Industrial mobile robot job scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly production line

Abstract

This invention discloses an industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line. The forklift cab assembly line includes: a frame station, a tilting cylinder station, a steering axle station, a hydraulic oil tank cover station, a buffer charging station, a main line station, a faulty vehicle station, and multiple industrial mobile robots, which are AGV transport vehicles. This invention is based on the synchronous scheduling of operation information and multiple AGV transport vehicles, integrating assembly operation information with positioning information to ensure the synchronization of the assembly process. This further improves the forklift cab assembly efficiency, reduces costs, increases product assembly efficiency, simplifies the installation process and makes it easy to operate, reduces the failure rate and makes it easy to manufacture, and improves safety and reliability, among other advantages. It is of great significance for improving the overall automation efficiency of intelligent manufacturing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of engineering machinery assembly, and specifically to an industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly production line. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of industrial automation, the manufacturing industry's demand for efficient, precise, and safe logistics and transportation is growing. Forklifts, as an indispensable piece of equipment in industrial logistics, directly impact a company's production efficiency and costs through the automation and intelligence level of their assembly lines. However, existing forklift assembly methods using overhead cranes and other machinery are inconvenient and time-consuming. Furthermore, the assembly efficiency of a single AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) transport cart is not high, hindering the application of automated production lines. The time required for individual installation is also excessive. The transportation efficiency of a single AGV transport cart can no longer meet the needs of enterprises, making it crucial to improve multi-cart scheduling operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides an industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line. It increases the number of AGV transport vehicles based on a single AGV transport vehicle, optimizing their coordination. This improves production efficiency and reduces costs when multiple forklifts are assembling simultaneously. Using a backpack-mounted, lifting, automated guided vehicle (AGV) that operates in turn according to a predefined process route for the chassis assembly line, multiple AGV transport vehicles enter each workstation in a prescribed order and complete the assembly work at each workstation as required. Upon entering a workstation, the system checks for malfunctions; if a malfunction occurs, the AGV transport vehicle automatically moves to the faulty workstation. The system then determines whether a vehicle can enter the workstation if an assembly is already in progress. This method further improves work efficiency, reduces costs, improves product quality, simplifies the installation process, and is easy to operate. It also boasts advantages such as low failure rate, ease of manufacturing, and improved safety and reliability, making it significant for enhancing the overall automation efficiency of intelligent manufacturing.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line, wherein the forklift cab assembly line includes:

[0005] The chassis workstation is used for storing chassis;

[0006] The tilting cylinder station is used to support the chassis and to install tilting cylinders on the chassis;

[0007] The steering axle station is used to support the vehicle frame and to install the steering axle on the frame;

[0008] The hydraulic oil tank cover plate station is used to support the vehicle frame and install the hydraulic oil tank cover plate on the vehicle frame;

[0009] The buffer charging station is used to support the chassis, buffering a chassis that is already equipped with tilt cylinders, steering axles, and hydraulic oil tank covers, while charging the industrial mobile robot.

[0010] The upper main line station is used to support and position the frame that has been equipped with tilt cylinders, steering axles, and hydraulic oil tank covers, and to work with telescopic forks to go on the line;

[0011] The fault detection station is used to inspect industrial mobile robots for malfunctions.

[0012] Industrial mobile robots are used to move chassis between chassis stations, tilt cylinder stations, steering axle stations, hydraulic oil tank cover stations, buffer charging stations, main line stations, and faulty vehicle stations.

[0013] The industrial mobile robot is configured in multiple ways. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method is as follows: by controlling multiple industrial mobile robots, multiple industrial mobile robots can work together to transport the chassis between the chassis workstation, tilting cylinder workstation, steering axle workstation, hydraulic oil tank cover workstation, buffer charging workstation, main line workstation, and faulty vehicle workstation; each industrial mobile robot is not limited to transporting chassis between adjacent workstations; the industrial mobile robot is an AGV transport vehicle with a lifting device.

[0014] Furthermore, the chassis workstation is equipped with two sets of support frames for storing chassis.

[0015] Furthermore, the chassis station, tilt cylinder station, steering axle station, hydraulic oil tank cover station, buffer charging station, and upper main line station are arranged sequentially, with the chassis station being the first station and the upper main line station being the last station. The faulty vehicle station is located at the entrance of the industrial mobile robot in the chassis station, tilt cylinder station, steering axle station, hydraulic oil tank cover station, buffer charging station, and upper main line station. The industrial mobile robot entering each station must be inspected.

[0016] Furthermore, when the forklift cab assembly line starts working, the first industrial mobile robot enters the chassis station and moves according to the process to assist in the installation.

[0017] The process steps include the following:

[0018] The process at the chassis station: At the chassis station, the AGV transport vehicle precisely travels to the designated position and activates its lifting device to accommodate chassis of different heights. After confirming that the chassis has been securely placed on the support frame, the AGV transport vehicle will automatically return to the standby area and enter the next task area.

[0019] The process at the tilt cylinder station is as follows: At the tilt cylinder station, the AGV transporter will transport the chassis to a specific assembly point. The AGV transporter will first adjust its position so that the chassis can be accurately supported on the pre-set bracket at the tilt cylinder station. Then, the tilt cylinder is installed, and the AGV transporter will provide the necessary stability and support. After the installation is completed, the AGV transporter will move again to transport the chassis equipped with the tilt cylinder to the next station.

[0020] The process at the steering axle station: Upon entering the steering axle station, the AGV transporter's task remains to provide precise support and transport. The AGV transporter ensures that the chassis is placed steadily on the workbench of the steering axle station, and then begins to install the steering axle. During this process, the AGV transporter continuously monitors its position to ensure the stability of the chassis. Once the steering axle is installed, the AGV transporter will quickly and accurately transport the chassis to the next station.

[0021] The process at the hydraulic oil tank cover station: At the hydraulic oil tank cover station, the AGV transporter continues its efficient workflow. The AGV transporter first positions the frame and then stably supports it on the workbench of the hydraulic oil tank cover station. Then, it begins to install the hydraulic oil tank cover, and the AGV transporter provides necessary support throughout the process. After installation, the AGV transporter will safely transport the frame to the buffer charging station according to the preset path.

[0022] The process of the buffer charging station: The main function of the buffer charging station is to provide a place for the AGV to replenish its power. This buffer charging station is equipped with charging equipment and adopts the charging method of telescopic ground charging. When the AGV transport trolley arrives at this buffer charging station, it starts charging. After the trolley's power is replenished, it waits for further instructions. It is also used to place a frame that is equipped with a tilting cylinder, steering axle, and hydraulic oil tank cover.

[0023] The process of moving the AGV to the main line station: The AGV transporter will arrive at the main line station. Here, the AGV transporter's task is to support and accurately position the frame so that it can work with the telescopic fork to accurately place the frame on the main line. The AGV transporter will work in coordination with the telescopic fork to ensure that the frame can enter the main line smoothly and accurately. Once the frame is successfully put on the line, the AGV transporter will return to its initial position and wait for the next task.

[0024] The above describes the steps for assembling a single AGV. When multiple AGVs are assembled simultaneously, the AGVs will enter each workstation in sequence according to the process and perform the assembly steps accordingly.

[0025] The process for the faulty vehicle station involves checking the AGV transport vehicle for malfunctions upon entering each station. If a malfunction occurs, the AGV transport vehicle will leave the current station and proceed to the faulty vehicle station for repair. Then, it will be determined whether charging is required, and whether there are any vehicles occupying the subsequent station before deciding whether to enter the process.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are: based on the synchronous scheduling of operation information and multiple AGV transport vehicles, the assembly operation information and positioning information are integrated to ensure the synchronization of the assembly process, further improve the assembly efficiency of the forklift cab, reduce costs, improve product assembly efficiency, simplify the installation process and make it easy to operate, reduce the failure rate and make it easy to manufacture, and improve safety and reliability, etc. It is of great significance for improving the overall automation efficiency of intelligent manufacturing. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working cycle of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working cycle of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the working cycle of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a partial flowchart of the workflow of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a partial flowchart of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a partial flowchart of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a partial flowchart of the workflow of the present invention. Figure 4 ;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a partial flowchart of the workflow of the present invention. Figure 5 ;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a partial flowchart of the workflow of the present invention. Figure 6 ;

[0036] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the layout of the forklift cab assembly line. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0039] like Figure 1-10 As shown, an industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line is disclosed, wherein the forklift cab assembly line includes:

[0040] The chassis workstation is used for storing chassis;

[0041] The tilting cylinder station (station 1) is used to support the vehicle frame and install tilting cylinders on the vehicle frame;

[0042] The steering axle station (station 2) is used to support the vehicle frame and install the steering axle on the frame;

[0043] The hydraulic oil tank cover plate station (station 3) is used to support the vehicle frame and install the hydraulic oil tank cover plate on the vehicle frame;

[0044] The buffer charging station is used to support the chassis, buffering a chassis that is already equipped with tilt cylinders, steering axles, and hydraulic oil tank covers, while charging the industrial mobile robot.

[0045] The upper main line station is used to support and position the frame that has been equipped with tilt cylinders, steering axles, and hydraulic oil tank covers, and to work with telescopic forks to go on the line;

[0046] The fault detection station is used to inspect industrial mobile robots for malfunctions.

[0047] Industrial mobile robots are used to move chassis between chassis stations, tilt cylinder stations, steering axle stations, hydraulic oil tank cover stations, buffer charging stations, main line stations, and faulty vehicle stations.

[0048] Four industrial mobile robots are configured. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method is as follows: by controlling the four industrial mobile robots, multiple industrial mobile robots can work together to transport the chassis between the chassis workstation, tilting cylinder workstation, steering axle workstation, hydraulic oil tank cover workstation, buffer charging workstation, main line workstation, and faulty vehicle workstation; each industrial mobile robot is not limited to transporting chassis between adjacent workstations; the industrial mobile robot is an AGV transport vehicle with a lifting device.

[0049] The chassis workstation is equipped with two sets of support frames for storing chassis.

[0050] The chassis station, tilt cylinder station, steering axle station, hydraulic oil tank cover station, buffer charging station, and upper main line station are set up in sequence, with the chassis station being the first station and the upper main line station being the last station. The faulty vehicle station is set at the entrance of the industrial mobile robot in the chassis station, tilt cylinder station, steering axle station, hydraulic oil tank cover station, buffer charging station, and upper main line station. The industrial mobile robot entering each station must be inspected.

[0051] When the forklift cab assembly line starts working, the first industrial mobile robot enters the chassis station and moves according to the process to assist in the installation.

[0052] Among them, such as Figure 1-9 As shown, the process steps include the following:

[0053] The process at the chassis station: At the chassis station, the AGV transport vehicle precisely travels to the designated position and activates its lifting device to accommodate chassis of different heights. After confirming that the chassis has been securely placed on the support frame, the AGV transport vehicle will automatically return to the standby area and enter the next task area.

[0054] The process at the tilt cylinder station (station 1): At the tilt cylinder station, the AGV transporter will transport the chassis to a specific assembly point. The AGV transporter will first adjust its position so that the chassis can be accurately supported on the pre-set bracket at the tilt cylinder station. Then, the tilt cylinder is installed, and the AGV transporter will provide the necessary stability and support. After the installation is completed, the AGV transporter will move again to transport the chassis equipped with the tilt cylinder to the next station.

[0055] The process at the steering axle station (station 2): Upon entering the steering axle station, the AGV transporter's task remains to provide precise support and transport. The AGV transporter ensures that the chassis is placed steadily on the workbench of the steering axle station, and then begins to install the steering axle. During this process, the AGV transporter continuously monitors its position to ensure the stability of the chassis. Once the steering axle is installed, the AGV transporter will quickly and accurately transport the chassis to the next station.

[0056] The process at the hydraulic oil tank cover station (station 3): At the hydraulic oil tank cover station, the AGV transporter continues its efficient workflow. The AGV transporter first positions the frame and then stably supports it on the workbench of the hydraulic oil tank cover station. Then, it begins to install the hydraulic oil tank cover, and the AGV transporter provides necessary support throughout the process. After the installation is completed, the AGV transporter will safely transport the frame to the buffer charging station according to the preset path.

[0057] The process of the buffer charging station: The main function of the buffer charging station is to provide a place for the AGV to replenish its power. This buffer charging station is equipped with charging equipment and adopts the charging method of telescopic ground charging. When the AGV transport trolley arrives at this buffer charging station, it starts charging. After the trolley's power is replenished, it waits for further instructions. It is also used to place a frame that is equipped with a tilting cylinder, steering axle, and hydraulic oil tank cover.

[0058] The process of moving the AGV to the main line station: The AGV transporter will arrive at the main line station. Here, the AGV transporter's task is to support and accurately position the frame so that it can work with the telescopic fork to accurately place the frame on the main line. The AGV transporter will work in coordination with the telescopic fork to ensure that the frame can enter the main line smoothly and accurately. Once the frame is successfully put on the line, the AGV transporter will return to its initial position and wait for the next task.

[0059] The above describes the steps for assembling a single AGV. When multiple AGVs are assembled simultaneously, the AGVs will enter each workstation in sequence according to the process and perform the assembly steps accordingly.

[0060] The process for the faulty vehicle station involves checking the AGV transport vehicle for malfunctions upon entering each station. If a malfunction occurs, the AGV transport vehicle will leave the current station and proceed to the faulty vehicle station for repair. Then, it will be determined whether charging is required, and whether there are any vehicles occupying the subsequent station before deciding whether to enter the process.

[0061] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for scheduling industrial mobile robots in a forklift cab assembly line, characterized in that, The forklift cab assembly line includes: The chassis workstation is used for storing chassis; The tilting cylinder station is used to support the chassis and to install tilting cylinders on the chassis; The steering axle station is used to support the vehicle frame and to install the steering axle on the frame; The hydraulic oil tank cover plate station is used to support the vehicle frame and install the hydraulic oil tank cover plate on the vehicle frame; The buffer charging station is used to support the chassis, buffering a chassis that is already equipped with tilt cylinders, steering axles, and hydraulic oil tank covers, while charging the industrial mobile robot. The upper main line station is used to support and position the frame that has been equipped with tilt cylinders, steering axles, and hydraulic oil tank covers, and to work with telescopic forks to go on the line; The fault detection station is used to inspect industrial mobile robots for malfunctions. Industrial mobile robots are used to move chassis between chassis stations, tilt cylinder stations, steering axle stations, hydraulic oil tank cover stations, buffer charging stations, main line stations, and faulty vehicle stations. The industrial mobile robot is configured in multiple ways. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method is as follows: by controlling multiple industrial mobile robots, multiple industrial mobile robots can work together to transport the chassis between the chassis workstation, tilting cylinder workstation, steering axle workstation, hydraulic oil tank cover workstation, buffer charging workstation, main line workstation, and faulty vehicle workstation; each industrial mobile robot is not limited to transporting chassis between adjacent workstations; the industrial mobile robot is an AGV transport vehicle with a lifting device.

2. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chassis workstation is equipped with two sets of support frames for storing chassis.

3. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chassis station, tilt cylinder station, steering axle station, hydraulic oil tank cover station, buffer charging station, and upper main line station are set up in sequence, with the chassis station being the first station and the upper main line station being the last station. The faulty vehicle station is set at the entrance of the industrial mobile robot in the chassis station, tilt cylinder station, steering axle station, hydraulic oil tank cover station, buffer charging station, and upper main line station. The industrial mobile robot entering each station must be inspected.

4. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the forklift cab assembly line starts working, the first industrial mobile robot enters the chassis station and moves according to the process to assist in the installation.

5. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line according to claim 4, characterized in that: The process at the chassis workstation is as follows: At the chassis workstation, the AGV transport vehicle precisely travels to the designated position and activates its lifting device to accommodate chassis of different heights. After confirming that the chassis has been securely placed on the support frame, the AGV transport vehicle will automatically return to the standby area and enter the next task area.

6. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line according to claim 4, characterized in that: The process at the tilt cylinder station is as follows: At the tilt cylinder station, the AGV transport vehicle will transport the chassis to a specific assembly point. The AGV transport vehicle will first adjust its position so that the chassis can be accurately supported on the pre-set bracket at the tilt cylinder station. Then, the tilt cylinder is installed, and the AGV transport vehicle will provide the necessary stability and support. After the installation is completed, the AGV transport vehicle will move again to transport the chassis equipped with the tilt cylinder to the next station.

7. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line according to claim 4, characterized in that: The process at the steering axle station is as follows: Upon entering the steering axle station, the AGV transporter continues to provide precise support and transport. The AGV transporter ensures that the chassis is placed steadily on the workbench of the steering axle station, and then begins to install the steering axle. During this process, the AGV transporter continuously monitors its position to ensure the stability of the chassis. Once the steering axle is installed, the AGV transporter quickly and accurately transports the chassis to the next station.

8. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line according to claim 4, characterized in that: The process at the hydraulic oil tank cover station is as follows: At the hydraulic oil tank cover station, the AGV transport vehicle continues its efficient workflow. The AGV transport vehicle first positions the frame and then stably supports it on the workbench of the hydraulic oil tank cover station. Subsequently, it begins to install the hydraulic oil tank cover, and the AGV transport vehicle provides necessary support throughout the process. After installation, the AGV transport vehicle will safely transport the frame to the buffer charging station according to the preset path.

9. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line according to claim 4, characterized in that: The process of the buffer charging station is as follows: The main function of the buffer charging station is to provide a place for the AGV to replenish its power. This buffer charging station is equipped with charging equipment and adopts a telescopic ground charging method. When the AGV transport trolley arrives at this buffer charging station, it starts charging. After the trolley's power is replenished, it waits for further instructions. It is also used to place a frame that is equipped with a tilting cylinder, steering axle, and hydraulic oil tank cover.

10. The industrial mobile robot operation scheduling method for a forklift cab assembly line according to claim 4, characterized in that: The process for the main line workstation is as follows: The AGV transporter arrives at the main line workstation. Here, the AGV's task is to support and precisely position the vehicle frame so that it can work with the telescopic fork to accurately place the frame onto the main line. The AGV and the telescopic fork work together to ensure that the frame can enter the main line smoothly and accurately. Once the frame is successfully on the line, the AGV returns to its initial position to await the next task. The process for the faulty vehicle station involves checking the AGV transport vehicle for malfunctions upon entering each station. If a malfunction occurs, the AGV transport vehicle will leave the current station and proceed to the faulty vehicle station for repair. Then, it will be determined whether charging is required, and whether there are any vehicles occupying the subsequent station before deciding whether to enter the process.

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