Vehicle production line and vehicle production method

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of vehicle production line and vehicle production method.The vehicle production line includes: material sorting area;At least one car body independent manufacturing island area;Opening and closing assembly area;At least one first transport device, for transporting chassis assembly from the material sorting area to the car body independent manufacturing island area;At least one second transport device, for transporting car body assembly from the material sorting area to the car body independent manufacturing island area;At least one third transport device, for transporting opening and closing assembly from the material sorting area to the opening and closing assembly area, wherein the car body independent manufacturing island area is used to assemble the chassis assembly and the car body assembly into car body, the first transport device is also used to transport the car body to the opening and closing assembly area, and the opening and closing assembly area is used to assemble the opening and closing assembly to the car body to assemble into vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more specifically, to a vehicle production line and a vehicle production method implemented through the vehicle production line. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the need for energy conservation, emission reduction, and environmental protection in vehicle manufacturing processes is more urgent than ever. At the same time, with intensifying market competition, the demand for cost reduction and efficiency improvement has also become stronger. Reducing energy consumption in vehicle manufacturing has become a key issue for all vehicle manufacturers.

[0003] Under the existing vehicle production line layout, even producing just one vehicle requires starting all the PBS (Balanced Particulate Container) and EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) lines in the final assembly workshop to keep the entire line running. Furthermore, during the introduction of new models, various process controls necessitate short-term downtime of the production line to accommodate project needs. Additionally, during the initial setup after line clearing and the production of the first vehicle, as well as during small-batch production, all conveyor systems on the entire production line need to be activated to meet cycle requirements. Therefore, these processes continuously generate non-manufacturing-essential energy consumption. At the same time, the vehicle final assembly workshop requires a large area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle production line is provided, the vehicle production line comprising: a material sorting area; at least one vehicle body independent manufacturing island area; an opening and closing component assembly area; at least one first transport device for transporting a chassis assembly from the material sorting area to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area; at least one second transport device for transporting a body assembly from the material sorting area to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area; and at least one third transport device for transporting an opening and closing component assembly from the material sorting area to the opening and closing component assembly area, wherein the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area is used to assemble the chassis assembly and the body assembly into a vehicle body, and the first transport device is further used to transport the vehicle body to the opening and closing component assembly area, the opening and closing component assembly area being used to assemble the opening and closing component assembly onto the vehicle body to assemble a vehicle.

[0006] The vehicle body assembly includes at least one of the following: side panel assembly, front panel assembly, rear panel assembly, and roof assembly.

[0007] The opening and closing assembly includes at least one of the following: door assembly, hood assembly, and trunk assembly.

[0008] The vehicle body independent manufacturing island area includes a fixed workbench and an assembly tool mounted on the fixed workbench. The assembly tool is used to move the vehicle body assembly from the second transport device and assemble it into the corresponding position on the chassis assembly.

[0009] The fixed work platform includes a first fixed work platform and a second fixed work platform spaced apart from each other. The first fixed work platform and the second fixed work platform are opposite each other and define a receiving space. The first fixed work platform and the second fixed work platform each have a first retractable structure and a second retractable structure that can extend into the receiving space. The first transport device includes a lifting mechanism that can raise the chassis assembly. The first transport device is used to transport the chassis assembly into the receiving space. The first retractable structure and the second retractable structure are used to extend into the receiving space to support the chassis assembly transported into the receiving space by the first transport device and raised by the lifting mechanism.

[0010] The second transport device is also used to transport the dashboard assembly and wheel assembly from the material sorting area to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area. In the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area, the vehicle body is assembled according to the following operations: after the first transport device transports the chassis assembly to the receiving space, the lifting mechanism raises the chassis assembly, with the first and second retractable structures extending toward the receiving space and supporting the chassis assembly raised by the lifting mechanism; the assembly tool grasps the side panel assembly, front panel assembly, and rear panel assembly transported by the second transport device, and assists the operator in moving and assembling the side panel assembly, front panel assembly, and rear panel assembly onto the chassis. The assembly tool grips the instrument panel assembly transported by the second transport device and assists the operator in moving and assembling the instrument panel assembly into the corresponding position of the chassis assembly; the assembly tool grips the top cover assembly transported by the second transport device and assists the operator in moving and assembling the top cover assembly into the side panel assembly, front panel assembly, and rear panel assembly; the assembly tool grips the wheel assembly transported by the second transport device and assists the operator in moving and assembling the wheel assembly into the corresponding position of the chassis assembly.

[0011] The second transport device is also used to transport the interior and exterior assemblies from the material sorting area to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area. The assembly tool picks up the interior and exterior assemblies transported by the second transport device and assists the operator in assembling the interior and exterior assemblies into the corresponding positions on the vehicle body. The third transport device is also used to transport the steering wheel assembly from the material sorting area to the opening and closing component assembly area, which is used to assemble the steering wheel assembly into the corresponding positions on the vehicle body.

[0012] The opening and closing component assembly area is located in the oil filling area of ​​the vehicle production line.

[0013] The vehicle production line also includes multiple sub-assembly manufacturing islands, including a chassis assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island, multiple body assembly sub-assembly manufacturing islands, and multiple opening and closing component assembly sub-assembly manufacturing islands. The first transport device is further used to transport chassis components from the material sorting area to the chassis assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island, where chassis components are assembled into chassis assemblies. The first transport device then transports the chassis assemblies from the chassis assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island. The second transport device is further used to transport body components from the material sorting area to the corresponding body assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island, where body components are assembled into body assemblies. The second transport device then transports the body assemblies from the body assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island. The third transport device is also used to transport the opening and closing component parts from the material sorting area to the corresponding opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area, the opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area is used to assemble the opening and closing component parts into opening and closing component assemblies, and the third transport device transports the opening and closing component assemblies from the opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area to the opening and closing component assembly area.

[0014] The plurality of sub-assembly manufacturing islands also include an instrument panel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island and a wheel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island. The second transport device is further used to transport instrument panel components from the material sorting area to the instrument panel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island, where the instrument panel components are assembled into an instrument panel assembly. The second transport device then transports the instrument panel assembly from the instrument panel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island. The second transport device is also used to transport wheel components from the material sorting area to the wheel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island, where the wheel components are assembled into a wheel assembly. The second transport device then transports the wheel assembly from the wheel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island.

[0015] The plurality of sub-assembly manufacturing islands also include an interior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island and an exterior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island. The second transport device is further used to transport interior components from the material sorting area to the interior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island, where the interior components are assembled into an interior assembly. The second transport device then transports the interior assembly from the interior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island. The second transport device is also used to transport exterior components from the material sorting area to the exterior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island, where the exterior components are assembled into an exterior assembly. The second transport device then transports the exterior assembly from the exterior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle production method implemented through a vehicle production line is provided. The vehicle production line includes a material sorting area, at least one vehicle body independent manufacturing island area, an opening / closing assembly area, at least one first transport device, at least one second transport device, and at least one third transport device. The vehicle production method includes: transporting a chassis assembly from the material sorting area to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area by the first transport device; transporting a body assembly from the material sorting area to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area by the second transport device; assembling the chassis assembly and the body assembly into a vehicle body in the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area; transporting the vehicle body to the opening / closing assembly area by the first transport device; transporting the opening / closing assembly from the material sorting area to the opening / closing assembly area by the third transport device; and assembling the opening / closing assembly onto the vehicle body in the opening / closing assembly area to assemble a vehicle.

[0017] This invention optimizes the process by configuring the vehicle production line in an independent manufacturing island area, which can replace the function of the existing welding main line. This will reduce the land use area for vehicle manufacturing, initial investment costs, and subsequent model introduction and modification costs. It will also reduce energy losses from the ineffective idling of conveying equipment, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the production line and reducing the energy consumption of the final assembly workshop. It can be quickly upgraded to a smart benchmark factory. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer and more readily understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle production line in the case of outsourcing assembly and packaging according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle assembly process in the case of outsourcing assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the independently manufactured island area of ​​the vehicle body according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the layout / logistics of the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle production line in the case of self-manufacturing of assembly and packaging according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle assembly process in the case of self-manufacturing using a complete assembly unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 100: Independent manufacturing island area for the main body of the vehicle

[0027] 101: Fixed workbench

[0028] 101a: First fixed workbench

[0029] 101b: Second fixed workbench

[0030] 102: Assembly tools

[0031] 102a: First assembly tool

[0032] 102b: Second assembly tool

[0033] 102c: Third Assembly Tool

[0034] 102d: Fourth Assembly Tool

[0035] 103: Scalable structure

[0036] 103a: First Scalable Structure

[0037] 103b: Second retractable structure

[0038] 104: Capacity

[0039] 200: Material sorting area

[0040] 300: Assembly area for opening and closing components

[0041] 400: Warehouse Area

[0042] 10: First transport unit

[0043] 11: Lifting Mechanism

[0044] 20: Second transport unit

[0045] 500: Sub-packaging and manufacturing island area

[0046] 501: Chassis assembly manufacturing island area

[0047] 502: Body assembly manufacturing island area

[0048] 503: Island area for the assembly and manufacturing of opening and closing components

[0049] 504: Instrument panel assembly manufacturing island area

[0050] 505: Wheel assembly manufacturing island area

[0051] 506: Interior assembly and manufacturing island area

[0052] 507: Exterior assembly and manufacturing island area Detailed Implementation

[0053] This invention, through the introduction of a new vehicle production model, can solve the energy waste generated during small-batch production and the introduction of the first vehicle after line clearing, thereby reducing carbon emissions and land area required for vehicle manufacturing. By using independent modular assembly areas, this invention eliminates the interdependent elements between upstream and downstream processes in traditional assembly lines, enabling more flexible production line operations and further reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0054] The following explanations are provided for some of the terms used in this invention.

[0055] SPS (Set Parts Supply): A method of supplying goods based on the number of parts per vehicle assembly.

[0056] PBS (Painted Body Store): This is a buffer zone between the vehicle painting workshop and the final assembly workshop.

[0057] AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle): refers to a transport vehicle equipped with electromagnetic or optical automatic guidance devices, capable of traveling along a prescribed guidance path, and possessing safety protection and various transfer functions;

[0058] MES (Manufacturing Execution System): is a production information management system for the shop floor execution layer of manufacturing enterprises;

[0059] Benchmark smart factories: Smart factories that are adaptable, resource-efficient, and genetically engineered.

[0060] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical concept of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that in the following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0061] In this invention, the chassis assembly and body assembly are combined into one workstation (an independent manufacturing island area for the vehicle body) for assembly to form the vehicle body. After the vehicle body assembly is completed, it is transported off the line to the opening and closing component assembly area for assembly of the opening and closing component assemblies to form the vehicle. After the vehicle assembly is completed, centralized fluid filling is performed, and then it is transported to the testing line for whole vehicle testing. The factory adopts MES full coverage, and logistics transportation can be carried out entirely using AGV carts under the SPS logistics system. Each line adopts independent routes and location centralized control programs to reduce energy consumption losses caused by waiting. The entire factory adopts an independent manufacturing island mode for each model, which can independently handle the first vehicle input and small batch production, reduce non-production energy consumption, and reduce the carbon emissions generated by the single vehicle manufacturing process.

[0062] Regarding the various component assemblies of the vehicle (such as chassis assembly, body assembly, and opening / closing assembly), either a sub-assembly outsourcing model or a sub-assembly in-house manufacturing model can be adopted. In the sub-assembly outsourcing model, the assembly of each component assembly is completed outside the factory, and then the individual component assemblies are transported to their respective areas (the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area or the opening / closing assembly area) for final assembly. In the sub-assembly in-house manufacturing model, multiple sub-assembly manufacturing islands are set up within the factory to complete the assembly of each component assembly, and then the individual component assemblies are transported to their respective areas (the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area or the opening / closing assembly area) for final assembly.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle production line using an assembly and subcontracting arrangement according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle assembly process in the case of outsourcing assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the independently manufactured island area of ​​the vehicle body according to the present invention.

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle production line includes at least one vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100, a material sorting area 200, an opening and closing component assembly area 300, at least one first transport device 10, and at least one second transport device 20.

[0065] In a first embodiment, the material sorting area 200 can sort individual vehicle component assemblies and provide them to the corresponding transport devices. The material sorting area 200 may be an SPS material sorting area. The vehicle production line according to the invention may further include a storage area 400. In a first embodiment, the storage area 400 stores the individual vehicle component assemblies, and the material sorting area 200 can retrieve the corresponding vehicle component assemblies from the storage area 400. The storage area 400 may be a PBS storage area.

[0066] The first transport device 10 transports the chassis assembly (including the assembled battery pack, seats, front suspension, rear suspension, oil lines, etc.) from the material sorting area 200 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100. The second transport device 20 transports the body assembly from the material sorting area 200 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100. The body assembly may include at least one of the following: side panel assembly, front panel assembly, rear panel assembly, and roof assembly (including sunroof). The vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100 assembles the chassis assembly and body assembly into a vehicle body.

[0067] At least one independent manufacturing island 100 for each vehicle model can be set up. If the number of a certain vehicle model to be produced is small, only one independent manufacturing island 100 for that model can be set up; if the number of a certain vehicle model to be produced is large, multiple independent manufacturing islands 100 for that model can be set up. For example, refer to... Figure 1 Two independent vehicle body manufacturing islands are set up for model A; one independent vehicle body manufacturing island is set up for each of the models B, C, D, E, ... N. The number of independent vehicle body manufacturing islands 100 for a certain model can be dynamically adjusted according to the change in the number of vehicles of a certain model to be produced.

[0068] In this invention, some vehicle components requiring assembly and adjustment (e.g., position adjustment) (e.g., opening and closing parts) are transported separately to a separately designated area (e.g., opening and closing part assembly area 300) for assembly with the vehicle body, thereby improving vehicle production efficiency. The vehicle production line according to the first embodiment of the invention also includes at least one third transport device (not shown). The third transport device can transport the opening and closing part assembly from the material sorting area 200 to the opening and closing part assembly area 300. The opening and closing part assembly may include at least one of the following: a door assembly, a hood assembly, and a trunk assembly.

[0069] The first transport device 10 can also transport the vehicle body, which has been assembled in the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100, to the opening and closing component assembly area 300. The opening and closing component assembly area 300 can (e.g., by an operator) assemble the opening and closing component assemblies transported by the third transport device onto the vehicle body to form a vehicle. The opening and closing component assembly area 300 can be located in the oil filling area of ​​the vehicle production line.

[0070] The first transport device 10, the second transport device 20, and the third transport device can all be automated guided vehicles.

[0071] Reference Figure 3 The vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100 may include a fixed workbench 101 and an assembly tool 102 mounted on the fixed workbench 101. The assembly tool 102 can move the body assembly from the second transport device 20 and assemble it into the corresponding position on the chassis assembly.

[0072] To ensure vehicle assembly efficiency and vehicle body support stability, two fixed workbenches can be provided. Specifically, the fixed workbenches 101 may include a first fixed workbench 101a and a second fixed workbench 101b spaced apart from each other. The first fixed workbench 101a and the second fixed workbench 101b are opposite to each other and define an accommodating space 104. The first fixed workbench 101a and the second fixed workbench 101b may each have a first retractable structure 103a and a second retractable structure 103b that can extend into the accommodating space 104.

[0073] The first transport device 10 may include a lifting mechanism 11 capable of raising the chassis assembly. The first transport device 10 transports the chassis assembly into a receiving space 104. Both the first retractable structure 103a and the second retractable structure 103b extend into the receiving space 104 to support the chassis assembly transported by the first transport device 10 into the receiving space 104 and raised by the lifting mechanism 11. For example, the first retractable structure 103a and the second retractable structure 103b may abut against a support point on the underside of the chassis assembly to support it. There may be multiple first retractable structures 103a and second retractable structures 103b to provide multi-point support for the chassis assembly.

[0074] After the lifting mechanism 11 raises the chassis assembly to a predetermined height and holds it stationary, the first retractable structure 103a and the second retractable structure 103b extend into the receiving space 104 and are located under the chassis assembly. The lifting mechanism 11 then descends. After the first retractable structure 103a and the second retractable structure 103b contact and support the chassis assembly, the lifting mechanism 11 can continue to descend and disengage from the chassis assembly. Thus, the first transport device 10 can unload the chassis assembly and subsequently remove it from the receiving space 104. The second transport device 20 can transport the body assembly (e.g., side panel assembly, front panel assembly, rear panel assembly, roof assembly) from the material sorting area 200 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100. Thereafter, the chassis assembly and body assembly can be assembled in the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100 to form the vehicle body.

[0075] Reference Figure 3In order to improve vehicle assembly efficiency, the travel paths of the second transport device 20 can be set on the two outer sides of the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100. Multiple second transport devices 20 can transport the corresponding body assemblies to the two outer sides of the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100.

[0076] Assembly tool 102 may include a first assembly tool 102a mounted on a first platform surface of a first fixed workbench 101a and a second assembly tool 102b mounted on a second platform surface of a second fixed workbench 101b. The first assembly tool 102a and the second assembly tool 102b can move the corresponding body assembly from the second transport device 20 and assemble it into the corresponding position on the chassis assembly to form the vehicle body.

[0077] Assembly tool 102 is rotatable and translatable relative to fixed workbench 101 (e.g., assembly tool 102 can be mounted onto fixed workbench 101 in a tank chain manner) to facilitate the movement of corresponding body assemblies from second transport device 20 and their assembly into corresponding positions on the chassis assembly. Assembly tool 102 can be a collaborative robot used to assist operators (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 The human-shaped pattern shown indicates that the corresponding body assembly is moved and assembled into the corresponding position on the vehicle body.

[0078] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the layout / logistics of the independent manufacturing island area of ​​the vehicle body according to the present invention.

[0079] Reference Figure 4 To improve vehicle assembly efficiency, the layout / logistics of the vehicle body independent manufacturing island 100 may include three parallel transport lines / assemblies: a chassis assembly transport route of the first transport device 10 located in the middle, and body assembly transport routes of the second transport devices 20 located on both sides. Multiple first transport devices 10 may be installed on the chassis assembly transport route, and multiple second transport devices 20 may be installed on the body assembly transport route. After receiving chassis assemblies in the material sorting area 200, the multiple first transport devices 10 can move sequentially toward the vehicle body independent manufacturing island 100. Similarly, after receiving corresponding body assemblies in the material sorting area 200, the multiple second transport devices 20 can move sequentially toward the vehicle body independent manufacturing island 100. Upon reaching a designated position, the first transport devices 10 and second transport devices 20 may advance or stop based on instructions or the detection of an object ahead.

[0080] Multiple body assemblies can be assembled simultaneously from both sides of the chassis assembly, improving vehicle assembly efficiency. (Refer to...) Figure 4 ,exist Figure 3The diagram shows four assembly tools 102 and four operators. Two assembly tools 102 (first assembly tool 102a and third assembly tool 102c) are arranged front to back on the left side of the receiving space 104, and two assembly tools 102 (second assembly tool 102b and fourth assembly tool 102d) are arranged front to back on the right side of the receiving space 104. Therefore, assembly can be performed simultaneously from both sides of the chassis assembly, and assembly can be performed simultaneously from the front and rear sides of the chassis assembly, improving vehicle assembly efficiency.

[0081] The first transport device 10 transports the chassis assembly to the accommodating space 104 defined between the first fixed workbench 11a and the second fixed workbench 11b. The lifting mechanism 11 of the first transport device 10 raises the chassis assembly, which is then supported by the first retractable structure 103a of the first fixed workbench 101a and the second retractable structure 103b of the second fixed workbench 101b. Afterward, the first transport device 10 can return to the material sorting area 200 for subsequent transport of the chassis assembly. The second transport device 20 transports the corresponding body assembly to the outside of the first fixed workbench 11a and the second fixed workbench 11b, where the corresponding assembly tool 102 picks up the body assembly. The second transport device 20 can then return to the material sorting area 200 for subsequent transport of the body assembly. The first fixed workbench 11a and the second fixed workbench 11b can assemble the currently picked-up body assembly and supporting chassis assembly. After the current vehicle body is assembled, the body assembly and chassis assembly of the next vehicle body can be collected and assembled. Multiple first transport devices 10 can operate sequentially, and multiple second transport devices 20 can operate sequentially. The chassis assembly transport route and the body assembly transport route can operate in coordination to improve the efficiency of vehicle body assembly.

[0082] The independent manufacturing island 100 for the vehicle body may also include multiple automatic tightening machines, multiple fixed glue application guns, nameplate printing equipment, etc. The automatic tightening machines can tighten the bolts passing through the chassis assembly from bottom to top to the corresponding body assembly, thereby fixing the corresponding body assembly to the chassis assembly. For some special process treatments, such as the windshield process that requires glue application, a robotic flying glue application method can be used.

[0083] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the second transport device 20 can also transport the dashboard assembly and wheel assembly from the material sorting area 200 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100.

[0084] In the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100), the assembly of the vehicle body can be completed by the following operations:

[0085] (1) After the first transport device 10 transports the chassis assembly to the receiving space 104, the lifting mechanism 11 can raise the chassis assembly, and the first telescopic structure 103a and the second telescopic structure 103b extend toward the receiving space 104 and support the chassis assembly raised by the lifting mechanism 11.

[0086] (2) The assembly tool 102 grips the side panel assembly, front panel assembly and rear panel assembly transported by the second transport device 20, and assists the operator in moving the side panel assembly, front panel assembly and rear panel assembly and assembling them into the corresponding positions of the chassis assembly (after the assembly tool 102 grips the side panel assembly, front panel assembly and rear panel assembly by, for example, a gripper, the operator can fasten the side panel assembly, front panel assembly and rear panel assembly to the chassis assembly for installation position. After the fastening is completed, the assembly tool 102 can lower the gripper and return to its original position to perform the "gun change" operation. After the fastening is completed, the operator can fasten the side panel assembly, front panel assembly and rear panel assembly to the chassis assembly).

[0087] (3) Assembly tool 102 grabs the instrument panel assembly transported by the second transport device 20 and assists the operator in moving the instrument panel assembly and assembling it into the corresponding position on the chassis assembly.

[0088] (4) Assembly tool 102 grabs the top cover assembly transported by the second transport device 20 and assists the operator in moving the top cover assembly and assembling it into the side panel assembly, front panel assembly and rear panel assembly.

[0089] (5) Assembly tool 102 grabs the wheel assembly transported by the second transport device 20 and assists the operator in moving the wheel assembly and assembling it into the corresponding position on the chassis assembly.

[0090] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the second transport device 20 can also transport the interior and exterior assemblies from the material sorting area 200 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100. The assembly tool 102 picks up the interior and exterior assemblies transported by the second transport device 20 and assists the operator in assembling the interior and exterior assemblies into the corresponding positions on the vehicle body. The interior assembly may include sun visors, seat belts, an in-vehicle air circulation system, an in-vehicle lighting system, etc. The exterior assembly may include windshields (e.g., front windshields, rear windshields), bumpers (e.g., front bumpers, rear bumpers), grilles, rearview mirrors, headlights, windshield wipers, etc.

[0091] The installation of the steering wheel assembly usually requires installation and adjustment (e.g., position adjustment). Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the third transport device can also transport the steering wheel assembly from the material sorting area 200 to the opening and closing component assembly area 300, where the steering wheel assembly can be assembled into the corresponding position on the vehicle body.

[0092] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 After vehicle assembly is completed in the opening and closing parts assembly area 300, fluids (such as refrigerant, antifreeze, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, etc.) can be added in the fluid filling area / off-line filling area of ​​the vehicle production line. As mentioned above, the opening and closing parts assembly area 300 can be located in the fluid filling area. Next, the off-line vehicle can be started. If the vehicle fails to start, the assembled vehicle is transported to the rework area of ​​the vehicle production line for troubleshooting and repair. After successful vehicle start-up, the assembled vehicle is transported to the testing area of ​​the vehicle production line for various vehicle performance tests (such as electrical testing, hub testing, intelligent calibration, etc.). If all vehicle performance tests are passed, the assembled vehicle undergoes road testing and rain testing. If the assembled vehicle passes the road test and rain test, it is transported to the commodity inspection area of ​​the vehicle production line for visual inspection to determine if there are any defects in the vehicle's appearance (such as scratches). If the assembled vehicle passes the commodity inspection, it can be stored and await shipment.

[0093] The vehicle production line according to the first embodiment of the present invention can also employ the following variations for assembling the vehicle body. For example, a first transport device 10 carries the assembled body assembly into the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100, and the lifting mechanism 11 of the first transport device 10 supports the body assembly for lifting (the support point can be the longitudinal beam). After the body assembly is higher than the retractable structure 103 of the fixed workbench 101, the retractable structure 103 extends toward the receiving space 104. Then, the lifting mechanism 11 of the first transport device 10 performs a lowering operation. Utilizing the width difference between the body skirt and the longitudinal beam, the retractable structure 103 of the fixed workbench 101 can smoothly support the body skirt. After the body assembly is positioned, the first transport device 10 can return to the material sorting area 200 to transport the chassis assembly to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100, or other first transport devices 10 can transport the chassis assembly from the material sorting area 200 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100. In the vehicle body independent manufacturing island 100, lifting and assembly actions can be performed through visual identification of the body assembly positioning holes. During the assembly process, operators can monitor and adjust the relationship of the positioning pin holes. After the relevant positioning pins are engaged, an automatic tightening machine can tighten the bolts passing through the chassis assembly from bottom to top to the corresponding body assembly, thereby fixing the corresponding body assembly to the chassis assembly. After the chassis assembly and body assembly are assembled, the instrument panel assembly, wheel assembly, interior assembly, and exterior assembly can continue to be assembled in the vehicle body independent manufacturing island 100 to form the vehicle body, similar to the vehicle production line according to the first embodiment of the present invention. To ensure convenient after-sales maintenance of the vehicle, an overlapping structure can be adopted, with lifting and automatic tightening machines replacing the high-station operations of the traditional production line.

[0094] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle production line in the case of self-manufacturing assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle assembly process in the case of self-manufacturing using a complete assembly unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] As previously stated, the main difference between the vehicle production line according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the vehicle production line according to the first embodiment of the present invention is as follows: In the first embodiment, under the outsourced assembly mode, the assembly of each component assembly is completed outside the factory, and each component assembly is directly transported from the material sorting area to the corresponding area (the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area or the opening and closing component assembly area) for assembly; In the second embodiment, under the in-house assembly mode, multiple sub-assembly manufacturing island areas are set up in the factory, and the components of each component assembly are transported from the material sorting area to the corresponding sub-assembly manufacturing island area to complete the assembly of each component assembly, and then each component assembly is transported to the corresponding area (the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area or the opening and closing component assembly area) for assembly. The above-mentioned main differences will be described below, and descriptions of the same aspects are omitted. It should be understood that, in addition to the above-mentioned main differences, the features of the first embodiment of the present invention are also applicable to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Therefore, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In a second embodiment of the invention, the vehicle production line further includes a sub-assembly manufacturing island area 500. The material sorting area 200 can obtain corresponding vehicle component assemblies from the storage area 400.

[0097] The sub-assembly manufacturing island area 500 may include a chassis assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island area 501, multiple body assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island areas 502, and multiple opening and closing component assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island areas 503.

[0098] The first transport device 10 can also transport chassis components from the material sorting area 200 to the chassis assembly manufacturing island area 401. The chassis assembly manufacturing island area 401 can assemble the chassis components into a chassis assembly. The first transport device 10 can transport the chassis assembly from the chassis assembly manufacturing island area 401 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100.

[0099] The second transport device 20 can also transport corresponding body parts from the material sorting area 200 to the corresponding body assembly manufacturing island area 502. The body assembly manufacturing island area 502 can assemble body parts into body assemblies. The second transport device 20 can transport the body assembly from the body assembly manufacturing island area 502 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100. The body assembly manufacturing island area 502 may include a side panel assembly manufacturing island area, a front panel assembly manufacturing island area, a rear panel assembly manufacturing island area, and a roof assembly manufacturing island area, which respectively complete the assembly of the side panel assembly, front panel assembly, rear panel assembly, and roof assembly.

[0100] The third transport device can also transport the corresponding opening and closing component parts from the material sorting area 200 to the corresponding opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area 503. The opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area 503 can assemble the opening and closing component parts into opening and closing component assemblies. The third transport device can transport the opening and closing component assemblies from the opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area 503 to the opening and closing component assembly area 300. The opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area 503 may include a door assembly assembly manufacturing island area, an engine hood assembly assembly manufacturing island area, and a trunk assembly assembly manufacturing island area, respectively completing the assembly of the door assembly, engine hood assembly, and trunk assembly.

[0101] Sub-assembly manufacturing island 500 may also include instrument panel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island 504 and wheel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island 505.

[0102] The second transport device 20 can also transport dashboard components from the material sorting area 200 to the dashboard assembly manufacturing island area 504. The dashboard assembly manufacturing island area 504 can assemble the dashboard components into a dashboard assembly. The second transport device 20 can transport the dashboard assembly from the dashboard assembly manufacturing island area 504 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100 for assembly.

[0103] The second transport device 20 can also transport wheel components from the material sorting area 200 to the wheel assembly manufacturing island area 505. The wheel assembly manufacturing island area 505 can assemble the wheel components into a wheel assembly. The second transport device 20 can transport the wheel assembly from the wheel assembly manufacturing island area 505 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100 for assembly.

[0104] Sub-assembly manufacturing island 500 may also include interior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island 506 and exterior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island 507.

[0105] The second transport device 20 can also transport interior parts from the material sorting area 200 to the interior assembly manufacturing island area 506. The interior assembly manufacturing island area 506 can assemble the interior parts into an interior assembly. The second transport device 20 can transport the interior assembly from the interior assembly manufacturing island area 506 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100 for assembly.

[0106] The second transport device 20 can also transport exterior parts from the material sorting area 200 to the exterior assembly manufacturing island area 507. The exterior assembly manufacturing island area 507 can assemble exterior parts into exterior assemblies. The second transport device 20 can transport the exterior assemblies from the exterior assembly manufacturing island area 507 to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area 100 for assembly.

[0107] This invention reduces the energy consumption of small-batch production of complete vehicles and the first vehicle after line clearing, while improving the flexibility of vehicle models in the final assembly plant and reducing the impact of the introduction of new models on the production of existing models.

[0108] This invention, through process integration and optimization, configures vehicle production lines in independent manufacturing island areas, replacing the functions of existing welding main lines. This reduces land use area, initial investment costs, and subsequent model introduction and modification costs for vehicle manufacturing. It also reduces energy losses from ineffective idle operation of conveyor equipment, thereby enhancing production line flexibility and lowering the energy consumption of the final assembly workshop, enabling rapid transformation into a smart benchmark factory. For example, for a final assembly workshop with an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles (requiring a building area of ​​approximately 60,000 square meters or more), this invention's vehicle production line and vehicle production method are estimated to save more than 15.5% of usable space (based on passenger cars with a length of 5 meters or less). Therefore, this invention is beneficial in terms of the environment, manufacturing investment, and the introduction and maintenance of subsequent models.

[0109] This invention significantly reduces the mechanical modifications required for traditional assembly lines during the introduction of new models, thereby reducing the number of engineering and mechanical equipment components needed, and indirectly reducing carbon emissions from the manufacturing of non-standard equipment.

[0110] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. Although some embodiments have been shown and described, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments can be combined, modified, and improved without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims. Such combinations, modifications, and improvements should also be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle production line, characterized in that, The vehicle production line includes: Material sorting area (200); At least one independent manufacturing island (100) for each vehicle body is set up for each model. Opening and closing component assembly area (300); At least one first transport device (10) is used to transport the chassis assembly from the material sorting area (200) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100). At least one second transport device (20) is used to transport the vehicle body assembly from the material sorting area (200) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100). At least one third transport device is used to transport the opening and closing assembly from the material sorting area (200) to the opening and closing assembly area (300). The vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100) is used to assemble the chassis assembly and the body assembly into a vehicle body. The first transport device (10) is also used to transport the vehicle body to the opening and closing component assembly area (300), which is used to assemble the opening and closing component assembly onto the vehicle body to assemble it into a vehicle.

2. The vehicle production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle body assembly includes at least one of the following: side panel assembly, front panel assembly, rear panel assembly, and roof assembly. The opening and closing assembly includes at least one of the following: door assembly, hood assembly, and trunk assembly.

3. The vehicle production line according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100) includes a fixed workbench (101) and an assembly tool (102) mounted on the fixed workbench (101). The assembly tool (102) is used to move the vehicle body assembly from the second transport device (20) and assemble it into the corresponding position on the chassis assembly.

4. The vehicle production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixed workbench (101) includes a first fixed workbench (101a) and a second fixed workbench (101b) spaced apart from each other. The first fixed workbench (101a) and the second fixed workbench (101b) are opposite to each other and define a receiving space (104). The first fixed workbench (101a) and the second fixed workbench (101b) respectively have a first retractable structure (103a) and a second retractable structure (103b) that can extend into the receiving space (104). The first transport device (10) includes a lifting mechanism (11) capable of raising the chassis assembly. The first transport device (10) is used to transport the chassis assembly into the receiving space (104). The first retractable structure (103a) and the second retractable structure (103b) are used to extend toward the receiving space (104) to support the chassis assembly transported by the first transport device (10) into the receiving space (104) and raised by the lifting mechanism (11).

5. The vehicle production line according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second transport device (20) is also used to transport the dashboard assembly and wheel assembly from the material sorting area (200) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100). Furthermore, the vehicle body is assembled in the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100) according to the following operations: After the first transport device (10) transports the chassis assembly to the receiving space (104), the lifting mechanism (11) raises the chassis assembly, and the first telescopic structure (103a) and the second telescopic structure (103b) extend toward the receiving space (104) and support the chassis assembly raised by the lifting mechanism (11); The assembly tool (102) grabs the side panel assembly, front panel assembly and rear panel assembly transported by the second transport device (20), and assists the operator in moving and assembling the side panel assembly, front panel assembly and rear panel assembly into the corresponding positions of the chassis assembly; The assembly tool (102) grabs the instrument panel assembly transported by the second transport device (20) and assists the operator in moving the instrument panel assembly and assembling it into the corresponding position of the chassis assembly; The assembly tool (102) grips the top cover assembly transported by the second transport device (20) and assists the operator in moving and assembling the top cover assembly into the side panel assembly, front panel assembly and rear panel assembly; The assembly tool (102) grips the wheel assembly transported by the second transport device (20) and assists the operator in moving the wheel assembly and assembling it into the corresponding position on the chassis assembly.

6. The vehicle production line according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second transport device (20) is also used to transport the interior and exterior assemblies from the material sorting area (200) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100), wherein the assembly tool (102) grips the interior and exterior assemblies transported by the second transport device (20) and assists the operator in assembling the interior and exterior assemblies into the corresponding positions on the vehicle body. The third transport device is also used to transport the steering wheel assembly from the material sorting area (200) to the opening and closing component assembly area (300), which is used to assemble the steering wheel assembly into the corresponding position on the vehicle body.

7. The vehicle production line according to claim 6, characterized in that, The opening and closing component assembly area (300) is located in the oil filling area of ​​the vehicle production line.

8. The vehicle production line according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vehicle production line also includes multiple sub-assembly manufacturing islands (500), which include a chassis assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island (501), multiple body assembly sub-assembly manufacturing islands (502), and multiple opening and closing component assembly sub-assembly manufacturing islands (503). The first transport device (10) is also used to transport chassis components from the material sorting area (200) to the chassis assembly manufacturing island area (501), the chassis assembly manufacturing island area (501) is used to assemble chassis components into a chassis assembly, and the first transport device (10) transports the chassis assembly from the chassis assembly manufacturing island area (501) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100). The second transport device (20) is also used to transport body parts from the material sorting area (200) to the corresponding body assembly manufacturing island area (502), the body assembly manufacturing island area (502) is used to assemble body parts into body assemblies, and the second transport device (20) transports the body assembly from the body assembly manufacturing island area (502) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100). The third transport device is also used to transport the opening and closing component parts from the material sorting area (200) to the corresponding opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area (503), the opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area (503) is used to assemble the opening and closing component parts into an opening and closing component assembly, and the third transport device transports the opening and closing component assembly from the opening and closing component assembly manufacturing island area (503) to the opening and closing component assembly area (300).

9. The vehicle production line according to claim 8, characterized in that, The multiple sub-assembly manufacturing islands (500) also include an instrument panel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island (504) and a wheel assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island (505). The second transport device (20) is also used to transport dashboard components from the material sorting area (200) to the dashboard assembly manufacturing island area (504), the dashboard assembly manufacturing island area (504) is used to assemble the dashboard components into a dashboard assembly, and the second transport device (20) transports the dashboard assembly from the dashboard assembly manufacturing island area (504) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100). The second transport device (20) is also used to transport wheel components from the material sorting area (200) to the wheel assembly assembly manufacturing island area (505), the wheel assembly assembly manufacturing island area (505) is used to assemble the wheel components into a wheel assembly, and the second transport device (20) transports the wheel assembly from the wheel assembly assembly manufacturing island area (505) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100).

10. The vehicle production line according to claim 9, characterized in that, The multiple assembly manufacturing islands (500) also include an interior assembly assembly manufacturing island (506) and an exterior assembly assembly manufacturing island (507). The second transport device (20) is also used to transport interior parts from the material sorting area (200) to the interior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island area (506), the interior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island area (506) is used to assemble the interior parts into an interior assembly, and the second transport device (20) transports the interior assembly from the interior assembly sub-assembly manufacturing island area (506) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100). The second transport device (20) is also used to transport exterior parts from the material sorting area (200) to the exterior assembly assembly manufacturing island area (507), the exterior assembly assembly manufacturing island area (507) is used to assemble the exterior parts into an exterior assembly, and the second transport device (20) transports the exterior assembly from the exterior assembly assembly manufacturing island area (507) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100).

11. A vehicle production method implemented through a vehicle production line, said vehicle production line comprising a material sorting area (200), at least one vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100) for each vehicle model, an opening and closing component assembly area (300), at least one first transport device (10), at least one second transport device (20), and at least one third transport device, characterized in that, The vehicle production method includes: The chassis assembly is transported from the material sorting area (200) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100) by the first transport device (10). The vehicle body assembly is transported from the material sorting area (200) to the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100) by the second transport device (20). The chassis assembly and the body assembly are assembled into a vehicle body in the vehicle body independent manufacturing island area (100); The vehicle body is transported to the opening and closing assembly area (300) by the first transport device (10); The opening and closing assembly is transported from the material sorting area (200) to the opening and closing assembly area (300) by the third transport device; In the opening and closing assembly area (300), the opening and closing assembly is assembled onto the vehicle body to form a vehicle.

Images