Assembly system and vehicle production line

Abstract

This invention discloses an assembly system and a vehicle production line. The assembly system has a scanning area and includes a support, a feeding device, a control device, and an assembly device mounted on the support. The scanning area has a loading position and a working position. The feeding device includes a loading mechanism and a transport mechanism. The loading mechanism transports connectors to the loading position, and the transport mechanism transports prefabricated parts to the working position. The assembly device assembles the connectors at the loading position onto the prefabricated parts at the working position. The transport mechanism also transports the assembled parts out of the working position. The control device includes a control module and a scanning module. Both the scanning module and the assembly device are electrically connected to the control module. When an operator enters the scanning area, the scanning module generates a signal and feeds it back to the control module. The control module receives the signal and controls the assembly device accordingly. This assembly system reduces the risk of collisions and allows operators to enter the working area and perform synchronous operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and more particularly to an assembly system and a vehicle production line. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicle assembly, some components require connection via numerous connectors. For example, battery modules require tightening over thirty nuts, and currently, most tightening operations are performed by industrial robots wielding tightening guns. However, due to collision safety risks, industrial robots need to be surrounded by fencing to prevent personnel from entering their working area.

[0003] In order to reduce work time and improve work efficiency, operators and industrial robots need to work simultaneously. However, due to the excessive speed and force of industrial robots, there is a risk of collision, which prevents operators from entering their work areas to carry out synchronous work.

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings, it is necessary to provide a new assembly system and vehicle production line. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an assembly system and vehicle production line that addresses the problem of collision safety risks associated with existing nut-tightening industrial robots, which prevent operators from entering their work areas for synchronous work.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an assembly system for vehicle production. The assembly system has a scanning area, within which a loading position and a working position are provided. The assembly system includes:

[0007] The support is positioned close to the scanning area;

[0008] The feeding device includes a feeding mechanism and a conveying mechanism. The feeding mechanism is used to transport the connector to the feeding position, and the conveying mechanism is used to transport the prefabricated part to the working position.

[0009] An assembly device is provided on the support and is used to assemble the connector at the loading position onto the prefabricated part at the working position. The conveying mechanism is also used to transport the assembly out of the working position.

[0010] The control device includes a control module and a scanning module mounted on the bracket. Both the scanning module and the assembly device are electrically connected to the control module. The scanning module is used to scan the scanning area. When an operator enters the scanning area, the scanning module generates a signal and feeds it back to the control module. The control module is used to receive the signal and control the assembly device according to the signal.

[0011] Preferably, the support includes a first column and a first crossbeam connected to each other, the working position is located below the first crossbeam, the number of assembly devices is two, the two assembly devices are connected to the first crossbeam at intervals, and the number of feeding mechanisms is consistent with the number of assembly devices and corresponds one-to-one.

[0012] Preferably, there are two first columns, each connected to one end of the first crossbeam, and each feeding mechanism is positioned close to the first column on the side where the corresponding assembly device is located; and / or, the support further includes a fixed base plate and an inclined reinforcing column, the top of the reinforcing column being connected to the side wall of the first column, and the bottom of the reinforcing column being spaced apart from the bottom of the first column and both being connected to the fixed base plate.

[0013] Preferably, the assembly device includes an assembly drive, an assembly robotic arm, and an assembly gun. The assembly robotic arm is connected to the first crossbeam, and its position relative to the first crossbeam is adjustable. The assembly robotic arm has an actuating end, and the assembly gun is mounted on the actuating end. The assembly drive is disposed on the assembly robotic arm and is used to drive the actuating end to move the assembly gun, so that the assembly gun assembles the connector onto the prefabricated part located at the working position. The assembly drive is electrically connected to the control module, and the control module is used to receive the signal and control the assembly drive according to the signal.

[0014] Preferably, there are multiple assembly guns, and each execution end is provided with at least two assembly guns.

[0015] Preferably, the control device further includes a display module electrically connected to the control module, the display module being disposed on the first crossbeam, and the display module being used to display assembly data.

[0016] Preferably, the support includes a second column and a second crossbeam connected to each other, and the number of scanning modules is at least two, with the at least two scanning modules disposed on both sides of the second crossbeam and their positions relative to the second crossbeam adjustable.

[0017] Preferably, the feeding mechanism includes:

[0018] frame;

[0019] The material storage assembly includes a material storage bin and a material pushing drive both mounted on the frame. The material storage bin is used to store the connector and has a discharge port. The material pushing drive is used to push the connector in the material storage bin out of the discharge port.

[0020] The vibration assembly includes a vibratory plate and a vibration drive unit both disposed on the frame. The vibratory plate has an outlet and an inlet corresponding to the discharge port. The vibration drive unit is used to drive the vibratory plate to vibrate so that the connecting members in the vibratory plate are arranged to the outlet.

[0021] The conveying assembly includes a conveying drive unit mounted on the frame and a conveying member movably connected to the frame. The conveying member has a support groove for supporting the connecting member, and the sidewall of the support groove has an opening for the connecting member to pass through. The conveying drive unit is used to drive the conveying member to move to a preset position so that the opening communicates with the outlet. The vibration drive unit is also used to drive the vibratory plate to vibrate so that the connecting member at the outlet enters the support groove through the opening. The conveying drive unit is used to drive the conveying member to transport the connecting member to the loading position.

[0022] Preferably, the conveying mechanism includes:

[0023] A carrier frame, with drive wheels located beneath it;

[0024] A positioning assembly includes a tray and a positioning frame fixed to the carrier. The positioning frame is provided with a first positioning element, and the tray is provided with a second positioning element and a third positioning element. The tray is placed on the positioning frame. The first positioning element and the second positioning element cooperate to position the tray. The tray is used to support the prefabricated component or the assembled component. The third positioning element is used to position the prefabricated component or the assembled component on the tray.

[0025] A drive assembly for driving the drive wheel to rotate, so as to transport the prefabricated part to the work position and the assembled part out of the work position.

[0026] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also proposes a vehicle production line, which includes a conveying system and an assembly system as described above. The conveying system is used to convey the prefabricated parts and the assembled parts, and the handling mechanism is used to transport the prefabricated parts from the conveying system to the work position and to transport the assembled parts from the work position to the conveying system.

[0027] In this invention, the assembly system includes a support, a feeding device, an assembly device, and a control device. The support is positioned near the scanning area and can be located within the scanning area. The feeding device includes a loading mechanism and a transport mechanism. The loading mechanism arranges the connectors at the loading position for the assembly device to grasp. The transport mechanism transports the prefabricated parts to the working position within the scanning area. The assembly device grasps the connectors at the loading position and assembles them onto the prefabricated parts at the working position. The control device includes a control module and a scanning module. When the assembly device assembles the connectors on the prefabricated parts, such as when an automatic tightening device tightens nuts on the prefabricated parts, the scanning module scans the scanning area. If a person enters the scanning area, the scanning module generates a signal and feeds it back to the control module. The control module receives the signal and, based on the signal, reduces the operating speed of the assembly device to a preset speed and the safety force of the assembly device to a preset force, reducing the risk of collision and allowing the operator to enter the scanning area and work on the prefabricated parts simultaneously. Working simultaneously with assembly equipment can significantly improve work efficiency. Furthermore, it can reduce the space occupied on the production line, making the entire production line lighter and more efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly system in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the scanning area of ​​the assembly system in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support, the feeding mechanism, and the assembly device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support and scanning module in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket and assembly device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the transport mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the carrier and positioning frame in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the tray structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0042] label name label name 1 support 221 carrier 11 First Pillar 222 Positioning components 12 First crossbeam 2221 positioning frame 13 Fixed base plate 2222 tray 14 Strengthening column 2223 First positioning component 15 Second pillar 2224 Second positioning component 16 Second crossbeam 2225 Third positioning component 2 Feeding device 3 Assembly equipment 21 Feeding mechanism 31 Assembly robotic arm 211 frame 32 Assemble gun 212 Storage components 4 Control device 213 Vibration Components 41 Control module 214 Conveyor Components 42 Scanning module 2141 Conveyor drive components 43 Display module 2142 Conveyor 10 connector 2143 Support groove 100 Feeding location 22 Handling organization 200 Work location

[0043] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0046] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0047] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0049] This invention proposes an assembly system and vehicle production line, aiming to solve the problem that existing nut-tightening industrial robots pose a collision safety risk, preventing operators from entering their work area for synchronous work.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The assembly system is used for vehicle production. The assembly system includes a support 1, a feeding device 2, an assembly device 3, and a control device 4. The assembly system has a scanning area with a loading position 100 and a working position 200. The support 1 is positioned close to the scanning area. The feeding device 2 includes a loading mechanism 21 and a conveying mechanism 22. The loading mechanism 21 transports the connector 10 to the loading position 100, and the conveying mechanism 22 transports the prefabricated part to the working position 200. The assembly device 3 is mounted on the support 1 and is used to load the parts located at the loading position 100. The connector 10 at position 00 is assembled on the prefabricated part located at position 200. The conveying mechanism 22 is also used to transport the assembly out of position 200. The control device 4 includes a control module 41 and a scanning module 42 mounted on the support 1. The scanning module 42 and the assembly device 3 are both electrically connected to the control module 41. The scanning module 42 is used to scan the scanning area. When the operator enters the scanning area, the scanning module 42 generates a signal and feeds it back to the control module 41. The control module 41 is used to receive the signal and control the assembly device 3 according to the signal.

[0051] The assembly system of the present invention includes a support 1, a feeding device 2, an assembly device 3, and a control device 4. The support 1 is positioned close to the scanning area and can be located within the scanning area. The feeding device 2 includes a loading mechanism 21 and a transport mechanism 22. The loading mechanism 21 arranges the connectors 10 to a loading position 100 for the assembly device 3 to grasp. The transport mechanism 22 can be an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and transports the prefabricated part to a working position 200 within the scanning area. The assembly device 3 grasps the connectors 10 at the loading position 100 and assembles the connectors 10 onto the prefabricated part located at the working position 200. The control device 4... The system includes a control module 41 and a scanning module 42. When the assembly device 3 assembles the prefabricated parts using connectors 10, such as when an automatic tightening device tightens nuts on the prefabricated parts, the scanning module 42, acting as an area scanner, scans the designated area. If a person enters the scanned area, the scanning module 42 generates a signal and sends it back to the control module 41. The control module 41 receives the signal and, based on this signal, reduces the operating speed of the assembly device 3 to a preset speed and the safety force of the assembly device 3 to a preset force, reducing the risk of collision. This allows the operator to enter the scanned area and simultaneously work on the prefabricated parts. Simultaneous operation of personnel and assembly equipment significantly improves work efficiency and reduces the space occupied on the production line, making the entire production line lighter and more efficient.

[0052] In one embodiment, a battery module is assembled. The battery module includes prefabricated parts. When no personnel enter the scanning area, the assembly device 3 operates at a relatively fast speed of 3000 mm / s to reduce the operation cycle time. At this time, the collision stopping force is 200 N, while the safe collision force for a person is less than 75 N. When an operator enters the scanning area, the operating speed of the assembly device 3 is reduced to 50 mm / s, and the collision force is reduced to less than 75 N. At this time, even if the assembly device 3 hits the operator, no injury will occur, and the operator can simultaneously perform operations such as JB box and terminal cover.

[0053] In this regard, please combine Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, in one embodiment, the support 1 includes a first column 11 and a first crossbeam 12 connected to each other. The working position 200 is located below the first crossbeam 12. There are two assembly devices 3, which are connected to the first crossbeam 12 at intervals. The number of feeding mechanisms 21 is the same as the number of assembly devices 3 and corresponds one-to-one. To improve assembly efficiency, there are two assembly devices 3, which are spaced apart on the first crossbeam 12. When the conveying mechanism 22 transports the prefabricated part to the working position 200, the two assembly devices 3 can simultaneously assemble the connector 10 onto the prefabricated part. Using two assembly devices 3 to work simultaneously can speed up the work cycle, save manpower, and reduce assembly costs. Moreover, the number of feeding mechanisms 21 is the same as the number of assembly devices 3 and corresponds one-to-one. There are two feeding mechanisms 21, and each feeding mechanism 21 feeds the connector 10 to the corresponding assembly device 3.

[0054] Furthermore, in one embodiment, there are two first columns 11, each connected to one end of the first crossbeam 12. Each feeding mechanism 21 is positioned close to the first column 11 on the side where the corresponding assembly device 3 is located. Since both ends of the first crossbeam 12 are connected to a first column 11, the first crossbeam 12 can be securely suspended in the air. The feeding mechanism 21's proximity to the first column 11 on the side where the corresponding assembly device 3 is located does not obstruct the transport mechanism 22.

[0055] In another embodiment, please combine Figure 6 As shown, the support 1 also includes a fixed base plate 13 and an inclined reinforcing column 14. The top of the reinforcing column 14 is connected to the side wall of the first column 11, and the bottom of the reinforcing column 14 is spaced apart from the bottom of the first column 11 and both are connected to the fixed base plate 13. To improve the stability of the support 1, the bottom of the first column 11 can be connected to the fixed base plate 13 to increase the contact area between the support 1 and the bottom surface. The reinforcing column 14 is connected between the fixed base plate 13 and the first column 11 connected to it, so that the first column 11, the fixed base plate 13 and the reinforcing column 14 form a triangular structure.

[0056] Additionally, please combine Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, in one embodiment, the assembly device 3 includes an assembly drive, an assembly robotic arm 31, and an assembly gun 32. The assembly robotic arm 31 is connected to the first crossbeam 12, and the position of the assembly robotic arm 31 relative to the first crossbeam 12 is adjustable. The assembly robotic arm 31 has an execution end, and the assembly gun 32 is mounted on the execution end. The assembly drive is disposed on the assembly robotic arm 31 and is used to drive the execution end to move the assembly gun 32 so that the assembly gun 32 assembles the connector 10 onto the prefabricated part located at the working position 200. The assembly drive is electrically connected to the control module 41, and the control module 41 is used to receive signals and control the assembly drive according to the signals. When it is necessary to assemble the connector 10 onto the prefabricated part located at the work position 200, the assembly drive unit drives the execution end to move the assembly gun 32 to the feeding mechanism 21. The feeding mechanism 21 arranges the connectors 10 for the assembly gun 32 to pick up. After the assembly gun 32 picks up the connector 10, the assembly drive unit drives the execution end to move the assembly gun 32 so that the assembly gun 32 is close to the prefabricated part and assembles the connector 10 onto the prefabricated part. During the assembly process, if an operator enters the scanning area, the scanning module 42 generates a signal and feeds it back to the control module 41. The control module 41 receives the signal and controls the assembly drive unit to reduce the speed of the execution end to a preset speed and the safety force to a preset force. The assembly device 3 can be completed by a collaborative robot and the assembly gun 32. The collaborative robot includes an assembly drive unit and an assembly robotic arm 31. The assembly gun 32 is fixed to the execution end of the collaborative robot. Due to the characteristics of the collaborative robot, when the collaborative robot is subjected to a set collision force, the collaborative robot will report a load and stop working. The required collision stop safety force of the collaborative robot is below 75N.

[0057] The assembly guns 32 are multiple, with at least two assembly guns 32 on each execution end. In one embodiment, each execution end is equipped with two assembly guns 32. The collaborative robot tightens the nut simultaneously with both guns, reducing the number of operators, lowering costs, and halving the overall operation cycle time. With two assembly guns 32 on each of the two collaborative robots, the overall equipment operating time can be reduced to 1 / 4 of the original time. The two collaborative robots, located on opposite sides, tighten simultaneously, reducing the traditional 32 tightening operations to only 8, decreasing the cycle time by 3 / 4 and significantly improving the overall engineering operation cycle time.

[0058] Furthermore, please combine Figure 1 As shown, to achieve multiple functions, the control device 4 also includes a display module 43 electrically connected to the control module 41. The display module 43 is mounted on the first crossbeam 12 and is used to display assembly data. To facilitate understanding of the assembly process, the assembly results are visualized using a display screen, allowing operators to easily observe the assembly results.

[0059] Additionally, please combine Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown in the above embodiment, the support 1 includes a second column 15 and a second crossbeam 16 connected to each other. There are at least two scanning modules 42, which are respectively located on both sides of the second crossbeam 16 and their positions relative to the second crossbeam 16 are adjustable. To ensure comprehensive monitoring of the scanning area, there are at least two scanning modules 42, and at least one scanning module 42 is provided on each side of the second crossbeam 16, thereby enabling the scanning of workers entering the scanning area from below the sides of the second crossbeam 16. The size of the scanning area can be adjusted according to actual requirements, achieved by adjusting the position of the scanning modules 42 relative to the second crossbeam 16. For example, the mounting block for installing the scanning modules 42 is slidably connected to the second crossbeam 16. Once the scanning modules 42 are in the correct position, the mounting block is connected to the second crossbeam 16 by bolts.

[0060] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the feeding mechanism 21 includes a frame 211, a storage assembly 212, a vibration assembly 213, and a conveying assembly 214. The storage assembly 212 includes a storage bin and a pushing drive, both mounted on the frame 211. The storage bin stores the connectors 10 and has a discharge port. The pushing drive pushes the connectors 10 from the storage bin out of the discharge port. The vibration assembly 213 includes a vibrating disc and a vibration drive, both mounted on the frame 211. The vibrating disc has an outlet and an inlet corresponding to the discharge port. The vibration drive drives the vibrating disc to vibrate so that the connectors 10 in the vibrating disc are arranged to the outlet. The conveying assembly 214 includes... The device includes a conveying drive 2141 mounted on a frame 211 and a conveying component 2142 movably connected to the frame 211. The conveying component 2142 has a support groove 2143 for supporting the connector 10. The side wall of the support groove 2143 has an opening for the connector 10 to pass through. The conveying drive 2141 is used to drive the conveying component 2142 to move to a preset position so that the opening communicates with the outlet. The vibration drive is also used to drive the vibratory plate to vibrate so that the connector 10 at the outlet enters the support groove 2143 through the opening. The conveying drive 2141 is used to drive the conveying component 2142 to transport the connector 10 to the loading position 100.

[0061] When it is necessary to add a connector 10 to the vibration assembly 213, the pusher pusher pushes the connector 10 out of the discharge port from the storage box. The connector 10 pushed out of the discharge port enters the vibratory plate of the vibration assembly 213 through the outlet. The vibration drive of the vibration assembly 213 drives the vibratory plate to vibrate so that the connector 10 in the vibratory plate is arranged to the outlet. At this time, the conveying drive 2141 of the conveying assembly 214 drives the conveyor 2142 to move to the material picking position. Since the conveyor 2142 has a support groove 2143 to support the connector 10, the sidewall of the support groove 2143 has An opening for the connector 10 to pass through is provided. The conveyor 2142 stops at the material-picking position, allowing the opening on the conveyor 2142 to connect with the outlet of the vibratory feeder. The vibration drive drives the vibratory feeder to vibrate, causing the connector 10 at the outlet to pass through the opening and enter the support groove 2143. Since the conveyor 2142 is movably connected to the frame 211, the conveyor drive 2141 drives the conveyor 2142 to move relative to the frame 211 and from the material-picking position to the loading position 100, thereby transporting the connector 10 from the material-picking position to the loading position 100 for external robotic arms or industrial robots to grasp. The loading mechanism 21, by setting the conveyor assembly 214, transports the connector 10 at the outlet to the loading position 100 for external robotic arms or industrial robots to grasp. Due to the presence of the support groove 2143, the loading position 100 of the connector 10 is more accurate, reducing the difficulty of grasping and facilitating grasping.

[0062] In one embodiment, the vibratory feeder has at least two outlets, and the conveyor 2142 has at least two support grooves 2143, the number of support grooves 2143 being consistent with the number of outlets and corresponding one-to-one. To improve feeding efficiency, the vibratory feeder can be provided with at least two outlets, the number of which can be 2, 3, 4, etc. The conveyor 2142 is provided with support grooves 2143 consistent with the number of outlets. When the conveyor 2142 is in the material picking position, the opening of each support groove 2143 is connected to the corresponding outlet.

[0063] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism 21 also includes a positioning mechanism. The number of positioning mechanisms corresponds to the number of support grooves 2143. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning drive and a positioning member mounted on the frame 211. When the conveyor 2142 is at the feeding position 100, each positioning drive is used to drive the corresponding positioning member to abut against the connecting member 10 in the corresponding support groove 2143 at the corresponding opening. To improve the accuracy of the feeding position 100, a positioning mechanism is provided at the feeding position 100. When the conveyor 2142 is at the feeding position 100, the positioning drive drives the positioning member to abut against the connecting member 10 in the corresponding support groove 2143 at the opening, thereby ensuring that the connecting member 10 is accurately positioned at the feeding position 100.

[0064] In another embodiment, the positioning member is provided with a positioning head, which is used to abut against the connector 10 in the corresponding support groove 2143 at the corresponding opening. The frame 211 is provided with a positioning plate, which is located at the loading position 100 and extends along the movement direction of the conveyor 2142. The positioning plate has a clearance opening for the positioning head to pass through. The number of clearance openings is consistent with the number of positioning heads and corresponds one-to-one. The size of the clearance opening is smaller than the size of the support groove 2143. In order to facilitate the improvement of the loading position 100 accuracy of the connector 10, the positioning member is provided with a positioning head. Moreover, in order to prevent the positioning head from having too large abutting force on the connector 10 and affecting the removal of the connector 10, the frame 211 is provided with a positioning plate. When the positioning drive member drives the positioning member to abut against the connector 10 at the opening, the positioning plate abuts against the positioning member, thereby preventing the positioning member from pushing the connector 10 out of the support groove 2143.

[0065] The frame 211 is equipped with a slide rail, and the conveyor 2142 is equipped with a sliding part that is slidably connected to the slide rail. The sliding part of the conveyor 2142 is slidably connected to the slide rail and may be provided with a sliding groove. The sliding part is slidably connected to the slide rail through the sliding groove. The conveyor drive 2141 drives the conveyor 2142 to move. The conveyor 2142 can move smoothly between the picking position and the loading position 100 through the sliding cooperation between the sliding part and the slide rail, and can accurately stop at the picking position and the loading position 100.

[0066] Furthermore, to achieve multiple functions, the conveying drive 2141 is a conveying cylinder, and the frame 211 is also equipped with two blocking blocks. The two blocking blocks are spaced apart along the extension direction of the slide rail and are both used to abut against the conveying component 2142 to prevent the conveying component 2142 from moving. For ease of automation, the conveying drive 2141 can be a conveying cylinder, while to improve safety, two blocking blocks can be set on the frame 211. When the conveying drive 2141 drives the conveying component 2142 to move along the slide rail, the conveying component 2142 is abutted by the two blocking blocks and will not disengage from the slide rail.

[0067] In addition, in the above embodiment, the bottom wall of the support groove 2143 is provided with a fixing hole, and the feeding mechanism 21 further includes a first material detection element fixed in the fixing hole. The first material detection element has a detection end facing the support groove 2143 and is used to sense the connector 10. When the first material detection element detects that the connector 10 is present in the support groove 2143, the conveying drive 2141 drives the conveyor 2142 to move to the feeding position 100. When the connector 10 is removed from the support groove 2143, the conveying drive 2141 drives the conveyor 2142 to move to the picking position.

[0068] In one embodiment, the storage bin includes a bin wall, which is a transparent bin wall. To facilitate observation of the number of connectors 10 inside the storage bin, the bin wall can be made transparent, allowing observation of the contents of the storage bin through the transparent bin wall.

[0069] In another embodiment, the feeding mechanism 21 further includes a second material detection element disposed on the outside of the storage bin. The storage bin has an opening corresponding to the second material detection element, and the second material detection element senses the connector 10 inside the storage bin through the opening. The second material detection element detects the connector 10 inside the storage bin, and when the storage bin is missing a connector 10, it reminds the operator to add a connector 10 through an alerting device.

[0070] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the feeding mechanism 21 further includes a third material detection element disposed on the frame 211. The third material detection element is inserted into the vibratory feeder through an inlet and is used to sense the connector 10 in the vibratory feeder. The third material detection element detects the connector 10 in the vibratory feeder. When the vibratory feeder is missing a connector 10, the pushing drive pushes the connector 10 in the storage box out of the discharge port and then into the vibratory feeder through the inlet.

[0071] In another embodiment, the feeding mechanism 21 further includes a fourth material detection element disposed on the frame 211. The fourth material detection element is disposed corresponding to the outlet and is used to sense the connector 10 at the outlet. The fourth material detection element detects the connector 10 at the outlet. When there is no connector 10 at the outlet, the vibration drive element drives the vibratory plate to vibrate, arranging the connectors 10 in the vibratory plate to the outlet.

[0072] Furthermore, please combine Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the handling mechanism 22 includes a carrier 221, a positioning component 222, and a drive component. The carrier 221 has drive wheels underneath. The positioning component 222 includes a tray 2222 and a positioning frame 2221 fixed on the carrier 221. The positioning frame 2221 has a first positioning element 2223, and the tray 2222 has a second positioning element 2224 and a third positioning element 2225. The tray 2222 is placed on the positioning frame 2221. The first positioning element 2223 and the second positioning element 2224 cooperate to position the tray 2222. The tray 2222 is used to support prefabricated parts or assemblies. The third positioning element 2225 is used to position the prefabricated parts or assemblies on the tray 2222. The drive component is used to drive the drive wheels to rotate so as to transport the prefabricated parts to the working position 200 and transport the assemblies out of the working position 200.

[0073] The handling mechanism 22, by setting the positioning component 222 on the carrier 221, transfers the prefabricated or assembled parts to the positioning component 222 when handling them. The drive component drives the drive wheel to rotate, thereby transporting the prefabricated or assembled parts to the work position 200. When working on the prefabricated or assembled parts, the positioning frame 2221 on the handling mechanism 22, through the cooperation of the first positioning component 2223 and the second positioning component 2224, positions the pallet 2222. The pallet 2222, through the third positioning component 2225, positions the prefabricated or assembled parts on the pallet 2222. This eliminates the need to transport the prefabricated or assembled parts to an external positioning device by a robotic arm or robot, thereby saving the robotic arm or robot at the work position 200, shortening the operation time, and improving the operation efficiency.

[0074] In one embodiment, to facilitate the positioning of the tray 2222, the first positioning member 2223 is a first positioning post, and the number of the first positioning posts is at least two. The second positioning member 2224 is a first positioning hole, and the number of the first positioning posts is the same as the number of the first positioning holes and they correspond one-to-one. The tray 2222 is positioned on the corresponding first positioning post through the first positioning hole. To facilitate the positioning of the prefabricated part or the assembly, the third positioning member 2225 is a second positioning post, and the number of the second positioning posts is at least two. The prefabricated part or the assembly is provided with at least two second positioning holes, and the number of the second positioning posts is the same as the number of the second positioning holes and they correspond one-to-one. The prefabricated part or the assembly is positioned on the corresponding second positioning post through the second positioning hole.

[0075] Furthermore, the tray 2222 has two corresponding corners. There are two first positioning holes and two second positioning pins. One corner has one first positioning hole and one second positioning pin, while the other corner has another first positioning hole and another second positioning pin. To improve the positioning accuracy of the prefabricated component or assembly, the positioning structure of the prefabricated component or assembly can be designed to be close to the tray 2222. For example, the number of first positioning holes and second positioning pins can both be set to two, with one first positioning hole and one second positioning pin located at one corner of the tray 2222, and the other first positioning hole and another second positioning pin located at the other corner of the tray 2222.

[0076] In one embodiment, at least two uprights are spaced apart on both sides of the positioning frame 2221, and each upright has a rotatable wheel at its bottom end. The at least two uprights enclose a space for accommodating the carrier 221. To reduce the load on the carrier 221, uprights are provided on both sides of the positioning frame 2221, and the number can be two, three, etc. Moreover, each upright has a rotatable wheel at its bottom end. The carrier 221 is located within the space enclosed by the uprights. When the drive assembly drives the drive wheel to rotate, the drive wheel rotates and drives the carrier 221 to move, which in turn drives the positioning frame 2221 to move, thereby causing the wheel to rotate on the ground or a track.

[0077] The positioning frame 2221 also includes limiting strips. Each side of the positioning frame 2221 has a limiting strip, and the limiting strips on the same side are connected to two uprights. The limiting strips are used to abut against the sides of the corresponding carrier frame 221. To facilitate dragging the positioning frame 2221, two limiting strips are provided on the positioning frame 2221. The two limiting strips are located on both sides of the carrier frame 221, and each limiting strip abuts against the side of the corresponding carrier frame 221. Thus, when the carrier frame 221 makes a curved movement, the side of the carrier frame 221 abuts against the limiting strips, causing the positioning frame 2221 to make a corresponding curved movement.

[0078] Furthermore, to achieve multiple functions, the positioning frame 2221 has elongated strips on both sides. Each elongated strip on the same side is connected to any one of the uprights, and the elongated strip is located on the side of the upright furthest from the accommodating space. A position sensing module is located at the working position 200 to sense the elongated strip. When the conveying mechanism 22 moves to the working position 200, the position sensing module at the working position 200 senses the elongated strip, thereby enabling the conveying mechanism 22 to adjust its position and improve the positional accuracy of the prefabricated or assembled component handling.

[0079] In one embodiment, a plurality of second support blocks for supporting prefabricated components or assemblies are provided at intervals on the tray 2222. The plurality of second support blocks are arranged at intervals, and the prefabricated components or assemblies are placed on the tray 2222. The plurality of second support blocks jointly support the prefabricated components or assemblies. Any two second support blocks may be the same or different, and their specific shapes and sizes may be set according to the prefabricated components or assemblies.

[0080] Furthermore, multiple anti-collision blocks are spaced apart along the outer perimeter of the pallet 2222, with each anti-collision block located outside the prefabricated component or assembly on the pallet 2222. To prevent the prefabricated component or assembly from being impacted during handling, multiple anti-collision blocks are spaced apart along the outer perimeter of the pallet 2222, allowing the prefabricated component or assembly to avoid external impacts through collisions with the outside environment.

[0081] Furthermore, this invention also proposes a vehicle production line, which includes a conveying system and the aforementioned assembly system. The conveying system is used to transport prefabricated components and assembled components, and the handling mechanism 22 is used to transport prefabricated components from the conveying system to the work position 200 and to transport assembled components from the work position 200 back to the conveying system. The conveying system can be a conveyor belt. The specific structure of the assembly system in this vehicle production line is as described in the above embodiments. Since this vehicle production line adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0082] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An assembly system for vehicle production, characterized by The assembly system has a scanning area, within which a loading position and a working position are provided. The assembly system includes: The support is positioned close to the scanning area; The feeding device includes a feeding mechanism and a conveying mechanism. The feeding mechanism is used to transport the connector to the feeding position, and the conveying mechanism is used to transport the prefabricated part to the working position. An assembly device is provided on the support and is used to assemble the connector at the loading position onto the prefabricated part at the working position. The conveying mechanism is also used to transport the assembly out of the working position. The control device includes a control module and a scanning module mounted on the bracket. Both the scanning module and the assembly device are electrically connected to the control module. The scanning module is used to scan the scanning area. When an operator enters the scanning area, the scanning module generates a signal and feeds it back to the control module. The control module is used to receive the signal and, based on the signal, reduce the operating speed of the assembly device to a preset speed and reduce the safety force of the assembly device to a preset force to reduce the risk of collision, thereby allowing the operator to enter the scanning area and simultaneously work on the prefabricated component. The feeding mechanism includes a frame, a positioning mechanism, a storage assembly, a vibration assembly, and a conveying assembly. The storage assembly includes a storage bin and a pushing drive both mounted on the frame. The storage bin stores the connectors and has a discharge port. The pushing drive pushes the connectors from the storage bin out of the discharge port. The vibration assembly includes a vibratory plate and a vibration drive both mounted on the frame. The vibratory plate has at least two outlets and an inlet corresponding to the discharge port. The vibration drive drives the vibratory plate to vibrate, arranging the connectors within the vibratory plate in a specific order. The outlet; the conveying assembly includes a conveying drive unit disposed on the frame and a conveying member movably connected to the frame. The conveying member has a support groove for supporting the connecting member. The side wall of the support groove has an opening for the connecting member to pass through. The conveying drive unit is used to drive the conveying member to move to a preset position so that the opening communicates with the outlet. The vibration drive unit is also used to drive the vibratory plate to vibrate so that the connecting member at the outlet enters the support groove through the opening. The conveying drive unit is used to drive the conveying member to transport the connecting member to the loading position. The number of the support slots is at least two, and the number of the support slots is consistent with and corresponds one-to-one with the number of the outlets and the number of the positioning mechanisms. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning drive and a positioning component mounted on the frame. The positioning component is provided with a positioning head, which is used to abut against the corresponding connector in the support slot at the corresponding opening. The frame is provided with a positioning plate, which is located at the feeding position and extends along the movement direction of the conveyor. The positioning plate has a clearance opening for the positioning head to pass through. The number of clearance openings is consistent with and corresponds one-to-one with the number of positioning heads. The size of the clearance opening is smaller than the size of the support slot. The handling mechanism includes a carrier, a positioning component, and a drive component. The carrier has drive wheels underneath. The positioning component includes a tray and a positioning frame fixed to the carrier. The positioning frame has a first positioning element, and the tray has a second positioning element and a third positioning element. The tray is placed on the positioning frame. The first positioning element and the second positioning element cooperate to position the tray. The tray is used to support the prefabricated component or the assembled component. The third positioning element is used to position the prefabricated component or the assembled component on the tray. The drive component is used to drive the drive wheels to rotate so as to transport the prefabricated component to the working position and transport the assembled component out of the working position.

2. The assembly system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support includes a first column and a first crossbeam connected to each other. The working position is located below the first crossbeam. There are two assembly devices, which are connected to the first crossbeam at intervals. The number of feeding mechanisms is the same as the number of assembly devices and corresponds one-to-one.

3. The assembly system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The assembly device includes an assembly drive component, an assembly robotic arm, and an assembly gun. The assembly robotic arm is connected to the first crossbeam, and its position relative to the first crossbeam is adjustable. The assembly robotic arm has an actuating end, and the assembly gun is mounted on the actuating end. The assembly drive component is disposed on the assembly robotic arm and is used to drive the actuating end to move the assembly gun, so that the assembly gun assembles the connector onto the prefabricated part located at the working position. The assembly drive component is electrically connected to the control module, and the control module is used to receive the signal and control the assembly drive component according to the signal.

4. The assembly system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The number of assembly guns is multiple, and each execution end is equipped with at least two assembly guns.

5. The assembly system as described in any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, The control device further includes a display module electrically connected to the control module. The display module is located on the first crossbeam and is used to display assembly data.

6. The assembly system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The support includes a second column and a second crossbeam connected to each other. The number of scanning modules is at least two, and the at least two scanning modules are respectively disposed on both sides of the second crossbeam and their positions relative to the second crossbeam are adjustable.

7. A vehicle production line, characterized in that, The vehicle production line includes a conveying system and an assembly system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the conveying system being used to convey the prefabricated component and the assembled component, and the handling mechanism being used to transport the prefabricated component from the conveying system to the work position and to transport the assembled component from the work position onto the conveying system.

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