Engine subassembly production system and method

Abstract

The application discloses an engine sub-packaging production system and method, which comprises a carrying assembly and a carrying assembly. The carrying assembly comprises an engine carrying rack, a gearbox carrying rack and a supporting carrying rack. The engine carrying rack, the gearbox carrying rack and the supporting carrying rack are respectively used for one-to-one corresponding carrying of an engine, a gearbox and supporting materials. The carrying assembly comprises three carrying trolleys respectively used for one-to-one corresponding transfer of the engine carrying rack, the gearbox carrying rack and the supporting carrying rack from respective sorting positions to sub-packaging positions for butt joint. Through cooperation of the carrying trolleys and the carrying racks, the fixed setting bench type sub-packaging line in the prior art is cancelled, the occupied area is reduced, and compared with a forklift material distribution mode, the material automation degree is improved and the labor cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of engine assembly technology, specifically relating to an engine sub-assembly production system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the engine assembly line uses a benchtop assembly method. Multiple engines, transmissions, and other supporting materials can be pre-delivered to the assembly line using forklifts. The transmissions and supporting materials are then assembled onto the engines on the assembly line. Finally, a chain conveyor connected to the main line transfers the assembled engines to the main line. This assembly line layout is relatively primitive, occupies a large area, and relies on forklifts for delivering engines, transmissions, and other supporting materials, resulting in low levels of automation and high labor costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned deficiencies or shortcomings, this invention provides an engine sub-assembly production system and method, aiming to solve the technical problems of large area occupied by the sub-assembly line layout and low level of logistics automation and high labor costs caused by the use of forklifts to deliver engines, transmissions and other supporting materials.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an engine sub-assembly production system, wherein the engine sub-assembly production system includes a loading component and a transport component; the loading component includes an engine loading rack, a gearbox loading rack, and a matching loading rack, which are respectively used to carry the engine, gearbox, and matching materials in a one-to-one correspondence; the transport component includes three transport trolleys respectively used to transfer the engine loading rack, gearbox loading rack, and matching loading rack from their respective sorting positions to the sub-assembly positions for docking and assembly.

[0005] In this embodiment of the invention, the engine rack, the gearbox rack, and the supporting rack all include a platform and at least two legs supporting the platform. The transport trolleys all include a mobile body that can travel along a planned path and a lifting support mechanism provided on the mobile body. The mobile body is placed below the platform and is used to control the lifting support mechanism to perform an upward movement to raise the platform so that at least two legs leave the ground.

[0006] In this embodiment of the invention, the supporting shelf includes a first storage box, a second storage box, and a connecting vertical rod. The first storage box is mounted on at least two legs, the lower end of the connecting vertical rod is mounted on the first storage box, and the upper end is connected to the second storage box. Both the first and second storage boxes are divided into at least two storage spaces.

[0007] In this embodiment of the invention, there are four connecting vertical rods, two of which are located at the two first corners of the first storage box, and the other two are located in the middle area of ​​the opposite side of the two first corners. The four second corners of the second storage box are connected to the four connecting vertical rods.

[0008] In this embodiment of the invention, the transport trolley also includes a laser sensor and a reflector disposed on opposite sides of the mobile vehicle body. The three transport trolleys sequentially transport the matching load rack, the engine load rack, and the gearbox load rack. The laser sensor on the transport trolley in the middle position can emit laser light to the reflector on one side of the transport trolley and receive the emitted light. The reflector on the transport trolley in the middle position can receive the laser light emitted by the laser sensor on the other side of the transport trolley and emit reflected light, so that the three transport trolleys can move in parallel.

[0009] In this embodiment of the invention, the engine sub-assembly production system further includes a trolley control device, which is communicatively connected to three transport trolleys. The trolley control device is configured as follows:

[0010] Control the three transport trolleys to lift the engine rack, gearbox rack and matching rack off the ground one by one at their respective sorting positions;

[0011] Control the three transport trolleys to transfer the engine rack, gearbox rack and matching rack to the designated combination area of ​​the production line in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0012] Control the three transport trolleys to move in parallel within the designated combination area of ​​the online body in the order of the matching load rack, engine load rack and gearbox load rack;

[0013] Control the three transport trolleys to dock and assemble the matching load racks, engine load racks and gearbox load racks on the ground at the sub-assembly positions.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides an engine sub-assembly production method, wherein the engine sub-assembly method is applied to the engine sub-assembly production system described above, and includes:

[0015] Pick the engine, transmission and supporting materials one by one and place them on the engine rack, transmission rack and supporting materials rack;

[0016] Control the three transport trolleys to lift the engine rack, gearbox rack and matching rack off the ground one by one at their respective sorting positions;

[0017] Control the three transport trolleys to transfer the engine rack, gearbox rack and matching rack to the designated combination area of ​​the production line in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0018] Control the three transport trolleys to move in parallel within the designated combination area of ​​the online body in the order of the matching load rack, engine load rack and gearbox load rack;

[0019] Control the three transport trolleys to dock and assemble the matching load racks, engine load racks and gearbox load racks at the sub-assembly positions and place them on the ground;

[0020] The gearbox and supporting materials are then assembled onto the engine at the sub-assembly location.

[0021] In this embodiment of the invention, after assembling the gearbox and supporting materials onto the engine at the assembly location, the method further includes:

[0022] The control unit controls the transport trolley corresponding to the engine carrier to lift the engine carrier off the ground and transfer it to the online position to dock with the main line body.

[0023] In this embodiment of the invention, after assembling the gearbox and supporting materials onto the engine at the assembly location, the method further includes:

[0024] The control system uses two transport trolleys corresponding to the gearbox rack and its supporting rack to lift the gearbox rack and its supporting rack off the ground and transfer them to the sorting position.

[0025] In this embodiment of the invention, before picking the engine, transmission, and supporting materials one-to-one onto the engine rack, transmission rack, and supporting material rack, the process further includes:

[0026] The stacker cranes controlling the automated storage and retrieval system perform outbound operations for the engine, gearbox, and related materials.

[0027] Through the above technical solutions, the engine sub-assembly production system and boom pin assembly method provided by the embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0028] When using the aforementioned engine assembly production system, which includes a loading component and a transport component, the engine loading rack, gearbox loading rack, and accessory loading rack of the loading component can each carry the engine, gearbox, and accessory materials in a corresponding manner. The three transport trolleys of the transport component can each transfer the engine loading rack, gearbox loading rack, and accessory loading rack from their respective sorting positions to the assembly position for docking and assembly. That is, after the sorting personnel sort the engine, gearbox, and accessory materials into the corresponding engine loading rack, gearbox loading rack, and accessory loading rack at the sorting position, the three transport trolleys can each transfer the engine loading rack, gearbox loading rack, and accessory loading rack from their respective sorting positions to the assembly position for docking and assembly, followed by assembly. Personnel can then assemble the gearbox and supporting materials onto the engine on the engine rack at the dispensing location. After assembly, the transport trolley corresponding to the engine rack can continue to transfer the engine rack and the assembled engine to the main line, where the engine rack, gearbox rack, and supporting rack are returned to their respective sorting locations for the next engine dispensing material sorting. In other words, by coordinating the transport trolley and the rack, the fixed platform-type dispensing line of the existing technology is eliminated, reducing the occupied area. Compared with the material delivery method of forklifts, it also achieves the goal of improving the automation level of material handling and reducing labor costs.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings are provided to illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the engine carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the matching shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transport trolley from one perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transport trolley from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an engine assembly production method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0037] 1. Engine rack 11. Limiting support column

[0038] 2. Matching storage rack 21. First storage box

[0039] 22 Second cargo box 23 Third cargo box

[0040] 24 Connecting vertical rod 25 Carrying space

[0041] 31 Platform 32 Legs

[0042] 4. Transport trolley 41. Mobile vehicle body

[0043] 42 Lifting support mechanism 43 Laser sensor

[0044] 44 Reflectors Detailed Implementation

[0045] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0046] The engine assembly production system and method of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides an engine sub-assembly production system, wherein the engine sub-assembly production system includes:

[0048] The cargo assembly includes an engine cargo rack 1, a gearbox cargo rack, and a matching cargo rack 2. The engine cargo rack 1, the gearbox cargo rack, and the matching cargo rack 2 are respectively used to carry the engine, the gearbox, and the matching materials in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0049] The transport assembly includes three transport trolleys 4, each used to transfer the engine rack 1, gearbox rack and matching rack 2 from their respective sorting positions to the disassembly positions for docking and assembly.

[0050] When using the aforementioned engine assembly production system, since it includes a loading component and a transport component, the engine loading rack 1, gearbox loading rack, and matching loading rack 2 of the loading component can each carry the engine, gearbox, and matching materials in a corresponding manner. The three transport trolleys 4 of the transport component can each transfer the engine loading rack 1, gearbox loading rack, and matching loading rack 2 from their respective sorting positions to the assembly position for docking and assembly. That is, after the sorting personnel sort the engine, gearbox, and matching materials into the engine loading rack 1, gearbox loading rack, and matching loading rack 2 in a corresponding manner at the sorting position, the three transport trolleys 4 can each transfer the engine loading rack 1, gearbox loading rack, and matching loading rack 2 from their respective sorting positions to the assembly position for docking and assembly, and then assembling. Personnel can then assemble the gearbox and supporting materials onto the engine on the engine rack 1 at the assembly position. After assembly, the transport trolley 4 corresponding to the engine rack 1 can continue to transfer the engine rack 1 and the assembled engine to the main line to return the engine rack 1, gearbox rack, and supporting rack 2 to their respective sorting positions for the next engine assembly. In this way, the transport trolley 4 and the racks can be coordinated to eliminate the fixed platform-type assembly line in the existing technology, reduce the occupied area, and improve the automation level of material delivery and reduce labor costs compared to the forklift material delivery method.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The engine rack 1, gearbox rack, and matching rack 2 all include a platform 31 and at least two support legs 32 supporting the platform 31. It should be noted that the gearbox rack is not shown in the diagram, but its structure is similar to that of the engine rack 1. See also... Figure 3 and Figure 4Each transport trolley 4 includes a mobile vehicle body 41 that can travel along a planned path and a lifting support mechanism 42 mounted on the mobile vehicle body 41. The mobile vehicle body 41 is positioned below the platform 31 and is used to control the lifting support mechanism 42 to raise the platform 31 so that at least two legs 32 leave the ground. The platforms 31 of the engine carrier 1, gearbox carrier 1, and matching carrier 2 can be used to carry the engine, gearbox, and matching materials in a one-to-one correspondence. The outriggers 32 stand on the ground to support the platforms 31. When the lifting support mechanism 42 of the transport trolley 4 is retracted, the height of the entire transport trolley 4 is less than the height of the outriggers 32, so that the transport trolley 4 can move from between two adjacent outriggers 32 to below the platform 31. When the transport trolley 4 is placed below the platform 31, the lifting support mechanism 42 moves upward to abut against the lower side of the platform 31, and stops rising after the outriggers 32 are a certain distance away from the ground, so that the transport trolley 4 can move the corresponding carrier and the materials on the carrier.

[0052] Specifically, the transport trolley 4 can be an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) with a lifting support mechanism 42. The lifting support mechanism 42 includes a lifting drive component mounted on the moving body 41 and a support plate mounted on the upward-facing free end of the lifting drive component. The lifting drive component is used to drive the support plate to move up and down. The lifting drive component can be an electric actuator or a structure of a motor and a ball screw pair. At the same time, the moving body 41 is also equipped with a vehicle control unit that is communicatively connected to the lifting drive component, so that the lifting drive component can be automatically controlled through the vehicle control unit.

[0053] Furthermore, the number of legs 32 for the engine rack 1, the gearbox rack, and the matching rack 2 can all be four, and the height of the legs 32 for the engine rack 1, the gearbox rack, and the matching rack 2 can be set to be equal, that is, the height of the platform 31 of the engine rack 1, the gearbox rack, and the matching rack 2 is equal. Simultaneously, the width of the platform 31 of the engine rack 1, the gearbox rack, and the matching rack 2 can also be set to be equal, so that the engine rack 1, the gearbox rack, and the matching rack 2 can be sequentially connected and assembled in the length direction. In addition, during the connection and assembly, the engine rack 1 can be placed between the gearbox rack and the matching rack 2 to facilitate the removal of the gearbox and matching materials from both sides.

[0054] In this embodiment of the invention, the engine rack 1 and the gearbox rack have similar structures, and the platform 31 can be set as a flat plate, with multiple limiting support columns 11 spaced apart on the flat plate. The engine can be placed between the multiple limiting support columns 11 of the engine rack 1. Not only can the platform 31 of the engine rack 1 support the engine from the bottom, but the multiple limiting support columns 11 of the engine rack 1 can also support the engine from the side. The gearbox can be placed between the multiple limiting support columns 11 of the gearbox rack. Not only can the platform 31 of the gearbox rack support the gearbox from the bottom, but the multiple limiting support columns 11 of the gearbox rack can also support the gearbox from the side, so as to ensure the stability of the engine and gearbox during transportation and the engine during the disassembly process.

[0055] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the platform 31 of the matching rack 2 includes a first storage box 21, a second storage box 22, and a connecting vertical rod 24. The first storage box 21 is mounted on at least two support legs 32. The lower end of the connecting vertical rod 24 is mounted on the first storage box 21, and the upper end is connected to the second storage box 22. Both the first storage box 21 and the second storage box 22 are divided into at least two storage spaces 25. By configuring the platform 31 of the matching rack 2 as a storage box capable of dividing different storage spaces 25, it is convenient to pick and transfer different matching materials. Furthermore, the storage box has two layers from bottom to top: the first storage box 21 and the second storage box 22, which increases the number and capacity of storage spaces 25 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the height of the first storage box 21 can be equal to the height of the platform 31 of the engine rack 1 and the gearbox rack.

[0056] In this embodiment of the invention, the number of connecting vertical rods 24 can be four. Two connecting vertical rods 24 are respectively located at two adjacent first corner positions of the first storage box 21, and the other two connecting vertical rods 24 are correspondingly located in the middle area of ​​the opposite side of the two first corner positions. The opposite side of the two first corner positions refers to the two sides on the first storage box 21 where the two first corner positions are respectively located and opposite each other. The middle area does not refer to a specific middle position, but can be any position between the two ends. The four second corner positions of the second storage box 22 are correspondingly connected to the four connecting vertical rods 24. That is, the length and width area of ​​the second storage box 22 are smaller than the length and width area of ​​the first storage box 21. The second storage box 22 is set to one side of the first storage box 21 to facilitate the loading and unloading of the supporting materials in the lower first storage box.

[0057] Specifically, the loading platform 31 of the matching loading rack 2 also includes a third loading box 23. The four third corners of the third loading box 23 are connected to four connecting vertical rods 24, and the third loading box 23 is located above the second loading box 22. More specifically, the third loading box 23 divides into two loading spaces 25, which respectively hold the water tank hose and the fuel hose; the second loading box 22 divides into five loading spaces 25, which respectively hold the power steering pump, hose assembly (compressor), water tank outlet hose, air conditioning compressor, and V-belt and bracket; the first loading box 21 divides into six loading spaces 25, which respectively hold the engine front support, clutch booster cylinder, left rear support assembly, right rear support assembly, gear selector rocker arm and bracket, clutch assembly, and crossbeam assembly.

[0058] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment of the invention, the transport trolley 4 further includes a laser sensor 43 and a reflector 44 disposed on opposite sides of the mobile vehicle body 41. Specifically, the laser sensor 43 can be disposed on the front side of the mobile vehicle body 41, and the reflector 44 can be disposed on the rear side of the mobile vehicle body 41. The three transport trolleys 4 sequentially transport the matching rack 2, the engine rack 1, and the gearbox rack in the designated combination area of ​​the line. The laser sensor 43 on the transport trolley 4 located in the middle position can emit laser light to the reflector 44 on one side of the transport trolley 4 and receive the emitted light. The reflector 44 on the transport trolley 4 located in the middle position can receive the laser light emitted by the laser sensor 43 on the other side of the transport trolley 4 and emit reflected light, so that the three transport trolleys 4 can move in parallel. The transport trolley 4 of the transfer rack 2 can move at the front, while the transport trolley 4 of the transfer engine rack 1 is in the middle position. The laser sensor 43 at the front can be controlled to emit a laser to the reflector 44 at the rear of the transport trolley 4 of the transfer rack 2 and to locate the preceding vehicle based on the received emitted light, so that it can follow the rear of the transport trolley 4 of the transfer rack 2 and move in parallel. The transport trolley 4 of the transfer gearbox rack can move at the rear, and the laser sensor 43 at the front can be controlled to emit a laser to the reflector 44 at the rear of the transport trolley 4 of the transfer engine rack 1 and to locate the preceding vehicle based on the received emitted light, so that it can follow the rear of the transport trolley 4 of the transfer engine rack 1 and move in parallel. This allows the three vehicles to move in unison in the designated combination area of ​​the line and finally move to the sub-assembly position so that the rack 2, the engine rack 1, and the gearbox rack can be docked and assembled in sequence. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the transport trolley 4 of the transfer gearbox carrier can be positioned at the front and the transport trolley 4 of the transfer matching carrier 2 can be positioned at the rear.

[0059] Furthermore, a laser sensor 43 is installed at the front of the rear vehicle, and the reflector 44 at the front vehicle's position can be a laser reflector plate. This allows the coordinates of the rear vehicle relative to the front vehicle to be measured using laser positioning principles, thus enabling the rear vehicle to locate the front vehicle. The front vehicle (the transport trolley 4 of the transport rack 2) can operate autonomously using laser SLAM navigation, with the rear vehicle following suit. At speeds of 0.1–0.3 m / s, the forward / backward deviation is controlled within ±2 cm; at speeds of 0.4–0.5 m / s, the forward / backward deviation is controlled within ±5 cm.

[0060] Furthermore, the laser sensor 43 of the rear vehicle can be located in the middle of the front of the vehicle, and the number of laser reflectors of the front vehicle can be three. The three laser reflectors are evenly spaced at the rear of the front vehicle. The vehicle control unit on the moving body 41 of the rear vehicle can calculate the front-rear, left-right, and angular deviations between the front and rear vehicles based on the reflected light emitted by the three laser reflectors received by the laser sensor 43. If an angular deviation is calculated between the rear and front vehicles, the navigation controls the angular velocity of the rear vehicle to adjust the rear vehicle to the same angle as the front vehicle. If a front-rear deviation is calculated between the rear and front vehicles, the navigation controls the lateral speed of the rear vehicle to adjust the rear vehicle to be aligned left-right with the front vehicle, and then adjusts the front-rear distance between the rear and front vehicles.

[0061] In this embodiment of the invention, the engine sub-assembly production system further includes a trolley control device, which is communicatively connected to the vehicle body control units on three transport trolleys 4. The trolley control device is configured as follows:

[0062] Control the three transport trolleys 4 to lift the engine rack 1, gearbox rack and matching rack 2 off the ground one by one at their respective sorting positions.

[0063] Specifically, the three transport trolleys 4 can be moved one by one to the platform 31 of the engine rack 1, gearbox rack, and matching rack 2 via the trolley control device. Once the transport trolleys 4 are confirmed to be in position, the lifting support mechanism 42 on the transport trolleys 4 is controlled to rise and lift the corresponding racks off the ground. More specifically, a position detection switch can be installed on the lower side of the platform 31 of the engine rack 1, gearbox rack, and matching rack 2 to detect whether the lifting support mechanism 42 of the transport trolleys 4 has moved into position.

[0064] Control the three transport trolleys 4 to transfer the engine rack 1, gearbox rack and matching rack 2 to the designated combination area of ​​the production line in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0065] The three transport trolleys 4 are controlled to move in parallel within the designated combination area of ​​the line body in the order of the matching load rack 2, engine load rack 1 and gearbox load rack.

[0066] Control the three transport trolleys 4 to connect and assemble the matching load racks 2, engine load racks 1 and gearbox load racks at the sub-assembly positions and place them on the ground.

[0067] Furthermore, laser sensors 43 and reflectors 44 are respectively installed on the front and rear sides of the moving body 41 of the three transport trolleys 4. The laser sensor 43 on the front side of the rear trolley can cooperate with the reflector 44 on the rear side of the front trolley to realize the positioning of the rear trolley relative to the front trolley, measure the coordinate information of the rear trolley relative to the front trolley, and adjust the position of the rear trolley according to the coordinate information to realize the linkage of the three trolleys, and finally realize the docking and splicing of the matching load rack 2, engine load rack 1 and gearbox load rack at the sub-assembly position.

[0068] See Figure 5 Furthermore, the present invention also provides an engine sub-assembly production method, wherein the engine sub-assembly method is applied to the engine sub-assembly production system described above, and includes:

[0069] Step 100: Pick up the engine, gearbox and supporting materials one by one and place them on the engine rack 1, gearbox rack and supporting materials rack 2.

[0070] Specifically, the engine, transmission, and supporting materials have different sorting locations, and sorting personnel can sort the materials required for engine assembly onto the corresponding racks at the sorting locations.

[0071] Step 200: Control the three transport trolleys 4 to lift the engine rack 1, gearbox rack and matching rack 2 off the ground one by one at their respective sorting positions.

[0072] Specifically, when the trolley control device receives the instruction to start the sub-assembly, it can control the lifting support mechanism 42 of the three transport trolleys 4 to move upward and lift the corresponding load rack off the ground.

[0073] Step 300: Control the three transport trolleys 4 to transfer the engine rack 1, gearbox rack and matching rack 2 to the designated combination area of ​​the production line in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0074] Step 400: Control the three transport trolleys 4 to move in parallel within the designated combination area of ​​the line body in the order of the matching load rack 2, engine load rack 1 and gearbox load rack.

[0075] Step 500: Control the three transport trolleys 4 to dock and assemble the matching load rack 2, engine load rack 1 and gearbox load rack on the ground at the sub-assembly position.

[0076] Furthermore, laser sensors 43 and reflectors 44 are respectively installed on the front and rear sides of the moving body 41 of the three transport trolleys 4. The laser sensor 43 on the front side of the rear trolley, in cooperation with the reflector 44 on the rear side of the front trolley, can realize the positioning of the rear trolley relative to the front trolley within the designated combination area of ​​the line body, measure the coordinate information of the rear trolley relative to the front trolley, and adjust the position of the rear trolley according to the coordinate information to realize the linkage of the three trolleys, and finally realize the docking and splicing of the matching load rack 2, engine load rack 1 and gearbox load rack at the sub-assembly position.

[0077] Step 600: At the assembly location, assemble the gearbox and supporting materials onto the engine.

[0078] In this embodiment of the invention, step 600, after assembling the gearbox and supporting materials onto the engine at the assembly location, further includes:

[0079] The control unit 4, which corresponds to the engine carrier 1, lifts the engine carrier 1 off the ground and transfers it to the upper position to dock with the main line body.

[0080] After the engine is fully assembled on the engine rack 1, the assembled engine can be directly transferred to the upper line position and docked with the main line by controlling the transport trolley 4 corresponding to the engine rack 1. This eliminates the need for the chain conveyor in existing technologies, saves space, and avoids damage to the ground. After the above steps, the transport trolley 4 corresponding to the engine rack 1 can also be controlled to transfer the empty engine rack 1 to the sorting position, thereby realizing the emptying of the engine rack 1 for the next engine sorting operation.

[0081] In this embodiment of the invention, step 600, after assembling the gearbox and supporting materials onto the engine at the assembly location, further includes:

[0082] The two transport trolleys 4 corresponding to the gearbox rack and the matching rack 2 lift the gearbox rack and the matching rack 2 off the ground and transfer them to the sorting position.

[0083] After the engine completes the assembly of the gearbox and supporting materials at the sub-assembly position, the two transport trolleys 4 corresponding to the gearbox rack and supporting rack 2 can be controlled to transfer the empty gearbox rack and supporting rack 2 to the sorting position, thereby realizing the emptying process of the gearbox rack and supporting rack 2, so as to facilitate the next sorting operation of the gearbox and supporting materials.

[0084] In this embodiment of the invention, before step 100, which involves picking the engine, transmission, and supporting materials one-to-one onto the engine rack 1, the transmission rack, and the supporting rack 2, the following is also included:

[0085] The stacker cranes controlling the automated storage and retrieval system perform outbound operations for the engine, gearbox, and related materials.

[0086] Specifically, engines, transmissions, and supporting materials are all stored in corresponding automated storage and retrieval (AS / RS) areas. After each AS / RS receives vehicle production checkpoint information (i.e., chassis production line information), the logistics execution system mobilizes the stacker cranes and AGVs associated with the AS / RS to transport the engines, transmissions, and supporting materials to the engine sorting area, transmission sorting area, and supporting material sorting area (i.e., sorting locations), respectively. Sorting personnel then sort the engines, transmissions, and supporting materials one by one onto the engine rack 1, transmission rack, and supporting material rack 2. After sorting, the transport trolley 4 can move the corresponding racks to the buffer area for temporary storage.

[0087] In this invention, the entire process of engine assembly and production can be as follows:

[0088] I. Storage Operations: Engines are unloaded and stored in the engine vertical storage area, gearboxes are unloaded and stored in the pallet vertical storage area, and supporting materials are unloaded and stored in the pallet vertical storage area or the material box vertical storage area.

[0089] 2. Sorting Operation: After receiving the vehicle production checkpoint information (i.e., the chassis production line information) in the automated storage and retrieval system, the logistics execution system mobilizes the stacker cranes of the automated storage and retrieval system and the AGV vehicles that are matched with the automated storage and retrieval system to transport the engine, transmission and supporting materials to the engine sorting area, transmission sorting area and supporting material sorting area (i.e., sorting positions) respectively. The sorting personnel sort the engine, transmission and supporting materials one by one onto the engine rack 1, transmission rack and supporting material rack 2. After sorting is completed, the transport trolley 4 can drive the corresponding rack to the buffer area for temporary storage.

[0090] 3. Delivery Operation: At the set time, the three transport trolleys 4 deliver the engine rack 1, gearbox rack and matching rack 2 to the designated assembly area of ​​the line. The three transport trolleys 4 are controlled by the set three-car linkage in the designated assembly area of ​​the line so that the engine rack 1, gearbox rack and matching rack 2 are combined at the assembly position to form the engine assembly line.

[0091] IV. Assembly Operation: Assemble the gearbox on the gearbox carrier and the matching materials on the matching carrier 2 onto the engine on the engine carrier 1 respectively.

[0092] V. Online Operation: Control the transport trolley 4 corresponding to the engine carrier 1 to move to the online position and connect with the main line body;

[0093] 6. Empty return operation: Control the transport trolley 4 corresponding to the engine rack 1 to transfer the empty engine rack 1 from the online position to the sorting position, and control the two transport trolleys 4 corresponding to the gearbox rack and the matching rack 2 to transfer the empty gearbox rack and the matching rack 2 from the dispensing position to the sorting position.

[0094] 7. Repeat steps 2 to 6 in continuous production.

[0095] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. 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.

[0096] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to 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.

[0097] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0098] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An engine sub-assembly production system, characterized in that, The engine sub-assembly production system includes: The cargo assembly includes an engine cargo rack (1), a gearbox cargo rack, and a matching cargo rack (2), wherein the engine cargo rack (1), the gearbox cargo rack, and the matching cargo rack (2) are respectively used to carry the engine, the gearbox, and the matching materials in a one-to-one correspondence; The transport assembly includes three transport trolleys (4) for transferring the engine rack (1), the gearbox rack and the matching rack (2) from their respective sorting positions to the repacking positions in a one-to-one correspondence. The three transport trolleys are used to dock and assemble the engine rack, the gearbox rack and the matching rack at the repacking position to form an engine repacking line. The transport trolley (4) includes a laser sensor (43) and a reflector (44) disposed on opposite sides of the moving vehicle body (41). The laser sensor (43) on the transport trolley (4) located in the middle position can emit laser light to the reflector (44) on one side of the transport trolley (4) and receive the reflected light. The reflector (44) on the transport trolley (4) located in the middle position can receive the laser light emitted by the laser sensor (43) on the other side of the transport trolley (4) and emit the reflected light, so that the three transport trolleys (4) can move in parallel. It also includes a trolley control device, which is configured as follows: Control the three transport trolleys to lift the engine rack, gearbox rack and matching rack off the ground one by one at their respective sorting positions; Control the three transport trolleys to transfer the engine rack, gearbox rack and matching rack to the designated combination area of ​​the production line in a one-to-one correspondence; Control the three transport trolleys to move in parallel within the designated combination area of ​​the online body in the order of the matching load rack, engine load rack and gearbox load rack; Control the three transport trolleys to dock and assemble the matching load racks, engine load racks and gearbox load racks at the sub-assembly positions and place them on the ground; After the sub-assembly operation is completed, the control unit corresponding to the engine carrier lifts the engine carrier off the ground and transfers it to the online position to dock with the main line.

2. The engine sub-assembly production system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engine carrier (1), the gearbox carrier, and the matching carrier (2) all include a platform (31) and at least two outriggers (32) supporting the platform (31). The transport trolley (4) includes a mobile body (41) that can travel along a planned path and a lifting support mechanism (42) provided on the mobile body (41). The mobile body (41) is placed below the platform (31) and is used to control the lifting support mechanism (42) to perform an upward movement to raise the platform (31).

3. The engine sub-assembly production system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supporting shelf (2) includes a first storage box (21), a second storage box (22) and a connecting rod (24). The first storage box (21) is mounted on at least two of the legs (32). The lower end of the connecting rod (24) is mounted on the first storage box (21) and the upper end is connected to the second storage box (22). The first storage box (21) and the second storage box (22) are each separated into at least two storage spaces (25).

4. The engine sub-assembly production system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of the connecting vertical rods (24) is four, two of which are located at the two first corner positions of the first storage box (21) respectively, and the other two are located in the middle area of ​​the opposite side of the two first corner positions. The four second corner positions of the second storage box (22) are connected to the four connecting vertical rods (24) respectively.

5. The engine sub-assembly production system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The three transport trolleys (4) sequentially transport the matching load rack (2), the engine load rack (1) and the gearbox load rack.

6. The engine sub-assembly production system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The trolley control device is communicatively connected to the three transport trolleys (4).

7. A method for the sub-assembly production of an engine, characterized in that, The engine sub-assembly production method is applied to the engine sub-assembly production system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and includes: Pick the engine, gearbox and supporting materials one by one and place them on the engine rack (1), gearbox rack and supporting rack (2); Control the three transport trolleys (4) to lift the engine rack (1), the gearbox rack and the matching rack (2) off the ground one by one at their respective sorting positions; Control the three transport trolleys (4) to transfer the engine rack (1), the gearbox rack and the matching rack (2) to the designated combination area of ​​the line in a one-to-one correspondence; Control the three transport trolleys (4) to move in parallel in the designated combination area of ​​the line according to the order of the matching load rack (2), the engine load rack (1) and the gearbox load rack; Control the three transport trolleys (4) to dock and assemble the matching rack (2), the engine rack (1) and the gearbox rack on the ground at the disassembly position; At the assembly location, the gearbox and the matching materials are assembled onto the engine; Control the transport trolley (4) corresponding to the engine carrier (1) to lift the engine carrier (1) off the ground and transport it to the upper position to dock with the main line body.

8. The engine sub-assembly production method according to claim 7, characterized in that, After assembling the gearbox and the matching materials onto the engine at the sub-assembly location, the process further includes: Control the two transport trolleys (4) corresponding to the gearbox rack and the matching rack (2) to lift the gearbox rack and the matching rack (2) off the ground and transfer them to the sorting position.

9. The engine sub-assembly production method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before picking the engine, gearbox, and supporting materials one by one onto the engine rack (1), gearbox rack, and supporting rack (2), the process also includes: The stacker cranes controlling the automated storage and retrieval system perform outbound operations for the engine, gearbox, and related materials.

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