Method and apparatus for mounting parts to both sides of a main body such as an automobile body

A method of mounting parts to both sides of a main body characterized by moving a carriage at a predetermined speed along a specified path of transport with the main body placed on the carriage;

• moving a pair of movable tables in synchronism with the carriage in the same direction as the movement thereof, the movable tables being disposed at opposite sides of the transport path and each carrying at least one robot and an assembling device;
• causing the movable table to support the main body during synchronized movement;
• setting a first part held by the robot in a first specified position on the main body during the synchronized movement;
• attaching the first part to the main body by the assembling device;
• thereafter stopping the two movable tables and the carriage at the same time;
• causing the robot to hold a second part during the stopping;
• causing the two movable tables and the carriage to run again in synchronism, thereafter causing the robot to set the second part in a second specified position on the main body and attaching the second part to the main body by the assembling device;
• and subsequently delivering the main body from the movable tables onto the carriage.

An apparatus for mounting parts to both sides of main bodies comprising a carriage for placing the main body thereon;

• first drive means for moving the carriage along a specified path of transport;
• a pair of movable tables disposed on opposite sides of the transport path and movable in parallel therewith;
• second and third drive means for driving the two movable tables;
• part supplying means for transporting a plurality of parts in a direction parallel to the transport path;
• a controller coupled to each of the first, the second, and the third drive means, for causing the carriage and the two movable tables to run in synchronism;
• a body receiving device mounted on each movable table for transferring the main body from the carriage onto the movable table and causing the movable table to support the transferred main body thereon during the synchronized running;
• at least one robot mounted on each movable table for receiving the part from the part supplying means and setting the part in a specified position on the main body in accordance with an operation instruction from the controller;
• and at least one assembling device mounted on each mcvable table for attaching the part set on the main body to the main body in response to an operation instruction from the controller.