Vehicle chassis automatic flipping system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of chassis assembly, and specifically discloses a vehicle chassis automatic flipping system and method. The system includes a flipping device, a visual accompanying device, and an RFID device for reading the workpiece information of the vehicle chassis. The flipping device is used to flip the vehicle chassis located at the to-be-flipped station and place it at the first sled station. Two first electric hoists are provided, and the first electric hoists selectively lift the ends of the vehicle chassis. The visual accompanying device includes a rail base, a sensing component, and two shooting components. Each shooting component corresponds to a first electric hoist. The length direction of the rail base is parallel to the line connecting the to-be-flipped station and the first sled station. The shooting component is slidably mounted on the rail base. The shooting component is provided with a camera for shooting the corresponding first electric hoist position. The sensing component is used to detect the vehicle chassis position. With the help of the setting of the visual accompanying device, the system is able to automatically obtain the position of the first electric hoist and realize the operations of automatic strapping, flipping, and placement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of chassis assembly, and in particular to a vehicle chassis automatic turning system and method. Background Art

[0002] To meet the growing demand for commercial vehicle sales in my country, the degree of automation in commercial vehicle manufacturing processes is also increasing accordingly. On commercial vehicle assembly lines, chassis flipping is an essential step in the final assembly process. The vehicle chassis is hoisted onto the support of a plate belt conveyor chain for pre-assembly. After the bottom assembly of the front and rear axles and other components is completed, it is transported along the conveyor chain to the flipping station, where it needs to be flipped 180 degrees before entering the next step. On existing assembly lines, when the chassis reaches the flipping station, the production line stops and a set of flexible slings with two lifting points is used to flip the chassis (one lifting point is located in front of and behind the front axle leaf spring, and the other lifting point is located behind the rear axle leaf spring or in the middle of the middle and rear axles). Due to the large size of the product and the relatively flexible flipping slings, chassis flipping is mostly done manually. However, this greatly wastes manpower and time, and also poses certain safety risks.

[0003] Specifically, there are several types of flipping equipment: sling-type manual flipping, arm-type automatic flipping and sling-type automatic flipping; sling-type manual flipping is the mainstream flipping method in the industry. It evolved from the chain-type flipping structure and uses a manual flipping machine and a vulcanized belt to complete the flipping operation. It is compatible with all models and has a capacity of 1-3 people; the arm-type automatic flipping uses a rigid giant mechanical arm to clamp the front and rear ends of the frame, and rotates at the same time to flip the frame. It can realize the automation of light vehicles, but cannot cover medium and heavy trucks and some special light trucks; the sling-type automatic flipping realizes the automated flipping of light truck frames through a sling form, which is highly flexible and compatible with light, heavy and medium truck models.

[0004] At present, the automation improvement of chassis flipping operation has been favored by many manufacturers. Through automated operation, the chassis of vehicles of the same model can be flipped easily and efficiently, and the flipping equipment has low requirements on errors.

[0005] For example, patent application number CN201610406146.5 discloses a flexible sling flipping device. This device uses an arm-type automated flipping mechanism to flip the vehicle chassis. While this type of automated flipping mechanism theoretically requires no human intervention, it does require regular maintenance by technicians. Failure can have serious consequences and requires significant investment. Furthermore, the rigid structure can easily cause scratches and damage to the chassis, impacting both the aesthetics and performance of the product.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method for automatically flipping the chassis of a commercial vehicle with a simple structure, low cost, flexibility and intelligence, so as to save labor and efficiency and achieve precise flipping of the vehicle chassis. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vehicle chassis automatic turning system and method, so as to realize the automatic completion of vehicle chassis turning and handling operations, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing workload.

[0008] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0009] A vehicle chassis automatic flipping system includes a flipping device, a visual accompanying device and an RFID device; the flipping device is used to flip the vehicle chassis located at a to-be-flipped station and place it at a first skid station; the flipping device is provided with two first electric hoists, which selectively lift the ends of the vehicle chassis; the visual accompanying device includes a rail base, a sensing component and two shooting components, each of the shooting components corresponds to one of the first electric hoists, the length direction of the rail base is parallel to the line connecting the to-be-flipped station and the first skid station, the shooting component is slidably mounted on the rail base, the shooting component is provided with a camera for shooting the corresponding position of the first electric hoist, and the sensing component is used to detect the position of the vehicle chassis; the RFID device is used to read the workpiece information of the vehicle chassis.

[0010] As an optimal technical solution for the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system, the flipping equipment also includes a flipping truss ring rail, the first electric hoist is slidably arranged on the flipping truss ring rail, and the station to be flipped and the first skid station are both located directly below the flipping truss ring rail.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution for the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system, the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system also includes processing equipment and transfer equipment; the processing equipment is used to process the vehicle chassis located at the first skid station and then transport it to the second skid station; the transfer equipment is used to place the vehicle chassis located at the second skid station at the chassis unloading station, and the transfer equipment is provided with two second electric hoists, which selectively lift the ends of the vehicle chassis.

[0012] As an optimal technical solution for the automatic flipping system of the vehicle chassis, the processing equipment includes a first skid machine, a second skid machine and a paint module. The first skid machine is used to transport the vehicle chassis located at the first skid station to the station to be painted. The paint module is used to spray the vehicle chassis located at the station to be painted and transport the painted vehicle chassis to the station to be transferred. The second skid machine is used to transport the vehicle chassis located at the station to be transferred to the second skid station.

[0013] As an optimal technical solution for the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system, the transfer equipment also includes a transfer truss ring rail, the second electric hoist is slidably arranged on the transfer truss ring rail, and the second skid station and the chassis unloading station are both located directly below the transfer truss ring rail.

[0014] As an optimal technical solution for the automatic flipping system of the vehicle chassis, the length direction of the vehicle chassis is parallel to the line connecting the flipping station and the first skid station, one of the first electric hoists is used to lift the front end of the vehicle chassis, and the other first electric hoist is used to lift the rear end of the vehicle chassis.

[0015] As an optimal technical solution for the automatic flipping system of the vehicle chassis, the first electric hoist includes a travel drive unit, a lifting drive unit, an electric hoist body, a lifting frame and a sling; the travel drive unit is used to drive the electric hoist body to slide on the flipping truss ring rail, the electric hoist body is connected to the lifting frame through a scissors fork, the lifting drive unit is used to drive the lifting frame to rise and fall relative to the electric hoist body, the lifting frame is fixed with a roller chain drive unit, the roller chain drive unit drives the end of the sling to rise and fall through the chain, and the sling is used to lift the vehicle chassis.

[0016] As an optimal technical solution for the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system, the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system also includes a control device, which is communicatively connected to the flipping device and the camera. The control device can control the operating state of the flipping device and can process the images taken by the camera.

[0017] As an optimal technical solution for the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system, the visual accompanying device also includes an alarm module, and the control device is communicatively connected to the alarm module. When the control device determines that the image is abnormal, the alarm module issues an alarm, and the control device controls the flipping device to stop running.

[0018] The vehicle chassis automatic flipping method is applied to the above-mentioned vehicle chassis automatic flipping system, comprising the following steps:

[0019] S10: Using the RFID system to read the workpiece information and confirm the model of the vehicle chassis;

[0020] S20: When the sensing component detects that the vehicle chassis is in place, the first electric hoist straps the vehicle chassis from both ends;

[0021] S30: When the camera detects the first electric hoist, the camera moves synchronously with the corresponding first electric hoist;

[0022] S40: After the first electric hoist lifts the vehicle chassis, the camera starts to shoot the corresponding first electric hoist, and the first electric hoist turns over the vehicle chassis;

[0023] S50: After the vehicle chassis is flipped over, the first electric hoist places the vehicle chassis on the first skid position;

[0024] S60: After the vehicle chassis is positioned, the camera stops photographing the corresponding first electric hoist, the photographing component is reset, and the first electric hoist is separated from the vehicle chassis and reset.

[0025] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0026] The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system uses two shooting components to monitor the two first electric hoists in real time by setting up visual accompanying equipment, thereby directly controlling the position of the first electric hoist and promptly discovering problems that arise during the operation of the first electric hoist; the design of the length direction of the rail base being parallel to the line connecting the flipping station and the first skid station ensures that the shooting component can smoothly accompany the first electric hoist and ensures the effect of the shooting component on real-time monitoring of the first electric hoist; the first electric hoist completes the automatic strapping, flipping and positioning operations of the vehicle chassis, which can ensure that the flipping equipment can automatically complete the flipping and transportation actions of the vehicle chassis, thereby greatly improving the working efficiency of the flipping equipment, reducing the risk of accidents due to misoperation, and reducing workload. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a top view of a vehicle chassis automatic flipping system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a top view of the turning device and the transfer device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 is a side view of a flip device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of middle A;

[0031] Figure 5 is a side view of a transfer device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 is a side view of a visual companion device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a top view of the visual companion device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 100, turning device; 200, transfer device; 300, electric hoist; 310, lifting belt; 320, chain; 330, roller chain drive unit; 340, scissor fork; 350, lifting drive unit; 360, travel drive unit; 400, truss track; 500, first transport track; 600, second transport track;

[0036] 700, visual companion device; 710, track base; 720, shooting component; 721, mounting bracket; 722, bracket drive unit; 723, camera; 724, rotating gear; 730, sensing component; 731, sensing bracket; 732, sensing unit;

[0037] 801, loading station; 802, flipping station; 803, first sled station; 804, painting station; 805, transfer station; 806, second sled station; 807, chassis unloading station; 808, unloading station; 811, flipping waiting station; 812, transfer waiting station; 821, flipping loop maintenance area; 822, transfer loop maintenance area; 831, electric hoist parking station; 832, electric hoist maintenance station;

[0038] 900. Vehicle chassis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Among them, the terms "first position" and "second position" are two different positions, and the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0041] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0043] like Figure 1-Figure 7As shown, this embodiment provides an automatic flipping system for a vehicle chassis, including a flipping device 100, a visual accompanying device 700 and an RFID device; the flipping device 100 is used to flip the vehicle chassis 900 located at the to-be-flipped station 802 and place it at the first sled station 803, and the flipping device 100 is provided with two first electric hoists, which selectively lift the ends of the vehicle chassis 900; the visual accompanying device 700 includes a rail base 710, a sensing component 730 and two shooting components 720, each shooting component 720 corresponds to a first electric hoist, the length direction of the rail base 710 is parallel to the line connecting the to-be-flipped station 802 and the first sled station 803, the shooting component 720 is slidably mounted on the rail base 710, the shooting component 720 is provided with a camera 723 for shooting the corresponding first electric hoist position, and the sensing component 730 is used to detect the position of the vehicle chassis 900; the RFID device is used to read the workpiece information of the vehicle chassis 900.

[0044] The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system uses two shooting components 720 to monitor the two first electric hoists in real time by setting up a visual accompanying device 700, thereby directly controlling the position of the first electric hoist and promptly discovering problems that arise during the operation of the first electric hoist; the design of the rail base 710 having a length direction parallel to the connection between the flipping station 802 and the first sled station 803 ensures that the shooting component 720 can smoothly accompany the first electric hoist and ensures the effect of the shooting component 720 on real-time monitoring of the first electric hoist; the first electric hoist completes the automatic strapping, flipping and positioning operations of the vehicle chassis 900, which can ensure that the flipping and carrying actions of the vehicle chassis 900 by the flipping device 100 are automatically completed, thereby greatly improving the working efficiency of the flipping device 100, reducing the risk of accidents due to misoperation, and reducing workload.

[0045] The visual accompanying device 700 can accompany the first electric hoist as it lifts the vehicle chassis 900, thereby accurately identifying and detecting the position of the first electric hoist's strap. The camera assembly 720 is provided at the front and rear ends of the vehicle chassis 900, and is structurally identical. A traveling rail and a rack are mounted on the track base 710. The camera assembly 720 includes a mounting bracket 721, on which a camera 723 is mounted. The mounting bracket 721 is slidably mounted on the traveling rail. The rack extends in the same direction and has the same length as the track base 710. A bracket drive unit 722 is mounted on the mounting bracket 721. This motor is coaxially connected to a rotating gear 724 at its output end. The rotating gear 724 meshes with the rack, and the rotating gear 724 drives the mounting bracket 721 to move along the length of the track base 710. The sensing assembly 730 includes a sensing bracket 731 and two sensing units 732 mounted on the sensing bracket 731. The sensing assembly 730 is a photoelectric sensor. One sensing unit 732 senses whether the front end of the vehicle chassis 900 is in place; the other sensing unit 732 senses whether the rear end of the vehicle chassis 900 is in place. Specifically, the sensing assembly 730 is located between the two camera assemblies 720.

[0046] The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system can realize flexible automatic flipping of the vehicle chassis 900. The flipping system has the following features:

[0047] 1) High cycle time. For conventional light trucks, two sets of tilting equipment automatically rotate 100 times, with a maximum cycle time of approximately 2.16 minutes per vehicle. For medium and heavy trucks, semi-automatic tilting can be performed with the cooperation of auxiliary personnel, with a theoretical cycle time of less than 2 minutes. The cycle time can be further increased by adding more vehicles.

[0048] 2) Wide adaptability of vehicle models. All double-axle models can meet the requirements of automatic rollover; medium and heavy truck models can achieve semi-automatic rollover and transfer.

[0049] 3) Low investment cost. The investment cost of this flexible automatic flip and paint booth transfer system is much lower than that of conventional arm-mounted automatic flip equipment.

[0050] 4) High degree of automation. This system enables automatic flipping of conventional mainstream light trucks, while medium and heavy trucks and special models require an assistant to operate. Compared with the existing manual flipping process, the workload of 2-3 assistants is reduced.

[0051] 5) Little impact on the quality of the vehicle chassis 900. This process is basically the same as a conventional flipping process and has no impact on the quality of the vehicle chassis 900.

[0052] 6) The system has low operating costs in the later stages. The general structure of this system is consistent with existing tilting machines. The newly added intelligent monitoring, visual system, and sensors in this vehicle chassis automatic tilting system require maintenance. The specific maintenance method is similar to that of the components of the conventional arm tilting system, and the maintenance difficulty is low.

[0053] In this embodiment, the automatic vehicle chassis turning system further includes a processing device and a transfer device 200. The processing device is used to transport the vehicle chassis 900 located at the first sled station 803 after processing to the second sled station 806. The transfer device 200 is used to place the vehicle chassis 900 located at the second sled station 806 at the chassis unloading station 807. The transfer device 200 is equipped with two second electric hoists that selectively lift the ends of the vehicle chassis 900. The transfer device 200 can transfer the turned and processed vehicle chassis 900 to the chassis unloading station 807 via the second electric hoists, facilitating subsequent operations.

[0054] Exemplarily, the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system further includes a first transport track 500 and a second transport track 600. The first transport track 500 is used to transport the vehicle chassis 900 from the loading station 801 to the flipping station 802, and the second transport track 600 is used to transport the vehicle chassis 900 from the unloading station 807 to the unloading station 808. The vehicle chassis 900 enters the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system from the loading station 801 and leaves the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system from the unloading station 808.

[0055] Furthermore, the processing equipment includes a first sled, a second sled, and a painting module. The first sled is used to transport the vehicle chassis 900 located at the first sled station 803 to the painting station 804. The painting module is used to spray the vehicle chassis 900 located at the painting station 804 and transport the painted vehicle chassis 900 to the transfer station 805. The second sled is used to transport the vehicle chassis 900 located at the transfer station 805 to the second sled station 806. The painting module can complete the secondary painting operation on the vehicle chassis 900.

[0056] Specifically, the first and second sleds of the processing equipment form a U-shaped assembly line, with the first and second sled stations 803 and 806 located at either end of the assembly line, and the painting module located in the middle. This layout design improves the structure of the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system and reduces the occupied space.

[0057] In this embodiment, the turning device 100 further includes a turning truss rail, a first electric hoist is slidably mounted on the turning truss rail, and both the turning station 802 and the first sled station 803 are located directly below the turning truss rail. For example, the transfer device 200 further includes a transfer truss rail, a second electric hoist is slidably mounted on the transfer truss rail, and both the second sled station 806 and the chassis unloading station 807 are located directly below the transfer truss rail.

[0058] Exemplarily, the flip truss ring rail and the transfer truss ring rail are both truss rails 400, the first electric hoist and the second electric hoist are both lifting electric hoists 300, the lifting electric hoists 300 run on the truss rails 400, the truss rails 400 are elliptical and four lifting electric hoists 300 are slidably installed on each truss rail 400. When two of the lifting electric hoists 300 are working, the other two lifting electric hoists 300 are on standby.

[0059] Specifically, a turning loop maintenance area 821 is further provided on the truss track 400 serving as a turning truss ring track, and a transfer loop maintenance area 822 is further provided on the truss track 400 serving as a transfer truss ring track. Both the turning loop maintenance area 821 and the transfer loop maintenance area 822 are provided with an electric hoist parking station 831 and an electric hoist maintenance station 832. When the working electric hoist 300 is replaced with the spare electric hoist 300, the spare electric hoist 300 is first moved out of the electric hoist parking station 831, and then the working electric hoist 300 is moved to the electric hoist parking station 831. When repairing the spare electric hoist 300, the electric hoist 300 to be repaired is first moved to the electric hoist maintenance station 832, and then the spare electric hoist 300 is moved back to the electric hoist parking station 831 after the repair is completed.

[0060] For example, the automatic vehicle chassis flipping system is equipped with two visual accompanying devices 700: one corresponding to the flipping device 100, and the other corresponding to the transfer device 200. When the visual accompanying device 700 corresponding to the transfer device 200 detects that the vehicle chassis 900 has arrived at the second skid station 806, two second electric hoists begin to approach the vehicle chassis 900. An assistant then manually straps the vehicle chassis 900 using a remote control. Once the assistant confirms the strapping is complete, the second electric hoist is raised and the vehicle chassis 900 is transported back to the chassis unloading station 807. Once the assistant confirms that the vehicle chassis 900 is in place, the second electric hoist automatically descends, placing the vehicle frame on the second transport track 600 and lifting it back to the transfer loop maintenance area 822. This allows for the recycling of the two second electric hoists.

[0061] In this embodiment, the structure of the two truss rails 400 only represents the simulated operation trajectory of the lifting electric hoist 300 in production. When there are conflicts in the operation of the entire line, adjustments should be made based on the requirements of the entire line. Figure 1 The marked positions can provide reference for the preparation of the whole line operation process, but they are not used as the basis.

[0062] In this embodiment, the length of the vehicle chassis 900 is parallel to the line connecting the to-be-turned station 802 and the first sled station 803. One first electric hoist is used to lift the front end of the vehicle chassis 900, and another first electric hoist is used to lift the rear end of the vehicle chassis 900. This simple and effective definition of the lifting position of the vehicle chassis 900 ensures that the turning device 100 can accurately turn and transport the vehicle chassis 900, while also reducing the difficulty of the first electric hoist lifting the vehicle chassis 900 and improving the operational stability of the turning device 100.

[0063] Specifically, when the widths of the front and rear ends of the vehicle chassis 900 are inconsistent, it is necessary to consider the lifting and lowering time of the lifting electric hoist 300. The specific time data is selected by technical personnel in this field, and the means of data selection are mastered by technical personnel in this field, so I will not elaborate on it here.

[0064] Furthermore, the first electric hoist includes a travel drive unit 360, a lifting drive unit 350, an electric hoist body, a lifting frame, and a sling 310; the travel drive unit 360 is used to drive the electric hoist body to slide on the flip truss ring track, the electric hoist body is connected to the lifting frame via a scissor fork 340, the lifting drive unit 350 is used to drive the lifting frame to rise and fall relative to the first electric hoist body, and the lifting frame is fixedly connected to a roller chain drive unit 330, which drives the end of the sling 310 to rise and fall via a chain 320, and the sling 310 is used to lift the vehicle chassis 900. The above structure is also provided on the second electric hoist. Specifically, the travel drive unit 360, the lifting drive unit 350, and the roller chain drive unit 330 are all motors. The travel drive unit 360 drives the electric hoist 300 forward and backward on the truss rail 400. The scissor fork 340, a structure similar to a telescopic fence, utilizes its retractable design to cooperate with the lift drive unit 350 to raise and lower the lifting frame relative to the second electric hoist body. The roller chain drive unit 330 is connected to the chain 320 via a meshing gear. The sling 310 is a toothed nylon lifting sling directly connected to the chain 320. When the end of the sling 310 is raised or lowered, the side of the vehicle chassis 900 on which the sling 310 is wrapped is subjected to an upward friction force. The toothed nylon lifting sling utilizes its special structure and friction to drive the vehicle chassis 900 to flip. The inner side of the sling 310 is provided with friction protrusions that contact the outer surface of the vehicle chassis 900, reducing the risk of the vehicle chassis 900 slipping relative to the sling 310 and ensuring a smooth flip of the vehicle chassis 900. With the help of the above structural design, the lifting electric hoist 300 can have the functions of lifting, moving forward and backward, and flipping left and right, which can realize the independent control of a single lifting electric hoist 300 and the simultaneous control of two lifting electric hoists 300.

[0065] In this embodiment, the sling 310 is reversed in an alternating sequence of forward and reverse rotation. Restoration points are provided at both ends of the sling 310. After completing either forward rotation or reverse rotation, the sling 310 returns to its original position. Specifically, the sling 310 is not suspended from the spare electric hoist 300.

[0066] For example, when the vehicle chassis 900 is flipped, the two first electric hoists will approach the vehicle chassis 900 from both ends when the vehicle chassis 900 is close to the flipping station 802. The first electric hoist at the front end can stop in front of the vehicle chassis 900 and lower its sling 310 to the lower limit position to wait, and the first electric hoist at the rear end can stop behind the vehicle chassis 900 and wait with its sling 310 at the upper limit position; after the vehicle chassis 900 reaches the flipping station 802, the sling 310 of the first electric hoist at the rear end is lowered to the lower limit position and quickly moved to the belt position at the rear end of the vehicle chassis 900. At this time, the two first electric hoists simultaneously run toward the first sled station 803 at the conveying speed of the first transport track 500. At the same time, the two first electric hoists lift the sling 310, move the vehicle chassis 900 to the set height and complete the flipping action; the image recognition system of the control device sends instructions to control the start and stop of the roller chain drive unit 330. The two first electric hoists stop after running to the first sled station 803, and at the same time lower the sling 310 to the first sled machine (in order to ensure the beat of the first sled machine, the action of the first electric hoist landing on the vehicle chassis 900 has a fast-to-slow process). After that, the first electric hoist at the front continues to move forward while lifting the sling 310 to the upper limit, and stops at the flip waiting station 811 and waits for the signal to flip the next vehicle chassis 900. The first electric hoist at the rear first moves backward by the unloading avoidance distance (the unloading avoidance distance is automatically selected according to the length of the vehicle chassis 900), and then lifts the sling 310 to the upper limit and stops at the flip waiting station 811 and waits for the signal to flip the next vehicle chassis 900. In this way, the two first electric hoists are used in a cyclic manner.

[0067] When the vehicle chassis 900 is being transferred, after the vehicle chassis 900 is transported from the waiting-for-transfer station 805 to the second sled station 806 and stops in place, the second electric hoist at the front runs to the chassis unloading station 807, stops, and lowers the sling 310 to the lower limit. The second electric hoist at the rear runs to the rear of the vehicle chassis 900, stops, and lowers the sling 310 to the lower limit. The second electric hoist at the front moves to the belt position at the front end of the vehicle chassis 900, and the second electric hoist at the rear moves to the belt position at the rear end of the vehicle chassis 900 (the specific belt position is automatically selected according to the vehicle model). The two second electric hoists are simultaneously lifted to the designed height and synchronously transport the vehicle chassis 900 to the chassis unloading station 807 and stop (the specific position of the chassis unloading station 807 is automatically selected according to the vehicle model, and has the same and corresponding position selection logic as the second sled station 806). When a manual command is issued to lower the vehicle chassis 900, the two second electric hoists simultaneously lower the sling 310 to the lower limit. The front second electric hoist moves the sling 310 forward to the unloading clearance distance and raises it to the upper limit. The sling 310 then stops at the transfer waiting station 812 and waits for the signal to transfer the next vehicle chassis 900. The rear second electric hoist moves the sling 310 backward to the unloading clearance distance and raises it to the upper limit. The sling 310 then stops at the transfer waiting station 812 and waits for the signal to transfer the next vehicle chassis 900. This allows for the cyclical use of the two second electric hoists.

[0068] Specifically, the position of the to-be-flipped station 802 needs to be set according to the length of the vehicle chassis 900. The specific position of the to-be-flipped station 802 is automatically identified by the control device with reference to conventional vehicle models. The operation mode of the control device is common knowledge in this field and will not be elaborated here.

[0069] In this embodiment, the automatic vehicle chassis flipping system further includes a control device, which is communicatively connected to the flipping device 100 and the camera 723. The control device is capable of controlling the operating status of the flipping device 100 and processing images captured by the camera 723. The provision of the control device effectively monitors the flipping device 100, enabling auxiliary personnel to promptly identify safety hazards during the operation of the flipping device 100. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents caused by the automatic vehicle chassis flipping system, mitigates safety hazards during operation, and ensures the safety of auxiliary personnel.

[0070] Furthermore, the visual companion device 700 also includes an alarm module, which is communicated with the control device. When the control device determines that the image is abnormal, the alarm module sounds an alarm, and the control device controls the flip device 100 to stop operating. If this occurs, the vehicle chassis automatic flip system shuts down and awaits manual intervention. By providing an alarm module, auxiliary personnel can promptly identify risks during the operation of the vehicle chassis automatic flip system and take timely measures, eliminating safety hazards as soon as possible, thereby further ensuring the personal health of auxiliary personnel.

[0071] In this embodiment, in order for the RFID device to accurately read the workpiece information of the vehicle chassis 900, it is necessary to maintain the model workpiece information in the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system in advance. When a new vehicle chassis 900 comes online, the corresponding workpiece information needs to be written through the RFID device. After the RFID device reads the workpiece information of the vehicle chassis 900, the flipping device 100 automatically selects a gear according to the read workpiece information, thereby realizing the identification of the vehicle chassis 900 model, allowing the first electric hoist to be adjusted to the corresponding action scale position as soon as possible, ensuring that the flipping device 100 can smoothly and accurately complete the flipping and handling actions of vehicle chassis 900 of different models.

[0072] For example, the sensing component 730 acts as a position detector. The control device includes a central console, which can be used by assistants to control the actions of the flipping device 100 and the transfer device 200, thereby achieving manual intervention in the automatic operation of the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system. Specifically, the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system has the following automation logic:

[0073] 1) The basic structure is consistent with the existing sling type.

[0074] 2) Two sets of electric hoists can be used 300 times in a cycle to improve the cycle time.

[0075] 3) Use 3D vision to guide the sling 310 into the designated position and take photos to prevent errors.

[0076] 4) Design the sling expansion device to facilitate the sling 310 into position.

[0077] 5) The monitoring camera 723 records the flipping process and can remotely guide the operation.

[0078] 6)Retain semi-automatic and manual functions.

[0079] In this embodiment, the operating state of the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system can be switched between a fully automatic mode operating process and a semi-automatic mode operating process.

[0080] When the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system is in fully automatic mode operation, the vehicle chassis 900 that has completed axle assembly enters the to-be-flipped station 802 of the chassis assembly line as the first transport track 500 runs. The control device uses a visual system or various sensors to determine the frame model or basic frame parameters of the vehicle chassis 900, and controls the flipping device 100 and the transfer device 200 to complete the flipping and transfer process of the vehicle chassis 900 according to the setting of the parameter program or the self-learning system software.

[0081] The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system is configured through a semi-automated process, working in conjunction with detection devices and following an automatic flipping program, enabling fully automatic operation. Specifically, the detection devices include one or more of: RFID equipment, sling deployment equipment, 3D visual guidance equipment, 900-meter vehicle chassis length data storage, driving stability equipment, intrusion detection equipment, error prevention equipment, intelligent monitoring equipment, hoist relative position detection equipment, and interlocking linkage equipment.

[0082] When the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system is in semi-automatic mode, the vehicle chassis 900, after completing the axle assembly, enters the chassis assembly line's to-flip station 802 along with the operation of the first transport track 500. The two first electric hoists' slings 310 are manually controlled to insert into the vehicle chassis 900 from the front and rear ends, respectively, lifting the vehicle chassis 900 to complete the flip. The assistant, by operating the central console, controls the flipping device 100 to move the vehicle chassis 900 along with the slings 310 to the first skid station 803, and controls the first electric hoist to complete the actions of lowering the vehicle chassis 900, disengaging the slings 310, and resetting the first electric hoist. The assistant monitors the actions of various parts of the vehicle chassis automatic flipping system in real time by operating the control device, assisting in the accurate completion of the flipping and transporting of the vehicle chassis 900 without the need for movement.

[0083] This embodiment also provides a method for automatically flipping a vehicle chassis, which is applied to the above-mentioned automatic flipping system for a vehicle chassis and includes the following steps:

[0084] Step 1: Use the RFID system to read the workpiece information and confirm the model of the vehicle chassis 900.

[0085] Step 2: When the sensing component 730 detects that the vehicle chassis 900 is in place, the first electric hoist straps the vehicle chassis 900 from both ends.

[0086] Step 3: When the camera 723 detects the first electric hoist, the camera 723 moves synchronously with the corresponding first electric hoist.

[0087] Step 4: After the first electric hoist lifts the vehicle chassis 900 , the camera 723 starts to shoot the corresponding first electric hoist, which turns over the vehicle chassis 900 .

[0088] Step 5: After the vehicle chassis 900 is flipped over, the first electric hoist places the vehicle chassis 900 on the first skid station 803 .

[0089] Step 6: After the vehicle chassis 900 is positioned, the camera 723 stops photographing the corresponding first electric hoist, the photographing assembly 720 is reset, and the first electric hoist is separated from the vehicle chassis 900 and reset.

[0090] The above design ensures that the visual accompanying device 700 accurately accompanies the first electric hoist, enabling real-time monitoring of the first electric hoist. This ensures that the turning device 100 automatically turns and transports the vehicle chassis 900, further ensuring that the turning device 100 automatically turns and transports the vehicle chassis 900, thereby improving the automation level of the vehicle chassis automatic turning system.

[0091] In this embodiment, after the sensing unit 732 detects that the front end of the vehicle chassis 900 is in place, the first electric hoist located at the front end drives the sling 310 to move forward and get ready; after the sensing unit 732 detects that the rear end of the vehicle chassis 900 is in place, the first electric hoist located at the rear end drives the sling 310 to move forward and get ready.

[0092] For example, the initial positions of the two cameras 723 are respectively located at the belt-wrapped positions of the front and rear slings 310. When the belt-wrapped position of the vehicle chassis 900 is aligned with the position of the cameras 723, the camera assembly 720 begins to move synchronously, at which time the camera assembly 720 maintains the same movement speed as the first electric hoist.

[0093] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system is characterized by: include: A turning device (100) is used to turn over a vehicle chassis (900) located at a to-be-turned station (802) and then place it at a first skid station (803), wherein the turning device (100) is provided with two first electric hoists, and the first electric hoists selectively lift ends of the vehicle chassis (900); A visual accompanying device (700) comprises a rail base (710), a sensing component (730) and two shooting components (720), each of the shooting components (720) corresponding to one of the first electric hoists, the length direction of the rail base (710) being parallel to a line connecting the to-be-turned station (802) and the first sled station (803), the shooting component (720) being slidably mounted on the rail base (710), the shooting component (720) being provided with a camera (723) for shooting the corresponding position of the first electric hoist, and the sensing component (730) being used to detect the position of the vehicle chassis (900); An RFID device for reading workpiece information of the vehicle chassis (900); The turning device (100) further comprises a turning truss ring rail, the first electric hoist is slidably mounted on the turning truss ring rail, and the to-be-turned station (802) and the first sled station (803) are both located directly below the turning truss ring rail; The vehicle chassis automatic turning system also includes: a processing device for processing the vehicle chassis (900) located at the first skid station (803) and then transporting it to the second skid station (806); A transfer device (200) is used to place the vehicle chassis (900) located at the second skid station (806) at the chassis unloading station (807), the transfer device (200) being provided with two second electric hoists, the second electric hoists selectively lifting ends of the vehicle chassis (900); The processing equipment includes a first skid machine, a second skid machine and a painting module, wherein the first skid machine is used to transport the vehicle chassis (900) located at the first skid station (803) to the station to be painted (804), the painting module is used to spray the vehicle chassis (900) located at the station to be painted (804), and transport the sprayed vehicle chassis (900) to the station to be transferred (805), and the second skid machine is used to transport the vehicle chassis (900) located at the station to be transferred (805) to the second skid station (806); The transfer equipment (200) further comprises a transfer truss ring rail, the second electric hoist is slidably mounted on the transfer truss ring rail, and the second skid station (806) and the chassis unloading station (807) are both located directly below the transfer truss ring rail.

2. The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length direction of the vehicle chassis (900) is parallel to the line connecting the to-be-turned station (802) and the first sled station (803); one of the first electric hoists is used to lift the front end of the vehicle chassis (900); and the other first electric hoist is used to lift the rear end of the vehicle chassis (900).

3. The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first electric hoist comprises a travel drive unit (360), a lifting drive unit (350), an electric hoist body, a lifting frame, and a sling (310); the travel drive unit (360) is used to drive the electric hoist body to slide on the flip truss ring rail; the electric hoist body is connected to the lifting frame via a scissor fork (340); the lifting drive unit (350) is used to drive the lifting frame to rise and fall relative to the electric hoist body; the lifting frame is fixedly connected to a roller chain drive unit (330); the roller chain drive unit (330) drives the end of the sling (310) to rise and fall via a chain (320); and the sling (310) is used to lift the vehicle chassis (900).

4. The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system further includes a control device, wherein the control device is communicatively connected to the flipping device (100) and the camera (723), and the control device is capable of controlling the operating state of the flipping device (100) and processing images captured by the camera (723).

5. The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The visual accompanying device (700) further comprises an alarm module, and the control device is communicatively connected to the alarm module. When the control device determines that the image is abnormal, the alarm module issues an alarm, and the control device controls the flip device (100) to stop operating.

6. A method for automatically flipping a vehicle chassis, characterized in that: The vehicle chassis automatic flipping system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprises the following steps: S10: using an RFID system to read workpiece information and confirm the model of the vehicle chassis (900); S20: When the sensing component (730) detects that the vehicle chassis (900) is in place, the first electric hoist straps the vehicle chassis (900) from both ends; S30: When the camera (723) detects the first electric hoist, the camera (723) moves synchronously with the corresponding first electric hoist; S40: After the first electric hoist lifts the vehicle chassis (900), the camera (723) starts photographing the corresponding first electric hoist, and the first electric hoist turns over the vehicle chassis (900); S50: After the vehicle chassis (900) is flipped over, the first electric hoist places the vehicle chassis (900) on the first skid station (803); S60: After the vehicle chassis (900) is positioned, the camera (723) stops photographing the corresponding first electric hoist, the photographing assembly (720) is reset, and the first electric hoist is separated from the vehicle chassis (900) and reset.

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