Assembly line and assembly method of knuckle combined assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of vehicle production and assembly, and provides an assembly line and an assembly method for a knuckle combined assembly. The assembly production line comprises a sub-assembly line, a combined assembly line and a transfer line. The split charging line is used for assembling to form a steering knuckle split charging assembly; the combined assembly line is used for assembling the steering knuckle sub-assembly and the power assembly to form a steering knuckle combined assembly; and the transfer line is used for automatically transferring the steering knuckle sub-packaging assembly from the sub-packaging line to the combined packaging line. According to the assembly line and the assembly method provided by the invention, the knuckle sub-assembly assemblies are assembled on the sub-assembly line and automatically conveyed to the combined assembly line through the transfer line, manual participation is not needed in the process that the knuckle sub-assembly assemblies are transferred on the transfer line, full automation of transfer is achieved, the number of used workers can be reduced, manpower resources are saved, and the production efficiency is improved. The production takt can be accelerated, and the assembly production efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of vehicle production and assembly, and particularly to an assembly production line and an assembly method for a steering knuckle combined assembly. Background Art

[0002] The steering knuckle sub-assembly is one of the core components of a vehicle chassis. In related technologies, during the assembly of the steering knuckle sub-assembly, the process is complex, the amount of manual labor used is large, and the occupied area is large, which affects production efficiency and production benefits. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of this application are expected to provide an assembly production line and an assembly method for a steering knuckle combined assembly, which can reduce the amount of manual labor used, improve assembly efficiency, and reduce production and manufacturing costs.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the technical solutions adopted in this application are as follows:

[0005] A first aspect of an embodiment of this application provides an assembly production line for a steering knuckle combined assembly, including:

[0006] A sub-assembly line for assembling a steering knuckle sub-assembly;

[0007] A combined assembly line for assembling the steering knuckle sub-assembly and a power assembly to form a steering knuckle combined assembly;

[0008] A transfer line for automatically transferring the steering knuckle sub-assembly from the sub-assembly line to the combined assembly line.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sub-assembly line includes:

[0010] A sub-assembly body;

[0011] A sub-assembly tray disposed on the sub-assembly body;

[0012] A loading mechanism for hoisting and assembling the steering components required for the steering knuckle sub-assembly onto the sub-assembly tray;

[0013] A pressing and supporting member disposed on the sub-assembly tray for positioning the steering components on the sub-assembly tray;

[0014] A torque system for assembling the steering components located on the sub-assembly tray to form the steering knuckle sub-assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number of the pressing and supporting members is multiple groups to adapt to positioning the steering components of different vehicle models on the sub-assembly tray.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sub-assembly body includes:

[0017] Loading position, where the loading mechanism hoists the steering components to the sub - assembly tray at the loading position;

[0018] At least one sub - assembly position, where the torque system assembles the steering components from the loading position at the sub - assembly position;

[0019] Unloading position, where the transfer line transfers the assembled steering knuckle sub - assembly from the sub - assembly position at the unloading position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sub - assembly line further includes:

[0021] Sub - assembly truss, on which the loading mechanism and the torque system are arranged.

[0022] In some embodiments, the transfer line includes:

[0023] Transfer truss;

[0024] Transfer track, arranged on the transfer truss;

[0025] Transfer mechanism, movably arranged on the transfer track, for transferring the steering knuckle sub - assembly from the sub - assembly line to the assembly line;

[0026] Control system, for controlling the running state of the transfer mechanism on the transfer track.

[0027] In some embodiments, the transfer track includes a conveying section, an assembly section and a return section, which are connected in sequence to form a circular channel;

[0028] At least part of the conveying section passes through the sub - assembly line, so that the transfer mechanism can obtain the steering knuckle sub - assembly on the sub - assembly line; at least part of the assembly section passes through the assembly line, so that the transfer mechanism can transfer the steering knuckle sub - assembly to the assembly line.

[0029] In some embodiments, the transfer line further includes a sliding mechanism, with the sliding mechanisms arranged at both ends of the assembly section. The assembly section is divided into a left assembly section and a right assembly section. The control system can control the sliding mechanism to send the transfer mechanism on the conveying section into the left assembly section or the right assembly section, and send the transfer mechanism in the left assembly section or the right assembly section into the return section.

[0030] In some embodiments, the transfer line further includes an identification device, for identifying the steering knuckle sub - assembly hoisted by the transfer mechanism on the conveying section, so as to select to enter the left assembly section or the right assembly section.

[0031] In some embodiments, the transfer track further includes a repair section, which is connected to the junction of the return section and the conveying section, and the sliding mechanism is arranged at the junction to send the transfer mechanism on the return section into the conveying section or the repair section.

[0032] In some embodiments, the transfer line further includes a detection device for detecting the height of the transfer mechanism hoisting the sub-assembly of the steering knuckle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the assembly line includes:

[0034] An assembly position;

[0035] An assembly body, at least one of the assembly bodies is located at the assembly position;

[0036] An assembly tray, which is arranged on the assembly body and is used for carrying the power assembly to be assembled with the sub-assembly of the steering knuckle.

[0037] In some embodiments, the assembly body is an AGV cart; or, the assembly body can move along a preset track.

[0038] For the assembly production line provided by the present application, the sub-assembly of the steering knuckle is assembled on the sub-assembly line and automatically transported to the assembly line through the transfer line. The transfer of the sub-assembly of the steering knuckle on the transfer line does not require manual participation, realizing full automation of transfer, which can reduce the number of workers used, save human resources, speed up the production tempo, and improve the assembly production efficiency.

[0039] The second aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an assembly method for a steering knuckle assembly, including:

[0040] Assembling steering components on the sub-assembly line to form a sub-assembly of the steering knuckle;

[0041] The transfer line automatically transfers the sub-assembly of the steering knuckle located on the sub-assembly line to the assembly line;

[0042] Assembling the sub-assembly of the steering knuckle and the power assembly on the assembly line to form a steering knuckle assembly.

[0043] For the assembly method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the sub-assembly of the steering knuckle is assembled on the sub-assembly line, and the transfer line automatically transfers the sub-assembly of the steering knuckle to the assembly line. The transfer of the sub-assembly of the steering knuckle by the transfer line does not require manual participation, realizing full automation, which can reduce the number of workers used, save human resources, speed up the production tempo, and improve the assembly production efficiency. Description of the Drawings

[0044] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the assembly production line in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the partial structure of the steering component and the subassembly line in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the subassembly line in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the partial structure of the steering knuckle assembly and the assembly line in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer line in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer line and the assembly line in an embodiment of the present application, wherein some of the assembly pallets carry the steering knuckle subassembly, and the other part of the assembly pallets carry the steering knuckle assembly;

[0050] Figure 7 Another schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer line and the assembly line in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the conveying section, the assembly section return section and the repair section are shown;

[0051] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the process flow of the assembly method in an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Description of the reference numerals

[0053] 100, assembly production line; 10, subassembly line; 11, subassembly body; 111, loading position; 112, subassembly position; 113, unloading position; 12, subassembly pallet; 13, loading mechanism; 14, pressing and supporting member; 15, torque system; 16, subassembly truss; 20, assembly line; 21, assembly body; 22, assembly pallet; 30, transfer line; 31, transfer truss; 311, platform; 312, step; 32, transfer track; 321, conveying section; 322, assembly section; 3221, left assembly section; 3222, right assembly section; 323, return section; 324, repair section; 33, transfer mechanism; 34, sliding mechanism; 200, steering knuckle assembly; 210, steering knuckle subassembly; 211, steering component; 220, power assembly. Detailed implementation manners

[0054] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments. Various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for explaining the present invention and not for limiting the protection scope of the present invention.

[0055] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper" and "lower" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application. In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0056] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0057] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature can be that the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, or the first feature and the second feature are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0058] In the description of this specification, the description referring to terms such as "some embodiments" and "exemplarily" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine different embodiments or examples described in the present application and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0059] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments only schematically illustrate the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, only the components related to the present invention are shown in the drawings, rather than being drawn according to the number, shape, and size of the components in actual implementation. The types, quantities, and proportions of the components in actual implementation can be arbitrarily changed, and the component layout type may also be more complex.

[0060] The knuckle subassembly is one of the core components of the vehicle chassis. In the related art, the assembly process of the knuckle subassembly is complex, requires a large amount of manual labor, and occupies a large area, affecting production efficiency and production benefits.

[0061] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide an assembly production line for a knuckle assembly, which can reduce the amount of manual labor used, improve the assembly efficiency, and reduce the production and manufacturing costs.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the assembly production line 100 includes a subassembly line 10, an assembly line 20, and a transfer line 30. The subassembly line 10 is used to assemble the knuckle subassembly 210; the assembly line 20 is used to assemble the knuckle subassembly 210 and the power assembly 220 to form the knuckle assembly 200; the transfer line 30 is used to automatically transfer the knuckle subassembly 210 from the subassembly line 10 to the assembly line 20.

[0063] Exemplarily, conveying devices capable of conveying assembly parts are provided on the subassembly line 10, the assembly line 20, and the transfer line 30. For example, the conveying device can be a track, a transport vehicle, a conveyor belt, etc. The specific way to achieve the conveying function is not limited and can be adaptively selected according to production requirements.

[0064] The subassembly line 10 is used to assemble a plurality of knuckle parts 211 to form the knuckle subassembly 210. The knuckle parts 211 are, for example, a knuckle, a caliper, and a brake pipe. The knuckle can transmit and bear the load at the front of the vehicle, support and drive the front wheels to rotate around the kingpin to steer the vehicle. The caliper can decelerate, stop, or keep the moving wheels stationary. The brake pipe is used to transmit the braking medium to each braking execution component during vehicle braking.

[0065] It can be understood that there can be multiple types of knuckle subassemblies 210. Different knuckle subassemblies 210 are required according to different vehicle models. During assembly, the knuckle parts 211 corresponding to the knuckle subassembly 210 can be used to generate different knuckle subassemblies 210.

[0066] During production, the steering component 211 enters the sub-assembly line 10. On the sub-assembly line 10, the steering component 211 is assembled to form the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210. Through the transfer line 30, the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 then enters the main assembly line 20. On the main assembly line 20, the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 and the power assembly 220 are assembled to form the steering knuckle main assembly 200.

[0067] The manner in which the steering component 211 enters the sub-assembly line 10 is not limited and can be achieved through a handling mechanism or manually.

[0068] The manner in which the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 enters the transfer line 30 from the sub-assembly line 10 is not limited and can be achieved through a handling mechanism or manually. Exemplarily, the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 is manually moved onto the transfer line 30. For example, the transfer line 30 includes a transfer mechanism 33, and the transfer mechanism 33 is used to transfer the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 from the sub-assembly line 10 to the main assembly line 20. The steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 can be manually moved onto the transfer mechanism 33. For example, the transfer mechanism 33 is an electric hoist, and the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 is manually hooked onto the electric hoist. Or the transfer mechanism 33 can automatically grasp the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210. For example, the transfer mechanism 33 includes a transfer manipulator, and the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 is automatically grasped through the transfer manipulator. After the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 is moved onto the transfer mechanism 33, the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 does not require manual participation during the transfer process on the transfer line 30.

[0069] In the assembly production line 100 provided by the present application, the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 is assembled on the sub-assembly line 10 and automatically conveyed to the main assembly line 20 through the transfer line 30. The steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 does not require manual participation during the transfer process on the transfer line 30, realizing full automation of the transfer, which can reduce the number of workers used, save human resources, speed up the production tempo, and improve the assembly production efficiency.

[0070] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the sub-assembly line 10 includes a sub-assembly body 11, a sub-assembly tray 12, a loading mechanism 13, a pressing and supporting member 14, and a torque system 15. The sub-assembly tray 12 is disposed on the sub-assembly body 11; the loading mechanism 13 is used to hoist and assemble the steering components 211 required for the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210 onto the sub-assembly tray 12; the pressing and supporting member 14 is disposed on the sub-assembly tray 12 and is used to position the steering components 211 on the sub-assembly tray 12; the torque system 15 is used to assemble the steering components 211 located on the sub-assembly tray 12 to form the steering knuckle sub-assembly 210.

[0071] The subassembly body 11 is used to provide an assembly platform for the knuckle subassembly 210. For example, the subassembly body 11 may include a conveying mechanism that conveys the subassembly trays 12 at the production beat speed, so that multiple subassembly trays 12 can be arranged at intervals on the subassembly body 11 to realize the continuous operation of the assembly of the knuckle subassembly 210. The subassembly tray 12 is used to carry the steering components 211 and can support and position multiple steering components 211. The groups of steering components 211 of the same vehicle model are the same, and the groups of steering components 211 of different vehicle models are different.

[0072] The pressing and supporting member 14 plays a positioning role for the steering components 211, so that the torque system 15 can perform the assembly action on the steering components 211. There can be multiple pressing and supporting members 14, which are dispersedly arranged at multiple positions on the subassembly tray 12 to play a positioning role for each steering component 211. Corresponding pressing and supporting members 14 can also be selected according to the steering components 211 of different vehicle models for positioning. It can be understood that different knuckle subassemblies 210 may require different combinations of steering components 211. In order to be able to assemble different knuckle subassemblies 210, in some embodiments, the number of the pressing and supporting members 14 is multiple groups to adapt to positioning the steering components 211 of different vehicle models on the subassembly tray 12. One group of pressing and supporting members 14 corresponds to assembling one knuckle subassembly 210. Some of the pressing and supporting members 14 in multiple groups of pressing and supporting members 14 can be shared.

[0073] The feeding mechanism 13 can transfer the steering components 211 to the subassembly tray 12. In order to improve efficiency, multiple feeding mechanisms 13 can be provided.

[0074] Exemplarily, the subassembly line 10 further includes a subassembly truss 16, and the feeding mechanism 13 is arranged on the subassembly truss 16. The feeding mechanism 13 can move relative to the subassembly truss 16. Exemplarily, the subassembly line 10 further includes a subassembly track arranged on the subassembly truss 16; the feeding mechanism 13 is movably arranged on the subassembly track.

[0075] The manner in which the feeding mechanism 13 realizes hoisting is not limited. Exemplarily, the feeding mechanism 13 includes an electric hoist, and the electric hoist is movably arranged on the subassembly truss 16. The steering components 211 can be manually placed on the electric hoist, and the electric hoist hoists the steering components 211 along the subassembly truss 16 to the subassembly tray 12. Or, the feeding mechanism 13 can also include a feeding manipulator, and the automatic feeding is realized through the feeding manipulator, so as to realize the full-automatic feeding and assembly of the knuckle subassembly 210 on the subassembly line 10 without manual participation.

[0076] In this way, the feeding mechanism 13 can place the steering component 211 on the sub - assembly tray 12. The pressing and supporting member 14 plays a positioning role for the steering component 211 during assembly. The torque system 15 assembles the steering component 211 on the sub - assembly tray 12, which can improve the degree of automation and reduce the labor used.

[0077] Exemplarily, please refer to Figure 3 , the sub - assembly body 11 includes a loading position 111, an unloading position 113, and at least one sub - assembly position 112. The feeding mechanism 13 hoists the steering component 211 onto the sub - assembly tray 12 at the loading position 111; the torque system 15 assembles the steering component 211 from the loading position 111 at the sub - assembly position 112; the transfer line 30 transfers the assembled steering knuckle sub - assembly 210 from the sub - assembly position 112 at the unloading position 113.

[0078] Exemplarily, the number of the loading position 111, the unloading position 113, and the sub - assembly position 112 is not limited, and each can be set to one or more. It can be adaptively set according to requirements. The loading position 111, the unloading position 113, and the sub - assembly position 112 can all be set to one, or all can be set to multiple. The number of the loading position 111, the unloading position 113, and the sub - assembly position 112 can be the same or different. That is to say, the loading position 111, the unloading position 113, and the sub - assembly position 112 can be one - to - one matched, or one can correspond to multiple. Specifically, it can be specifically set according to the requirements of the assembly production beat.

[0079] The way for the torque system 15 to achieve the assembly function is not limited. Exemplarily, the torque system 15 includes a torque - controlled manipulator, which can assemble the steering component 211. Exemplarily, the torque system 15 is arranged on the sub - assembly truss 16. The torque system 15 can apply a force to the steering component 211 for assembly, such as applying torque to install bolts and nuts for fastening. The number of the torque systems 15 can be one, two, or more.

[0080] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 , the assembly line 20 includes an assembly body 21 and an assembly tray 22. The assembly tray 22 is arranged on the assembly body 21 and is used to carry the power assembly 220. The transfer mechanism 33 hoists the steering knuckle sub - assembly 210 onto the assembly tray 22 to assemble the steering knuckle assembly 200 with the power assembly 220.

[0081] Exemplarily, the assembly line 20 has an assembly position where the knuckle sub-assembly 210 and the power assembly 220 are assembled at the assembly position. The assembly body 21 can drive the assembly tray 22 to move so that the assembly tray 22 moves to the assembly position. Exemplarily, the assembly body 21 can move along a preset trajectory. For example, the assembly body 21 can move along a track. Exemplarily, the assembly body 21 is an AGV cart and can move along a preset route. Exemplarily, in order to improve production efficiency, multiple assembly bodies 21 can be set to successively enter the assembly position to assemble the knuckle sub-assembly 210 and the power assembly 220, so as to reduce the production beat interval time and improve production efficiency.

[0082] Exemplarily, in order to further improve production efficiency, when the assembly body 21 reaches the assembly position, the assembly tray 22 already carries the power assembly 220 and is assembled with the knuckle sub-assembly 210. After assembly, the knuckle assembly 200 can be transported to a preset position.

[0083] After the knuckle sub-assembly 210 and the power assembly 220 are assembled to form the knuckle assembly 200, the assembly tray 22 can carry the knuckle assembly 200.

[0084] Exemplarily, the assembly line 20 further includes a fixing mechanism provided on the assembly tray 22. The fixing mechanism can play a role in fixing the assembly of the knuckle sub-assembly 210 and the power assembly 220, so as to perform an assembly action on the assembly of the knuckle sub-assembly 210 and the power assembly 220 to form the knuckle assembly 200.

[0085] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the transfer line 30 includes a transfer truss 31, a transfer track 32, a transfer mechanism 33, and a control system. The transfer track 32 is provided on the transfer truss 31; the transfer mechanism 33 is movably provided on the transfer track 32 and is used to transfer the knuckle sub-assembly 210 from the sub-assembly line 10 to the assembly line 20; the control system is used to control the operating state of the transfer mechanism 33 on the transfer track 32. At least part of the transfer track 32 passes through the unloading position 113 of the sub-assembly line 10 and the assembly position of the assembly line 20, so that the transfer mechanism 33 can transfer the knuckle sub-assembly 210 from the unloading position to the assembly position and assemble it with the power assembly 220 at the assembly position.

[0086] The transfer truss 31 is used to support the transfer track 32. The transfer track 32 can provide a moving path for the transfer mechanism 33, and thus provide a transfer path for the knuckle sub-assembly 210. Specifically, the path can be set according to transfer requirements.

[0087] The control system is connected to the transfer mechanism 33 for control. Through the control system, automatic transfer can be realized to improve transfer efficiency.

[0088] Exemplarily, the transfer mechanism 33 includes an electric hoist, which is movably arranged on the transfer track 32. For example, the knuckle sub-assembly 210 can be manually hooked to the electric hoist, and the electric hoist transports the knuckle sub-assembly 210 along the transfer track 32 to the assembly line 20.

[0089] Exemplarily, the electric hoist includes a driving mechanism and a hook. The driving mechanism can drive the hook to move in the up and down directions. For example, the driving mechanism includes a driving member and a chain. The hook is arranged on the chain, and the driving member can drive the chain to move in the up and down directions to adjust the height of the hook, and further adjust the height of the knuckle sub-assembly 210 hoisted by the hook.

[0090] Exemplarily, the transfer truss 31 includes a platform 311, a ladder 312 and a fence. The ladder 312 is connected to the platform 311 to facilitate personnel to reach above the platform 311 through the ladder 312 for maintenance and other activities. The fence is arranged on the platform 311 to maintain the work safety of the maintenance personnel.

[0091] Exemplarily, the transfer line 30 further includes a detection device for detecting the height of the knuckle sub-assembly 210 hoisted by the transfer mechanism 33. For example, the detection device can be a photoelectric switch, such as a transmissive photoelectric switch or a reflective photoelectric switch, etc. For example, when the detection device detects that the knuckle sub-assembly 210 is above the platform 311, the control system controls the transfer mechanism 33 to move along the transfer track 32.

[0092] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 , the transfer track 32 includes a conveying section 321, an assembling section 322 and a returning section 323. The conveying section 321, the assembling section 322 and the returning section 323 are connected in sequence to form a circular channel. Among them, the conveying section 321 at least partially passes through the loading position to facilitate the transfer mechanism 33 to hoist the knuckle sub-assembly 210 from the sub-assembly line 10. The assembling section 322 at least partially passes through the assembling position so that the transfer mechanism 33 can transport the knuckle sub-assembly 210 to the assembly line 20 and can assemble with the power assembly 220 at the assembling position.

[0093] The transfer mechanism 33 can move cyclically along the conveying section 321, the assembling section 322 and the returning section 323, move the knuckle sub-assembly 210 from the conveying section 321 to the assembling section 322. After releasing the knuckle sub-assembly 210 after assembly, the transfer mechanism 33 returns from the returning section 323 to the conveying section 321. The assembly line 20 assembles the knuckle sub-assembly 210 located on the assembling section 322 with the power assembly 220 located at the assembling position to form the knuckle assembly 200. After assembly, the transfer mechanism 33 releases the knuckle sub-assembly 210. The assembly body 21 transports the knuckle assembly 200 away from the assembling section 322.

[0094] Exemplarily, the knuckle subassembly 210 at the blanking position 113 is moved to the transfer mechanism 33 located on the conveying section 321, and the transfer mechanism 33 moves along the conveying section 321, the assembling section 322, and the return section 323.

[0095] In some embodiments, two knuckle subassemblies 210 need to be installed on the power assembly 220. To improve the assembly efficiency and shorten the production cycle, exemplarily, the transfer line 30 further includes a sliding mechanism 34. The sliding mechanisms 34 are respectively arranged at both ends of the assembling section 322. The assembling section 322 is divided into a left assembling section 3221 and a right assembling section 3222. The control system can control the sliding mechanism 34 to send the transfer mechanism 33 on the conveying section 321 into the left assembling section 3221 or the right assembling section 3222, and send the transfer mechanism 33 in the left assembling section 3221 or the right assembling section 3222 into the return section 323.

[0096] The sliding mechanism 34 is used to adjust the moving path of the transfer mechanism 33, dividing the assembling section 322 into two paths. The transfer mechanism 33 enters the left assembling section 3221 or the right assembling section 3222 respectively. In this way, the knuckle subassemblies 210 on the two transfer mechanisms 33 are moved to the mating position and assembled with the power assembly 220 on both sides.

[0097] Exemplarily, the transfer line 30 further includes an identification device for identifying the knuckle subassembly 210 hoisted by the transfer mechanism 33 on the conveying section 321 to select whether to enter the left assembling section 3221 or the right assembling section 3222. For example, the identification device can be a barcode scanner. For example, it can identify the two-dimensional code pasted on the transfer mechanism 33 or the knuckle subassembly 210 through infrared induction scanning, and then enter the left assembling section 3221 or the right assembling section 3222 after identification.

[0098] The transfer mechanism 33 may malfunction after long-term use, affecting the normal transfer work. To avoid affecting the normal transfer work, in some embodiments, the transfer track 32 further includes a repair section 324, which is connected to the junction of the return section 323 and the conveying section 321. A sliding mechanism 34 is arranged at the junction to send the transfer mechanism 33 on the return section 323 into the conveying section 321 or the repair section 324. The sliding mechanism 34 can adjust the moving path of the transfer mechanism 33 to make it enter the conveying section 321 or the repair section 324. For example, when the transfer mechanism 33 malfunctions, the sliding mechanism 34 is used to make the transfer mechanism 33 enter the repair section 324. When the transfer mechanism 33 is fault-free, the sliding mechanism 34 is used to make the transfer mechanism 33 enter the conveying section 321.

[0099] The embodiment of the present application also provides an assembly method for a knuckle mating assembly. Please refer to Figure 8 , and the assembly method includes:

[0100] S1: Assemble the steering components on the subassembly line to form the steering knuckle subassembly;

[0101] S2: The transfer line automatically transfers the steering knuckle subassembly located on the subassembly line to the main assembly line;

[0102] S3: Assemble the steering knuckle subassembly and the power assembly on the main assembly line to form the steering knuckle main assembly.

[0103] In this way, the steering knuckle subassembly 210 is assembled on the subassembly line 10, and the transfer line 30 automatically transfers the steering knuckle subassembly 210 to the main assembly line 20. The process of transferring the steering knuckle subassembly 210 by the transfer line 30 does not require manual participation, realizing full automation, which can reduce the number of workers used, save human resources, speed up the production rhythm, and improve the assembly production efficiency.

[0104] The assembly method provided by the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the above-mentioned assembly production line.

[0105] The above embodiments are only preferred embodiments given to fully illustrate the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or transformations made by those skilled in the art on the basis of the present invention are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An assembly line for a steering knuckle assembly, characterized in that: include: The subassembly line is used to assemble the steering knuckle subassembly assembly; An assembly line, used for assembling the steering knuckle sub-assembly assembly with the powertrain to form a steering knuckle assembly; A transfer line is used to automatically transfer the steering knuckle sub-assembly assembly from the sub-assembly line to the assembly line.

2. The assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The packaging line comprises: Packing the body; A packaging tray, arranged on the packaging body; A loading mechanism, used for hoisting and assembling steering components required for the steering knuckle subassembly assembly onto the subassembly tray; A pressing support member, disposed on the dispensing tray, for positioning the steering component on the dispensing tray; The torque system is used to assemble the steering components located on the sub-assembly tray to form the steering knuckle sub-assembly assembly.

3. The assembly line according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the clamping support members is multiple groups, so as to adapt to positioning the steering components of different vehicle models on the packaging tray.

4. The assembly line according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sub-packaging body comprises: A loading position, wherein the loading mechanism hoists the steering component to the sub-packaging tray of the loading position; at least one subassembly position, wherein the torque system assembles the steering components from the loading position at the subassembly position; The unloading position is where the transfer line transfers the steering knuckle subassembly assembly assembled from the subassembly position to the unloading position.

5. The assembly line according to claim 2, characterized in that: The packaging line also includes: The subassembly truss, the feeding mechanism and the torque system are arranged on the subassembly truss.

6. The assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer line includes: Transfer trusses; A transfer track, arranged on the transfer truss; A transfer mechanism, movably disposed on the transfer track, for transferring the steering knuckle sub-assembly assembly from the sub-assembly line to the assembly line; A control system is used to control the operating state of the transfer mechanism on the transfer track.

7. The assembly line according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transfer track comprises a conveying section, an assembly section and a return section, wherein the conveying section, the assembly section and the return section are sequentially connected to form a circulation channel; At least part of the conveying section passes through the subassembly line so that the transfer mechanism can obtain the steering knuckle subassembly assembly on the subassembly line; at least part of the assembling section passes through the assembly line so that the transfer mechanism can transfer the steering knuckle subassembly assembly to the assembly line.

8. The assembly line according to claim 7, characterized in that: The transfer line also includes a sliding mechanism, which is respectively arranged at both ends of the assembly section, and the assembly section is divided into a left assembly section and a right assembly section. The control system can control the sliding mechanism to send the transfer mechanism on the conveying section into the left assembly section or the right assembly section, and send the transfer mechanism of the left assembly section or the right assembly section into the return section.

9. The assembly line according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transfer line also includes an identification device for identifying the steering knuckle subassembly assembly hoisted by the transfer mechanism of the conveying section to select entering the left assembly section or the right assembly section.

10. The assembly line according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transfer track also includes a repair section connected to the intersection of the return section and the conveying section. The sliding mechanism is provided at the intersection to send the transfer mechanism on the return section into the conveying section or the repair section.

11. The assembly line according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transfer line also includes a detection device for detecting the height of the steering knuckle sub-assembly hoisted by the transfer mechanism.

12. The assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The assembly line comprises: Combination position; A combined body, at least one of the combined bodies is located at the combined position; The combined tray is arranged on the combined body and is used for carrying the power assembly so as to be assembled with the steering knuckle sub-assembly.

13. The assembly line according to claim 12, characterized in that: The combined body is an AGV vehicle; or, the combined body can move along a preset trajectory.

14. A method for assembling a steering knuckle assembly, characterized in that: include: Assembling the steering components on the subassembly line to form a steering knuckle subassembly assembly; The transfer line automatically transfers the steering knuckle sub-assembly assembly located on the sub-assembly line to the assembly line; The steering knuckle sub-assembly is assembled with the powertrain on the assembly line to form a steering knuckle assembly.

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