A pallet structure and layout method of a high-flexibility automatic roller line of a transmission

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of tray structure and layout method of high flexibility automatic roller line of transmission, belong to transmission technical field.The application divides the roller of assembly line into a connected loop using a turnover robot, replaces the original one complex tray that needs to meet the precision positioning of clutch housing front end face and transmission rear end face and the precision positioning of two assembly trays and reverse assembly line trays that only meet one end face, solves the problem caused by tray positioning in mixed line production, ensures stable production.Therefore, the tray structure can solve the problem that one assembly tray cannot meet the positioning requirements of two or more combined surfaces in the prior art using traditional one roller line for assembly operation, and realizes high flexibility mixed line production of different models, improves the stability of tray positioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of transmissions, and relates to a tray structure and a layout method for a high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor line of a transmission. Background Art

[0002] During the production process of heavy-duty truck transmissions, the intelligent heavy-duty truck transmission has a three-section structure, consisting of the clutch housing, the transmission housing, and the auxiliary box.

[0003] During transmission assembly, it is inevitable to flip the assembly. If a traditional roller conveyor line is used for assembly, one assembly pallet will not be able to meet the positioning requirements of more than two mating surfaces, which will cause certain difficulties for flexible production. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problem in the prior art that a traditional roller conveyor line is used for assembly operations, which causes an assembly pallet to be unable to meet the positioning requirements of more than two joint surfaces, and to provide a pallet structure and layout method for a highly flexible automatic roller conveyor line for a transmission.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] The present invention proposes a pallet structure for a transmission high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor line, comprising an assembly pallet installed on the assembly line roller conveyor, a flip line pallet, and a line transfer robot;

[0007] The final assembly tray includes a first bottom plate, on which a clutch housing stopper positioning surface is mounted, a clutch housing positioning pin is mounted on the clutch housing stopper positioning surface, and a positioning pin hole is opened at the bottom of the final assembly tray;

[0008] The flip-up line pallet includes a second base plate, an intermediate shaft support column and a second shaft support column. A transmission case positioning surface is installed on the second base plate. A through hole for installing the intermediate shaft support column and the second shaft support column is opened in the middle of the transmission case positioning surface. A positioning pin is installed on the transmission case positioning surface; wear-resistant strips are installed on the lower bottom surface of the final assembly pallet and the lower bottom surface of the flip-up line pallet, and the two wear-resistant strips are connected to the final assembly line roller.

[0009] Preferably, a tray is installed beside the positioning surface of the transmission housing;

[0010] There are a plurality of trays, which are installed on the second bottom plate at equal intervals.

[0011] Preferably, there are two intermediate shaft support columns, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second shaft support column.

[0012] Preferably, the clutch housing locating pins and the clutch housing stop locating surfaces are four in number.

[0013] Preferably, the two clutch housing locating pins are located between the two clutch housing stop locating surfaces to form a semicircular structure.

[0014] Preferably, the two semicircular structures are symmetrically arranged.

[0015] The present invention proposes a layout method for a high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor line for a transmission, comprising the following steps:

[0016] Place the clutch housing on the assembly tray, position the clutch stop on the clutch housing locating pin, and position the clutch connecting bolt hole on the clutch housing stop positioning surface;

[0017] When the transmission is transferred to the roller conveyor of the final assembly line, the positioning holes around the transmission housing are positioned using a line transfer robot. The transmission is flipped over and placed on the flip assembly line tray. The two intermediate shafts of the transmission are placed on the intermediate shaft support columns, and the second shaft is placed on the second shaft support columns. The positioning pin holes on the rear end face of the transmission housing are positioned with the positioning pins on the mating surface of the transmission housing. The rear end face of the transmission falls on the positioning surface of the transmission housing, completing the positioning of the transmission assembly.

[0018] The line transfer robot transfers the workpiece to the flip-up line, with the transmission housing facing upwards. The assembly work inside the clutch housing is completed on the flip-up line loop. The transmission assembly with the components inside the clutch housing is then transferred back to the final assembly line roller by the line transfer robot, completing two flipping actions of the transmission assembly.

[0019] Preferably, a pallet is installed beside the positioning surface of the transmission housing, and the pallet is grabbed by the line transfer robot to complete the circulation of the process bearings.

[0020] Preferably, the transmission is flipped 180° and placed on a flip assembly line tray.

[0021] Preferably, the line transfer robot turns 180° to transfer the workpiece back to the roller conveyor of the final assembly line.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] The present invention proposes a pallet structure for a highly flexible automatic transmission roller conveyor line. This structure uses a flipping robot to divide the final assembly line roller conveyor into connected loops. This replaces the original complex pallet, which must precisely position both the front end of the clutch housing and the rear end of the transmission, with two final assembly pallets and a flip assembly line pallet, each specifically targeting precise positioning of one end face. This solves the pallet positioning issues associated with mixed-line production and ensures stable production. Therefore, the pallet structure proposed in this invention addresses the prior art issue of using a single roller conveyor line for assembly operations, resulting in a single final assembly pallet being unable to meet the positioning requirements of more than two mating surfaces.

[0024] The present invention proposes a layout method for a highly flexible automatic roller conveyor line for a transmission. The roller conveyor of the assembly line is designed into two loop lines according to the posture of the transmission, and is connected by a line transfer robot. This simplifies the positioning mechanism of the assembly pallet, realizes the assembly operation of intelligent heavy-duty truck transmissions, realizes automatic production change operations of the assembly line, and achieves the purpose of high flexibility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the pallet of the transmission high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the final assembly line pallet of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a back structural diagram of the final assembly line tray structure of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the roller table of the final assembly line of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the flip-chip line tray of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 It is the general assembly flow chart of the present invention.

[0032] Among them: 1- final assembly line roller, 2- flip line roller, 3- final assembly pallet, 4- flip line pallet, 5- line transfer robot, 6- cache station, 7- robot gripper, 8- intermediate shaft support column, 9- second axis support column, 10- positioning pin, 11- transmission housing positioning surface, 13- clutch housing positioning pin, 14- clutch housing stop positioning surface, 15- wear-resistant strip, 16- positioning pin hole, 17- roller, 18- positioning pin, 19- roller guide strip, 20- pallet positioning mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0034] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but rather merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if the terms "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "inner," etc. appear, the orientation or positional relationship indicated is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the inventive product is typically placed when in use. These terms are merely for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In addition, if the term "horizontal" appears, it does not mean that the component must be absolutely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0039] The present invention is described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0040] The present invention proposes a pallet structure for a transmission high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor line, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, it includes a final assembly pallet 3, a flip-chip pallet 4, and a transfer robot 5 mounted on the final assembly line roller conveyor 1. The final assembly pallet 3 includes a first base plate, on which a clutch housing stopper positioning surface 14 is mounted. A clutch housing positioning pin 13 is mounted on the clutch housing stopper positioning surface 14. A positioning pin hole 16 is provided below the final assembly pallet 3. The flip-chip pallet 4 includes a second base plate, an intermediate shaft support column 8, and a second shaft support column 9. A transmission housing positioning surface 11 is mounted on the second base plate. A plurality of pallets 12 are mounted to the sides of the transmission housing positioning surface 11. A through hole for mounting the intermediate shaft support column 8 and the second shaft support column 9 is provided in the center of the transmission housing positioning surface 11. A positioning pin 10 is mounted on the transmission housing positioning surface 11. Wear strips 15 are installed on the lower bottom surfaces of both the final assembly pallet 3 and the flip-chip pallet 4. Both wear strips 15 are connected to the final assembly line roller conveyor 1.

[0041] There are two intermediate shaft support columns 8, symmetrically arranged on either side of the secondary shaft support column 9. There are four clutch housing locating pins 13 and four clutch housing stopper positioning surfaces 14. The two clutch housing locating pins 13 are located between the two clutch housing stopper positioning surfaces 14, forming a semicircular structure. The two semicircular structures are symmetrically arranged.

[0042] According to the analysis of product structure, the process flow of the intelligent heavy truck speed change is as follows Figure 6 According to this process, in order to meet the technical requirements of complex pallet structure and "0" production change caused by the co-production of multiple product lines, the following problems are solved:

[0043] 1) The problem of complex pallet caused by simultaneously meeting the pallet positioning requirements of the clutch engagement surface and the rear end of the transmission housing.

[0044] According to the process layout, the intelligent heavy-duty truck transmission needs the transmission housing to be put on the assembly line first, with the clutch stop end facing downward. At this time, the pallet is positioned as follows: clutch stop and clutch connecting bolt hole; and when the transmission housing and clutch housing are assembled, the transmission needs to be turned over and positioned with the transmission housing. At this time, the rear end face of the transmission and the positioning pin hole of the mating surface are used for positioning. If the original straight-line assembly line layout plan is used, the assembly pallet of the roller line is required to take into account both positioning requirements. Moreover, since this line is a highly flexible production line, it needs to cover the co-production of two platforms, five series, and more than 80 product models. Therefore, such an assembly pallet cannot be designed to meet the needs of rapid production change.

[0045] Solution: Based on the study of product structure and process route, the present invention adopts the method of flipping the line in the design of production line layout, that is, the final assembly line is divided into connected loops by a flip robot, and the original complex pallet that needs to meet the precise positioning requirements of the front end face of the clutch housing and the rear end face of the transmission is replaced by two simple pallets that only meet the precise positioning requirements of one end face. This solves the problem of pallet positioning caused by mixed-line production and ensures stable production.

[0046] 2) According to production planning requirements, the assembly line pallet needs to meet flexible production requirements.

[0047] Flexible production needs to be able to automatically adapt to different product models and achieve the purpose of automatic production change and flexible production.

[0048] Solution: Based on the innovation of the production line structure, the present invention replaces a pallet that needs to integrate two positioning surfaces and position multiple product models with two simple trays. Through the design of the two pallet positioning method, "0" beat production change is achieved.

[0049] 1) Place the clutch housing on the final assembly pallet 3. Wear-resistant strips 15 on the back of the final assembly pallet 3 contact rollers 17 on the final assembly line roller conveyor 1. Roller guide strips 19 limit the position of the final assembly pallet 3. As rollers 17 rotate, the final assembly pallet 3 moves on the guide rollers through friction. The pallet positioning mechanism 20 is fixed to the ground. When the final assembly pallet 3 reaches the grab position, the positioning pins 18 penetrate the positioning pin holes 16 of the final assembly pallet 3, precisely positioning the final assembly pallet 3. Both the final assembly pallet 3 and the flip assembly line pallet 4 are installed and positioned using this method.

[0050] 2) The clutch stop is positioned on the clutch housing locating pin 13, and the clutch connecting bolt hole is positioned with the clutch housing stop locating surface 14; since a certain company's heavy-duty truck transmission is a high-end customized transmission, the transmission can be optionally matched to heavy-duty trucks of different host manufacturers, and the clutch stop size is an important external connection size, so the clutch housing locating pin 13 is designed with different stop grooves according to different clutch stop sizes to meet the positioning of all models of clutch housings of the company. The clutch housing stop locating surface 14 is composed of three groups of locating pins, which can cover C10, C12 and clutch housings with different connecting bolt holes, realizing automatic production change and meeting the needs of highly flexible mixed-line production.

[0051] 3) When the transmission flows to the assembly line roller 1, it enters the grasping position according to the process content, and the machine 5 takes action. The robot gripper 7 is used to locate the positioning holes around the transmission case. The transmission is flipped 180° and placed on the flip line tray 4. The two intermediate shafts of the transmission are placed on the support column 8, and the second shaft is placed on the second shaft support column 9. The positioning pin holes on the rear end face of the transmission case are positioned with the positioning pins 10 on the transmission case joint surface. The rear end face of the transmission falls on the transmission case positioning surface 11, completing the positioning of the transmission assembly.

[0052] 4) The line transfer robot 5 transfers the workpiece to the flip-up line roller 2, with the transmission housing facing upward, that is, one axis facing upward, and the relevant assembly operations in the clutch housing are completed on the flip-up line loop. Finally, the transmission assembly with the relevant components in the clutch housing is flipped 180° again by the line transfer robot 5 to transfer the workpiece back to the final assembly line roller 1, completing the two flipping actions of the transmission assembly. The line transfer robot 5 cooperates with the flip-up line to complete the two flips in the transmission assembly process at one station. In order to meet the production line rhythm requirements, the final assembly pallet cache station 6 is designed to ensure the rhythm of transmission assembly.

[0053] 5) The robot gripper 7 grabs the customized small tray 12 of the process bearing and assembles it to complete the circulation of the process bearing, completing the automatic circulation of the process bearing and greatly saving human resources.

[0054] The present invention proposes a pallet structure and layout method for a highly flexible automatic roller conveyor line for a transmission, which not only realizes highly flexible mixed-line production of different machine models, achieving "zero" beat production change, but also simplifies the final assembly pallet, decomposing the functions of a complex pallet into two simple functions, thereby improving the stability of pallet positioning.

[0055] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A layout method for a high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor line for a transmission, characterized in that: A pallet structure of a transmission high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor line is used, wherein the pallet structure of the transmission high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor line comprises a line transfer robot (5), an assembly pallet (3) installed on an assembly line roller conveyor (1), and a flip line pallet (4) installed on a flip line; The final assembly tray (3) includes a first bottom plate, a clutch housing stopper positioning surface (14) is mounted on the first bottom plate, a clutch housing positioning pin (13) is mounted on the clutch housing stopper positioning surface (14), and a positioning pin hole (16) is opened below the final assembly tray (3); The flip-up line tray (4) comprises a second bottom plate, an intermediate shaft support column (8) and a second shaft support column (9); a transmission housing positioning surface (11) is installed on the second bottom plate; a through hole for installing the intermediate shaft support column (8) and the second shaft support column (9) is opened in the middle of the transmission housing positioning surface (11); a positioning pin (10) is installed on the transmission housing positioning surface (11); wear-resistant strips (15) are installed on the lower bottom surface of the final assembly tray (3) and the lower bottom surface of the flip-up line tray (4); there are two intermediate shaft support columns (8), which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second shaft support column (9); The layout method includes the following steps: The clutch housing is placed on the assembly tray (3), the clutch stop is positioned on the clutch housing positioning pin (13), and the clutch connecting bolt hole is positioned with the clutch housing stop positioning surface (14); When the transmission is transferred to the assembly line roller (1), the positioning holes around the transmission housing are positioned using the line transfer robot (5), and the transmission is flipped 180 degrees and placed on the flip line tray (4). The two intermediate shafts of the transmission are placed on the intermediate shaft support column (8), and the second shaft is placed on the second shaft support column (9). The positioning pin holes on the rear end face of the transmission housing are positioned with the positioning pins (10) on the positioning surface of the transmission housing. The rear end face of the transmission falls on the positioning surface (11) of the transmission housing, completing the positioning of the transmission assembly. The line transfer robot (5) transfers the workpiece to the flip assembly line, with the transmission housing facing upward, and completes the assembly work inside the clutch housing on the flip assembly line. The transmission assembly with the components inside the clutch housing installed is then flipped 180 degrees again by the line transfer robot (5) and returned to the final assembly line roller (1), completing two flipping actions of the transmission assembly.

2. The layout method of the transmission high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor according to claim 1 is characterized in that: There are four clutch housing locating pins (13) and four clutch housing stop locating surfaces (14).

3. The layout method of the transmission high-flexibility automatic roller conveyor according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The two clutch housing locating pins (13) are located between the two clutch housing stop locating surfaces (14), forming a semicircular structure.

4. The layout method of the transmission high-flexibility automatic roller track according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The two semicircular structures are symmetrically arranged.

Images