Assembly component, method, device, readable storage medium, vehicle assembly system

Abstract

The application provides an assembly component, an assembly method of a protective cover, an assembly device of the protective cover, a readable storage medium and a vehicle assembly system. The assembly component is used in a vehicle assembly line, the vehicle assembly line is provided with a vehicle, the vehicle comprises a hub, and the assembly component comprises a feeding assembly, a transfer assembly, a first feeding assembly and a second feeding assembly. The feeding assembly comprises a first placing table, and the first placing table can place materials. The transfer assembly comprises a second placing table, and the second placing table comprises a plurality of placing positions, and the positions of the plurality of placing positions are matched with the positions of bolts of the hub. The first feeding assembly comprises a first material taking assembly, and the first material taking assembly can move between the first placing table and the second placing table to transport the material placed on the first placing table into one of the plurality of placing positions. The second feeding assembly comprises a second material taking assembly, and the second material taking assembly can install the material in the plurality of placing positions on the hub, thereby improving the installation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobile wheel assembly, and more specifically to an assembly component, a method for assembling a protective cover, an assembly device for assembling a protective cover, a readable storage medium, and a vehicle assembly system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in related technologies, when installing protective covers on the bolts of wheel hubs, workers take multiple bolt protective covers from a material box at once, enter the vehicle body installation line, and visually observe the position and orientation of multiple sets of bolts on the tire before inserting the bolt protective covers one by one into the bolt mounting holes on the wheel hub. This manual method of installing protective covers on the bolts of the wheel hub results in workers performing repetitive and monotonous work for a long time. Each protective cover must be adjusted at an angle and inserted one by one, and the worker is in a semi-squatting position. Such long-term work can cause damage to the body. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related art.

[0004] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention provides an assembly component.

[0005] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for assembling a protective cover.

[0006] A third aspect of the present invention provides an assembly device for a protective cover.

[0007] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an assembly device for a protective cover.

[0008] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a readable storage medium.

[0009] The sixth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle assembly system.

[0010] In view of the above, a first aspect of the present invention provides an assembly assembly for use on a vehicle assembly line, the vehicle assembly line housing a vehicle, the vehicle including a wheel hub, the assembly assembly including a feeding assembly, a transfer assembly, a first loading assembly, and a second loading assembly; the feeding assembly includes a first placement platform capable of placing materials; the transfer assembly includes a second placement platform including a plurality of placement positions, the positions of the plurality of placement positions matching the positions of bolts on the wheel hub; the first loading assembly includes a first picking assembly capable of moving between the first and second placement platforms to transport materials placed on the first placement platform to one of the plurality of placement positions; the second loading assembly includes a second picking assembly capable of mounting materials from the plurality of placement positions onto the wheel hub.

[0011] In this technical solution, the assembly component is used on a vehicle assembly line, where vehicles are placed, enabling the assembly component to assemble the vehicles on the assembly line. The vehicles include wheel hubs. The assembly component includes a feeding component, a transfer component, a first loading component, and a second loading component. The feeding component includes a first storage platform capable of holding materials, thus storing the materials to be installed. The transfer component includes a second storage platform with multiple storage positions, allowing multiple materials to be placed on it. The positions of these storage positions correspond to the positions of the wheel hub bolts, facilitating the installation of materials from the storage positions onto the wheel hub bolts. The first loading component includes a first picking component that can move between the first and second storage platforms to transport materials placed on the first storage platform to one of the multiple storage positions. By moving between the first and second storage platforms, the first picking component enables automatic material handling on the first storage platform. The second feeding component includes a second picking component, which can install materials from multiple placement positions onto the hub, thereby achieving material installation. By setting up a feeding component, a transfer component, a first feeding component, and a second feeding component, automatic material installation can be achieved without the use of manpower, avoiding long-term repetitive and monotonous work by workers in a semi-squatting position and preventing long-term work-related injuries.

[0012] Furthermore, automatic installation can greatly save manpower, reduce installation difficulty, and improve installation efficiency.

[0013] In addition, the assembly components in the above-mentioned technical solutions provided by the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the feeding assembly further includes a substrate, a storage bin, and a conveying component. The storage bin is disposed on the substrate and located to the side of the first placement platform. The conveying component extends from the storage bin to the first placement platform.

[0015] In this technical solution, the feeding assembly also includes a base plate, a storage bin, and a conveying component. The storage bin is disposed on the base plate, located to the side of the first placement platform, to enable the installation and fixation of the storage bin. The conveying component extends from the storage bin towards the first placement platform to enable the installation and fixation of the conveying component. By extending the conveying component towards the first placement platform, the conveying component can transport the material in the storage bin to the first placement platform, thereby realizing the transfer of materials. The material transfer efficiency is improved by the action of the conveying component.

[0016] In one technical solution of the present invention, the first storage stage includes a vibration table and a storage box, wherein the vibration table is disposed on a substrate and the storage box is disposed on the vibration table.

[0017] In this technical solution, the first storage platform includes a vibrating table and a storage box. The vibrating table is mounted on a base plate, enabling its installation and fixation. The storage box is mounted on the vibrating table, allowing for its installation and fixation. When the vibrating table is operating, the storage box vibrates along with it. The storage box can also receive materials transported by the conveying components. By using the vibrating table and storage box, the vibrating table can flip and move the materials inside the storage box, ensuring that the front and back of the materials face in one direction, thus eliminating the need for manual material flipping and improving work efficiency.

[0018] In one technical solution of the present invention, the feeding assembly further includes a first bracket and a first vision device, the first bracket being connected to the substrate; the first vision device being connected to the first bracket and facing the storage box.

[0019] In this technical solution, the feeding assembly also includes a first support and a first vision device. The first support is connected to the base plate to achieve installation and fixation. The first vision device is connected to the first support to achieve installation and fixation. The first vision device faces the storage box, allowing it to photograph the material on the vibrating table to obtain material position and status information. This enables the vibrating table to flip and move the material based on the material position and status information, thereby improving the flipping efficiency of the vibrating table.

[0020] In one technical solution of the present invention, the first feeding component further includes a first base and a first robotic arm. The first robotic arm is disposed on the first base and connected to the first picking component, and is capable of driving the first picking component to move.

[0021] In this technical solution, the first feeding component further includes a first base and a first robotic arm. The first robotic arm is mounted on the first base and connected to the first picking component, thereby enabling the installation and fixation of the first robotic arm. The first robotic arm can drive the first picking component to move, and under the drive of the first robotic arm, the first picking component can move between the first and second storage platforms to transport the material placed on the first storage platform to one of the multiple storage positions, thereby realizing the transfer of materials and making the transfer of materials more convenient and faster.

[0022] In one technical solution of the present invention, the first material handling assembly includes: a first flange, a first support rod, a first suction cup, and at least two first suction nozzles; the first flange is connected to a first robotic arm; the first end of the first support rod is connected to the first flange; the first suction cup is connected to the second end of the first support rod; and at least two first suction nozzles are disposed on the first suction cup for picking up materials.

[0023] In this technical solution, the first material handling assembly includes: a first flange, a first support rod, a first suction cup, and at least two first suction nozzles. The first flange is connected to a first robotic arm to achieve installation and fixation of the first flange. The first end of the first support rod is connected to the first flange; the first suction cup is connected to the second end of the first support rod, thereby fixing the first suction cup to the first flange via the first support rod, allowing the first robotic arm to drive the first suction cup to move. At least two first suction nozzles are disposed on the first suction cup for picking up materials, enabling the first suction nozzles to pick up materials on the first platform and transport them to one of multiple storage positions. This method of picking up materials using the first suction nozzles facilitates material transfer.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second feeding assembly further includes a second base and a second robotic arm; the second robotic arm is disposed on the second base and connected to the second picking assembly, and is capable of driving the second picking assembly to move.

[0025] In this technical solution, the second feeding assembly also includes a second base and a second robotic arm. The second robotic arm is mounted on the second base and connected to the second picking assembly to achieve the installation and fixation of the second robotic arm. The second robotic arm can drive the second picking assembly to move, and the second picking assembly can install materials in multiple placement positions onto the hub. Thus, under the action of the second robotic arm, multiple materials are installed onto the hub. By setting the second driving arm, the second feeding assembly can transfer materials more conveniently and quickly, eliminating the need for manual installation of materials onto the hub, thereby greatly improving the installation efficiency of materials.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second material handling assembly includes a connecting component, a supporting component, and multiple mounting components. The connecting component is connected to the second robotic arm; the first end of the supporting component is connected to the connecting component; and the multiple mounting components are connected to the supporting component and distributed along the circumference of the supporting component.

[0027] In this technical solution, the second material handling component includes a connecting component, a supporting component, and multiple mounting components. The connecting component is connected to the second robotic arm. The first end of the supporting component is connected to the connecting component, so that the supporting component can be installed on the connecting component. The multiple mounting components are connected to the supporting component, so that the mounting components can be installed. The multiple mounting components are distributed along the circumference of the supporting component. By setting multiple mounting components, multiple mounting components can install multiple materials at one time, thereby improving the material installation efficiency.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of mounting components includes a cylinder, a second suction cup, and at least two second suction nozzles. The cylinder barrel is connected to a support component; the second suction cup is connected to the piston of the cylinder; and at least two second suction nozzles are disposed on the second suction cup for sucking up materials.

[0029] In this technical solution, each of the multiple mounting components includes a cylinder, a second suction cup, and at least two second suction nozzles. The cylinder barrel is connected to a supporting component to achieve the installation and fixation of the cylinder. The second suction cup is connected to the piston of the cylinder, so that the piston of the cylinder can drive the second suction cup to reciprocate when the cylinder is working. At least two second suction nozzles are disposed on the second suction cup to achieve the installation and fixation of the second suction nozzles, so that the at least two second suction nozzles can follow the reciprocating motion of the second suction cup. The at least two second suction nozzles are used to pick up materials, so that the materials are transferred under the suction action of the second suction nozzles and transferred to the position of the hub. By setting up the cylinder, the second suction cup, and at least two second suction nozzles, the materials can be transported to the mounting hole position on the hub under the action of the second suction nozzles. By controlling the movement of the cylinder, the materials can be moved towards the mounting hole and installed into the mounting hole, thereby achieving the installation of materials automatically without manual intervention.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second feeding assembly further includes a second flange, a mounting plate, and a second vision device. The second flange is connected to a connecting component; the mounting plate is connected to the second flange; and the second vision device is disposed on the mounting plate and faces the wheel hub.

[0031] In this technical solution, the second feeding assembly also includes a second flange, a mounting plate, and a second vision device. The second vision device allows for the acquisition of information about the wheel hub. The second flange is connected to the connecting components for installation and fixation. The second vision device is mounted on the mounting plate for installation and fixation. The second vision device faces the wheel hub, allowing it to capture images of the wheel hub's position. This enables the control of the second robotic arm to align the material on the second suction nozzle with the mounting holes on the wheel hub, thus ensuring accurate installation and preventing mismatches between the material and the hub.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second material handling component further includes a third suction cup, which is disposed at the second end of the support component; a plurality of mounting components are arranged around the third suction cup.

[0033] In this technical solution, the second material-grabbing component also includes a third suction cup, which is disposed at the second end of the support component to achieve the installation and fixation of the third suction cup. Multiple mounting components are arranged around the third suction cup, thereby enabling the installation of multiple mounting components. This allows the multiple mounting components to install the logo onto the wheel hub, eliminating the need for manual installation and greatly improving the efficiency of logo installation.

[0034] In one technical solution of the present invention, the transfer component includes a third base and a storage mold, the storage mold being disposed on the third base; multiple storage positions are blind holes disposed on the storage mold.

[0035] In this technical solution, the transfer component includes a third base and a placement mold. The placement mold is mounted on the third base to enable its installation and fixation. Multiple placement positions are blind holes located on the placement mold. By making these multiple placement positions blind holes, materials can be placed into the blind holes, which facilitates material placement and removal.

[0036] In one technical solution of the present invention, the assembly assembly further includes a second bracket, a rotating shaft, an idler wheel, and a rotary transformer. The rotating shaft is disposed on the second bracket; the idler wheel is sleeved on the rotating shaft and can contact the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line; the rotary transformer is connected to the rotating shaft.

[0037] In this technical solution, the assembly component also includes a second bracket, a rotating shaft, an idler wheel, and a rotary transformer. The rotating shaft is mounted on the second bracket for installation. The idler wheel is fitted onto the rotating shaft and can contact the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line for installation. The contact between the idler wheel and the conveyor plate allows the conveyor plate to drive the idler wheel to rotate at the same speed. The rotary transformer is connected to the rotating shaft. This allows for the calculation of the vehicle's movement speed, enabling the assembly component to move with the vehicle. This facilitates faster installation of materials onto the hub, reducing installation time and improving installation efficiency.

[0038] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for assembling a protective cover. The method is used on a vehicle assembly line where a vehicle, including a wheel hub, is placed. The method includes: controlling a first picking component to pick up a protective cover on a first platform; controlling the first picking component to transport the protective cover to a second platform; controlling a second picking component to pick up multiple protective covers on the second platform; and controlling the second picking component to install the multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub.

[0039] In this technical solution, the protective cover assembly method is used on a vehicle assembly line where vehicles are placed, allowing for the assembly of vehicles on the assembly line. The protective cover assembly method includes: controlling a first material handling component to pick up a protective cover on a first platform; controlling the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to a second platform, enabling the first material handling component to transfer the protective cover from the first platform to the second platform; controlling a second material handling component to pick up multiple protective covers on the second platform; and controlling the second material handling component to install the multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub, thereby achieving automatic material installation and avoiding long-term repetitive and monotonous work by workers in a semi-squatting position, preventing long-term work-related injuries.

[0040] Furthermore, automatic installation can greatly save manpower, reduce installation difficulty, and improve installation efficiency.

[0041] In one technical solution of the present invention, the method for assembling the protective cover further includes: controlling a first vision device to acquire the state and position of the protective cover on a first placement table; based on the state of the protective cover being face up, controlling a first material picking component to acquire the protective cover on the first placement table according to the position of the protective cover; and based on the state of the protective cover being back up, controlling a vibration table to vibrate to flip the protective cover.

[0042] In this technical solution, the assembly method of the protective cover further includes: controlling a first vision device to acquire the state and position of the protective cover on the first placement platform; the first vision device faces the placement box, so that the first vision device can photograph the screw material on the vibrating table to acquire material position and state information. This allows the vibrating table to flip and move the material on the vibrating table according to the material position and state information. Based on the protective cover being face up, the first picking component is controlled to pick up the protective cover on the first placement platform according to the position of the protective cover, thereby achieving the first picking component picking up all face-up protective covers. Based on the protective cover being back-up, the vibrating table is controlled to vibrate to flip the protective cover, so that when all protective covers in the visual recognition area of ​​the vibrating table are back-up, the vibration of the vibrating table flips at least one protective cover to face up, so that when the second picking component picks up the protective cover, at least one protective cover in the visual recognition area is face-up, which facilitates the second picking component picking up the protective cover and installing it onto the vehicle's wheel hub.

[0043] In one technical solution of the present invention, controlling the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to the second placement platform includes: acquiring first angle information of each bolt head on the hub; controlling the first material handling component to flip the protective cover to a position facing the first vision device; controlling the first vision device to acquire second angle information of the protective cover; adjusting the angle of the protective cover according to the first angle information and the second angle information; and controlling the first material handling component to place the protective cover on the second placement platform.

[0044] In this technical solution, controlling the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to the second placement platform includes: acquiring the first angle information of each bolt head on the wheel hub, thereby understanding the first angle information of each bolt head to facilitate the installation of the protective cover onto the bolt head; controlling the first material handling component to flip the protective cover to face the first vision device, so that the protective cover can enter the field of view of the first vision device, facilitating the first vision device to photograph the protective cover; controlling the first vision device to acquire the second angle information of the protective cover, thereby understanding the angle information of each protective cover, and adjusting the angle of the protective cover according to the first angle information and the second angle information, so that the first angle information of the bolt head matches the second angle information of the protective cover, thereby facilitating the installation of the protective cover onto the bolt head on the wheel hub, avoiding the protective cover not being able to be installed onto the bolt head on the wheel hub due to mismatch between the first angle information and the second angle information, and avoiding reducing the installation efficiency of the protective cover.

[0045] In one technical solution of the present invention, controlling the second material handling component to install multiple protective covers on the wheel hub includes: acquiring position information of multiple bolts on the wheel hub; adjusting the position of the multiple protective covers according to the position information; and controlling the second material handling component to install the multiple protective covers on the multiple bolts on the wheel hub.

[0046] In this technical solution, controlling the second material handling component to install multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub includes: acquiring the position information of multiple bolts on the wheel hub; determining the specific position of each bolt by acquiring the position information; and, based on the position information, controlling the second material handling component to adjust the position of the multiple protective covers so that the position information of the multiple protective covers matches the position of the bolts, ensuring that the multiple protective covers can be installed precisely on the bolts. Controlling the second material handling component to install multiple protective covers onto the multiple bolts on the wheel hub enables automatic installation of the bolt protective covers, improving installation efficiency.

[0047] In one technical solution of the present invention, controlling the second material-taking component to install multiple protective covers on the wheel hub includes: acquiring vehicle position information; acquiring vehicle speed information based on the vehicle position information; controlling the second material-taking component to move synchronously with the vehicle based on the speed information; and controlling the second material-taking component to install multiple protective covers on multiple bolts of the wheel hub.

[0048] In this technical solution, controlling the second material-receiving component to install multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub includes: acquiring vehicle position information; acquiring vehicle speed information based on the vehicle position information, thereby confirming the vehicle's actual speed; and controlling the second material-receiving component to move synchronously with the vehicle, ensuring the component remains relatively stationary, thus facilitating the installation of the protective covers. Controlling the second material-receiving component to install multiple protective covers onto multiple bolts on the wheel hub ensures timely installation, preventing delays caused by asynchronous movement between the component and the vehicle, and avoiding any impact on the installation efficiency.

[0049] A third aspect of the present invention provides an assembly apparatus for a protective cover, which is used on a vehicle assembly line where vehicles are placed, and the vehicles include wheel hubs. The assembly apparatus for the protective cover includes: a first picking unit for controlling a first picking component to pick up a protective cover on a first placement platform; a first driving unit for controlling the first picking component to transport the protective cover to a second placement platform; a second picking unit for controlling a second picking component to pick up multiple protective covers on the second placement platform; and a second driving unit for controlling the second picking component to install the multiple protective covers onto the wheel hubs.

[0050] In this technical solution, the protective cover assembly method is used on a vehicle assembly line where vehicles are placed, allowing for the assembly of vehicles on the assembly line. The protective cover assembly method includes: a first acquiring unit for controlling a first picking component to acquire a protective cover on a first platform; a first driving unit for controlling the first picking component to transport the protective cover to a second platform, enabling the first picking component to transfer the protective cover from the first platform to the second platform; a second acquiring unit for controlling a second picking component to acquire multiple protective covers on the second platform; and a second driving unit for controlling the second picking component to install the multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub. This enables automated material installation, avoiding long-term repetitive and monotonous work by workers in a semi-squatting position, and preventing long-term physical harm from such work.

[0051] Furthermore, automatic installation can greatly save manpower, reduce installation difficulty, and improve installation efficiency.

[0052] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an assembly apparatus for a protective cover, comprising: a memory configured to store programs or instructions; and a processor configured to execute the stored programs or instructions, the steps of the assembly method described in any of the above-described technical solutions. Therefore, it possesses all the beneficial effects of the assembly method for the protective cover, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0053] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the protective cover assembly method as described in any of the above-described technical solutions. Therefore, it possesses all the beneficial effects of the protective cover assembly method, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0054] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle assembly system, comprising: an assembly component as described in any of the above-described technical solutions; an assembly device for a protective cover as described in any of the above-described technical solutions; or a readable storage medium as described in any of the above-described technical solutions. Therefore, it possesses all the beneficial effects of the assembly component, the assembly device for the protective cover, or the readable storage medium, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0055] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams of an assembly assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0058] Figure 2 A second schematic diagram of an assembly assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0059] Figure 3 One of the schematic diagrams of the mounting structure of the idler wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0060] Figure 4 One of the schematic diagrams showing the assembly of materials according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated;

[0061] Figure 5 A third schematic diagram of an assembly assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0062] Figure 6 One of the schematic diagrams of a first material handling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0063] Figure 7 A second schematic diagram of a first material handling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0064] Figure 8 A third schematic diagram of a first material handling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0065] Figure 9One of the schematic diagrams of a second feeding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0066] Figure 10 A second schematic diagram of a second feeding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0067] Figure 11 A fourth schematic diagram of an assembly assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0068] Figure 12 One of the flowcharts shows a method for assembling a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 13 A second flowchart illustrating a method for assembling a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0070] Figure 14 A third flowchart illustrates a method for assembling a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 15 A flowchart of a method for assembling a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the fourth part.

[0072] Figure 16 A flowchart of a method for assembling a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown as fifth.

[0073] in, Figures 1 to 11 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0074] 100 Assembly component, 110 Feeding component, 111 First storage platform, 1112 Vibration table, 1114 Storage box, 112 First support, 113 First vision device, 114 Base plate, 115 Storage bin, 116 Conveying component, 120 Transfer component, 122 Second storage platform, 1222 Storage position, 123 Third base, 130 First loading component, 131 First unloading component, 1312 First flange, 1314 First support rod, 1316 First suction cup, 1318 First suction nozzle, 132 First base 133 First robotic arm, 140 Second feeding assembly, 141 Second picking assembly, 1412 Connecting component, 1414 Supporting component, 1416 Mounting assembly, 1411 Cylinder, 1413 Second suction cup, 1415 Second suction nozzle, 1418 Third suction cup, 142 Second base, 143 Second robotic arm, 144 Second flange, 145 Mounting plate, 146 Second vision device, 150 Second bracket, 160 Rotary shaft, 170 Idler wheel, 180 Rotary transformer, 200 Vehicle, 210 Wheel hub, 300 Material. Detailed Implementation

[0075] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0076] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0077] The following reference Figures 1 to 16 The invention describes an assembly assembly 100, a method for assembling a protective cover, an apparatus for assembling a protective cover, a readable storage medium, and a vehicle assembly system according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0078] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, an assembly assembly 100 is provided for a vehicle assembly line. The vehicle assembly line houses a vehicle 200, which includes a wheel hub 210. The assembly assembly 100 includes a feeding assembly 110, a transfer assembly 120, a first loading assembly 130, and a second loading assembly 140. The feeding assembly 110 includes a first shelf 111 capable of holding materials 300. The transfer assembly 120 includes a second shelf 122, which includes multiple storage positions 1222. The positions of the multiple storage positions 1222 are matched with the positions of the bolts on the wheel hub 210; the first feeding assembly 130 includes a first picking assembly 131, which is movable between the first storage platform 111 and the second storage platform 122 to transport the material 300 placed on the first storage platform 111 to one of the multiple storage positions 1222; the second feeding assembly 140 includes a second picking assembly 141, which is capable of installing the material 300 in the multiple storage positions 1222 onto the wheel hub 210.

[0079] In this embodiment, the assembly component 100 is used on a vehicle assembly line where a vehicle 200 is placed, enabling the assembly component 100 to assemble the vehicle 200 on the assembly line. The vehicle 200 includes a wheel hub 210. The assembly component 100 includes a feeding component 110, a transfer component 120, a first loading component 130, and a second loading component 140. The feeding component 110 includes a first storage platform 111, which can hold materials 300. The first storage platform 111 is used to store the installed materials 300. The transfer component 120 includes a second storage platform 122, which includes multiple storage positions 1222, allowing multiple materials 300 to be placed on the second storage platform 122. The positions of the multiple storage positions 1222 match the positions of the bolts on the wheel hub 210, thereby facilitating the installation of the materials 300 in the multiple storage positions 1222 onto the bolts on the wheel hub 210. The first feeding assembly 130 includes a first picking assembly 131, which can move between a first platform 111 and a second platform 122 to transport the material 300 placed on the first platform 111 to one of a plurality of storage positions 1222. By moving between the first platform 111 and the second platform 122, the first picking assembly 131 can automatically handle the material 300 on the first platform 111. The second feeding assembly 140 includes a second picking assembly 141, which can install the material 300 from the plurality of storage positions 1222 onto the hub 210, thereby achieving the installation of the material 300. By setting up the feeding assembly 110, the transfer assembly 120, the first feeding assembly 130, and the second feeding assembly 140, automatic installation of the material 300 can be achieved, avoiding long-term repetitive and monotonous work by workers in a semi-squatting position and preventing long-term work-related injuries.

[0080] Furthermore, automatic installation can greatly save manpower, reduce installation difficulty, and improve installation efficiency.

[0081] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, by using assembly component 100 to replace manual labor, the first picking component 131 is controlled to pick up multiple protective covers to be installed on the first placement table 111; then the first picking component 131 is controlled to transport the picked-up protective covers to the second placement table 122 and adjust the protective covers; the second picking component 141 is controlled to pick up multiple protective covers on the second placement table 122; the second picking component 141 is controlled to install the multiple protective covers onto the wheel hubs 210 of the vehicle 200 on the vehicle 200 conveyor line. This allows for the automatic installation of bolt protective covers and car brand logos.

[0082] Figure 3 The direction of the middle arrow indicates the direction of movement of the vehicle.

[0083] The method of installing bolt protection covers and car brand logos using assembly component 100, compared to the previous method where one or more workers would take multiple bolt protection covers from a material box at once, enter the vehicle assembly line, and visually observe the position and orientation of multiple sets of bolts on the tire, then insert the bolt protection covers one by one into the bolt mounting holes on the wheel hub 210 in a hand-eye coordination manner, allows assembly component 100 to complete repetitive and monotonous work while meeting assembly process requirements, bringing economic benefits to the vehicle manufacturer in the long run. Furthermore, visual inspection and alarm mechanisms reduce installation error rates, facilitate digital production management, and improve the automation rate of the final assembly workshop.

[0084] Specifically, material 300 is a bolt protection cover.

[0085] Specifically, when material 300 is a vehicle logo, only one vehicle logo needs to be installed at a time, and there is no need to feed the material through the vibration of the vibration table 1112.

[0086] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the feeding assembly 110 also includes a base plate 114, a storage bin 115, and a conveying component 116. The storage bin 115 is disposed on the base plate 114 and located to the side of the first placement platform 111. The conveying component 116 extends from the storage bin 115 to the first placement platform 111.

[0088] In this embodiment, the feeding assembly 110 further includes a base plate 114, a storage bin 115, and a conveying component 116. The storage bin 115 is disposed on the base plate 114 and located to the side of the first placement platform 111 to enable installation and fixation of the storage bin 115. The conveying component 116 extends from the storage bin 115 towards the first placement platform 111 to enable installation and fixation of the conveying component 116. By extending the conveying component 116 towards the first placement platform 111, the conveying component 116 can transport the material 300 in the storage bin 115 to the first placement platform 111, thereby realizing the transfer of the material 300. The conveying component 116 improves the transfer efficiency of the material 300.

[0089] Specifically, the conveying component 116 is located above the first storage platform 111. The conveying component 116 extends from the storage bin 115 to the first storage platform 111, so that the material 300 conveyed by the conveying component 116 can fall directly into the first storage platform 111.

[0090] Specifically, a first opening is provided on the side of the storage bin 115 facing the first placement platform 111, and a conveying component 116 is provided in the first opening and connected to the storage bin 115.

[0091] Specifically, a cover is provided above the storage bin 115. The cover is rotatably connected to the storage bin 115 and can be opened or closed so that workers can pour materials 300 into the storage bin 115 in batches. After placement, the cover can be closed.

[0092] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0093] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the first storage stage 111 includes a vibration stage 1112 and a storage box 1114. The vibration stage 1112 is disposed on the base plate 114; the storage box 1114 is disposed on the vibration stage 1112.

[0094] In this embodiment, the first storage platform 111 includes a vibration table 1112 and a storage box 1114. The vibration table 1112 is disposed on the base plate 114, thereby enabling the installation and fixation of the vibration table 1112. The storage box 1114 is disposed on the vibration table 1112, enabling the installation and fixation of the storage box 1114. When the vibration table 1112 is working, the storage box 1114 can vibrate together with the vibration table 1112. The storage box 1114 can also receive the material 300 transported by the conveying component 116. By setting up the vibration table 1112 and the storage box 1114, the vibration table 1112 can flip and move the material 300 inside the storage box 1114, causing the front and back of the material 300 to be flipped or oriented in one direction, thus eliminating the need for manual flipping of the material 300 and improving work efficiency.

[0095] Specifically, when the conveying component 116 transports the material 300 to the storage box 1114, the material 300 is messy and the front and back of the material 300 are not uniform. Under the action of the vibration table 1112 driving the storage box 1114 to vibrate, the vibration table 1112 can flip the material 300 and move the material 300 to the next process.

[0096] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0097] like Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the feeding assembly 110 also includes a first support 112 and a first vision device 113. The first support 112 is connected to the substrate 114; the first vision device 113 is connected to the first support 112 and faces the storage box 1114.

[0098] In this embodiment, the feeding assembly 110 further includes a first bracket 112 and a first vision device 113. The first bracket 112 is connected to the base plate 114 to achieve installation and fixation of the first bracket 112. The first vision device 113 is connected to the first bracket 112 to achieve installation and fixation of the first vision device 113. The first vision device 113 faces the storage box 1114, so that the first vision device 113 can photograph the screw material 300 on the vibration table 1112 to obtain the position and status information of the material 300. This allows the vibration table 1112 to flip and move the material 300 on the vibration table 1112 according to the position and status information of the material 300, thereby improving the flipping efficiency of the vibration table 1112 on the material 300.

[0099] Specifically, the first vision device 113 is a 2D camera. Since the 2D camera is a non-contact measurement device, it will not cause any damage to the material 300 being photographed. Furthermore, the 2D camera can work stably for a long time, thus enabling long-term measurement, analysis, and identification. Compared to manual labor, this can greatly improve work efficiency and reduce costs.

[0100] Specifically, the feeding assembly 110 also includes a first connector, one end of which is connected to the first bracket 112 and the other end of which is connected to the storage bin 115, so that the first bracket 112 and the storage bin 115 are connected through the first connector, thereby further fixing the first bracket 112 and preventing the first vision device 113 on the bracket from rotating significantly under the action of the vibration table 1112, so as to improve the stability of the first vision device 113 when taking pictures.

[0101] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, the first feeding component 130 also includes a first base 132 and a first robotic arm 133. The first robotic arm 133 is disposed on the first base 132 and connected to the first picking component 131, and can drive the first picking component 131 to move.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first feeding component 130 further includes a first base 132 and a first robotic arm 133. The first robotic arm 133 is disposed on the first base 132 and connected to the first picking component 131, thereby realizing the installation and fixation of the first robotic arm 133. The first robotic arm 133 can drive the first picking component 131 to move, thereby enabling the first picking component 131 to move between the first placement platform 111 and the second placement platform 122 under the drive of the first robotic arm 133, so as to transport the material 300 placed on the first placement platform 111 to one of the multiple placement positions 1222, thereby realizing the transfer of the material 300, and making the transfer of the material 300 more convenient and faster.

[0104] Specifically, the first robotic arm 133 is a six-axis robot.

[0105] Specifically, the first robotic arm 133 can also be replaced by other motion actuators, such as a Cartesian coordinate robot with a flip-over suction tool.

[0106] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0107] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first material handling assembly 131 includes: a first flange 1312, a first support rod 1314, a first suction cup 1316, and at least two first suction nozzles 1318; the first flange 1312 is connected to the first robotic arm 133; the first end of the first support rod 1314 is connected to the first flange 1312; the first suction cup 1316 is connected to the second end of the first support rod 1314; at least two first suction nozzles 1318 are disposed on the first suction cup 1316 for picking up material 300.

[0108] In this embodiment, the first material handling assembly 131 includes: a first flange 1312, a first support rod 1314, a first suction cup 1316, and at least two first suction nozzles 1318. The first flange 1312 is connected to the first robotic arm 133 to achieve the installation and fixation of the first flange 1312. The first end of the first support rod 1314 is connected to the first flange 1312; the first suction cup 1316 is connected to the second end of the first support rod 1314, thereby fixing the first suction cup 1316 to the first flange 1312 via the first support rod 1314, so that the first robotic arm 133 can drive the first suction cup 1316 to move. At least two first suction nozzles 1318 are disposed on the first suction cup 1316 for sucking up material 300, so that the first suction nozzles 1318 can suck up material 300 on the first storage platform 111 and transport material 300 on the first storage platform 111 to one of the multiple storage positions 1222, thereby using the first suction nozzles 1318 to suck up material 300, thus making it more convenient to transfer material 300.

[0109] like Figure 8 As shown, when transferring material 300, the first robotic arm 133 drives the first suction cup 1316 to move. The first suction cup 1316 moves to above the first platform 111, and the two first suction nozzles 1318 on the first suction cup 1316 pick up the two materials 300 on the first platform 111. After picking up, the first robotic arm 133 flips its wrist so that the back of the protective cover enters the field of view of the first vision device 113, so that the first vision device 113 can photograph and calculate the orientation angle of the hexagonal thin wall on the back of the protective cover. Then, the first robotic arm 133 drives the first suction cup 1316 to move towards the second platform 122, bringing the protective cover to the second platform 122. During the movement, the angle of the protective cover is corrected so that the adjusted angle can achieve the effect of matching the bolt on the hub 210 with the protective cover 1 to 1, ensuring the assembly quality.

[0110] Specifically, two first suction nozzles 1318 are mounted on the first suction cup 1316. When transferring material 300, the first robotic arm 133 drives the first suction cup 1316 to move. The first suction cup 1316 moves above the first storage platform 111 and sucks up the material 300. After sucking, the angle of the material 300 is adjusted. Then, the protective cover is placed into the corresponding storage positions on the second storage platform 122.

[0111] Specifically, four first suction nozzles 1318 are mounted on the first suction cup 1316. When transferring material 300, the first robotic arm 133 drives the first suction cup 1316 to move. The first suction cup 1316 moves above the first storage platform 111, and the four first suction nozzles 1318 on the first suction cup 1316 suck up the material 300. After sucking, the angle of the material 300 is adjusted. Then, the protective cover is placed into the corresponding storage positions on the second storage platform 122.

[0112] Specifically, six first suction nozzles 1318 are mounted on the first suction cup 1316. When transferring material 300, the first robotic arm 133 drives the first suction cup 1316 to move. The first suction cup 1316 moves above the first storage platform 111, and the six first suction nozzles 1318 on the first suction cup 1316 suck up the material 300. After sucking, the angle of the material 300 is adjusted. Then, the protective cover is placed into the corresponding storage positions on the second storage platform 122.

[0113] Specifically, multiple first suction nozzles 1318 are disposed on the first suction cup 1316. When transferring material 300, the first robotic arm 133 drives the first suction cup 1316 to move. The first suction cup 1316 moves above the first storage platform 111, and the material 300 is sucked up by the multiple first suction nozzles 1318 on the first suction cup 1316. After sucking up, the angle of the material 300 is adjusted. Then, the protective cover is placed into the corresponding storage positions on the second storage platform 122.

[0114] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0115] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the second feeding assembly 140 also includes a second base 142 and a second robotic arm 143; the second robotic arm 143 is disposed on the second base 142 and connected to the second picking assembly 141, and can drive the second picking assembly 141 to move.

[0116] In this embodiment, the second feeding assembly 140 further includes a second base 142 and a second robotic arm 143. The second robotic arm 143 is disposed on the second base 142 and connected to the second picking assembly 141 to realize the installation and fixation of the second robotic arm 143. The second robotic arm 143 can drive the second picking assembly 141 to move. The second picking assembly 141 can install the materials 300 in multiple placement positions 1222 onto the hub 210. Thus, under the action of the second robotic arm 143, multiple materials 300 are installed onto the hub 210. By setting the second driving arm, the second feeding assembly 140 can transfer the materials 300 more conveniently and quickly, without the need for manual installation of the materials 300 onto the hub 210, thereby greatly improving the installation efficiency of the materials 300.

[0117] Specifically, the second robotic arm 143 is a six-axis robot.

[0118] Specifically, the second robotic arm 143 can also be replaced by other motion actuators, such as a Cartesian coordinate system robot with a flip-up suction tool. The actuator only needs to be able to pick up the protective cover based on visual positioning information and move to the camera to photograph the back of the protective cover.

[0119] Specifically, the second robotic arm 143 is a robot. When selecting the second robotic arm 143, the arm span should be considered first. The arm span must be sufficient to cover the bolt protection cover turntable and the two wheel hubs 210 on one side of the vehicle body.

[0120] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0121] like Figure 10 As shown, the second material handling assembly 141 includes a connecting component 1412, a supporting component 1414, and a plurality of mounting components 1416. The connecting component 1412 is connected to the second robotic arm 143; the first end of the supporting component 1414 is connected to the connecting component 1412; and the plurality of mounting components 1416 are connected to the supporting component 1414 and are distributed along the circumference of the supporting component 1414.

[0122] In this embodiment, the second material handling component 141 includes a connecting component 1412, a supporting component 1414, and a plurality of mounting components 1416. The connecting component 1412 is connected to the second robotic arm 143. The first end of the supporting component 1414 is connected to the connecting component 1412, thereby allowing the supporting component 1414 to be mounted on the connecting component 1412. The plurality of mounting components 1416 are connected to the supporting component 1414, thereby enabling the mounting of the mounting components 1416. The plurality of mounting components 1416 are distributed circumferentially along the supporting component 1414. By setting a plurality of mounting components 1416, a plurality of materials 300 can be mounted at one time, thereby improving the mounting efficiency of the materials 300.

[0123] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0124] like Figure 10 As shown, each of the multiple mounting components 1416 includes a cylinder 1411, a second suction cup 1413, and at least two second suction nozzles 1415. The cylinder barrel of the cylinder 1411 is connected to the support member 1414; the second suction cup 1413 is connected to the piston of the cylinder 1411; and at least two second suction nozzles 1415 are disposed on the second suction cup 1413 for sucking up material 300.

[0125] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of mounting components 1416 includes a cylinder 1411, a second suction cup 1413, and at least two second suction nozzles 1415. The cylinder barrel of the cylinder 1411 is connected to the support component 1414 to achieve the installation and fixation of the cylinder 1411. The second suction cup 1413 is connected to the piston of the cylinder 1411, so that when the cylinder 1411 is working, the piston of the cylinder 1411 can drive the second suction cup 1413 to reciprocate. At least two second suction nozzles 1415 are disposed on the second suction cup 1413 to achieve the installation and fixation of the second suction nozzles 1415, so that the at least two second suction nozzles 1415 can follow the reciprocating motion of the second suction cup 1413. The at least two second suction nozzles 1415 are used to pick up the material 300, so that the material 300 is transferred under the suction action of the second suction nozzles 1415 and transferred to the position of the hub 210. By setting up a cylinder 1411, a second suction cup 1413, and at least two second suction nozzles 1415, the material 300 can be transported to the mounting hole on the hub 210 under the action of the second suction nozzles 1415. By controlling the movement of the cylinder 1411, the material 300 can be moved towards the mounting hole and installed into the mounting hole, thereby realizing the installation of the material 300. Moreover, automatic installation can be achieved without manual intervention.

[0126] Specifically, two second suction nozzles 1415 are disposed on the second suction cup 1413, which is used to pick up the material 300 on the table.

[0127] Specifically, four second suction nozzles 1415 are disposed on the second suction cup 1413, which is used to pick up the material 300 on the table.

[0128] Specifically, six second suction nozzles 1415 are disposed on the second suction cup 1413, which is used to pick up the material 300 on the table.

[0129] Specifically, multiple second suction nozzles 1415 are disposed on a second suction cup 1413, which is used to pick up the material 300 on the table.

[0130] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0131] like Figure 10 As shown, the second feeding assembly 140 also includes a second flange 144, a mounting plate 145, and a second vision device 146. The second flange 144 is connected to the connecting component 1412; the mounting plate 145 is connected to the second flange 144; and the second vision device 146 is disposed on the mounting plate 145 and faces the hub 210.

[0132] In this embodiment, the second feeding assembly 140 further includes a second flange 144, a mounting plate 145, and a second vision device 146. The second vision device 146 is configured to collect information about the wheel hub 210. The second flange 144 is connected to the connecting component 1412 for installation and fixation. The second vision device 146 is mounted on the mounting plate 145 for installation and fixation. The second vision device 146 is positioned towards the wheel hub 210, allowing it to capture images of the wheel hub 210's position. This enables the second robotic arm 143 to align the material 300 on the second suction nozzle 1415 with the mounting holes on the wheel hub 210, thereby installing the material 300 onto the wheel hub 210. This ensures accurate installation of the material 300 onto the wheel hub 210 and prevents mismatches between the material 300 and the wheel hub 210.

[0133] Specifically, the second vision device 146 repeatedly captures the position information of the first wheel hub 210, controls the second robotic arm 143 to adjust its posture, aligns the second suction cup 1413 with the hub 210, and aligns each material 300 with its corresponding mounting hole. Finally, the cylinder presses the material 300 into the mounting hole. After confirming that the installation is complete, all second suction cups 1413 release the vacuum, and the second robotic arm 143 retracts. The installation of the material 300 is now complete.

[0134] The second vision device 146 is used to track and position each wheel hub 210. The second vision device 146 simultaneously captures the positions of multiple protective cover mounting holes, calculates the center position and overall deflection angle of the protective cover mounting holes, and guides the second robotic arm 143 to rotate, so as to realize the one-to-one matching and installation of bolt heads and protective covers.

[0135] Specifically, the second vision device 146 is used to track and position each wheel hub 210. The second vision device 146 simultaneously captures the positions of the five protective cover mounting holes, calculates the center position and overall deflection angle of the protective cover mounting holes, and guides the second robotic arm 143 to rotate, so as to achieve one-to-one matching and installation of the five bolt heads with the protective covers.

[0136] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0137] like Figure 10 As shown, the second material handling component 141 also includes a third suction cup 1418, which is disposed at the second end of the support component 1414; a plurality of mounting components 1416 are arranged around the third suction cup 1418.

[0138] In this embodiment, the second material-grabbing component 141 further includes a third suction cup 1418, which is disposed at the second end of the support component 1414 to achieve the installation and fixation of the third suction cup 1418. Multiple mounting components 1416 are arranged around the third suction cup 1418, thereby enabling the installation of multiple mounting components 1416. This allows the multiple mounting components 1416 to install the logo onto the wheel hub 210, eliminating the need for manual installation and greatly improving the efficiency of logo installation.

[0139] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0140] like Figure 2 As shown, the transfer component 120 includes a third base 123 and a storage mold, with the storage mold disposed on the third base 123; multiple storage positions 1222 are blind holes disposed on the storage mold.

[0141] In this embodiment, the transfer component 120 includes a third base 123 and a placement mold. The placement mold is disposed on the third base 123 to achieve installation and fixation of the placement mold. Multiple placement positions 1222 are blind holes disposed on the placement mold. By setting the multiple placement positions 1222 as blind holes, the material 300 can be placed into the blind holes. The blind hole method facilitates the placement of the material 300 and is conducive to the removal of the material 300.

[0142] This embodiment provides an assembly component 100, which, in addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, further includes the following technical features.

[0143] like Figure 11 As shown, the assembly assembly 100 also includes a second bracket 150, a rotating shaft 160, an idler wheel 170, and a rotary transformer 180. The rotating shaft 160 is mounted on the second bracket 150; the idler wheel 170 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 160 and can contact the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line; the rotary transformer 180 is connected to the rotating shaft 160.

[0144] In this embodiment, the assembly assembly 100 further includes a second bracket 150, a rotating shaft 160, an idler wheel 170, and a rotary transformer 180. The rotating shaft 160 is mounted on the second bracket 150 to enable its installation. The idler wheel 170 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 160 and can contact the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line to enable its installation. By contacting the idler wheel 170 with the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line, the conveyor plate can drive the idler wheel 170 to rotate at the same speed. The rotary transformer 180 is connected to the rotating shaft 160, thereby enabling the calculation of the moving speed of the vehicle 200 so that the assembly assembly 100 can move with the vehicle 200. This facilitates the faster installation of the material 300 onto the hub 210, reduces the time required for the material 300 installation, and improves the efficiency of the material 300 installation.

[0145] Specifically, during operation, the rotary transformer 180 senses the rotation angle of the idler wheel 170 that is in contact with the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line, and can then calculate how far the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line has traveled. The following speed is then communicated to the assembly component 100 so that the assembly component can follow the vehicle 200.

[0146] Before the car body enters the assembly station, a set of through-beam photoelectric sensors positioned on both sides of the large conveyor belt detects its arrival. This trigger signal is sent to the control unit as the starting signal for tracking the car body's position. The core of the car body conveyor line following mechanism is a rotary transformer. The rotary transformer senses the rotation angle of the idler wheel in contact with the large conveyor belt and then feeds the signal back to the control unit. Through calibration and algorithm conversion, the control unit knows how far the large conveyor belt has traveled since the triggering began, and then informs the robot of the following speed, enabling the robot to follow the car body on the large conveyor belt.

[0147] In one embodiment of the invention, an assembly assembly 100 is provided, which is capable of assembling bolt protection covers on wheel hubs 210 of vehicle 200 on a vehicle assembly line.

[0148] When the assembly of vehicle 200 reaches the stage of assembling the bolt protective covers on the wheel hub 210, specifically, during the installation of the protective covers on the wheel hub bolts, a large batch of bolt protective covers are manually poured into the storage bin 115 at once. The conveying component 116 is located above the first placement platform 111, extending from the storage bin 115 to the first placement platform 111, so that the material 300 conveyed by the conveying component 116 can directly fall into the first placement platform 111. When material 300 is transported to storage box 1114 by 116, material 300 is disordered, and its front and back are not uniform. The feeding assembly 110 also includes a first support 112 and a first vision device 113. The first support 112 is connected to the base plate 114; the first vision device 113 is connected to the first support 112 and faces the storage box 1114, so that the first vision device 113 can take pictures of material 300 on the vibration table 1112 to obtain the position and status information of material 300. The first vision device 113 can also separately take pictures of the bolt protective cover picked up by the first robotic arm 133 within its field of view, and calculate the orientation angle of the hexagonal thin wall on the back of the bolt protective cover by a corresponding algorithm. This allows the vibrating table 1112 to flip and move the material 300 on the vibrating table 1112 according to the position and status information of the material 300. Under the action of the vibrating table 1112 driving the storage box 1114 to vibrate, all the material 300 in the storage box 1114 are flipped to face up or all the material 300 in the storage box 1114 are flipped to face up. The first feeding component 130 also includes a first base 132 and a first robotic arm 133. The first robotic arm 133 is set on the first base 132 and is connected to the first... A material handling component 131 is connected and, driven by a first robotic arm 133, moves between a first platform 111 and a second platform 122 to transport the material 300 placed on the first platform 111 to one of a plurality of storage positions 1222. During this process, a first loading component 130, carrying at least two first suction nozzles 1318 mounted on a first suction cup 1316, moves above the vibrating table 1112 to pick up the protective cover facing upwards. After picking up the cover, the first robotic arm 133 needs to rotate its wrist to bring the back of the protective cover into the field of view of a first vision device 113, so that the first vision device 113 can photograph and calculate the orientation angle of the hexagonal thin wall on the back of the protective cover. Then, the first loading component 130 carries the protective cover to the second storage platform 122. During the movement, based on the status and position information of the protective cover given by the first vision device 113, it completes the angle correction of the protective cover and then places the protective cover into the corresponding storage positions 1222 of the second storage platform 122. Each wheel hub requires the first loading component 130 to load multiple times until the second storage platform 122 is filled with protective covers.At this point, the hexagonal angles on the back of all the bolt protective covers on the second shelf 122 are aligned with the orientation of all the bolt heads on the hub 210 to which they will be assembled.

[0149] Before entering the assembly station, vehicle 200 is detected by a set of through-beam photoelectric sensors positioned on both sides of the large conveyor belt. This trigger signal is sent to the control unit as the starting signal for tracking the position of vehicle 200. The core of the vehicle 200 conveyor line following mechanism is the rotary transformer 180. The rotary transformer 180 senses the rotation angle of the idler wheel 170 in contact with the large conveyor belt and then feeds the signal back to the control unit. Through calibration and algorithm calculation, the control unit knows how far the large conveyor belt has traveled since the triggering began, and then informs the second feeding assembly 140 of the following speed. The second feeding assembly 140 then follows vehicle 200 on the large conveyor belt. While following vehicle 200, the speed of the vehicle body must be consistent with the speed of the second feeding assembly 140 in that direction. The second loading assembly 140, equipped with a second vision device 146, photographs the first wheel hub 210 (multiple shots are required). The second vision device 146 tracks and positions each hub 210, simultaneously photographing the positions of the five protective cover mounting holes, calculating the center position and overall deflection angle of the mounting holes, and controlling the second loading assembly 140 to adjust its posture so that the assembly tool aligns with the hub 210 and each bolt protective cover aligns with its corresponding mounting hole. The cylinder 1411 is controlled to move, thereby moving the material 300 towards the mounting hole position. The cylinder 1411, equipped with a sensor, presses the bolt protective cover into the mounting hole. After confirming that the installation is complete and all suction cups have broken the vacuum, the second loading assembly 140 withdraws. After the second loading assembly 140 safely withdraws, it releases its tracking and returns to its initial position, ready to pick up the bolt protective covers for the rear wheel assembly. The assembly method for the rear wheel hub 210 is the same as that for the front wheel.

[0150] Before vehicle 200 enters the assembly station, a second vision device 146 on a second loading assembly 140 located on one side of the conveyor line captures images of the hexagonal bolt heads on the wheel hub 210, determines the actual orientation of each bolt head, and obtains the first angle information of each bolt head on the wheel hub 210. Because the angle orientation of the hexagonal bolt heads is random after tire assembly, the first angle information needs to be promptly sent to the first loading assembly 130 of the protective cover. The first vision device 113 obtains the second angle information of the protective cover. Based on the first and second angle information, the first robotic arm 133 adjusts the angle of the hexagonal thin wall inside the bolt protective cover. The second vision device 146 on the second loading assembly 140 tracks and positions each wheel hub 210 of vehicle 200. The second vision device 146 simultaneously captures images of the positions of multiple protective cover mounting holes and calculates the center position and overall deflection angle of the holes, guiding the second robotic arm 143 to rotate the second loading assembly 140, achieving one-to-one pairing and installation of the bolt heads and protective covers. This ensures assembly quality.

[0151] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for assembling a protective cover is provided. The method is used on a vehicle assembly line where vehicles are placed, and the vehicles include wheel hubs. The method for assembling the protective cover includes: controlling a first material-picking component to pick up a protective cover on a first platform; controlling the first material-picking component to transport the protective cover to a second platform; controlling a second material-picking component to pick up multiple protective covers on the second platform; and controlling the second material-picking component to install the multiple protective covers onto the wheel hubs.

[0152] In this embodiment, the protective cover assembly method is used on a vehicle assembly line where vehicles are placed, allowing for the assembly of vehicles on the assembly line. The protective cover assembly method includes: controlling a first material handling component to pick up a protective cover on a first platform; controlling the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to a second platform, enabling the first material handling component to transfer the protective cover located on the first platform to the second platform, thereby achieving the transfer of the protective cover; controlling a second material handling component to pick up multiple protective covers on the second platform; and controlling the second material handling component to install the multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub, thereby achieving automatic material installation and avoiding long-term repetitive and monotonous work by workers in a semi-squatting position, preventing long-term work-related injuries.

[0153] Furthermore, automatic installation can greatly save manpower, reduce installation difficulty, and improve installation efficiency.

[0154] This application utilizes an installation component to replace manual labor. While maintaining the vehicle conveyor line's continuous operation, it controls a first picking component to retrieve multiple protective covers from a first loading platform. The first picking component then transports the retrieved covers to a second loading platform for adjustment. A second picking component retrieves multiple protective covers from the second loading platform and installs them onto the wheel hubs of vehicles on the conveyor line. This allows for the automatic installation of bolt protective covers and vehicle brand logos.

[0155] The assembly method for the protective covers described in this application, compared to the method where one or more workers take multiple bolt protective covers from a material box at once, enter the vehicle assembly line, and visually observe the position and orientation of multiple sets of bolts on the tire, then insert the protective covers into the bolt mounting holes on the wheel hub in a hand-eye coordination manner, achieves repetitive and monotonous work in component installation while meeting assembly process requirements, bringing economic benefits to the vehicle manufacturer in the long run. Furthermore, the visual inspection and alarm mechanisms reduce the installation error rate, facilitate digital production management, and improve the automation rate of the final assembly workshop.

[0156] like Figure 12 As shown, the assembly method of the protective cover includes:

[0157] Step 402: Control the first material handling component to retrieve the protective cover from the first placement platform;

[0158] Step 404: Control the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to the second storage platform;

[0159] Step 406: Control the second material handling component to acquire multiple protective caps on the second platform;

[0160] Step 408: Control the second material handling component to install multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub.

[0161] This embodiment provides a method for assembling a protective cover. In addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, this embodiment further includes the following technical features.

[0162] The method for assembling the protective cover further includes: controlling a first vision device to acquire the state and position of the protective cover on a first placement table; based on the state of the protective cover being face up, controlling a first material handling component to acquire the protective cover on the first placement table according to the position of the protective cover; and based on the state of the protective cover being back up, controlling a vibration table to vibrate to flip the protective cover.

[0163] In this embodiment, the assembly method of the protective cover further includes: controlling a first vision device to acquire the state and position of the protective cover on the first placement platform; the first vision device faces the placement box, so that the first vision device can photograph the material on the vibration table to acquire material position information and state information. This allows the vibration table to flip and move the material on the vibration table according to the material position and state information. Based on the protective cover being face up, the first picking component is controlled to pick up the protective cover on the first placement platform according to the position of the protective cover, thereby achieving the first picking component picking up all face-up protective covers. Based on the protective cover being back-up, the vibration table is controlled to vibrate to flip the protective cover, so that when all protective covers in the visual recognition area of ​​the vibration table are back-up, the vibration table can flip at least one protective cover to face up, so that when the second picking component picks up the protective cover, at least one protective cover in the visual recognition area is face-up, which facilitates the second picking component picking up the protective cover and installing it onto the vehicle's wheel hub.

[0164] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the back of the bolt protective cover is hexagonal, allowing the hexagonal cover to match the bolt.

[0165] Specifically, the first visual device is a 2D visual device.

[0166] Specifically, during material handling, a large batch of bolt protective covers is first manually poured into the storage bin. Since the storage bin is located on the base plate, to the side of the first placement platform, a conveying component extends from the storage bin to the first placement platform. This allows the conveying component to transport the material from the storage bin to the first placement platform, and then deliver a small batch of protective covers to the vibration table of the first placement platform. Above the vibration table is a 2D vision device, which can photograph the bolt protective covers on the vibration table to obtain their position and status (front or back). Based on the position and status (front or back) information of the protective covers, the vibration table is controlled to vibrate, causing the bolt protective covers to flip or move. Simultaneously, the 2D vision unit can also separately photograph the bolt protective covers picked up by the loading robot within its field of view, and the corresponding algorithm calculates the orientation angle of the hexagonal thin wall on the back of the bolt protective cover.

[0167] like Figure 13 As shown, the assembly method of the protective cover also includes:

[0168] Step 502: Control the first vision device to acquire the state and position of the protective cover on the first shelf;

[0169] Step 504: Based on the protective cover being face up, control the first material handling component to pick up the protective cover on the first platform according to the position of the protective cover;

[0170] Step 506: Based on the protective cover being in the position of back side up, control the vibration table to vibrate in order to flip the protective cover.

[0171] Step 508: Control the first material handling component to retrieve the protective cover from the first placement platform;

[0172] Step 510: Control the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to the second storage platform;

[0173] Step 512: Control the second material handling component to acquire multiple protective caps on the second platform;

[0174] Step 514: Control the second material handling assembly to install multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub.

[0175] This embodiment provides a method for assembling a protective cover. In addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, this embodiment further includes the following technical features.

[0176] Controlling the first material handling assembly to transport the protective cover to the second placement platform includes: acquiring first angle information of each bolt head on the hub; controlling the first material handling assembly to flip the protective cover to face the first vision device; controlling the first vision device to acquire second angle information of the protective cover; adjusting the angle of the protective cover according to the first angle information and the second angle information; and controlling the first material handling assembly to place the protective cover on the second placement platform.

[0177] In this embodiment, controlling the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to the second placement platform includes: acquiring first angle information of each bolt head on the wheel hub, thereby understanding the first angle information of each bolt head to facilitate the installation of the protective cover onto the bolt head. Controlling the first material handling component to flip the protective cover to face the first vision device; allowing the protective cover to enter the field of view of the first vision device, facilitating the first vision device to photograph the protective cover. Controlling the first vision device to acquire second angle information of the protective cover, thereby understanding the angle information of each protective cover, and adjusting the angle of the protective cover according to the first and second angle information, so that the first angle information of the bolt head matches the second angle information of the protective cover, thereby facilitating the installation of the protective cover onto the bolt head on the wheel hub precisely, avoiding mismatch between the first and second angle information which would prevent the protective cover from being installed onto the bolt head on the wheel hub, and preventing a reduction in the installation efficiency of the protective cover.

[0178] The method of this application involves acquiring the first angle information of each bolt head on the wheel hub; controlling a first vision device to acquire the second angle information of the protective cover; and adjusting the angle of the protective cover based on the first and second angle information. Specifically, each wheel hub is first tracked and positioned. The second vision device simultaneously captures the positions of multiple bolt heads, calculates the center position and overall deflection angle, and the first vision device captures and calculates the orientation angle of the hexagonal thin wall on the back of the protective cover. Then, the installation assembly carries the protective cover to the transfer platform, and during the movement, the angle of the protective cover is corrected so that the hexagonal angle on the back of all bolt protective covers on the transfer platform is consistent with the orientation of all bolt heads on the wheel hub to which they will be assembled. Then, multiple protective covers with adjusted angles are placed into the corresponding fixing holes on the transfer platform. The installation assembly then needs to feed the protective covers multiple times until each wheel hub is filled with protective covers.

[0179] like Figure 14 As shown, the assembly method of the protective cover also includes:

[0180] Step 602: Control the first material handling component to retrieve the protective cover from the first placement platform;

[0181] Step 604: Obtain the first angle information of each bolt head on the wheel hub;

[0182] Step 606: Control the first material handling component to flip the protective cover to face the first vision device;

[0183] Step 608: Control the first vision device to acquire the second angle information of the protective cover;

[0184] Step 610: Adjust the angle of the protective cover according to the first angle information and the second angle information;

[0185] Step 612: Control the first material handling component to place the protective cover on the second shelf;

[0186] Step 614: Control the second material handling component to acquire multiple protective caps on the second platform;

[0187] Step 616: Control the second material handling component to install multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub.

[0188] This embodiment provides a method for assembling a protective cover. In addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, this embodiment further includes the following technical features.

[0189] Controlling the second material handling assembly to install multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub includes: acquiring position information of multiple bolts on the wheel hub; adjusting the position of the multiple protective covers according to the position information; and controlling the second material handling assembly to install the multiple protective covers onto the multiple bolts on the wheel hub.

[0190] In this embodiment, controlling the second material-grabbing component to install multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub includes: acquiring the position information of multiple bolts on the wheel hub; by acquiring the position information of multiple bolts, the specific position of each bolt can be determined; and based on the position information, controlling the second material-grabbing component to adjust the position of the multiple protective covers so that the position information of the multiple protective covers matches the position of the bolts, ensuring that the multiple protective covers can be installed precisely on the bolts. Controlling the second material-grabbing component to install multiple protective covers onto the multiple bolts on the wheel hub enables automatic installation of bolt protective covers, improving installation efficiency.

[0191] The method of this application involves acquiring the position information of each bolt on the wheel hub; controlling a second material handling component to adjust the position of multiple protective covers based on the position information; and controlling the second material handling component to install the multiple protective covers onto the multiple bolts on the wheel hub. Specifically, each wheel hub is first tracked and positioned; a second vision device simultaneously captures the position of multiple bolt heads and calculates the position of each bolt head; a first vision device captures and calculates the position of the protective covers; and the second material handling component adjusts the position of the protective covers. This ensures that the positions of all bolt protective covers on the transfer platform correspond to the positions of all bolt heads on the wheel hub to which they will be assembled. Then, the multiple protective covers that have been adjusted in position are installed onto each wheel hub.

[0192] like Figure 15 As shown, the assembly method of the protective cover also includes:

[0193] Step 702: Control the first material handling component to retrieve the protective cover from the first placement platform;

[0194] Step 704: Control the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to the second storage platform;

[0195] Step 706: Control the second material handling component to acquire multiple protective caps on the second platform;

[0196] Step 708: Obtain the position information of multiple bolts on the wheel hub;

[0197] Step 710: Based on the location information, control the second material handling component to adjust the positions of multiple protective covers;

[0198] Step 712: Control the second material handling assembly to install multiple protective covers onto multiple bolts on the wheel hub.

[0199] This embodiment provides a method for assembling a protective cover. In addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, this embodiment further includes the following technical features.

[0200] Controlling the second material handling assembly to install multiple protective covers on the wheel hub includes: acquiring vehicle position information; acquiring vehicle speed information based on the vehicle position information; controlling the second material handling assembly to move synchronously with the vehicle based on the speed information; and controlling the second material handling assembly to install multiple protective covers on multiple bolts on the wheel hub.

[0201] In this embodiment, controlling the second material-picking component to install multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub includes: acquiring vehicle position information; acquiring vehicle speed information based on the vehicle position information, thereby confirming the vehicle's actual speed. Based on the speed information, controlling the second material-picking component to move synchronously with the vehicle ensures that the second material-picking component remains relatively stationary with the vehicle, facilitating the installation of the protective covers. Controlling the second material-picking component to install multiple protective covers onto multiple bolts on the wheel hub ensures that the protective covers are installed onto the bolts in a timely manner, preventing delays in installation due to asynchrony between the second material-picking component and the vehicle. This avoids impacting the installation efficiency of the protective covers.

[0202] After entering the assembly area on the vehicle body conveyor line, the installation component first follows the vehicle body, ensuring that the vehicle body's moving speed matches the installation component's moving speed in that direction. While following the vehicle body, the installation component, equipped with a camera, photographs the rear wheel hubs (multiple shots are required). Based on the image processing results, it obtains the position of the rear wheels and the angle information of the bolt cover mounting holes, and controls the installation component to adjust its posture, aligning the assembly tool with the rear wheel hubs and each bolt cover with its corresponding mounting hole. Finally, each single-axis cylinder presses the bolt cover into the mounting hole. After confirming that the installation is complete, all suction cups release the vacuum, and the installation component exits. After the robot safely exits, it releases the follower and returns to its initial position, ready to pick up bolt covers for the next vehicle.

[0203] Based on the vehicle's position information, the vehicle's movement speed information is obtained. This includes: setting a second bracket, a rotating shaft, an idler wheel, and a rotary transformer in the assembly assembly. The rotating shaft is mounted on the second bracket for installation. The idler wheel is fitted onto the rotating shaft and can contact the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line for installation. The contact between the idler wheel and the conveyor plate allows the conveyor plate to drive the idler wheel to rotate at the same speed. The rotary transformer is connected to the rotating shaft. This allows the vehicle's movement speed to be calculated so that the assembly assembly can follow the vehicle's movement, facilitating faster installation of materials onto the hub, reducing the time required for material installation, and improving material installation efficiency.

[0204] Specifically, during operation, the rotary transformer senses the rotation angle of the idler wheel that contacts the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line, and then calculates how far the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line has traveled. It then informs the assembly components of the following speed so that the assembly components can follow the vehicle.

[0205] like Figure 16 As shown, the assembly method of the protective cover also includes:

[0206] Step 802: Control the first material handling component to retrieve the protective cover from the first placement platform;

[0207] Step 804: Control the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to the second storage platform;

[0208] Step 806: Control the second material handling component to acquire multiple protective caps on the second platform;

[0209] Step 808: Obtain the vehicle's location information;

[0210] Step 810: Obtain the vehicle's speed information based on the vehicle's location information;

[0211] Step 812: Based on the speed information, control the second material handling component to move synchronously with the vehicle;

[0212] Step 814: Control the second material handling assembly to install multiple protective covers onto multiple bolts on the wheel hub.

[0213] A third aspect of the present invention provides an assembly apparatus for a protective cover, which is used on a vehicle assembly line where vehicles are placed, and the vehicles include wheel hubs. The assembly apparatus for the protective cover includes: a first picking unit for controlling a first picking component to pick up a protective cover on a first placement platform; a first driving unit for controlling the first picking component to transport the protective cover to a second placement platform; a second picking unit for controlling a second picking component to pick up multiple protective covers on the second placement platform; and a second driving unit for controlling the second picking component to install the multiple protective covers onto the wheel hubs.

[0214] In this embodiment, the protective cover assembly method is used on a vehicle assembly line where vehicles are placed, allowing for the assembly of vehicles on the assembly line. The protective cover assembly method includes: a first acquiring unit for controlling a first picking component to acquire a protective cover on a first platform; a first driving unit for controlling the first picking component to transport the protective cover to a second platform, enabling the first picking component to transfer the protective cover from the first platform to the second platform; a second acquiring unit for controlling a second picking component to acquire multiple protective covers on the second platform; and a second driving unit for controlling the second picking component to install the multiple protective covers onto the wheel hub. This enables automated material installation, avoiding long-term repetitive and monotonous work by workers in a semi-squatting position, and preventing long-term work-related injuries.

[0215] Furthermore, automatic installation can greatly save manpower, reduce installation difficulty, and improve installation efficiency.

[0216] This application utilizes assembly components to replace manual labor, enabling automated installation of multiple protective covers on a first platform while maintaining continuous operation of the vehicle conveyor line. The first picking component retrieves these covers from a first loading platform, transports them to a second loading platform, and adjusts them. A second picking component then retrieves these covers from the second platform and installs them onto the wheel hubs of vehicles on the conveyor line. This completes the installation of bolt protective covers and vehicle brand logos, achieving automated installation of these components.

[0217] The assembly method for the protective covers described in this application, compared to the method where one or more workers take multiple bolt protective covers from a material box at once, enter the vehicle assembly line, and visually observe the position and orientation of multiple sets of bolts on the tire, then insert the protective covers into the bolt mounting holes on the wheel hub in a hand-eye coordination manner, achieves repetitive and monotonous work in component assembly while meeting assembly process requirements, bringing economic benefits to the vehicle manufacturer in the long run. Furthermore, the visual inspection and alarm mechanisms reduce the installation error rate, facilitate digital production management, and improve the automation rate of the final assembly workshop.

[0218] This embodiment provides a method for assembling a protective cover. In addition to the technical features of the above embodiments, this embodiment further includes the following technical features.

[0219] When installing protective covers on the wheel hub bolts of the vehicle, a large batch of bolt protective covers are manually poured into the storage bin at once. The conveying component is located above the first placement platform and extends from the storage bin to the first placement platform, allowing all materials conveyed by the conveying component to fall directly onto the first placement platform. When the conveying component transports the materials to the placement box, the materials are disordered, and the front and back of the materials are not uniform. The feeding assembly also includes a first bracket and a first vision device. The first bracket is connected to the base plate; the first vision device is connected to the first bracket and faces the placement box, allowing the first vision device to photograph the materials on the vibrating table to obtain material position and status information. The first vision device can also separately photograph the bolt protective covers picked up by the first robotic arm within its field of view, and the orientation angle of the hexagonal thin wall on the back of the bolt protective cover is calculated by a corresponding algorithm. This allows the vibrating table to flip and move the material on it based on its position and status information. Under the vibration of the storage box driven by the vibrating table, all the material in the storage box is flipped to face up. The first feeding component also includes a first base and a first robotic arm. The first robotic arm is mounted on the first base and connected to the first picking component. Driven by the first robotic arm, the first picking component can move between the first and second storage platforms to transport the material placed on the first storage platform to one of the multiple storage positions. During this process, the first feeding component, carrying at least two first suction nozzles mounted on the first suction cup, moves above the vibrating table and picks up the protective cover facing upwards. After picking it up, the first robotic arm needs to rotate its wrist to bring the back of the protective cover into the field of view of the first vision device, allowing the first vision device to photograph and calculate the orientation angle of the hexagonal thin wall on the back of the protective cover. Then, the first loading assembly, carrying the protective cover, arrives at the second placement platform. During its movement, based on the status and position information of the protective cover provided by the first vision device, it corrects the angle of the protective cover and then places it into the corresponding placement slots on the second placement platform. Each wheel hub requires multiple loading operations by the first loading assembly until the second placement platform is filled with protective covers. At this point, the hexagonal angles on the back of all bolt protective covers on the second placement platform are aligned with the orientation of all bolt heads on the wheel hub to which they will be assembled.

[0220] Before a vehicle enters the assembly station, a set of through-beam photoelectric sensors positioned on both sides of the large conveyor belt detects its arrival. This trigger signal is sent to the control unit as the starting signal for tracking the vehicle's position. The core of the vehicle conveyor following mechanism is a rotary transformer. The rotary transformer senses the rotation angle of the idler wheel in contact with the large conveyor belt and then feeds the signal back to the control unit. Through calibration and algorithmic calculation, the control unit knows how far the large conveyor belt has traveled since the triggering began, and then informs the second feeding assembly of the following speed. The second feeding assembly then follows the vehicle on the large conveyor belt. While following the vehicle, the vehicle's moving speed must be consistent with the second feeding assembly's moving speed in that direction. The second feeding assembly, equipped with a second vision device, photographs the first wheel hub (requiring multiple shots). The second vision device tracks and positions each wheel hub, simultaneously photographing the positions of the five protective cover mounting holes, calculating the center position and overall deflection angle of the protective cover mounting holes, and controlling the second feeding assembly to adjust its posture so that the assembly tool aligns with the wheel hub and each bolt protective cover aligns with its corresponding mounting hole. The cylinder is controlled to move, which in turn moves the material towards the mounting hole. The cylinder presses the bolt cover into the mounting hole. A sensor on the cylinder detects the pressing stroke. After installation is confirmed, all suction cups release the vacuum, and the second feeding assembly tool retracts. After the second feeding assembly safely retracts, it releases its follower and returns to its initial position, ready to pick up the bolt cover for rear wheel assembly. The rear wheel hub assembly method is the same as the front wheel. Before the vehicle enters the assembly station, a second vision device on the second feeding assembly, located on one side of the conveyor line, captures images of the hexagonal bolt heads on the hub, determines the actual orientation of each bolt head, and obtains the first angle information of each bolt head on the hub. Because the angle of the hexagonal bolt head is random after each wheel is assembled, the first angle information needs to be sent to the first loading component of the protective cover in a timely manner. The first vision device obtains the second angle information of the protective cover. Based on the first and second angle information, the first robotic arm adjusts the angle of the hexagonal thin wall inside the bolt protective cover. The second vision device on the second loading component tracks and positions each wheel hub of the vehicle. The second vision device simultaneously captures the positions of multiple protective cover mounting holes and calculates the center position and overall deflection angle of the holes, guiding the second robotic arm to rotate the second loading component to achieve one-to-one matching and installation of the bolt head and the protective cover. This ensures assembly quality.

[0221] In one embodiment of the present invention, a protective cover assembly apparatus is provided, comprising: a memory configured to store programs or instructions; and a processor configured to execute the stored programs or instructions, the steps of the assembly method in any of the above-described technical solutions. Therefore, it possesses all the beneficial effects of the protective cover assembly method, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0222] In one embodiment of the present invention, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored. When executed by a processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the protective cover assembly method as described in any of the above-described technical solutions. Therefore, it possesses all the beneficial effects of the protective cover assembly method, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0223] In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle assembly system is provided, comprising: an assembly component as described in any of the above-described technical solutions; an assembly device for a protective cover as described in any of the above-described technical solutions; or a readable storage medium as described in any of the above-described technical solutions. Therefore, it possesses all the beneficial effects of the assembly component, the assembly device for the protective cover, or the readable storage medium, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0224] In the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the term "plural" refers to two or more. Unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the descriptive process, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have the described specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, these descriptions should not be construed as limiting the invention. The terms "connected," "installed," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection between multiple objects, a detachable connection between multiple objects, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection between multiple objects or an indirect connection between multiple objects through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood based on the specific circumstances described above.

[0225] In the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, 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.

[0226] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a protective cover, characterized in that, The assembly method for the protective cover is used on a vehicle assembly line where vehicles are placed, the vehicles including wheel hubs, and the assembly method for the protective cover includes: Control the first material handling component to retrieve the protective cover from the first placement platform; The first material handling component is controlled to transport the protective cover to the second storage platform; Control the second material handling component to acquire multiple protective caps on the second placement platform; Control the second material handling component to install the plurality of protective covers onto the wheel hub; The assembly method of the protective cover also includes: Control the first vision device to acquire the state and position of the protective cover on the first shelf; Based on the fact that the protective cover is facing upwards, the first material picking component is controlled to pick up the protective cover on the first placement platform according to the position of the protective cover; Based on the fact that the protective cover is facing up, the vibration table is controlled to vibrate in order to flip the protective cover. The control of the first material handling component to transport the protective cover to the second storage platform includes: Obtain the first angle information of each bolt head on the wheel hub; The first material handling component is controlled to flip the protective cover to face the first vision device; Control the first vision device to acquire the second angle information of the protective cover; Adjust the angle of the protective cover according to the first angle information and the second angle information; Control the first material handling component to place the protective cover on the second shelf; The assembly method is implemented using an assembly assembly for a vehicle assembly line where a vehicle, including a wheel hub, is placed. The assembly assembly includes: A feeding assembly, the feeding assembly including a first placement platform, the first placement platform being capable of placing materials; A transfer assembly, the transfer assembly including a second shelf, the second shelf including multiple storage positions, the positions of the multiple storage positions matching the positions of the bolts on the wheel hub; The first feeding component includes a first picking component, which is capable of moving between the first placement platform and the second placement platform to transport the material placed on the first placement platform to one of the plurality of placement positions. The second feeding assembly includes a second material handling assembly, which is capable of loading the materials in the plurality of storage positions onto the wheel hub.

2. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of the second material handling assembly to install the plurality of protective covers on the wheel hub includes: Obtain the position information of multiple bolts on the wheel hub; Based on the location information, the second material handling component is controlled to adjust the position of the plurality of protective covers; The second material handling assembly is controlled to install the plurality of protective covers onto the plurality of bolts on the wheel hub.

3. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control of the second material handling assembly to install the plurality of protective covers on the wheel hub includes: Obtain vehicle location information; Based on the vehicle's location information, obtain the vehicle's speed information; Based on the speed information, the second material handling component is controlled to move synchronously with the vehicle; The second material handling assembly is controlled to install the plurality of protective covers onto the plurality of bolts on the wheel hub.

4. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding assembly further includes: substrate; A storage bin is disposed on the base plate and located to the side of the first placement platform; A conveying component that extends from the storage bin to the first placement platform.

5. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first shelf includes: A vibration table, wherein the vibration table is disposed on the substrate; A storage box is disposed on the vibration table.

6. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The feeding assembly further includes: A first support, which is connected to the substrate; A first visual device, connected to the first bracket, faces the storage box.

7. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first feeding component also includes: First base; A first robotic arm is mounted on the first base and connected to the first material handling component, capable of driving the first material handling component to move.

8. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first material handling component includes: A first flange, which is connected to the first robotic arm; A first support rod, the first end of which is connected to the first flange; A first suction cup is connected to the second end of the first support rod; At least two first suction nozzles are disposed on a first suction cup for sucking up the material.

9. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second feeding component also includes: Second base; The second robotic arm is mounted on the second base and connected to the second material handling component, and is capable of driving the second material handling component to move.

10. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second material handling component includes: A connecting component, which is connected to the second robotic arm; A supporting component, the first end of which is connected to the connecting component; Multiple mounting components are connected to the support member and distributed circumferentially along the support member.

11. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of installation components includes: A cylinder, wherein the cylinder barrel is connected to the supporting component; The second suction cup is connected to the piston of the cylinder; At least two second suction nozzles are disposed on a second suction cup for sucking up the material.

12. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second feeding component also includes: The second flange is connected to the connecting component; Mounting plate, which is connected to the second flange; A second vision device is disposed on the mounting plate and faces the wheel hub.

13. The assembly method of the protective cover according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second material handling component also includes: The third suction cup is disposed at the second end of the support component; The plurality of mounting components are arranged around the third suction cup.

14. The method for assembling the protective cover according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The relay component includes: The third base; A storage mold, wherein the storage mold is disposed on the third base; The plurality of placement positions are blind holes and are provided on the placement mold.

15. The method for assembling the protective cover according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, Also includes: Second support; A rotating shaft, which is mounted on the second bracket; An idler wheel, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft and can contact the conveyor plate of the vehicle assembly line; A rotary transformer, wherein the rotary transformer is connected to the rotating shaft.

16. An assembly device for a protective cover, characterized in that, include: Memory, configured to store programs or instructions; A processor configured to execute a stored program or instructions to implement the steps of the method for assembling the protective cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A readable storage medium having a program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program or the instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the method for assembling the protective cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 15 are implemented.

18. A vehicle assembly system, characterized in that, include: Assembly device for the protective cover as described in claim 16; or The readable storage medium as described in claim 17.

Images