Pipelined system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pipeline system and a control method thereof. The pipeline system comprises a support frame, a plurality of carriers, each carrier being used to load a corresponding product, and a first transfer unit arranged on the support frame and configured to drive the carriers to move in a pipeline direction so as to transfer the carriers between a plurality of different stations. The first transfer unit comprises a plurality of transfer modules arranged on the support frame along the pipeline direction, each transfer module comprising a first driving source and a transfer mechanism, the first driving source being configured to drive the corresponding transfer mechanism to transfer the carriers in the pipeline direction. At least two transfer modules simultaneously transfer the carriers during the process of transferring the carriers from one station to an adjacent station. In this way, even if one of the transfer modules fails, the transfer of the carriers will not be stopped, ensuring the normal operation of the pipeline and avoiding economic losses caused by the stoppage of the pipeline to the production of the products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of smart terminal product technology, and in particular to a production line system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, during the manufacturing process of smart terminal products, the automated assembly and testing lines contain a large number of production lines for transferring products. However, if a current production line malfunctions, the entire production line cannot work properly and needs to be shut down for repairs, which causes a halt in product manufacturing and results in significant economic losses. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this disclosure provides a production line system and its control method.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a production line system is provided, the production line system comprising:

[0005] Support frame;

[0006] Multiple vehicles, each of which is used to load a corresponding product;

[0007] The first transfer unit is disposed on the support frame and drives the carrier to move in the assembly line direction so that the carrier can be transferred between multiple different workstations.

[0008] The first transfer unit includes multiple transfer modules, which are arranged on the support frame along the assembly line direction. Each transfer module includes a first drive source and a transfer mechanism. The first drive source is used to drive the corresponding transfer mechanism to transfer the carrier in the assembly line direction.

[0009] During the process of the carrier being transferred from one workstation to an adjacent workstation, at least two of the transfer modules are transferred simultaneously.

[0010] In some embodiments, the transfer mechanism includes a first driving wheel, a first driven wheel, and a first transmission belt. The first driving wheel and the first driven wheel are rotatably mounted on the support frame along an axis parallel to the left and right direction, and the first driving wheel and the first driven wheel are spaced apart along the assembly line direction. The first transmission belt wraps around the first driving wheel and the first driven wheel and is used to transfer the carrier. The corresponding first drive source is used to drive the first driving wheel to rotate so as to drive the first transmission belt to transfer the carrier. When the first drive source fails, the corresponding first driving wheel can be rotated by an external force.

[0011] In some embodiments, the assembly line system further includes a plurality of support rollers;

[0012] The support frame includes a base plate, a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are arranged at intervals relative to each other in the left-right direction and are both connected to the base plate. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate both extend in the production line direction.

[0013] Multiple transfer modules are arranged on the first mounting plate along the assembly line direction. The first driving wheel and the first driven wheel are rotatably arranged on the first mounting plate. The first transmission belt is used to support one side of the carrier in the left-right direction and rubs against the carrier.

[0014] The second mounting plate is arranged in a series of spaced-apart support rollers along the flow line direction, and the support rollers are rotatably mounted on the second mounting plate along an axis parallel to the left and right direction, so as to support the other side of the carrier in the left and right direction and rub against the carrier.

[0015] In some embodiments, the assembly line system further includes a second drive source for driving the support roller disposed at the feed end of the assembly line system to rotate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the assembly line system further includes a plurality of alarm units configured one-to-one with a plurality of the first drive sources in the plurality of transfer modules, the alarm units being used to issue an alarm when the corresponding first drive source fails.

[0017] In some embodiments, the assembly line system further includes a plurality of lifting mechanisms, which are arranged along the assembly line direction on the support frame and are respectively used to correspond one-to-one with a plurality of different workstations; the lifting mechanisms are used to drive the carriers located under the corresponding workstations to move upward by at least the height of the carriers, so that the carriers are detached from the transfer of the first transfer unit and move upward to a first position; and when the carriers are in the first position, the first transfer unit can transfer another carrier from the workstation to another adjacent workstation.

[0018] In some embodiments, each of the lifting mechanisms includes a third drive source, a fixing member, and a lifting member for abutting against the vehicle. The fixing member is disposed on the support frame. One of the fixing member and the lifting member is formed with a groove extending in the vertical direction, and the other is provided with a slider for slidingly engaging with the groove.

[0019] The third drive source is disposed on the fixing member and drives the lifting member to move upward, thereby driving the vehicle to move upward.

[0020] In some embodiments, the support frame includes a base plate, a first mounting plate, and a second mounting plate. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are arranged at intervals relative to each other in the left-right direction and are both connected to the base plate. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate both extend in the production line direction. The first transfer unit transfers the carrier between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate.

[0021] Each of the lifting mechanisms includes two third drive sources and two lifting members. The two lifting members are respectively used to abut against the left and right sides of the vehicle. One of the third drive sources is disposed on the first mounting plate and drives one of the lifting members to move upward, and the other third drive source is disposed on the second mounting plate and drives the other lifting member to move upward.

[0022] In some embodiments, each of the lifting mechanisms further includes a synchronization transmission structure for synchronizing the movement of the two lifting members;

[0023] The synchronous transmission structure includes a first rack, a second rack, a first gear, a second gear, and a transmission shaft. The first rack and the second rack are respectively arranged on the two lifting members extending in the vertical direction. The two ends of the transmission shaft are respectively rotatably arranged on the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. The first gear and the second gear are both fixedly sleeved on the transmission shaft, and the first gear meshes with the first rack, and the second gear meshes with the second rack.

[0024] In some embodiments, the assembly line system further includes a plurality of first positioning structures, which are arranged along the assembly line direction on the support frame and are respectively used to correspond one-to-one with a plurality of different workstations;

[0025] The carrier is provided with a second positioning structure that cooperates with the first positioning structure. When the carrier is in the first position, the second positioning structure on the carrier cooperates with the first positioning structure of the corresponding workstation.

[0026] In some embodiments, the support frame includes a base plate, a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a plurality of positioning and mounting structures. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are arranged at intervals relative to each other in the left-right direction and are both connected to the base plate. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate both extend in the production line direction, and the first transfer unit transfers the carrier between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate.

[0027] The first positioning structure includes multiple positioning pins, and the second positioning structure includes multiple positioning holes; the multiple positioning mounting structures are respectively configured in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple first positioning structures; each positioning mounting structure includes multiple positioning mounting arms disposed on the first mounting plate and / or the second mounting plate, for mounting the multiple positioning pins in the corresponding first positioning structure in one-to-one correspondence.

[0028] In some embodiments, the support frame includes an upper frame, vertical beams, and a lower frame, and the assembly line system further includes a second transfer unit, a third transfer unit, and a fourth transfer unit;

[0029] The upper shelf is connected to the lower shelf by vertical beams extending in the vertical direction;

[0030] The first transfer unit is disposed on the upper shelf to transfer the carrier in a first direction, the second transfer unit is disposed on the lower shelf to transfer the carrier in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the third transfer unit is used to transfer the carrier at the discharge end of the upper shelf downward to the feed end of the lower shelf, and the fourth transfer unit is used to transfer the carrier at the discharge end of the lower shelf upward to the feed end of the upper shelf.

[0031] Both the first direction and the second direction are parallel to the flow line direction.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second transfer unit includes a fourth drive source, a second drive wheel, a second driven wheel, a second transmission belt, and a tensioning mechanism. The second drive wheel and the second driven wheel are rotatably disposed on the lower shelf along an axial direction parallel to the left and right direction, and the second drive wheel and the second driven wheel are spaced apart along the assembly line direction. The second transmission belt is wound around the second drive wheel and the second driven wheel and is used to transfer the carrier. The fourth drive source is used to drive the second drive wheel to rotate so as to drive the second transmission belt to transfer the carrier in the second direction. The tensioning mechanism is used to tension the second transmission belt in the assembly line direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism includes an adjusting bracket and an adjusting bolt;

[0034] The second driven wheel includes a second driven wheel body and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the adjusting bracket and fixedly connected to the second driven wheel body. The adjusting bolt extends along the flow line direction and passes through a first threaded hole on the adjusting bracket to connect with a second threaded hole on the lower shelf.

[0035] This disclosure also provides a control method for a production line system. The control method is applied to the production line system, which further includes a load detection unit and a controller. The load detection unit and multiple transfer modules are electrically connected to the controller. The load detection unit is used to detect the load exerted by the carrier on the first transfer unit. According to the load size, it adapts the operation of the corresponding number and position of drive sources.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the load detected by the load detection unit is greater than the target load value, the controller is configured to control all of the first drive sources in the plurality of transfer modules to work; when the load detected by the load detection unit is not greater than the target load value, the controller is configured to control the first drive sources spaced apart among the plurality of first drive sources in the plurality of transfer modules to work.

[0037] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: by setting the first transfer unit as multiple transfer modules, and the multiple transfer modules are arranged on the support frame along the production line direction, at least two transfer modules simultaneously transfer the carrier during the process of the carrier being transferred from one workstation to another adjacent workstation; in this way, even if one of the transfer modules fails, the transfer of the carrier will not stop, ensuring the normal operation of the production line and avoiding economic losses to product production caused by the stagnation of the production line.

[0038] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment, and the diagram also illustrates a carrier on which products are disposed.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment, and the support frame in the figure only shows the second mounting plate and the vertical beam.

[0043] Figure 4This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment, and the support frame in the figure only shows the first mounting plate, the second mounting plate, and the vertical beam.

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Top view.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment, and the support frame in the figure shows the lower frame and the carrier disposed on the lower frame.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tensioning mechanism for an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment, and the second driven wheel is also shown in the figure.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a lifting mechanism for an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fixing member of a lifting mechanism for an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein a groove is formed on the fixing member.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting component of a lifting mechanism for an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting plate of the lifting mechanism of an assembly line system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0052] 1 support frame 11 substrate

[0053] 12 First mounting plate 13 Second mounting plate

[0054] 14 Positioning and Installation Structure 141 Positioning and Installation Arm

[0055] 1411 First paragraph 1412 Second paragraph

[0056] 15 Upper shelf 16 Vertical beam

[0057] 17 Lower shelf 171 Second blocking structure

[0058] 2 vehicles

[0059] 211 Positioning Hole 3 First Transfer Unit

[0060] 31 Transfer Module 311 First Drive Source

[0061] 312 Transfer Mechanism 3121 First Transmission Belt

[0062] 4 Support rollers 5 Second drive source

[0063] 6 Lifting Mechanisms 61 Third Drive Source

[0064] 62 Lifting Components 621 Lifting Plates

[0065] 622 Lifting Rod, 623 Buffer Pad

[0066] 63 Fastener 64 Slide

[0067] 65 slider 66 synchronous transmission structure

[0068] 661 First rack; 662 Second rack

[0069] 663 First Gear

[0070] 665 drive shaft 67 connecting plate

[0071] 671 First plate body 672 Second plate body

[0072] 71 positioning pin

[0073] 8 Second transfer unit 81 Fourth drive source

[0074] 82 Second driving wheel 83 Second driven wheel

[0075] 831 Second driven wheel body 832 Rotating shaft

[0076] 84 Second transmission belt 85 Tensioning mechanism

[0077] 851 Adjusting bracket 852 Adjusting bolt

[0078] 9 First detection unit 91 First blocking structure

[0079] 92 First crossbeam 100 product Detailed Implementation

[0080] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0081] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," and "right" refer to the "up," "down," "left," and "right" as defined in the normal operating state of the assembly line system; for details, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 As shown; the first and second directions can also be referenced. Figure 1 As shown; the directional terms used, such as "inner" and "outer", refer to the inner and outer parts of the specific structural outline; the terms used, such as "first" and "second", are only used to distinguish one element from another and do not have any order or importance.

[0082] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, this disclosure provides an assembly line system, which includes a support frame 1, multiple carriers 2, and a first transfer unit 3. Each carrier 2 is used to load a corresponding product 100. The first transfer unit 3 is disposed on the support frame 1 and drives the carriers 2 to move in the assembly line direction, so that the carriers 2 can be transferred between multiple different workstations. Furthermore, the first transfer unit 3 includes multiple transfer modules 31, which are disposed on the support frame 1 along the assembly line direction. Each transfer module 31 includes a first drive source 311 and a transfer mechanism 312. The first drive source 311 drives the corresponding transfer mechanism 312 to transfer the carrier 2 in the assembly line direction. During the process of transferring the carrier 2 from one workstation to an adjacent workstation, at least two transfer modules 31 perform transfer simultaneously.

[0083] In the above technical solution, by setting the first transfer unit 3 as multiple transfer modules 31, and the multiple transfer modules 31 are arranged on the support frame 1 along the assembly line direction, at least two transfer modules 31 simultaneously transfer the carrier 2 during the process of the carrier 2 being transferred from one workstation to another adjacent workstation; in this way, even if one of the transfer modules 31 fails, the transfer of the carrier 2 will not stop, ensuring the normal operation of the assembly line and avoiding economic losses to the production of product 100 due to the stagnation of the assembly line.

[0084] In one implementation, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the transfer mechanism 312 includes a first driving wheel, a first driven wheel, and a first transmission belt 3121. The first driving wheel and the first driven wheel are rotatably mounted on the support frame 1 along an axis parallel to the left-right direction, and are spaced apart along the assembly line direction. The first transmission belt 3121 winds around the first driving wheel and the first driven wheel and is used to transfer the carrier 2. The corresponding first drive source 311 drives the first driving wheel to rotate, thereby driving the first transmission belt 3121 to transfer the carrier 2. Even when the first drive source 311 fails, the corresponding first driving wheel can still rotate under external force. This transfer mechanism 312 has a simple structure and stable drive, enabling stable transfer of the carrier 2. Furthermore, even when the first drive source 311 fails, the first driving wheel corresponding to it can still rotate; that is, even if the first drive source 311 fails, the transfer module 31 corresponding to it can still transfer the carrier 2.

[0085] Optionally, the first transmission belt 3121 described above can be constructed as an O-ring, and the carrier 2 moves forward using the friction with the O-ring, effectively reducing dust generated by friction between the traditional belt and the carrier 2, and improving the cleanliness of the production line. Additionally, the first drive source 311 described above can be constructed as a stepper motor.

[0086] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the assembly line system also includes multiple support rollers 4; the support frame 1 includes a base plate 11, a first mounting plate 12, and a second mounting plate 13. The first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13 are arranged at intervals relative to each other in the left-right direction and are both connected to the base plate 11, and both the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13 extend along the assembly line direction. Multiple transfer modules 31 are arranged on the first mounting plate 12 along the assembly line direction. The first driving wheel and the first driven wheel are rotatably arranged on the first mounting plate 12. The first transmission belt 3121 is used to support one side of the carrier 2 in the left-right direction and rubs against the carrier 2; multiple support rollers 4 are arranged at intervals on the second mounting plate 13 in sequence along the assembly line direction, and the support rollers 4 are rotatably arranged on the second mounting plate 13 along an axis parallel to the left-right direction to support the other side of the carrier 2 in the left-right direction and rub against the carrier 2.

[0087] In this embodiment, during the transfer of the carrier 2, the carrier 2 moves between the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13. One side of the carrier 2 in the left-right direction is supported by at least two first transmission belts 3121 on the first mounting plate 12, which rub against each other; the other side of the carrier 2 in the left-right direction is supported by support rollers 4 on the second mounting plate 13, which also rub against each other. Firstly, the support frame 1 has a simple structure and strong stability. Secondly, by setting support rollers 4 on the second mounting plate 13, it can both provide stable support for the carrier 2 and facilitate its transfer.

[0088] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the assembly line system also includes a second drive source 5, which drives the support roller 4 located at the feed end of the assembly line system to rotate. The reason for setting up this second drive source 5 and driving the support roller 4 at the feed end of the assembly line system is that the carrier 2 may be tilted at the feed end of the assembly line system. By setting the second drive source 5 to drive the support roller 4 at the feed end to rotate, the parallelism between the carrier 2 and the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13 can be effectively ensured, preventing the carrier 2 from jamming. In addition, to prevent the carrier 2 from shifting, the support roller 4 and the first drive wheel can rotate synchronously. Regarding the specific power source selection, both the first drive source 311 and the second drive source 5 can be constructed as rotary motors, which provide stable driving and are inexpensive. However, this disclosure does not limit the specific structural type of the first drive source 311 and the second drive source 5.

[0089] In other embodiments, the assembly line system also includes multiple alarm units (not shown) that correspond one-to-one with the multiple first drive sources 311 in the multiple transfer modules 31. The alarm units are used to issue an alarm when the corresponding first drive source 311 fails, so as to remind the staff to perform timely repair or replacement. When performing repair or replacement, the operation of the first transfer unit 3 can be stopped first, and the failed first drive source 311 can be disassembled for repair or replacement.

[0090] Reference Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the assembly line system also includes multiple lifting mechanisms 6, which are arranged along the assembly line direction on the support frame 1 and are respectively used to correspond to multiple different workstations. The lifting mechanism 6 is used to drive the carrier 2 under the corresponding workstation to move upward by at least the height of the carrier 2, so that the carrier 2 is removed from the transfer of the first transfer unit 3 and moves upward to the first position. When the carrier 2 is in the first position, the first transfer unit 3 can transfer another carrier 2 from the workstation to another adjacent workstation.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the carrier 2 is in the first position at the corresponding workstation, the carrier 2 stays at the workstation to allow the product 100 on it to be inspected or disassembled. To avoid affecting the normal operation of subsequent workstations, when the carrier 2 is in the first position, it is driven by the lifting mechanism 6 to rise at least one height above the carrier 2 on the first transfer unit 3. That is, even if the carrier 2 is in the first position, it does not affect subsequent carriers 2 from passing through the workstation to the next workstation. This effectively improves production efficiency.

[0092] In other embodiments, the assembly line system may further include a controller, multiple first detection units 9 for detecting the carrier 2, and multiple second detection units (not shown). Each first detection unit 9 and each second detection unit are respectively disposed at multiple different workstations. The first detection unit 9 is disposed on the first mounting plate 12 or the second mounting plate 13 to detect whether there is a carrier 2 under the corresponding workstation, and the second detection unit is used to detect whether there is a carrier 2 in the first position of the workstation. In addition, the assembly line system may also include multiple first blocking mechanisms 91 and multiple first crossbeams 92 corresponding to multiple workstations. The first crossbeams 92 are connected between the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13, and the first blocking mechanisms 91 are mounted on the first crossbeams 92. The aforementioned first detection units 9, second detection units, first blocking mechanisms 91, and lifting mechanisms 6 are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0093] When the first detection unit 9 of a certain workstation detects the carrier 2 but the second detection unit of the same workstation does not detect the carrier 2, the controller controls the first blocking mechanism 91 to be in the stop position to stop the carrier 2, and controls the corresponding lifting mechanism 6 of the workstation to drive the carrier 2 to the first position. When the next carrier 2 is transferred to the workstation and detected by the first detection unit 9, since the previous carrier 2 is still in the first position, the controller controls the first blocking mechanism 91 to be in the release position so that the carrier 2 can move to the next workstation under the transfer of the first transfer unit 3. When the carrier 2 in the first position finishes its operation, the controller controls the first blocking mechanism 91 to be in the release position to ensure the further transfer of the carrier 2. The first detection unit 9 and the second detection unit described above can both be constructed as infrared sensors, but this disclosure does not limit the specific type of the first detection unit 9 and the second detection unit.

[0094] In addition, by setting multiple first crossbeams 92 between the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13, the stability of the support frame 1 structure can also be improved.

[0095] Reference Figure 8 As shown, each lifting mechanism 6 includes a third drive source 61 and a lifting member 62 for abutting against the carrier 2. The third drive source 61 is disposed on the support frame 1 and drives the lifting member 62 to move upward, thereby driving the carrier 2 to move upward. This lifting mechanism 6 has a simple structure and stable drive. However, this disclosure does not limit the specific structural type of the lifting mechanism 6.

[0096] In other implementations, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the lifting mechanism 6 also includes a fixing member 63, which is disposed on the support frame 1, and the third drive source 61 is disposed on the fixing member 63. One of the fixing member 63 and the lifting member 62 forms a groove 64 extending in the vertical direction, and the other is provided with a slider 65 for slidingly engaging with the groove 64. By providing the guiding structure of the groove 64 and the slider 65, the stability of the lifting member 62 in upward movement can be improved, and lateral movement of the lifting member 62 during upward movement can be avoided.

[0097] Additionally, refer to Figure 11 As shown, the lifting mechanism 6 may further include a connecting plate 67 for connecting the lifting member 62 and the third drive source 61. For example, the third drive source 61 may be configured as a linear motor or cylinder arranged in the vertical direction, with the motor shaft of the linear motor or the cylinder rod of the cylinder facing downwards. The connecting plate 67 is configured as an L-shaped plate, which includes a first plate body 671 extending in the horizontal direction and a second plate body 672 extending in the vertical direction. The first plate body 671 is used to connect with the motor shaft of the linear motor or the cylinder rod of the cylinder, and the second plate body 672 is used to connect with the lifting member 62.

[0098] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the support frame 1 includes a base plate 11, a first mounting plate 12, and a second mounting plate 13. The first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and are both connected to the base plate 11. Both the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13 extend along the production line direction. The first transfer unit 3 transfers the carrier 2 between the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13. Each lifting mechanism 6 includes two third drive sources 61 and two lifting members 62. The two lifting members 62 are respectively used to abut against the left and right sides of the carrier 2. One third drive source 61 is disposed on the first mounting plate 12 and drives one of the lifting members 62 to move upward. The other third drive source 61 is disposed on the second mounting plate 13 and drives the other lifting member 62 to move upward. By providing a third drive source 61 and a lifting member 62 on each of the left and right sides of the carrier 2, and having the two lifting members 62 respectively abut against the left and right sides of the carrier 2, the stability of the carrier 2's upward movement can be effectively improved.

[0099] Reference Figure 9As shown, each lifting mechanism 6 also includes a synchronous transmission structure 66 for synchronizing the movement of the two lifting members 62; the synchronous transmission structure 66 includes a first rack 661, a second rack 662, a first gear 663, a second gear, and a transmission shaft 665. The first rack 661 and the second rack 662 are respectively arranged in the vertical direction on the two lifting members 62. The two ends of the transmission shaft 665 are respectively rotatably arranged on the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13. The first gear 663 and the second gear are both fixedly sleeved on the transmission shaft 665, and the first gear 663 meshes with the first rack 661, and the second gear meshes with the second rack 662.

[0100] In this embodiment, by providing a synchronous transmission structure 66 between the two lifting members 62, the two lifting members 62 can move upward synchronously, thereby ensuring that the vehicle 2 supported by the two lifting members 62 will not tilt, and improving the levelness of the upward movement of the vehicle 2. However, this disclosure does not limit the specific structural type of the synchronous transmission structure 66, as long as it can ensure that the two lifting members 62 move upward synchronously.

[0101] Reference Figure 10 As shown, the lifting member 62 includes a lifting plate 621 and at least two lifting rods 622. The lifting rods 622 are disposed on the lifting plate 621 and extend in the vertical direction, with adjacent lifting rods 622 spaced apart along the flow line direction. The upper end of each lifting rod 622 is used to abut against the carrier 2. By providing at least two lifting rods 622 spaced apart along the flow line direction on the lifting plate 621, and with the top of each lifting rod 622 abutting against the carrier 2, the stability of the support for the carrier 2 can be further improved.

[0102] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the lifting member 62 also includes a buffer pad 623, which is disposed at the upper end of the lifting rod 622. This buffer pad 623 prevents the lifting rod 622 from making hard contact with the carrier 2, thus avoiding damage to the lifting rod 622 and / or the carrier 2. For example, the buffer pad 623 can be constructed as a rubber pad, which not only prevents damage but also increases the friction between the buffer pad and the carrier 2, preventing the carrier 2 from shifting horizontally.

[0103] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the assembly line system also includes multiple first positioning structures, which are arranged along the assembly line direction on the support frame 1 and correspond one-to-one with multiple different workstations. The carrier 2 is equipped with a second positioning structure that cooperates with the first positioning structures. When the carrier 2 is in the first position, the second positioning structure on the carrier 2 cooperates with the first positioning structure of the corresponding workstation. This improves the stability of the carrier 2 in the first position and enhances the positioning accuracy of the product 100 on the carrier 2.

[0104] Optionally, one of the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure includes a plurality of positioning pins 71, and the other includes a plurality of positioning holes 211 that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of positioning pins 71. The first positioning structure and the second positioning structure are simple in structure and accurate in positioning, but this disclosure does not limit the specific structural type of the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure.

[0105] Optionally, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the support frame 1 includes a base plate 11, a first mounting plate 12, a second mounting plate 13, and a plurality of positioning mounting structures 14. The first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and are both connected to the base plate 11. The first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13 both extend in the production line direction. The first transfer unit 3 transfers the carrier 2 between the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13. The first positioning structure includes a plurality of positioning pins 71, and the second positioning structure includes a plurality of positioning holes 211. The plurality of positioning mounting structures 14 are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first positioning structures. Each positioning mounting structure 14 includes a plurality of positioning mounting arms 141 disposed on the first mounting plate 12 and / or the second mounting plate 13 for mounting the plurality of positioning pins 71 in the corresponding first positioning structure.

[0106] By providing multiple positioning mounting arms 141 on the first mounting plate 12 and / or the second mounting plate 13 for mounting multiple positioning pins 71, the installation of positioning pins 71 is made convenient.

[0107] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the positioning mounting arm 141 includes a first segment 1411 and a second segment 1412 connected to each other. The first segment 1411 extends in the vertical direction and is used to connect with the first mounting plate 12 or the second mounting plate 13. The second segment 1412 extends inward in the horizontal direction. The positioning pin 71 is disposed on the second segment 1412 and extends downward.

[0108] In this embodiment, the positioning mounting arm 141 includes a first segment 1411 extending in the vertical direction and a second segment 1412 extending in the horizontal direction, and a positioning pin 71 is disposed on the second segment 1412 and extends downward. The first segment 1411 extending in the vertical direction ensures that the positioning pin 71 can be inserted into the positioning hole when the carrier 2 is in the first position, while the second segment 1412 extending inward in the horizontal direction ensures that the positioning pin disposed thereon can be aligned vertically with the carrier 2 between the first mounting plate 12 and the second mounting plate 13, thereby being able to be inserted into the positioning hole of the carrier 2.

[0109] Reference Figure 1As shown, the support frame 1 includes an upper frame 15, a vertical beam 16, and a lower frame 17. The assembly line system also includes a second transfer unit 8, a third transfer unit (not shown), and a fourth transfer unit (not shown). The upper frame 15 is connected to the lower frame 17 via the vertical beam 16 extending in the vertical direction. The first transfer unit 3 is disposed on the upper frame 15 to transfer the carrier 2 in the first direction A. The second transfer unit 8 is disposed on the lower frame 17 to transfer the carrier 2 in the second direction B, which is opposite to the first direction A. The third transfer unit is used to transfer the carrier 2 at the discharge end of the upper frame 15 downward to the feed end of the lower frame 17. The fourth transfer unit is used to transfer the carrier 2 at the discharge end of the lower frame 17 upward to the feed end of the upper frame 15. The first direction A and the second direction B are both parallel to the assembly line direction.

[0110] In this embodiment, the support frame 1 is configured as a double-layer assembly line structure with an upper frame 15 and a lower frame 17. The carrier 2 can be transferred between the upper frame 15 and the lower frame 17 via a third transfer unit and a fourth transfer unit, thereby achieving the return flow of the carrier 2. The third and fourth transfer units can be constructed as cylinder structures to drive the carrier 2 to move vertically; however, this disclosure does not limit the specific structural type of the third and fourth transfer units.

[0111] Additionally, a second blocking structure 171 can also be provided on the lower shelf 17. This second blocking structure 171 can effectively block the movement of the vehicle 2 and prevent the vehicles 2 from colliding with each other. The specific structural type of this second blocking structure 171 can be the same as that of the first blocking structure 91 described above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0112] Optionally, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second transfer unit 8 includes a fourth drive source 81, a second driving wheel 82, a second driven wheel 83, a second transmission belt 84, and a tensioning mechanism 85. The second driving wheel 82 and the second driven wheel 83 are rotatably mounted on the lower shelf 17 along an axial direction parallel to the left-right direction, and are spaced apart along the assembly line direction. The second transmission belt 84 wraps around the second driving wheel 82 and the second driven wheel 83 and is used to transfer the carrier 2. The fourth drive source 81 drives the second driving wheel 82 to rotate, thereby driving the second transmission belt 84 to transfer the carrier 2 in the second direction B. The tensioning mechanism 85 tensions the second transmission belt 84 in the assembly line direction. Through this tensioning mechanism 85, the second transmission belt 84 can be kept in a taut state, ensuring that the second transmission belt 84 can achieve normal transfer of the carrier 2.

[0113] Optionally, refer to Figure 7As shown, the tensioning mechanism 85 includes an adjusting bracket 851 and an adjusting bolt 852; the second driven wheel 83 includes a second driven wheel body 831 and a rotating shaft 832. The rotating shaft 832 is rotatably mounted on the adjusting bracket 851 and fixedly connected to the second driven wheel body 831. The adjusting bolt 852 extends along the flow line direction and passes through a first threaded hole on the adjusting bracket 851 to connect with a second threaded hole on the lower shelf 17. When the second drive belt 84 is too tight, the operator can rotate the adjusting bolt to move the bolt towards the second drive wheel 82, thereby driving the second driven wheel 83 towards the second drive wheel 82, thus preventing the second drive belt 84 from being too tight. When the second drive belt 84 is too loose, the operator can rotate the adjusting bolt in the opposite direction to move the adjusting bolt away from the second drive wheel 82, thereby driving the second driven wheel 83 towards the second drive wheel 82, thus preventing the second drive belt 84 from being too loose. However, this disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the tensioning mechanism 85.

[0114] In another aspect of this disclosure, a control method for a production line system is also provided. This control method is applied to the aforementioned production line system, which further includes a load detection unit and a controller. The load detection unit and multiple transfer modules 31 are electrically connected to the controller. The load detection unit detects the load exerted by the carrier 2 on the first transfer unit 3. Based on the magnitude of the load, it adapts the operation of corresponding numbers and positions of the first drive sources 311. That is, by selecting different numbers of first drive sources 311 to operate under different load conditions, the utilization efficiency of the first drive sources 311 is improved, while also achieving energy saving and emission reduction.

[0115] In some implementations, when the load detected by the load detection unit is greater than the target load value, the controller controls all of the multiple first drive sources 311 in the multiple transfer modules 31 to work; when the load detected by the load detection unit is not greater than the target load value, the controller controls the first drive source 311 spaced apart among the multiple first drive sources 311 in the multiple transfer modules 31 to work.

[0116] For example, when the load detected by the load detection unit is less than the first load value, the controller controls the operation of the multiple first drive sources 311 corresponding to the multiple target transfer modules 31 among the multiple transfer modules 31, and two transfer modules 31 are set between each two adjacent target transfer modules 31; when the load detected by the load detection unit is not less than the first load value and not greater than the second load value, the controller controls the operation of the multiple first drive sources 311 corresponding to the multiple target transfer modules 31 among the multiple transfer modules 31, and one transfer module 31 is set between each two adjacent target transfer modules 31; when the load detected by the load detection unit is greater than the second load value, the controller controls all the multiple first drive sources 311 corresponding to the multiple transfer modules 31 to operate.

[0117] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of this disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0118] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A production line system, characterized in that, The assembly line system includes: Support frame (1); Multiple vehicles (2), each of the vehicles (2) is used to load the corresponding product (100); The first transfer unit (3) is set on the support frame (1) and drives the carrier (2) to move in the assembly line direction so that the carrier (2) can be transferred between multiple different workstations; The first transfer unit (3) includes multiple transfer modules (31), which are arranged on the support frame (1) along the assembly line direction. Each transfer module (31) includes a first drive source (311) and a transfer mechanism (312). The first drive source (311) is used to drive the corresponding transfer mechanism (312) to transfer the carrier (2) in the assembly line direction. During the process of the carrier (2) being transferred from one of the workstations to another adjacent workstation, at least two of the transfer modules (31) are transferred simultaneously. The transfer mechanism (312) includes a first driving wheel, a first driven wheel, and a first transmission belt (3121). The first driving wheel and the first driven wheel are rotatably mounted on the support frame (1) along an axis parallel to the left and right directions. The first driving wheel and the first driven wheel are spaced apart along the flow line direction. The first transmission belt (3121) is wound around the first driving wheel and the first driven wheel and is used to transfer the carrier (2). The corresponding first drive source (311) is used to drive the first driving wheel to rotate so as to drive the first transmission belt (3121) to transfer the carrier (2). When the first drive source (311) fails, the corresponding first driving wheel can be rotated by external force.

2. The assembly line system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly line system also includes multiple support rollers (4). The support frame (1) includes a base plate (11), a first mounting plate (12) and a second mounting plate (13). The first mounting plate (12) and the second mounting plate (13) are arranged at intervals relative to each other in the left-right direction and are both connected to the base plate (11). The first mounting plate (12) and the second mounting plate (13) both extend in the flow line direction. Multiple transfer modules (31) are arranged on the first mounting plate (12) along the flow line direction. The first driving wheel and the first driven wheel are rotatably arranged on the first mounting plate (12). The first transmission belt (3121) is used to support one side of the carrier (2) in the left-right direction and rubs against the carrier (2). Multiple support rollers (4) are arranged sequentially at intervals along the flow line direction on the second mounting plate (13), and the support rollers (4) are rotatably arranged on the second mounting plate (13) along an axis parallel to the left and right direction, so as to support the other side of the carrier (2) in the left and right direction and rub against the carrier (2).

3. The assembly line system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The assembly line system also includes a second drive source (5), which is used to drive the support roller (4) located at the feed end of the assembly line system to rotate.

4. The assembly line system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly line system also includes multiple alarm units that correspond one-to-one with the multiple first drive sources (311) in the multiple transfer modules (31), and the alarm units are used to issue an alarm when the corresponding first drive source (311) fails.

5. The assembly line system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly line system also includes multiple lifting mechanisms (6), which are arranged along the assembly line direction on the support frame (1) and are respectively used to correspond to multiple different workstations; the lifting mechanism (6) is used to drive the carrier (2) under the corresponding workstation to move upward by at least the height of the carrier (2), so that the carrier (2) is removed from the transfer of the first transfer unit (3) and moves upward to the first position; and when the carrier (2) is in the first position, the first transfer unit (3) can transfer another carrier (2) from the workstation to another adjacent workstation.

6. The assembly line system according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the lifting mechanisms (6) includes a third drive source (61), a fixing member (63), and a lifting member (62) for abutting against the carrier (2). The fixing member (63) is disposed on the support frame (1). One of the fixing member (63) and the lifting member (62) is formed with a groove (64) extending in the vertical direction, and the other is provided with a slider (65) for slidingly engaging with the groove (64). The third drive source (61) is disposed on the fixing member (63) and drives the lifting member (62) to move upward, thereby driving the carrier (2) to move upward.

7. The assembly line system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support frame (1) includes a base plate (11), a first mounting plate (12) and a second mounting plate (13). The first mounting plate (12) and the second mounting plate (13) are arranged at intervals relative to each other in the left-right direction and are both connected to the base plate (11). The first mounting plate (12) and the second mounting plate (13) both extend in the flow line direction. The first transfer unit (3) transfers the carrier (2) between the first mounting plate (12) and the second mounting plate (13). Each of the lifting mechanisms (6) includes two third drive sources (61) and two lifting members (62). The two lifting members (62) are respectively used to abut against the left and right sides of the carrier (2). One of the third drive sources (61) is disposed on the first mounting plate (12) and drives one of the lifting members (62) to move upward. The other third drive source (61) is disposed on the second mounting plate (13) and drives the other lifting member (62) to move upward.

8. The assembly line system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the lifting mechanisms (6) further includes a synchronous transmission structure (66) for synchronizing the movement of the two lifting members (62). The synchronous transmission structure (66) includes a first rack (661), a second rack (662), a first gear (663), a second gear, and a transmission shaft (665). The first rack (661) and the second rack (662) are respectively arranged on the two lifting members (62) extending in the vertical direction. The two ends of the transmission shaft (665) are respectively rotatably arranged on the first mounting plate (12) and the second mounting plate (13). The first gear (663) and the second gear are both fixedly sleeved on the transmission shaft (665), and the first gear (663) meshes with the first rack (661), and the second gear meshes with the second rack (662).

9. The assembly line system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The assembly line system also includes a plurality of first positioning structures, which are arranged along the assembly line direction on the support frame (1) and are respectively used to correspond one-to-one with a plurality of different workstations; The carrier (2) is provided with a second positioning structure that cooperates with the first positioning structure. When the carrier (2) is in the first position, the second positioning structure on the carrier (2) cooperates with the first positioning structure of the corresponding work station.

10. The assembly line system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The support frame (1) includes a base plate (11), a first mounting plate (12), a second mounting plate (13), and a plurality of positioning and mounting structures (14). The first mounting plate (12) and the second mounting plate (13) are arranged at intervals relative to each other in the left-right direction and are both connected to the base plate (11). The first mounting plate (12) and the second mounting plate (13) both extend in the flow line direction. The first transfer unit (3) transfers the carrier (2) between the first mounting plate (12) and the second mounting plate (13). The first positioning structure includes a plurality of positioning pins (71), and the second positioning structure includes a plurality of positioning holes (211); the plurality of positioning mounting structures (14) are respectively configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of the first positioning structures; each positioning mounting structure (14) includes a plurality of positioning mounting arms (141) disposed on the first mounting plate (12) and / or the second mounting plate (13) for mounting the plurality of positioning pins (71) in the corresponding first positioning structure in a one-to-one correspondence.

11. The assembly line system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (1) includes an upper frame (15), a vertical beam (16) and a lower frame (17), and the assembly line system also includes a second transfer unit (8), a third transfer unit and a fourth transfer unit; The upper shelf (15) is connected to the lower shelf (17) by a vertical beam (16) extending in the vertical direction; The first transfer unit (3) is disposed on the upper shelf (15) to transfer the carrier (2) in the first direction (A), the second transfer unit (8) is disposed on the lower shelf (17) to transfer the carrier (2) in the second direction (B) opposite to the first direction (A), the third transfer unit is used to transfer the carrier (2) at the discharge end of the upper shelf (15) downward to the feed end of the lower shelf (17), and the fourth transfer unit is used to transfer the carrier (2) at the discharge end of the lower shelf (17) upward to the feed end of the upper shelf (15). Both the first direction (A) and the second direction (B) are parallel to the flow line direction.

12. The assembly line system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second transfer unit (8) includes a fourth drive source (81), a second drive wheel (82), a second driven wheel (83), a second transmission belt (84), and a tensioning mechanism (85). The second drive wheel (82) and the second driven wheel (83) are rotatably mounted on the lower shelf (17) along an axial direction parallel to the left and right directions. The second drive wheel (82) and the second driven wheel (83) are spaced apart along the flow line direction. The second transmission belt (84) is wound around the second drive wheel (82) and the second driven wheel (83) and is used to transfer the carrier (2). The fourth drive source (81) is used to drive the second drive wheel (82) to rotate so that the second transmission belt (84) can transfer the carrier (2) in the second direction (B). The tensioning mechanism (85) is used to tension the second transmission belt (84) in the flow line direction.

13. The assembly line system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The tensioning mechanism (85) includes an adjusting bracket (851) and an adjusting bolt (852); The second driven wheel (83) includes a second driven wheel body (831) and a rotating shaft (832). The rotating shaft (832) is rotatably mounted on the adjusting bracket (851) and fixedly connected to the second driven wheel body (831). The adjusting bolt (852) extends along the flow line direction and passes through the first threaded hole on the adjusting bracket (851) to connect with the second threaded hole on the lower shelf (17).

14. A control method for a production line system, characterized in that, The control method is applied to the assembly line system according to any one of claims 1-13. The assembly line system further includes a load detection unit and a controller. The load detection unit and the plurality of transfer modules (31) are all electrically connected to the controller. The load detection unit is used to detect the load of the carrier (2) acting on the first transfer unit (3). According to the load size, the first drive source (311) of the corresponding number and location is adapted to work.

15. The control method for the assembly line system according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the load detected by the load detection unit is greater than the target load value, the controller controls multiple first drive sources (311) in the multiple transfer modules (31) to operate. When the load detected by the load detection unit is not greater than the target load value, the controller is used to control the first drive source (311) spaced apart among the multiple first drive sources (311) in the multiple transfer modules (31) to work.

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