A device for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of automobile manufacturing production lines, and particularly relates to a device for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line. It includes a circulating and moving conveyor chain. Along the moving direction of the conveyor chain on the production line, there are several workstations. At positions corresponding to each workstation on the conveyor chain, there are respectively arranged a movable support group and a fixed support group. The movable support group includes a first movable support and a second movable support. The first movable support and the second movable support are respectively hinged and installed on the conveyor chain, and can respectively rotate and tilt in opposite directions around the hinge axis. An automatic flipping mechanism is arranged at the starting end of the conveyor chain for adjusting the state of the movable support group. A locking device is arranged on the second movable support, and an unlocking device is fixedly installed at a position corresponding to the locking device on the automatic flipping mechanism. The present invention adjusts the state of the movable support by setting the automatic flipping mechanism, which is used for producing different vehicle models and realizes high automation of workshop production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of automobile manufacturing production lines, and particularly relates to a device for automatically flipping the support of a slat conveyor line. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, in order to reduce transportation costs, various logistics companies have successively replaced new energy light trucks and van trucks for cargo transportation, greatly increasing the market demand for both. In order to meet the market demand, the production lines of automobile manufacturing enterprises need to be able to be compatible with the production of more types of vehicles.

[0003] Classified according to the different structures of each vehicle type, light trucks belong to non-load-bearing vehicle types while van trucks belong to load-bearing vehicle types. In automobile manufacturing enterprises, slat conveyor lines are often used for the chassis part assembly of non-load-bearing vehicle types and the interior part assembly of load-bearing vehicle types. However, due to the different structures of load-bearing and non-load-bearing vehicle types, if the two vehicle types are to be produced on the same production line, different support seats need to be set on the slat conveyor line to support different vehicle types. Inevitably, there will be interference problems between these support seats and different vehicle types. Therefore, some support seats need to be made adjustable.

[0004] The Chinese invention patent with the application number 202310649574.0 discloses a high-precision and flexible conveying skid for a truck welding line, with adjustable support positioning devices respectively arranged at the front and rear ends of the skid to adapt to the conveying of multi-variety and differentiated vehicle bodies. However, the adjustable parts of its support positioning devices are all bolt-fixed installations, which require workers to manually adjust according to different vehicle types. The adjustment operation is complex and cannot adapt to the current production environment with a fast production rhythm and frequent production model switching. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device for automatically flipping the support of a slat conveyor line. By setting a fixed support and a movable support, which are respectively used for the production of different vehicle types, and at the same time setting an automatic flipping mechanism for pushing down and erecting the movable support, the high automation of workshop production is realized, the production efficiency is improved, and the labor cost is reduced.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A device for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line, comprising a circulating and moving conveyor chain. Along the moving direction of the conveyor chain on the production line, there are several workstations. At positions corresponding to each workstation on the conveyor chain, there are respectively arranged a movable support group and a fixed support group. The movable support group includes a first movable support and a second movable support. The first movable support and the second movable support are respectively hinged and installed on the conveyor chain, and can respectively rotate and tilt in opposite directions around the hinge axis. An automatic flipping mechanism is arranged at the starting end of the conveyor chain for adjusting the state of the movable support group. A locking device is also arranged on the second movable support, and an unlocking device is fixedly installed at a position corresponding to the locking device on the automatic flipping mechanism.

[0008] The following is a further optimization of the above technical solution by the present invention:

[0009] The automatic flipping mechanism includes a gantry. The gantry straddles both ends of the conveyor chain along the width direction of the conveyor chain. At a position near the middle on the front side of the gantry, there is a fixedly connected lifting mounting seat. A lifting driving device is fixedly connected to the lifting mounting seat. The telescopic end of the lifting driving device extends downward and is connected to a connecting plate. One end of the connecting plate far from the lifting driving device is connected to a flipping driving device.

[0010] Further optimization: The first movable support includes a first mounting bottom plate, which is fixedly connected to the conveyor chain. The upper surface of the first mounting bottom plate is hingedly installed with a first hinge beam, and the first hinge beam is arranged along the width direction of the conveyor chain. A first limiting device is arranged at a position near the bottom on the front side of the first movable support; The second movable support includes a second mounting bottom plate, which is fixedly connected to the conveyor chain. The upper surface of the second mounting bottom plate is provided with a second longitudinal beam, and the front end of the second longitudinal beam is hingedly installed on the second mounting bottom plate. A second limiting device is arranged on the bottom surface at the rear end of the second longitudinal beam.

[0011] Further optimization: At positions near both ends above the first hinge beam, two first vertical beams, two first bearing plates, and two first bearing blocks are fixedly connected in sequence from bottom to top. On the side of the first movable support opposite to the first limiting device, there is also a fixedly connected tilting limiting plate; On the upper surface of the second longitudinal beam, a second vertical beam, a second bearing plate, and a second bearing block are fixedly connected in sequence from bottom to top. On the side of the second movable support opposite to the second limiting device, there is also a fixedly connected second buffering device.

[0012] Further optimization: The fixed support group includes two first fixed supports and two second fixed supports. The two first fixed supports and the two second fixed supports are respectively arranged at intervals symmetrically along the width direction of the conveyor chain. The first fixed support and the second fixed support have the same structure, including a fixed mounting bottom plate, which is fixedly installed on the conveyor chain. Above the fixed mounting bottom plate, a column, a fixed bearing plate, and a fixed bearing block are fixedly connected in sequence from bottom to top.

[0013] Further optimization: the upper end of the connecting plate is hinged to the telescopic end of the lifting drive device, the lower end of the connecting plate is fixedly connected to a mounting block, the fixed end of the flipping drive device is fixedly mounted on the mounting block, the telescopic end is fixedly mounted with a push plate, and the mounting block is fixedly mounted with a flip displacement sensor.

[0014] Further optimization: a slider is fixedly connected to one side of the connecting plate close to the flip beam at a position above the mounting block, a slide rail is fixedly connected to a position on the flip beam corresponding to the slider, the slide rail is arranged in the vertical direction, the slider is slidably installed on the slide rail, and a lifting buffer device is fixedly connected to the end of the slider away from the connecting plate, and a lifting displacement sensor is fixedly installed at the telescopic end of the gantry and the lifting drive device and at the position corresponding to the lifting buffer device.

[0015] Further optimization: The automatic flipping mechanism also includes an air combination element, the air outlet end of the air combination element is connected in parallel with two solenoid valves, the two solenoid valves are pneumatically connected to the lifting drive device and the flipping drive device respectively, and speed regulating valves are respectively arranged between the solenoid valve and the lifting drive device, and between the solenoid valve and the flipping drive device.

[0016] Further optimization: A pushing roller is respectively arranged at a position corresponding to the flipping drive device on the rear side of the first movable support and the second movable support.

[0017] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The present invention arranges fixed support groups and movable support groups on the conveyor line to support the production of different machine models respectively, so that machine models with different structures can share one production line, saving plant area and equipment costs, and greatly reducing the production cost of the enterprise.

[0019] The automatic flipping mechanism of the present invention can automatically push down or stand up the movable support group by identifying the type of vehicle to be produced, and complete the adjustment of the state of the movable support group before the frame is placed on the conveyor chain, thereby achieving high automation of workshop production, improving production efficiency and reducing labor costs.

[0020] The first movable support and the second movable support of the present invention can be rotated and tilted in opposite directions respectively, and in the initial state, one of the two movable supports is in an upright state and the other is in a tilted state. In this way, the automatic flipping mechanism only needs to adjust one movable support each time, saving adjustment time and further improving production efficiency.

[0021] The present invention ensures that the extension and retraction actions of the lifting drive device and the flipping drive device are in place by arranging the lifting displacement sensor and the flipping displacement sensor, avoids interference problems caused by action jamming, and improves the reliability of the equipment.

[0022] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0023] Figure 1 The front view of the overall structure of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 The three-dimensional view of the fixed support group and the movable support group of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 The three-dimensional view of the first movable support of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 The three-dimensional view of the second movable support of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 The three-dimensional view of the automatic flipping mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 The three-dimensional view of another angle (hiding the gantry part) of the automatic flipping mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 The pneumatic circuit schematic diagram of the automatic flipping mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 The state schematic diagram of the fixed support group and the movable support group when producing a load-bearing vehicle model;

[0031] Figure 9 The state schematic diagram of the fixed support group and the movable support group when producing a non-load-bearing vehicle model.

[0032] In the figure: 1. Conveyor chain; 2. Fixed support group; 201. First fixed support; 2011. Fixed mounting base plate; 2012. Column; 2013. Fixed bearing plate; 2014. Fixed bearing block; 202. Second fixed support; 3. Movable support group; 301. First movable support; 3011. First mounting base plate; 3012. First hinge beam; 3013. First vertical beam; 3014. First bearing plate; 3015. First bearing block; 3016. Limit stud; 3017. First strengthening beam; 3018. Tipping limit plate; 3019. Limit seat; 302. Second movable support; 3021. Second mounting base plate; 3022. Second longitudinal beam; 3023. Second vertical beam; 3024. Second bearing plate; 3025. Second bearing block; 3026. Second cross beam; 3027. Second buffer device; 4. Lateral limiting device; 5. Pushing roller; 6. Locking device; 601. Locking bracket; 602. Locking plate; 603. Locking block; 604. Locking hook; 7. Air combination element; 8. Automatic flipping mechanism; 801. Gantry; 8011. Flipping cross beam; 8012. Flipping vertical beam; 8013. Lifting mounting seat; 802. Lifting drive device; 803. Connecting plate; 804. Mounting block; 805. Flipping drive device; 806. Pushing plate; 807. Slide bar; 808. Unlocking device; 809. Positioning plate; 810. Flipping displacement sensor; 811. Slide block; 812. Slide rail; 813. Lifting buffer device; 814. Lifting displacement sensor; 9. Solenoid valve; 10. Speed control valve. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] As Figure 1 shown, a device for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line includes a conveyor chain 1. When viewed from the side, the conveyor chain 1 is an approximately elliptical closed structure and moves cyclically under the drive of a drive device. The part of the conveyor chain 1 that moves to the top surface is used to support different vehicle models for production. In this embodiment, the driving mode of the conveyor chain 1 is prior art well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated in the present invention.

[0034] One end of the conveyor chain 1 is the starting end and the other end is the terminating end. The part of the conveyor chain 1 located on the top surface moves from the starting end to the terminating end. Along the moving direction of the conveyor chain 1 on the production line, an upper part loading station, several working stations and a lower part unloading station are sequentially arranged. At positions corresponding to each station on the conveyor chain 1, a movable support group 3 and a fixed support group 2 are respectively arranged, which are respectively used to support different vehicle models. The movable support group 3 and the fixed support group 2 move cyclically on the production line along with the movement of the conveyor chain 1.

[0035] The body-on-frame vehicle model has an independent frame, and the frame is a frame structure spliced by profiles, which can avoid the irrelevant support frames on the conveyor line. While the unibody vehicle model does not have an independent frame, and the entire body structure is combined into a rigid whole by means of welding, etc. During production, the bottom surface of the entire body structure needs to be used as a support surface and placed on the slat conveyor line, and the irrelevant support frames cannot be avoided within the area covered by the bottom surface.

[0036] For the above reasons, in this embodiment, the fixed support group 2 is used for producing the unibody vehicle model, while the movable support group 3 is used for producing the body-on-frame vehicle model. When producing the unibody vehicle model, the movable support group 3 is tilted to avoid interference between the bottom surface of the body and the movable support group 3. While when producing the body-on-frame vehicle model, the movable support group 3 is erected to support the frame.

[0037] Outside this embodiment, the slat conveyor line can also be used for the production of other vehicle models. According to the differences in the specific vehicle model structures, the types of vehicle models supported by the movable support group 3 and the fixed support group 2 are adjusted to meet the requirements of co-line production of different vehicle models.

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, the fixed support group 2 includes two first fixed supports 201 and two second fixed supports 202. The positive direction of the movement of the conveyor chain 1 is defined as the front. The first fixed support 201 is arranged on the front side of the second fixed support 202. The two first fixed supports 201 and the two second fixed supports 202 are symmetrically arranged at intervals along the width direction of the conveyor chain 1, forming four-point support for the body, so that the body can move smoothly along with the conveyor chain 1.

[0039] The first fixed support 201 and the second fixed support 202 have the same structure, including a fixed mounting base plate 2011, which is fixedly mounted on the conveyor chain 1. Above the fixed mounting base plate 2011, a column 2012 is fixedly connected. On the column 2012, a fixed bearing plate 2013 is fixedly connected. On the fixed bearing plate 2013, a fixed bearing block 2014 is fixedly connected. The shape of the upper surface of the fixed bearing block 2014 is adapted to the shape of the bottom surface of the body, which can better fit with the body.

[0040] In this embodiment, the material of the fixed bearing block 2014 is nylon material. On the one hand, it plays a buffering role when the body falls. On the other hand, it can prevent the body from directly contacting the fixed bearing plate 2013 and causing surface scratches.

[0041] Outside this embodiment, the material of the fixed bearing block 2014 can also be selected as rubber or other flexible materials, which play a role in buffering and preventing surface scratches.

[0042] As Figure 2As shown in the figure, the movable support group 3 includes a first movable support 301 and a second movable support 302. The first movable support 301 and the second movable support 302 are respectively hinged to the conveying chain 1 and can respectively rotate and tilt in opposite directions around the hinge axis.

[0043] As Figure 3 shown in the figure, the first movable support 301 includes a first mounting bottom plate 3011. The first mounting bottom plate 3011 is fixedly connected to the conveying chain 1. A first hinge beam 3012 is hinged to the upper surface of the first mounting bottom plate 3011. The first hinge beam 3012 is arranged along the width direction of the conveying chain 1. Two first vertical beams 3013 are fixedly connected to positions near both ends above the first hinge beam 3012. A first bearing plate 3014 is fixedly connected above the first vertical beam 3013. A first bearing block 3015 is fixedly connected above the first bearing plate 3014. The material and structure of the first bearing block 3015 are the same as those of the fixed bearing block 2014, which can not only make the bottom surface of the vehicle frame better fit with the first bearing block 3015, but also play a role in buffering and preventing surface scratches of the vehicle frame.

[0044] A first limiting device is arranged at a position near the bottom of the front side of the first movable support 301. The first limiting device is used to limit the rotation direction of the first movable support 301, so that the first movable support 301 can only rotate and tilt backward.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first limiting device includes a limiting seat 3019 fixedly connected to the front side of the first hinge beam 3012. A threaded hole is provided in the limiting seat 3019, and a limiting stud 3016 is screwed in the threaded hole. When the first movable support 301 is in the erected state, the bottom end of the limiting stud 3016 abuts against the upper surface of the first mounting bottom plate 3011. At this time, by adjusting the position of the limiting stud 3016, the angle between the first movable support 301 and the conveying chain 1 can be adjusted, so that the first bearing block 3015 can better fit with the bottom surface of the vehicle frame. In order to ensure the reliability of the limit, two first limiting devices are provided, which are respectively located at both ends of the first hinge beam 3012.

[0046] In addition to this embodiment, the first limiting device can also adopt one of the limiting devices in other existing technologies to limit the tilting direction and erected angle of the first movable support 301.

[0047] A first reinforcing beam 3017 is fixedly connected at a position near the middle between two first vertical beams 3013. The first reinforcing beam 3017 is arranged in parallel with the first articulated beam 3012 and is used to enhance the structural strength of the first movable support 301. A tipping limit plate 3018 is also fixedly connected to the side of the first movable support 301 opposite to the first limiting device. The tipping limit plate 3018 is fixedly connected to the hinge seat where the first articulated beam 3012 is connected to the first mounting base plate 3011. When the first movable support 301 tips over, the tipping limit plate 3018 restricts its tipping angle to prevent the first movable support 301 from colliding and being damaged by surrounding components.

[0048] As Figure 4 shown, the second movable support 302 includes a second mounting base plate 3021 which is fixedly connected to the conveying chain 1. The upper surface of the second mounting base plate 3021 is provided with second longitudinal beams 3022. The second longitudinal beams 3022 are arranged along the moving direction of the conveying chain 1. In order to make the support of the vehicle frame more reliable, two second longitudinal beams 3022 are provided for the second movable support 302, and the two second longitudinal beams 3022 are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the conveying chain 1.

[0049] The front end of each second longitudinal beam 3022 is hingedly installed on the second mounting base plate 3021. The upper surface of the second longitudinal beam 3022 is fixedly connected with a second vertical beam 3023. Above the second vertical beam 3023, a second bearing plate 3024 is fixedly connected. Above the second bearing plate 3024, a second bearing block 3025 is fixedly connected. The material and structure of the second bearing block 3025 are the same as those of the fixed bearing block 2014, which can not only make the bottom surface of the vehicle frame fit better with the second bearing block 3025, but also play a role in buffering the vehicle frame and preventing surface scratches.

[0050] A second cross beam 3026 is fixedly connected between the two second vertical beams 3023. The second cross beam 3026 connects the two second vertical beams 3023 into a whole so that they can move synchronously.

[0051] A second limiting device is arranged on the bottom surface at the rear end of the second longitudinal beam 3022. The second limiting device is used to limit the rotation direction of the second movable support 302, so as to ensure that the second movable support 302 can only tip forward.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second limiting device includes a limiting stud 3016 screwed on the bottom surface of the second longitudinal beam 3022. When the second movable support 302 is in the upright state, the bottom end of the limiting stud 3016 abuts against the upper surface of the second mounting base plate 3021. At this time, by adjusting the position of the limiting stud 3016, the angle between the second movable support 302 and the conveying chain 1 can be adjusted so that the second bearing block 3025 can be completely attached to the bottom surface of the vehicle frame.

[0053] In addition to this embodiment, the second limiting device can also adopt one of the limiting devices in other existing technologies to limit the tipping direction and upright angle of the second movable support 302.

[0054] On the side of the second movable support 302 opposite to the second limiting device, a second buffer device 3027 is also fixedly connected. The second buffer device 3027 can be selected from one of pneumatic springs, rubber buffer blocks or other buffer devices in existing technologies, and is used to buffer and prevent the second movable support 302 from colliding and damaging with surrounding components when the second movable support 302 tips over.

[0055] In addition to this embodiment, the second movable support 302 can also adopt the same structure as the first movable support 301, and the two are symmetrically installed on the conveying chain 1 front and back, as long as the tipping directions of the first movable support 301 and the second movable support 302 are opposite.

[0056] In order to make the upright state of the second movable support 302 more reliable, a locking device 6 is also provided on the second movable support 302. The locking device 6 includes a locking bracket 601 fixedly installed on the second mounting base plate 3021. The top end of the locking bracket 601 is hingedly installed with a locking plate 602. A locking block 603 is fixedly installed at one end of the locking plate 602 close to the second movable support 302. A locking hook 604 is fixedly connected at a position corresponding to the locking block 603 on the second movable support 302.

[0057] In the natural state, the locking block 603 sinks due to gravity, and the lower end is clamped with the locking hook 604 to achieve locking. When unlocking is required, press down on the end of the locking plate 602 far from the locking block 603. Due to the lever principle, the locking block 603 moves upward and disengages from the locking hook 604 to achieve unlocking.

[0058] According to the specific shape of the vehicle frame, a lateral limiting device 4 can also be provided on the fixed support group 2 and the movable support group 3 to limit the left and right positions of the vehicle frame installation and make the support more reliable.

[0059] As Figure 1 shown, in order to realize the automatic tipping and upright of the movable support group 3, a support adjustment station is also provided at the starting end of the conveying chain 1. An automatic flipping mechanism 8 is provided at this station. Before the vehicle frame enters the loading station, the state of the movable support group 3 is adjusted according to the type of the produced model to meet the production requirements.

[0060] As Figures 5 - 6As shown in the figure, the automatic flipping mechanism 8 includes a gantry 801. The gantry 801 includes a flipping cross beam 8011 arranged along the width direction of the conveying chain 1. At both ends of the flipping cross beam 8011, two flipping vertical beams 8012 are fixedly connected in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the conveying chain 1. The bottom ends of the two flipping vertical beams 8012 are respectively fixedly connected to the plate chain conveyor line, so that the gantry 801 straddles both ends of the conveying chain 1 along the width direction of the conveying chain 1, and the gantry 801 does not move with the movement of the conveying chain 1.

[0061] At a position near the middle on the front side of the flipping cross beam 8011, a lifting mounting seat 8013 is fixedly connected. A lifting driving device 802 is fixedly connected to the lifting mounting seat 8013. The fixed end of the lifting driving device 802 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the lifting mounting seat 8013, and the telescopic end extends downward and is connected to a connecting plate 803. One end of the connecting plate 803 far from the lifting driving device 802 is connected to a flipping driving device 805.

[0062] In this embodiment, the lifting driving device 802 is a servo cylinder. When the telescopic end of the lifting driving device 802 extends or retracts, it drives the flipping driving device 805 to move up and down through the connecting plate 803, and adjusts the flipping driving device 805 to a suitable height position.

[0063] In addition to this embodiment, the lifting driving device 802 can also be selected from a servo electric cylinder or a servo hydraulic cylinder, which is used to adjust the height position of the flipping driving device 805.

[0064] The upper end of the connecting plate 803 is hinged to the telescopic end of the lifting driving device 802. The lower end of the connecting plate 803 is fixedly connected with a mounting block 804. The fixed end of the flipping driving device 805 is fixedly installed on the mounting block 804, and the telescopic end is fixedly installed with a pushing plate 806.

[0065] In this embodiment, the flipping driving device 805 is a servo cylinder. When the telescopic end of the flipping driving device 805 extends, it drives the pushing plate 806 to extend and contact the first movable support 301 or the second movable support 302, and push it down or set it up.

[0066] In addition to this embodiment, the flipping driving device 805 can also be selected from a servo electric cylinder or a servo hydraulic cylinder, which is used to push down or set up the first movable support 301 or the second movable support 302.

[0067] The front end of the flipping driving device 805 is tilted upward, driving the pushing plate 806 to move obliquely upward, which can more labor - savingly push down or set up the first movable support 301 or the second movable support 302.

[0068] A sliding rod 807 is fixedly connected to a position near the edge on the side of the pushing plate 806 facing the flipping drive device 805. The sliding rod 807 is arranged in parallel with the flipping drive device 805. A sliding hole is formed at a position on the mounting block 804 corresponding to the sliding rod 807. The sliding rod 807 is slidably installed in the sliding hole. A positioning plate 809 is fixedly connected to the end of the sliding rod 807 away from the pushing plate 806. Two flipping displacement sensors 810 are fixedly installed on the mounting block 804, and the two flipping displacement sensors 810 face the pushing plate 806 and the positioning plate 809 respectively.

[0069] In this embodiment, the flipping displacement sensor 810 is a proximity sensor. When the telescopic end of the flipping drive device 805 extends, the pushing plate 806 moves away from the mounting block 804 while the positioning plate 809 approaches the mounting block 804. That is to say, the positioning plate 809 approaches the corresponding flipping displacement sensor 810. When the telescopic end of the flipping drive device 805 retracts, the pushing plate 806 approaches the corresponding flipping displacement sensor 810. The two flipping displacement sensors 810 cooperate with each other to detect whether the extension or retraction of the telescopic end of the flipping drive device 805 is in place.

[0070] In addition to this embodiment, the flipping displacement sensor 810 can also be selected from one of other displacement sensors to detect whether the extension or retraction of the telescopic end of the flipping drive device 805 is in place.

[0071] A slider 811 is fixedly connected to a position above the mounting block 804 on the side of the connecting plate 803 close to the flipping cross beam 8011. A slide rail 812 is fixedly connected to a position on the flipping cross beam 8011 corresponding to the slider 811. The slide rail 812 is arranged in the vertical direction. The slider 811 is slidably installed on the slide rail 812, so that the connecting plate 803 can only move up and down in the vertical direction, ensuring that the flipping drive device 805 can move along the vertical direction without deviation when moving up and down.

[0072] One end of the slider 811 away from the connecting plate 803 is fixedly connected with a lifting buffer device 813. The structure of the lifting buffer device 813 is the same as that of the second buffer device 3027. When the slider 811 moves downward driven by the connecting plate 803, the lifting buffer device 813 plays a buffering role on the one hand and can prevent the slider 811 from being displaced excessively and disengaging from the slide rail 812 on the other hand.

[0073] A lifting displacement sensor 814 is fixedly installed at a position on the lower surface of the lifting mounting seat 8013 corresponding to the telescopic end of the lifting drive device 802. A lifting displacement sensor 814 is also fixedly installed at a position on the upper surface of the flipping cross beam 8011 corresponding to the lifting buffer device 813. The two lifting displacement sensors 814 cooperate with each other to detect whether the extension or retraction of the telescopic end of the lifting drive device 802 is in place.

[0074] An unlocking device 808 is fixedly installed at a position on the automatic flipping mechanism 8 corresponding to the locking device 6. Specifically, the unlocking device 808 is fixedly installed on the bottom surface of the flipping cross beam 8011. The installation position of the unlocking device 808 corresponds to the position of the locking plate 602. When the second movable support 302 moves to the lower part of the unlocking device 808 along with the conveying chain 1, the unlocking device 808 contacts the rear end of the locking plate 602 and presses down the locking plate 602, releasing the locking of the locking device 6 on the second movable support 302.

[0075] At positions on the rear sides of the first movable support 301 and the second movable support 302 corresponding to the flipping driving device 805, a pushing roller 5 is respectively arranged. The pushing roller 5 is rotatably installed on the first reinforcing beam 3017 or the second cross beam 3026. When the telescopic end of the flipping driving device 805 extends out, it drives the pushing plate 806 to move and contact the pushing roller 5. The pushing roller 5 rolls on the pushing plate 806, reducing the friction force between the two, making the toppling or erection of the first movable support 301 and the second movable support 302 smoother, preventing excessive internal force in the system, affecting the equipment life or even damaging the equipment.

[0076] As Figure 7 shown in the working principle diagram of the automatic flipping mechanism 8, taking the lifting driving device 802 and the flipping driving device 805 as servo cylinders as an example, the air circuit includes an air combination element 7, which purifies, filters, reduces pressure and lubricates the compressed air entering the pneumatic system, providing a clean, stable and properly lubricated air source for the pneumatic equipment; the air outlet ends of the air combination element 7 are connected in parallel with two solenoid valves 9, and the two solenoid valves 9 are respectively pneumatically connected to the lifting driving device 802 and the flipping driving device 805.

[0077] In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 9 is a three-position five-way solenoid valve. By controlling the on-off state of the electromagnetic coil, the position of the valve core is switched, thereby changing the air flow direction and controlling the reciprocating movement of the telescopic ends of the lifting driving device 802 and the flipping driving device 805.

[0078] A speed regulating valve 10 is also respectively arranged between the solenoid valve 9 and the lifting driving device 802, and between the solenoid valve 9 and the flipping driving device 805, for controlling the flow rate and pressure of the air circuit and improving the stability of the system.

[0079] In order to improve the automation degree of the overall equipment, a control device is also provided for the equipment for automatic flipping of the support of the plate chain conveyor line described in the present invention. The control device is composed of a PLC, a contactor, a signal switch and other electrical components, and through programming control, the equipment can operate automatically or manually.

[0080] Based on the above equipment for automatic flipping of the support of the plate chain conveyor line, its specific working steps are as follows:

[0081] S1. As shown in Figures 1 - 2 , when the fixed support group 2 and the movable support group 3 move along with the conveying chain 1 and are flipped from the bottom surface to the top surface, due to gravity, the first movable support 301 is in a dumping state, while the second movable support 302 is in an erected and locked state;

[0082] S2. The fixed support group 2 and the movable support group 3 continue to move along with the conveying chain 1. When the second movable support 302 passes through the automatic flipping mechanism 8, the unlocking device 808 contacts the rear end of the locking plate 602 and presses the locking plate 602 downward to unlock it. At this time, the second movable support 302 can rotate freely;

[0083] S3. The control device controls the action of the automatic flipping mechanism 8 according to the type of vehicle model to be produced: As shown in Figure 8 , if a car - body - on - frame vehicle model needs to be produced, when the first movable support 301 moves to the automatic flipping mechanism 8, the automatic flipping mechanism 8 does not act. When the second movable support 302 moves to the automatic flipping mechanism 8, the control device controls the telescopic end of the lifting drive device 802 to extend, driving the flipping drive device 805 to move down to a height corresponding to the second movable support 302. Then, the telescopic end of the flipping drive device 805 extends, driving the push plate 806 to extend and contact the push roller 5, pushing down the second movable support 302, using the fixed support group 2 to support the body of the car - body - on - frame vehicle model, and at the same time, the flipping drive device 805 resets;

[0084] As shown in Figure 9 , if a body - on - frame vehicle model needs to be produced, when the first movable support 301 moves to the automatic flipping mechanism 8, the control device controls the telescopic end of the lifting drive device 802 to extend, driving the flipping drive device 805 to move down to a height corresponding to the first movable support 301. Then, the telescopic end of the flipping drive device 805 extends, driving the push plate 806 to extend and contact the push roller 5, erecting the first movable support 301. Then, the flipping drive device 805 resets. When the second movable support 302 moves to the automatic flipping mechanism 8, the automatic flipping mechanism 8 does not act, using the movable support group 3 to support the frame of the body - on - frame vehicle model;

[0085] S4. The second movable support 302 leaves the unlocking device 808, and the locking device 6 resets;

[0086] S5. After the vehicle model is produced, it is unloaded at the unloading station. The fixed support group 2 and the movable support group 3 move along with the conveying chain 1 to the bottom surface, waiting for the next round of production.

[0087] For those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the teachings of the present invention, without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations made to the embodiments still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line, comprising a conveyor chain (1) that moves in a cycle. There are several workstations arranged along the moving direction of the conveyor chain (1) on the production line. An active support group (3) and a fixed support group (2) are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to each workstation on the conveyor chain (1). It is characterized in that: The movable support group (3) includes a first movable support (301) and a second movable support (302). The first movable support (301) and the second movable support (302) are respectively hingedly installed on the conveying chain (1), and can respectively rotate and tilt in opposite directions around the hinge axis. In the initial state, one of the two movable supports is in the upright state and the other is in the tilted state. An automatic flipping mechanism (8) is provided at the starting end of the conveying chain (1). The automatic flipping mechanism (8) adjusts one movable support each time to switch its support state, so as to support different vehicle models. A locking device (6) is also provided on the second movable support (302), and an unlocking device (808) is fixedly installed at a position corresponding to the locking device (6) on the automatic flipping mechanism (8); The automatic flipping mechanism (8) includes a gantry (801). The gantry (801) straddles both ends of the conveying chain (1) in the width direction of the conveying chain (1). The gantry (801) includes a flipping cross beam (8011) arranged in the width direction of the conveying chain (1). A lifting mounting seat (8013) is fixedly connected at a position near the middle on the front side of the gantry (801), and a lifting driving device (802) is fixedly connected to the lifting mounting seat (8013); The telescopic end of the lifting driving device (802) extends downward and is hinged to the upper end of a connecting plate (803). The lower end of the connecting plate (803) is fixedly connected with a mounting block (804). The fixed end of a flipping driving device (805) is fixedly connected to the mounting block (804). The telescopic end of the flipping driving device (805) is fixedly installed with a pushing plate (806). A flipping displacement sensor (810) is fixedly installed on the mounting block (804); The second movable support (302) includes a second mounting base plate (3021). The locking device (6) includes a locking bracket (601) fixedly installed on the second mounting base plate (3021). The top end of the locking bracket (601) is hingedly installed with a locking plate (602). A locking block (603) is fixedly installed at one end of the locking plate (602) close to the second movable support (302). A locking hook (604) is fixedly connected at a position corresponding to the locking block (603) on the second movable support (302).

2. The device for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first movable support (301) includes a first mounting base plate (3011). The first mounting base plate (3011) is fixedly connected to the conveying chain (1). A first hinge beam (3012) is hingedly installed on the upper surface of the first mounting base plate (3011). The first hinge beam (3012) is arranged in the width direction of the conveying chain (1). A first limiting device is provided at a position near the bottom on the front side of the first movable support (301); The second mounting base plate (3021) is fixedly connected to the conveying chain (1). A second longitudinal beam (3022) is arranged on the upper surface of the second mounting base plate (3021). The front end of the second longitudinal beam (3022) is hingedly installed on the second mounting base plate (3021). A second limiting device is arranged on the bottom surface at the rear end of the second longitudinal beam (3022).

3. The device for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line according to claim 2, wherein: Two first vertical beams (3013), two first bearing plates (3014) and two first bearing blocks (3015) are fixedly connected in sequence from bottom to top at positions near both ends above the first hinged beam (3012). A tipping limit plate (3018) is also fixedly connected to the side of the first movable support (301) opposite to the first limiting device; A second vertical beam (3023), a second bearing plate (3024) and a second bearing block (3025) are fixedly connected in sequence from bottom to top on the upper surface of the second longitudinal beam (3022). A second buffer device (3027) is also fixedly connected to the side of the second movable support (302) opposite to the second limiting device.

4. The device for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line according to claim 3, wherein: The fixed support group (2) includes two first fixed supports (201) and two second fixed supports (202). The two first fixed supports (201) and the two second fixed supports (202) are symmetrically arranged at intervals along the width direction of the conveying chain (1). The first fixed support (201) and the second fixed support (202) have the same structure and include a fixed installation bottom plate (2011). The fixed installation bottom plate (2011) is fixedly installed on the conveying chain (1). A column (2012), a fixed bearing plate (2013) and a fixed bearing block (2014) are fixedly connected in sequence from bottom to top above the fixed installation bottom plate (2011).

5. The device for automatically flipping the support of the plate chain conveyor line according to claim 4, wherein: A slider (811) is fixedly connected to the side of the connecting plate (803) near the flipping cross beam (8011) at a position above the mounting block (804). A slide rail (812) is fixedly connected to the position on the flipping cross beam (8011) corresponding to the slider (811). The slide rail (812) is arranged in the vertical direction. The slider (811) is slidably installed on the slide rail (812). One end of the slider (811) away from the connecting plate (803) is fixedly connected to a lifting buffer device (813). Lifting displacement sensors (814) are respectively fixedly installed at positions on the gantry (801) corresponding to the telescopic end of the lifting drive device (802) and the lifting buffer device (813).

6. The device for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line according to claim 5, wherein: The automatic flipping mechanism (8) further includes an air combination element (7). The air outlets of the air combination element (7) are connected in parallel with two solenoid valves (9). The two solenoid valves (9) are respectively pneumatically connected to the lifting drive device (802) and the flipping drive device (805). Speed control valves (10) are respectively arranged between the solenoid valve (9) and the lifting drive device (802), and between the solenoid valve (9) and the flipping drive device (805).

7. An apparatus for automatically flipping the support of a plate chain conveyor line according to claim 6, characterized in that: A push roller (5) is respectively arranged at the rear sides of the first movable support (301) and the second movable support (302) at positions corresponding to the flipping drive device (805).

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