An engine assembly trolley and method of operation and assembly station

Abstract

The application provides an engine assembling trolley, operation method and assembling station, which comprises a chassis, a turnover device fixed on the chassis and a track, a horizontal rotating device and an auxiliary supporting device in sliding connection on the track, a positioning mechanism one between the horizontal rotating device and the chassis, a positioning mechanism two between the auxiliary supporting device and the chassis, the horizontal rotating device between the turnover device and the auxiliary supporting device, an assembling station formed between the turnover device and the auxiliary supporting device, and a cylinder body adapting tool A, a cylinder body adapting tool B and a cylinder body adapting tool C hung on the turnover device; the horizontal rotating device comprises a base plate, a rotating disc in rotating connection on the base plate, a plurality of positioning columns hinged on the rotating disc, the positioning columns having a flat state and a vertical state, an angular limiting mechanism provided on the base plate, a limiting rod of the angular limiting mechanism extending above the rotating disc, and the limiting rod and any positioning column forming a limiting block. The application enables the same station to assemble more surfaces of the product, and improves the assembling quality and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mechanical technology and relates to an engine assembly system, particularly an engine assembly trolley, its operation method, and an assembly station. Background Technology

[0002] The low-altitude engine assembly trolley is primarily responsible for assembling the engines. A low-altitude engine consists of tens of thousands of diverse parts made of special materials and varying shapes, requiring extremely high precision in the assembly process, leaving no room for error. Therefore, the assembly trolley demands exceptionally high accuracy and equipment stability during the assembly process.

[0003] Currently, commonly used assembly tilting trolleys can only handle manual assembly and only have a tilting function, but cannot rotate. Therefore, they cannot assemble more engine mounting surfaces at the same workstation, and there are various inconvenient assembly postures, which affect assembly accuracy, assembly quality and assembly efficiency. At the same time, they increase manual assembly labor and time, leading to increased labor costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies by proposing an engine assembly trolley, its operation method, and an assembly station.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution: an engine assembly trolley, including a chassis, a tilting device and a track fixed on the chassis, a horizontal rotating device and an auxiliary support device slidably connected on the track, a positioning mechanism one between the horizontal rotating device and the chassis, a positioning mechanism two between the auxiliary support device and the chassis, the horizontal rotating device being located between the tilting device and the auxiliary support device, forming an assembly station between the tilting device and the auxiliary support device, and cylinder body adapter tool A, cylinder body adapter tool B and cylinder body adapter tool C being hung on the tilting device;

[0006] The horizontal rotation device includes a base plate, on which a turntable is rotatably connected via bearings. Several positioning columns are movably connected to the turntable, and the positioning columns have a flat state and an upright state. An angular limiting mechanism is provided on the base plate, and several limiting seats are provided on the turntable. The limiting rod of the angular limiting mechanism extends above the turntable, and the limiting rod and the corresponding limiting seat are inserted and fixed.

[0007] Preferably, a slider is fixed on the bottom surface of the substrate, and the slider is engaged with the track to form a guide connection; the positioning mechanism includes a bushing provided on the substrate, a pin is inserted through the bushing, and a plurality of positioning holes are provided on the chassis along the outer side of the track, and the bottom end of the pin passes through the bushing and is inserted into any positioning hole to form a fixation.

[0008] Preferably, the flipping device includes a housing, a servo motor is installed inside the housing, the motor shaft of the servo motor is driven and connected to the main gear through a right-angle reducer, a central control rotary table is installed on the housing through a rotating shaft, an auxiliary gear is fixedly sleeved on the outer circumference of the rotating shaft, and the main gear and the auxiliary gear are connected by gear meshing.

[0009] Preferably, a plurality of receiving grooves are provided on one side of the housing, the receiving grooves having a U-shaped groove body, the U-shaped groove body having a top groove and a side groove.

[0010] Preferably, the auxiliary support device includes a housing, a through hole is opened on the top plate of the housing, a linear bearing is arranged below the through hole, a guide shaft is slidably connected inside the linear bearing, a support spring is sleeved on the upper part of the guide shaft that extends out of the through hole, a V-shaped frame is fixed to the top of the guide shaft, the V-shaped frame presses against the support spring, and a roller is hinged inside the V-shaped frame.

[0011] The guide shaft extends out of the bottom end of the linear bearing and is fixedly connected to the stop plate. A limiting shaft is fixed on the bottom surface of the top plate of the housing. An adjusting bolt is threaded onto the limiting shaft, and the adjusting bolt and the stop plate form a limiting block.

[0012] A sliding strip is fixed on the bottom plate of the housing, and the sliding strip is engaged with the track to form a guide connection; the second positioning mechanism includes a bushing two provided on the bottom plate of the housing, a pin two passing through the bushing two, and a plurality of positioning holes provided on the chassis along the outer side of the track, the bottom end of the pin two passing through the bushing two and inserting into any positioning hole to form a fixation.

[0013] Preferably, the cylinder body adapter tool A includes a cylindrical frame located in the middle, a cylinder body docking plate A is provided at one end of the cylindrical frame, and an equipment docking plate is provided at the other end. A gasket is attached to the cylinder body docking plate A, a locking bolt passes through the cylinder body docking plate A and the gasket, and a pin sleeve is provided on the cylinder body docking plate A.

[0014] The cylinder body adapter tool B includes a central shaft located in the middle, a lifting ring is provided on the central shaft, an anti-wear sleeve is sleeved on the outer circumference of the central shaft, a cylinder body docking plate B is provided at one end of the central shaft, an axial clearance measuring docking plate is provided at the other end, and several pull-out bolts are threaded through the cylinder body docking plate B;

[0015] The cylinder block adapter tool C includes a shaft located in the middle, a lifting ring is provided on the shaft, an anti-wear sleeve is sleeved on the outer periphery of the shaft, a timing cover adapter plate is provided at one end of the shaft, a limiting plate is provided at the other end, and several pull-out bolts are threaded through the timing cover adapter plate.

[0016] An operating method for an engine assembly cart, applied to the aforementioned engine assembly cart, includes the following steps:

[0017] S1. Connect the left cylinder block of the engine to the cylinder block adapter A. The two are positioned by the pin insertion and assembled by the bolts. Hoist the left cylinder block and the cylinder block adapter A together onto the engine assembly trolley. The left cylinder block is assembled with the tilting device through the cylinder block adapter A. Lock the right cylinder block of the engine to the cylinder block adapter A with bolts. The right cylinder block is connected to the left cylinder block to form the engine assembly. At this time, the positioning pins of the horizontal rotating device are in a flat position.

[0018] S2. Connect the cylinder block adapter tool B with the left and right cylinder blocks. The three are positioned by pin insertion and assembled by bolt locking. Move the auxiliary support device to below the cylinder block adapter tool B. The auxiliary support device supports the cylinder block adapter tool B, so that the front and rear ends of the engine are fixed along the same horizontal axis to facilitate component assembly. At this time, several positioning columns of the horizontal rotation device are in a flat state.

[0019] S3. When assembling the timing assembly, disassemble the engine assembly and cylinder block adapter A and cylinder block adapter B. Hoist the engine assembly onto the horizontal rotating device. Flip several positioning pins from their flat position to their vertical position. Insert the positioning pins into the support holes of the engine assembly one by one, so that the horizontal rotating device supports the engine assembly. Perform timing assembly on the engine assembly. During the assembly process, rotate the engine assembly at the required installation angle and limit and fix the installation angle through the angular limiting mechanism. After the assembly is completed, fix the cylinder block adapter C onto the timing assembly.

[0020] S4. Connect the engine assembly with the cylinder block adapter tool A to form a fixed assembly. Flip several positioning columns from the vertical position to the flat position. Move the auxiliary support device to the bottom of the cylinder block adapter tool C. Support the cylinder block adapter tool C with the auxiliary support device so that the two ends of the engine are positioned and assembled along the same horizontal axis.

[0021] S5. After all assembly steps are completed, the engine assembly will be hoisted off the production line, and the assembly operation will be completed.

[0022] An assembly station includes a positioning device and an AGV trolley, and also includes the aforementioned engine assembly trolley. The positioning device includes two support seats, forming a positioning station between the two support seats. The AGV trolley carries the engine assembly trolley to the positioning station. Fixed mechanisms are arranged opposite to each other on the two support seats, and a quick-connect mechanism is arranged on one of the support seats.

[0023] Preferably, the fixing mechanism includes a positioning telescopic device fixed to the outside of the support base. The positioning telescopic device has a positioning telescopic end facing the positioning station. A straight rod is fixed on the positioning telescopic end. Positioning wheels are hinged to both ends of the straight rod. V-blocks are provided on both sides of the chassis. The positioning telescopic device extends the straight rod, and the positioning wheels are embedded in the V-blocks to form a clamping and fixing mechanism.

[0024] Preferably, the quick-connect mechanism includes a quick-connect telescopic device fixed to the outside of the support base. The quick-connect telescopic device has a quick-connect telescopic end facing the positioning station. A quick-connect frame is fixed to the quick-connect telescopic end. The quick-connect frame includes a fixed plate and a movable plate. The quick-connect telescopic end is fixed to the fixed plate. Several buffer rods are fixed to the fixed plate. Guide holes are correspondingly opened on the movable plate. The buffer rods pass through the guide holes to form a sliding connection. Buffer springs are sleeved on the outer periphery of the buffer rods. The buffer springs are sandwiched between the fixed plate and the movable plate. A quick-connect connector is provided on the movable plate. A quick-connect socket is fixed on the chassis. The quick-connect connector is plugged into the quick-connect socket.

[0025] Compared with existing technologies, this engine assembly trolley, its operating method, and its assembly station have the following advantages:

[0026] 1. This assembly trolley increases the number of assembly surfaces for products. Through translation and rotation operations, all six sides of the product can face the operator, meaning that the operator can assemble six different sides of the product from one place. This facilitates assembly, improves assembly efficiency, increases production cycle time, reduces labor intensity, and improves assembly quality. It can be used with advanced automated equipment, achieving a seamless connection between manual and automated processes.

[0027] 2. Various cylinder block adapters with different structures are used to fit different mounting surfaces of the engine. The engine is fixed at both ends, and floating supports are used to achieve adaptive height adjustment to maintain the stability of the engine's horizontal position. A central rotating support is used to adjust the engine to different mounting angles, and precise angular positioning is used to limit the angular direction, achieving multi-face installation at the same workstation.

[0028] 3. This assembly trolley is suitable for the small-batch production of multiple models of low-altitude engines; it utilizes the industrial characteristics of reconfigurable tooling modules (such as modular assembly platforms) and flexible transmission systems (AGV automated guided vehicles). The engine assembly trolley and AGV are separate, maximizing the flexibility of the production line and reserving upgrade space for future production line upgrades.

[0029] 4. Human-machine collaboration, focusing on key assembly steps, and configuring assembly data detection. All assembly steps can record data, and product posture data is recorded and uploaded to the system. Key steps use equipment for error prevention and retain assembly data; effectively improving assembly quality and storing the entire assembly process in data form. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the engine assembly trolley.

[0031] Figure 2 This is the overall main view of the engine assembly trolley.

[0032] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the horizontal rotating device in the engine assembly trolley.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the tilting device in the trolley used to assemble this engine.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the tilting device in the engine assembly trolley.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the auxiliary support device in the engine assembly trolley.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary support device in the engine assembly trolley.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cylinder block adapter tool A in the engine assembly car.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cylinder block adapter tool B in the engine assembly car.

[0039] Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the cylinder block adapter tool C in the engine assembly car.

[0040] Figure 11 A 3D structural diagram showing the usage status of the assembly station.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a 3D structural diagram of the assembly station.

[0042] In the diagram, 1. Chassis; 2. Tilting device; 21. Housing; 22. Servo motor; 23. Right-angle reducer; 24. Main gear; 25. Auxiliary gear; 26. Central control rotary table; 3. Track; 4. Horizontal rotation device; 41. Base plate; 42. Turntable; 43. Hinge seat; 44. Crossbar; 45. Positioning pin; 46. Angular limit mechanism; 461. Limiting rod; 462. Handle; 47. Limiting seat; 48. Pin shaft one; 5. Auxiliary support device; 51. Housing; 52. Linear bearing; 53. Guide shaft; 54. Support spring; 55. V-frame; 56. Roller; 57. Stop plate; 58. Limiting shaft; 5 9. Pin 2; 6. Cylinder block adapter tool A; 61. Cylinder frame; 62. Cylinder block mating plate A; 63. Gasket; 64. Equipment mating plate; 7. Cylinder block adapter tool B; 71. Central shaft; 72. Cylinder block mating plate B; 73. Axial clearance measuring mating plate; 8. Cylinder block adapter tool C; 81. Shaft; 82. Timing cover adapter plate; 83. Limiting plate; 9. Engine; 10. Positioning device; 101. Support seat; 102. Positioning telescopic device; 103. Straight rod; 104. Positioning wheel; 105. Quick-connect telescopic device; 106. Quick-connect bracket; 107. Buffer spring; 108. Quick-connect connector; 11. AGV trolley. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the engine assembly trolley includes a chassis 1, a tilting device 2 and a track 3 fixed on the chassis 1, a horizontal rotating device 4 and an auxiliary support device 5 slidably connected on the track 3, a positioning mechanism 1 is set between the horizontal rotating device 4 and the chassis 1, and a positioning mechanism 2 is set between the auxiliary support device 5 and the chassis 1. The horizontal rotating device 4 is located between the tilting device 2 and the auxiliary support device 5, and an assembly station is formed between the tilting device 2 and the auxiliary support device 5. A cylinder block adapter tool A6, a cylinder block adapter tool B7 and a cylinder block adapter tool C8 are hung on the tilting device 2.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the horizontal rotation device 4 includes a base plate 41, a turntable 42 is rotatably connected to the base plate 41 via bearings, and a plurality of positioning posts 45 are movably connected to the turntable 42. The positioning posts 45 have a flat state and an upright state. An angular limiting mechanism 46 is provided on the base plate 41, and a plurality of limiting seats 47 are provided on the turntable 42. The limiting rod 461 of the angular limiting mechanism 46 extends to the top of the turntable 42, and the limiting rod 461 and the corresponding limiting seat 47 are inserted and fixed.

[0047] The angular limiting mechanism 46 includes a base, on which a limiting rod 461 is horizontally slidably connected. The telescopic end of the limiting rod 461 faces the turntable 42. The driving end of the limiting rod 461 is movably connected to a handle 462. A strip-shaped hole is formed along the length direction of the handle 462. The driving end of the limiting rod 461 is vertically fixed through a shaft, which passes through the strip-shaped hole to form a guide connection. The bottom end of the handle 462 is hinged to the bottom of the base, and the top end of the handle 462 forms a swing end. Increasing the tilt angle of the swing end of the handle 462 backward will pull the limiting rod 461 backward through the connection between the strip-shaped hole and the shaft, causing the telescopic end to retract away from the turntable 42. Decreasing the tilt angle of the swing end of the handle 462 forward will push the limiting rod 461 forward through the connection between the strip-shaped hole and the shaft, causing the telescopic end to extend into the space above the turntable 42.

[0048] The chassis 1 is a rectangular plate. The track 3 is set along the length of the chassis 1. The tilting device 2 is erected on the outer side of one end of the track 3. The horizontal rotating device 4 is set on the track 3 and close to the tilting device 2. The auxiliary support device 5 is close to the other end of the track 3. By moving the auxiliary support device 5, the length of the assembly station can be adjusted according to the size of the engine 9, thereby enabling compatibility with different models and providing support for different assembly postures. The auxiliary support device 5 can be accurately positioned by the positioning mechanism 2 when moved to different positions.

[0049] By moving the horizontal rotating device 4, it is positioned directly below the engine 9, with several positioning pins 45 in an upright state, providing positioning support for the engine 9. The horizontal rotating device 4 can be precisely positioned at different locations using the positioning mechanism. A hinge seat 43 is provided on the turntable 42, with a groove and a notch on one side. A crossbar 44 is fixed in the groove. Positioning pins 45 have slotted holes along their length, through which the crossbar 44 passes, allowing the positioning pins 45 to move up and down or rotate along the crossbar 44. A fixing hole is provided at the bottom of the groove; when the positioning pins 45 are upright, they can be inserted into the fixing hole for fixation. Lifting the positioning pins 45 disengages them from the fixing hole and rotates them so that they extend from the notch in the groove, achieving a flat position. Four positioning posts 45 are arranged in a matrix, with an included angle of 90° between each pair of adjacent positioning posts 45. Thus, every time the turntable 42 rotates 90°, the limiting rod 461 blocks one of the positioning posts 45, stopping the engine 9 supported on the turntable 42 from turning. With several positioning posts 45 in a flat position, they can avoid the tilting device 2 from tilting the engine 9.

[0050] Preferably, a slider is fixed on the bottom surface of the substrate 41, and the slider is engaged with the track 3 to form a guide connection; the positioning mechanism includes a bushing provided on the substrate 41, a pin 48 passing through the bushing, and a plurality of positioning holes provided on the chassis 1 along the outer side of the track 3, the bottom end of the pin 48 passing through the bushing and inserting into any positioning hole to form a fixation.

[0051] When the horizontal rotation device 4 needs to be moved, pull the pin 48 upward to disengage it from the positioning hole and release the substrate 41 to slide along the track 3; when the horizontal rotation device 4 is moved into place, insert the pin 48 downward into the corresponding positioning hole and fix the substrate 41 by snap-fit.

[0052] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, preferably, the flipping device 2 includes a housing 21, a servo motor 22 is installed inside the housing 21, the motor shaft of the servo motor 22 is driven and connected to the main gear 24 through a right-angle reducer 23, a central control rotary table 26 is installed on the housing 21 through a rotating shaft, an auxiliary gear 25 is fixedly sleeved on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, and the main gear 24 and the auxiliary gear 25 are connected by gear meshing.

[0053] An electrical control box is also installed on the housing 21, containing a power supply and control circuit. Operation buttons are located on the housing 21. The control circuit connects the power supply, servo motor 22, and operation buttons. This control circuit and electrical operation are existing technologies and will not be described in detail. Pressing the operation button powers on and starts the servo motor 22. The motor shaft rotates in a directional manner, achieving deceleration and right-angle steering transmission through a right-angle reducer 23. This drives the main gear 24 to rotate, which, through gear meshing, drives the auxiliary gear 25 to rotate, synchronously causing the central control rotary table 26 to rotate in a directional manner. An emergency stop button is also provided; pressing the emergency stop button stops the equipment from rotating.

[0054] Preferably, a plurality of receiving grooves are provided on one side of the housing 21. The receiving grooves have U-shaped grooves with top openings and side openings. The specific shape of the receiving grooves can be set according to the different structures of cylinder adapter tooling A6, cylinder adapter tooling B7, and cylinder adapter tooling C8, so as to facilitate the corresponding fitting of cylinder adapter tooling A6, cylinder adapter tooling B7, and cylinder adapter tooling C8, and realize the mounting and accommodating of cylinder adapter tooling.

[0055] like Figure 6 and 7As shown, preferably, the auxiliary support device 5 includes a housing 51. A through hole is opened on the top plate of the housing 51. A linear bearing 52 is arranged below the through hole. A guide shaft 53 is slidably connected inside the linear bearing 52. The upper part of the guide shaft 53, which extends out of the through hole, is sleeved with a support spring 54. A V-shaped frame 55 is fixed to the top of the guide shaft 53. The V-shaped frame 55 presses against the support spring 54. A roller 56 is hinged inside the V-shaped frame 55. The linear bearing 52, guide shaft 53, support spring 54, and roller 56 are all in pairs and are arranged symmetrically from left to right, thereby improving the stability of the support. The cylinder adapter is placed in the V-groove of the V-shaped frame 55. The two sides of the cylinder adapter contact the roller 56. Due to the gravity of the engine 9 and the cylinder adapter, the V-shaped frame 55 is pressed down, thereby compressing the support spring 54. The elastic force of the support spring 54 forms an elastic floating support, which can provide strong support for the end of the engine 9 and can also adjust the height by floating up and down, avoiding rigid collisions caused by misalignment between the front and rear ends.

[0056] The guide shaft 53 extends out of the bottom end of the linear bearing 52 and is fixedly connected to the stop plate 57. A limit shaft 58 is fixed on the bottom surface of the top plate of the housing 51. An adjusting bolt is threaded onto the limit shaft 58, and the adjusting bolt and the stop plate 57 form a limit stop. The length of the part extending out of the limit shaft 58 is controlled by turning the adjusting bolt, thereby adjusting the limit height. When the V-shaped frame 55 is in an unloaded state, it is pushed up by the support spring 54 until the stop plate 57 presses against the adjusting bolt, and the V-shaped frame 55 reaches the highest position and stops.

[0057] A sliding strip is fixed on the bottom plate of the housing 51, and the sliding strip is engaged with the track 3 to form a guide connection. The positioning mechanism two includes a bushing two set on the bottom plate of the housing 51, and a pin two 59 passes through the bushing two. Several positioning holes are set on the chassis 1 along the outer side of the track 3. The bottom end of the pin two 59 passes through the bushing two and is inserted into any of the positioning holes to form a fixation. When the auxiliary support device 5 needs to be moved horizontally, the pin two 59 is pulled upward to disengage it from the positioning hole, and the housing 51 is released to slide along the track 3. When the auxiliary support device 5 is moved into position, the pin two 59 is inserted downward to extend into the corresponding positioning hole, and the housing 51 is fixed by engaging.

[0058] like Figure 8As shown, preferably, the cylinder block adapter tooling A6 includes a cylindrical frame 61 located in the middle. One end of the cylindrical frame 61 is provided with a cylinder block mating plate A62, and the other end is provided with an equipment mating plate 64. A gasket 63 is attached to the cylinder block mating plate A62, and a locking bolt passes through the cylinder block mating plate A62 and the gasket 63. A pin sleeve is provided on the cylinder block mating plate A62. The flywheel end face of the engine 9 has two locating pins. The cylinder block mating plate A62 mates with the flywheel end face, so that the two locating pins are inserted into the two pin sleeves to form a positioning. The cylinder block mating plate A62 and the flywheel end face are then fixed together by the locking bolts. The equipment mating plate 64 is locked to the central control rotary table 26 of the tilting device 2 with bolts, completing the front-end fixation of the engine 9.

[0059] like Figure 9 As shown, the cylinder block adapter tooling B7 includes a central shaft 71 located in the middle, with a lifting ring on the central shaft 71. A wear-resistant sleeve is fitted around the outer circumference of the central shaft 71. A cylinder block mating plate B72 is installed at one end of the central shaft 71, and an axial clearance measuring mating plate 73 is installed at the other end. Several pull-out bolts are threaded through the cylinder block mating plate B72. The cylinder block mating plate B72 is mated to the rear end of the engine 9, and the cylinder block mating plate B72 is fixedly connected to the rear end of the engine 9 by several pull-out bolts. Then, the central shaft 71 of the cylinder block adapter tooling B7 is placed on the V-shaped bracket 55 to support the rear end of the engine 9.

[0060] like Figure 10 As shown, the cylinder block adapter tooling C8 includes a shaft 81 located in the middle, with a lifting ring on the shaft 81. A wear-resistant sleeve is fitted around the outer circumference of the shaft 81. A timing cover adapter plate 82 is installed at one end of the shaft 81, and a limiting plate 83 is installed at the other end. Several pull-out bolts pass through the timing cover adapter plate 82. The timing cover adapter plate 82 is connected to the rear end of the engine 9, and the timing cover adapter plate 82 is fixedly attached to the rear end of the engine 9 by several pull-out bolts. Then, the shaft 81 of the cylinder block adapter tooling C8 is placed on a V-shaped bracket 55 to support the rear end of the engine 9.

[0061] At OP10 and OP20 stations, cylinder block adapter fixtures A6 and B7 are used. At OP30, OP40, and OP50 stations, cylinder block adapter fixtures A6 and C8 are used. Because the mounting surface of cylinder block adapter fixture B7 is occupied by parts from engine 9 after assembly at OP30 station, cylinder block adapter fixtures need to be installed on another mounting surface of engine 9. Due to the different structures of the two mounting surfaces, two types of adapter fixtures are required: cylinder block adapter fixture B7 and cylinder block adapter fixture C8.

[0062] An operating method for an engine assembly cart, applied to the aforementioned engine assembly cart, includes the following steps:

[0063] S1. Connect the left cylinder block of engine 9 to cylinder block adapter tool A6. The two are positioned by pin insertion and assembled by bolt locking. Hoist the left cylinder block and cylinder block adapter tool A6 together onto the engine assembly trolley. The left cylinder block is assembled with the tilting device 2 through the cylinder block adapter tool A6. Lock the right cylinder block of engine 9 to the cylinder block adapter tool A6 with bolts. The right cylinder block is connected with the left cylinder block to form the engine assembly. At this time, several positioning pins 45 of the horizontal rotating device 4 are in a flat state.

[0064] S2. Connect the cylinder block adapter tool B7 with the left and right cylinder blocks. The three are positioned by pin insertion and assembled by bolt locking. Move the auxiliary support device 5 below the cylinder block adapter tool B7. The auxiliary support device 5 supports the cylinder block adapter tool B7, fixing the front and rear ends of the engine 9 along the same horizontal axis to facilitate component assembly. Specific assembly operations include: tightening the main bearing bolts, cylinder block frame bolts, and cylinder head bolts; piston insertion; cylinder head assembly; rocker arm and other accessory assembly; water circulation system assembly; oil circuit assembly; intake and exhaust system assembly, etc. At this time, the positioning pins 45 of the horizontal rotation device 4 are in a flat position.

[0065] S3. When assembling the timing assembly, disassemble the engine assembly and cylinder block adapter fixtures A6 and B7. Hoist the engine assembly onto the horizontal rotating device 4. Flip several positioning pins 45 from their flat position to their vertical position. Insert the positioning pins 45 into the support holes of the engine assembly one by one, so that the horizontal rotating device 4 supports the engine assembly. Perform timing assembly on the engine assembly. During the assembly process, rotate the installation angle of the engine assembly as needed. The installation angle is limited and fixed by the angular limiting mechanism 46. After the assembly is completed, fix the cylinder block adapter fixture C8 onto the timing assembly.

[0066] S4. Connect the engine assembly with the cylinder block adapter tool A6 to form a fixed assembly. Flip several positioning posts 45 from the vertical position to the flat position. Move the auxiliary support device 5 to the bottom of the cylinder block adapter tool C8. Support the cylinder block adapter tool C8 through the auxiliary support device 5 so that the two ends of the engine 9 are positioned and assembled along the same horizontal axis.

[0067] S5. After all assembly steps are completed, the engine assembly will be hoisted off the production line, and the assembly operation will be completed.

[0068] The engine assembly trolley adopts data-driven intelligent management, which is specifically achieved through the "MES system". The core functions of the MES system for data-driven intelligent management of the assembly line include real-time data collection and integration throughout the entire process, visualization and dynamic monitoring of the production process, and data-driven intelligent decision-making and optimization.

[0069] 1. Real-time Data Acquisition and Integration Throughout the Entire Process: Data Acquisition Dimensions: Through sensors, RFID, barcode scanners, and other devices, real-time data is captured on assembly line process parameters (such as torque and temperature), material batches, equipment status, process time, and personnel operation records. System Integration Capabilities: Integration with ERP (Materials Requirements Planning), PLC (Physical Control System), and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems breaks down data silos and forms a closed loop of "planning-execution-feedback." For example, after the ERP issues a production plan, the MES automatically breaks it down into assembly process tasks and synchronizes material requirements to the warehousing system.

[0070] 2. Production Process Visualization and Dynamic Monitoring: Real-time Kanban Management: Key indicators such as production line progress, yield rate, and equipment OEE (Overall Effectiveness) are displayed through data visualization tools (such as dashboards and Gantt charts). For example, when a process delay occurs at an assembly station, the Kanban board automatically highlights it in red and sends an alert to management. Intelligent Verification of Process Parameters: Pre-set assembly process standards (such as screw tightening torque range), compare collected data in real time, and automatically trigger alarms (such as audible and visual alerts or equipment shutdown) when anomalies occur.

[0071] 3. Data-Driven Intelligent Decision-Making and Optimization: Based on historical assembly data (such as process time and defect rate for different products), AI algorithms analyze the optimal process path. For example, in the assembly process of a certain product, the system finds that the order of "installing part A first and then part B" can reduce the time consumption by 5%, and automatically suggests adjusting the process. Quality Traceability and Prediction: Establish a full-link traceability system of "product-material-equipment-personnel". Once a quality problem occurs, the root cause can be quickly located (such as defective materials in a certain batch or deviation of equipment parameters). At the same time, machine learning is used to predict potential quality risks (such as assembly deviations caused by equipment wear). Intelligent Material Scheduling: Based on real-time production progress and material consumption data, replenishment reminders are automatically triggered to avoid production line shutdowns due to material shortages. For example, when the remaining material at a certain workstation is less than 30%, MES sends a material requisition instruction to AGV 11.

[0072] Example 2

[0073] Based on Embodiment 1, the difference in this embodiment is:

[0074] like Figure 11 and 12 As shown, an assembly station includes a positioning device 10 and an AGV trolley 11, as well as the aforementioned engine assembly trolley. The positioning device 10 includes two support seats 101, forming a positioning station between the two support seats 101. The AGV trolley 11 carries the engine assembly trolley to the positioning station. Fixed mechanisms are provided opposite to each other on the two support seats 101, and a quick-connect mechanism is provided on one of the support seats 101.

[0075] The AGV trolley 11 carries and moves the engine assembly trolley; the symmetrical fixing mechanism clamps and fixes the engine assembly trolley; the quick-connect mechanism automatically connects and powers on the engine assembly trolley and transmits signals.

[0076] Preferably, the fixing mechanism includes a positioning telescopic device 102 fixed to the outside of the support base 101. The positioning telescopic device 102 is provided with a positioning telescopic end facing the positioning station. A straight rod 103 is fixed on the positioning telescopic end. Positioning wheels 104 are hinged to both ends of the straight rod 103. V-blocks are provided on both sides of the chassis 1. The positioning telescopic device 102 pushes out the straight rod 103, and the positioning wheels 104 are embedded in the V-blocks to form a clamping and fixing.

[0077] When the engine assembly trolley enters the positioning station, the positioning telescopic device 102 is activated to extend the straight rod 103, and the positioning wheels 104 at both ends of the straight rod 103 are embedded into the V-shaped blocks on the side of the chassis 1, thereby fixing the engine assembly trolley and preventing it from moving horizontally.

[0078] Preferably, the quick-connect mechanism includes a quick-connect telescopic device 105 fixed to the outside of the support base 101. The quick-connect telescopic device 105 is provided with a quick-connect telescopic end facing the positioning station. A quick-connect frame 106 is fixedly connected to the quick-connect telescopic end. The quick-connect frame 106 includes a fixed plate and a movable plate. The quick-connect telescopic end is fixedly connected to the fixed plate. Several buffer rods are fixedly provided on the fixed plate. Guide holes are correspondingly opened on the movable plate. The buffer rods are correspondingly connected to the guide holes to form a sliding connection. Buffer springs 107 are sleeved on the outer periphery of the buffer rods. Buffer springs 107 are sandwiched between the fixed plate and the movable plate. A quick-connect connector 108 is provided on the movable plate. A quick socket is fixed on the chassis 1. The quick-connect connector 108 is plugged into the quick socket.

[0079] After the engine assembly trolley stops and is positioned, the quick-connect telescopic device 105 is activated to extend the quick-connect bracket 106, and the quick-connect connector 108 is inserted into the quick-connect socket. During the insertion process, the compression buffer spring 107 provides buffer space for the quick-connect connector 108 on the movable plate, which can both ensure that the insertion is in place and protect the quick-connect connector 108.

[0080] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or substitute them in a similar manner without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding its defined scope. Although the invention has been described in detail above, such descriptions are considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the following claims. Specifically, the invention covers additional embodiments having any combination of features from the different embodiments described above. With regard to the use of the expressions “general” or “substantially,” this patent application should be understood to disclose that the disclosure equally fully satisfies these features and values, i.e., without any of the foregoing characterizations as “general” or “substantially.”

[0081] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A method for operating an engine assembly trolley, the engine assembly trolley comprising a chassis, a tilting device and a track fixedly mounted on the chassis, a horizontal rotating device and an auxiliary support device slidably connected on the track, a positioning mechanism one between the horizontal rotating device and the chassis, a positioning mechanism two between the auxiliary support device and the chassis, the horizontal rotating device being located between the tilting device and the auxiliary support device, forming an assembly station between the tilting device and the auxiliary support device, and a cylinder block adapter tool A, a cylinder block adapter tool B and a cylinder block adapter tool C being mounted on the tilting device; The horizontal rotation device includes a base plate, on which a turntable is rotatably connected via bearings. Several positioning columns are movably connected to the turntable. The positioning columns have a flat state and an upright state. An angular limiting mechanism is provided on the base plate. Several limiting seats are provided on the turntable. The limiting rod of the angular limiting mechanism extends to the top of the turntable. The limiting rod and the corresponding limiting seat are inserted and fixed. Its features are, Includes the following steps: S1. Connect the left cylinder block of the engine to the cylinder block adapter A. The two are positioned by the pin insertion and assembled by the bolts. Hoist the left cylinder block and the cylinder block adapter A together onto the engine assembly trolley. The left cylinder block is assembled with the tilting device through the cylinder block adapter A. Lock the right cylinder block of the engine to the cylinder block adapter A with bolts. The right cylinder block is connected to the left cylinder block to form the engine assembly. At this time, the positioning pins of the horizontal rotating device are in a flat position. S2. Connect the cylinder block adapter tool B with the left and right cylinder blocks. The three are positioned by pin insertion and assembled by bolt locking. Move the auxiliary support device to below the cylinder block adapter tool B. The auxiliary support device supports the cylinder block adapter tool B, so that the front and rear ends of the engine are fixed along the same horizontal axis to facilitate component assembly. At this time, several positioning columns of the horizontal rotation device are in a flat state. S3. When assembling the timing assembly, disassemble the engine assembly and cylinder block adapter A and cylinder block adapter B. Hoist the engine assembly onto the horizontal rotating device. Flip several positioning pins from their flat position to their vertical position. Insert the positioning pins into the support holes of the engine assembly one by one, so that the horizontal rotating device supports the engine assembly. Perform timing assembly on the engine assembly. During the assembly process, rotate the engine assembly at the required installation angle and limit and fix the installation angle through the angular limiting mechanism. After the assembly is completed, fix the cylinder block adapter C onto the timing assembly. S4. Connect the engine assembly with the cylinder block adapter tool A to form a fixed assembly. Flip several positioning columns from the vertical position to the flat position. Move the auxiliary support device to the bottom of the cylinder block adapter tool C. Support the cylinder block adapter tool C with the auxiliary support device so that the two ends of the engine are positioned and assembled along the same horizontal axis. S5. After all assembly steps are completed, the engine assembly will be hoisted off the production line, and the assembly operation will be completed.

2. The method for operating an engine assembly trolley as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A slider is fixed on the bottom surface of the substrate, and the slider is engaged with the track to form a guide connection; the positioning mechanism includes a bushing on the substrate, a pin is inserted through the bushing, and a plurality of positioning holes are provided on the chassis along the outer side of the track. The bottom end of the pin passes through the bushing and is inserted into any positioning hole to form a fixation.

3. The method for operating an engine assembly trolley as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flipping device includes a housing, inside which a servo motor is installed. The motor shaft of the servo motor is driven and connected to a main gear through a right-angle reducer. A central control rotary table is mounted on the housing via a rotating shaft. An auxiliary gear is fixedly sleeved on the outer circumference of the rotating shaft. The main gear and the auxiliary gear are connected by gear meshing.

4. The method for operating an engine assembly trolley as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Several receiving grooves are provided on one side of the housing. Each receiving groove has a U-shaped groove with a top opening and a side opening.

5. The method for operating an engine assembly trolley as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary support device includes a housing, with a through hole on the top plate of the housing. A linear bearing is installed below the through hole, and a guide shaft is slidably connected inside the linear bearing. The upper part of the guide shaft that extends out of the through hole is sleeved with a support spring. A V-shaped frame is fixed to the top of the guide shaft. The V-shaped frame presses against the support spring, and a roller is hinged inside the V-shaped frame. The guide shaft extends out of the bottom end of the linear bearing and is fixedly connected to the stop plate. A limiting shaft is fixed on the bottom surface of the top plate of the housing. An adjusting bolt is threaded onto the limiting shaft, and the adjusting bolt and the stop plate form a limiting block. A sliding strip is fixed on the bottom plate of the housing, and the sliding strip is engaged with the track to form a guide connection; the second positioning mechanism includes a bushing two provided on the bottom plate of the housing, a pin two passing through the bushing two, and a plurality of positioning holes provided on the chassis along the outer side of the track, the bottom end of the pin two passing through the bushing two and inserting into any positioning hole to form a fixation.

6. The method for operating an engine assembly trolley as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder adapter tool A includes a cylindrical frame located in the middle. One end of the cylindrical frame is provided with a cylinder docking plate A, and the other end is provided with a machine docking plate. A gasket is attached to the cylinder docking plate A. A locking bolt passes through the cylinder docking plate A and the gasket. A pin sleeve is provided on the cylinder docking plate A. The cylinder body adapter tool B includes a central shaft located in the middle, a lifting ring is provided on the central shaft, an anti-wear sleeve is sleeved on the outer circumference of the central shaft, a cylinder body docking plate B is provided at one end of the central shaft, an axial clearance measuring docking plate is provided at the other end, and several pull-out bolts are threaded through the cylinder body docking plate B; The cylinder block adapter tool C includes a shaft located in the middle, a lifting ring is provided on the shaft, an anti-wear sleeve is sleeved on the outer periphery of the shaft, a timing cover adapter plate is provided at one end of the shaft, a limiting plate is provided at the other end, and several pull-out bolts are threaded through the timing cover adapter plate.

7. An assembly station, comprising a positioning device and an AGV trolley, characterized in that, It also includes the engine assembly trolley as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the positioning device includes two support seats forming a positioning station between the two support seats, the AGV trolley carries the engine assembly trolley to the positioning station, a fixing mechanism is provided opposite to each other on the two support seats, and a quick-connect mechanism is provided on one of the support seats.

8. The assembly station as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing mechanism includes a positioning telescopic device fixed to the outside of the support base. The positioning telescopic device has a positioning telescopic end facing the positioning station. A straight rod is fixed on the positioning telescopic end. Positioning wheels are hinged to both ends of the straight rod. V-blocks are set on both sides of the chassis. The positioning telescopic device extends the straight rod, and the positioning wheels are embedded in the V-blocks to form a clamping and fixing mechanism.

9. The assembly station as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The quick-connect mechanism includes a quick-connect telescopic device fixed to the outside of the support base. The quick-connect telescopic device has a quick-connect telescopic end facing the positioning station. A quick-connect frame is fixed to the quick-connect telescopic end. The quick-connect frame includes a fixed plate and a movable plate. The quick-connect telescopic end is fixed to the fixed plate. Several buffer rods are fixed to the fixed plate. Guide holes are correspondingly opened on the movable plate. The buffer rods pass through the guide holes to form a sliding connection. Buffer springs are sleeved on the outer periphery of the buffer rods. The buffer springs are sandwiched between the fixed plate and the movable plate. A quick-connect connector is provided on the movable plate. A quick-connect socket is fixed on the chassis. The quick-connect connector is inserted into the quick-connect socket.

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