Assembling frame for producing motor vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly stand (10) comprising a frame (12) and at least two support plates for receiving mechanical components for the production of motor vehicles. At least one support plate (14, 16, 18) is detachably assembled on the frame by fitting, by cooperation between at least one male element and at least one assembly joint comprising a plurality of female elements distributed along at least one direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention claims priority to French application 2007234, filed on July 8, 2020, the contents of which (text, drawings and claims) are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to the field of assembling mechanical components in motor vehicles. More specifically, this invention relates to assembly frames for assembling mechanical components in motor vehicle assembly lines. ). Background Technology

[0003] Known are specific tools (OS-POM) or assembly frames for manufacturing mechanical components. These assembly frames include a frame upon which a fixed plate is mounted. The plate includes a track and receives a movable plate that can move along the track to adapt the assembly frame to the desired vehicle profile (particularly the vehicle track width). The assembly frame also includes a fitting section and holding elements for maintaining the mechanical component. The design and adjustment phases for designing and adapting the assembly frame are complex, and if multiple different vehicle profiles are produced on the same assembly line, the facility may include as many assembly frames as the number of profile types produced.

[0004] Different assembly racks need to be stored near the assembly line outside their service life. Due to the large size and weight of these components, this storage is done on the ground and requires considerable space. Therefore, improvements are needed.

[0005] Furthermore, the increasing demand for vehicles with electric or hybrid powertrains will increase the mass of the mechanical components mounted on the assembly frame, and thus the total mass of the components. Therefore, advantageously, the increase in the mass of the mechanical components can be offset by reducing the mass of the assembly frame. Unfortunately, there currently appears to be no solution.

[0006] In fact, document CN207606473 describes an example of an assembly frame comprising a frame on which a first plate, including rails, is floatingly mounted and on ball bearings. Specific plates are then mounted, in particular, on the first plate. The components are designed to adapt to different vehicle profiles, but still require adaptation of the positioning of the different parts constituting the assembly frame relative to each other for the purpose of adaptation. Furthermore, the problem of reducing overall mass remains unresolved.

[0007] Document CN106826021 describes a wheel track alignment device for front and rear axles. The device includes a manual adjustment component for adapting the workstation to different wheel tracks. This solution is not suitable for assembling components other than front and rear axles.

[0008] Document CN104493760 describes an assembly frame that supports a front panel and a rear panel. One of the panels is mounted movable on the frame, which allows the panel to move according to the vehicle's wheelbase. A manual locking system allows the panel to be positioned and locked in place. The assembly frame provided in this document is suitable for vehicles with different wheelbases, but not necessarily for different vehicle profiles. Furthermore, the size, storage, and weight issues associated with this assembly frame are not resolved. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to address at least one of the shortcomings and problems encountered in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a simple and economical solution to the problems of assembly rack compatibility, size, and weight.

[0010] Therefore, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides an assembly frame comprising a frame and at least two support plates for receiving mechanical components for producing motor vehicles, characterized in that at least one support plate is fitted together... The components are detachably mounted on the frame, and the fitting is achieved through an engagement between at least one male component and at least one mounting joint, the at least one mounting joint comprising a plurality of female components distributed along at least one direction.

[0011] As can be understood from the limitations just given, the present invention aims to provide an adjustable assembly frame with a universal frame on which different types of support plates can be fitted, and / or, the universal frame has different locations for assembling the support plates. Because the support plates are fitted together, replacement of the plates can be performed quickly, either manually or by a robot. For new vehicle profiles, it is not necessary to construct the support plates; they can be simply replaced with pre-fitted support plates.

[0012] Because the assembly frame comprises multiple mother components, there are multiple fitting positions. Therefore, the support plate can be assembled in different locations according to the wheelbase of the vehicle being produced, making the assembly frame adaptable to different vehicle wheelbases.

[0013] Because the assembly frame does not include a fixed plate for supporting the movable plate or a track for moving the movable plate, the assembly frame is thus simple to design and lighter than existing assembly frames.

[0014] The frame is durable and only unused support plates are stored. This significantly reduces the required storage space compared to existing technologies where complete assembly racks must be stored until they are used. In fact, vertical storage of different plates is possible, whereas existing assembly racks must be stored on the ground.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one support plate supports one or more male components, and the frame supports one or more assembly joints, the one or more assembly joints including a plurality of female components distributed along at least one direction. Thus, the support plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being positioned to face the frame, and the support plate supports one or more male components that extend projectingly from the lower surface of the support plate.

[0016] Advantageously, at least two support plates are detachably fitted onto the frame via a fitting mechanism. Preferably, all support plates are detachably fitted onto the frame via a fitting mechanism.

[0017] Advantageously, the support plate is detachably mounted to the frame via a fitting and can be moved from one parent element to another. This allows for easy adjustment of the position of the support plate according to the vehicle's wheelbase without measurement, and facilitates easy adaptation of the assembly frame to different vehicle profiles.

[0018] Advantageously, the plurality of mother components are distributed along the longitudinal direction of the frame. The longitudinal direction of the frame is advantageous in order to adapt the assembly frame to different wheelbases.

[0019] Preferably, one or more male components are configured to fit vertically into one or more female components. This vertical fitting facilitates the assembly operation of the support plate. The support plate can be easily arranged on the frame to achieve this fitting.

[0020] In one embodiment, at least one support plate, fitted onto the frame, is also positioned to adhere to at least one fitting element, which is supported by the frame. The fitting element allows for positioning clearance of the support plate on the frame, enabling adjustment of the consistency of the mechanical components supported by the support plate.

[0021] Preferably, at least one bonding element is in the form of a ball, which forms a sliding point in the receiving portion.

[0022] Advantageously, the support plate includes at least one sliding plateau for positioning in contact with the mating element. This sliding contact facilitates the positioning of the plate. Furthermore, the presence of the sliding plateau provides various advantages. In one embodiment, the sliding plateau is removable. Thus, the sliding plateau can be easily replaced and therefore replaced as it wears out, without replacing the entire support plate. In another embodiment, the sliding plateau includes a coating comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (e.g., brand name). (Coating). In addition, the support plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being positioned to face the frame, and the support plate also includes at least one sliding stage disposed on the lower surface of the support plate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the assembly joint including multiple female elements includes a unit having multiple female elements, the unit being assembled in a receiving portion so as to be translationally movable relative to the receiving portion along at least one direction.

[0024] Preferably, the unit is slidably assembled by means of at least one set of balls. The balls are disposed between the bottom of the receiving portion and the unit.

[0025] Advantageously, the unit and the receiving portion are configured to limit the movement of the unit within the receiving portion such that the movement is less than the distance between the centers of the two adjacent mother elements.

[0026] The floating association between the unit and the receiving portion also allows for adjustment of the support plate on the frame to ensure the consistency of the mechanical components supported by the support plate. This management of gaps is possible because the plate has degrees of freedom given by the movement of the unit within its own receiving portion, and this management of gaps is advantageous because there is at least one contact point that forms one or more sliding points.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least one detachable support plate is a rear support plate, which is used to support at least the rear axle of the motor vehicle.

[0028] Advantageously, at least one removable support plate is a front support plate, which is used to support at least the front axle of the motor vehicle.

[0029] Advantageously, at least one removable support plate is a central support plate, which is used for insertion between the rear support plate and the front support plate.

[0030] Advantageously, at least one front support plate and a central support plate are joined together to form a widened front support plate.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a frame for assembling a rack according to a first aspect, characterized in that the frame supports one or more assembly joints for assembling at least two support plates, the assembly joints comprising a plurality of female elements distributed along at least one direction; preferably, the plurality of female elements are distributed along the longitudinal direction of the frame, and / or, the frame further supports at least one fitting element.

[0032] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a support plate for assembling a frame according to a first aspect, characterized in that the support plate supports one or more male components for assembling the support plate onto a frame; preferably, the support plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being positioned to face the frame, and the support plate further includes at least one sliding table disposed on the lower surface of the support plate.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a facility for assembling mechanical components for manufacturing motor vehicles, characterized in that the facility includes a frame for assembling a frame according to a second aspect; and includes an assembly comprising a plurality of support plates for assembling the frame according to a third aspect.

[0034] For example, the present invention relates to a facility for assembling mechanical components for manufacturing motor vehicles, characterized in that the facility includes an assembly frame according to a first aspect; preferably, the facility further includes an assembly comprising a plurality of support plates according to a third aspect.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing an assembly frame; characterized in that the method includes a providing step for providing a frame according to a second aspect and a fixing step for fixing at least one support plate according to a third aspect to the frame by fitting. Preferably, the method is capable of preparing an assembly frame according to a first aspect.

[0036] Finally, the present invention relates to a method for replacing a support plate in a facility according to a fourth aspect, the facility comprising a first support plate fitted onto a frame, a second support plate stored in a storage space, and a robot capable of moving the support plate, the method comprising the steps of: the robot grasping the first support plate from the frame and moving the first support plate to disengage the first support plate from the frame; moving the first support plate and placing it in the storage area; the robot grasping the second support plate from the storage area and moving the second support plate toward the frame of the assembly rack; and the robot placing the second support plate onto the frame and fitting the second support plate onto the frame. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings of advantageous embodiments given below as examples, in which:

[0038] - Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an assembly rack according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] - Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Detailed diagram of the assembly joint of the assembly frame. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following description, the term "comprising" is a synonym of "including" and is non-limiting, allowing for the presence of other elements in the facility, support plate, frame, or assembly rack covered by the term. Of course, the term "comprising" encompasses the term "consisting of".

[0041] Similarly, the terms “lower,” “upper,” “top,” and “bottom” are understood according to their usual definition, wherein the terms “lower” and “bottom” indicate that they are closer to the ground in the vertical direction than the terms “upper” and “top.”

[0042] The terms “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “front,” and “rear” are understood relative to the general orientation of the frame, the assembly frame, or the vehicle (which, for example, takes place along its normal direction of travel).

[0043] In the following description, elements with the same structure or similar function are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the assembly frame 10 (which is used, for example, in an assembly line for producing motor vehicles) includes a frame 12 and at least two support plates for receiving mechanical components (e.g., front axle, rear axle, engine, transmission, etc.) not shown. These mechanical components are then assembled onto the vehicle during a cover operation. Depending on the assembled mechanical components and the vehicle profile, the assembly frame can be configured as follows: Figure 1 The assembly frame includes three support plates, including a front support plate 14 and a central support plate 16. The front support plate is used to support at least the front axle of the vehicle, and the central support plate is inserted between the front support plate 14 and the rear support plate 18. The rear support plate is used to support at least the rear axle of the vehicle. The assembly frame may also include two or more support plates.

[0045] Figure 1 An exploded view is shown in which the support plates are offset from the frame. In use, the support plates are assembled integrally with the frame, with at least one support plate being detachably mounted to the frame via a fitting. For example, all support plates are detachably mounted to the frame via fittings, such as... Figure 1 As in the embodiments.

[0046] The fitting assembly of the support plate is performed by mating between at least one male component and at least one fitting joint, the at least one fitting joint comprising a plurality of female components distributed along at least one direction. The fitting of the support plate can also be performed between at least one female component and at least one fitting joint, the at least one fitting joint comprising a plurality of male components distributed along at least one direction.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In one embodiment, the assembly between the support plate and the frame is carried out by an assembly joint and a positioning joint configured by fitting, the positioning joint being capable of adjusting the consistency of the mechanical components.

[0048] Figure 1 The frame 12 shown above includes two parallel longitudinal fitting beams 20, which are connected to each other by a plurality of transverse connecting rods. The frame may also include three or more longitudinal fitting beams, or fitting plates. The frame may also include outriggers or wheels, or other support components for support on the ground or on a track.

[0049] The two fitting beams 20 are symmetrically arranged here. The frame 12 includes three fitting areas, which are separated by connecting rods. Each fitting area can be respectively fitted with the front support plate 14, the central support plate 16, and the rear support plate 18.

[0050] In each mating area, the beam respectively includes a fitting joint 22 for assembly by interlocking, the fitting joint having a plurality of female elements distributed in a horizontal plane along at least one direction. As described further below, the support plate includes fitting joints complementary to the fitting joints 22 for assembly by interlocking. Thus, once assembled, the support plate rests against two corresponding fitting joints of the frame. Preferably, the female elements are distributed along a single direction. For example, the female elements are aligned along a transverse or longitudinal direction.

[0051] Each support plate includes an upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26, the upper surface being connected to the mechanical component supported by the support plate, and the lower surface being positioned to face the frame 12.

[0052] For at least one of the support plates, the lower surface 26 includes a male element that allows the lower surface to engage with a female element of the frame via a mating mechanism. In the case of three support plates, at least two of the support plates include male elements, or as... Figure 1 In that case, all support plates include male components and can be fitted onto the frame.

[0053] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, all support plates are detachably assembled via fitting. According to a variation, one of the support plates may be non-detachably assembled to the frame or secured by screws or other different fastening components for fitting. This support plate has a fixed position on the frame and serves as a reference support plate. One or more other support plates are assembled and positioned relative to the reference support plate to adapt to the vehicle's track width.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the assembly joint 22 for fitting together includes a receiving portion 28 in which a unit 30 is fitted, the unit being translatably movable relative to the receiving portion along at least one direction. The receiving portion 28 is formed by a parallelepiped-shaped cavity having a rectangular base, the cavity having a horizontal lower bottom and a vertical stop wall, and opening on its own upper surface.

[0055] Unit 30 is a unit having the same form as the receiving portion 28, but the dimensions of the unit in the longitudinal and transverse directions are smaller than those of the receiving portion in the longitudinal and transverse directions, so that the unit can be inserted into the receiving portion, but has a horizontal travel limited by the vertical wall of the receiving portion.

[0056] The parent element of unit 30 is here a cylindrical hole 32 implemented in the upper surface of the unit. Multiple cylindrical holes exist, corresponding to possible positions of the support plate. The cylindrical holes 32 are arranged longitudinally and regularly.

[0057] The centers of the two consecutive cylindrical holes 32 are separated by a predetermined distance, which corresponds to the minimum incremental step distance of the support plate. The incremental step distance is selected such that the support plate can have a position corresponding to each of the wheelbases required for different types of vehicles being produced. For example, the step distance is between 20 mm and 80 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 70 mm, and more preferably between 40 mm and 60 mm.

[0058] The number of cylindrical holes corresponds to the possible wheelbase of the manufactured vehicle profile. For example, each of the support plates has between 2 and 10 cylindrical holes in the mounting joint of the frame. This number can vary depending on the type of support plate. Figure 1 In one embodiment, two cylindrical holes are provided in the assembly joint of the front support plate 14 and the central support plate 16, and six cylindrical holes are provided in the assembly joint of the rear support plate 18.

[0059] For example, the bottom wall of the receiving portion 28 includes at least one set of balls or rollers, or any other component (not shown) that allows the unit 30 to slide within the receiving portion. The unit is thus arranged within the receiving portion and is translatably movable in a horizontal plane. The unit and the receiving portion are configured to allow the unit a travel distance within the receiving portion less than the distance between the centers of two adjacent cylindrical holes 32, for example, less than the incremental step distance. The travel distance of the unit 30 within the receiving portion 28 allows for fine adjustment of the positioning of the support plate. For example, the travel distance of the unit is between 2 mm and 40 mm along the longitudinal and / or transverse directions, respectively. Preferably, the travel distance is between 5 mm and 20 mm along the longitudinal and / or transverse directions, respectively; more preferably, it is between 7 mm and 15 mm.

[0060] The male element of the support plate may be called a pilote and is formed, for example, by pins 34, which project vertically downwards from the lower surface. For clarity, pins 34 are... Figure 2 The above diagram shows the support plates separated from each other. To prevent any rotation of the support plates on the frame, each support plate includes at least two pins 34. Figure 1 The support plate shown includes two pins 34 arranged to be aligned laterally with a lateral spacing corresponding to the lateral spacing of the fitting beams 20 of the frame.

[0061] exist Figure 2 In the example, the male component is engaged in the female component along a vertical direction. The engagement can also be carried out along another direction, which forms an angle with the vertical direction, if available space in the facility or the assembly line allows.

[0062] Each support plate, fitted onto the frame, can also contact the frame via a positioning engagement. The support plate thus includes at least one contact element disposed on a lower surface 26 of the support plate, which contacts at least one fitting element of the frame. Preferably, the contact between the fitting element and the contact element allows the support plate to slide relative to the frame. This sliding can be oriented along the longitudinal direction, along the transverse direction, or along the entire horizontal plane.

[0063] The bonding element may have a flat or curved surface that provides at least one point, at least one plane, or at least one arbitrary contact surface. For example, here, the bonding elements of the bonding beam 20 each include at least one metal ball 36, which is made of, for example, steel and is fitted into a receiving portion 38 to form a ball-and-socket connection between the ball and the receiving portion (e.g., a hemispherical or conical portion). Figure 1 As shown, each bonding beam includes at least one ball 36 at each bonding area location. Thus, each support plate rests against at least two balls.

[0064] The contact element of the support plate is formed by at least one sliding stage 40, which is positioned to contact the ball 36. Figure 1 The support plate includes two sliding tables 40. These sliding tables are consumable parts and are detachably mounted on the support plate, allowing for replacement upon wear. The sliding tables are, for example, metal plates made of steel, which may include a wear-resistant protective coating (e.g., brand name). (coating).

[0065] The assembly rack may be included in a facility that also includes an assembly of multiple support plates. The assembly may include a front support plate, a central support plate, and a rear support plate. The support plates in the assembly are thus interchangeable with the support plates included in the assembly rack.

[0066] In such a facility, support plates not mounted on the frame are preferably stored vertically (i.e., one above the other), horizontally, or in a combination of both storage modes in the storage space to reduce the space used for storing the support plates. The facility may also include a robot capable of moving the support plates to assemble them and / or automatically remove them from the frame.

[0067] For example, the facility may include a first support plate mounted on the frame and a second support plate stored in the storage space.

[0068] To assemble the second support plate onto the frame, the first support plate is first removed. The first support plate is gripped and lifted manually or automatically by a robot using a lifting system to detach it from the frame. The first support plate is then moved above the frame until it reaches the storage space where it is arranged and stored.

[0069] The second support plate is thus manually grasped or grasped by a robot and moved toward the assembly frame.

[0070] The second support plate is then lowered onto the frame so that the male component of the second support plate fits into the female component of the frame. For example, pins 34 fit into cylindrical holes 32 of the assembly joint 22. The user or robot can thus select which cylindrical holes to fit the pins into based on the manufactured vehicle profile.

[0071] When the pin 34 is engaged in the cylindrical hole 32, the sliding table 40 of the second support plate contacts the ball bearing 36 of the frame.

[0072] Once positioned on the frame, the second support plate is detachably assembled via a fitting. The second support plate is also positioned to fit against a fitting element supported by the frame.

Claims

1. An assembly frame (10) comprising a frame (12) and at least two support plates for receiving mechanical components for producing motor vehicles, characterized in that, At least one support plate (14, 16, 18) is detachably fitted onto the frame by means of a mating engagement between at least one male element and at least one mounting joint, the at least one mounting joint comprising a plurality of female elements distributed along at least one direction; and the mounting joint comprising the plurality of female elements comprises a unit (30) having the plurality of female elements, the unit being fitted into a receiving portion (28) for translational movability relative to the receiving portion along at least one direction; and the unit (30) is fitted to be slidable by means of at least one set of balls, and / or the unit (30) and the receiving portion (28) are configured to limit the movement of the unit in the receiving portion such that the movement is less than the distance between the centers of two adjacent female elements.

2. The assembly frame (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one support plate (14, 16, 18) supports one or more male components, and the frame supports one or more assembly joints (22), the one or more assembly joints including a plurality of female components distributed along at least one direction; and / or, at least two support plates are detachably mounted on the frame by fitting.

3. The assembly frame (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, All support plates are detachably assembled onto the frame via fitting.

4. The assembly frame (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The plurality of female elements are distributed along the longitudinal direction of the frame (12); and / or, one or more male elements are configured to fit into one or more female elements along the vertical direction.

5. The assembly frame (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one support plate (14, 16, 18) fitted onto the frame is also positioned to adhere to at least one bonding element supported by the frame; and / or, the support plate includes at least one sliding table (40) for positioning to contact the bonding element.

6. The assembly frame (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one bonding element is in the form of a ball (36), which forms a sliding point in the receiving portion (38).

7. The assembly frame (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6, characterized in that, At least one removable support plate is a rear support plate (18) for supporting at least the rear axle of the motor vehicle; and / or, at least one removable support plate is a front support plate (14) for supporting at least the front axle of the motor vehicle; and / or, at least one removable support plate is a central support plate (16) for being inserted between the rear support plate and the front support plate.

8. A frame (12) for an assembly rack according to any one of claims 1 to 7; characterized in that, The frame supports one or more assembly joints for assembling at least two support plates, the assembly joints including a plurality of female elements distributed along at least one direction; and / or, the frame also supports at least one fitting element.

9. The frame (12) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of mother elements are distributed along the longitudinal direction of the frame.

10. A support plate (14, 16, 18) for an assembly frame according to any one of claims 1 to 7; characterized in that, The support plate supports one or more male components, which are used to assemble the support plate onto the frame.

11. The support plate (14, 16, 18) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The support plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being positioned to face the frame, and the support plate also includes at least one sliding platform disposed on the lower surface of the support plate.

12. A facility for assembling mechanical components for manufacturing motor vehicles, characterized in that, The facility includes an assembly rack according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. The facility according to claim 12, characterized in that, The facility also includes an assembly comprising a plurality of support plates as described in claim 10 or 11.

14. A method for preparing an assembly frame; characterized in that, The method includes a providing step for providing the frame according to claim 8 or 9 and a fixing step for fixing at least one support plate according to claim 10 or 11 to the frame by fitting.

Images