Multi-vehicle type side wall production assembly and side wall production method

Abstract

The invention provides a multi-vehicle-type side wall production assembly and a side wall production method, and relates to the technical field of vehicle-type side walls, and the multi-vehicle-type side wall production assembly mainly comprises a side wall feeding base table, inserting and pulling clamps corresponding to different target vehicle types one to one, a welding base table and at least one side wall carrying device; the side wall upper part base table comprises a plurality of first supporting areas in one-to-one correspondence with different target vehicle models, and the adjacent first supporting areas are overlapped to form first overlapping areas; any one plugging clamp is detachably mounted in the first overlapping area; the welding base station comprises a plurality of second supporting areas in one-to-one correspondence with different target vehicle types; and the side wall carrying equipment is used for placing the side wall of the target vehicle type on the side wall feeding base table and carrying the side wall from the side wall feeding base table to the welding base table. Through the embodiment provided by the invention, the compatibility of single equipment to the side walls of multiple vehicle types is realized, only the plugging clamp of the corresponding target vehicle type needs to be replaced, and the production efficiency is improved by improving the switching efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle side panel technology, and in particular to a multi-vehicle side panel production component and a side panel production method. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive body-in-white manufacturing process, the side panel is a crucial assembly component, and its manufacturing precision directly affects the overall vehicle's dimensional accuracy, appearance quality, and safety performance. Side panel production typically involves assembling dozens of stamped parts into a complete side panel assembly using welding robots at a welding station.

[0003] Traditional side panel production lines are often designed with insufficient rigidity or flexibility, resulting in significant limitations. Traditional side panel mounting and welding stations are typically dedicated to a single vehicle model. Switching between different models requires replacing the entire massive base, a time-consuming and inefficient process that reduces overall production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application addresses the shortcomings of existing methods by providing a multi-model side panel production component and a side panel production method. This solves the technical problem that existing side panel mounting and welding stations are usually dedicated to a single model, and switching between different models requires replacing the entire large base, which is time-consuming, inefficient, and reduces production efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a multi-model side panel production assembly, which mainly includes a side panel upper component base, insertion and removal fixtures corresponding to different target models, a welding base, and at least one side panel handling device; the side panel upper component base includes a plurality of first support areas corresponding to different target models, and adjacent first support areas overlap to form a first overlapping area; any one of the insertion and removal fixtures is detachably installed in the first overlapping area; the welding base includes a plurality of second support areas corresponding to different target models; the side panel handling device is used to place the side panel of the target model onto the side panel upper component base and to transport the side panel from the side panel upper component base to the welding base.

[0006] As an optional implementation, the side panel base also includes a first base having the first overlapping area and a plurality of first support areas arranged in a straight line; the insertion and removal clamp is mounted on the first overlapping area on the first base via a gun changing disc.

[0007] As an optional implementation, the welding base further includes a second base and a movable clamp; the second base has a plurality of second support areas arranged in a straight line, and adjacent second support areas overlap to form a second overlapping area; the movable clamp has a clamping position for clamping the side panel and a clearance position for avoiding the side panel, the movable clamp is mounted on the second overlapping area of ​​the second base and is movable relative to the second base to move between the clearance position and the clamping position.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the movable clamp includes at least one of a flipping clamp and a lifting clamp; the flipping clamp includes a first drive member and a first clamping arm driven together, the first drive member driving the first clamping arm to flip closer to or further away from the second base to move between a first clearance position and a first clamping position; the lifting clamp includes a second drive member and a second clamping arm driven together, the second drive member driving the second clamping arm to extend or retract relative to the second base to move between a second clearance position and a second clamping position.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the side panel handling equipment includes: a multi-joint robot, multiple handling frames corresponding to different target vehicle models, and multiple handling grippers fixed to the handling frames; the multi-joint robot is connected to one of the handling frames; the multiple handling grippers on one of the handling frames form multiple gripper groups corresponding to different target vehicle models, the multiple gripper groups are arranged sequentially along the straight line arrangement direction of the multiple handling grippers, and adjacent two gripper groups have shared handling grippers.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the multi-model side panel production assembly further includes at least one placement rack disposed on one side of the side panel upper component base for storing a transport rack for side panel transport equipment.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a side panel production method, which is applied to a multi-model side panel production assembly as described in any of the foregoing embodiments. The side panel production method includes: obtaining a target model to be produced; determining a first target insertion / removal fixture, a first target first overlapping area, and a first target support area corresponding to the target model to be produced, based on the correspondence between the model, the insertion / removal fixture, the first overlapping area, and the first support area, and the target model to be produced; installing the first target insertion / removal fixture on the first target first overlapping area of ​​the side panel upper component base; controlling a side panel transport device to transport the side panel of the target model to be produced to the first target support area in response to a first side panel transport command; determining a first target second support area corresponding to the target model to be produced based on the correspondence between the model and the second support area, and the target model to be produced in response to a second side panel transport command; and controlling the side panel transport device to transport the side panel of the target model to be produced on the side panel upper component base to the first target second support area of ​​the welding base.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the multi-model side panel production assembly further includes a first robot and a fixture bracket; the first robot is used to transport, disassemble, and install plug-in fixtures; the fixture bracket is disposed on one side of the side panel upper part base and is used to place the plug-in fixtures; the method further includes: in response to a model switching command, obtaining the target model to be switched; determining a second target plug-in fixture, a second target first overlapping area, and a second target support area corresponding to the target model to be switched, based on the correspondence between the model, the plug-in fixture, the first overlapping area, and the first support area, and the target model to be switched; controlling the first robot to grasp the first target plug-in fixture within the first target first overlapping area and install it on the fixture bracket; controlling the first robot to grasp the second target plug-in fixture on the fixture bracket and install it on the second target first overlapping area; in response to a third side panel transport command, determining a second target second support area corresponding to the target model to be switched, based on the correspondence between the model and the second support area, and the target model to be switched; controlling the side panel transport equipment to transport the side panel of the target model to be switched to the second target second support area of ​​the welding base.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the welding base includes a second base having a plurality of second support areas arranged in a straight line, with adjacent second support areas overlapping to form a second overlapping area; the multi-model side panel production assembly further includes a flipping fixture and a lifting fixture installed in the second overlapping area; before controlling the side panel transport equipment to transport the side panel of the target model to be switched to the second target second support area of ​​the welding base, the method further includes: determining the flipping fixture target state and the lifting fixture target state corresponding to the target model to be produced based on the correspondence between the model, the flipping fixture state, and the lifting fixture state, and the target model to be produced; wherein, the flipping fixture target state is away from the target model. The first clamping position of the second base, or the first clearance position close to the second base; the target state of the lifting clamp is the second clamping position extending from the second base, or the second clearance position retracting relative to the second base; when the target state of the flipping clamp is the first clamping position, the target state of the lifting clamp is the second clearance position; when the target state of the flipping clamp is the first clearance position, the target state of the lifting clamp is the second clamping position; based on the determined target state of the flipping clamp and the target state of the lifting clamp, the flipping clamp corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced is controlled to be in the flipping clamp target state, and the lifting clamp corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced is controlled to be in the lifting clamp target state.

[0014] As an optional implementation, the multi-model side panel production assembly further includes at least one placement rack and a side panel transport device; the placement rack is disposed on one side of the side panel upper component base and is used to place the transport rack of the side panel transport device. The side panel transport device includes a detachably connected multi-joint robot and multiple transport racks corresponding to different target models; before controlling the side panel transport device to transport the side panel of the target model to be switched to the second target second support area of ​​the welding base, the method further includes: determining the placement positions of a first target transport rack and a first target placement rack corresponding to the target model to be produced according to the correspondence between the model, transport rack, and placement rack positions; controlling the multi-joint robot to move to the first target placement rack placement position and connect with the first target transport rack; responding to a transport rack replacement command, controlling the multi-joint robot to connect and place the first target transport rack at the first target placement rack placement position; determining the placement positions of a second target transport rack and a second target placement rack corresponding to the target model to be produced according to the correspondence between the model, transport rack, and placement rack positions; controlling the multi-joint robot to move to the second target placement rack placement position and connect with the second target transport rack.

[0015] This application provides a side panel production component and a side panel production method for multiple vehicle models. The technical solution provided by the embodiments of this application brings at least the following beneficial effects: Each first support area can accommodate the side panel of the corresponding vehicle model. By setting a shared overlapping area between two adjacent first support areas, and detachably installing the plug-in fixture of the target vehicle model in this overlapping area, the compatibility of a single device with side panels of multiple vehicle models is achieved. Only the plug-in fixture of the corresponding target vehicle model needs to be replaced, thereby improving production efficiency by increasing switching efficiency.

[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a side panel upper base for placing a side panel of a first model or a side panel of a second model in a multi-model side panel production assembly provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a fixture for mounting a second type of vehicle on a side panel upper base in a multi-vehicle side panel production assembly provided in this application embodiment; Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a side panel upper component base in a multi-model side panel production assembly. Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a fixture for mounting a first model on a side panel upper base in a multi-model side panel production assembly provided in this application embodiment; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing a welding base for placing the side panel of a first model or the side panel of a second model in a multi-model side panel production assembly provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating a side panel handling device in a multi-model side panel production assembly provided in this application, which grips the side panel of a first model or the side panel of a second model. Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the placement of a plug-in fixture in a clamp bracket within a multi-model side panel production assembly, provided as an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a placement rack in a multi-model side panel production assembly provided in this application embodiment; Figure 9 A schematic flowchart of a side panel production method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 A schematic flowchart of a side panel production method provided for another embodiment of this application; Figure 11 A schematic flowchart of a side panel production method provided in another embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a side panel production method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure labels and corresponding explanations: 1: Side panel upper base; 11: First support area; 12: First overlapping area; 13: First base; 2: Insertion and removal clamp; 21: Clamp for the first vehicle type; 22: Clamp for the second vehicle type; 3: Welding base; 31: Second support area; 32: Second base; 33: Second overlapping area; 4: Side-mounted handling equipment; 41: Handling frame; 42: Handling gripper; 5: Fixture bracket; 6: Storage rack; X: The side panel of the first type of vehicle; Y: Side profile of the second type of vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This application is described in detail below. Examples of embodiments of this application are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of known technologies that are unnecessary for the features of this application are omitted. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term “comprising” as used in the specification of this application means the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term “and / or” as used includes all or any units and all combinations thereof of one or more associated listed items.

[0021] First, let's introduce and explain several terms used in this application: Side panel: A large sheet metal component on the side of a car body, including complex structures such as the A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, D-pillar, and door and window frames.

[0022] Welding gun changer: An automated quick-change device that allows robots or equipment to automatically change different end effectors, such as welding guns, grippers, and clamps, within seconds.

[0023] like Figure 1-6As shown, this application embodiment provides a multi-model side panel production assembly, which mainly includes a side panel upper base 1, insertion and removal clamps 2 corresponding to different target models, a welding base 3, and at least one side panel handling device 4; the side panel upper base 1 includes a plurality of first support areas 11 corresponding to different target models, and adjacent first support areas 11 overlap to form a first overlapping area 12; any insertion and removal clamp 2 can be detachably installed in the first overlapping area 12; the welding base 3 includes a plurality of second support areas 31 corresponding to different target models; the side panel handling device 4 is used to place the side panel of the target model onto the side panel upper base 1 and to transport the side panel from the side panel upper base 1 to the welding base 3.

[0024] In this embodiment, the target vehicle model is the vehicle model to be manufactured. The side panel upper base 1 is used to place the side panel to be processed, and the side panel to be processed is placed in the corresponding first support area 11. In some embodiments, the side panel upper base 1 has two first support areas 11, so the side panel upper base 1 can only support one side panel, but can support side panels of two different vehicle models. In other embodiments, the side panel upper base 1 has three first support areas 11, so the side panel upper base 1 can support a maximum of two side panels, that is, two side panels are placed in two first support areas 11 that are far apart, but can support side panels of three different vehicle models. If the side panel upper base 1 has more first support areas 11, it can support more side panels at the same time, and can support more types of side panels of different vehicle models.

[0025] Only one plug-in clamp 2 can be installed in the first overlapping area 12. The plug-in clamp 2 is detachably connected to the side panel upper base 1 by plugging in. If a side panel of a certain model needs to be placed, the corresponding plug-in clamp 2 can be installed in advance.

[0026] The welding base 3 is used to support the side panel of the target vehicle model, facilitating subsequent welding processing. The welding base 3 is similar to the side panel upper component base 1. In some embodiments, the welding base 3 has two second support areas 31, meaning it can only support one side panel, but can support side panels of two different vehicle models. In other embodiments, the welding base 3 has three second support areas 31, meaning the side panel upper component base 1 can support a maximum of two side panels, i.e., two side panels placed in two relatively far-apart second support areas 31, but can still support side panels of three different vehicle models. If the welding base 3 has more second support areas 31, it can support more side panels simultaneously, and can support a wider variety of different vehicle model side panels.

[0027] Figure 1 The superimposed schematic diagram shows the state in which the side panel upper base 1 can hold the side panel X of the first type of vehicle or the side panel Y of the second type of vehicle, respectively, and the positional difference between the side panel X of the first type of vehicle and the side panel Y of the second type of vehicle can be seen.

[0028] Figure 5 The image shows the welding base 3 with the side panel X of the first model and the side panel Y of the second model placed on it. It can be seen that the positions of the side panel X of the first model and the side panel Y of the second model are different.

[0029] Figure 6 The image simultaneously shows the side panel transport device 4 placed on the side panel X of the first vehicle type and the side panel Y of the second vehicle type, and it can be seen that the positions of the side panel X of the first vehicle type and the side panel Y of the second vehicle type are different.

[0030] Each first support area 11 can hold the side panel of the corresponding vehicle model; each second support area 31 can hold the side panel of the corresponding vehicle model; by overlapping adjacent first support areas 11 to form a shared first overlapping area 12, and by detachably installing the plug-in clamp 2 of the target vehicle model in the first overlapping area 12, the compatibility of a single device with side panels of multiple vehicle models is met by changing the clamps to adapt to different vehicle models, thus realizing the co-production of multiple vehicle models; by improving the switching efficiency, vehicle models can be quickly switched, shortening the production changeover time and improving production efficiency.

[0031] like Figure 1-4 As shown, as an optional implementation, the side panel base 1 further includes a first base 13, which has a first overlapping area 12 and a plurality of first support areas 11 arranged in a straight line; the insertion and removal clamp 2 is mounted on the first overlapping area 12 on the first base 13 via the gun changing disc.

[0032] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the first base 13 is rectangular, and multiple first support areas 11 are arranged linearly along the length of the first base 13. This is the most compact and space-saving layout, which greatly reduces the overall footprint of the equipment and improves the space utilization of the production site. The linear arrangement of the multiple first support areas 11 allows for the natural creation of a first overlapping area 12 between adjacent areas. If the multiple first support areas 11 are scattered or staggered, a shared area cannot be formed, requiring each vehicle model to still be equipped with an independent clamp and side panel upper base 1. The plug-in clamp 2 is detachably installed on the first base 13 via a tool changer, enabling quick disassembly and installation of the clamp and improving replacement efficiency.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the insertion / removal clamp 2 mainly comprises two parts: a clamping part and a gun-changing disc. The clamping part is used to clamp the A-pillar or D-pillar of the side panel. One of the gun-changing disc and the side panel upper base 1 has a male plug and the other has a female plug; the gun-changing disc and the side panel upper base 1 are connected by plugging in the male and female plugs; the insertion / removal clamp 2 and the side panel upper base 1 are separated by moving the gun-changing disc.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the welding base 3 further includes a second base 32 and a movable clamp; the second base 32 has a plurality of second support regions 31 arranged in a straight line, and adjacent second support regions 31 overlap to form a second overlapping region 33; the movable clamp has a clamping position for clamping the side panel and a clearance position for avoiding the side panel, and the movable clamp is installed in the second overlapping region 33 of the second base 32 and can move relative to the second base 32 to move between the clearance position and the clamping position.

[0035] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the second base 32 is rectangular, and multiple second support areas 31 are arranged linearly along the length of the second base 32. This is the most compact and space-saving layout, which greatly reduces the overall footprint of the equipment and improves the space utilization of the production site. The linear arrangement of the multiple second support areas 31 allows for the natural creation of a second overlapping area 33 between adjacent areas. If the multiple second support areas 31 are scattered or staggered, a shared area cannot be formed, requiring each vehicle model to still be equipped with an independent welding base 3.

[0036] The movable clamp is installed in the second overlapping area 33 and can move relative to the second base 32, switching between a clearance position and a clamping position. In the non-working state, the movable clamp moves to the clearance position to avoid interfering with other operations; in the working state, the movable clamp moves to the clamping position to perform the clamping function. This improves the versatility and space utilization of the welding base 3. The movable clamp avoids interference with the side panels or other equipment, ensuring the stability and safety of the welding process. Simultaneously, it supports clamping for multiple vehicle models, reducing the number of dedicated clamps and lowering costs.

[0037] As an optional implementation, the movable clamp includes at least one of a flipping clamp and a lifting clamp; the flipping clamp includes a first drive member and a first clamping arm driven together, the first drive member driving the first clamping arm to flip closer to or further away from the second base 32 to move between a first clearance position and a first clamping position; the lifting clamp includes a second drive member and a second clamping arm driven together, the second drive member driving the second clamping arm to extend or retract relative to the second base 32 to move between a second clearance position and a second clamping position.

[0038] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the first clamping arm is rotatably connected to the second base 32 via a rotating shaft. The first driving component is typically a servo motor or a rotary cylinder. The first driving component drives the first clamping arm to rotate to a first clearance position close to the second base 32, leaving unobstructed space for loading, unloading, or handling of the side panel. The first driving component also drives the first clamping arm to rotate to a first clamping position away from the second base 32. A clamp, such as a pressure block, is installed at the end of the first clamping arm to perform "clamping" and "releasing" actions to clamp or release the side panel. Simultaneously, the clamped side panel can be rotated at a certain angle to adjust its position for multi-angle welding.

[0039] In some embodiments, the flipping fixture further includes a position sensor mounted on the first clamping arm for detecting whether the flipping angle is in place.

[0040] The second drive unit is typically a servo motor or a rotary cylinder. The second drive unit drives the second clamping arm to move linearly up and down. The second drive unit also drives the second clamping arm to descend to a second clearance position, creating unobstructed space for loading, unloading, or handling the side panel. The second drive unit then drives the second clamping arm to rise to a second clamping position, causing the second clamping arm to protrude from the second base 32. A clamp, such as a pressure block, is installed at the end of the second clamping arm to perform "clamping" and "releasing" actions to clamp or release the side panel.

[0041] In some embodiments, the lifting clamp further includes a position sensor mounted on the second clamping arm for detecting whether the movement has reached the correct position.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, as an optional implementation, the side panel handling device 4 includes: a multi-joint robot, multiple handling frames 41 corresponding to different target vehicle models, and multiple handling grippers 42 fixed to the handling frames 41; the multi-joint robot is connected to a handling frame 41; the multiple handling grippers 42 on a handling frame 41 form multiple gripper groups corresponding to different target vehicle models, the multiple gripper groups are arranged sequentially along the straight line arrangement direction of the multiple handling grippers 42, and adjacent gripper groups have shared handling grippers 42.

[0043] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the multi-joint robot is a common form of industrial robot, mimicking the structure of a human arm. It typically consists of 1-6 joint axes, divided into a lower arm (1-2 axes) and an upper arm (3-6 axes), possessing rotational and slewing degrees of freedom. A single transport frame 41 can only handle a limited number of side panel types. To meet the transport needs of different types of side panels, multiple transport frames 41 capable of handling different types of side panels can be prepared. When a specific type of side panel needs to be transported, the transport frame 41 connected to the multi-joint robot can be replaced. The multi-joint robot can quickly switch gripper groups to adapt to different vehicle models, reducing changeover time. By sharing transport grippers, the number of grippers is reduced, lowering the complexity and cost of the transport frame 41.

[0044] like Figure 8 As shown, as an optional implementation, the multi-model side panel production assembly also includes at least one placement rack 6, which is disposed on one side of the side panel upper component base 1 and is used to store the transport rack 41 of the side panel transport equipment 4.

[0045] Using the above solution, the placement rack 6 is used to store the transport rack 41 that is to be used or not yet used, which facilitates access for multi-joint robots and operators, and avoids on-site chaos, safety hazards and damage to the transport rack 41 caused by random placement.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, if it is necessary to move the side panel X of the first type of vehicle, then the transport frame 41 capable of moving the side panel X of the first type of vehicle needs to be replaced; if it is necessary to move the side panel Y of the second type of vehicle, then the transport frame 41 capable of moving the side panel Y of the second type of vehicle needs to be replaced. That is, only the transport frame 41 needs to be replaced to adapt to moving the side panels of different target vehicle models.

[0047] like Figure 9 As shown, based on the same inventive concept, this application provides a side panel production method, which is applied to the production of multi-model side panel components in any of the foregoing embodiments; the side panel production method includes steps S1-S6: Step S1: Obtain the target vehicle model to be produced; Step S2: Based on the correspondence between the vehicle model, the insertion and removal fixture, the first overlapping area, and the first support area, and the target vehicle model to be produced, determine the first target insertion and removal fixture, the first target first overlapping area, and the first target support area corresponding to the vehicle model to be produced; Step S3: Install the first target insertion and removal clamp on the first target first overlap area of ​​the side panel upper base 1; Step S4: In response to the first side panel transport command, control the side panel transport equipment 4 to transport the side panel of the target vehicle model to be produced to the first target support area; Step S5: In response to the second side panel handling command, determine the first target second support area corresponding to the target model to be produced based on the correspondence between the vehicle model and the second support area 31, and the target vehicle model to be produced; Step S6: Control the side panel transport equipment 4 to transport the side panel of the target vehicle model to be produced on the side panel upper part base 1 to the first target second support area of ​​the welding base 3.

[0048] Based on the foregoing embodiments, in this embodiment, steps S1-S6 are mainly divided into three stages.

[0049] First, the vehicle model recognition and target positioning stage. Workers can input the current production task instruction through the controller, specifying the target vehicle model to be produced. The controller is typically a touchscreen or an operation panel with physical buttons installed next to the equipment, and it is signal-connected to the control system. The controller is the signal input terminal of the control system (e.g., it may include a programmable logic controller (PLC), an industrial computer, a communication module, and a storage unit). The control system obtains the target vehicle model information through the controller and, based on this information, queries a pre-stored database of "vehicle model – insertion / removal fixture – first overlapping area – first support area" to determine the first target insertion / removal fixture, the first target first overlapping area, and the first target support area corresponding to the target vehicle model. This pre-stored database is pre-input by the worker and stored in the control system's storage unit, including the correspondence between different vehicle models and insertion / removal fixtures, first overlapping areas, and first support areas.

[0050] Second, the preparation stage of the upper part base. The robot installs the first target insertion and removal fixture onto the first target first overlapping area of ​​the side upper part base 1.

[0051] Third, the side panel mounting and transport execution stage. This stage consists of two transport operations. The first transport operation involves inputting the first side panel transport command via the controller. The control system issues the first side panel transport command to the transport equipment 4. According to the pre-set program, the transport equipment 4 picks up the side panel of the target vehicle model to be produced from the material area and precisely places it on the first target support area of ​​the side panel mounting base 1. For the second transport operation, the second side panel transport command can be input via the controller. The control system again determines the first target second support area on the welding base 3 corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced, based on the pre-stored database. Subsequently, the control system issues the second side panel transport command to the transport equipment 4, which then transfers the side panel from the side panel mounting base 1 to the first target second support area of ​​the welding base 3, ready for welding.

[0052] The entire process, from issuing control commands to material handling and positioning, requires no manual intervention, significantly improving the level of production automation. It avoids errors caused by mismatch between vehicle models and support areas or fixtures, ensuring that each side panel is processed in a preset, precise position, greatly improving product welding quality, and making the production cycle more compact and efficient.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, as an optional implementation, the multi-model side panel production assembly also includes a first robot and a fixture bracket 5; the first robot is used to transport, disassemble and install the insertion and removal fixture 2; the fixture bracket 5 is disposed on one side of the side panel upper part base 1 and is used to place the insertion and removal fixture 2. like Figure 10 As shown, the side panel production method further includes steps S10-S60: Step S10: In response to the vehicle model switching command, obtain the target vehicle model to be switched to; Step S20: Based on the correspondence between the vehicle model, the plug-in fixture, the first overlapping area and the first support area, and the target vehicle model to be switched, determine the second target plug-in fixture, the first overlapping area of ​​the second target and the second support area corresponding to the target vehicle model to be switched; Step S30: Control the first robot to grasp the first target insertion and removal fixture within the first overlapping area of ​​the first target and install it on the fixture bracket 5; Step S40: Control the first robot to grasp the second target insertion and removal gripper on the gripper bracket 5 and install it in the first overlapping area of ​​the second target; Step S50: In response to the third side panel handling command, determine the second target second support area corresponding to the target model to be switched, based on the correspondence between the vehicle model and the second support area 31 and the target vehicle model to be switched. Step S60: Control the side panel transport equipment 4 to transport the side panel of the target vehicle model to be switched to the second target second support area of ​​the welding base 3.

[0054] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, this embodiment addresses the scenario of vehicle model switching during the production process. The operator inputs a vehicle model switching command into the controller. Upon receiving the command, the control system obtains the target vehicle model to be switched to and queries the pre-stored database of "Vehicle Model - Insertion / Removal Fixture - First Overlapping Area - First Support Area" for the corresponding second target insertion / removal fixture, the first overlapping area of ​​the second target, and the second support area of ​​the second target. Then, the old fixture is disassembled and the new fixture is installed. The installation of the new fixture is confirmed by a feedback signal detected by a positioning sensor installed on the insertion / removal fixture and / or the first base. The positioning sensor (e.g., a photoelectric sensor, a proximity switch, or an electrical connection detection signal from the gun-changing disc) converts the physical state of "installation in place" into an electrical signal, which is fed back to the control system, thus confirming the installation.

[0055] When production of a new vehicle model begins, the control system queries the pre-stored "vehicle model - second support area" correspondence based on the target vehicle model to be switched, determines the second target second support area, and issues a side panel transport command. After receiving the command, the side panel transport equipment transports the side panel of the target vehicle model to be switched to the welding base 3 for welding. The pre-stored database is pre-input by the staff and stored in the control system's storage unit, including the correspondence between different vehicle models and insertion / removal fixtures, the first overlapping area, and the first support area.

[0056] By adopting the above technical solution, the vehicle model changeover time is significantly shortened, the downtime during changeover is reduced, and production efficiency is directly improved. In addition, the entire changeover process is completed by robots, eliminating the need for technicians to enter the production area for manual replacement and debugging, thus improving safety.

[0057] As an optional implementation, the welding base 3 includes a second base 32 having a plurality of second support regions 31 arranged in a straight line, with adjacent second support regions 31 overlapping to form a second overlapping region 33; the multi-model side panel production assembly also includes a flipping fixture and a lifting fixture mounted on the second overlapping region 33.

[0058] like Figure 11 As shown, before the side panel transport device 4 transports the side panel of the target vehicle model to be switched to the second target second support area of ​​the welding base 3, the side panel production method further includes steps S100-S200: Step S100: Based on the correspondence between the vehicle model, the state of the tilting fixture, and the state of the lifting fixture, and the target vehicle model to be produced, determine the target state of the tilting fixture and the target state of the lifting fixture corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced. Step S200: Based on the determined target states of the flipping fixture and the lifting fixture, control the flipping fixture corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced to be in the flipping fixture target state, and control the lifting fixture corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced to be in the lifting fixture target state.

[0059] Based on the foregoing embodiments, in this embodiment, the target state of the flipping fixture in the aforementioned step S100 includes a first clamping position away from the second base 32, or a first clearance position close to the second base 32; the target state of the lifting fixture includes a second clamping position extending out of the second base 32, or a second clearance position retracting relative to the second base 32; when the target state of the flipping fixture is the first clamping position, the target state of the lifting fixture is the second clearance position; when the target state of the flipping fixture is the first clearance position, the target state of the lifting fixture is the second clamping position; that is, in this embodiment, when the flipping fixture is in the first clamping position, it fixes a side panel of a target vehicle model to be produced, therefore, the lifting fixture needs to clearance; when the lifting fixture is in the second clamping position, it fixes a side panel of another target vehicle model to be produced, therefore, the flipping fixture needs to clearance.

[0060] The control system acquires the target vehicle model information through the controller. Based on this information, it queries a pre-stored database of "vehicle model - tilting fixture status - lifting fixture status" to determine the target tilting fixture status and lifting fixture status corresponding to the target vehicle model. This pre-stored database is pre-input by the staff and stored in the control system's storage unit, and includes the correspondence between different vehicle models and their corresponding tilting fixture and lifting fixture statuses.

[0061] The actions of the flipping fixture and the lifting fixture in the aforementioned step S200 must be prepared in advance according to the target vehicle model to be produced, before the side panel is placed on the welding base by the transport equipment. In addition, the correspondence between vehicle model, flipping fixture state and lifting fixture state not only relates to vehicle model and fixture, but also defines the specific fixture form required for each vehicle model.

[0062] For example, the control system determines the next vehicle model Q to be produced. It queries the database and learns that welding vehicle model Q requires the lifting fixture to rise to the "clamping position" and the tilting fixture to retract to the "avoidance position." The control system immediately sends drive commands to the lifting and tilting fixtures on the welding platform. The fixtures begin to move. All relevant fixtures move into position (sensors installed on the relevant fixtures feed back "in position" signals to the control system). At this point, the welding platform has prepared the correct support and clamping environment for the side panel of vehicle model Q.

[0063] For example, during vehicle model switching, the control system, based on the pre-stored correspondence between the vehicle model, the state of the tilting fixture, and the state of the lifting fixture, controls the tilting fixture and the lifting fixture to change their spatial configuration, thereby automatically switching to the clamping state required for the target vehicle model. For instance, when switching from vehicle model W to vehicle model E, the timing is exactly the same. Before transporting the side panel of vehicle model E, the control system first commands the fixtures on the welding base to change their state (e.g., the lifting fixture lowers to the "avoidance position," and the tilting fixture flips up to the "clamping position"). Only after the fixtures are reconfigured in place is the transport equipment allowed to place the side panel of vehicle model E.

[0064] The above solution eliminates the need to design separate welding fixtures for each vehicle model. The fixtures on welding base 3 are not static but can change shape according to the product. Providing customized clamping solutions for each vehicle model ensures the stability of the side panel during welding, minimizes welding deformation and stress, and improves vehicle body precision.

[0065] As an optional implementation, the multi-model side panel production assembly also includes at least one placement rack 6 and a side panel transport device 4; the placement rack 6 is disposed on one side of the side panel upper part base 1, and the transport rack 41 for placing the side panel transport device 4 includes a detachably connected multi-joint robot and multiple transport racks 41 corresponding to different target models; like Figure 12 As shown, before the side panel transport device 4 transports the side panel of the target vehicle model to be switched to the second target second support area of ​​the welding base 3, the side panel production method further includes steps S1000-S5000: Step S1000: Based on the correspondence between the vehicle model, the transport rack 41 and the placement rack, determine the placement positions of the first target transport rack and the first target placement rack corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced; Step S2000: Control the multi-joint robot to move to the first target placement frame position and connect it to the first target transport frame; Step S3000: In response to the transport rack replacement command, control the multi-joint robot to connect and place the first target transport rack at the first target placement rack placement position; Step S4000: Based on the correspondence between the vehicle model, the transport rack 41, and the placement rack, determine the placement positions of the second target transport rack and the second target placement rack corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced; Step S5000: Control the multi-joint robot to move to the second target placement position and connect it to the second target transport frame.

[0066] Steps S1000-S7000 describe how the side panel transport equipment 4 automatically changes the end transport frame 41 to meet the needs of transporting side panels of different car models. This embodiment includes the initial configuration of the transport frame 41 and the subsequent replacement of the transport frame 41. In the initial configuration stage of the transport frame, the control system obtains the information of the target car model to be produced, and then determines the corresponding first target transport frame and its placement position on the placement frame 6 according to the pre-stored "car model - transport frame - placement position" relationship database. The control system controls the multi-joint robot to move to this position and connects to the first target transport frame through a quick interface such as a gun changing plate; wherein, the pre-stored database is pre-input by the staff and stored in the storage unit of the control system, including the correspondence between different car models and transport frames 41, and placement positions of the placement frames.

[0067] When the production plan changes, the control system receives a transfer rack replacement instruction and obtains information about the target vehicle model to be produced. It then unloads the current transfer rack. The control system controls the multi-joint robot to return the currently used first target transfer rack to its original position and disconnect it. The control system then determines a new second target transfer rack and its corresponding second target placement position based on the target vehicle model to be produced. The control system controls the multi-joint robot to move to this new position and connect to the second target transfer rack. This allows the multi-joint robot to quickly change between different transfer racks, increasing the application range of a single robot and improving the flexibility of the production line. Simultaneously, it reduces human error, improving overall production efficiency and equipment adaptability.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that the steps, measures, and solutions in the various operations, methods, and processes discussed in this application can be alternated, modified, combined, or deleted. Furthermore, other steps, measures, and solutions in the various operations, methods, and processes discussed in this application can also be alternated, modified, rearranged, decomposed, combined, or deleted. Furthermore, steps, measures, and solutions in the prior art that are similar to those disclosed in this application can also be alternated, modified, rearranged, decomposed, combined, or deleted.

[0069] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0070] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0071] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0072] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0073] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying figures may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0074] The above description is only a partial embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-model side panel production component, characterized in that, include: The side panel upper base (1) includes multiple first support areas (11) corresponding to different target models, and adjacent first support areas (11) overlap to form a first overlapping area (12). Each of the plug-in clamps (2) is corresponding to a different target vehicle model and can be detachably installed in the first overlapping area (12). The welding base (3) includes multiple second support areas (31) that correspond one-to-one with different target models. Side panel transport equipment (4) is used to place the side panel of the target vehicle model onto the side panel upper base (1) and transport the side panel from the side panel upper base (1) to the welding base (3).

2. The multi-model side panel production assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side panel upper base (1) also includes: The first base (13) has the first overlapping area (12) and a plurality of the first support areas (11) arranged in a straight line. The insertion and removal clamp (2) is mounted on the first overlapping area (12) of the first base (13) via a gun-changing disc.

3. The multi-model side panel production assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding base (3) also includes: The second base (32) has a plurality of second support regions (31) arranged in a straight line, and adjacent second support regions (31) overlap to form a second overlapping region (33). A movable clamp having a clamping position for clamping a side panel and a clearance position for avoiding the side panel, the movable clamp being mounted on a second overlapping area (33) of the second base (32) and movable relative to the second base (32) to move between the clearance position and the clamping position.

4. The multi-model side panel production assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movable clamp includes at least one of a tilting clamp and a lifting clamp; The flipping fixture includes a first driving member and a first clamping arm connected by a drive. The first driving member drives the first clamping arm to flip closer to or further away from the second base (32) to move between a first clearance position and a first clamping position. The lifting clamp includes a second driving member and a second clamping arm connected by a drive. The second driving member drives the second clamping arm to extend or retract relative to the second base (32) to move between a second clearance position and a second clamping position.

5. The multi-model side panel production assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side panel handling equipment (4) includes: a multi-joint robot, multiple handling frames (41) corresponding to different target vehicle models, and multiple handling grippers (42) fixed to the handling frames (41). The multi-joint robot is connected to one of the transport frames (41); Multiple handling grippers (42) on a handling rack (41) form multiple gripper groups corresponding to different target vehicle models. The multiple gripper groups are arranged sequentially along the straight line direction of the multiple handling grippers (42), and adjacent gripper groups have shared handling grippers (42).

6. The multi-model side panel production assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: At least one placement rack (6) is provided on one side of the side panel upper base (1) for storing the transport rack (41) of the side panel transport equipment (4).

7. A side panel production method, characterized in that, The side panel production method, applied to a multi-model side panel production assembly as described in any one of claims 1-6, comprises: Obtain the target vehicle model to be produced; Based on the correspondence between the vehicle model, the insertion and removal fixture, the first overlapping area and the first support area, and the target vehicle model to be produced, determine the first target insertion and removal fixture, the first target first overlapping area and the first target support area corresponding to the vehicle model to be produced; The first target insertion and removal clamp is installed on the first target first overlap area of ​​the side panel upper part base (1); In response to the first side panel transport command, the side panel transport equipment (4) is controlled to transport the side panel of the target vehicle model to be produced to the first target support area; In response to the second side panel transport command, based on the correspondence between the vehicle model and the second support area (31) and the target vehicle model to be produced, a first target second support area corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced is determined; The control side panel transport equipment (4) transports the side panel of the target model to be produced on the side panel upper part base (1) to the first target second support area of ​​the welding base (3).

8. The side panel production method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The multi-model side panel production assembly also includes a first robot and a fixture bracket (5); the first robot is used to transport, disassemble, and install the insertion and removal fixture (2); the fixture bracket (5) is disposed on one side of the side panel upper part base (1) and is used to place the insertion and removal fixture (2); the method further includes: In response to a vehicle model switching command, obtain the target vehicle model to be switched to; Based on the correspondence between the vehicle model, the plug-in clamp, the first overlapping area and the first support area, and the target vehicle model to be switched, determine the second target plug-in clamp, the second target first overlapping area and the second target support area corresponding to the target vehicle model to be switched. Control the first robot to grasp the first target insertion and removal fixture within the first overlapping area of ​​the first target and install it on the fixture bracket (5); Control the first robot to grasp the second target insertion and removal clamp on the clamp bracket (5) and install it in the first overlapping area of ​​the second target; In response to the third side panel transport command, based on the correspondence between the vehicle model and the second support area (31) and the target vehicle model to be switched, the second target second support area corresponding to the target vehicle model to be switched is determined; The control side panel transport equipment (4) transports the side panel of the target vehicle model to be switched to the second target second support area of ​​the welding base (3).

9. The side panel production method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The welding base (3) includes a second base (32) having a plurality of second support areas (31) arranged in a straight line, with adjacent second support areas (31) overlapping to form a second overlapping area (33); the multi-model side panel production assembly also includes a flipping fixture and a lifting fixture installed in the second overlapping area (33); Before the side panel transport device (4) transports the side panel of the target vehicle model to be switched to the second target second support area of ​​the welding base (3), the method further includes: Based on the correspondence between the vehicle model, the state of the flipping fixture, and the state of the lifting fixture, and the target vehicle model to be produced, determine the target state of the flipping fixture and the target state of the lifting fixture corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced; wherein, the target state of the flipping fixture is a first clamping position away from the second base (32), or a first clearance position close to the second base (32); the target state of the lifting fixture is a second clamping position extending out of the second base (32), or a second clearance position retracting relative to the second base (32); when the target state of the flipping fixture is the first clamping position, the target state of the lifting fixture is the second clearance position; when the target state of the flipping fixture is the first clearance position, the target state of the lifting fixture is the second clamping position; Based on the determined target states of the flipping fixture and the lifting fixture, the flipping fixture corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced is controlled to be in the flipping fixture target state, and the lifting fixture corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced is controlled to be in the lifting fixture target state.

10. The side panel production method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The multi-model side panel production assembly also includes at least one placement rack (6) and a side panel transport device (4); the placement rack (6) is located on one side of the side panel upper part base (1) and is used to place the transport rack (41) of the side panel transport device (4). The side panel transport device (4) includes a detachably connected multi-joint robot and multiple transport racks (41) corresponding to different target models. Before the side panel transport device (4) transports the side panel of the target vehicle model to be switched to the second target second support area of ​​the welding base (3), the method further includes: Based on the vehicle model, the corresponding relationship between the placement positions of the transport rack (41) and the placement rack is determined, and the placement positions of the first target transport rack and the first target placement rack corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced are determined. Control the multi-joint robot to move to the placement position of the first target placement rack and connect it to the first target transport rack; In response to the transport rack replacement command, the multi-joint robot is controlled to connect and place the first target transport rack at the first target placement rack placement position; Based on the vehicle model, the corresponding relationship between the placement positions of the transport rack (41) and the placement rack is determined, and the placement positions of the second target transport rack and the second target placement rack corresponding to the target vehicle model to be produced are determined. Control the multi-joint robot to move to the placement position of the second target placement rack and connect it to the second target transport rack.

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