A transport system

Abstract

The present application provides a transfer system for use in an assembly production line, which has high transfer efficiency and high flexibility. The assembly production line is used to assemble multiple materials into an object, and the system includes: multiple load-bearing devices, each load-bearing device is used to carry at least one material, or to carry an object; multiple automatic guided transport vehicles, each automatic guided transport vehicle is used to transfer the load-bearing device carrying the material from the loading area to the assembly production line, or to transfer the load-bearing device carrying the object from the assembly production line to the unloading area, or to transfer the empty load-bearing device to the loading area; wherein the number of the multiple automatic guided transport vehicles is less than the number of the multiple load-bearing devices; a lifting device, the lifting device is arranged at the loading area, and is used to place at least one material on the empty load-bearing device; an unloading device, the unloading device is arranged at the unloading area, and is used to remove the object from the load-bearing device carrying the object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of logistics transportation, and in particular to a transportation system. Background Art

[0002] During the production and processing of electronics and machinery factories, materials need to be transported. For example, in automobile production, the engine is one of the vehicle's components. First, the engine parts are assembled to the main engine body. After the engine is assembled, it is assembled into the vehicle. With the increasing demand for automation in industrial production and automobile assembly, the need for efficient, flexible, and automated transport solutions is a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present application provides a transfer system for use in an assembly production line, which has high transfer efficiency and high flexibility.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a transfer system that can be applied to an assembly line for assembling multiple materials into an object. The system includes:

[0005] A plurality of carrying devices, each carrying device is used to carry at least one material, or to carry the object;

[0006] a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), each AGV being configured to transfer a carrier carrying materials from a loading area to the assembly line, or to transfer a carrier carrying objects from the assembly line to an unloading area, or to transfer an empty carrier to the loading area; wherein the number of the plurality of AGVs is less than the number of the plurality of carriers;

[0007] a lifting device, the lifting device being arranged at the loading area and being used to place at least one material on the empty carrying device;

[0008] An unloading device is provided at the unloading area and is used for removing the object from a carrying device carrying the object.

[0009] In the embodiments of the present application, the load-bearing device is used to carry materials or objects, and the load-bearing device has a low empty load rate. Furthermore, the automated guided transport vehicle can transfer an empty load-bearing device, a load-bearing device carrying objects, or a load-bearing device carrying materials, resulting in a low empty load rate for the automated guided transport vehicle. Consequently, the transfer system has high transfer efficiency, and the automated guided transport vehicle can be independent of the load-bearing device, allowing each automated guided transport vehicle to transfer the load-bearing device with high flexibility.

[0010] In one possible design, the object is an engine; the multiple materials include an engine body and accessories, and the accessories are placed on the assembly line; the assembly line is used to assemble the engine body and accessories into an engine;

[0011] The carrying device is used to carry the engine or the main body of the engine;

[0012] The automatic guided transport vehicle is used to transfer a carrying device carrying a main body of an engine to the assembly line, and to transfer a carrying device carrying an engine from the assembly line to the unloading area.

[0013] The transfer system provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied in engine assembly scenarios. The carrying device and the automated guided vehicle can work together to transfer the main body of the engine to the assembly line. The assembly line can assemble the main body and accessories into an engine. The carrying device and the automated guided vehicle can work together to transfer the assembled engine. The carrying device can participate in the assembly process, and the assembly line can assemble the engine on the carrying device. This design can improve the transfer efficiency of the engine main body, which is conducive to improving the efficiency of engine assembly.

[0014] In one possible design, the transfer system further includes a transmission mechanism for transporting the carrier from the beginning of the assembly line to the end of the assembly line. While the transmission mechanism is transporting the carrier, the assembly line assembles engine components onto the engine body on the carrier, thereby completing the engine assembly. When the transmission mechanism transports the carrier to the end of the assembly line, the object carried by the carrier is the assembled engine.

[0015] In one possible design, the assembly line is used to simultaneously assemble P engines, where P is a positive integer greater than 1, and the number of carrying devices on the assembly line is greater than or equal to P.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, the assembly line assembles P engines simultaneously, wherein the P engines may be in different assembly processes or in the same assembly process. During the operation of the transfer system, the number of carrying devices at the assembly line may be equal to P. Alternatively, a waiting area may be provided at the assembly line, and the waiting area may be provided at the head end of the assembly line to accommodate the carrying device of the main body carrying the engine. Alternatively, the waiting area may be provided at the end of the assembly line to accommodate the carrying device carrying the engine, and the carrying device is waiting to be connected to the automatic guided transport vehicle to transfer the engine together. In this case, the number of carrying devices at the assembly line may be greater than P.

[0017] In some examples, an assembly line assembles an engine body and engine components into an engine, and the process has P assembly steps.

[0018] In some examples, the assembly line includes one or more assembly lines, where the multiple assembly lines operate in parallel.

[0019] In one possible design, during operation of the transfer system, the number of AGVs at the assembly line is smaller than the number of load carriers at the assembly line. This design can achieve higher efficiency and reduce the cost of the transfer system by using a smaller number of AGVs.

[0020] In one possible design, the ratio of the total time it takes for the assembly line to assemble an engine to the first time is the same as the number of automatic guided vehicles at the assembly line during the operation of the transfer system, wherein the first time is the time between the moment when the automatic guided vehicle is separated (or detached) from the first carrying device and the moment when the automatic guided vehicle moves to the second carrying device.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present application, the number of automatic guided transport vehicles at the assembly production line during the operation of the transfer system can be adjusted by adjusting the time between the separation of the automatic guided transport vehicle from the first carrying device and the movement of the automatic guided transport vehicle to the second carrying device.

[0022] In one possible design, the automated guided transport vehicle is specifically used to: transfer a first carrying device to the assembly production line and separate from the first carrying device, wherein the first carrying device is connected to the automated guided transport vehicle in the loading area, and the first carrying device carries the main body of the engine; at the assembly production line, it is connected to a second carrying device carrying the engine, and the second carrying device is a different carrying device from the first carrying device; transfer the second carrying device to the unloading area; in the unloading area, transfer the empty second carrying device to the loading area so that the lifting equipment can place the main body of the engine on the second carrying device; and use the second carrying device as the first carrying device.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present application, the load-bearing device and the automated guided transport vehicle may not be bound to each other, so that each automated guided transport vehicle has high flexibility in transferring the load-bearing device. The automated guided transport vehicle can perform transfer tasks in a cycle. In a single transfer task, the automated guided transport vehicle uses the second load-bearing device carrying the engine connected from the assembly transport line in the previous transfer task as the first load-bearing device connected in this transfer task. Therefore, after the automated guided transport vehicle is connected to the load-bearing device carrying the engine from the assembly line, it can remain connected and be transferred to the unloading area to unload the engine, to the loading area to carry the main body of the engine, and then to the assembly line again, and then separated from the load-bearing device. In one possible design, the automated guided transport vehicle is provided with a first fixing component; the load-bearing device is provided with a second fixing component and a rolling wheel; wherein the first fixing component cooperates with the second fixing component to form a mechanical traction mechanism or an electromagnetic traction mechanism; the first fixing component is used to: the first fixing component cooperates with the second fixing component to connect the automated guided transport vehicle to the load-bearing device; or the first fixing component separates from the second fixing component to separate the automated guided transport vehicle from the load-bearing device.

[0024] In one possible design, the distance between the chassis of the carrying device and the horizontal plane is greater than the distance between the top of the automated guided transport vehicle and the horizontal plane. The width of the automated guided transport vehicle is smaller than the width of the carrying device so that the automated guided transport vehicle can pass under the carrying device.

[0025] In one possible design, after the automated guided vehicle is separated from the first carrying device, it moves to the second carrying device through the space between the chassis of one or more carrying devices at the assembly line and the ground.

[0026] In such a design, the space between the chassis of the carrying device and the ground is fully utilized, which can reduce the space occupied by the transfer system and improve the transfer efficiency of the transfer system.

[0027] In one possible design, the first fixed assembly on the automated guided vehicle is a retractable structure. In some scenarios, the first fixed assembly is disposed inside the automated guided vehicle. When the first fixed assembly is in an unextended state, the first fixed assembly does not protrude above the top of the automated guided vehicle. When the first fixed assembly is in an extended state, the first fixed assembly can protrude above the top of the automated guided vehicle and can mate with the second fixed assembly on the load-bearing device. In this case, the highest point on the top of the automated guided vehicle can be referred to as the top shell of the automated guided vehicle.

[0028] In other scenarios, the first fixed assembly is arranged on the top of the automatic guided vehicle. In this case, the highest point on the top of the automatic guided vehicle can refer to the end of the first fixed assembly away from the ground when the first fixed assembly is in the unextended state.

[0029] In one example, the first fixed component on the automated guided transport vehicle may include at least one liftable rod. The liftable rod is arranged on the top or inside of the automated guided transport vehicle. The second fixed component on the carrying device may include at least one fixed tube. The liftable rod on the automated guided transport vehicle can be extended upward or shortened downward along the direction of gravity. Each fixed tube is arranged on the chassis of the carrying device and extends downward along the direction of gravity. The difference between the inner wall radius and the outer wall radius of each fixed tube is a preset value, that is, the thickness of the tube wall is a preset value. The fixed tube can be regarded as a cylinder with a ring-shaped cross section. The inner wall diameter of the fixed tube is larger than the outer circumferential diameter of the liftable rod. The liftable rod on the automated guided transport vehicle can be extended and retracted along the direction of gravity.

[0030] The AGV controls the upward extension of the elevating rod. When the elevating rod reaches a predetermined length within the fixed tube, the AGV is considered connected to the load-bearing device. The AGV can push or pull the load-bearing device as it moves in any direction around the elevating rod.

[0031] In another example, the first fixed component on the automated guided transport vehicle may include at least one liftable tube. The liftable tube may be considered a cylinder with an annular cross section. The difference between the inner wall radius and the outer wall boundary of each liftable tube is a preset value, that is, the thickness of the tube wall is a preset value. The fixed tube may be considered a cylinder with an annular cross section. The inner wall diameter of the fixed tube is larger than the outer circumference diameter of the liftable rod. The liftable tube is disposed on the top or inside of the automated guided transport vehicle. The second fixed component on the carrying device may include at least one fixed rod. The liftable tube on the automated guided transport vehicle may extend upward or shorten downward along the direction of gravity. Each fixed rod is disposed on the chassis of the carrying device and extends downward along the direction of gravity. The inner wall diameter of the liftable tube is larger than the outer circumference diameter of the fixed rod.

[0032] The AGV's elevating tubes can be extended and retracted in the direction of gravity. The AGV can control the tubes to extend upward, so that when the portion of the fixed rod extending into the tubes reaches a predetermined length, the AGV is considered connected to the load-bearing device. When the AGV moves in any direction around the circumference of the tubes, it can push or pull the load-bearing device.

[0033] In another example, the first fixing assembly on the automated guided transport vehicle may include at least one retractable hook, wherein the hook is disposed on the top or inside of the automated guided transport vehicle. The second fixing assembly on the load-bearing device may include a fixing ring. When the hook engages the fixing ring, the automated guided transport vehicle is connected to the load-bearing device, and the automated guided transport vehicle can pull the load-bearing device to move.

[0034] In another example, the first fixed component on the automatic guided transport vehicle may include at least one liftable electromagnet. The electromagnet is arranged on the top or inside of the automatic guided transport vehicle. The second fixed component on the carrying device may include a metal block. The metal block is arranged on the chassis of the carrying device and faces the ground. The control electromagnet of the automatic guided transport vehicle is raised, and current is passed through the electromagnet to control the electromagnet to generate an attractive force on the metal block. When the attractive force between the electromagnet and the metal block reaches a threshold value, it can be regarded as that the automatic guided transport vehicle is connected to the carrying device. The automatic guided transport vehicle can first stop passing current to the electromagnet, and then control the electromagnet to lower, so that there is no attractive force between the control electromagnet and the metal block, and the automatic guided transport vehicle is separated from the carrying device.

[0035] In one possible design, the transfer system further includes: a navigation magnetic strip; the navigation magnetic strip is used to form a movement route; the movement route includes a transfer route, or the movement route includes the transfer route or a charging route; wherein the transfer route is used to guide the automated guided transport vehicle to transfer the carrying device; and the charging route is used to guide the automated guided transport vehicle to move to the charging device. In such a design, the movement route of the automated guided transport vehicle can be adjusted by adjusting the navigation magnetic strip. This adjustment method is relatively flexible and will not damage the ground, allowing for flexible circular transfer.

[0036] In one possible design, the transfer system also includes: at least one charging device, which is used to charge the automatic guided transport vehicle; wherein, one of the at least one charging device is arranged at the loading area, the unloading area, or on the charging route.

[0037] This design ensures the AGV's battery life is sufficient to support the transfer of the load carrier. The AGV can fully utilize the time the lifting equipment places materials on the load carrier for charging. The AGV can also fully utilize the time the unloading equipment removes materials from the load carrier for charging.

[0038] In one possible design, the transfer system also includes: a central control device; the central control device is used to monitor one or more of the operating status of each carrying device, the operating status of each automatic guided transport vehicle, the operating status of each charging device, the operating status of the lifting device, the operating status of the unloading device, and the operating status of the assembly production line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a transfer system;

[0041] Figure 2A A functional schematic diagram of the transfer system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 2B 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0043] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of one of the working states of the transfer process of the automated guided vehicle in the transfer system;

[0044] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of the second working state of the transfer process of the automated guided vehicle in the transfer system;

[0045] Figure 3C A schematic diagram of the third working state of the transfer process of the automated guided vehicle in the transfer system;

[0046] Figure 3D A schematic diagram of the fourth working state of the transfer process of the automated guided vehicle in the transfer system;

[0047] Figure 3E A schematic diagram of a fifth working state of the transfer process of an automated guided vehicle in a transfer system;

[0048] Figure 3F A schematic diagram of the sixth working state of the transfer process of the automated guided vehicle in the transfer system;

[0049] Figure 3G A schematic diagram of the seventh working state of the transfer process of the automated guided vehicle in the transfer system;

[0050] Figure 41 is a schematic structural diagram of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0051] Figure 5A 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0052] Figure 5B 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0053] Figure 6 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0054] Figure 7A 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first fixing assembly and a second fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0055] Figure 7B 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first fixing assembly and a second fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0056] Figure 7C 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first fixing assembly and a second fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0057] Figure 7D 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first fixing assembly and a second fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0058] Figure 8A Schematic diagram showing the distance between a chassis of a carrying device and a horizontal plane and the distance between a fixed position of an automated guided transport vehicle and the horizontal plane according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0059] Figure 8B Schematic diagram showing the distance between a chassis of a carrying device and a horizontal plane and the distance between a fixed position of an automated guided transport vehicle and the horizontal plane according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0060] Figure 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of a transfer system according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] It should be noted that the terms "including" and "having" and their variations involved in the documents of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0063] Figure 1 The following diagram illustrates an example application scenario for the transfer system. During the automobile production process, the engine is generally assembled into a whole unit and then transferred to the final assembly area. During the engine assembly process, the main body of the engine needs to be transferred from a storage area (such as a warehouse) to the assembly line. At the assembly line, the engine parts are assembled onto the main body of the engine. After inspection, the assembled engine is transferred to the final assembly area for the final assembly process, completing the engine assembly process.

[0064] Typically, the engine storage area is located some distance from the assembly line, necessitating transport of the engine body to the assembly line. The engine assembly line is also located some distance from the vehicle final assembly area, requiring the assembled engine to be transported to that area. Improving the efficiency of engine body and engine transport is one of the keys to improving the efficiency of the complete vehicle assembly process. Providing an efficient, flexible, and automated assembly solution is a pressing issue.

[0065] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a transfer system that can be applied to complete vehicle assembly of engines, offering high transfer efficiency and flexibility. It should be noted that while the transfer system provided herein can be applied to complete vehicle assembly of engines, this does not necessarily limit its application to complete vehicle assembly of engines. The transfer system provided herein can also be applied to the transfer of materials.

[0066] Figure 2A This is a functional schematic diagram of a transfer system provided in an embodiment of the present application. This transfer system can be applied to an assembly line 100, which can assemble multiple materials into a single object. Assembly line 100 can be a fully automated or semi-automated assembly process. The manner in which assembly line 100 achieves this assembly of multiple materials into a single object is not specifically limited and can be configured based on actual application scenarios.

[0067] The transfer system provided in embodiments of the present application can transport materials from a loading area to assembly line 100, and transport objects assembled by assembly line 100 to an unloading area. In some scenarios, the loading area can be implemented as a storage area such as a warehouse. The unloading area can also be implemented as a storage area such as a warehouse. Alternatively, the unloading area can be implemented as an assembly area where objects are assembled onto other objects. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0068] Figure 2B The diagram is a structural diagram of a transfer system according to an exemplary embodiment. The transfer system provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a plurality of load-bearing devices, a plurality of automatic guided transport vehicles, a lifting device, and an unloading device. The number of the plurality of automatic guided transport vehicles is less than the number of the plurality of load-bearing devices. Each load-bearing device may be used to carry at least one material, or to carry an object. The lifting device may be arranged at a loading area, and the lifting device may be used to place at least one material on an empty load-bearing device. Optionally, the lifting device may be a robot or a lifting machine, etc. The unloading device may be arranged at the unloading area, and the unloading device may be used to remove the object from the load-bearing device carrying the object. The optional unloading device may be a robot or an unloading machine, etc.

[0069] Each automated guided vehicle can be used to transfer a carrier carrying materials from the loading area to the assembly line, or to transfer a carrier carrying the objects from the assembly line to the unloading area, or to transfer an empty carrier to the loading area.

[0070] In one possible application scenario, such as an engine assembly scenario, an assembly production line can be used to assemble the main body of the engine and its accessories into an engine. That is, the aforementioned object is an engine, and the aforementioned multiple materials may include the main body of the engine and its accessories. The main body of the engine can be placed in the loading area. To facilitate understanding of the working process of the transfer system provided in the embodiment of the present application, the working process of the transfer system provided in the embodiment of the present application is introduced below in conjunction with the engine assembly scenario. It should be noted that the transfer system can be applied to scenarios including but not limited to engine assembly.

[0071] In some possible scenarios, the transfer system may include a conveyor structure, which may be installed on the assembly line. The conveyor structure can transport the load-bearing device from the beginning of the assembly line to the end of the assembly line. Optionally, the conveyor structure may include components such as friction wheels.

[0072] The assembly line can assemble P engines simultaneously, where P is a positive integer greater than 1. The simultaneous assembly of P engines may mean that within a period of time, the P engines are all in the assembly link, and the P engines may be in the same or different assembly stages or assembly processes. It does not mean that the P engines must be in the same assembly stage or assembly process. Each assembly process of the assembly line can be performed directly on the carrying device, and there is no need to move the main body of the engine at the assembly line. Instead, the engine assembly process can be completed directly on the carrying device. Such a design can improve assembly efficiency and make full use of the carrying device. The carrying device is at the head end of the assembly line, and the object it carries is the main body of the engine. The carrying device can be driven by the conveying structure of the assembly line to move to the end of the assembly line. At this time, the carried object is the assembled engine.

[0073] Typically, an assembly line adopts an assembly line-style method. The assembly line may include multiple assembly processes, and the main body of the engine and the engine accessories are assembled into an engine as a whole through multiple assembly processes. In some examples, one of the multiple assembly processes can be performed at the head end of the assembly line, and one of the multiple assembly processes can be performed at the end of the assembly line. In this case, the number of carrying devices at the assembly line is P. In other examples, one or more waiting areas may be set at the head end and the end end of the assembly line, and no assembly process is performed at the waiting area of ​​the assembly line. In this case, the number of carrying devices at the assembly line is greater than P. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit whether the assembly line is provided with a waiting area. It is understandable that when each carrying device is at the end of the assembly line, the object it carries is an assembled engine.

[0074] See Figure 2B In the transfer system provided in the embodiment of the present application, during the operation of the transfer system, the total number of automatic guided transport vehicles at the assembly line is s, which are respectively denoted as automatic guided transport vehicle n1, ..., automatic guided transport vehicle ns. During the operation of the transfer system, the total number of load-bearing devices at the assembly line is q, which are respectively denoted as load-bearing device k1, load-bearing device k2, ..., load-bearing device kq. Wherein, s is a positive integer less than q. That is, during the operation of the transfer system, the number of automatic guided transport vehicles at the assembly line is less than the number of load-bearing devices at the assembly line. Such a design can ensure the high-efficiency operation of the transfer system and use a smaller number of automatic guided transport vehicles, which is conducive to reducing the cost of the transfer system.

[0075] In the transfer system provided in the embodiments of the present application, during the operation of the transfer system, the number of automated guided vehicles other than the automated guided vehicles at the assembly line is denoted as x1. During the operation of the transfer system, the number of load-bearing devices other than the load-bearing devices at the assembly line is also x1. Furthermore, for the automated guided vehicles other than the automated guided vehicles and load-bearing devices at the assembly line, one automated guided vehicle is connected to one load-bearing device.

[0076] Optionally, depending on the actual application scenario, the transfer system may also include redundant load-bearing devices or redundant automated guided vehicles to facilitate replacement of faulty load-bearing devices or faulty automated guided vehicles. In the embodiment of the present application, when the transfer system is in working condition, the redundant load-bearing devices and redundant automated guided vehicles do not participate in the main body of the transfer engine or the process of transferring the engine. It should be noted that, Figure 2B The number of load-bearing devices and the number of automated guided transport vehicles shown in the figure are only for illustration and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the number of automated guided transport vehicles and the number of load-bearing devices in the transfer system.

[0077] Based on the transfer system provided in the above embodiment, each carrying device can be used to carry an engine or the main body of the engine. Each automated guided transport vehicle can be used to transfer a carrying device carrying the main body of the engine to the assembly line, and transfer a carrying device carrying the engine from the assembly line to the unloading area. Each carrying device has rolling wheels. The automated guided transport vehicle can be connected to the carrying device through a mechanical traction mechanism or an electromagnetic traction mechanism, so that the automated guided transport vehicle can drive or drag the carrying device to move, thereby realizing the automated guided transport vehicle moving the carrying device.

[0078] In the embodiment of the present application, each automated guided transport vehicle can perform multiple transfer tasks in a cycle. Taking automated guided transport vehicle 1 as an example, automated guided transport vehicle 1 can be any one of multiple automated guided transport vehicles. The following describes the process of automated guided transport vehicle 1 performing a transfer task.

[0079] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram of one of the working states of the transfer process of the automatic guided vehicle in the transfer system. Figure 3AAs shown, the automated guided vehicle 1 can be connected to the load-bearing device 1 through a mechanical traction mechanism or an electromagnetic traction mechanism, so that the automated guided vehicle 1 can drive or drag the load-bearing device 1 to move, thereby realizing that the automated guided vehicle 1 moves the load-bearing device 1. The load-bearing device 1 is one of the n load-bearing devices that is in an empty state. For example, the load-bearing device 1 can be a load-bearing device connected to the automated guided vehicle 1 when the transfer system is in the initial state. For another example, the load-bearing device 1 can be a load-bearing device carrying an engine that the automated guided vehicle 1 was connected to at the assembly line during a previous transfer mission.

[0080] An automated guided transport vehicle 1 can move the load carrier 1 to the loading area. A lifting device is provided at the loading area to place the engine body on the load carrier 1. In some examples, the load carrier 1 can be provided with a support structure, such as a support rod. The engine body can be placed on the support structure. Optionally, the support structure can automatically adjust to accommodate different engine models.

[0081] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of the second working state of the transfer process of the automatic guided transport vehicle in the transfer system. After the lifting equipment places the main body of the engine on the carrying device 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B As shown, the automated guided vehicle 1 can transport the carrier 1 to the assembly line, thereby transferring the engine body to the assembly line. Specifically, the automated guided vehicle 1 can transport the carrier 1 to the beginning of the assembly line. At the beginning of the assembly line, the automated guided vehicle 1 separates from the carrier 1. The carrier 1 remains on the assembly line to facilitate assembly of the engine body and accessories.

[0082] It should be noted that Figure 3B The carrying device at the assembly line Figure 3A The load-bearing devices k2-kp at the assembly line do not refer to specific load-bearing devices, but are only used to indicate that the number of load-bearing devices at the assembly line is maintained at kp. Figure 3B The carrying device at the assembly line Figure 3A The automated guided vehicles n1-ns at the assembly line do not specifically refer to specific automated guided vehicles, but are only used to represent the number of automated guided vehicles at the assembly line.

[0083] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of the third working state of the transfer process of the automatic guided vehicle in the transfer system. Figure 3CAs shown, after the AGV 1 is separated from the carrier 1, the AGV 1 moves to the end of the assembly line. The AGV 1 is connected to the carrier carrying the assembled engine through a mechanical traction mechanism or an electromagnetic traction mechanism. Figure 3D The kpth carrying device at the end of the assembly line is denoted as carrying device 2 and the carrying device 2 carries the assembled engine. Figure 3D This is a schematic diagram of the fourth working state of the transfer process of the automatic guided vehicle in the transfer system. Figure 3D As shown, the automated guided vehicle 1 can be connected to the load carrier 2 via a mechanical traction mechanism or an electromagnetic traction mechanism. In one possible scenario, a waiting area is provided at the end of the assembly line, which can accommodate one or more load carriers. In this case, among the load carriers at the end of the assembly line, load carrier 2 is the one with the greatest distance from the beginning of the assembly line.

[0084] Figure 3E This is a schematic diagram of the fifth working state of the transfer process of the automatic guided vehicle in the transfer system. Figure 3E As shown, the automated guided vehicle 1 moves the load carrier 2 to the unloading area. The unloading device is arranged at the unloading area. The unloading device can remove the engine on the load carrier 2, so that the load carrier 2 is in an unloaded state. Figure 3F This is a schematic diagram of the sixth working state of the transfer process of the automatic guided vehicle in the transfer system. Figure 3F As shown, the automated guided vehicle 1 can transfer the empty carrier 2 to the loading area. The automated guided vehicle 1 completes a transfer task, or completes a transfer cycle.

[0085] As can be seen from the above description, in the transfer system provided by the embodiments of the present application, the AGV and the load carrier can be unbound. After the AGV 1 transfers the load carrier 1 to the assembly line, the AGV 1 does not wait for the main engine assembly on the load carrier 1 to be completed. Instead, the AGV 1 moves to the end of the assembly line, transfers the load carrier 2 carrying the assembled engine, and transfers it to the unloading area. After unloading the assembled engine, the AGV 1 transfers the empty load carrier 2 to the loading area. Figure 3GIt is a schematic diagram of the seventh working state of the transfer process of the automatic guided transport vehicle in the transfer system. After the automatic guided transport vehicle 1 transfers the empty carrying device 2 to the loading area, the carrying device 2 carries the main body of the engine. Then the automatic guided transport vehicle 1 performs the next transfer task and transfers the carrying device 2 carrying the main body of the engine to the head end of the assembly line. It can be seen that in the transfer system provided by the embodiment of the present application, each automatic guided transport vehicle is empty, that is, the time of separation from the carrying device is short, and each automatic guided transport vehicle can be used to transfer the main body carrying the engine and the carrying device for transferring the engine or the empty carrying device, so that the transfer system has a higher transfer efficiency, and the automatic guided transport vehicle does not need to be bound to the carrying device, so that each automatic guided transport vehicle has a higher flexibility in transferring the carrying device.

[0086] In one possible embodiment, based on any of the aforementioned transfer systems, the ratio of the total time T1 for assembling an engine on the assembly line to the first time T2 is the same as the number s of automated guided vehicles at the assembly line during the operation of the transfer system, that is, The first duration T2 is the time between the moment the automated guided vehicle 1 separates from the load-carrying device 1 and the moment the automated guided vehicle moves to the load-carrying device 2. In other words, the first duration T2 is the time it takes for the automated guided vehicle 1 to move from the beginning of the assembly line to the end of the assembly line. The specific value of the first duration T2 is configurable; the automated guided vehicle 1 can adjust its movement speed to ensure that the time it takes to move from the beginning of the assembly line to the end of the assembly line is the first duration T2.

[0087] Based on any of the transfer systems provided in the aforementioned embodiments, in one possible implementation, the transfer system may further include a navigation magnetic strip that can form a moving route, allowing the automated guided transport vehicle to move along the moving route. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the movement route includes a transfer route 300. Transfer route 300 can be used to guide the movement of the automated guided vehicle. The automated guided vehicle is guided to move from the loading area to the assembly line, from the beginning of the assembly line to the end of the assembly line, from the end of the assembly line to the unloading area, and from the unloading area to the loading area. The automated guided vehicle moves along the route formed by the navigation magnetic strip without damaging the ground. The transfer path of the automated guided vehicle can also be adjusted by adjusting the navigation magnetic strip, which provides high adjustment convenience and flexibility.

[0088] Based on any of the transport systems provided in the aforementioned embodiments, in one possible implementation, the transport system may further include one or more charging devices. Figure 5AFIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5A As shown, the charging equipment can be located in the loading area, unloading area, or along the automated guided vehicle's travel path. The charging equipment can be used to charge the automated guided vehicle. In some examples, the automated guided vehicle 1 can be connected to the charging equipment at the loading area and charged until the lifting equipment places the main engine body on the carrier 1. In other examples, the automated guided vehicle 1 can be connected to the charging equipment at the unloading area and charged until the unloading equipment removes the engine from the carrier 2.

[0089] Optionally, the aforementioned moving route may include the aforementioned transfer route 300 and at least one charging route. Charging equipment may be provided on the charging route. Each automated guided transport vehicle moves to the charging equipment under the guidance of the charging route for charging. In some examples, such as Figure 5A As shown, a charging route 301a intersects with a transfer route 300 at a point, such as point P1. An AGV can move from transfer route 300 to charging route 301a. At the intersection P1 between charging route 301a and transfer route 300, the AGV can detect whether it needs to charge. If so, it moves along charging route 301a to a charging facility for charging. After charging, it returns along charging route 301a to transfer route 300. If not, it continues along transfer route 300.

[0090] In other examples, Figure 5B FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5B As shown, a charging route 301b can have two intersections with the transfer route 300, such as points P1 and P2. The AGV can move from the transfer route 300 to the charging route 301b via intersection P1, and then move from the charging route 301b to the transfer route 300 via intersection P2. At intersection P1 between the charging route 301b and the transfer route 300, the AGV can detect whether it needs to charge. If so, it moves along the charging route 301b to the charging equipment for charging. After charging is completed, it moves to intersection P2 and returns to the transfer route 300 via intersection P2. If there is no need to charge, the AGV can continue to move along the transfer route 300.

[0091] For ease of description, the following uses charging route 301b as an example. In some examples, the transfer system may further include a battery level detection and indication device 400. Battery level detection and indication device 400 may be located at or near the intersection of charging route 301b and transfer route 300, such as point P1. Battery level detection and indication device 400 may be used to indicate to the automated guided vehicle whether the vehicle requires charging.

[0092] In some examples, when the automatic guided transport vehicle detects the power detection indicating device 400, the automatic guided transport vehicle detects its own remaining power. When the automatic guided transport vehicle determines that the remaining power is less than or equal to the preset power threshold, the automatic guided transport vehicle moves along the charging route 301b to the charging device. When the automatic guided transport vehicle determines that the remaining power is greater than the preset power threshold, the automatic guided transport vehicle moves along the transfer route 300. The automatic guided transport vehicle can use methods including but not limited to laser detection, sound wave detection, image detection, communication signal detection, etc. to detect, detect or identify the power detection indicating device 400, and this application does not impose too many restrictions on this. Exemplarily, the power detection indicating device 400 can be implemented as a marker including a graphic code, a QR code, a bar code, etc. The automatic guided transport vehicle can use image detection to determine whether the power detection indicating device 400 is detected.

[0093] Optional, Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the transfer system may further include an alignment sensor 401, disposed at the charging device. The AGV is capable of interacting with the alignment sensor 401. When the AGV moves to the charging device and interacts with the alignment sensor 401, it indicates that the AGV has accurately reached a position capable of wired charging with the charging device, or that the AGV has reached a position capable of wireless charging with the charging device, and that the charging efficiency is greater than a preset value.

[0094] It should be noted that the transfer routes 300, charging routes 301a, and charging routes 301b in the drawings of this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the specific outlines of the transfer routes or charging routes. In actual application scenarios, transfer routes can be set based on the positional relationships between loading areas, unloading areas, and assembly lines.

[0095] Based on any of the above-mentioned transfer systems, the transfer system may further include a central control device. The central control device may interact with each automated guided vehicle. For example, it may send control instructions to the automated guided vehicle to adjust the operating status of the automated guided vehicle. For example, it may receive information sent by the automated guided vehicle so that the central control device may know the operating status of the automated guided vehicle. The central control device may interact with the lifting equipment. For example, it may send control instructions to the lifting equipment to adjust the operating status of the lifting equipment. For example, it may receive information sent by the lifting equipment so that the central control device may know the operating status of each lifting equipment. The central control device may interact with the unloading equipment. For example, it may send control instructions to the unloading equipment to adjust the operating status of the unloading equipment. For example, it may receive information sent by the unloading equipment so that the central control device may know the operating status of each unloading equipment.

[0096] Optionally, the AGV and the load-carrying device can be connected or disconnected under the control of the central control device. Optionally, the central control device can also have a display capability to show the operating status and location of each device in the transfer system, as well as the transfer route, to facilitate management of the devices in the transfer system. Optionally, the charging device can charge the AGV under the control of the central control device.

[0097] In some examples, such as Figure 6 As shown, the transfer system may further include multiple first indicator sensors 500 to assist the automated guided vehicle in determining when to detach from or reattach to the load-bearing device. The multiple first indicator sensors 500 may be located at the beginning and end of the assembly line, respectively. The automated guided vehicle is capable of interacting with the first indicator sensors 500. When the automated guided vehicle moves to the beginning of the assembly line and interacts with the first indicator sensors 500, it can proactively detach from the load-bearing device to which it is connected. Furthermore, when the automated guided vehicle continues along the transfer route and reaches the end of the assembly line, it can interact with the first indicator sensors 500, and it can proactively reattach to the load-bearing device at the end of the assembly line. As can be seen from the above description, interaction between the automated guided vehicle and the first indicator sensors 500 enables the automated guided vehicle to detach from or reattach to the load-bearing device. If the automated guided vehicle does not interact with the first indicator sensors 500, the automated guided vehicle may not detach from or reattach to the load-bearing device.

[0098] Please see again Figure 6The transfer system may also include multiple second indicator sensors 600 to assist the automated guided vehicle in adjusting its speed. Multiple second indicator sensors 600 may be positioned along the transfer route. For example, when the automated guided vehicle interacts with a second indicator sensor 600 while continuing to move along the transfer route, the automated guided vehicle reduces its speed. Alternatively, the second indicator sensor 600 may be positioned along the transfer route, facing the loading area, to enable the automated guided vehicle to decelerate near the loading area as it continues to move along the transfer route, allowing it to accurately stop at the loading area. Alternatively, the second indicator sensor 600 may be positioned along the transfer route, facing the unloading area, to enable the automated guided vehicle to decelerate near the unloading area as it continues to move along the transfer route, allowing it to accurately stop at the unloading area. Alternatively, the second indicator sensor 600 may be positioned at a bend along the transfer route, to enable the automated guided vehicle to decelerate near a bend as it continues to move along the transfer route.

[0099] In the transfer system provided by any of the above embodiments, each automated guided transport vehicle may be provided with a first fixing assembly. Each load-bearing device may be provided with a second fixing assembly. When the first fixing assembly of an automated guided transport vehicle is engaged with the second fixing assembly of a load-bearing device, the automated guided transport vehicle is connected to the load-bearing device. When the first fixing assembly of an automated guided transport vehicle is separated from the second fixing assembly of the load-bearing device, the automated guided transport vehicle can be separated from the load-bearing device.

[0100] In one possible design, the first and second fixed components can cooperate to form a mechanical traction mechanism or an electromagnetic traction mechanism. Optionally, the mechanical traction mechanism can include mechanical grippers, shafts, and other structures. The automated guided transport vehicle can move the load-bearing device by pulling, traction, or pushing. The electromagnetic traction mechanism can include structures such as electromagnets. The first fixed component of the automated guided transport vehicle and the second fixed component on the load-bearing device can generate an electromagnetic force, thereby enabling the automated guided transport vehicle to attract the load-bearing device to move.

[0101] The following briefly introduces the first and second fixing assemblies with examples. It should be noted that the following examples do not limit the specific morphological structures of the first and second fixing assemblies. In the art, specific morphological structures that can achieve the functions or capabilities of the first and second fixing assemblies are included in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not impose any additional limitations on them.

[0102] In one example, Figure 7A FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first fixing assembly and a second fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7AAs shown, the first fixed assembly on the automated guided vehicle can include at least one elevating rod A1. Optionally, the elevating rod A1 is disposed on the top of the automated guided vehicle. Alternatively, the elevating rod A1 is disposed inside the automated guided vehicle. When the elevating rod A1 is not extended, the elevating rod A1 does not protrude above the top of the automated guided vehicle. When the elevating rod A1 is extended, the elevating rod A1 protrudes above the top of the automated guided vehicle.

[0103] The second fixing assembly on the carrying device may include at least one fixing tube A2. The number of at least one elevating rod A1 is the same as the number of at least one fixing tube A2. For example, Figure 7A In the embodiment, the number of the at least one liftable rod is 2, and the number of the at least one fixed tube is 2.

[0104] It should be noted that the form of the automatic guided transport vehicle and the form of the carrying device in the drawings of this application are only for illustration and are not intended to limit the specific form of the automatic guided transport vehicle or the specific form of the carrying device.

[0105] The elevating rod A1 on the automated guided transport vehicle can extend upward or shorten downward along the direction of gravity. Each fixed tube is mounted on the chassis of the support device and extends downward along the direction of gravity. The difference between the inner and outer radius of each fixed tube is a preset value, i.e., the tube wall thickness is a preset value. The fixed tube can be considered a cylinder with an annular cross-section. The inner diameter of the fixed tube is greater than the outer diameter of the elevating rod.

[0106] The AGV's elevating rods are designed to extend and retract in the direction of gravity. The AGV controls the rods to extend upward. When the rods reach a predetermined length within the fixed tube, the AGV is considered connected to the load-bearing device. The AGV can push or pull the load-bearing device as it moves in any direction around the elevating rods.

[0107] In another example, Figure 7B FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first fixing assembly and a second fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7B As shown, the first fixed assembly on the automated guided transport vehicle can include at least one elevating tube B1. The elevating tube B1 can be considered a cylindrical body with an annular cross section. The difference between the inner wall radius and the outer wall radius of each elevating tube B1 is a preset value, i.e., the tube wall thickness is a preset value. The fixed tube can be considered a cylindrical body with an annular cross section. The inner wall diameter of the fixed tube is larger than the outer diameter of the elevating rod.

[0108] Optionally, the elevating tube B1 is disposed on the top of the automated guided vehicle. Alternatively, the elevating tube B1 is disposed inside the automated guided vehicle, wherein when the elevating tube B1 is not extended, the elevating tube B1 does not protrude from the top of the automated guided vehicle; when the elevating tube B1 is extended, the elevating tube B1 protrudes from the top of the automated guided vehicle.

[0109] The second fixing assembly on the carrying device may include at least one fixing rod B2. The number of the at least one fixing rod and the number of the at least one elevating tube are equal. For example, the number of the at least one elevating tube is two, and the number of the at least one fixing rod is two.

[0110] The arrangable tubes B1 on the AGV can extend upward or shorten downward in the direction of gravity. Each fixed rod is mounted on the chassis of the carrier and extends downward in the direction of gravity. The inner diameter of the arrangable tubes is larger than the outer diameter of the fixed rods.

[0111] The AGV's elevating tubes can be extended and retracted in the direction of gravity. The AGV can control the tubes to extend upward, so that when the portion of the fixed rod extending into the tubes reaches a predetermined length, the AGV is considered connected to the load-bearing device. When the AGV moves in any direction around the circumference of the tubes, it can push or pull the load-bearing device.

[0112] In yet another example, Figure 7C FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first fixing assembly and a second fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7C As shown, the first fixing assembly on the automated guided transport vehicle can include at least one retractable hook C1. Optionally, the retractable hook C1 is disposed on the top of the automated guided transport vehicle. Alternatively, the retractable hook C1 is disposed inside the automated guided transport vehicle. When the retractable hook C1 is not extended, the retractable hook C1 does not protrude above the top of the automated guided transport vehicle. When the retractable hook C1 is extended, the retractable hook C1 protrudes above the top of the automated guided transport vehicle.

[0113] The second fixing component on the carrying device may include a fixing ring C2. The number of at least one hook C1 is the same as the number of at least one fixing ring C2. For example, Figure 7C The number of at least one retractable hook C1 is 2, and the number of at least one fixed ring C2 is 2. When the retractable hook C1 hooks the fixed ring C2, the automatic guided transport vehicle is connected to the carrying device. The automatic guided transport vehicle can pull the carrying device to move.

[0114] In yet another example, Figure 7D FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first fixing assembly and a second fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7D As shown, the first fixed component on the automated guided vehicle can include at least one liftable electromagnet D1. Optionally, the electromagnet D1 is disposed on the top of the automated guided vehicle. Alternatively, the electromagnet D1 is disposed inside the automated guided vehicle, wherein when the electromagnet D1 is not extended, the electromagnet D1 does not protrude above the top of the automated guided vehicle; when the electromagnet D1 is extended, the electromagnet D1 protrudes above the top of the automated guided vehicle.

[0115] The second fixed component on the carrying device may include a metal block D2. The metal block D2 is arranged on the chassis of the carrying device and faces the ground. The control electromagnet D1 of the automatic guided transport vehicle is raised, and current is supplied to the electromagnet D1, so that the control electromagnet D1 generates an attractive force on the metal block D2. When the attractive force between the electromagnet D1 and the metal block D2 reaches a threshold value, it can be regarded as that the automatic guided transport vehicle is connected to the carrying device. The automatic guided transport vehicle can first stop supplying current to the electromagnet D1 and control the electromagnet D1 to lower, so that the control electromagnet D1 and the metal block D2 have no attractive force, thereby separating the automatic guided transport vehicle from the carrying device.

[0116] In actual application scenarios, automated guided vehicles may include radars, image collectors and other devices, which can assist in achieving autonomous obstacle avoidance, alignment with carrying devices and other functions.

[0117] Based on the transfer system provided by any of the above embodiments, in order to reduce the space occupied by the transfer system, the automatic guided transport vehicle in the transfer system can pass through the bottom of the load-bearing device, and the width of the automatic guided transport vehicle can be smaller than the width of the load-bearing device. And the distance h1 between the chassis of the load-bearing device and the horizontal plane can be greater than the distance h2 between the top of the automatic guided transport vehicle and the horizontal plane. It should be noted that the distance h1 between the chassis of the load-bearing device and the horizontal plane may refer to the distance between the lowest point of the chassis of the load-bearing device and the components arranged on the chassis and the horizontal plane. For example, Figure 8A FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the distance between the chassis of the carrying device and the horizontal plane and the distance between the automatic guided transport vehicle and the horizontal plane according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8A As shown, the lowest point of the chassis of the carrying device and the components arranged on the chassis can be the end of the second fixing component on the carrying device facing the ground.

[0118] Similarly, the distance h2 between the top of the automated guided vehicle and the horizontal plane may refer to the distance between the top of the automated guided vehicle and the highest point of the components arranged on the top and the horizontal plane. Figure 8AAs shown, the first fixing assembly is disposed on the top of the automated guided transport vehicle. In this case, the distance h2 between the top of the automated guided transport vehicle and the horizontal ground may refer to the end of the first fixing assembly that is away from the ground when the first fixing assembly is in an unextended state. In other examples, Figure 8B FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the distance between the chassis of the carrying device and the horizontal plane and the distance between the automatic guided transport vehicle and the horizontal plane according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8B Shown, the first fixed assembly is arranged on the inside of the automatic guided transporter. In this case, the distance h2 between the top of the automatic guided transporter and the horizontal ground is the distance between the shell on the top of the automatic guided transporter and the horizontal ground.

[0119] This design allows the automated guided vehicle to pass under the chassis of the load-bearing device. After the automated guided vehicle is separated from the load-bearing device, it can pass under the chassis of the load-bearing device and move away from the load-bearing device.

[0120] In one possible design, Figure 9 FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a transport system according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 , assuming that after the automatic guided transport vehicle 1 transfers the carrying device 1 to the assembly line, the carrying device 1 is the first carrying device at the assembly line, that is, Figure 9 After detaching from carrier k1 at the beginning of the assembly line, the automated guided vehicle 1 can move through the space between the chassis and the ground of carrier k2, carrier k3, ..., and carrier kp-1, reaching the end of the assembly line. This design fully utilizes the space between the chassis and the ground of the carriers.

[0121] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A transport system, characterized in that: Applied to an assembly line for assembling multiple materials into one object, the system includes: A plurality of carrying devices, each carrying device is used to carry at least one material, or to carry the object; a plurality of automated guided transport vehicles, each of which is used to transfer a carrier carrying materials from a loading area to the assembly line, or to transfer a carrier carrying the objects from the assembly line to an unloading area, or to transfer an empty carrier to the loading area; a lifting device, the lifting device being arranged at the loading area and being used to place at least one material on the empty carrying device; an unloading device, the unloading device being arranged at the unloading area and being used for removing the object from a carrying device carrying the object; Wherein, during the operation of the transfer system, the number of the automatic guided transport vehicles at the assembly line is less than the number of the carrying devices at the assembly line; After the first automated guided transport vehicle transfers the first carrying device carrying the material from the loading area to the head end of the assembly line, the first automated guided transport vehicle is separated from the first carrying device, and the first automated guided transport vehicle moves to the end of the assembly line, and is connected to the second carrying device carrying the object at the end of the assembly line, and transfers the second carrying device to the unloading area. The first automated guided transport vehicle is any one of the multiple automated guided transport vehicles.

2. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein: The object is an engine; the multiple materials include an engine body and accessories, and the accessories are placed on the assembly line; the assembly line is used to assemble the engine body and accessories into an engine; The carrying device is used to carry the engine or the main body of the engine; The automatic guided transport vehicle is used to transfer a carrying device carrying a main body of an engine to the assembly line, and to transfer a carrying device carrying an engine from the assembly line to the unloading area.

3. The transport system according to claim 2, wherein: The automatic guided transport vehicle is specifically used for: Transferring a first carrying device to the assembly line and separating from the first carrying device, wherein the first carrying device is connected to the automated guided vehicle in the loading area and carries the main body of the engine; At the assembly line, the second carrying device is connected to the second carrying device carrying the engine, and the second carrying device is a different carrying device from the first carrying device; moving the second carrying device to the unloading area; In the unloading area, the unloaded second carrying device is moved to the loading area so that the lifting equipment places the main body of the engine on the second carrying device; and the second carrying device is used as the first carrying device.

4. The transport system according to claim 3, wherein: The assembly line is used to synchronously assemble P engines, where P is a positive integer greater than 1; wherein, during operation of the transfer system, the number of carrying devices at the assembly line is greater than or equal to P.

5. The transport system according to claim 3, wherein: The ratio of the total time it takes for the assembly line to assemble an engine to the first time is the same as the number of automatic guided vehicles at the assembly line during the operation of the transfer system, wherein the first time is the time between the moment when the automatic guided vehicle separates from the first carrying device and the moment when the automatic guided vehicle moves to the second carrying device.

6. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: During operation of the transfer system, the number of the automated guided vehicles at the assembly line is less than the number of the carrying devices at the assembly line.

7. The transport system according to claim 3, wherein: The automatic guided transport vehicle is provided with a first fixing component; the carrying device is provided with a second fixing component and a rolling wheel; wherein the first fixing component and the second fixing component cooperate to form a mechanical traction mechanism or an electromagnetic traction mechanism; The first fixing component is used for: The first fixing assembly cooperates with the second fixing assembly to connect the automatic guided transport vehicle to the carrying device; or the first fixing assembly is separated from the second fixing assembly to separate the automatic guided transport vehicle from the carrying device.

8. The transport system according to claim 7, wherein: The distance between the chassis of the carrying device and the horizontal plane is greater than the distance between the top of the automatic guided transport vehicle and the horizontal plane.

9. The transport system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: After the automatic guided transport vehicle is separated from the first carrying device, it moves to the second carrying device through the space between the chassis of one or more carrying devices at the assembly line and the ground.

10. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The transport system further comprises: a navigation magnetic strip; the navigation magnetic strip is used to form a moving route; The movement route includes a transfer route, or the movement route includes the transfer route or a charging route; Wherein, the transfer route is used to guide the automatic guided transport vehicle to transfer the carrying device; The charging route is used to guide the automated guided vehicle to move to the charging equipment.

11. The transport system according to claim 10, wherein: The transfer system further includes: at least one charging device, the charging device being configured to charge the automated guided transport vehicle; One of the at least one charging device is arranged at the loading area, the unloading area, or on the charging route.

12. The transport system according to claim 11, wherein: The transfer system further includes: a central control device; The central control device is used to monitor one or more of the operating status of each automatic guided transport vehicle, the operating status of each charging device, the operating status of the lifting equipment, the operating status of the unloading equipment, and the operating status of the assembly production line.

Images