Mold storage device

Abstract

This invention provides a mold storage device, including a mold storage module and a transfer device located next to an assembly station on a door panel assembly line. The mold storage module has multiple storage sections arranged sequentially in a vertical direction. The transfer device has a lifting mechanism that enables the transfer mechanism to move up and down, while the transfer mechanism can transfer mold devices in a horizontal direction. Therefore, mold devices can be retrieved or stored from storage sections at various heights, making full use of vertical space for storage and reducing the floor space occupied by the mold devices. Since the mold devices are transferred between the assembly station and the mold storage module via the transfer device, manual handling is not required, thus reducing the labor intensity of workers and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive workpiece manufacturing technology, and specifically relates to a mold storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive door panel assembly involves multiple processes, including screwing, welding, installing clips, and quality inspection. Currently, the assembly process typically involves manually moving the door panel workpieces to be assembled onto a workbench, securing them, and then performing each process sequentially. This creates several problems: First, the large size and weight of automotive door panel workpieces result in high labor intensity and low production efficiency for operators; second, automotive door panel workpieces are prone to bumps and knocks during handling, affecting product quality; third, operators need to switch between multiple processing tools and perform multiple different processes, impacting production efficiency, and the varying skill levels of different operators also affect the consistency of the final product.

[0003] Therefore, to solve the above problems, a door panel assembly line capable of automatically or semi-automatically assembling automotive door panels at different workstations is needed, along with mold devices for placing and fixing automotive door panel workpieces to facilitate assembly. Since there are many models of automotive door panels (e.g., door panels for different car models, front doors and rear doors of the same car model), the number of mold devices will also be large. During production, it is necessary to switch the mold devices used on the door panel assembly line. Therefore, a device for switching and storing mold devices is also needed to avoid the excessive space occupied by stacked mold devices and to avoid problems such as decreased production efficiency and high labor intensity for workers caused by manual switching and handling of mold devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a mold storage device for transferring and storing molds used in door panel assembly. The invention employs the following technical solution:

[0005] This invention provides a mold storage device, installed next to an assembly station on a door panel assembly line. It is characterized by comprising: a mold storage module for storing door panel assembly mold devices, which are used to hold automotive door panel workpieces to be assembled; and a transfer device for transferring the door panel assembly mold devices between the assembly station and the mold storage module. The mold storage module includes: a storage rack; and a plurality of storage sections arranged vertically on the storage rack. The transfer device includes: a transfer mechanism for transferring the door panel assembly mold devices horizontally; and a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the transfer mechanism.

[0006] The mold storage device provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein the transfer mechanism includes: a support frame; a pair of telescopic arms arranged parallel to each other below the support frame and capable of extending to both sides relative to the support frame; a telescopic drive unit for driving the pair of telescopic arms to extend and retract synchronously; a clamping unit having a pair of claws for picking up and placing the door panel assembly mold device; and a pair of belt drive units, each of the belt drive units being connected to one side of the support frame, one of the telescopic arms, and one of the claws, respectively, for driving the claws to move when the telescopic arms extend and retract.

[0007] The mold storage device provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein each belt drive unit includes: a pair of synchronous pulleys installed at both ends of the telescopic arm; a synchronous belt fitted on the pair of synchronous pulleys; and a plurality of meshing members, all meshing with the synchronous belt, wherein one of the meshing members is fixed below the support frame, and the claw is installed on the synchronous belt through the other several meshing members.

[0008] The mold storage device provided by the present invention may also have the following technical feature, wherein when the telescopic arm extends to one side to its maximum range, the claw is located below the extended end of the telescopic arm.

[0009] The mold storage device provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features: the door panel assembly mold device has multiple hooks on both sides, the hooks are L-shaped metal plates, the claws have multiple supporting ends for supporting the multiple hooks, and the number and distribution of the supporting ends match the multiple hooks.

[0010] The mold storage device provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein the telescopic drive unit includes: two first guide rails, respectively installed on the lower sides of the support frame; a plurality of first sliders, respectively installed on a pair of telescopic arms and slidably engaged with the two first guide rails; two horizontal racks, respectively installed on the pair of telescopic arms; a telescopic drive motor, fixed on the support frame; a telescopic drive wheel, installed at the output end of the telescopic drive motor; a first synchronizing rod, installed on the support frame through a bearing assembly; and two telescopic driven wheels, coaxially installed at both ends of the first synchronizing rod, respectively meshing with the two horizontal racks, and one of the telescopic driven wheels meshing with the telescopic drive wheel.

[0011] The mold storage device provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein the lifting mechanism includes: four vertical guide rails, arranged in pairs on both sides of the transfer mechanism; four vertical racks, arranged in pairs on both sides of the transfer mechanism; a lifting drive motor fixed on the support frame of the transfer mechanism; a lifting drive wheel installed at the output end of the lifting drive motor; two second synchronous rods, respectively installed on the support frame via bearing assemblies; two first lifting driven wheels, respectively installed on the two second synchronous rods, and one of the first lifting driven wheels meshes with the lifting drive wheel; four second lifting driven wheels, arranged in pairs coaxially at both ends of the second synchronous rods; multiple tensioning wheels, all rotatably installed on the support frame; and a lifting synchronous belt, fitted onto the lifting drive wheel and the two first lifting driven wheels, and tensioned by the multiple tensioning wheels.

[0012] The mold storage device provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein each of the storage parts includes: a bracket for supporting a plurality of the door panel assembly mold devices; and a storage horizontal moving unit disposed on the bracket for moving the door panel assembly mold devices horizontally along the bracket, thereby adjusting the storage position of the door panel assembly mold devices.

[0013] The mold storage device provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein the bracket includes at least two support rods extending along the length of the mold storage module, and the horizontal moving unit for storage includes: two bearing assemblies respectively installed on the same side of the two support rods; two drive gears respectively installed on a pair of the bearing assemblies; a synchronous rotating shaft connected to the two drive gears at both ends; a horizontal moving drive motor for driving the synchronous rotating shaft to rotate; two driven gears respectively rotatably installed on the other side of the two support rods; and two conveyor belts, each conveyor belt being fitted onto the drive gear and the driven gear at both ends of one support rod and meshing with both the drive gear and the driven gear, and the door panel assembly mold device being placed on the two conveyor belts.

[0014] The mold storage device provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features: the supporting rod is a square rod, the diameter of the driving gear and the driven gear is the same as the height of the supporting rod when it is placed horizontally, so that the conveyor belt is attached to the surface of the supporting rod, and the bracket also includes a front baffle and a rear baffle, which are respectively installed on the front and back of the storage rack and respectively attached to the two supporting rods, for limiting the door panel assembly mold device stored in the storage part.

[0015] Invention Function and Effect

[0016] According to the present invention, a mold storage device includes a mold storage module disposed next to an assembly station on a door panel assembly line and a transfer device. The mold storage module has multiple storage sections arranged sequentially in a vertical direction. The transfer device has a lifting mechanism that enables the transfer mechanism to be raised and lowered, and the transfer mechanism can transfer the mold device in a horizontal direction. Therefore, the mold device can be taken out or stored in the storage section at various heights, making full use of vertical space for storage and reducing the floor space occupied by the mold device. Since the mold device is transferred between the assembly station and the mold storage module by the transfer device, it is not necessary to carry it manually, thus reducing the labor intensity of workers and improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a top view of the mold storage device in this embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the mold storage module in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of one end of the storage section in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 These are perspective views of one end of the storage section from different angles in embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the other end of the storage section in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the transfer module in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the transfer mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the transfer drive unit and lifting mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the end of the transfer mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 These are perspective views of the transfer mechanism from different angles in embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the lifting mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the door panel assembly mold device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 13This is a perspective view of the door panel assembly mold device in the open state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of the bottom guide block of the mold device for assembling door panels in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the U-shaped opening and closing arm cooperating with the rotary drive mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the assembly station in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the mold conveying device along the processing direction of the door panel assembly line in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the door panel assembly line causing the mold device to return in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 19 This is a flowchart of the mold storage device transferring and storing the mold device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] Door panel assembly mold device 20; support unit 21; support frame 211; guide block 2111; mold fixing part 212; cover plate 22; cover plate frame 221; limiting part 222; pressure head 223; U-shaped opening and closing arm 224; hook and hanger 225; connecting unit 23; connecting bracket 231; rotating shaft 232; bearing assembly 233; damping assembly 234; assembly station 40; transfer module 80; bracket 81; transfer mechanism 82; support frame 821; telescopic arm 822; telescopic drive unit 823; first guide rail 8231; first slider 8232; telescopic drive motor 8233; telescopic drive wheel 8234; first synchronous rod 8235; telescopic driven wheel 8236; horizontal rack 8237; clamping unit 824; claw 8241; connecting plate 82411; supporting end 82412; leather Belt drive unit 825; synchronous pulley 8251; synchronous belt 8252; meshing component 8253; second guide rail 8254; second slider 8255; lifting mechanism 83; vertical rack 831; vertical guide rail 832; lifting drive motor 833; lifting drive wheel 834; first lifting driven wheel 835; second synchronous rod 836; second lifting driven wheel 837; tension wheel 838; lifting synchronous belt 839; mold storage module 90; storage rack 91; L-shaped fixing component 912; storage section 92; bracket 93; support rod 931; front baffle 932; rear baffle 933; horizontal moving unit for storage 94; bearing assembly 941; drive gear 942; driven gear 943; synchronous rotating shaft 944; conveyor belt 945; horizontal moving drive motor 946; protective plate 95; mold storage device 100. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of the present invention easy to understand, the mold storage device of the present invention will be specifically described below in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0039] <Example>

[0040] This embodiment provides a mold storage device, which is set next to one of the assembly stations of the door panel assembly line. It is used to transfer the door panel assembly mold device (hereinafter referred to as mold device) on the assembly station and store it, or to place the stored mold device on the assembly station.

[0041] The door panel assembly line is used to assemble a variety of different door panel products, each corresponding to a different mold device. When it is necessary to switch to produce different door panel products, the mold device on the current door panel assembly line needs to be removed, and another mold device corresponding to the door panel product to be assembled is taken out from the mold storage device and placed on the door panel assembly line. In this embodiment, the mold storage device is used to store multiple mold devices and transfer the mold devices in the above situation.

[0042] The mold storage device is based on the structural design of the mold device and assembly station. Therefore, the structure of the mold device and assembly station for door panel assembly will be briefly described below.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the door panel assembly mold device in this embodiment;

[0044] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the door panel assembly mold device in the open state in this embodiment.

[0045] like Figure 12-13 As shown, the mold device 20 includes a support unit 21, a cover plate 22, and a connecting unit 23.

[0046] The support unit 21 is used to support the door panel workpiece to be assembled, including a support frame 211, a support mold (not shown in the figure), and multiple mold fixing parts 212.

[0047] The support frame 211 is made of square steel rods and steel sheets welded together and reinforced by L-shaped metal parts and screws and other connecting parts. The support frame 211 is used to support the mold.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of the bottom guide block of the mold device for assembling the door panel in this embodiment.

[0049] like Figure 14 As shown, four guide blocks 2111 are provided below the support frame 211. The guide blocks 2111 have a downward-facing circular groove in the middle. When the mold device 20 is transported to the assembly station 40, the output ends of the four lifting cylinders on the assembly station 40 can be respectively embedded in the four circular grooves to lift the mold device 20, thereby positioning and fixing the mold device 20 to facilitate the assembly operation at the station.

[0050] The mold fixture fastener 212 is an L-shaped metal part. Multiple mold fixture fasteners 212 are respectively installed above the square rods of the support frame 211 and facing different directions. Among them, several mold fixture fasteners 212 form a structure for installing the support mold fixture. The support mold fixture is engaged between several mold fixture fasteners 212 and fixed by screws or other connecting parts.

[0051] The cover plate 22 is rotatably connected to the support unit 21 and is used to press the door panel workpiece onto the support unit 21, thereby fixing the door panel workpiece. The cover plate 22 includes a cover plate frame 221, a pair of limiting members 222, multiple pressing heads 223, a U-shaped opening and closing arm 224, and four hooks 225.

[0052] The cover frame 221 is welded from aluminum profiles and reinforced by L-shaped metal parts and screws. Multiple aluminum profiles of varying lengths, with some angled, form the cover frame 221, which has multiple square, triangular, and irregularly shaped holes of different sizes. The structure of the cover frame 221 is designed to accommodate multiple pressure heads 223, allowing them to be arranged according to a predetermined pattern.

[0053] A pair of limiting members 222 are both L-shaped metal parts, which are respectively installed on both sides of the cover frame 221 (both sides along the conveying direction). When the cover 22 rotates toward the support unit 21, the extended ends of the limiting members 222 abut against the square rods on both sides of the cover frame 221, thereby achieving the limiting function and avoiding damage to the automotive door panel workpiece inside.

[0054] The pressure head 223 consists of a metal rod and an elastic element wrapped around the end of the metal rod. The other end of the metal rod is welded to the cover frame 221. The metal rod is perpendicular to the surface direction of the cover frame 221 and extends towards the support unit 21. The arrangement of the multiple pressure heads 223 and the extension length of each pressure head 223 are matched with the upper surface of the automotive door panel workpiece to be pressed. The multiple pressure heads 223 are used to abut against different parts of the upper surface of the automotive door panel workpiece when the cover 22 is rotated and closed, thereby fixing the automotive door panel workpiece and preventing collisions during transportation.

[0055] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the U-shaped opening and closing arm and the rotary drive mechanism in this embodiment.

[0056] like Figure 15 As shown, the U-shaped opening and closing arm 224 is a roughly U-shaped metal part, which is fixedly installed on the side of the cover frame 221 connected to the support unit 21 by screws and other connecting parts. The opening of the U-shape faces outward, and the U-shaped opening and closing arm 224 forms an obtuse angle with the cover frame 221. When the cover 22 is closed, that is, when the surface direction of the cover frame 221 is roughly in line with the horizontal direction, the opening of the U-shaped opening and closing arm 224 tilts upward. The U-shaped opening and closing arm 224 is used to connect with the rotary drive mechanism 102 in the assembly station, so that the cover frame 221 is driven to rotate under the drive of the rotary drive mechanism 102. The rotary drive mechanism 102 includes a motor, a rotary arm, and a cam follower installed at the end of the rotary arm. When the mold device 20 is placed on the assembly station, the cam follower is embedded in the opening of the U-shaped opening and closing arm 224. The motor drives the rotary arm to perform a swing arm action, and the cam follower at the end of the rotary arm drives the U-shaped opening and closing arm to rotate, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the cover 22.

[0057] The hooks 225 are L-shaped metal plates, which are installed in pairs on both sides of the support frame 211 along its length.

[0058] The connecting unit 23 is used to connect the support unit 21 and the cover plate 22. The connecting unit 23 includes a connecting bracket 231, a rotating shaft 232, two pairs of bearing assemblies 233 and a damping assembly 234.

[0059] The connecting bracket 231 is a metal bracket installed on one side of the support frame 211. The rotating shaft 232 is installed on the connecting bracket 231, and the extension direction of the rotating shaft 232 is consistent with the extension direction of the square rod on the side of the support frame 211. The cover frame 221 is installed on the rotating shaft 232 via two pairs of bearing assemblies 233 and can rotate along the rotating shaft 232. The middle part of one side of the cover frame 221 is connected to the connecting bracket 231 via a damping assembly 234. The damping assembly 234 can provide a certain resistance when the cover 22 rotates, thereby limiting its rotation speed and preventing the cover frame 221 from rotating and pressing down too quickly when closed, which could damage the automotive door panel workpiece.

[0060] When the cover plate 22 flips and closes toward the support unit 21, the car door panel workpiece is fixed between the two. When the cover plate 22 flips and opens in the opposite direction, the car door panel workpiece can be placed, taken out, replaced, or assembled.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that since there are various models of door panel products, there are various different mold devices 20. The structure of the cover frame 221, the structure and distribution of the pressure head 223 are different, so as to fix the automotive door panel workpieces of different shapes and sizes. However, the overall dimensions of all mold devices 20 and the setting of the hooks 225 are the same. Therefore, the same transfer mechanism can be used to transfer them, and the same storage part can be used to store them.

[0062] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional view of the assembly station in this embodiment.

[0063] like Figure 16 As shown, assembly station 40 has a double-layer conveyor structure. The upper conveyor line 41 is used to transport the mold device 20, which carries the automotive door panel workpiece to be assembled. When the mold device 20 is in the upper layer of assembly station 40, the assembly operation of the current station is performed. The lower conveyor line 42 is used to transport the empty mold device 20, so as to make full use of the space for the circulation of the mold device 20. The structures of the upper conveyor line 41 and the lower conveyor line 42 are basically the same. The mold device 20 is carried on two parallel chains for transport, and the length direction of the mold device 20 is consistent with the transport direction.

[0064] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the mold conveying device along the processing direction of the door panel assembly line in this embodiment; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the mold device being returned to its original position on the door panel assembly line in this embodiment.

[0065] like Figure 17-18 As shown, the door panel assembly line 400 has multiple stations arranged sequentially in a horizontal direction, with the aforementioned assembly station 40 being the third station. The conveying structures of the second and fourth stations are consistent with those of the assembly station 40, forming a double-layer conveying structure. The first and fifth stations have conveyor lines that can be raised, lowered, and have switchable conveying directions.

[0066] When assembling a car door panel workpiece begins, the mold storage device retrieves the corresponding mold device 20 and places it on the lower conveyor line of assembly station 40 (the third station), such as... Figure 18 As shown, the mold assembly 20 is conveyed along the D2 direction on the lower level to the conveyor line of the first station. Then, the conveyor line of the first station carries the mold assembly 20 up to be flush with the upper conveyor line, as shown. Figure 17 As shown, the mold device 20 is transported sequentially to each workstation along the D1 direction on the upper layer for corresponding assembly operations.

[0067] After assembling a car door panel, at the fifth station, the mold device 20 is opened to remove the assembled car door panel. Then, the conveyor line at the fifth station lowers the empty mold device 20 until it is flush with the lower conveyor line. Figure 18 As shown, the mold device 20 is conveyed to the third station along the D2 direction in the lower layer, and then retrieved and stored by the mold storage device. During the return of the empty mold device 20, the upper layer can continue to perform the assembly operation of the next automotive door panel workpiece.

[0068] Based on the structure of the mold device 20 and the assembly station 40 described above, the structure and function of the mold storage device in this embodiment will be explained in detail below.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a top view of the mold storage device in this embodiment.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the mold storage device 100 is located next to an assembly station 40 on the door panel assembly line, and includes a transfer module 80 and a mold storage module 90. The mold storage module 90 is used to store the mold device 20, and the transfer module 80 is located between the assembly station 40 and the mold storage module 90 for transferring the mold device 20 between the two.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the mold storage module in this embodiment.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the mold storage module 90 includes a storage rack 91, multiple storage sections 92, and multiple protective plates 95.

[0073] The storage rack 91 is a metal frame, which is rectangular in shape. Multiple storage sections 92 are arranged vertically on the storage rack 91. In this embodiment, there are 7 storage sections 92. Each storage section 92 is used to store two mold devices 20 of the same model. Different storage sections 92 are used to store mold devices 20 of different models.

[0074] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of one end of the storage section in this embodiment;

[0075] Figure 4 These are perspective views of one end of the storage section from different angles in this embodiment;

[0076] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the other end of the storage section in this embodiment.

[0077] like Figure 3-5 As shown, each storage section 92 includes a bracket 93 and a horizontal moving unit 94 for storage.

[0078] The bracket 93 is a rectangular metal frame, fixedly installed on the storage rack 91, used to support the mold device 20. It includes two support rods 931, a front baffle 932, and a rear baffle 933. The support rods 931 are square metal rods, and their extension direction is consistent with the length direction of the mold storage module 90. When stored in the storage section 92, the two ends of the bottom width direction of the mold device 20 are respectively supported on the two support rods 931. Front baffle 932 and rear baffle 933 are respectively installed on the front and back of storage rack 91, and are respectively attached to the two support rods 931. Specifically, front baffle 932 is attached to the outside of the support rod 931 on the front, and the height of front baffle 932 is slightly greater than the height of support rod 931 plus support frame 211. Similarly, rear baffle 933 is attached to the outside of the support rod 931 on the back, and the height of rear baffle 933 is slightly greater than the height of support rod 931 plus support frame 211. Therefore, mold device 20 can be placed on the two support rods 931, and its two sides are limited by front baffle 932 and rear baffle 933 respectively, so it can be stably stored in storage section 92. In addition, the distance between the upper end of front baffle 932 and the upper storage section 92 is greater than the height of mold device 20 in the closed state, so the setting of front baffle 932 does not affect the placement of mold device 20.

[0079] The storage horizontal movement unit 94 is used to move the mold device 20 stored in the storage section 92 horizontally, thereby adjusting the storage position of the mold device 20 in the storage section 92. The storage horizontal movement unit 94 includes two bearing assemblies 941, two drive gears 942, two driven gears 943, a synchronous rotating shaft 944, two conveyor belts 945, and a horizontal movement drive motor 946.

[0080] Two bearing assemblies 941 are mounted on the same side of the ends of the two support rods 931. Two drive gears 942 are respectively mounted on the two bearing assemblies 941, and the two drive gears 942 are coaxially mounted at both ends of the synchronous shaft 944. Two driven gears 943 are rotatably mounted on the other side of the ends of the two support rods 931. Each conveyor belt 945 is fitted onto the drive gear 942 and driven gear 943 at both ends of a support rod 931, and meshes with the drive gear 942 and driven gear 943. The diameters of the drive gears 942 and driven gears 943 are substantially the same as the height of the support rod 931 when it is placed horizontally (i.e., the width of the support rod 931), so that the upper and lower sections of the conveyor belt 945 are respectively attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the support rod 931. The output end of the horizontal movement drive motor 946 is connected to the synchronous shaft 944, and can drive the synchronous shaft 944 to rotate. In this embodiment, the horizontal movement drive motor 946 is a geared motor. When the mold device 20 is stored in the storage section 92, the mold device 20 is placed on the support rod 931 and the conveyor belt 945 attached to the support rod 931.

[0081] Therefore, driven by the horizontal movement drive motor 946, the two drive gears 942 rotate synchronously, driving the two conveyor belts 945 to rotate synchronously, and the conveyor belts 945 drive the mold device 20 placed on them to move horizontally.

[0082] Since the storage position of the mold assembly 20 within the storage section 92 can be adjusted by the horizontal moving unit 94, the mold assembly 20 can be stored and retrieved from only one side. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the transfer module 80 is located at the left front of the mold storage module 90, and the mold device 20 is stored and retrieved from the left column for each storage section 92.

[0083] Multiple protective plates 95 are installed on the top, two sides and the back of the storage rack 91 to cover these four sides and protect the mold device 20 stored therein.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, since the mold storage module 90 is relatively tall and narrow, in order to prevent it from tipping over, the bottom of the storage rack 91 is fixed to the ground by multiple L-shaped fasteners 912 and multiple connectors (such as bolts).

[0085] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the transfer module in this embodiment. The view shows two transfer modules 80 with mirror-symmetrical structures, and a mold device 20 is mounted on the transfer module 80.

[0086] like Figure 6As shown, the transfer module 80 of this embodiment includes a support 81 composed of metal rods, a transfer mechanism 82, and a lifting mechanism 83. The transfer mechanism 82 is used to transfer the mold device 20, and the lifting mechanism 83 is used to raise and lower the entire transfer mechanism 82.

[0087] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the transfer mechanism in this embodiment, showing the telescopic arm extended to one side to its maximum stroke.

[0088] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the transfer mechanism and lifting mechanism in this embodiment.

[0089] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the transfer mechanism end in this embodiment.

[0090] like Figure 7-9 As shown, the transfer mechanism 82 includes a support frame 821, a pair of telescopic arms 822, a telescopic drive unit 823, a clamping unit 824, and a belt drive unit 825.

[0091] The support frame 821 is made of metal rods and is horizontally mounted on the lifting mechanism 83. The support frame 821 includes a square frame and triangular frames mounted at the four corners of the square frame.

[0092] A pair of telescopic arms 822 are installed on both sides below the support frame 821, and can extend towards the other sides of the support frame 821, thus allowing them to move along... Figure 2 Extending in the directions indicated by the middle arrows D1 and D2, the telescopic arm 822 is a square metal rod.

[0093] The telescopic drive unit 823 is used to drive a pair of telescopic arms 822 to extend and retract, and includes a first guide rail 8231, a first slider 8232, a telescopic drive motor 8233, a telescopic drive wheel 8234, a first synchronizing rod 8235, a pair of telescopic driven wheels 8236, and a horizontal rack 8237.

[0094] Two first guide rails 8231 are respectively installed on the lower sides of the support frame 821. A first slider 8232 is installed above the telescopic arm 822. The first slider 8232 slidably engages with the first guide rail 8231 on the corresponding side, allowing it to extend to both sides. A horizontal rack 8237 is installed on the telescopic arm 822 with its teeth facing upward. A pair of telescopic driven wheels 8236 mesh with the two racks 8237 respectively, and the pair of telescopic driven wheels 8236 are coaxially installed at both ends of a first synchronizing rod 8235. The first synchronizing rod 8235 is installed on the support frame 821 through a pair of bearing assemblies. A telescopic drive wheel 8234 is installed at the output end of the telescopic drive motor 8233 and meshes with one of the telescopic driven wheels 8236. The telescopic drive motor 8233 is installed on the support frame 821 through a bracket plate.

[0095] Therefore, driven by the telescopic drive motor 8233, the telescopic drive wheel 8234 rotates, which drives a pair of telescopic driven wheels 8236 to rotate synchronously, and then drives a pair of telescopic arms 822 to extend or retract synchronously through the horizontal rack 8237.

[0096] The gripping unit 824 includes a pair of claws 8241, which are movably mounted below a pair of telescopic arms 822. Each claw 8241 includes a connecting plate 82411 and two supporting ends 82412 mounted on the connecting plate 82411 and extending downward in an L-shape from the connecting plate 82411. The distribution of the two supporting ends 82412 is consistent with the distribution of the two hooks 225 on one side of the mold device 20.

[0097] Figure 10 These are perspective views of the transfer mechanism from different angles in this embodiment.

[0098] like Figure 7 , 9 As shown in -10, the two belt drive units 825 are used to drive the two claws 8241 to move. Each belt drive unit 825 is installed inside the telescopic arm 822 (i.e., the side of the two telescopic arms 822 facing each other). It includes a pair of synchronous pulleys 8251, a synchronous belt 8252, multiple sets of meshing parts 8253, a second guide rail 8254, and a second slider 8255.

[0099] The second guide rail 8254 is installed below the telescopic arm 822. A second slider 8255 is mounted on the claw 8241, and the second slider 8255 is slidably engaged with the second guide rail 8254. A pair of synchronous pulleys 8251 are respectively installed at both ends of the inner side of the telescopic arm 822. The synchronous belt 8252 is fitted onto the pair of synchronous pulleys 8251. A set of meshing members 8253 is fixedly installed on the lower center of one side of the support frame 821 and meshes with the synchronous belt 8252. The claw 8241 is mounted on the synchronous belt 8252 through other meshing members (not shown in the figure).

[0100] Therefore, when the telescopic arm drive unit 823 drives a pair of telescopic arms 822 to extend to one side, due to the relative displacement of the telescopic arm 822 and the support frame 821, the meshing member 8253 drives the timing belt 8252 to rotate, which in turn drives the claw 8241 to move along the telescopic arm 822. In this embodiment, the length of the timing belt 8252 matches the length and maximum stroke of the telescopic arm 822. When the telescopic arm 822 extends to its maximum stroke, the claw 8241 moves exactly to the end of the extended telescopic arm 822. The same situation occurs when the telescopic arm 822 extends to the other side, and will not be repeated. Similarly, when the telescopic arm drive unit 823 drives a pair of telescopic arms 822 to retract, due to the relative displacement of the telescopic arm 822 and the support frame 821, the meshing member 8253 drives the timing belt 8252 to rotate in the opposite direction, and the claw 8241 moves in the opposite direction along the telescopic arm 822.

[0101] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the lifting mechanism in this embodiment.

[0102] like Figure 7-8 , Figure 11 As shown, the lifting mechanism 83 is used to lift the transfer mechanism 82 as a whole, raising it to a height approximately level with the mold device 20 to be transferred on the lower conveyor line 42 of the assembly station 40. The lifting mechanism 83 includes four vertical racks 831, four vertical guide rails 832, a lifting drive motor 833, a lifting drive wheel 834, two first lifting driven wheels 835, two second synchronous rods 836, four second lifting driven wheels 837, three tensioning wheels 838, a lifting synchronous belt 839, and multiple bearing assemblies.

[0103] Two vertical guide rails 832 and two vertical racks 831 are respectively installed on both sides of the bracket 81. The two vertical racks 831 are located between the two vertical guide rails 832, and the teeth of the two vertical racks 831 face the same side. Two sliders (not shown in the figure) are also installed on both sides of the support frame 821. The sliders on both sides of the support frame 821 are slidably engaged with the four vertical guide rails 832.

[0104] The lifting drive motor 833 is fixed on the support frame 821 by a bracket plate. The lifting drive wheel 834 is installed at the output end of the lifting drive motor 833. Each second synchronous rod 836 is installed on the support frame 821 by a pair of bearing assemblies. Each second synchronous rod 836 has two second lifting driven wheels 837 and one first lifting driven wheel 835 coaxially installed at both ends. The three gears rotate synchronously. The first lifting driven wheel 835 has a larger diameter and is installed at one end close to the second synchronous rod 836. The four second lifting driven wheels 837 mesh with four vertical racks 831 respectively. The lifting synchronous belt 839 is mounted on the lifting drive wheel 834 and two first lifting driven wheels 835, and meshes with all three gears. The lifting synchronous belt 839 is also tensioned by three tensioning pulleys 838. One tensioning pulley 838 is mounted on the first synchronous rod 8235, and the other two tensioning pulleys 838 are mounted on the support frame 821 through connecting rods (not shown in the figure). That is, all three tensioning pulleys 838 can be rotatably mounted on the support frame 821.

[0105] Therefore, driven by the lifting drive motor 833, the lifting drive wheel 834 rotates, which drives the two first lifting driven wheels 835 to rotate synchronously through the lifting synchronous belt 839. In turn, the two first lifting driven wheels 835 drive the four coaxial second lifting driven wheels 837 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the entire transfer mechanism 82 to lift.

[0106] In this embodiment, the transfer module 80 is disposed between the assembly station 40 and the mold storage module 90. When its telescopic arm 822 extends to one side, it can reach the assembly station 40, and when it extends to the other side, it can reach the storage part 92 of the mold storage module 90, thereby enabling the transfer of the mold device 20 between the two.

[0107] Figure 19 This is a flowchart of the process of transferring and storing the mold storage device in this embodiment.

[0108] like Figure 19 As shown, the process of transferring and storing molds from mold storage device 100 to mold storage device 20 specifically includes the following steps:

[0109] In step S1, an automotive door panel workpiece is assembled, and the empty mold device 20 is returned to the lower conveyor line 42 of the assembly station 40.

[0110] In step S2, the transfer mechanism 82 of the transfer module 80 descends to the height of the lower conveyor line 42;

[0111] In step S3, the telescopic arm 822 of the transfer mechanism 82 extends to the maximum stroke in the direction of the assembly station 40. At this time, a pair of claws 8241 are located below the hooks 225 of the mold device 20.

[0112] In step S4, the transfer mechanism 82 rises a short distance to lift the mold device 20 from the lower conveyor line 42;

[0113] Step S5: The telescopic arm 822 retracts, moving the mold device 20 into the transfer module 80;

[0114] Step S6: The transfer mechanism 82 is raised and lowered to the height of the empty storage section 92;

[0115] In step S7, the telescopic arm 822 extends to its maximum stroke toward the mold storage module 90, at which point the mold device 20 is located above the inner bracket 93 of the storage section 92;

[0116] In step S8, the transfer mechanism 82 descends a short distance to place the mold device 20 onto the bracket 93, and at this time the claw 8241 separates from the hook 225.

[0117] In step S9, the telescopic arm 822 retracts into the transfer module 80.

[0118] In step S10, the horizontal moving unit 94 moves the mold device 20 horizontally to the right side of the storage section 92 for storage.

[0119] If another mold device 20 of the same model is already stored on the right side of the storage section 92 in the above steps, the horizontal movement operation of step S10 can be omitted, and the mold device 20 is stored on the left side of the storage section 92.

[0120] In addition, some steps in the above process can be performed simultaneously to save time on transfer and storage, such as steps S9 and S10.

[0121] The process of taking out a mold device 20 from the mold storage module 90 and placing it on the lower conveyor line 42 of the assembly station 40 can be deduced similarly, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0122] Functions and effects of the embodiments

[0123] The mold storage device provided in this embodiment includes a mold storage module and a transfer device located next to an assembly station on a door panel assembly line. The mold storage module has multiple storage sections arranged sequentially in a vertical direction. The transfer device has a lifting mechanism that allows the transfer mechanism to move up and down, while the transfer mechanism can transfer the mold device in a horizontal direction. Therefore, the mold device can be taken out or stored in storage sections at various heights, making full use of vertical space for storage and reducing the floor space occupied by the mold device. Since the mold device is transferred between the assembly station and the mold storage module by the transfer device, it is not necessary to carry it manually, thus reducing the labor intensity of workers and improving production efficiency.

[0124] Furthermore, each storage section includes a bracket and a horizontal moving unit for storage mounted on the bracket. The bracket supports the door panel assembly mold device, and the horizontal moving unit drives the door panel assembly mold device to move horizontally along the bracket. This allows the storage position of the door panel assembly mold device in the storage section to be adjusted, avoiding wasted storage space due to improper placement. Moreover, it can be accessed from a uniform vertical position. Therefore, only one transfer module is needed for access, which can further reduce the footprint of the mold storage device and simplify the automated control logic of the transfer module.

[0125] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism of the transfer module includes a support frame, a pair of telescopic arms that can extend to both sides relative to the support frame, a telescopic drive unit for driving the telescopic arms to extend and retract, a clamping unit for clamping the mold device for door panel assembly, and a belt drive unit for driving the clamping unit to move along the telescopic arms. Therefore, under the drive of the telescopic drive unit and the drive of the belt drive unit, the clamping unit can extend and clamp the mold device, and drive the mold device to move along the extension direction of the telescopic arms, thereby enabling the transfer of the mold device between the door panel assembly line and the mold storage warehouse.

[0126] Furthermore, the timing belt and timing pulley of the belt drive unit are mounted on the telescopic arm, and the timing belt engages with a meshing component fixed on the support frame. The gripper of the clamping unit engages with the timing belt. Therefore, the gripper does not need to be equipped with an additional drive mechanism. Instead, the relative movement between the telescopic arm and the support frame is used to drive the gripper to move. Furthermore, in the embodiment, by setting the timing belt, the length of the telescopic arm and the stroke, the gripper moves to the end of the telescopic arm when the telescopic arm extends to its maximum stroke, thereby achieving good telescopic cooperation and facilitating better transfer of the mold device.

[0127] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate specific implementations of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the scope of the description of the above embodiments.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the mold storage device 100 is located next to the third station of the door panel assembly line. The mold device 20 is taken from the lower conveyor line of the third station, or a new mold device 20 is taken out from the storage section and placed on the lower conveyor line of the third station. In an alternative, the mold storage device 100 can also be located next to the second or fourth station, which also has a double conveyor line structure, and the corresponding technical effect can be achieved.

[0129] In the above embodiment, two L-shaped hooks 225 are installed on each side of the mold device 20, and the structure of the claw 8241 matches them, having two supporting ends 82412 distributed in the same manner. Thus, the mold device 20 can be picked up and put down using the hooks 225. In an alternative embodiment, more hooks 225 with different distributions can also be installed on both sides of the mold device 20, or hooks 225 of other shapes can be installed, and the structure of the claw 8241 can match them, which can also achieve the corresponding technical effect.

[0130] In the above embodiment, each storage section 92 (i.e., each layer of the mold storage module 90) is used to store two mold devices 20. In an alternative, each storage section 92 can also be used to store more mold devices 20, and the length of each storage section 92 is correspondingly set to be longer. Similarly, by adjusting the storage position of the mold device 20 in the storage section 92 by horizontal movement, the corresponding technical effect can also be achieved.

Claims

1. A mold storage device, disposed next to an assembly station of a door panel assembly line, the door panel assembly line having a plurality of stations arranged sequentially, wherein the first and fifth stations have conveyor lines that are liftable and switchable in conveying direction, the intermediate stations each have a double-layer conveyor line structure, wherein the third station is the assembly station, the mold storage device being used to transfer and store door panel assembly mold devices from the lower conveyor line of the assembly station when it is necessary to switch to producing different models of door panel products, and to retrieve another door panel assembly mold device corresponding to the next door panel product to be assembled from the mold storage device and place it on the lower conveyor line of the assembly station, characterized in that, include: A mold storage module is used to store a mold device for door panel assembly, which is used to hold the automotive door panel workpiece to be assembled. as well as A transfer device is used to transfer the door panel assembly mold device between the assembly station and the mold storage module. The mold storage module includes: Storage racks; and Multiple storage compartments are arranged sequentially along the vertical direction on the storage rack. The transfer device includes: A transfer mechanism for transferring a mold device for assembling door panels horizontally; and A lifting mechanism is used to raise and lower the transfer mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes: Support frame; A pair of telescopic arms are arranged parallel to each other below the support frame and can extend to both sides relative to the support frame; A telescopic drive unit is used to drive the pair of telescopic arms to extend and retract synchronously; The gripping unit has a pair of claws for picking up and placing the door panel assembly mold device; and A pair of belt drive units, each of which is connected to one side of the support frame, one of the telescopic arms, and one of the claws, respectively, for driving the claws to move when the telescopic arms extend or retract. Each of the belt drive units includes: A pair of synchronous pulleys are installed at both ends of the telescopic arm; A timing belt, fitted onto a pair of timing pulleys; and Multiple meshing components engage with the timing belt. One of the engaging components is fixed below the support frame. The claw is mounted on the timing belt via several other meshing components. When the telescopic arm extends to one side, it can reach the assembly station; when it extends to the other side, it can reach the storage compartment. When the telescopic arm extends to its maximum stroke to one side or the other, the claw is located below the extended end of the telescopic arm.

2. The mold storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: wherein, The door panel assembly mold device has multiple hooks on both sides. The hook is an L-shaped metal plate. The claw has multiple supporting ends, each used to support multiple hooks, and the number and distribution of the supporting ends are matched with the multiple hooks.

3. The mold storage device of claim 1, Its features are: The telescopic drive unit includes: Two first guide rails are respectively installed on the lower sides of the support frame; Multiple first sliders are respectively mounted on a pair of telescopic arms and are slidably engaged with two first guide rails; Two horizontal racks are respectively mounted on a pair of telescopic arms; A telescopic drive motor is fixed on the support frame; A telescopic drive wheel is installed at the output end of the telescopic drive motor; The first synchronizing rod is mounted on the support frame via a bearing assembly; and Two telescopic driven wheels are coaxially mounted at both ends of the first synchronizing rod and respectively mesh with the two horizontal racks, and one of the telescopic driven wheels meshes with the telescopic driving wheel.

4. The mold storage device of claim 1, Its features are: in, The lifting mechanism includes: Four vertical guide rails are arranged in pairs on both sides of the transfer mechanism; Four vertical racks are arranged in pairs on both sides of the transfer mechanism; The lifting drive motor is fixed on the support frame of the transfer mechanism; A lifting drive wheel is installed at the output end of the lifting drive motor; Two second synchronizing rods are respectively mounted on the support frame via bearing assemblies; Two first lifting driven wheels are respectively mounted on two second synchronizing rods, and one of the first lifting driven wheels meshes with the lifting drive wheel; Four second lifting driven wheels are coaxially mounted at both ends of the second synchronous rod in pairs. Multiple tensioning rollers, all rotatably mounted on the support frame; and The lifting synchronous belt is fitted onto the lifting drive wheel and the two first lifting driven wheels, and is tensioned by a plurality of tensioning wheels.

5. The mold storage device of claim 1, Its features are: Each of the storage units includes: A bracket for supporting a plurality of the aforementioned door panel assembly mold devices; and A horizontal moving unit for storage is provided on the bracket for moving the door panel assembly mold device horizontally along the bracket, thereby adjusting the storage position of the door panel assembly mold device.

6. The mold storage device according to claim 5, Its features are: The bracket includes at least two support rods that extend along the length of the mold storage module. The storage horizontal moving unit includes: Two bearing assemblies are respectively installed at the ends of the two support rods on the same side; Two drive gears are respectively mounted on a pair of the bearing assemblies; A synchronous rotating shaft, with two drive gears connected to each end; A horizontal movement drive motor is used to drive the synchronous rotating shaft to rotate; Two driven gears are rotatably mounted on the other end of each of the two supporting rods; and Two conveyor belts, each of which is mounted on the drive gear and the driven gear at both ends of a support rod and meshes with both the drive gear and the driven gear, and the door panel assembly mold device is placed on the two conveyor belts.

7. The mold storage device according to claim 6, characterized in that: in, The supporting rod is a square rod. The diameters of the drive gear and the driven gear are the same as the height of the support rod when it is placed horizontally, so that the conveyor belt fits against the surface of the support rod. The bracket also includes a front baffle and a rear baffle, which are respectively installed on the front and back of the storage rack and respectively abut against the two support rods, for limiting the door panel assembly mold device stored in the storage section.

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