A centering device and a centering method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of centering device and centering method, including lifting mechanism, the structure of lifting mechanism is: including rack, drive mechanism is arranged on one side of rack, transmission mechanism is arranged on rack and is drivingly connected with drive mechanism, two sides of inside rack are symmetrically arranged with transmission mechanism and are connected with carriage, carriage side surface is slidably connected with rack, carriage is driven under the transmission mechanism and moves up and down, precision positioning mechanism is arranged on one side of rack and is matched with the bottom of carrier, vehicle body needing centering is placed in carrier, first positioning pin is arranged on carrier and is matched with the bottom positioning hole of vehicle body front end, the number of first positioning pin is two, support surface is arranged on the lower part of first positioning pin and is matched with the bottom of vehicle body, multiple trailer assemblies are arranged on carriage and are matched with the bottom of vehicle body, push car assembly is arranged on carriage and is matched with the skirt of vehicle body. To realize accurate positioning, simultaneously from two directions simultaneously vehicle body centering operation is realized with simple procedure, and work efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of conveying equipment technology, and in particular to centering devices and centering methods. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in major automobile OEMs, during the transportation process, when the car body is transported up or down slopes or in different directions, it is usually fixed by positioning pins and support blocks. However, the car body is prone to rotation. When the car body is transported to the chassis assembly station, the chassis parts are not easy to assemble due to the misalignment of the car body. Therefore, the car body must be straightened before entering the assembly station.

[0003] The process of straightening a vehicle usually requires straightening it from both the front and back, and left and right. During this process, the supporting parts will rub against the bottom of the vehicle, and it is necessary to overcome a certain amount of friction to straighten it. The process is cumbersome, inefficient, and the positioning is not accurate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the shortcomings of the existing production technology, the applicant provides a centering device and a centering method to achieve precise positioning and enable simultaneous vehicle body centering operations from two directions with a simple process, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] A centering device includes a lifting mechanism.

[0007] The lifting mechanism comprises a frame, a drive mechanism on one side of the frame, a transmission mechanism connected to the drive mechanism on the frame, and symmetrically arranged slides connected to the transmission mechanism on both sides inside the frame. The slides slide against the frame and move up and down under the drive of the transmission mechanism.

[0008] A precision positioning mechanism is provided on one side of the frame to mate with the bottom of the carrier. The vehicle body that needs to be aligned is placed in the carrier. The carrier is provided with two first positioning pins that mate with positioning holes at the bottom front of the vehicle body. The lower outer periphery of the first positioning pin is provided with a support surface that mates with the bottom of the vehicle body.

[0009] The carriage is equipped with multiple trailer components that mate with the bottom of the vehicle body, and the carriage is also equipped with a trolley component that mates with the side skirts of the vehicle body.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:

[0011] The structure of the precision positioning mechanism is as follows: it includes a positioning base disposed on one side of the frame, a positioning cylinder is installed in the middle of the positioning base in a vertical direction, the output end of the positioning cylinder is upward and a second positioning pin is installed thereon, and the second positioning pin cooperates with the bottom of the carrier.

[0012] The output end of the positioning cylinder is provided with a mounting plate, and a second positioning pin is installed on the upper surface of the mounting plate. Guide shafts are symmetrically arranged on the lower surface of the mounting plates on both sides of the positioning cylinder. A linear bearing that mates with the outer circumference of the guide shaft is provided on the upper part of the positioning base.

[0013] The trailer assembly has the following structure: it includes a mounting base plate installed on a carriage; a movable base plate parallel to the mounting base plate is disposed above the mounting base plate; the bottom of the movable base plate is slidably connected to the mounting base plate via a first guide rail assembly; the mounting base plate and the movable base plate are elastically connected via a first elastic assembly; a support seat is disposed above the movable base plate; the upper part of the support seat plate is a support block that cooperates with the bottom of the vehicle body; the bottom of the support seat plate is slidably connected to the movable base plate via a second guide rail assembly; the support seat plate and the movable base plate are elastically connected via a second elastic assembly; and the axes of the first guide rail assembly and the second guide rail assembly are perpendicular to each other.

[0014] The structure of the first elastic component is as follows: it includes a first sliding shaft, one end of which is detachably and fixedly connected to the movable base plate via a first connecting plate, the other end of which is provided with a first baffle, the middle part of which is slidably connected to the mounting base plate via a first support plate, and a first spring and a second spring are fitted on the outside of the first sliding shaft. The two ends of the first spring are respectively engaged with the first connecting plate and the first support plate, and the two ends of the second spring are respectively engaged with the first support plate and the first baffle.

[0015] The structure of the second elastic component is as follows: it includes a second sliding shaft, one end of which is detachably and fixedly connected to the support base via a second connecting plate, and the other end of which is provided with a second baffle. The middle part of the second sliding shaft is slidably connected to the movable base plate via a second support plate. A third spring and a fourth spring are fitted on the outside of the second sliding shaft. The two ends of the third spring are respectively engaged with the second connecting plate and the second support plate, and the two ends of the fourth spring are respectively engaged with the second support plate and the second baffle.

[0016] A first slide rail clamp that cooperates with the first guide rail assembly is installed on the lower surface of the movable base plate.

[0017] The bottom of the support base is equipped with a second slide rail clamp that cooperates with the second guide rail assembly.

[0018] The structure of the trolley assembly is as follows: it includes a push cylinder mounted on a slide, the push cylinder is horizontally arranged, a frame structure support is provided on the slide at the front end of the push cylinder, a push block is slidably connected to the upper part of the support, the output end of the push cylinder is connected to the push block through an adapter, and one side of the push block cooperates with the side skirt of the vehicle body.

[0019] The transmission mechanism is structured as follows: it includes a first guide roller group and a second guide roller group respectively installed on the upper ends of both sides of the frame; a third guide roller group is provided on the frame below the second guide roller group; a drive mechanism is provided on one side of the frame corresponding to the first guide roller group; and a transmission belt that cooperates with the first guide roller group, the second guide roller group, the third guide roller group and the output end of the drive mechanism. The two ends of the transmission belt are respectively connected to the upper parts of the two carriages, and the middle part of the transmission belt is located at the lower part of the frame.

[0020] A centering method for a centering device includes the following steps:

[0021] Step 1, Initial Positioning:

[0022] When the vehicle body is placed on the carrier, the first positioning pin of the carrier engages with the positioning hole at the bottom front of the vehicle body, and the supporting surface of the lower outer periphery of the first positioning pin 11 engages with the bottom of the vehicle body. Then, when the vehicle body is transported to the centering station along the top rail, the positioning device fixes the upper end of the carrier body to the top rail.

[0023] Step 2, Secondary Positioning:

[0024] Once the positioning device completes its operation, it sends a signal. Upon receiving this signal, the precision positioning mechanism engages with the bottom of the vehicle to position and fix the vehicle in place.

[0025] Step 3: Lift the vehicle body:

[0026] The drive mechanism starts and drives the carriage to rise through the transmission mechanism. During the rise, the support block of the trailer assembly supports the vehicle body and drives the vehicle body to rise together. The vehicle body is separated from the carrier so that the bottom of the vehicle body does not contact the support surface, but the first positioning pin is still located in the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the vehicle body. When it rises to the position, the drive mechanism stops.

[0027] Step 4: Centering Operation

[0028] The push cylinders of the trolley components on both sides of the vehicle extend and drive the push block forward. During the forward movement of the push block, the side skirt of the vehicle can be pushed to make the vehicle rotate relative to the first positioning pin. At the same time, the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the vehicle does not disengage from the first positioning pin. During the centering process, the support block and the vehicle move together. When the trolley component has reached its position, it indicates that the vehicle has been straightened and the support block has been fixed in the current position.

[0029] Step 5: Deactivate GPS:

[0030] After the centering operation was completed, the position of the first locating pin in the locating hole at the bottom of the vehicle body changed compared to before centering.

[0031] The drive mechanism starts and drives the carriage to continue to descend through the transmission mechanism, so that the support surface mates with the bottom of the vehicle body. The drive mechanism stops after the carriage has descended to the bottom.

[0032] The precise positioning mechanism disengages from the bottom of the vehicle, releasing the vehicle from its fixation, allowing the vehicle to leave with the vehicle body.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0034] This invention features a compact and reasonable structure, and is easy to operate. The initial positioning of the vehicle body is achieved through the first positioning pin, and the secondary positioning of the vehicle body is achieved through the fine positioning mechanism. This limits the position of the vehicle body to a relatively precise adjustment range. Through the synergistic action of the pusher assembly and the trailer assembly, the vehicle body is simultaneously centered in both the front, rear, left, and right directions while achieving precise positioning. This makes operation more convenient, increases work efficiency, and reduces production costs due to its simple structure.

[0035] The present invention also includes the following advantages:

[0036] (1) By setting the first guide rail assembly and the second guide rail assembly to achieve the follow-up movement of the support block and the vehicle body during the centering process, and by setting the first elastic assembly and the second elastic assembly to achieve the reset of the support block of the trailer assembly to the initial position after the vehicle body is separated from the support block.

[0037] (2) The first elastic component and the second elastic component achieve automatic reset of the support block through the cooperation structure of sliding shaft and two springs. The structure is simple and easy to maintain.

[0038] (3) By setting the first slide rail clamp and the second slide rail clamp, the state of the trailer assembly can be quickly locked after the trolley assembly has finished moving, that is, the relative position of the vehicle body and the support block is fixed, so that the centering device does not affect the position of the vehicle body in subsequent operations. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention (including the carrier, when the carrier is not in place).

[0040] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention (including the carrier, and the carrier after it is in place).

[0042] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of section B in the middle.

[0043] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention (excluding the carrier).

[0044] Figure 6 This is a top view of the present invention (excluding the vehicle).

[0045] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the present invention (excluding the vehicle).

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the precision positioning mechanism of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a front view of the precision positioning mechanism of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the trailer assembly of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 11 This is a front view of the trailer assembly of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 12 This is a side view of the trailer assembly of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the trolley assembly of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the trolley assembly of the present invention (from another perspective).

[0053] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 16 This is an exploded view of the lifting mechanism of the present invention.

[0055] The components include: 1. Carrier; 11. First locating pin; 12. Support surface; 2. Lifting mechanism; 3. Precision positioning mechanism; 4. Trailer assembly; 5. Pushcart assembly;

[0056] 21. Transmission mechanism; 22. Drive mechanism; 23. Carriage; 24. Frame;

[0057] 2101, First guide roller group; 2102, Transmission belt; 2103, Second guide roller group; 2104, Third guide roller group;

[0058] 31. Second locating pin; 32. Mounting plate; 33. Linear bearing; 34. Positioning cylinder; 35. Positioning base; 36. Guide shaft;

[0059] 41. Support block; 42. Support base; 43. Movable base plate; 44. Mounting base plate; 45. Second elastic component; 46. Second guide rail assembly; 461. Second slide rail clamp; 47. First elastic component; 48. First guide rail assembly; 481. First slide rail clamp;

[0060] 470. First connecting plate; 471. First sliding shaft; 472. First spring; 473. First support plate; 474. Second spring; 475. First baffle plate;

[0061] 450. Second connecting plate; 451. Second sliding shaft; 452. Third spring; 453. Second support plate; 454. Fourth spring; 455. Second baffle plate;

[0062] 51. Push block; 52. Support; 53. Push cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] like Figures 1-7 As shown, the centering device in Embodiment 1 includes a lifting mechanism 2. The lifting mechanism 2 has the following structure: a frame 24, a drive mechanism 22 on one side of the frame 24, a transmission mechanism 21 connected to the drive mechanism 22 on the frame 24, and slides 23 connected to the transmission mechanism 21 symmetrically arranged on both sides inside the frame 24. The sides of the slides 23 slide in cooperation with the frame 24. The slides 23 move up and down under the drive of the transmission mechanism 21. A precision positioning mechanism 3 that cooperates with the bottom of the carrier 1 is provided on one side of the frame 24. The vehicle body that needs to be centered is placed in the carrier 1. A first positioning pin 11 that cooperates with the positioning hole at the bottom front of the vehicle body is provided on the carrier 1. Multiple trailer components 4 that cooperate with the bottom of the vehicle body are provided on the slides 23. A pusher component 5 that cooperates with the side skirt of the vehicle body is provided on the slides 23.

[0065] The vehicle body is transported to the centering station via a carrier 1 along the top rail. The upper end of the carrier 1 is fixed to the top rail by a positioning device. There are two first positioning pins 11 on the carrier 1. The lower outer periphery of the first positioning pin 11 is provided with a support surface 12 that mates with the bottom of the vehicle body. The positioning pin 11 positions the vehicle body by engaging with the positioning hole at the bottom front end of the vehicle body. Since the bottom rear end of the vehicle body is only supported by the carrier 1, there is a certain gap between the first positioning pin 11 and the positioning hole at the bottom front end of the vehicle body, which causes the vehicle body to rotate during transport.

[0066] The precision positioning mechanism 3, through its cooperation with the bottom of the carrier 1, positions the carrier 1 in the centering device, thereby ensuring that the vehicle body is in an adjustable, centering position. The slide 23 on the lifting mechanism 2 is located below the vehicle body. By moving the slide 23 upward, the vehicle body is lifted and detached from the carrier 1. At this time, the bottom of the vehicle body is not in contact with the support surface 12, but the first positioning pin 11 is still located in the positioning hole at the bottom front end of the vehicle body.

[0067] The action of the drive mechanism 22 is transmitted to the slide 23 through the transmission mechanism 21, which drives the slide to move up and down. The drive mechanism 22 can be a cylinder or a motor.

[0068] When the carriage 23 moves upward to lift the vehicle body, the trailer assembly 4 supports the vehicle body. The pusher assembly 5, mounted on the carriage 23, pushes the vehicle body skirts from both sides, ensuring the vehicle body's position is precise during alignment. During alignment, the vehicle body rotates relative to the first positioning pin 11 while the positioning hole at the bottom front of the vehicle body remains in contact with the first positioning pin 11. The contact part between the trailer assembly 4 and the bottom of the vehicle body moves with the vehicle body, making alignment easier. The pusher assembly 5 can simultaneously align the vehicle body in both front-to-back and left-to-right directions with precise positioning using only one action. Figure 6 As shown, the X direction is the front-to-back direction of the vehicle body, and the Y direction is the left-to-right direction of the vehicle body. The carriage 23 is located on the frame 24 on both sides of the Y direction.

[0069] The first positioning pin 11 performs initial positioning of the vehicle body, and the fine positioning mechanism 3 performs secondary positioning of the vehicle body, limiting the position of the vehicle body to a relatively fine adjustment range. Through the synergistic effect of the pusher assembly 5 and the trailer assembly 4, the vehicle body is simultaneously centered in both the front, rear, left and right directions while achieving precise positioning. This makes operation more convenient, increases work efficiency, and reduces production costs due to its simple structure.

[0070] like Figures 8-9 As shown, the structure of the precision positioning mechanism 3 is as follows: it includes a positioning base 35 disposed on one side of the frame 24, a positioning cylinder 34 installed in the middle of the positioning base 35 along the vertical direction, the output end of the positioning cylinder 34 facing upward and a second positioning pin 31 is installed thereon, and the second positioning pin 31 cooperates with the bottom of the carrier 1.

[0071] The precision positioning mechanism 3 is located on the same side of the X-direction frame 24 and is fixed to the frame 24 by a connector. The second positioning pin 31 of the precision positioning mechanism 3 is connected to the bottom of the vehicle 1 to achieve the positioning of the vehicle 1 in the centering device and ensure that the vehicle body is in a stable state during the centering process.

[0072] A mounting plate 32 is provided at the output end of the positioning cylinder 34. A second positioning pin 31 is mounted on the upper surface of the mounting plate 32. Guide shafts 36 are symmetrically arranged on the lower surface of the mounting plates 32 on both sides of the positioning cylinder 34. A linear bearing 33 that mates with the outer circumference of the guide shaft 36 is provided on the upper part of the positioning base 35. The linear bearing 33 is a linear motion ball bearing. When the positioning cylinder 34 is activated, the second positioning pin 31 moves up and down under the guidance of the linear bearing 33.

[0073] like Figures 10-12 As shown, the structure of the trailer assembly 4 is as follows: it includes a mounting base plate 44 mounted on the carriage 23, a movable base plate 43 parallel to the mounting base plate 44 is provided above the mounting base plate 44, the bottom of the movable base plate 43 is slidably connected to the mounting base plate 44 through a first guide rail assembly 48, the mounting base plate 44 and the movable base plate 43 are elastically connected through a first elastic component 47, a support seat 42 is provided above the movable base plate 43, the upper part of the support seat 42 is a support block 41 that cooperates with the bottom of the vehicle body, the bottom of the support seat 42 is slidably connected to the movable base plate 43 through a second guide rail assembly 46, the support seat 42 and the movable base plate 43 are elastically connected through a second elastic component 45, and the axial directions of the first guide rail assembly 48 and the second guide rail assembly 46 are perpendicular to each other.

[0074] The contact point between the trailer assembly 4 and the bottom of the vehicle body is the support block 41. There is a certain friction between the support block 41 and the bottom of the vehicle body. By setting the first guide rail assembly 48 and the second guide rail assembly 46, the support block 41 and the vehicle body can move together during the centering process. By setting the first elastic component 47 and the second elastic component 45, the support block 41 of the trailer assembly 4 can be reset to the initial position after the vehicle body is separated from the support block 41.

[0075] The first elastic component 47 has the following structure: it includes a first sliding shaft 471, one end of which is detachably and fixedly connected to the movable base plate 43 via a first connecting plate 470, and the other end of which is provided with a first baffle 475. The middle part of the first sliding shaft 471 is slidably connected to the mounting base plate 44 via a first support plate 473. A first spring 472 and a second spring 474 are fitted outside the first sliding shaft 471. The two ends of the first spring 472 are respectively engaged with the first connecting plate 470 and the first support plate 473, and the two ends of the second spring 474 are respectively engaged with the first support plate 473 and the first baffle 475. The middle part of the first sliding shaft 471 passes through a hole in the first support plate 473 and can slide horizontally relative to the first support plate 473, which also serves as a guide.

[0076] The second elastic component 45 has the following structure: it includes a second sliding shaft 451, one end of which is detachably and fixedly connected to the support base 42 via a second connecting plate 450, and the other end of which is provided with a second baffle 455. The middle part of the second sliding shaft 451 is slidably connected to the movable base plate 43 via a second support plate 453. A third spring 452 and a fourth spring 454 are fitted outside the second sliding shaft 451. The two ends of the third spring 452 respectively cooperate with the second connecting plate 450 and the second support plate 453, and the two ends of the fourth spring 454 respectively cooperate with the second support plate 453 and the second baffle 455. The middle part of the second sliding shaft 451 passes through a hole in the second support plate 453 and can slide horizontally relative to the second support plate 453, which also serves as a guide.

[0077] The first elastic component 47 and the second elastic component 45 achieve automatic reset of the support block 41 through the cooperation structure of the sliding shaft and two springs, which is simple and easy to maintain.

[0078] When the trailer assembly 4 is installed on the carriage 23, the first sliding shaft 471 and the second sliding shaft 451 can be aligned with the X direction and the Y direction, respectively.

[0079] A first slide rail clamp 481 that cooperates with the first guide rail assembly 48 is mounted on the lower surface of the active base plate 43.

[0080] The bottom of the support base 42 is equipped with a second slide rail clamp 461 that cooperates with the second guide rail assembly 46.

[0081] By setting the first slide rail clamp 481 and the second slide rail clamp 461, the state of the trailer assembly 4 can be quickly locked after the pusher assembly 5 has finished moving, that is, the relative position of the vehicle body and the support block 41 is fixed, so that the centering device does not affect the position of the vehicle body in subsequent operations.

[0082] like Figures 13-14 As shown, the structure of the trolley assembly 5 is as follows: it includes a push cylinder 53 mounted on the carriage 23. The push cylinder 53 is horizontally positioned, and a frame structure support 52 is provided on the carriage 23 at the front end of the push cylinder 53. A push block 51 is slidably connected to the upper part of the support 52. The output end of the push cylinder 53 is connected to the push block 51 through an adapter. One side of the push block 51 mates with the side skirt of the vehicle body. The number of trolley assemblies 5 on a single carriage 23 can be set according to the actual situation, and can be one or more.

[0083] like Figures 15-16As shown, the transmission mechanism 21 has the following structure: it includes a first guide roller group 2101 and a second guide roller group 2103 respectively installed on the upper ends of both sides of the frame 24; a third guide roller group 2104 is provided on the frame 24 below the second guide roller group 2103; a drive mechanism 22 is provided on one side of the frame 24 corresponding to the first guide roller group 2101; and it also includes a transmission belt 2102 that cooperates with the first guide roller group 2101, the second guide roller group 2103, the third guide roller group 2104, and the output end of the drive mechanism 22. The two ends of the transmission belt 2102 are respectively connected to the upper parts of the two carriages 23, and the middle part of the transmission belt 2102 is located at the lower part of the frame 24. The drive mechanism 22 is specifically a motor.

[0084] The transmission belt 2102 is U-shaped under the guidance of the first guide roller group 2101, the second guide roller group 2103, and the third guide roller group 2104, so that the transmission belt 2102 is only distributed at the bottom and sides of the frame 24. The up and down movement of the carriage 23 is controlled by changing the unfolded length of the transmission belt 2102 in cooperation with the output end of the drive mechanism 22. The transmission mechanism 21 solves the problem of precise control of the short stroke lifting of the carriage 23 by changing the length of the long transmission belt 2102, saving production costs while occupying less space.

[0085] The centering method of the centering device in Embodiment 2 includes the following steps:

[0086] Step 1, Initial Positioning:

[0087] When the vehicle body is placed on the carrier 1, the first positioning pin 11 of the carrier 1 engages with the positioning hole at the bottom front end of the vehicle body, and the support surface 12 on the lower outer periphery of the first positioning pin 11 engages with the bottom of the vehicle body. Then, when the vehicle body is transported to the centering station along the top rail, the positioning device fixes the upper end of the carrier 1 to the top rail.

[0088] Step 2, Secondary Positioning:

[0089] When the positioning device completes its operation, it sends a signal. After receiving the signal, the precision positioning mechanism 3 engages with the bottom of the carrier 1 to position and fix the carrier 1.

[0090] Step 3: Lift the vehicle body:

[0091] The drive mechanism 22 starts and drives the carriage 23 to rise through the transmission mechanism 21. During the rise, the support block 41 of the trailer assembly 4 supports the vehicle body and drives the vehicle body to rise together. The vehicle body is separated from the carrier 1 so that the bottom of the vehicle body does not contact the support surface 12, but the first positioning pin 11 is still located in the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the vehicle body. When the vehicle body is in place, the drive mechanism 22 stops.

[0092] Step 4: Centering Operation

[0093] The push cylinders 53 of the pusher assembly 5 on both sides of the vehicle body extend and drive the push block 51 forward. During the forward movement of the push block 51, it can push the side skirt of the vehicle body to rotate relative to the first positioning pin 11. At the same time, the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the vehicle body does not disengage from the first positioning pin 11. During the centering process, the support block 41 moves with the vehicle body. When the pusher assembly 5 has reached its position, it indicates that the vehicle body has been straightened and the support block 41 has been fixed in the current position.

[0094] Step 5: Deactivate GPS:

[0095] After the centering operation was completed, the position of the first locating pin 11 in the locating hole at the bottom of the vehicle body changed compared to before centering.

[0096] The drive mechanism 22 starts and drives the slide 23 to continue to descend through the transmission mechanism 21, so that the support surface 12 cooperates with the bottom of the vehicle body. After the slide 23 descends to the bottom, the drive mechanism 22 stops.

[0097] The precise positioning mechanism 3 disengages from the bottom of the vehicle 1, releasing the vehicle 1 from its fixation, and the vehicle 1 leaves with the vehicle body.

[0098] The centering method of the centering device in Embodiment 3 includes the following steps:

[0099] Step 1, Initial Positioning:

[0100] When the vehicle body is placed on the carrier 1, the first positioning pin 11 of the carrier 1 engages with the positioning hole at the bottom front end of the vehicle body, and the support surface 12 on the lower outer periphery of the first positioning pin 11 engages with the bottom of the vehicle body. Then, when the vehicle body is transported to the centering station along the top rail, the positioning device fixes the upper end of the carrier 1 to the top rail.

[0101] Step 2, Secondary Positioning:

[0102] When the positioning device completes its operation, it sends a signal. After receiving the signal, the positioning cylinder 34 of the precision positioning mechanism 3 moves to drive the second positioning pin 31 to rise and engage with the bottom of the carrier 1, thus fixing the carrier 1 in position.

[0103] Step 3: Lift the vehicle body:

[0104] When the drive mechanism 22, i.e. the motor, is started, the output end of the drive mechanism 22 rotates clockwise, which causes the transmission belt 2102 of the transmission mechanism 21 to unfold and reduce its length, thereby driving the carriage 23 to rise. During the rise of the carriage 23, the support block 41 of the trailer assembly 4 supports the vehicle body and drives the vehicle body to rise together. The vehicle body is separated from the carrier 1, so that the bottom of the vehicle body does not contact the support surface 12, but the first positioning pin 11 is still located in the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the vehicle body. When the rise is in place, the drive mechanism 22 stops.

[0105] Step 4: Centering Operation

[0106] The push cylinders 53 of the pusher assembly 5 on both sides of the vehicle body extend and drive the push block 51 forward. During the forward movement of the push block 51, it can push the side skirt of the vehicle body to rotate relative to the first positioning pin 11. At the same time, the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the vehicle body does not disengage from the first positioning pin 11. During the centering process, the support block 41 moves with the vehicle body. When the pusher assembly 5 has reached its position, it indicates that the vehicle body has been straightened.

[0107] The first slide rail clamp 481 and the second slide rail clamp 461 are closed by air supply to fix the support block 41 in the current position, thereby fixing the vehicle body in the middle position.

[0108] Step 5: Deactivate GPS:

[0109] After the centering operation was completed, the position of the first locating pin 11 in the locating hole at the bottom of the vehicle body changed compared to before centering.

[0110] The first slide rail clamp 481 and the second slide rail clamp 461 send a positioning signal, and the output end of the drive mechanism 22 rotates counterclockwise. The transmission belt 2102 unfolds and increases in length, causing the slide 23 to descend, so that the support surface 12 fits with the bottom of the vehicle body. After the slide 23 descends to the positioning position, the drive mechanism 22 stops.

[0111] The positioning cylinder 34 of the precision positioning mechanism 3 is activated to release its engagement with the bottom of the vehicle 1, thereby releasing the fixation of the vehicle 1, and the vehicle 1 leaves with the vehicle body.

[0112] The centering method of the centering device of the present invention uses the first positioning pin 11 to perform initial positioning of the vehicle body and the fine positioning mechanism 3 to perform secondary positioning of the vehicle body, thereby limiting the position of the vehicle body to a relatively fine adjustment range. Through the synergistic effect of the pusher assembly 5 and the trailer assembly 4, the vehicle body is simultaneously centered in both the front, rear, left and right directions while achieving precise positioning. This makes the operation more convenient, the work efficiency higher, and the degree of automation higher.

[0113] The above description is an explanation of the present invention and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. Within the scope of protection of the present invention, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. A centering device, characterized in that: Including the lifting mechanism (2), The lifting mechanism (2) has the following structure: it includes a frame (24), a drive mechanism (22) is provided on one side of the frame (24), a transmission mechanism (21) is provided on the frame (24) and is connected to the drive mechanism (22), and slides (23) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the inside of the frame (24) and connected to the transmission mechanism (21). The sides of the slides (23) are slidably engaged with the frame (24), and the slides (23) move up and down under the drive of the transmission mechanism (21). The frame (24) is provided with a precision positioning mechanism (3) that cooperates with the bottom of the vehicle (1) on one side. The vehicle (1) is used to place the car body that needs to be aligned. The vehicle (1) is provided with a first positioning pin (11) that cooperates with the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the car body. There are two first positioning pins (11). The lower outer periphery of the first positioning pin (11) is provided with a support surface (12) that cooperates with the bottom of the car body. The carriage (23) is provided with a plurality of trailer components (4) that cooperate with the bottom of the vehicle body, and the carriage (23) is provided with a pusher component (5) that cooperates with the side skirt of the vehicle body. The structure of the trailer assembly (4) is as follows: it includes a mounting base plate (44) mounted on a carriage (23), a movable base plate (43) parallel to the mounting base plate (44) is provided above the mounting base plate (44), the bottom of the movable base plate (43) is slidably connected to the mounting base plate (44) through a first guide rail assembly (48), the mounting base plate (44) and the movable base plate (43) are elastically connected through a first elastic component (47), a support seat (42) is provided above the movable base plate (43), the upper part of the support seat (42) is a support block (41) that cooperates with the bottom of the vehicle body, the bottom of the support seat (42) is slidably connected to the movable base plate (43) through a second guide rail assembly (46), the support seat (42) and the movable base plate (43) are elastically connected through a second elastic component (45), and the axial directions of the first guide rail assembly (48) and the second guide rail assembly (46) are perpendicular to each other; By setting the first guide rail assembly (48) and the second guide rail assembly (46) to achieve the following movement of the support block (41) and the vehicle body during the centering process, the trolley assembly (5) and the trailer assembly (4) work together to achieve precise positioning and center the vehicle body in both front, rear and left and right directions at the same time. The structure of the precision positioning mechanism (3) is as follows: it includes a positioning base (35) disposed on one side of the frame (24).

2. The centering device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A positioning cylinder (34) is installed vertically in the middle of the positioning base (35). The output end of the positioning cylinder (34) is upward and a second positioning pin (31) is installed thereon. The second positioning pin (31) cooperates with the bottom of the carrier (1).

3. The centering device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The output end of the positioning cylinder (34) is provided with a mounting plate (32), and a second positioning pin (31) is installed on the upper surface of the mounting plate (32). Guide shafts (36) are symmetrically arranged on the lower surface of the mounting plates (32) on both sides of the positioning cylinder (34). A linear bearing (33) that cooperates with the outer circumference of the guide shaft (36) is provided on the upper part of the positioning base (35).

4. The centering device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The structure of the first elastic component (47) is as follows: it includes a first sliding shaft (471), one end of the first sliding shaft (471) is detachably and fixedly connected to the movable base plate (43) through a first connecting plate (470), the other end of the first sliding shaft (471) is provided with a first baffle (475), the middle part of the first sliding shaft (471) is slidably connected to the mounting base plate (44) through a first support plate (473), and a first spring (472) and a second spring (474) are fitted on the outside of the first sliding shaft (471). The two ends of the first spring (472) are respectively engaged with the first connecting plate (470) and the first support plate (473), and the two ends of the second spring (474) are respectively engaged with the first support plate (473) and the first baffle (475).

5. The centering device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The structure of the second elastic component (45) is as follows: it includes a second sliding shaft (451), one end of the second sliding shaft (451) is detachably and fixedly connected to the support base (42) through the second connecting plate (450), the other end of the second sliding shaft (451) is provided with a second baffle (455), the middle part of the second sliding shaft (451) is slidably connected to the movable base plate (43) through the second support plate (453), and the second sliding shaft (451) is externally fitted with a third spring (452) and a fourth spring (454). The two ends of the third spring (452) are respectively engaged with the second connecting plate (450) and the second support plate (453), and the two ends of the fourth spring (454) are respectively engaged with the second support plate (453) and the second baffle (455).

6. The centering device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The lower surface of the active base plate (43) is equipped with a first slide rail clamp (481) that cooperates with the first guide rail assembly (48). The bottom of the support base (42) is equipped with a second slide rail clamp (461) that cooperates with the second guide rail assembly (46).

7. The centering device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The structure of the trolley assembly (5) is as follows: it includes a push cylinder (53) mounted on a slide (23). The push cylinder (53) is horizontally arranged. A frame structure support (52) is provided on the slide (23) at the front end of the push cylinder (53). A push block (51) is slidably connected to the upper part of the support (52). The output end of the push cylinder (53) is connected to the push block (51) through an adapter. One side of the push block (51) is engaged with the side skirt of the vehicle body.

8. The centering device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism (21) has the following structure: it includes a first guide roller group (2101) and a second guide roller group (2103) respectively installed on the upper ends of both sides of the frame (24), a third guide roller group (2104) is provided on the frame (24) below the second guide roller group (2103), a drive mechanism (22) is provided on one side of the frame (24) corresponding to the first guide roller group (2101), and a transmission belt (2102) that cooperates with the output ends of the first guide roller group (2101), the second guide roller group (2103), the third guide roller group (2104) and the drive mechanism (22). The two ends of the transmission belt (2102) are respectively connected to the upper part of the two slides (23), and the middle part of the transmission belt (2102) is located at the lower part of the frame (24).

9. A centering method for the centering device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1, Initial Positioning: The vehicle body is placed on the carrier (1). At this time, the first positioning pin (11) of the carrier (1) is engaged with the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the vehicle body, and the support surface (12) of the lower outer periphery of the first positioning pin 11 is engaged with the bottom of the vehicle body. Then, when the vehicle (1) is transported to the centering station along the top rail, the positioning device fixes the upper end of the carrier (1) to the top rail. Step 2, Secondary Positioning: When the positioning device completes its operation, it sends a signal. After receiving the signal, the precision positioning mechanism (3) cooperates with the bottom of the vehicle (1) to position and fix the vehicle (1). Step 3: Lift the vehicle body: The drive mechanism (22) starts and drives the carriage (23) to rise through the transmission mechanism (21). During the rise of the carriage (23), the support block (41) of the trailer assembly (4) supports the vehicle body and drives the vehicle body to rise together. The vehicle body is separated from the carrier (1) so that the bottom of the vehicle body does not contact the support surface (12) but the first positioning pin (11) is still located in the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the vehicle body. When the vehicle body is in place, the drive mechanism (22) stops. Step 4: Centering Operation The push cylinders (53) of the pusher assembly (5) on both sides of the vehicle body extend and drive the push block (51) forward. During the forward movement of the push block (51), the side skirt of the vehicle body can be pushed to make the vehicle body rotate relative to the first positioning pin (11). At the same time, the positioning hole at the bottom of the front end of the vehicle body does not disengage from the first positioning pin (11). During the centering process, the support block (41) moves with the vehicle body. When the pusher assembly (5) is in place, it indicates that the vehicle body is straightened and the support block (41) is fixed in the current position. Step 5: Deactivate GPS: After the centering operation was completed, the position of the first locating pin (11) in the locating hole at the bottom of the vehicle body changed compared with before centering; The drive mechanism (22) starts and drives the carriage (23) to continue to descend through the transmission mechanism (21), so that the support surface (12) matches the bottom of the vehicle body. After the carriage (23) descends to the bottom, the drive mechanism (22) stops. The precision positioning mechanism (3) moves to release its match with the bottom of the vehicle (1), releases the fixation of the vehicle (1), and the vehicle (1) leaves with the vehicle body.

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