A clamp conveying device, production line and separation method of track clamps

Abstract

The application discloses a clamp conveying device, a production line and a separation method of a track clamp. The guide rail of the clamp conveying device comprises a first track section and a second track section arranged at the two ends of the first track section respectively. Two groups of separation mechanisms are arranged between the first track section and the second track section. The second track section is driven to move along the extension direction of the guide rail by the separation mechanisms. After a gap with a set length is formed between the second track section and the first track section, a walking mechanism can be vertically lifted out of the gap without disassembling the walking mechanism. The separation of the walking mechanism and the guide rail is completed together with the walking mechanism. Then, the clamp and the walking mechanism are conveyed to a clamp warehouse as a whole. The original guide rail does not need to be synchronously lifted for overall storage. The replacement and supplement operations of the guide rail are completely saved. The requirements for the air space are reduced. The high requirements of the ground storage scheme for the ground operation space are avoided. The applicability is higher when facing clamps of different specifications. The space utilization rate of the production line and the operation convenience are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle welding operation technology, and in particular to a clamp conveying device, production line and method for separating track clamps. Background Technology

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly considered to be prior art of this disclosure.

[0003] In the design of automotive body-in-white welding production lines, the technology for mixed-model production has become increasingly mature, requiring tooling fixtures to be flexibly switchable. Currently, the method of conveying fixtures to the fixture storage via rail is widely used. However, in the commonly used methods, the fixtures cannot be directly detached from the rail. If a ground-based storage warehouse is used, the fixtures must be directly transported to the fixture warehouse at the end of the rail along the rail conveying direction and stored in the ground-based fixture warehouse, resulting in a large footprint and long rail. If an overhead fixture warehouse is used, a lift is required to raise this section of the rail to a sufficiently high space, and then the fixtures are transported along the rail direction to the overhead storage warehouse, resulting in excessive requirements for floor space and spatial layout height. Consequently, in the production of multiple models, this limits the storage methods of fixtures and the layout of workstations, reducing the applicability of the production line, space utilization, and ease of operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, this application provides a clamp conveying device, a conveying system and a production line to solve the problems of complicated clamp detachment and storage operations for different vehicle models on the production line in the prior art.

[0005] The above-mentioned objectives of this application are mainly achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A clamp conveying device, the clamp conveying device comprising:

[0007] The guide rail is used to support and guide the movement of the traveling mechanism and the tractor. The guide rail includes a first rail section and a second rail section respectively disposed at both ends of the first rail section. The second rail section can reciprocate along the extension direction of the first rail section.

[0008] The separation mechanism is provided in two sets. One end of each set of the separation mechanism is fixedly connected to both ends of the first track segment, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second track segment. The separation mechanism can drive the second track segment to reciprocate along the extension direction of the guide rail. When the separation mechanism drives the second track segment to move away from the first track segment and creates a gap of a set length between the second track segment and the first track segment, the traveling mechanism can move out through the gap and separate from the guide rail.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the clamp conveying device includes a support bar that supports the first rail segment and the second rail segment, the second rail segment being movable on the support bar.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the separation mechanism includes a push-pull member disposed between the first rail segment and the second rail segment, which is used to drive the second rail to reciprocate on the support bar.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the push-pull member is arranged inside the guide rail.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the support bar is provided with a constraint portion, and the second track segment is provided with a guide portion, which passes through the constraint portion and guides the second track segment to move.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the separation mechanism further includes a first limiting mechanism and a second limiting mechanism, wherein the first limiting mechanism is used to limit the second track segment to a limit position close to the first track segment, and the second limiting mechanism is used to limit the second track segment to a limit position far away from the first track segment.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the first limiting mechanism includes two first abutting blocks. One first abutting block is fixedly disposed at the lower part of the first track segment, and the other first abutting block is fixedly disposed at the lower part of the second track segment. When the second track segment moves and connects to the end of the first track segment, the two first abutting blocks move closer to each other synchronously and abut against each other to restrict the second track segment from continuing to move toward the first track segment.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the second limiting mechanism includes a second abutment block fixedly disposed on the guide portion. The second abutment block moves with the guide portion and can abut against one side of the constraint portion to limit the second track segment from continuing to move away from the first track segment.

[0016] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a production line, including the clamp conveying device as described above.

[0017] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a method for separating a track clamp, including the clamp conveying device as described above, the separation method comprising the following steps:

[0018] Operate the separation mechanism and drive the second track segment away from the first track segment until there is a gap of a set length between the second track segment and the first track segment;

[0019] The hoisting clamp is lifted together with the traveling mechanism so that the traveling mechanism moves out of the gap and separates from the guide rail, thus completing the separation of the track clamp.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this application are:

[0021] The clamp conveying device in this application includes a guide rail for supporting and guiding the movement of the traveling mechanism and the tractor. The guide rail includes a first rail section and second rail sections respectively located at both ends of the first rail section. The second rail sections can reciprocate along the extension direction of the first rail section. Separation mechanisms are provided at both ends of the first rail section, and the other ends of the two sets of separation mechanisms are fixedly connected to the second rail section. The separation mechanisms can drive the second rail section to reciprocate along the extension direction of the guide rail. When the separation mechanisms drive the second rail section away from the first rail section and create a gap of a set length between the second rail section and the first rail section, the traveling mechanism can move out through the gap and separate from the guide rail. In actual operation, the tractor pulls the traveling mechanism to move on the guide rail, and the tractor supports and fixes the clamp to move synchronously. When the clamp needs to be conveyed to the clamp magazine... When the separation mechanism drives the second track section to move along the extension direction of the guide rail, and a set length gap is formed between the second track section and the first track section, the traveling mechanism can be vertically lifted out from the gap and separated from the guide rail. At this point, only the fixture needs to be lifted, and the traveling mechanism is separated from the guide rail together without disassembling it. Then, the fixture and the traveling mechanism are transported as a whole to the fixture library. The whole process is quick and efficient, without the need for synchronous lifting and overall storage of the original guide rail, and it also completely saves the replacement and replenishment of the guide rail. It reduces the requirements for air space and avoids the high requirements for ground working space of ground storage schemes. It is more applicable to multi-model production and multi-specification fixtures, improving the space utilization rate and operation convenience of the production line. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This application provides a structural schematic diagram of the clamp conveying device during operation, as shown in the embodiments of this application.

[0024] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of the guide rail is provided for the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of the walking mechanism is provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the separation mechanism in a first direction is provided for embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the separation mechanism in a second direction is provided for embodiments of this application;

[0028] In the diagram: 100, guide rail; 101, first rail section; 102, second rail section; 103, gap; 104, support bar; 200, separation mechanism; 201, push-pull component; 202, constraint part; 203, guide part; 301, first abutment block; 302, second abutment block; 401, traveling mechanism; 402, tractor; 403, clamp; 501, traveling wheel; 502, guide wheel; 503, reverse wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is intended to aid in understanding the invention, but does not constitute a limitation thereof. The specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely for describing exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0030] Figure 1 This application provides a structural schematic diagram of the fixture 403 during track conveying operations in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of guide rail 100 is provided for an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of the walking mechanism 401 is provided for an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the separation mechanism at 200 points in a first direction is provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the second direction at the separation mechanism 200 is provided for the embodiments of this application.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a clamp 403 conveying track includes a guide rail 100 and a separation mechanism 200, wherein:

[0032] The guide rail 100 is used to support and guide the movement of the traveling mechanism 401 and the tractor 402. The guide rail 100 includes a first rail section 101 and a second rail section 102 respectively disposed at both ends of the first rail section 101. The second rail section 102 can reciprocate along the extension direction of the first rail section 101. The guide rail 100 is the guide rail 100 at the lifting position of the clamp 403. For the entire production line, other guide rail sections 100 for guiding operations can also be arranged at both ends of the guide rail 100. The guide rail sections here are conventional guide rail sections 100 structures. Multiple guide rail sections 100 and the guide rail 100 can cooperate to form the path for the movement of the traveling mechanism 401 and the tractor 402, so as to meet the movement needs of the clamp 403 within the working space.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, it should be noted that in order to keep the traveling mechanism 401 stably mounted on the track, the traveling mechanism 401 includes a traveling wheel 501, a guide wheel 502, and a counter-clamping wheel 503. The traveling wheel 501 is used to roll on the top surface of the guide rail 100, stably supporting the traveling mechanism 401 and the clamp 403. The guide wheel 502 is used to clamp and roll on the side of the guide rail 100 to keep the traveling wheel 501 and the clamp 403 in the middle position of the guide rail 100 for movement, thereby improving reliability. The counter-clamping wheel 503 abuts against the bottom surface of the guide rail 100 and acts on the guide rail 100 in opposition to the guide wheel 502, further maintaining the stability of the traveling mechanism 401 and preventing tipping.

[0034] To facilitate the operation of the tractor 402, a section of guide rail 100 for the tractor 402 to rest can be set at one end of the guide rail 100. After the tractor 402 pulls the traveling mechanism 401 and the clamp 403 onto the guide rail 100, the tractor 402 moves onto the adjacent section of guide rail 100. At this time, the traveling mechanism 401 and the clamp 403 can perform lifting operations on the corresponding guide rail 100.

[0035] It should be noted that the distance between the two second rail sections 102 can be kept the same as the distance between the two traveling mechanisms 401, so that the two traveling mechanisms 401 can stop at the two second rail sections 102. This makes it easy for the traveling mechanisms 401 to carry out hoisting operations stably and directly in subsequent operations without having to recalibrate the relative positions, thus maintaining work efficiency and control accuracy.

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the separation mechanism 200 has two sets. One end of each set of the separation mechanism 200 is fixedly connected to both ends of the first track segment 101, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second track segment 102. The separation mechanism 200 can drive the second track segment 102 to reciprocate along the extension direction of the guide rail 100. When the separation mechanism 200 drives the second track segment 102 to move away from the first track segment 101 and creates a gap 103 of a set length between the second track segment 102 and the first track segment 101, the traveling mechanism 401 can move out through the gap 103 and separate from the guide rail 100. That is, after the separation mechanism 200 drives the second track segment 102 to move, the traveling mechanism 401, without the restriction of the second track segment 102, can be moved by the hoisting mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the track. Under the premise that the guide rail 100 maintains its relative position unchanged, the traveling mechanism 401 can detach from the guide rail 100.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, the working principle of the clamp 403 conveying track in this application is as follows: it includes a guide rail 100 for supporting and guiding the movement of the traveling mechanism 401 and the tractor 402. The guide rail 100 includes a first track section 101 and second track sections 102 respectively disposed at both ends of the first track section 101. The second track sections 102 can reciprocate along the extension direction of the first track section 101. Separation mechanisms 200 are respectively provided at both ends of the first track section 101, and the other ends of the two sets of separation mechanisms 200 are respectively fixed to the second track section 102. The separation mechanism 200 can drive the second track segment 102 to reciprocate along the extension direction of the guide rail 100. When the separation mechanism 200 drives the second track segment 102 away from the first track segment 101, and a gap 103 of a set length is formed between the second track segment 102 and the first track segment 101, the traveling mechanism 401 can move out through the gap 103 and separate from the guide rail 100. In actual operation, the tractor 402 pulls the traveling mechanism 401 to move on the guide rail 100, and the tractor 402 supports and fixes it. The fixed clamp 403 moves synchronously. When the clamp 403 needs to be transported to the clamp 403 magazine, the separation mechanism 200 drives the second rail segment 102 to move along the extension direction of the guide rail 100, and after a set length gap 103 is formed between the second rail segment 102 and the first rail segment 101, the traveling mechanism 401 can be vertically lifted out from the gap 103 and separated from the guide rail 100. At this time, only the clamp 403 needs to be lifted, and the traveling mechanism 401 can be removed without disassembling it. After separating from the guide rail 100, the fixture 403 and the traveling mechanism 401 are transported together to the fixture 403 storage. The whole process is quick and efficient, eliminating the need for synchronous lifting and overall storage of the original guide rail 100. It also completely saves the replacement and replenishment of the guide rail 100, reducing the requirements for aerial space and avoiding the high requirements for ground work space for ground storage solutions. It is more applicable to multi-model production and multi-specification fixtures 403, improving the space utilization and ease of operation of the production line.

[0038] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the clamp 403 conveying track includes a support bar 104 that supports the first track segment 101 and the second track segment 102. The second track segment 102 can move on the support bar 104. The support bar 104 keeps the second track segment 102 at a relative height to the first track segment 101 during the movement. The second track has a stable supporting and constraining effect on the walking mechanism 401 before and after the movement.

[0039] like Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, in an optional embodiment, the separation mechanism 200 includes a push-pull member 201, which is disposed between the first rail segment 101 and the second rail segment 102 and is used to drive the second rail to reciprocate on the support bar 104. By controlling the displacement of the second rail segment 102 at an appropriate time, the hoisting operation of the clamp 403 is started.

[0040] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the push-pull member 201 is arranged inside the guide rail 100 so that the installation arrangement of the push-pull member 201 is separated from the movement path of the walking mechanism 401, thereby avoiding structural interference between the push-pull member 201 and the walking mechanism 401 and improving the movement reliability of the walking mechanism 401.

[0041] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the push-pull member 201 is a cylinder to achieve reciprocating pushing operation.

[0042] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the support bar 104 is provided with a constraint part 202, and the second track segment 102 is provided with a guide part 203. The guide part 203 passes through the constraint part 202 and guides the second track segment 102 to move. The guide part 203 passes through and cooperates with the constraint part 202. The guide part 203 and the second track segment 102 are displaced synchronously. Under the constraint of the constraint part 202, the movement direction of the second track segment 102 is kept stable, improving the accuracy of the second track segment 102 before and after movement. Correspondingly, the accuracy requirement of the push-pull member 201 in performing the action is reduced. On this basis, the push-pull member 201 only needs to provide the external force for the movement of the second track segment 102. The traction direction and positioning of the second track segment 102 are constrained by the cooperation of the guide part 203 and the constraint part 202.

[0043] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the separation mechanism 200 further includes a first limiting mechanism and a second limiting mechanism. The first limiting mechanism is used to limit the second track segment 102 to a limit position close to the first track segment 101, and the second limiting mechanism is used to limit the second track segment 102 to a limit position far away from the first track segment 101.

[0044] The first and second limiting mechanisms respectively restrict the continued movement of the second track segment 102 at two extreme positions, reducing the control precision requirements when the push-pull component 201 is driven. The first and second limiting mechanisms improve the precise control of the movement position of the second track segment 102, avoiding damage to the push-pull component 201, the first track segment 101, and the second track segment 102. They also ensure that the movement endpoint of the second track segment 102 is at the extreme position limited by the first or second limiting mechanism, thereby making it easier to achieve the execution purpose and improving the reliability of the operation.

[0045] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the first limiting mechanism includes two first abutting blocks 301. One first abutting block 301 is fixedly disposed at the lower part of the first track segment 101, and the other first abutting block 301 is fixedly disposed at the lower part of the second track segment 102. When the second track segment 102 moves and connects to the end of the first track segment 101, the two first abutting blocks 301 move closer to each other synchronously and abut against each other to restrict the second track segment 102 from continuing to move toward the first track segment 101.

[0046] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the second limiting mechanism includes a second abutment block 302 fixedly disposed on the guide portion 203. The second abutment block 302 moves with the guide portion 203 and can abut against one side of the constraint portion 202 to restrict the second track segment 102 from continuing to move away from the first track segment 101.

[0047] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a production line, including the clamp conveying device as described above.

[0048] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a method for separating a track clamp, including the clamp 403 conveying device as described above, the separation method comprising the following steps:

[0049] Operate the separation mechanism 200 and drive the second track segment 102 away from the first track segment 101 until there is a gap 103 of a set length between the second track segment 102 and the first track segment 101.

[0050] The traveling mechanism 401 is lifted together with the clamp 403 so that the traveling mechanism 401 is moved out of the gap 103 and separated from the guide rail 100, thus completing the separation of the track clamp 403.

[0051] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various units, these units should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one unit from another. For example, a first unit may be referred to as a second unit, and similarly, a second unit may be referred to as a first unit, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0052] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, B exists alone, and A and B exist simultaneously. The term " / and" in this article describes another relationship between related objects, indicating that two relationships can exist. For example, A / and B can mean: A exists alone, and A and B exist alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the related objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship.

[0053] It should be understood that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "vertical," "inner," "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship as commonly placed when the disclosed product is used, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “including” as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, units, and / or components, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, units, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0056] Specific details are provided in the following description to provide a complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known processes, structures, and techniques may be omitted in the depiction of non-essential details to avoid obscuring the exemplary embodiments.

[0057] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

[0058] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A clamp conveying device, characterized in that, The clamp conveying device includes: A guide rail is used to support and guide the movement of the traveling mechanism and the tractor. The guide rail includes a first rail section and a second rail section respectively disposed at both ends of the first rail section. The second rail section reciprocates along the extension direction of the first rail section. The separation mechanism is provided in two sets. One end of each set of the separation mechanism is fixedly connected to both ends of the first rail segment, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second rail segment. The separation mechanism drives the second rail segment to reciprocate along the extension direction of the guide rail. When the separation mechanism drives the second rail segment to move away from the first rail segment and creates a gap of a set length between the second rail segment and the first rail segment, the traveling mechanism moves out of the gap and separates from the guide rail. A support bar supports the first track segment and the second track segment. The second track segment moves on the support bar. The support bar has a constraint part, and the second track segment has a guide part underneath it. The guide part passes through the constraint part and guides the second track segment to move.

2. The clamp conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The separation mechanism includes a push-pull member, which is disposed between the first rail segment and the second rail segment and is used to drive the second rail segment to reciprocate on the support bar.

3. The clamp conveying device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The push-pull component is arranged inside the guide rail.

4. The clamp conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The separation mechanism further includes a first limiting mechanism and a second limiting mechanism. The first limiting mechanism is used to limit the second track segment to a position close to the first track segment, and the second limiting mechanism is used to limit the second track segment to a position far away from the first track segment.

5. The clamp conveying device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first limiting mechanism includes two first abutting blocks. One first abutting block is fixedly disposed at the lower part of the first track segment, and the other first abutting block is fixedly disposed at the lower part of the second track segment. When the second track segment moves and connects to the end of the first track segment, the two first abutting blocks move closer to each other synchronously and abut against each other to restrict the second track segment from continuing to move toward the first track segment.

6. The clamp conveying device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The second limiting mechanism includes a second abutment block fixedly disposed on the guide portion. The second abutment block moves with the guide portion and abuts against one side of the constraint portion to restrict the second track segment from continuing to move away from the first track segment.

7. A production line, characterized in that: Includes the clamp conveying device as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A method for separating a track clamp, characterized in that, The separation method, comprising the clamp conveying device as described in any one of claims 1-6, includes the following steps: Operate the separation mechanism and drive the second track segment away from the first track segment until there is a gap of a set length between the second track segment and the first track segment; The hoisting clamp is lifted together with the traveling mechanism so that the traveling mechanism moves out of the gap and separates from the guide rail, thus completing the separation of the track clamp.

Images