Flexible intelligent assembly system and assembly method for automobile chassis front module

Abstract

The present application relates to a flexible intelligent assembly system and method for a front module of an automobile chassis, which comprises a truss, a hoisting area, a steering gear mounting area, a stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area, an auxiliary part mounting area and a detection area arranged in sequence along the length direction of the truss; further comprising a plurality of AGV transport vehicles arranged along the length direction of the truss, and a clamping jig for supporting the front subframe of the automobile is arranged on the AGV transport vehicle. The front subframe is driven by the AGV transport vehicle to enter the hoisting area, the steering gear mounting area, the stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area, the auxiliary part mounting area and the detection area, and the subframe is assembled without manual or hoist handling, thereby improving the assembly efficiency, and the stabilizer bar and connecting rod are assembled in the stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area without separately setting up an assembly line to cooperate with the production line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts manufacturing, specifically to a flexible intelligent assembly system and assembly method for the front module of an automotive chassis. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the continuous increase in automobile sales, the requirements for the production efficiency of OEMs' final assembly plants have been constantly increasing. Different automotive modules need to be assembled in sub-assemblies before being transported to the final assembly plant for final vehicle installation, in order to reduce the production steps in the final assembly plant and improve its production efficiency. The automotive front-end module, including the front subframe, steering gear, and control arm assemblies, is an important component of the automotive chassis. To help OEMs solve the problem of automotive front-end module sub-assembly, a flexible intelligent assembly system and assembly method for automotive chassis front modules have been designed and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a flexible intelligent assembly system and method for the front module of an automotive chassis. The technical problem to be solved by this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis includes a truss, on which a lifting device is provided. Along the length of the truss, a lifting area, a steering gear installation area, a stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area, an auxiliary component installation area, and a testing area are arranged sequentially. It also includes several AGV transport vehicles arranged along the length of the truss, and the AGV transport vehicles are equipped with clamping fixtures that support the front subframe of the car; The front subframe of the car is hoisted into the clamping fixture using the lifting device on the truss. Then, the AGV transport vehicle carries the front subframe to the corresponding hoisting area, steering gear installation area, stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area, and auxiliary parts installation area for component installation to obtain the front-end module of the car. Finally, the AGV transport vehicle carries the front-end module of the car into the inspection area for photographic inspection. After the inspection is completed, the front-end module of the car is hoisted off the AGV transport vehicle using the lifting device on the truss. The AGV transport vehicle then runs to the hoisting area for cyclical operation.

[0004] The stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area includes a stabilizer bar assembly platform and a stabilizer bar buffer platform. The stabilizer bar assembly platform includes a support platform, on which a first clamping assembly and a second clamping assembly are respectively provided to clamp the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod for assembly. The stabilizer bar buffer platform includes a frame, on which slots are provided that are distributed parallel to each other along the width direction of the frame to cooperate with the stabilizer bar. The frame is also provided with wheels.

[0005] The first clamping assembly includes a first support block disposed in the middle of the support platform, a first pressing block distributed above the first support block, and a first cylinder provided on the support platform to drive the corresponding first pressing block to press. It also includes a second support block set on a support platform and symmetrically arranged along the length of the support platform to support the stabilizer bushing. Each of the second support blocks is provided with a U-shaped seat for supporting the stabilizer. It also includes a third support block set on a support platform and symmetrically arranged along the length of the support platform to support the end. A second pressing block is distributed above the third support block. A second cylinder is provided on the support platform to drive the corresponding second pressing block to press the stabilizer bar. The third support block is arranged in an inverted U-shape to adapt to the end structure of the stabilizer bar.

[0006] The second clamping assembly includes a fourth support block mounted on a support platform and symmetrically arranged along the length of the support platform to support the connecting rod. A third pressing block is distributed above the fourth support block. A third cylinder is provided on the support platform to drive the corresponding third pressing block to press the connecting rod. A first inclined part is provided on the fourth support block to adapt to the installation position of the connecting rod.

[0007] The clamping fixture includes a traveling frame, on which a rotating pallet connected to the AGV transport vehicle is provided. The rotating pallet is provided with two sets of No. 1 guide pins that are symmetrical along the length of the rotating pallet and cooperate with the front end of the front axle of the front subframe. It is also provided with No. 2 guide pins that are distributed in the middle of the rotating pallet and cooperate with the middle of the front subframe. The rotating tray is also equipped with a limiting component for positioning the front axle of the front subframe, a load-bearing component for supporting the control arm connected to the front subframe, and a locking component for locking the position of the front subframe.

[0008] The limiting component includes a first limiting pin and a second limiting pin disposed on both sides of the width direction of the rotating tray. There are four first limiting pins symmetrically arranged along the length direction of the rotating tray, and two second limiting pins symmetrically arranged along the length direction of the rotating tray. A second supporting block is disposed between the second limiting pins.

[0009] Flexible intelligent assembly method for front modules of automobile chassis: The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Push the front subframe buffer frame into the hoisting area, and then use the lifting device on the truss to hoist the front subframe into the clamping fixture, so that the front subframe engages with the limiting component, and then rotate the clamping rod to engage with the front subframe. Step 2: Scan the QR code on the front subframe, and then affix the assembly QR code to the front subframe; Step 3: The AGV transport vehicle drives the front subframe into the pre-installation station of the steering gear installation area. Then, the electric power steering gear is matched with the front subframe by the manual and the bolts and nuts are placed for pre-tightening. After placement, the AGV transport vehicle drives the front subframe into the tightening station of the steering gear installation area. Then, the bolts and nuts of the electric power steering gear are tightened by the manual. Step 4: Place the stabilizer bar on the stabilizer bar assembly table, then place the connecting rod on the stabilizer bar assembly table. The first clamping assembly and the second clamping assembly press the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod together. Place a nut between the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod for pre-tightening. Finally, manually tighten the nut between the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod to form the stabilizer bar assembly. Place the assembled stabilizer bar assembly on the stabilizer bar buffer table. Step 5: The AGV transport vehicle drives the front subframe into the pre-assembly station of the stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area. The stabilizer bar and left and right control arms are matched with the front subframe by the manual laborer, and the bolts are pre-tightened. Step 6: The AGV transport vehicle drives the front subframe into the tightening station of the stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area, and tightens the bolts to the specified torque; Step 7: The AGV transport vehicle drives the front subframe into the auxiliary parts installation area. The suspension pads are manually installed onto the front subframe and pre-installed with bolts and flat washers to fix the suspension pads in place. Step 8: Insert the steering harness terminals vertically into the electric power steering power cable socket, and snap the harness fixing points into the electric power steering housing fixing holes. Step 9: The heat shield is manually assembled onto the electric power steering system, and the bolts are tightened to the specified torque using tools, thus obtaining the front-end module of the car; Step 10: The AGV transport vehicle carries the front-end module of the car into the inspection area. The industrial robot drives the vision camera assembly to take pictures of the front-end module of the car to prevent misinstallation, omission, and similar parts. At the same time, it identifies bolts and nuts to prevent omission and quantity errors. Step 11: The AGV conveyor carries the front-end module of the car away from the inspection area. Then, the wiring harness and product appearance are checked manually. After the inspection is completed, the front-end module of the car is lifted off the clamping fixture by the lifting device on the truss and placed into the transfer rack. When installing the electric power steering system, stabilizer bar, suspension pads, steering gear wiring harness terminals, and heat shield, it is necessary to scan the QR code on the parts and the QR code pasted on the subframe in the second step. The bolts are counted at each installation step and inspected before installation. If a bolt is defective, the tightening gun will not work, and the corresponding tightening gun can only be activated a number of times corresponding to the number of bolts at that station. When a poor tightening occurs, the system alarms and the tightening gun cannot be activated again. The defective bolt must be loosened and retrieved before the access can be released and the bolt replaced for re-tightening.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention uses an AGV transport vehicle to drive the front subframe into the hoisting area, steering gear installation area, stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area, auxiliary parts installation area and testing area, eliminating the need for manual or lifting equipment to transport the subframe for assembly, thus improving assembly efficiency. At the same time, the stabilizer bar and connecting rod are assembled in the stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area, eliminating the need for a separate assembly line to cooperate with the production line. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the production line of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the stabilizer bar assembly platform of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the stabilizer bar assembly platform of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second clamping assembly of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the stabilizer bar buffer platform of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the clamping fixture of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the clamping fixture of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the detection area of ​​the present invention.

[0013] The diagram shows: 1. Truss; 2. Lifting area; 3. Steering gear installation area; 4. Stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area; 5. Auxiliary parts installation area; 6. Inspection area; 7. AGV transport vehicle; 8. Clamping fixture; 9. Charging area; 41. Stabilizer bar assembly platform; 42. Stabilizer bar buffer platform; 43. Support platform; 44. First clamping assembly; 45. Second clamping assembly; 46. Frame; 47. Slot; 48. Traveling wheel; 441. First support block; 442. First clamping block; 443. First cylinder; 444. Second support block; 445. U-shaped seat; 446. Third support block; 447. Second clamping block; 448. Second cylinder. 449. Second inclined section; 451. Fourth support block; 452. Third clamping block; 453. Third cylinder; 454. First inclined section; 81. Walking frame; 82. Rotary pallet; 83. First guide pin; 84. Second guide pin; 85. Limiting assembly; 86. Bearing assembly; 87. Locking assembly; 851. First limit pin; 852. Second limit pin; 853. Second support block; 861. Support section; 862. First support block; 863. Second support block; 871. Extension arm; 872. Clamping rod; 61. Safety fence; 62. Guide wheel; 63. Vision camera assembly; 64. Industrial robot. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be described more clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments. Of course, the described embodiments are only a part of the present invention and not all of it. Based on this embodiment, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0015] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, the flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis includes a truss 1, on which a lifting device is provided. Along the length of the truss 1, a lifting area 2, a steering gear installation area 3, a stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area 4, an auxiliary component installation area 5, and a testing area 6 are arranged sequentially. A charging area 9 for charging the AGV transport vehicle 7 is also provided on one side of the truss 1. The steering gear installation area 3 includes two workstations: a pre-assembly workstation and a tightening workstation. The stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area 4 includes three workstations: a stabilizer bar connecting rod assembly workstation, a stabilizer bar and control arm pre-assembly workstation, and a stabilizer bar and control arm pre-assembly and tightening workstation. The lifting area 2 and the auxiliary component installation area 5 each have a single workstation. Each workstation has a tool table, and buffer spaces are distributed between adjacent workstations to regulate the transportation of the AGV transport vehicle 7 and prevent the AGV transport vehicle 7 from waiting. The production line is sometimes blocked; each workstation is equipped with an AGV marker, and the AGV transport vehicle 7 and AGV marker machine are started and stopped; it also includes several AGV transport vehicles 7 arranged along the length of the truss 1, and each AGV transport vehicle 7 is equipped with a clamping fixture 8 to support the front subframe of the car; the front subframe of the car is lifted into the clamping fixture 8 by the lifting device on the truss 1, and then the AGV transport vehicle 7 drives the front subframe of the car to the corresponding lifting area 2, steering gear installation area 3, stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area 4 and auxiliary parts installation area 5 for component installation to obtain the front module of the car. Finally, the AGV transport vehicle 7 drives the front module of the car into the inspection area 6 for photo inspection. After the inspection, the front module of the car is lifted off the AGV transport vehicle 7 by the lifting device on the truss 1, and the AGV transport vehicle 7 runs to the lifting area 2 for cyclic operation.

[0016] The stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area 4 includes a stabilizer bar assembly platform 41 and a stabilizer bar buffer platform 42. The stabilizer bar assembly platform 41 includes a support platform 43, which is provided with a first clamping assembly 44 and a second clamping assembly 45 to clamp the stabilizer bar and connecting rod for assembly. The stabilizer bar buffer platform 42 includes a frame 46, which is provided with slots 47 distributed parallel to the width of the frame 46 to cooperate with the stabilizer bar. The frame 46 is also provided with wheels 48. The stabilizer bar assembly platform 41 and the stabilizer bar buffer platform 42 are both located in the stabilizer bar and connecting rod assembly station of the stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area 4.

[0017] The first clamping assembly 44 includes a first support block 441 disposed in the middle of the support platform 43, and a first pressing block 442 distributed above the first support block 441. The support platform 43 is provided with a first cylinder 443 that drives the corresponding first pressing block 442 to press; the first cylinder 443 drives the first pressing block 442 to swing, and the first pressing block 442 cooperates with the first support block 441 to press the middle of the stabilizer bar. It also includes a second support block 444 set on the support platform 43 and symmetrically arranged along the length of the support platform 43 to support the stabilizer bushing. Each of the second support blocks 444 is provided with a U-shaped seat 445 for supporting the stabilizer rod. Each of the second support blocks 444 is provided with a groove that mates with the stabilizer bushing. The U-shaped seat 445 is used to clamp the stabilizer rod. It also includes a third support block 446 symmetrically arranged on the support platform 43 along its length to support the end of the stabilizer bar. A second clamping block 447 is distributed above the third support block 446. A second cylinder 448 is provided on the support platform 43 to drive the corresponding second clamping block 447 to clamp the stabilizer bar. The third support block 446 is U-shaped to accommodate the structure at the end of the stabilizer bar. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the stabilizer bar has irregular curves at both ends. To accommodate the structure at the end of the stabilizer bar, the third support block 446 is provided with a second inclined portion 449. The second cylinder 448 drives the second pressing block 447 to swing, so that the second pressing block 447 cooperates with the third support block 446 to press the end of the stabilizer bar.

[0018] The second clamping assembly 45 includes a fourth support block 451 mounted on a support platform 43 and symmetrically arranged along the length of the support platform 43 to support the connecting rod. A third pressing block 452 is distributed above the fourth support block 451. A third cylinder 453 is provided on the support platform 43 to drive the corresponding third pressing block 452 to press the connecting rod. A first inclined portion 454 is provided on the fourth support block 451 to accommodate the installation position of the connecting rod. Figures 2 to 3 As shown, after the stabilizer bar is clamped by the first clamping assembly 44, the end of the stabilizer bar is inclined. Therefore, the connecting rod needs to be inclined to connect with the end of the stabilizer bar through bolts and nuts. Therefore, the fourth support block 451 is provided with a first inclined part 454. The third cylinder 453 drives the third clamping block 452 to swing, so that the third clamping block 452 cooperates with the fourth support block 451 to clamp the connecting rod. After the connecting rod and stabilizer bar are clamped, the bolts and nuts are fitted with the connecting rod and stabilizer bar. The bolts and nuts are tightened to the specified torque by power tools to complete the assembly. The first clamping assembly 44 and the second clamping assembly 45 cooperate to clamp the stabilizer bar and connecting rod to prevent shaking during the assembly of the stabilizer bar and connecting rod, which would lead to inaccurate torque.

[0019] The clamping fixture 8 includes a traveling frame 81, on which a rotating pallet 82 connected to the AGV transport vehicle 7 is provided. The rotating pallet 82 is provided with two sets of first guide pins 83 symmetrical along the length of the rotating pallet 82 and cooperating with the front end of the front axle of the front subframe. It is also provided with second guide pins 84 distributed in the middle of the rotating pallet 82, symmetrical along the length of the rotating pallet 82 and cooperating with the middle of the front subframe. The first guide pins 83 and the second guide pins 84 are used to determine the direction of the front subframe when the lifting device is hoisted, so as to prevent the incorrect installation of the front subframe. The rotating tray 82 is also provided with a limiting component 85 for positioning the front axle of the front subframe, a bearing component 86 for supporting the control arm connected to the front subframe, and a locking component 87 for locking the position of the front subframe; the rotating tray 82 includes a rectangular base, and extension plates are provided at the four vertices of the rectangular base. The first guide pin 83, the second guide pin 84, the limiting component 85, the bearing component 86, and the locking component 87 are all provided on the corresponding extension plates; the rectangular base is provided with four locking pins to fix the position of the rotating tray 82.

[0020] The limiting component 85 includes a first limiting pin 851 and a second limiting pin 852 disposed on both sides of the rotating tray 82 in the width direction. Four first limiting pins 851 are provided and symmetrically arranged along the length direction of the rotating tray 82. Two second limiting pins 852 are symmetrically arranged along the length direction of the rotating tray 82. A second supporting block 853 is provided between the second limiting pins 852. Figures 6 to 7 As shown, the first limiting pin 851 is divided into two groups. One group is set at the end point of the extension plate in the horizontal direction and a locking component 87 is set on the first limiting pin 851 of this group. The other group of first limiting pins 851 is distributed at the front end of the extension plate. The second limiting pin 852 is distributed opposite to the first limiting pin 851 and a locking component 87 is set on the second limiting pin 852.

[0021] The supporting assembly 86 includes two sets of supporting parts 861 symmetrically arranged along the length of the rotating tray 82. Each supporting part 861 includes a first supporting block 862 supporting the middle of the control arm and a second supporting block 863 conformally fitted to the control arm. The first supporting block 862 supports the middle of the control arm, and the second supporting block 863 supports the front end of the control arm. Figures 6 to 7 As shown, a set of locking components 87 is disposed on the first support block 862.

[0022] The locking assembly 87 includes an extension arm 871 connected to the limiting assembly 85 and the bearing assembly 86, and a clamping rod 872 is rotatably mounted on the extension arm 871. Figures 6 to 7As shown, the end of the clamping rod 872 is U-shaped, which facilitates manual rotation and increases the contact area with the front subframe, preventing the front subframe from shaking when tightening bolts or nuts with power tools, thus affecting assembly accuracy.

[0023] The inspection area 6 includes a safety fence 61. Inside the safety fence 61 are guide wheels 62 that provide auxiliary guidance for the clamping fixture 8. Above the guide wheels 62 are vision camera assemblies 63 that take pictures of the front-end module of the car. The vision camera assembly 63 is connected to an industrial robot 64 that is distributed inside the safety fence 61 to adjust the position of the vision camera assembly 63. Two sets of guide wheels 62 are provided to guide the clamping fixture 8. The industrial robot 64 drives the vision camera assembly 63 to take pictures of the front-end module of the car from multiple angles to prevent misinstallation, omission, and similar parts, and at the same time to identify bolts and nuts to prevent omission and quantity errors.

[0024] Flexible intelligent assembly method for front module of automobile chassis The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Push the front subframe buffer frame into the hoisting area 2, and then hoist the front subframe into the clamping fixture 8 through the lifting device on the truss 1, so that the front subframe engages with the limiting component 85, and then rotate the clamping rod 872 to engage with the front subframe. Step 2: Scan the QR code on the front subframe, and then affix the assembly QR code to the front subframe; Step 3: The AGV transport vehicle 7 drives the front subframe into the pre-installation station of the steering gear installation area 3. Then, the electric power steering unit is manually fitted to the front subframe, and the bolts and nuts are pre-tightened. After placement, the AGV transport vehicle 7 drives the front subframe into the tightening station of the steering gear installation area 3. Then, the bolts and nuts of the electric power steering unit are tightened manually. Installing the electric power steering unit requires scanning the QR code on the front subframe and the QR code on the electric power steering unit. Step 4: Place the stabilizer bar on the stabilizer bar assembly table 41, then place the connecting rod on the stabilizer bar assembly table 41. The first clamping assembly 44 and the second clamping assembly 45 press the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod together, and place a nut between the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod for pre-tightening. Finally, manually tighten the nut between the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod to form the stabilizer bar assembly. The assembled stabilizer bar assembly is placed on the stabilizer bar buffer table 42. The assembly of the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod requires scanning the QR code on the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod. Step 5: The AGV transport vehicle 7 drives the front subframe into the pre-assembly station of the stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area 4. The stabilizer bar and left and right control arms are manually matched with the front subframe, and the bolts are pre-tightened. Before pre-assembling the stabilizer bar, the QR code on the front subframe and the QR code on the stabilizer bar need to be scanned. Step 6: The AGV transport vehicle 7 drives the front subframe into the tightening station of the stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area 4, and tightens the bolts to the specified torque; Step 7: The AGV transport vehicle 7 drives the front subframe into the auxiliary parts installation area 5. The suspension pads are manually installed onto the front subframe and pre-installed with bolts and flat washers to fix the suspension pads. Step 8: Insert the steering harness terminals vertically into the electric power steering power cable socket, and snap the harness fixing points into the electric power steering housing fixing holes. Step 9: Manually assemble the heat shield onto the electric power steering system and tighten the bolts to the specified torque using tools, thus obtaining the front-end module of the vehicle; the suspension pads, steering gear wiring harness, and heat shield are all installed in the auxiliary parts installation area 5. Before installing the suspension pads, steering gear wiring harness, and heat shield, it is necessary to scan the QR code on the front subframe. The corresponding QR code must also be scanned when installing the corresponding suspension pads, steering gear wiring harness, and heat shield. Step 10: The AGV transport vehicle 7 carries the front-end module of the car into the inspection area 6. The industrial robot 64 drives the vision camera assembly 63 to take pictures of the front-end module of the car to prevent misinstallation, omission, and similar parts. At the same time, it identifies bolts and nuts to prevent omission and quantity errors. The vision camera assembly 63 is used to identify whether the suspension pads are installed incorrectly, whether the bolts are used incorrectly (1. with or without washers, 2. bolt length), whether the stabilizer bar is installed backwards, whether the wiring harness is installed backwards, whether it is marked for inspection, whether color mark confirmation is performed, whether there are missing bolts, QR code photography to prevent material misinstallation, material missing parts, and subframe missing parts, etc., to add photography to prevent errors. Step 11: The AGV conveyor 7 carries the front-end module of the car away from the inspection area 6. Then, the wiring harness and product appearance are checked manually. After the inspection is completed, the front-end module of the car is lifted off the clamping fixture 8 by the lifting device on the truss 1 and placed into the transfer rack. When installing the electric power steering system, stabilizer bar, suspension pads, steering gear wiring harness terminals, and heat shield, it is necessary to scan the QR code on the parts and the QR code pasted on the subframe in the second step. The bolts are counted at each installation step and inspected before installation. If a bolt is unqualified (stripped bolt, mismatched quantity), the tightening gun will not work, and the corresponding tightening gun can only be started a number of times corresponding to the number of bolts at that station. When poor tightening occurs, the system alarms and the tightening gun cannot be started again. The defective bolt must be loosened and retrieved before the permission can be released to replace the bolt for re-tightening. After a loose bolt occurs, the corresponding team leader needs to deactivate the alarm, loosen the faulty bolt, and place it in the material box. The material box is equipped with a sensor connected to the system. Only after the faulty bolt is detected and placed in the box can the bolt be unlocked and tightened. After the team leader has the authority, the bolt is replaced and re-tightened. If the bolt cannot be replaced and re-tightened on-site, the team leader can use the authority to release the bolt and mark the station as unqualified. Subsequent stations will release the bolt directly when scanning the barcode. Finally, the bolt leaves inspection area 6 for manual re-inspection and all parts are removed. The front subframe assembly is then transported to hoisting area 2 and put back on the production line.

[0025] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely prisms of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis, characterized in that: It includes a truss (1), and a hoisting area (2), a steering gear installation area (3), a stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area (4), an auxiliary parts installation area (5), and a testing area (6) arranged sequentially along the length of the truss (1). It also includes several AGV transport vehicles (7) arranged along the length of the truss (1), and the AGV transport vehicles (7) are equipped with clamping fixtures (8) that support the front subframe of the car. The AGV transport vehicle (7) transports the front subframe of the car to the corresponding hoisting area (2), steering gear installation area (3), stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area (4), and auxiliary parts installation area (5) for component installation to obtain the front module of the car. After being photographed and inspected in the inspection area (6), the front module of the car is lifted off the AGV transport vehicle (7), and the AGV transport vehicle (7) runs to the hoisting area (2) for cyclical operation.

2. The flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area (4) includes: The stabilizer bar assembly table (41) is provided with a first clamping assembly (44) and a second clamping assembly (45) for clamping the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod respectively. The stabilizer bar buffer platform (42) is provided with a slot (47) that mates with the stabilizer bar.

3. The flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first clamping assembly (44) includes: The first support block (441) has a first pressing block (442) distributed on top of it. It also includes a second support block (444) and a U-shaped seat (445) for supporting the stabilizer bar bushing. And a third support block (446) at the end of the support, wherein a second clamping block (447) for clamping the stabilizing rod is distributed above the third support block (446).

4. The flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second clamping assembly (45) includes a fourth support block (451) that supports the connecting rod, and a third clamping block (452) that clamps the connecting rod is distributed above the fourth support block (451).

5. The flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping fixture (8) includes a rotating tray (82), on which are provided two sets of first guide pins (83) that cooperate with the front end of the front axle of the front subframe, a second guide pin (84) that cooperates with the middle of the front subframe, a limiting component (85) for positioning the front axle of the front subframe, a load-bearing component (86) for supporting the control arm connected to the front subframe, and a locking component (87) for locking the position of the front subframe.

6. The flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis according to claim 5, characterized in that: The limiting component (85) includes a first limiting pin (851) and a second limiting pin (852), and a second supporting block (853) is provided between the second limiting pins (852).

7. The flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bearing assembly (86) includes two sets of symmetrically arranged support parts (861), each support part (861) including a first support block (862) supporting the middle part of the control arm and a second support block (863) conformally matching the control arm.

8. The flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking assembly (87) includes an extension arm (871) connected to the limiting assembly (85) and the bearing assembly (86), on which a clamping rod (872) is rotatably mounted.

9. The flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection area (6) includes a safety fence (61), and a guide wheel (62) for auxiliary guidance is provided inside the safety fence (61). A vision camera assembly (63) is distributed above the guide wheel (62), and an industrial robot (64) is connected to the vision camera assembly (63) to drive the vision camera assembly (63) to adjust its position.

10. An assembly method using the flexible intelligent assembly system for the front module of an automobile chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Hoist the front subframe into the clamping fixture (8); Step 2: Scan the QR code on the front subframe, and then affix the assembly QR code to the front subframe; Step 3: The AGV transport vehicle (7) drives the front subframe into the steering gear installation area (3), and the electric power steering gear is matched with the front subframe. Bolts and nuts are placed for pre-tightening and fastening. Step 4: The first clamping assembly (44) and the second clamping assembly (45) press the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod together, and place bolts and nuts between the stabilizer bar and the connecting rod for pre-tightening and securing; Step 5: Enter the stabilizer bar and control arm assembly area (4), assemble the stabilizer bar and left and right control arms with the front subframe, and install the bolts for pre-tightening and tighten the bolts to the specified torque; Step 6: Move the front subframe into the auxiliary parts installation area (5), install the suspension pad onto the front subframe, and pre-install the suspension pad with bolts and flat washers to fix it in place; Step 7: Insert the steering harness terminals vertically into the electric power steering power cable socket, and snap the harness fixing points into the electric power steering housing fixing holes. Step 8: Install the heat shield onto the electric power steering system and tighten the bolts to the specified torque to obtain the front-end module of the vehicle; Step 9: Drive the front-end module of the car into the inspection area (6). The industrial robot (64) drives the vision camera assembly (63) to take pictures of the front-end module of the car and identify the bolts and nuts to prevent missing installation and quantity errors. Step 10: The AGV transport vehicle (7) carries the front-end module of the car away from the inspection area (6) and lifts the front-end module of the car away from the clamping fixture (8). When installing the electric power steering system, stabilizer bar, suspension pads, steering gear wiring harness terminals, and heat shield, it is necessary to scan the QR code on the parts and the QR code pasted on the subframe in the second step. The bolts are counted at each installation step and inspected before installation. If a bolt is defective, the tightening gun will not work, and the corresponding tightening gun can only be activated a number of times corresponding to the number of bolts at that station. When a poor tightening occurs, the system alarms and the tightening gun cannot be activated again. The defective bolt must be loosened and retrieved before the access can be released and the bolt replaced for re-tightening.

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