Automated production line

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic production line for manufacturing an air distributor, which comprises at least one of an internal part assembly area, an external part assembly area and a welding area, and at least one mechanical hand unit which can rotate around its mounting point and can perform an assembly operation. In the application, the mechanical hand unit is used for operation, manual operation processes are reduced, problems caused by manual operation are reduced, and the production efficiency of the air distributor is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air distributor manufacturing technology, and more particularly to an automated production line. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of air distributors, the manufacturing of air distributors is carried out manually. The manufacturing of air distributors involves multiple processes such as the assembly of internal parts, the assembly of external parts, the assembly of the housing itself, and the welding of the housing. Manual assembly has problems such as easy damage to parts, high defect rate, and low efficiency, which affects production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an automated production line that improves production efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An automated production line for manufacturing air distributors includes at least one of an internal parts assembly area, an external parts assembly area, and a welding area. The automated production line includes at least one robotic arm unit, which can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point and perform assembly operations.

[0006] In this application, at least one of the internal parts assembly area, welding area, and external parts assembly area is operated using a robotic arm unit, which reduces the number of manual operation steps, reduces the problems caused by manual operation, and thus improves the production efficiency of the air distributor. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of an embodiment of the automated production line of this application;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a detailed structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the automated production line of this application;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal parts assembly area and welding area is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the pattern plate station.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the injection molding area of ​​this application;

[0012] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the damper detection area of ​​this application. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 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 numbers 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 application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0014] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0015] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "one," and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one; "multiple" indicates two or more. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "front," "rear," "lower," and / or "upper" are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited to a location or spatial orientation. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0016] The automated production line of an exemplary embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementations can complement or combine with each other.

[0017] According to a specific embodiment of the automated production line of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the automated production line is used to manufacture air distributors. The automated production line includes at least one of an internal parts assembly area 1, an external parts assembly area 2, and a welding area 3. The automated production line includes at least one robotic arm unit, which can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point and perform assembly operations. Using a robotic arm unit for assembly operations reduces manual operation steps and mitigates problems caused by manual operation, thereby improving the production efficiency of air distributors.

[0018] The automated production line of this application can be used to manufacture air distributors, either by assembling complete air distributors or by assembling parts of air distributors. The automated production line sets up corresponding workstations according to the different structures of the air distributors, thereby achieving fully automated or semi-automated manufacturing of the air distributors. The air distributor includes a housing, several internal parts located within the housing, and several external parts located outside the housing. For ease of description, the following description uses an example where the housing includes a first shell and a second shell, the internal parts include partitions, a first type of damper, and a second type of damper, and the external parts include leaf spring nuts, a pattern plate assembly, a motor assembly, a sealing strip, and a wiring harness.

[0019] The automated production line includes an internal parts assembly area 1, an external parts assembly area 2, and a welding area 3. The internal parts assembly area 1 is used to assemble the first and second housings, as well as to assemble all internal parts to the inside of the housing. The external parts assembly area 2 is used to assemble all external parts to the outside of the housing, to inspect the welded components, and to inspect the assembled components. The welding area 3 is used to weld the first and second housings.

[0020] In this embodiment, the process flow sequence of the automated production line is: internal parts assembly area 1, welding area 3, and external parts assembly area 2. Welding area 3 is located between internal parts assembly area 1 and external parts assembly area 2. Optionally, the internal parts assembly area 1 has a U-shaped structure with its opening facing one side of welding area 3, and the external parts assembly area 2 has a U-shaped structure with its opening facing the other side of welding area 3. The process flow path of the automated production line is figure-eight shaped. Optionally, the flow direction of internal parts assembly area 1 is counterclockwise, and the flow direction of external parts assembly area 2 is clockwise. Figure 1 The thick dashed line with arrows shown indicates the direction of process flow.

[0021] The automated production line includes a tray 6, which can move on the conveyor track of any line in any zone. The tray 6 is used to support and fix the workpiece and convey the workpiece to the corresponding workstation.

[0022] The automated production line includes at least one storage area 4 for storing workpieces to be inspected and assembled. Both the internal parts assembly area 1 and the external parts assembly area 2 are provided with at least one storage area 4.

[0023] The automated production line includes at least one defective product area 5. This area 5 is used to store workpieces that fail inspection before assembly, as well as air distributors that fail final inspection, and intermediate components that fail during assembly. The function of the defective product area 5 varies depending on its location. At least one defective product area 5 is provided in each of the internal parts assembly area 1, the welding area 3, and the external parts assembly area 2.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 3The welding area 3 includes a welding device 31, a first auxiliary line 32, a second auxiliary line 33, and a first robotic arm unit 30. The first robotic arm unit 30 can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point, and can clamp and assemble the workpiece to be assembled. The welding device 31 is used to weld the workpiece; specifically, the welding device 31 is used to weld the first housing and the second housing. Optionally, the welding device 31 is a laser welding device 31.

[0025] In some embodiments, the welding equipment 31 is provided with a welding table that can extend out of the welding chamber, so that the workpiece to be welded can be placed on it. After the workpiece is placed on it, it is retracted into the welding equipment 31 to facilitate the completion of welding.

[0026] The first auxiliary line 32 is used to carry and transport the workpieces to be welded, serving as the loading line for welding area 3. The workpieces to be welded are components assembled in internal parts assembly area 1. The first auxiliary line 32 can also serve as the unloading line for internal parts assembly area 1. The second auxiliary line 33 is used to carry and transport the welded workpieces, serving as the unloading line for welding area 3. The welded workpieces are to be transported to external parts assembly area 2 for external parts installation. The second auxiliary line 33 can also serve as the loading line for external parts assembly area 2.

[0027] A portion of the first auxiliary line 32, a portion of the second auxiliary line 33, a portion of the welding equipment 31, and a portion of at least one defective product area 5 all fall within the circular trajectory formed by the rotation path of the first robotic arm unit 30. The first robotic arm unit 30 is used to move workpieces from the first auxiliary line 32 to the welding equipment 31, to the second auxiliary line 33, and to move defective workpieces to the defective product area 5. The track of the first auxiliary line 32 connects with the track of the internal parts assembly area 1, and the second auxiliary line 33 connects with the track of the external parts assembly area 2. Workpiece handling is achieved through the first robotic arm unit 30, resulting in a more continuous track in the automated production line, which facilitates automation.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The internal parts assembly area 1 includes a first reversing line 11, a first operating line 12, and a second operating line 13. The process flow sequence of the internal parts assembly area 1 is the first operating line 12, the first reversing line 11, and the second operating line 13. The first operating line 12 and the second operating line 13 are arranged side by side. Both the first operating line 12 and the second operating line 13 are used to assemble workpieces. The first reversing line 11 is used to transfer the workpieces on the first operating line 12 to the second operating line 13. With the use of the tray 6, the automated flow of the external parts assembly area 2 is realized.

[0029] The first reversing line 11 includes a first reversing platform 111, a second reversing platform 112, and a first conveyor track 101. The first operating line 12 includes a second conveyor track 102, and the second operating line 13 includes a third conveyor track 103. In this embodiment, the conveying direction of the first conveyor track 101 is from the first reversing platform 111 to the second reversing platform 112. Depending on the flow direction of the internal parts assembly area, the conveying direction of the first conveyor track 101 may be different. Optionally, the conveying directions of the second conveyor track 102 and the third conveyor track 103 are opposite.

[0030] The track of the first reversing platform 111 is connected to the exit of the second conveyor track 102, or the track of the first reversing platform 111 is connected to the entrance of the first conveyor track 101. The track of the first reversing platform 111 is rotatable, allowing the tray 6 to move from the first operating line 12 to the first reversing line 11. The track of the second reversing platform 112 is connected to the exit of the first conveyor track 101, or the track of the second reversing platform 112 is connected to the entrance of the third conveyor track 103. The track of the second reversing platform 112 is rotatable, allowing the tray 6 to move from the first reversing line 11 to the second operating line 13.

[0031] In some possible embodiments, the outlet of the third conveyor track 103 is connected to the inlet of the track of the first auxiliary line 32. The connection between the third conveyor track 103 and the track of the first auxiliary line 32 is achieved through other reversing platforms to facilitate the movement and reversal of the tray 6. After the workpiece is assembled on the second operating line 13, it is automatically transferred to the first auxiliary line 32, where the first robotic arm unit 30 moves the workpiece to the welding equipment 31 for welding.

[0032] In some possible embodiments, the outlet of the first auxiliary line 32 is connected to the inlet of the second conveyor track 102. The second conveyor track 102 and the track of the first auxiliary line 32 are connected through other reversing platforms to facilitate the movement and reversal of the tray 6. Empty trays 6 on the first auxiliary line 32 are automatically transferred to the first operating line 12, realizing the recycling of trays 6 and improving the degree of automation.

[0033] The internal parts assembly area 1 includes a first housing station, a partition station, a first type of damper station, a second type of damper station, and a second housing station. The first operating line 12 includes a portion of the stations in the internal parts assembly area 1, and the second operating line 13 includes another portion of the stations in the internal parts assembly area 1. The process flow sequence of the internal parts assembly area 1 is: first housing station, first type of damper station, partition station, second type of damper station, and second housing station. In some embodiments, refer to... Figure 2 The first operating line 12 includes a first housing station, a first type of damper station, and a partition station, and the second operating line 13 includes a second type of damper station and a second housing station.

[0034] The first housing station is used to inspect whether the first housing to be assembled is qualified, and to assemble the qualified first housing onto pallet 6. The first type of damper station is used to inspect whether the first type of damper to be assembled is qualified, and to assemble the qualified first type of damper onto the first housing on pallet 6. The partition station is used to inspect whether the partition to be assembled is qualified, and to assemble the qualified partition onto the first housing on pallet 6. The second type of damper station is used to inspect whether the second type of damper to be assembled is qualified, and to assemble the qualified second type of damper onto the first housing on pallet 6. The second housing station is used to inspect whether the second housing to be assembled is qualified, and to assemble the qualified second housing onto the first housing on pallet 6.

[0035] Optionally, before assembling the first and second type dampers, oil needs to be applied to the mounting points of the first housing and partition to increase lubrication. Before assembling the first and second type dampers, it is also necessary to check whether the oiled mounting points are up to standard.

[0036] The internal parts assembly area 1 includes at least one second robotic arm unit 10, which can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point to clamp and assemble workpieces. A portion of the conveyor track of the internal parts assembly area 1, a portion of at least one stacking area 4, and a portion of at least one defective product area 5 all fall within the circular trajectory formed by the rotation path of one of the second robotic arm units 10. Optionally, each station in the internal parts assembly area 1 is equipped with at least one second robotic arm unit 10, and all assembly operations in the internal parts assembly area 1 are completed by the second robotic arm unit 10. With the cooperation of the tray 6, the internal parts assembly area 1 can achieve fully automated assembly.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The external parts assembly area 2 includes a second reversing line 21, a third operating line 22, and a fourth operating line 23. The process flow sequence of the external parts assembly area 2 is the third operating line 22, the second reversing line 21, and the fourth operating line 23. The third operating line 22 and the fourth operating line 23 are arranged side by side. Both the third operating line 22 and the fourth operating line 23 are used to assemble or inspect workpieces. The second reversing line 21 is used to transfer workpieces from the third operating line 22 to the fourth operating line 23.

[0038] The second reversing line 21 includes a third reversing platform 113, a fourth reversing platform 114, and a fourth conveyor track 104. The third operating line 22 includes a fifth conveyor track 105, and the fourth operating line 23 includes a sixth conveyor track 106. In this embodiment, the conveying direction of the fourth conveyor track 104 is from the third reversing platform 113 to the fourth reversing platform 114. Depending on the flow direction of the external parts assembly area, the conveying direction of the fourth conveyor track 104 may be different. Optionally, the conveying directions of the fifth conveyor track 105 and the sixth conveyor track 106 are opposite.

[0039] The track of the third reversing platform 113 connects to the exit of the fifth conveyor track 105, or the track of the third reversing platform 113 connects to the entrance of the fourth conveyor track 104. The track of the third reversing platform 113 is rotatable, allowing the tray 6 to move from the third operating line 22 to the second reversing line 21. The track of the fourth reversing platform 114 connects to the exit of the fourth conveyor track 104, or the track of the fourth reversing platform 114 connects to the entrance of the sixth conveyor track 106. The track of the fourth reversing platform 114 is rotatable, allowing the tray 6 to move from the second reversing line 21 to the fourth operating line 23.

[0040] In some possible embodiments, the exit of the track of the second auxiliary line 33 is connected to the entrance of the fifth conveyor track 105. The fifth conveyor track 105 and the track of the second auxiliary line 33 are connected through other reversing platforms to facilitate the movement and reversal of the pallet 6. The welded workpiece is moved to the track of the second auxiliary line 33 using the first robotic arm unit 30, and the pallet 6 is automatically transferred to the third operating line 22 to complete the subsequent assembly.

[0041] In some possible embodiments, the outlet of the sixth conveyor track 106 connects to the inlet of the track of the second auxiliary line 33. The connection between the sixth conveyor track 106 and the track of the second auxiliary line 33 is achieved through other reversing platforms to facilitate the movement and reversal of the tray 6. Empty trays 6 on the sixth conveyor track 106 are automatically transferred to the second auxiliary line 33, realizing the recycling of trays 6 and improving the degree of automation.

[0042] The external parts assembly area 2 includes a leaf spring nut station, a pattern plate station, a motor station, a sealing strip station, a wiring harness station, an airtightness test station, a noise test station, a leakage test station, and a comprehensive inspection station. The third operating line 22 includes a portion of the stations in the external parts assembly area 2, and the fourth operating line 23 includes another portion of the stations in the external parts assembly area 2. The process flow sequence of the external parts assembly area 2 is: airtightness test station, leaf spring nut station, motor station, pattern plate station, sealing strip station, wiring harness station, noise test station, leakage test station, and comprehensive inspection station. In some possible embodiments, refer to... Figure 2The third operating line 22 includes an airtightness testing station, a leaf spring nut station, a motor station, and a mode plate station. The fourth operating line 23 includes a sealing strip station, a wiring harness station, a noise testing station, a leakage testing station, and a comprehensive inspection station.

[0043] The airtightness testing station is used to check whether the airtightness of the welded components is up to standard. The noise testing station is used to check whether the operating parameters of the motor, mode disc, and damper are up to standard. Operating parameters include at least one of the following: rotational sound, operating voltage, operating current, and abnormal operating noise. The leakage testing station is used to check whether the sealing performance of the assembled components is up to standard. The leaf spring nut station is used to check whether the leaf spring nuts to be assembled are up to standard, and to assemble the qualified leaf spring nuts onto the housing on tray 6. The motor station is used to assemble the qualified parts into motor assemblies, check whether the motor assemblies to be assembled are up to standard, and to assemble the qualified motor assemblies onto the housing on tray 6. The mode disc station is used to assemble the qualified parts into mode disc assemblies, check whether the mode disc assemblies to be assembled are up to standard, and to assemble the qualified mode disc assemblies onto the housing on tray 6. The sealing strip station is used to check whether the sealing strips to be assembled are up to standard, and to assemble the qualified sealing strips onto the housing on tray 6. The wire harness station is used to check whether the wire harnesses to be assembled are up to standard, and to assemble the qualified wire harnesses onto the housing on tray 6. The comprehensive inspection station is used to check whether each part is installed in place, and to move qualified air distributors from the production line to the qualified product area for temporary storage.

[0044] The motor assembly includes a motor body and a shaft. The motor body is assembled to the housing via the shaft. At the motor station, both the motor body and the shaft must be inspected for quality before assembly into the housing. In some embodiments, the qualified motor body and shaft can be assembled into a motor assembly and then assembled together into the housing. In other embodiments, the qualified shaft can be assembled into the housing first, and then the qualified motor body can be assembled into the shaft on the housing. Screws are used to secure the motor assembly to the housing to prevent it from loosening.

[0045] The pattern plate assembly consists of multiple parts, including a swing arm, gears, gear plates, connecting rods, splines, a motor, and a path plate. Each part needs to be inspected individually at the pattern plate station; only parts that pass inspection can be assembled into the housing. In some embodiments, all inspected components can be assembled into the pattern plate assembly and then assembled into the housing together. Because the pattern plate assembly comprises a large number of parts with varying heights, to facilitate automated assembly and simplify the tooling structure, at least one additional station can be added in some embodiments. This station assembles a portion of the inspected parts into the housing first, then assembles the remaining parts into the pattern plate assembly at the pattern plate station, and finally assembles it into the housing. In some embodiments, the parts can also be assembled into the housing sequentially. Screws are used to secure the pattern plate assembly to the housing to prevent loosening.

[0046] In some possible embodiments, refer to Figure 4 The pattern disk station includes a parts assembly area and a component assembly area. The parts assembly area is used to check whether each part is qualified and to assemble the qualified parts into pattern disk components. The component assembly area is used to check whether the pattern disk components are qualified and to assemble the qualified pattern disk components into the outer shell.

[0047] The external parts assembly area 2 includes at least one third robotic arm unit 20. This third robotic arm unit 20 can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point, clamping and assembling workpieces. A portion of the conveyor track of the external parts assembly area 2, a portion of at least one material stacking area 4, and a portion of at least one defective product area 5 all fall within the circular trajectory formed by the rotation path of one of the third robotic arm units 20. Each workstation in the external parts assembly area 2 that performs assembly operations is equipped with at least one third robotic arm unit 20; for example, the leaf spring nut workstation, the pattern plate workstation, and the motor workstation are all equipped with at least one third robotic arm unit 20.

[0048] In this embodiment, each workstation with assembly operations is equipped with a detection mechanism. This mechanism is used to detect whether the workpiece to be assembled is qualified, and / or to detect whether the parts to be assembled before assembly are qualified, and / or to detect whether the workpiece is properly assembled after assembly, and / or to position the workpiece to be gripped, and / or to position the parts to be assembled. The function of the detection mechanism at each workstation varies depending on its specific detection requirements. Optionally, the detection mechanism uses a camera to take pictures and compares the captured images with pre-stored images / drawings. If the comparison results match, the detection is deemed qualified; otherwise, it is deemed unqualified.

[0049] Optionally, the inspection mechanism can be installed on the robotic arm unit to inspect the placed workpiece. If the inspection is qualified, the workpiece is clamped and proceeds to the next step; if the inspection is unqualified, the workpiece is clamped and placed in the defective product area 5. Alternatively, it can be installed next to the robotic arm unit, which uses the robotic arm unit to clamp the workpiece. If the inspection is qualified, the workpiece is proceeded to the next step; if the inspection is unqualified, the workpiece is placed in the defective product area 5, thus achieving automated inspection.

[0050] In some possible embodiments, the sealing strip station, wire harness station, and comprehensive inspection station can be operated manually or by a robotic arm unit. For example, they can be automated using a third robotic arm unit 20, or operated using a handheld tooling, or directly manually. The choice can be flexible, depending on cost, the ease of automation, and space constraints.

[0051] At the airtightness test station, noise test station, and leakage test station, tray 6 carries the components to be tested into the testing area. After the testing is completed according to the procedure, tray 6 carries the qualified components along the conveyor track to the next step. Tray 6 carries the unqualified components to the defective product area 5, or moves to the waiting line, waiting to be moved to the defective product area 5.

[0052] In some possible embodiments, the automated production line also includes an injection molding zone 7, as shown in the figure. Figure 5 Injection area 7 is used for injection molding of plastic workpieces, such as the first housing, the second housing, and the partition.

[0053] Injection molding area 7 includes at least one fourth robotic arm unit 40, which can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point and can be used to clamp and move workpieces. Injection molding area 7 also detects whether the injection-molded workpiece is qualified, and the fourth robotic arm unit 40 places the qualified workpiece into a buffer area. Optionally, the above-mentioned detection mechanism can be used, employing a camera to take pictures for detection.

[0054] Injection molding area 7 includes at least one injection molding machine 71, at least one cooling line 72, and at least one buffer line 73. Injection molding machine 71 is used to injection mold workpieces, cooling line 72 is used to cool workpieces, and buffer line 73 is used to store workpieces that have passed inspection. A fourth robotic arm unit 40 clamps the cooled workpieces for inspection. Workpieces that pass inspection are placed in buffer line 73, and workpieces that fail inspection are placed in defective product area 5. Optionally, injection molding area 7 includes a first housing injection molding machine, a second housing injection molding machine, and a partition injection molding machine.

[0055] In some possible embodiments, the automated production line includes an air damper inspection area 8, as shown in the reference. Figure 6The damper inspection area 8 is used to inspect whether the damper is qualified. Optionally, the above-mentioned inspection mechanism can be used, employing a camera-based photographic inspection method. The damper inspection area 8 includes at least one fifth robotic arm unit 50, which can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point and can be used to clamp and move the damper. The damper inspection area 8 places the qualified workpiece into the buffer area.

[0056] Workpieces from the buffer area are moved to the stacking area 4 of the internal parts assembly area 1 to await inspection. This can be done using automated equipment or manually. Pallets 6 can also be used for transporting and securing workpieces in the injection molding area 7 and the air damper inspection area 8.

[0057] Injection molding area 7, damper detection area 8, and internal parts assembly area 1 can be set up independently, with ample space in each area and sufficient rotation space for the robotic arm unit. Alternatively, injection molding area 7 and damper detection area 8 can be located within internal parts assembly area 1, with the discharge areas of injection molding area 7 and damper detection area 8 close to the line of internal parts assembly area 1, reducing material handling paths and even eliminating the buffer area, thus minimizing the footprint of the entire automated production line.

[0058] In this embodiment, internal parts are first assembled into the first housing, then the first and second housings are assembled and welded, and finally external parts are assembled into the welded outer shell. During the assembly process, airtightness is tested after welding, noise is tested after the motor, mode disc, and other moving parts are assembled, and leakage is tested after the sealing strip is assembled. A final inspection is performed after all assembly is completed. By adopting an assembly sequence from the inside out and welding the first and second housings, internal parts are fixed, optimizing the assembly sequence, ensuring timely fixing, and improving assembly efficiency and reliability. The interspersed testing processes reduce the frequency of problems such as easy damage to parts, high defect rate, and low efficiency, improving manufacturing reliability and thus increasing production efficiency.

[0059] It should be understood that the aforementioned robotic arm units can all perform rotation and extension movements, thus adapting to the arrangement of multiple operating points and facilitating automated operation.

[0060] In the internal parts assembly area 1, the opening of the first housing is placed on the tray 6 with the opening facing upwards, facilitating the assembly of parts into the first housing and preventing parts from falling off. In the external parts assembly area 2, the side walls of the first and second housings face to the sides, facilitating the assembly of parts to the sides of the outer shell. The first robotic arm unit 30 in the welding area 3 can flip the workpiece, making assembly more convenient.

[0061] In some possible embodiments, the automated production line includes at least one reserved workstation 100, as shown in the reference. Figure 2The lines of internal parts assembly area 1, external parts assembly area 2 and welding area 3 shall reserve at least one blank area and set up a reserved manual position 100 to facilitate manual inspection or manual repair of defective products.

[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application has disclosed the preferred embodiment as above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. An automated production line, characterized in that, The automated production line is used to manufacture air distributors. The automated production line includes at least one of an internal parts assembly area, an external parts assembly area, and a welding area. The automated production line includes at least one robotic arm unit, which can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point and can perform assembly operations. The automated production line includes an internal parts assembly area, an external parts assembly area, and a welding area. The process flow sequence of the automated production line is: internal parts assembly area, welding area, and external parts assembly area. The welding area is located between the internal parts assembly area and the external parts assembly area. The internal parts assembly area is U-shaped with its opening facing one side of the welding area, and the external parts assembly area is U-shaped with its opening facing the other side of the welding area. The process flow path of the automated production line is figure-eight shaped. The internal parts assembly area includes a first reversing line, a first operating line, and a second operating line. The first operating line and the second operating line are arranged side by side. Both the first operating line and the second operating line are used to assemble workpieces. The first reversing line is used to transfer the workpieces on the first operating line to the second operating line. The process flow sequence of the internal parts assembly area is the first operating line, the first reversing line, and the second operating line; the external parts assembly area includes a second reversing line, a third operating line, and a fourth operating line. The third operating line and the fourth operating line are arranged side by side. Both the third operating line and the fourth operating line are used to assemble or inspect workpieces. The second reversing line is used to transfer workpieces from the third operating line to the fourth operating line. The process flow sequence of the external parts assembly area is the third operating line, the second reversing line, and the fourth operating line.

2. The automated production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The welding area includes welding equipment, a first auxiliary line, a second auxiliary line, and a first robotic arm unit. The first auxiliary line is used to carry and transport the workpiece to be welded, the second auxiliary line is used to carry and transport the welded workpiece, the welding equipment is used to weld the workpiece, and the first robotic arm unit can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point and clamp the workpiece. A portion of the first auxiliary line, a portion of the second auxiliary line, and a portion of the welding equipment all fall within the circular trajectory formed by the rotation path of the first robotic arm unit. The first robotic arm unit is used to move the workpiece on the first auxiliary line to the welding equipment and also to move the workpiece on the welding equipment to the second auxiliary line.

3. The automated production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first reversing line includes a first reversing platform, a second reversing platform, and a first conveying track. The first operating line includes a second conveying track, and the second operating line includes a third conveying track. The second conveying track and the third conveying track have opposite conveying directions. The track of the first reversing platform is connected to the second conveying track, or the track of the first reversing platform is connected to the first conveying track. The track of the second reversing platform is connected to the first conveying track, or the track of the second reversing platform is connected to the third conveying track.

4. The automated production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second reversing line includes a third reversing platform, a fourth reversing platform, and a fourth conveying track. The third operating line includes a fifth conveying track, and the fourth operating line includes a sixth conveying track. The fifth and sixth conveying tracks have opposite conveying directions. The track of the third reversing platform is connected to the fifth conveying track, or the track of the third reversing platform is connected to the fourth conveying track. The track of the fourth reversing platform is connected to the fourth conveying track, or the track of the fourth reversing platform is connected to the sixth conveying track.

5. The automated production line as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The automated production line includes at least one material storage area and at least one defective product area. The material storage area is used to store workpieces to be inspected and assembled, and the defective product area is used to store workpieces that fail the inspection. At least a portion of the defective product area falls within the circular trajectory formed by the rotation path of the first robotic arm unit; or, The internal parts assembly area includes at least one second robotic arm unit, which can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point and clamp workpieces. A portion of the conveyor track of the internal parts assembly area, a portion of at least one of the material stacking areas, and a portion of at least one of the defective product areas all fall within the circular trajectory formed by the rotation path of one of the second robotic arm units. Each station in the internal parts assembly area is equipped with at least one second robotic arm unit; or, The external parts assembly area includes at least one third robotic arm unit, which can rotate circumferentially around its mounting point and clamp workpieces. A portion of the conveyor track of the external parts assembly area, a portion of at least one of the material stacking areas, and a portion of at least one of the defective product areas all fall within the circular trajectory formed by the rotation path of one of the third robotic arms. Each workstation in the external parts assembly area with assembly operations is equipped with at least one of the third robotic arms.

6. The automated production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The automated production line includes a tray that can move on the conveyor track of any line. The tray is used to support and fix the workpiece and convey the workpiece to the corresponding workstation. Each workstation with assembly operations is equipped with a detection mechanism, which is used to detect whether the workpiece to be assembled is qualified, and / or to detect whether the part to be assembled before assembly is qualified, and / or to detect whether the workpiece after assembly is assembled in place, and / or to realize the positioning of the workpiece to be gripped, and / or to realize the positioning of the part to be assembled. The automated production line includes an injection molding area, which is used to process plastic workpieces by injection molding and to detect whether the workpieces after injection molding are qualified. The injection molding area includes at least one fourth robotic arm unit. The automated production line includes a damper inspection area, which is used to detect whether the damper is qualified. The damper inspection area includes at least one fifth robotic arm unit.

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