Apparatus for mounting shark fin antenna, system and method for assembling vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for mounting a shark fin antenna on a vehicle and a method of assembling a vehicle using the same. The assembly device includes a gripper configured to be multi-axially movable. The holder comprises: an alignment frame for supporting an outer side surface of the shark fin antenna; a clamping module disposed in the alignment frame and configured to clamp a shark fin antenna; and an inspection module configured to inspect whether the shark fin antenna is assembled at a predetermined position on the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, to an apparatus for mounting a shark fin antenna on a vehicle and a method of assembling a vehicle using the apparatus. Background Art

[0002] A shark fin antenna is a communication device mounted on a vehicle. As Figure 1 shown, the shark fin antenna 10 is mounted on the rear portion of the roof 2 of the vehicle 1. In particular, the mounting portion M for mounting the shark fin antenna 10 is located in the rear portion of the roof 2.

[0003] The shark fin antenna 10 is manually installed by a technician. Specifically, when the tailgate 4 of the vehicle 1 is opened, the technician passes through the space 6 behind the rear glass to be installed, and then mounts the shark fin antenna 10 in the mounting portion M.

[0004] Therefore, there are challenges in mounting the shark fin antenna 10 because the required working height is high and the space is narrow, low or restricted. In this regard, automation would be beneficial, but automation has not been achieved because the shape of the shark fin antenna is complex and difficult to grip. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above problems and provides an apparatus for mounting a shark fin antenna on a vehicle.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an assembly system that can automatically assemble a shark fin antenna on a vehicle.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a method of assembling a vehicle, the method including an automatic assembly process for mounting a shark fin antenna.

[0008] The objectives of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objectives. Other objectives not mentioned herein will be more clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description.

[0009] To achieve the objectives of the present disclosure as described above and to perform the characteristic functions of the present disclosure as described below, the features of the present disclosure are as follows.

[0010] An assembly apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a gripper configured to be movable in multiple axes. The gripper may include: an alignment frame configured to support an outer side surface of the shark fin antenna; and a clamping module disposed in the alignment frame and configured to clamp the shark fin antenna. The gripper may further include an inspection module configured to inspect whether the shark fin antenna is assembled at a predetermined position on the vehicle.

[0011] An assembly system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a tray in which a shark fin antenna to be assembled is provided to a supplied vehicle. Further, the system may include an assembly device configured to be rotatable and movable to pick up the shark fin antenna from the tray.

[0012] A method of assembling a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include automatically assembling a shark fin antenna to the vehicle by an assembly device.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly device capable of easily assembling a shark fin antenna on a vehicle.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly system for automatically assembling a shark fin antenna on a vehicle.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling a vehicle, the method including an automatic assembly process of a shark fin antenna.

[0016] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above. Other effects not mentioned herein can be more clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other objects, features, and other advantages of the present disclosure should be more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 A vehicle is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 A shark fin antenna is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 An installation surface of a shark fin antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, in which a part of the shark fin antenna is omitted.

[0021] Figure 4 A layout of an assembly system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 An assembly device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 A perspective view of a gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 And Figure 8 An alignment frame of a gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 9Shows the interior of the alignment frame of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 10 Shows the initial position of the clamping module of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 11 Shows the state in which the clamping module of the gripper is pushed by the shark fin antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 12 Shows the state in which a part of the gripper has been omitted according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 13 Shows the clamping module and the stopper housing of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 14 Shows the clamping module of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 15 Shows the state in which the spring is removed from the clamping module of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 16 Shows a top perspective view of a pair of alignment frames of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 17 Shows a bottom perspective view of a pair of alignment frames of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 18 Shows the released state of a pair of alignment frames of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 19 Shows the clamped state of a pair of alignment frames of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 20 Shows the operation of the support portion of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 21 Shows the state in which the shark fin antenna is connected to the vehicle through a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 22 Shows the inspection module of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 23 Shows the state in which the inspection module of the gripper is temporarily coupled to the shark fin antenna.

[0040] Figures 24 to 29 Illustrates the operation process of the inspection module of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 30 Illustrates the circuit included in the inspection module of the gripper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Embodiments

[0042] For the purpose of only explaining the embodiments of the concept according to the present disclosure, the specific structures or functional descriptions presented in the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplified. The embodiments according to the concept of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms. In addition, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in this specification. These embodiments should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] In the present disclosure, terms such as first and / or second may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited to the above terms. These terms are only intended to distinguish one component from other components. Within the scope of the rights according to the concept of the present disclosure, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as the first component.

[0044] When it is stated that one component is "connected to" or "contacts" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or contact the other component, but there may be other components therebetween. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected to" or "directly contacts" another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between the components. Other expressions used to describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between" or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to" should be interpreted similarly.

[0045] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. The terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, unless specifically mentioned in a phrase, the singular form also includes the plural form. As used in the specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" means the presence or addition of the mentioned components, steps, operations, and / or elements, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0046] When a controller, component, device, element, part, unit, module, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the controller, component, device, element, part, unit, or module should be regarded as "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function herein. Each controller, component, device, element, part, unit, module, etc. may be embodied or include a processor and a memory (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) separately as part of a device.

[0047] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] As Figure 2 shown, the shark fin antenna 10 can be connected to the vehicle 1. For this purpose, generally, the shark fin antenna 10 is connected to a cable 11, and a connector 13 installed at the end of the cable 11 is connected to the vehicle 1.

[0049] According to the present disclosure, the cable 11 can be omitted from the shark fin antenna 10. As Figure 3 shown, the shark fin antenna 100 can be provided with a quick connector. The quick connector can be provided on the shark fin antenna 100 without the need for the cable 11. The quick connector provided on the shark fin antenna 100 can be a concave connector 102. This type of shark fin antenna 100 with a quick connector can be automatically assembled by an assembling device 300.

[0050] Figure 4 The layout of an assembling system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The assembling device 300 can assemble the shark fin antenna 100 on the vehicle 1. In the embodiment, the assembling device 300 can be a multi-axis robot. The assembling device 300 is configured to be able to move around the vehicle 1. For example, the assembling device 300 can move on a track 210 arranged parallel to the vehicle 1. A tray 220 can be arranged around the track 210. The tray 220 can provide the shark fin antenna 100 to be assembled on the vehicle 1. The assembling device 300 can pick up the shark fin antenna 100 from the tray 220 and assemble the shark fin antenna 100 to an installation part M located on the roof 2 of the vehicle 1. The assembling system 200 can include a controller for controlling the operation of the assembling system 200. The controller can include a processor and a memory, and a set of commands executed by the processor are stored in the memory. The assembling system 200 can perform the assembly of the shark fin antenna 100 according to the commands pre-stored in the memory.

[0051] As Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, according to the present disclosure, the assembly device 300 can assemble the shark fin antenna 100 on the vehicle 1 through the gripper 400. According to the present disclosure, the gripper 400 can be designed to grip the shark fin antenna 100 including a three-dimensional curved surface. Additionally, the gripper 400 can be provided with a drive part 440 to drive the gripper 400. In one embodiment, the drive part 440 can be a cylinder that supplies power.

[0052] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown in, the gripper 400 can include an alignment frame 410. The alignment frame 410 is configured to support the three-dimensional curved surface of the shark fin antenna 100. To this end, the alignment frame 410 can include a surface 412 having the same shape as the outer surface of the shark fin antenna 100. To perform the gripping operation of the gripper 400, the gripper 400 can include a pair of alignment frames 410a and 410b facing each other.

[0053] As Figures 9 to 11 shown, the alignment frame 410 can be provided with a gripping module 420. The gripping module 420 can be configured to grip the shark fin antenna 100 supported by the surface 412 of the alignment frame 410.

[0054] The gripping module 420 can operate when penetrating the alignment frame 410. The gripping module 420 is configured to be movable relative to the alignment frame 410 and can move when penetrating the alignment frame 410. To this end, the alignment frame 410 can be provided with a hole 414, and the gripping module 420 can be inserted into the hole 414. The gripping module 420 can move relative to the hole 414.

[0055] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the stopper housing 430 can be mounted on the alignment frame 410. The stopper housing 430 can be configured to cover at least a part of the gripping module 420 to prevent the separation of the gripping module 420 and limit the movement of the gripping module 420 relative to the alignment frame 410 within a certain range. In one embodiment, the stopper housing 430 can be integrally formed with the alignment frame 410 or can be separately formed and mounted on the alignment frame 410.

[0056] The stopper housing 430 can include a guide channel 432. In one embodiment, the guide channel 432 can be formed to be recessed from the stopper housing 430. The gripping module 420 can linearly move along the guide channel 432. The gripping module 420 can include a protrusion 422 protruding from the gripping module 420. The protrusion 422 can be inserted into the guide channel 432 and linearly move without rotational movement.

[0057] Refer toFigure 14 and Figure 15 , the clamping module 420 may include a spring 424. The spring 424 may be arranged to be supported by the stopper housing 430. In one embodiment, the stopper housing 430 may include a recess 434 formed to be recessed in the stopper housing 430. The first end of the spring 424 may be supported by the recess 434. In one embodiment, the clamping module 420 may include a seat portion 425. The second end of the spring 424 may be located in and supported by the seat portion 425. For example, the seat portion 425 may be formed to be recessed in the clamping module 420.

[0058] Referring Figure 10 , in the general state where the gripper 400 is not clamping, the spring 424 is in an initial position (e.g., an uncompressed position). When the spring 424 is in the initial position, the clamping module 420 is in an extended state through the surface 412. Referring Figure 11 , when the gripper 400 performs clamping, the spring 424 is compressed. In the compressed state of the spring 424, the clamping module 420 is positioned within the alignment frame 410. The clamping module 420 can be pushed by the shark fin antenna 100 to be clamped in a direction opposite to the shark fin antenna 100, and can be held within the alignment frame 410 by the stopper housing 430 and the radial element 418. In one embodiment, the clamping module 420 may include a flange 426, which may match (e.g., contact) the radial element 418. In response, the alignment frame 410 may include an enlarged hole 416. The flange 426 can be held within the alignment frame 410 by the radial element 418, which connects the hole 414 and the enlarged hole 416 in the radial direction. The hole 414 and the enlarged hole 416 are coaxially positioned with each other, and the radial element 418 and the flange 426 achieve accurate alignment of the components.

[0059] The clamping module 420 may include a plurality of vacuum suction cups 428. Each vacuum suction cup 428 may be supplied with a vacuum generated by a vacuum generator (not shown) and perform vacuum adsorption on the shark fin antenna 100. In one embodiment, the vacuum suction cup 428 may be formed to have a relatively small size with respect to the cross-sectional area of the clamping module 420. The clamping module 420 may include a plurality of vacuum suction cups 428 having relatively small sizes with respect to the cross-sectional area of the clamping module 420, thereby stably supporting and clamping the three-dimensionally bent shark fin antenna 100.

[0060] As Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown, the gripper 400 may include a pair of alignment frames 410a and 410b that are operably coupled to each other. Each alignment frame in the pair of alignment frames 410a and 410b may be provided with a clamping module 420 and a stopper housing 430.

[0061] A pair of alignment frames 410a and 410b can be configured to be movable. The alignment frames 410 can be provided with a moving force by a driving part 440. As Figure 18 and Figure 19 shown, the driving part 440 can move a pair of alignment frames 410a and 410b in a direction toward or away from each other. When the shark fin antenna 100 is not clamped, a pair of alignment frames 410a and 410b can be spaced apart from each other. When the shark fin antenna 100 is clamped, a pair of alignment frames 410a and 410b can move toward each other and can be substantially not spaced apart from each other.

[0062] As Figure 20 shown, the gripper 400 can include a support part 450. The support part 450 can prevent the shark fin antenna 100 from falling during assembly. In one embodiment, the support part 450 can include a rod 452, a driving cylinder 454, and a support element 456.

[0063] The rod 452 can be configured to be vertically movable and rotatable. In other words, the rod 452 can move up and down and rotate by the driving cylinder 454. In one embodiment, the driving cylinder 454 can be a power supply device. The support element 456 can be disposed at an end portion of the rod 452. The support element 456 can rotate together by the rotation of the rod 452, and the support element can support the shark fin antenna 100.

[0064] Before the gripper 400 clamps the shark fin antenna 100, the support element 456 can be disposed at an initial position. At the initial position of the support element 456, the support element 456 can be disposed substantially parallel to the alignment frame 410 and without interference. When the gripper 400 clamps the shark fin antenna 100, the support element 456 can rotate toward the alignment frame 410 or the shark fin antenna 100 by the driving of the driving cylinder 454. The rotated support element 456 can support the mounting surface of the shark fin antenna 100.

[0065] The gripper 400 according to the present disclosure can include an inspection module 460. The inspection module 460 can inspect whether the shark fin antenna 100 is mounted at a predetermined position on the vehicle 1. In other words, as Figure 21 shown, when the shark fin antenna 100 is assembled on the vehicle 1, the inspection module 460 can verify that the concave connecting member 102 formed on the mounting surface of the shark fin antenna 100 is positioned to accurately engage with the convex connecting member 104 provided on the mounting portion M of the vehicle 1.

[0066] Reference Figure 22 and Figure 23, the inspection module 460 may include a lifting drive portion 462. The inspection module 460 may move up and down relative to the alignment frame 410 through the lifting drive portion 462. In addition, the inspection module 460 may include a rotation drive portion 464. The inspection module 460 is configured to be rotatable through the rotation drive portion 464. In one example, the lifting drive portion 462 and the rotation drive portion 464 may include a motor, a cylinder, etc. that provide power.

[0067] The inspection module 460 may include a rod member 466. The rod member 466 may move up and down and rotate relative to the alignment frame 410 through the lifting drive portion 462 and the rotation drive portion 464.

[0068] End portions of the rod member 466 are provided with connecting member portions 468a and 468b. The connecting member portions 468a and 468b may include a convex connecting member portion 468a and a concave connecting member portion 468b. For example, an upper portion of the rod member 466 may be provided with the convex connecting member portion 468a, and the convex connecting member portion may engage with the concave connecting member 102 of the shark fin antenna 100. In addition, a lower portion of the rod member 466 is provided with the concave connecting member portion 468b, and the concave connecting member portion may engage with the convex connecting member 104 of the vehicle 1.

[0069] The following describes the assembly of the shark fin antenna 100 by the assembly system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figures 24 to 29 to describe the specific operations of the inspection module 460.

[0070] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the assembly device 300 may grip the shark fin antenna 100 to be installed on the installation portion M from the tray 220 via the gripper 400, and then may move the shark fin antenna 100 to the installation portion M of the vehicle 1. When the shark fin antenna 100 is gripped by the gripper 400, the support portion 450 rotates to support the gripped shark fin antenna 100. In addition, the inspection module 460 may rotate toward the gripped shark fin antenna 100.

[0071] The assembly device 300 may be configured to come near the installation portion M and approach a predetermined position near the installation portion M, for example, a height of 50 mm from the installation portion M. When the assembly device 300 reaches the predetermined position, the support portion 450 may rotate in a direction away from the alignment frame 410 and return to its initial position.

[0072] To determine compatibility, the inspection module 460 may be temporarily coupled to the concave connecting member 102 and the convex connecting member 104. Specifically, as Figure 24As shown, the rod 466 can rotate towards the clamped shark fin antenna 100. The assembly device 300 can lower the gripper 400 such that the male connector part 468a is coupled to the female connector 102. Then, as Figure 25 shown, the assembly device 300 can further lower the gripper 400 such that the female connector part 468b is coupled to the male connector 104 provided on the mounting part M of the vehicle 1.

[0073] When the inspection circuit 470 of the inspection module 460 determines that the connector parts 468a and 468b and the male connector 104 are properly engaged together, the assembly device 300 can lift the gripper 400 in a direction away from the male connector 104, as Figure 26 shown. Simultaneously or sequentially, the rod 466 can rotate in a direction away from the alignment frame 410 by the rotation drive part 464, as Figure 27 shown. As Figure 28 and Figure 29 shown, the assembly device 300 can lower the gripper 400 such that the female connector 102 is coupled to the male connector 104 to ensure that the female connector 102 can be properly coupled to the male connector 104 in the inspected state. When the vacuum supplied to the vacuum chuck 428 is interrupted and the alignment frame 410 stops gripping, the installation operation of the shark fin antenna 100 can be completed.

[0074] The inspection module 460 can use the inspection circuit 470 to determine whether the female connector 102 and the male connector 104 can be aligned with each other. Referring to Figure 30 , in one embodiment, the inspection circuit 470 can include a power supply 472, a light emitting diode 474, a PLC 476 (programmable logic controller), and a touch switch 478. When the male connector part 468a and the female connector part 468b are respectively engaged with the female connector 102 of the shark fin antenna 100 and the male connector 104 of the vehicle 1, the inspection circuit 470 can be closed by operating the touch switch 478. The light emitting diode 474 supplied with power by the power supply 472 is turned on. Thus, the PLC 476 of the inspection module 460 can determine that the female connector 102 of the shark fin antenna 100 and the male connector 104 of the vehicle 1 are in an accurately aligned position.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle assembly method can include an assembly process of a shark fin antenna. In the embodiment, the assembly process can be performed by an assembly device 300 including a gripper 400.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle can include a shark fin antenna assembled by an assembly device 300 including a gripper 400.

[0077] In this way, the assembling device including the gripper according to the present disclosure can easily assemble the shark fin antenna.

[0078] In addition, the assembling system including the gripper according to the present disclosure can automate the assembling of the shark fin antenna.

[0079] The present disclosure described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings. In addition, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, and changes can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for mounting a shark fin antenna, the device comprising a holder configured to be capable of multi-axis movement, wherein: The holder comprises: an alignment frame configured to support an outer side of the shark fin antenna; a clamping module, disposed in the alignment frame and configured to clamp the shark fin antenna; and The inspection module is configured to inspect whether the shark fin antenna is assembled at a predetermined position on the vehicle.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The alignment frame includes a surface configured to correspond to a shape of the shark fin antenna.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping module is configured to clamp an outer side surface of the shark fin antenna when passing through the alignment frame.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The clamping module includes a plurality of vacuum suction cups configured to clamp the outer side surface of the shark fin antenna.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a spring supported by the alignment frame and the clamping module, wherein: The clamping module is configured to be movable relative to the alignment frame by compression and extension of the spring.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The alignment frame includes a stopper housing, the spring is disposed in the stopper housing, and wherein a guide channel for guiding movement of the clamping module is formed in the stopper housing.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The alignment frame comprises: a hole into which the clamping module is inserted, wherein the hole includes a first hole and a second hole, a diameter of the second hole being greater than a diameter of the first hole; and a radial element connecting the first hole and the second hole to each other in a radial direction, Therein, the radial element and the flange arranged in the clamping module are configured to be operatively associated with each other to limit the position of the clamping module.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The holder further includes a support portion connected to the alignment frame, and wherein the support portion is configured to support the shark fin antenna from a bottom of the shark fin antenna.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The support portion is configured to be rotatable toward or away from the alignment frame, and wherein the support portion is configured to be vertically movable relative to the alignment frame.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The shark fin antenna includes a female connector configured to couple to a male connector disposed in a vehicle.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The inspection module is operably connected to the alignment frame; The inspection module further includes a connector portion configured to connect to the female connector and the male connector; and The inspection module is configured to determine whether the shark fin antenna is positioned at the predetermined position based on alignment of the connector portion with the female connector and the male connector.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The inspection module determines whether the shark fin antenna is assembled at the predetermined position through a closed circuit formed by the connection part in combination with the female connection part and the male connection part.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The inspection module is operably connected to the alignment frame, and wherein the inspection module is configured to be raised and lowered or rotated relative to the alignment frame.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The alignment frame includes a pair of alignment frames movable relative to each other, and wherein each of the pair of alignment frames has a shape corresponding to an outer side surface of the shark fin antenna.

15. A system for assembling a vehicle, the system comprising: a pallet for providing the shark fin antenna to be assembled on the supplied vehicle; as well as The assembling device is configured to be movable and rotatable so as to pick up the shark fin antenna from the tray.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a track extending along the supply vehicle, wherein: The assembling device is configured to be movable on the track.

17. A method for assembling a vehicle, the method comprising automatically assembling a shark fin antenna on the vehicle by an assembling device.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The assembly device comprises a holder configured to be capable of multi-axis movement, wherein the holder comprises: an alignment frame configured to support an outer side of the shark fin antenna; and A clamping module is disposed in the alignment frame and is configured to clamp the shark fin antenna.

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