be damaged. It is also necessary to consider that the carousels move autonomously at different speeds from each other. This further complicates the management of the movement of the components to be assembled, as it requires appropriate and coordinated control of the linear or angular velocity of the conveyor rotation, resulting in a decrease in the productivity of known devices.

[0011] Another drawback of known devices is their layout, which occupies a considerable amount of overall space, whether they are linear or equipped with a rotatable carousel. Consequently, known devices are also difficult to design, install, and assemble, especially when the same device needs to be integrated into an existing plant.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method for completing the device and assembling multi-component objects that can overcome at least one of the shortcomings of current technology.

[0013] In particular, one objective of the present invention is to provide and develop an apparatus and method for assembling multi-component objects, the apparatus and method being able to achieve high or very high productivity levels, such as producing at least several hundred units per minute.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for assembling multi-component objects whose overall size is limited and which can be easily integrated, if necessary, into existing or newly designed and / or constructed automated industrial processing plants.

[0015] Another objective is to provide and develop a device and method for assembling multi-component objects that can ensure the safe progress of the multi-component object along the processing path.

[0016] The applicant has devised, tested, and embodied the present invention in order to overcome the shortcomings of state-of-the-art technology and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0017] The present invention is described and characterized by the independent claims. Dependent claims describe other features of the present invention or variations of the principal idea of ​​the invention.

[0018] In accordance with the above objectives, the following describes an apparatus and method for assembling multi-component objects that overcome the limitations of state-of-the-art technology and eliminate its existing defects.

[0019] According to several embodiments, an assembly apparatus is provided for assembling a first component and at least one second component together to form a multi-component object.

[0020] The assembly apparatus comprises at least a first loading station for loading components that constitute a multi-component object, and an unloading station for unloading the multi-component object after the components have been assembled.

[0021] The assembly apparatus includes a second loading station positioned midway between the first loading station and the unloading station. The second loading station can receive one or more components for assembling a multi-component object.

[0022] The assembly apparatus further includes a first conveyor member that is movable along a closed path, such as a ring path, passing through the three stations, and a first support means integrated with the first conveyor member and configured to temporarily and selectively support at least one of the first and second components. The first support means is divided into two groups, each positioned on opposite sides of the first conveyor member along the path, so that when the first group of the two groups is positioned in accordance with the first loading station, the second group of the two groups is positioned in accordance with the unloading station. A first drive means is also provided, connected to the first conveyor member, to selectively advance the first conveyor member along the path.

[0023] The assembly apparatus further comprises a second conveyor member which is substantially identical to the first conveyor member and overlaps with the first conveyor member. The term “overlapping” here means that the two conveyor members, which are substantially identical to each other, are positioned vertically so as to share the same path as defined above.

[0024] The second support means is constructed to be integrated with the second conveyor member in order to temporarily and selectively support at least one of the first and second components. The second support means is positioned on opposite sides of the second conveyor member, and is preferably divided into two groups such that when the first group of the two groups is positioned corresponding to the first loading station, the second group of the two groups is positioned corresponding to the unloading station. The two groups of the second support means are also angularly offset along the path with respect to the two groups of the first support means.

[0025] A second drive means is also provided, connected to the second conveyor member, to selectively advance the second conveyor member along a path.

[0026] The assembling device further comprises control means connected to both the first and second drive means so as to selectively command them such that the first and second conveyor members move independently of each other along the path.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the second loading station is equidistant from the first loading station and the unloading station. Preferably, the first loading station and the unloading station are located opposite each other along the path.

[0028] When a group of first support means is arranged at the second loading station, it is advantageous for the control means to be configured such that a group of second support means is arranged at the first loading station, and it is more advantageous for a second group of the second support means to be arranged at the unloading station, and vice versa.

[0029] Preferably, the first support means and the second support means are arranged on the same horizontal working surface on which the first component is arranged while the first component moves along the path. For this purpose, the support groups are preferably connected to the corresponding conveyor members by vertically oriented spacers.

[0030] According to some embodiments described herein, the assembling device further comprises a transfer device movable between a pick-up position for picking up at least one component corresponding to the pick-up zone and a release position for releasing the at least one component corresponding to the second loading station. Preferably, the pick-up zone is outside the path.

[0031] Preferably, the transfer device is configured as an arm comprising at least one manipulation member configured to pick up at least the second component.

[0032] Preferably, the conveyor is mounted rotatably around a pivot axis so as to move between a pickup position and a release position by rotating around the pivot axis. The rotation is favorably performed in an arc of a predetermined amplitude. The pivot axis may be perpendicular to the plane of the conveyor or to the plane that constitutes the closed path.

[0033] In another embodiment, an assembly method is provided for assembling together at least one first component that functions as a base component and at least second components coupled to the first component in order to constitute a multi-component object. For example, the multi-component object may be a closure member for a container, comprising a closure body as the first component, to which a barrier element configured as an aluminum disc is assembled as an additional component.

[0034] This method is preferably carried out using an assembly apparatus of the type described above, the assembly apparatus comprising at least a first loading station for loading components, an unloading station for unloading a multi-component object after the first and second components have been assembled, and an intermediate second loading station located between the first loading station and the unloading station, which can receive at least one second component to be coupled to at least one first component.

[0035] The method comprises the steps of providing a first conveyor member that is movable along a closed path, such as a circular path, passing through three stations; providing a first support means integrated with the first conveyor member to temporarily and selectively support at least one of the first and second components; and providing a first drive means connected to the first conveyor member to selectively advance the first conveyor member along the path.

[0036] The first support means is divided into two groups located on opposite sides of the first conveyor member along the path, so that when the first group is located at the first loading station, the second group is located at the unloading station.

[0037] The method also includes the steps of providing a second conveyor member that is substantially the same as the first conveyor member and overlaps with the first conveyor member, providing a second support means integrated with the second conveyor member to temporarily and selectively support at least one of the first and second components, and providing a second drive means connected to the second conveyor member to selectively advance the second conveyor member along a path.

[0038] Similar to the first support means, the second support means is divided into two groups, each positioned on opposite sides of the second conveyor member, so as to be angularly offset along the path relative to the first support means.

[0039] Control means connected to the first and second conveyor members are also provided to selectively command both the first and second driving means to move along a path independently of each other.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the method includes the step of providing a transfer device for supplying a second component from a pickup zone outside the above-mentioned path to a second loading station.

[0041] Preferably, the assembly method further provides control means to command a first drive means to move a group of first support means in correspondence with a first loading station and to supply at least a first component thereto. In particular, at least one first component is supplied on a support means located at the first loading station.

[0042] Furthermore, the control means is provided to command the first drive means to move the first support means, which supports at least one first component, from the first to the second loading station, and to supply at least the second component to it. In particular, at least one second component is supplied onto the support means so as to be assembled with the first component, thereby forming a multi-component object.

[0043] Next, the same control means is provided to instruct the first drive means to move the first support means from the second loading station to the unloading station.

[0044] Preferably, the control means is provided to command the second drive means to move the group of second support means to the first loading station while the first support means is moving between the first and second loading stations.

[0045] Preferably, the first support means is stopped at the second loading station while at least one second component is being supplied. In this case, while stopped, the control means is provided to command the second drive means to move the second support means from the first loading station toward an intermediate position between the first and second loading stations. In this moving step, the second support means preferably supports at least one first component that has been previously supplied to the first loading station.

[0046] The method and apparatus according to the present invention are extremely versatile and can improve productivity in terms of the number of multi-component objects assembled within a unit of time.

[0047] This is achievable thanks to the fact that the first and second support means of the components are movable independently of each other, in order to optimize the downtime at each station of the first and second support means that carry the first and second components. Thanks to this, the apparatus of the present invention actually constitutes a system in which the pitch between adjacent groups of support means is variable, so that one group can move even while other groups are stopped at processing stations, and thus the overall cycle time for processing components to be assembled to manufacture multi-component objects is optimized.

[0048] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a conveyor included in the apparatus for assembling multi-component objects according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the support means that supports the first and second parts. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the conveyor shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic top-down perspective view of an example of a container closing member obtained by the assembly method and assembly apparatus according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] In this specification and in the claims, the terms horizontal, vertical, lower, higher, high, and low, along with their deviations, must be made clear that they have the sole function of better illustrating the invention with reference to the drawings and shall not be used in any way to limit the scope of the invention itself or the field of protection defined by the appended claims. For example, the term “horizontal” means an axis or plane that is horizontal with respect to the horizon or inclined by a few degrees, e.g., up to 20°, with respect to the horizon.

[0051] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain sizes or features in the drawings may be enlarged, distorted, or shown in an unconventional or disproportionate manner in order to provide a version that facilitates understanding of the invention. Where sizes or numerical values ​​are specified in the following description, they are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention unless such sizes and / or values ​​are present in the appended claims.

[0052] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings whenever possible to identify identical common elements. It is understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarification.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the apparatus 10 according to the present invention is configured, for illustrative purposes only and not generally limited, to assemble a multi-component object 100 (Figure 6), but can assemble various types of multi-component objects, such as groups of semi-finished products or components that form a pre-assembled set in an automated manner and are typically used for subsequent processing. In this specification and the appended claims, an object is referred to as “multi-component” because it includes a base component upon which one or more other components are assembled and may belong to any field of the art. An example of such a multi-component object is, for example, a preferably airtight cap for a container suitable for containing liquid, semi-liquid, or paste-like substances, preferably of the nature of food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals.

[0054] To better understand the subsequent detailed description of the apparatus 10 (Figures 1 to 5), an example of a multi-component object 100 (Figure 6) is described next. The multi-component object 100 comprises a closure body 101 that functions as a first component or base component having a substantially cylindrical tubular shape, and a barrier element 102 that functions as a second component. In the example shown here, the barrier element 102 is attached to the inner surface of the closure body 101, for example, by welding, preferably by induction, so that the multi-component object 100 can hermetically close the corresponding container during use.

[0055] Obviously, other types of second components 102, not shown, such as opening elements that can be actuated at the first opening of the closing member to open other closing members of the container, such as a membrane, can also be provided. Depending on the requirements, one or more additional components can also be added to the first component 101.

[0056] The first component 101 is formed by molding and can be supplied to the apparatus 10 in an already formed state. At least a portion of the additional components 102 can also be supplied to the apparatus 10 in an already formed state and then assembled to the first component 101.

[0057] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 10 comprises a first belt 21 equipped with a first support 22 and a second belt 31 equipped with a second support 32. The supports 22 and 32 are integral with the corresponding belts 21 and 31 and move along a closed path P defined by the belts 21 and 31. In particular, in the example given herein, the path P has a substantially rectangular shape and is common to both belts 21 and 31.

[0058] Route P extends continuously through a first loading station S1 associated with the supply of base component 101, a second loading station S2 associated with the supply of additional component 102, and an unloading station S3 (Figure 2) associated with the departure of a multi-component object 100 from the device 10, which is obtained by assembling the base component 101 supplied to the first loading station S1 and the additional component 102 supplied to the second loading station S2.

[0059] The second loading station S2 is equidistant from the first loading station S1 and unloading station S3, which are located opposite each other. In particular, the first loading station S1 and unloading station S3 are located on the shorter sides of the rectangular path P, while the second loading station S2 is located approximately in the center of one of the longer sides of the rectangular path P.

[0060] The first and second supports 22 and 32 are divided into first groups 22A and 32A and second groups 22B and 32B, respectively. As can be seen from Figures 1, 2, and 5, the first groups 22A and 32A and the second groups 22B and 32B of the supports of the same belts 21 and 31 are located opposite each other along the path P. Thus, when the first group 32A of the second support 32 is at the first loading station S1, the second group 32B of the second support 32 is at the unloading station S3.

[0061] It should also be noted that the first and second groups 32A and 32B of the second support 32 are angularly offset along path P from groups 22A and 22B of the first support 22. In particular, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, when groups 32A and 32B of the second support 32 are at the first loading station S1 and unloading station S3, one of groups 22A and 22B of the first support 22 may be at the second loading station S2, or, as shown by the dashed line in the same figure, may be in a position close to groups 32A and 32B of the second support 32.

[0062] In the illustrated example, each group 22A, 22B, 32A, 32B comprises three supports 22, 32, although the number of supports in each group clearly varies depending on the requirements. Each support 22, 32 is configured as a plate having a size such that it can accommodate, for example, a single base component 101 and a single additional component 102, with the additional component 102 overlapping the base component 101, as schematically shown in Figure 3, exaggerated and enlarged rather than to scale. In the illustrated example, the supports 22, 32 do not have lateral barriers, but it is clear that they can be provided.

[0063] Therefore, the two groups 22A and 22B of the first support 22 move simultaneously because they are connected to the first belt 21 driven by the first motor 23. Similarly, the two groups 32A and 32B also move simultaneously because they are connected to the second belt 31 driven by a second motor 33, which is separate from the first motor 23.

[0064] Instead of a belt, other drawing systems such as chains can also be used.

[0065] Each motor 23, 33 is directly connected to its respective driven roller 24, 34, thereby enabling the movement of the corresponding belts 21, 31 (Figure 4). In addition to the first driven roller 24 and the second driven roller 34, there are three more first driven rollers 25 and three second driven rollers 35. The first driven roller 24 and the three first driven rollers 25 are arranged in a rectangular shape, which allows the first belt 21 to have a substantially rectangular shape, and the path P is substantially rectangular.

[0066] The second driven roller 34 and the three second driven rollers 35 are arranged above the first rollers 24 and 25 such that the second belt 31 is roughly rectangular, just like the first belt 21, and as a result, the path P is common to both belts 21 and 31.

[0067] The two belts 21 and 31 are arranged vertically as shown in Figure 4. In this case, the first and second supports 22 and 32 are attached to their respective spacers 26 and 36 such that they are all within the same work surface L (Figures 3 and 4), which is substantially horizontal. In the illustrated example, the first belt 21 is below the work surface L, and the second belt 31 is above the same work surface L. However, if the belts 21 and 31 are at two different heights, it is also possible to have both belts 21 and 31 on the same side (i.e., below or above) of the work surface L.

[0068] Both motors 23 and 33 are connected to a control unit 40, which is configured to issue commands to them and manage their operation independently of each other.

[0069] The device 10 also includes a transfer arm 50, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, which is configured to transfer additional components 102 from the pickup zone Q to the second loading station S2. The pickup zone Q is not located along the path P and is therefore considered to be external, as the supports 22 and 32 of the belts 21 and 31 do not pass through it.

[0070] Therefore, the arm 50 can be moved between a pickup position corresponding to the pickup zone Q for picking up the additional component 102 and a release position corresponding to the second loading station S2 for releasing the additional component 102 (Figures 1 and 5).

[0071] For this purpose, the arm 50 is pivoted around a rotation axis R that is vertical or substantially vertical, and therefore perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the drawings, and rotates between a pickup position and a release position, as shown in Figures 1 and 5.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the arm 50 is configured to pick up and transport three samples of the additional component 102 and release each sample on the respective supports 22, 32 of each group 22A, 22B, 32A, and 32B.

[0073] Arm 50 can also be configured to perform a process or treatment (e.g., application of a substance) on an additional component 102, which facilitates and even enables assembly with the base component 101. If a process or treatment is provided, it can be performed in accordance with the second loading station S2 or in accordance with the pickup zone Q.

[0074] In general, the pickup zone Q may be of any type capable of picking up multiple samples of the additional component 102 and transferring them to the second loading station S2. The second loading station S2 can be, for example, a station capable of sequentially supplying samples of the additional component 102 from a tank.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the additional component 102 can also be supplied to the pickup zone Q by another unit of the same type, if not exactly the same as the unit described above. In particular, the second unit comprises a first belt 61 having first supports 62 organized into two opposing groups 62A, 62B of three first supports 62, and a second belt 71 having second supports 72 divided into two opposing groups 72A, 72B, each group 72A, 72B consisting of three second supports 72. The groups 62A, 62B of the first supports 62 are angularly offset with respect to the groups 72A, 72B of the second supports 72 along the path P2 defined by the belts 62, 72. More specifically, the pickup zone Q is located on the path P2 such that the path P2 passes through the pickup zone Q, just as the path P of the first unit passes through loading stations S1, S2 and unloading station S3. For example, pickup zone Q may coincide with one of the loading and unloading stations of the second unit.

[0076] In this way, if the additional component 102 needs to be prepared, for example, it can be pre-assembled or treated with a protective or adhesive substance and then picked up and transported immediately after preparation.

[0077] In this case, it is advantageous that the number of supports 62 and 72 in the second unit is the same as the number of supports 22 and 32 in the first unit, and that they are configured similarly.

[0078] Furthermore, if it is necessary to assemble several different additional components into the enclosed structure, the device 10 may be equipped with the same number of arms 50 as the number of additional components, and therefore the same number of pickup zones Q, although these are not shown in the attached drawings for simplification. The pickup zones Q are arranged similarly, whether to accommodate a supply from a tank or another conveyor, to enable the transfer of completed or processed components.

[0079] The apparatus 10 for assembling a multi-component object is configured to operate the assembly method that is intended to be protected by this application.

[0080] In the assembly method, first, the assembly device 10 is prepared as described above.

[0081] The base component 101 is supplied to the first loading station S1, where groups 22A, 22B, 32A, and 32B of the supports 22 and 32 are already present (Figures 1, 2, and 5). For example, considering groups 22A and 22B of the first supports 22, the control unit 40 drives the motors 23 to move the belt 21 and move the supports 22, each of which supports the respective first component 101 up to the second loading station S2.

[0082] At this point, three additional components 102 have been supplied by the arm 50, which has just picked them up in the pickup zone Q. The three additional components 102 are then released at the second loading station S2, each on its respective support 22, as schematically shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 5, and in particular, already in the assembly position with the base component 101. As previously mentioned, the assembly itself can be performed by the arm 50 at the second loading station S2.

[0083] The motor 23 is again commanded by the control unit 40 to move the support 22, which supports the thus assembled multi-component object 100 to the unloading station S3, where the multi-component object 100 is unloaded to be transported to other processing stations.

[0084] Furthermore, while the control unit 40 drives the motor 23 to move the first support 22, the control unit 40 simultaneously and selectively drives the motor 33 to move the second belt 31 while the first belt 21 is moving. For example, when the first support 22 moves, the second support 32 also moves.

[0085] In particular, while the additional components 102 on the first support 22 are being supplied to the second loading station S2 and assembled to the base components 101, the control unit 40 can instruct the second motor 33 to advance the second support 32 from the first loading station S1 to a position closer to the second loading station S2, as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 1 and 2. The same number of base components 101 are loaded onto the second support 32, ready to receive the additional components 102.

[0086] In this way, it is possible to optimize the downtime at the three stations S1, S2, and S3 of the device 10.

[0087] It is apparent that partial or stepwise modifications and / or additions can be made to the apparatus and methods described herein without departing from the field and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0088] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in parentheses is for readability and should not be considered as limiting factors relating to the field of protection claimed in any particular claim.

Claims

1. An assembly apparatus (10) for assembling together at least one first component (101) and at least one second component (102) to constitute a multi-component object (100), wherein the assembly apparatus comprises at least, A first loading station (S1) configured to load the aforementioned components (101, 102), An unloading station (S3) configured to unload the multi-component object (100), An intermediate second loading station (S2) is disposed between the first loading station (S1) and the unloading station (S3), A first conveyor member (21) that is movable along a ring path (P) passing through the aforementioned stations (S1, S2, S3), A first support means (22) integrated with the first conveyor member (21) to temporarily and selectively support at least one of the first component (101) and the second component (102), wherein the first support means (22) is divided into two groups (22A, 22B) located on opposite sides of the first conveyor member (21) along the path (P), such that when the first group (22A) of the two groups (22A, 22B) is positioned corresponding to the first loading station (S1), the second group (22B) of the two groups (22A, 22B) is positioned corresponding to the unloading station (S3), and the first support means (22) is integrated with the first conveyor member (21) to temporarily and selectively support at least one of the first component (101) and the second component (102), wherein the first support means (22) is divided into two groups (22A, 22B) located on opposite sides of the first conveyor member (21) along the path (P), such that when the first group (22A) of the two groups (22A, 22B) is positioned corresponding to the first loading station (S3), the first support means (22) is positioned A first driving means (23) connected to the first conveyor member (21) is used to selectively advance the first conveyor member (21) along the path (P), The assembly apparatus (10) further comprises, A second conveyor member (31) is substantially the same as the first conveyor member (21) and overlaps with the first conveyor member (21), A second support means (32) integrated with the second conveyor member (31) to temporarily and selectively support at least one of the first component (101) and the second component (102), wherein the second support means (32) is divided into two groups (32A, 32B) positioned on opposite sides of the second conveyor member (31) so as to be angularly offset along the path (P) relative to the first support means (22), A second driving means (33) connected to the second conveyor member (31) is used to selectively advance the second conveyor member (31) along the path (P), The first and second conveyor members (21, 31) are connected to a control means (40) that selectively commands the first drive means (23) and the second drive means (33) to move independently of each other along the path (P), An assembly apparatus (10) characterized by comprising:

2. The second loading station (S2) is equidistant from the first loading station (S1) and the unloading station (S3). The assembly apparatus (10) according to feature 1.

3. The control means (40) is configured such that when the group of first support means (22) (22A, 22B) is positioned at the second loading station (S2), the group of second support means (32) (32A, 32B) is positioned at the first loading station (S1) and the unloading station (S3), and vice versa. The assembly apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first support means (22) and the second support means (32) are positioned on the same horizontal work surface (L) in which the first component (101) is positioned while the first component (101) moves along the path (P). The assembly apparatus (10) according to feature 1.

5. The transfer device (50) is configured to move between a pickup position for picking up the second component (102) in correspondence with the pickup zone (Q) and a release position for releasing the second component (102) in correspondence with the second loading station (S2), The pickup zone (Q) is located outside the path (P) of the first and second support means (22, 32). The assembly apparatus (10) according to feature 1.

6. The transfer device includes an arm (50) configured to pick up the second component (102) and move it between the pickup position and the release position by rotating around a rotation axis (R). The assembly apparatus (10) according to feature 5.

7. The first device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, Furthermore, the invention is characterized by comprising the second device described in claim 1, The path (P2) through which the first conveyor member (61) and the second conveyor member (71) of the second device can move passes through the pickup zone (Q). An assembly machine characterized by the following features.

8. A method for assembling together at least one first component (101) and at least one second component (102) to constitute a multi-component object (100) using an assembly apparatus (10), The assembly apparatus (10) comprises at least, A first loading station (S1) for loading the aforementioned components (101, 102), An unloading station (S3) for unloading the multi-component object (100), An intermediate second loading station (S2) is disposed between the first loading station (S1) and the unloading station (S3) and is capable of receiving the at least one second component (102) so as to connect the at least one second component (102) to the at least one first component (101), Equipped with, The aforementioned method, A first conveyor member (21) is prepared that is movable along a closed path (P) passing through the three stations (S1, S2, S3), A first support means (22) integrated with the first conveyor member to temporarily and selectively support at least one of the first component (101) and the second component (102), wherein the first support means (22) is divided into two groups (22A, 22B) located on opposite sides of the first conveyor member (21) along the path (P), such that when the first group (22A) of the two groups (22A, 22B) is positioned in correspondence with the first loading station (S1), the second group (22B) of the two groups (22A, 22B) is positioned in correspondence with the unloading station (S3), the first support means (22) Prepare A first driving means (23) connected to the first conveyor member (21) is prepared to selectively advance the first conveyor member (21) along the path (P). The method further comprises the steps, A second conveyor member (31) is prepared which is substantially the same as the first conveyor member (21) and overlaps with the first conveyor member (21). A second support means (32) integrated with the second conveyor member (31) to temporarily and selectively support at least one of the first component (101) and the second component (102), wherein the second support means (32) is divided into two groups (32A, 32B) positioned on opposite sides of the second conveyor member (31) so as to be angularly offset along the path (P) relative to the first support means (22), and the second support means (32) is provided, A second drive means connected to the second conveyor member (31) is prepared to selectively advance the second conveyor member (31) along the path (P), Control means (40) connected to the first drive means (23) and the second drive means (33) are provided to selectively command the first and second conveyor members (21, 31) to move independently of each other along the path (P). A method characterized by comprising a step.

9. The method prepares a transfer device (50) for supplying the second component (102) to the second loading station (S2), starting from a pickup zone (Q) outside the path (P). The method according to feature 8.

10. The control means (40) commands the first drive means (23) to move the group (22A, 22B) of the first support means (22) to the first loading station (S1), At least the first component (101) is supplied to the first loading station (S1) on the first support means (22), The control means (40) commands the first drive means (23) to move the group (22A, 22B) of the first support means (22) to the second loading station (S2), At least one multi-component object (100) is formed by supplying at least a second component (102) onto the first support means (22) to the second loading station (S2), and assembling it to the first component (101), The control means (40) commands the first drive means (23) to move the first support means (22) to the unloading station (S3). The method according to 8 or 9, characterized by providing a step.

11. During the movement of the first support means (22) between the first loading station (S1) and the second loading station (S2), the control means (40) is provided to instruct the second drive means (33) to move a group of the second support means (32) (32A, 32B) to the first loading station (S1) and another group of the second support means (32) (32A, 32B) to move to the unloading station (S3). The method according to the present invention, characterized by the present invention.

12. During the supply of at least one second component (102), the first support means (22) or the second support means (3 A step is provided to stop (2), During the stopping step, the control means (40) is provided to instruct the first or second drive means (23, 33) to move the first or second support means (32) located at the first loading station (S1) toward an intermediate position between the first loading station (S1) and the second loading station (S2), closer to the latter. The method according to the present invention, characterized by the present invention.

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