Tray fixture for front subframe and powertrain co-linear split

Abstract

The application provides a tray clamp for front subframe and power assembly co-linear split packaging. The tray clamp for front subframe and power assembly co-linear split packaging comprises a transfer frame and a clamping part. The top of the transfer frame is provided with a rotary base which is rotatably arranged relative to the transfer frame. The clamping part is connected with the rotary base. The clamping part is provided with a front subframe assembly area and a power assembly assembly area. The clamping part is used for placing the front subframe and the power assembly of a vehicle to assemble the front subframe and the power assembly. The embodiment of the application solves the problems of large occupation, high cost and easy bumping caused by the independent production line and secondary hoisting of the front subframe and the power assembly split packaging in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobile manufacturing, and more specifically, to a pallet clamp for the co-line assembly of the front subframe and powertrain. Background Technology

[0002] The current assembly process for passenger vehicle chassis requires three separate assembly lines and corresponding fixtures for the front subframe, engine, and powertrain. Furthermore, the preceding assemblies need to be hoisted a second time to the powertrain line for continued operation, resulting in four major drawbacks: First, wasted production line space, with redundant areas in logistics channels and non-operational zones; second, wasted equipment investment, as the second hoisting requires additional investment in steel structures, tracks, hoists, and lifting equipment; third, wasted labor costs, as the second hoisting increases non-value-added labor hours and personnel; and fourth, potential quality risks, as secondary handling can easily cause scratches and rust on the painted surfaces of the front subframe metal parts against the fixture supports. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a co-line assembly fixture that can merge assembly lines, eliminate secondary hoisting, save resources, and ensure quality.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the aforementioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a pallet fixture for the co-line assembly of the front subframe and powertrain, in order to solve the problems of large footprint, high cost, and susceptibility to damage caused by the need for separate production lines and secondary hoisting for the assembly of the front subframe and powertrain in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a pallet clamp for co-line assembly of a front subframe and a powertrain is provided. It includes: a transfer frame and a clamping part; the top of the transfer frame is provided with a rotating base, which is rotatably disposed relative to the transfer frame; the clamping part is connected to the rotating base, and the clamping part is provided with a front subframe assembly area and a powertrain assembly area. The clamping part is used to place the front subframe and powertrain of the vehicle for assembly.

[0006] Furthermore, the clamping part includes: a support plate, a front subframe positioning pin is provided at one edge of the support plate, the front subframe positioning pin is located in the front subframe assembly area, an engine insert bracket is provided inside the front subframe positioning pin, the engine insert bracket is located in the powertrain assembly area, wherein the front subframe positioning pin is used to pass through the main and auxiliary positioning holes of the front subframe, and the engine insert bracket is used to support the engine.

[0007] Furthermore, the engine insert bracket includes a first set of inserts and a second set of inserts, the first set of inserts and the second set of inserts being protrudingly disposed on the support plate, at least one of the first set of inserts and the second set of inserts being detachably connected to the support plate, wherein the first set of inserts is used to connect with the positioning hole of the engine oil pan, and the second set of inserts is used to abut against the support surface of the engine oil pan.

[0008] Furthermore, a steering gear bolt anti-rotation support is provided between the engine insert bracket and the front subframe locating pin. The steering gear bolt anti-rotation support is used for pre-assembly of the steering gear bolts.

[0009] Furthermore, the anti-rotation support for the steering gear bolt includes a magnetic sleeve, which is used for pre-assembly of the steering gear bolt.

[0010] Furthermore, the support plate is provided with a front subframe support, and there are multiple front subframe supports. The multiple front subframe supports are arranged at intervals along the outer side of the engine insert bracket, and the multiple front subframe supports are used to support the bottom plane of the front subframe.

[0011] Furthermore, the support plate is equipped with a swing arm support, a gearbox support, and a front shock absorber anti-tipping support. The swing arm support is located between the steering gear bolt anti-rotation support and the engine plate bracket, and the swing arm support is located near the edge of the other side of the support plate. The gearbox support is located near the engine plate bracket. The front shock absorber anti-tipping support is located on the side of the swing arm support away from the front subframe locating pin.

[0012] Furthermore, the transfer frame includes: a transfer carriage frame, the transfer carriage frame and the rotating base are connected to the top of the transfer carriage frame via a rotating flange, the upper surface of the rotating base is provided with a rotating base support block and a rotating base positioning pin, the support plate is connected to the rotating base via the rotating base positioning pin, and the rotating base support block is used to support the support plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the transfer frame is equipped with a rotary locking handle mechanism and a rotary locking pin that cooperates with the rotary locking handle mechanism. The rotating base is equipped with a rotary base locking hole that cooperates with the rotary locking pin. Operating the rotary locking handle mechanism allows the rotary locking pin to extend into and retract from the rotary base locking hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the transfer frame is equipped with multiple ball bearing support mechanisms, which are used to support the rotating base.

[0015] By integrating the front subframe assembly area and powertrain assembly area onto the same clamping part, the previously separate front subframe assembly line and powertrain assembly line are merged into a single line. This saves production workshop space, optimizes factory layout, reduces labor costs, and improves overall operational efficiency. The rotating base, which can rotate relative to the transfer frame, allows the clamping part (i.e., the assembly station) to be flexibly adjusted in angle. Combined with the locking mechanism, the rotating base can fix the fixture at a specific angle, ensuring stability and positioning accuracy during assembly. This application's embodiment solves the problems of large footprint, high cost, and susceptibility to damage caused by the need for separate production lines and secondary hoisting for front subframe and powertrain assembly in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of the pallet clamp according to the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the pallet clamp according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the pallet clamp according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the pallet clamp according to the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the pallet clamp according to the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of the pallet clamp according to the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a seventh embodiment of the pallet clamp according to the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a steering gear bolt product structure assembled using the pallet clamp of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the front subframe product structure assembled using the pallet clamp of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 10A schematic diagram of a steering gear product structure assembled using the pallet clamp of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the generator assembly product structure assembled using the pallet clamp of the present invention is shown.

[0028] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0029] 1. Front subframe positioning pin; 17. Front subframe positioning pin;

[0030] 21. Support plate;

[0031] 2. Steering gear bolt anti-rotation support; 16. Steering gear bolt anti-rotation support;

[0032] 22. Positioning sleeve; 23. Positioning sleeve;

[0033] 31. Transfer vehicle frame;

[0034] 32. Rotating base;

[0035] 33. Rotating base support block;

[0036] 34. Rotary locking handle mechanism;

[0037] 35. Rotating base positioning pin; 37. Rotating base positioning pin;

[0038] 36. Ball bearing support mechanism;

[0039] 38. Rotating base locking hole;

[0040] 39. Rotary lock stop pin;

[0041] 3. Front subframe support; 7. Front subframe support; 10. Front subframe support; 15. Front subframe support;

[0042] 41. Magnetic sleeve;

[0043] 4. Swing arm support; 14. Swing arm support;

[0044] 5. Front shock absorber anti-tipping brace; 13. Front shock absorber anti-tipping brace;

[0045] 51. Steering gear bolts;

[0046] 6. Gearbox support;

[0047] 61. Front subframe;

[0048] 62. Front subframe main positioning hole;

[0049] 63. Front subframe Y-direction positioning hole;

[0050] 64. Steering gear mounting main positioning hole;

[0051] 65. Install the Y-axis auxiliary positioning hole on the steering gear;

[0052] 71. Steering gear;

[0053] 72. Steering gear mounting holes;

[0054] 73. Steering gear nut;

[0055] 8. First set of inserts; 12. First set of inserts;

[0056] 81. Transformer and generator assembly;

[0057] 82. Engine oil pan positioning through hole; 84. Engine oil pan positioning through hole;

[0058] 83. Engine oil pan support surface; 85. Engine oil pan support surface;

[0059] 86. Transmission oil pan support surface;

[0060] 9. Second set of inserts; 11. Second set of inserts. Detailed Implementation

[0061] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0062] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0063] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0064] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0065] Combination Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the specific embodiment of this application, a pallet clamp is provided for the co-line assembly of the front subframe and the powertrain.

[0066] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the pallet fixture for co-line assembly of the front subframe and powertrain includes a transfer frame and a clamping part. The top of the transfer frame is provided with a rotating base 32, which is rotatably disposed relative to the transfer frame. The clamping part is connected to the rotating base 32 and is provided with a front subframe assembly area and a powertrain assembly area. The clamping part is used to place the front subframe and powertrain of the vehicle for assembly.

[0067] By integrating the front subframe assembly area and powertrain assembly area onto the same clamping part, the previously separate front subframe assembly line and powertrain assembly line are merged into a single line. This saves production workshop space, optimizes factory layout, reduces labor costs, and improves overall operational efficiency. The rotating base 32, which can rotate relative to the transfer frame, allows the clamping part (i.e., the assembly station) to be flexibly adjusted in angle. Combined with the locking mechanism, the rotating base 32 can fix the fixture at a specific angle, ensuring stability and positioning accuracy during assembly. This embodiment solves the problems of large footprint, high cost, and susceptibility to damage caused by the need for separate production lines and secondary hoisting for front subframe and powertrain assembly in the prior art.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the clamping part includes a support plate 21. A front subframe positioning pin (1, 17) is provided at one edge of the support plate 21. The front subframe positioning pin (1, 17) is located in the front subframe assembly area. An engine insert bracket is provided inside the front subframe positioning pin (1, 17). The engine insert bracket is located in the powertrain assembly area. The front subframe positioning pin (1, 17) is used to pass through the main and auxiliary positioning holes of the front subframe. The engine insert bracket is used to support the engine.

[0069] By setting front subframe positioning pins 1 and 17 in the front subframe assembly area and having them pass through the main and auxiliary positioning holes of the front subframe, precise constraints on the front subframe in the X, Y, and Z directions are achieved. This eliminates the degree of freedom of the front subframe during assembly, ensures the positional accuracy of the front subframe on the fixture, provides an accurate reference for the subsequent installation of components such as the steering gear and control arms, and optimizes space utilization. An engine plate bracket is set in the powertrain assembly area to support key components such as the engine oil pan. This bracket has a guiding or positioning function, ensuring that the engine and transmission assembly (engine + transmission) coincides with the fixture reference when it is lowered, preventing the engine and transmission assembly from tipping over or deviating in position, and ensuring the matching accuracy of the powertrain and front subframe during subsequent assembly.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the engine insert bracket includes a first set of inserts (8, 12) and a second set of inserts (9, 11). The first set of inserts (8, 12) and the second set of inserts (9, 11) are protrudingly disposed on the support plate 21. At least one of the first set of inserts (8, 12) and the second set of inserts (9, 11) is detachably connected to the support plate 21. The first set of inserts (8, 12) is used to connect with the positioning through holes (82, 84) of the engine oil pan, and the second set of inserts (9, 11) is used to abut against the support surface (83, 85) of the engine oil pan.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first set of inserts (8, 12) are inserted into the positioning holes of the engine oil pan, restricting the horizontal movement freedom of the engine-transformer assembly; the second set of inserts (9, 11) abut against the support surface of the engine oil pan, restricting the Z-axis displacement and overturning tendency of the engine-transformer assembly, forming a stable statically determinate support system. This ensures the positional accuracy and stability of the engine-transformer assembly on the fixture, preventing tipping or displacement during assembly. The detachable connection shortens tooling changeover time, reduces production line downtime due to vehicle model changes, improves the production line's adaptability to different engine configurations (such as different cylinder numbers and different oil pan shapes), and reduces the development and maintenance costs of molds or tooling.

[0072] Specifically, a steering gear bolt anti-rotation support (2, 16) is provided between the engine insert bracket and the front subframe positioning pin (1, 17). The steering gear bolt anti-rotation support (2, 16) is used for pre-assembly of the steering gear bolt.

[0073] By using anti-rotation supports (2, 16) to pre-fix and maintain the steering gear bolts in a vertical position, the original complex "blindly passing through from bottom to top + alignment" operation is simplified into a simple "aligning from top to bottom + dropping" operation, which realizes the visualization and certainty of the assembly process, thereby improving work efficiency, reducing labor costs, and ensuring assembly quality.

[0074] Furthermore, the steering gear bolt anti-rotation support (2, 16) includes a magnetic sleeve 41 for pre-assembling the steering gear bolt.

[0075] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the principle of magnetic adsorption is used to realize the automatic vertical holding, anti-disengagement and anti-rotation of steering gear bolts in the pre-assembly stage, and hand-held fixing. The complex bolt pre-fixing process that relies on manual skills is simplified into a simple "place and fix" action, thereby ensuring the absolute accuracy of the bolt posture. This creates conditions for the "one-click" dropping and drilling of the front subframe in the later stage, improving assembly efficiency and quality stability.

[0076] Furthermore, the support plate 21 is provided with front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15). There are multiple front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15), which are arranged at intervals along the outer side of the engine insert bracket. The multiple front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15) are used to support the bottom plane of the front subframe.

[0077] In this embodiment, by setting multiple front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15) and arranging them at intervals along the bottom plane, the weight of the front subframe can be distributed, avoiding local stress concentration or structural deformation caused by single-point or few-point support. While ensuring the horizontality and stability of the front subframe, a space avoidance strategy is used to integrate the two functional modules of subframe support and engine support, achieving non-interference collinear assembly, while improving the tooling's compatibility with different vehicle models and assembly safety.

[0078] Specifically, the support plate 21 is provided with a swing arm support (4, 14), a gearbox support 6 and a front shock absorber anti-tipping support (5, 13). The swing arm support (4, 14) is located between the steering gear bolt anti-rotation support (2, 16) and the engine plate bracket, and the swing arm support (4, 14) is located near the edge of the other side of the support plate 21. The gearbox support 6 is located near the engine plate bracket. The front shock absorber anti-tipping support (5, 13) is located on the side of the swing arm support (4, 14) away from the front subframe positioning pin (1, 17).

[0079] By distributing the support points of components such as the control arm, gearbox, and shock absorber in different spatial areas of the fixture (inner side, center, outer side), space utilization is maximized, operational interference is minimized, and support rigidity is optimized. This ensures the stability, precision, and appearance quality of the complex front suspension assembly during the co-line assembly process, while also improving the smoothness and efficiency of the assembly operation.

[0080] Furthermore, such as Figure 4As shown, the transfer frame includes: a transfer frame 31, a rotating base 32 connected to the top of the transfer frame 31 via a rotating flange, a rotating base support block 33 and a rotating base positioning pin (35, 37) provided on the upper surface of the rotating base 32, a support plate 21 connected to the rotating base 32 via the rotating base positioning pin (35, 37), and the rotating base support block 33 used to support the support plate 21.

[0081] In this embodiment, the rotating base 32 is connected to the transfer frame 31 via a rotating flange, allowing the entire clamping unit (including the support plate 21 and all components) to rotate horizontally relative to the ground or the transfer frame, reducing labor intensity and improving work comfort and safety. The support plate 21 is connected to the rotating base 32 via rotating base positioning pins (35, 37), ensuring the positional accuracy of the support plate 21 on the rotating base 32, eliminating installation gaps, and ensuring the repeatability accuracy of the positioning references of the front subframe and powertrain, thereby ensuring the consistency of assembly quality. The rotating base support block 33 is located on the upper surface of the rotating base 32 and is used to support the lower surface of the support plate 21, forming a complete load-bearing system that ensures both the stability of rotation and prevents the fixture from settling or deforming during heavy-load assembly.

[0082] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the transfer frame 31 is provided with a rotary locking handle mechanism 34 and a rotary locking pin 39 that cooperates with the rotary locking handle mechanism 34. The rotary base 32 is provided with a rotary base locking hole 38 that cooperates with the rotary locking pin 39. Operating the rotary locking handle mechanism 34 can cause the rotary locking pin 39 to extend into and retract from the rotary base locking hole 38.

[0083] By using the rotary locking handle mechanism 34 in conjunction with the rotary locking stop pin 39, the clamp angle can be quickly locked, accurately positioned in multiple positions, and with high rigidity and stability. While ensuring high assembly precision and stability, the convenience of angle adjustment and operational efficiency are improved, and the reliability of the mechanical structure ensures production safety, thus balancing the needs of "flexibility" and "stability".

[0084] In one exemplary embodiment of this application, the transfer frame 31 is provided with multiple ball bearing support mechanisms 36, which support the rotating base 32. This solves the problems of high resistance, stiff feel, and low precision during the rotation of the fixture, and achieves light rotation under heavy load, high-precision stable positioning, and long-life, low-maintenance operation. It is the key mechanical foundation for ensuring the efficient, stable, and user-friendly operation of this collinear assembly fixture.

[0085] According to another aspect of the present invention, a pallet clamp for co-line assembly of the front subframe and powertrain is also provided. A pallet clamp for co-line assembly of the front subframe and powertrain mainly includes a clamping part and a transfer frame required for supporting the subframe assembly and powertrain assembly. The supports required for supporting the subframe assembly and powertrain assembly are fixed to the clamping part, which provides a basic carrier for the support of the entire clamp, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the clamping part is designed with two positioning sleeves (22, 23), and the transfer frame is designed with a rotating base 32, a rotating locking handle mechanism 34, and four ball bearing support mechanisms 36. The upper surface of the rotating base 32 is designed with two rotating base positioning pins (35, 37) and four rotating base support blocks 33. The two rotating base positioning pins (35, 37) on the rotating base 32 are used to position and match the two front subframe positioning pins (1, 17) on the clamping part. The four rotating base support blocks 33 on the rotating base 32 are used to support the clamping part. The transfer frame is fixed above the transfer trolley through the rotating base 32. The rotating locking handle mechanism 34 is designed below the rotating base 32 and is fixed on the transfer trolley. The rotating locking handle mechanism 34 is used to lock the rotating base to the required angle position, which is convenient for employees to carry out sorting operations. The four ball bearing support mechanisms 36 are fixed on the transfer frame 31 and are used to support the rotating base.

[0086] The core of this technical solution is to design a positioning support on the clamping part that is compatible with the assembly of the front subframe and the powertrain. This allows the front subframe and the powertrain to be assembled on the same fixture. The fixture is also designed with anti-rotation supports for the steering gear bolts, allowing the steering gear bolts to be pre-assembled onto these supports. The front subframe and the steering gear are then hoisted and lowered horizontally through the steering gear bolts, thus completing the operation of passing the steering gear bolts through the mounting holes of the front subframe and the steering gear. This solves the problem that conventional operations require the steering gear bolts to pass through the mounting holes of the front subframe and the steering gear from bottom to top, which is inconvenient and requires hammering to tighten the steering gear bolt nuts. It also solves the problem that the holes for the steering gear bolts cannot be seen when passing through them from bottom to top.

[0087] Combination Figures 1 to 11 As shown, embodiments of the invention will be described in further detail.

[0088] The main body of the invention consists of: a clamping part and a transfer frame required for the assembly of the front subframe and the powertrain.

[0089] like Figure 1As shown, the clamping part is equipped with supports required for the assembly of the front subframe and the powertrain. The supports required for the assembly of the front subframe mainly consist of two front subframe locating pins (1, 17), two steering gear bolt anti-rotation supports (2, 16), four front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15), and two swing arm supports (4, 14). The two front subframe locating pins (1, 17) pass through the main and auxiliary locating holes of the front subframe and are used for positioning the front subframe on the clamp mounting surface. Two steering gear bolt anti-rotation supports (2, 16) are designed with magnetic sleeves 41 on the upper part. The steering gear bolts are pre-assembled into the magnetic sleeves 41 and the steering gear bolts are kept in a vertical position and axially locked to prevent rotation. This allows the front subframe to be kept in a horizontal state and fall down to allow the steering gear bolts to pass through the mounting holes of the front subframe. Four front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15) are used to support the bottom plane of the front subframe. Two swing arm supports (4, 14) are used for Z-direction support when the swing arms are assembled separately.

[0090] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the upper part of the two steering gear bolt anti-rotation supports (2, 16) is designed with steering gear bolt magnetic sleeves 41. The steering gear bolt magnetic sleeves 41 are embedded with strong magnets to fix the flange face of the steering gear bolts 51, ensuring that the steering gear bolts 51 are in the vertical direction and are not easy to tilt or fall off, thus playing the role of tightening the steering gear bolts 51 with hammering to prevent rotation.

[0091] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the steering gear bolt 51 is designed with a tapered guide to facilitate passing through the mounting holes of the front subframe 61 and the steering gear 71.

[0092] like Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, the front subframe 61 is designed with a front subframe main positioning hole 62, a front subframe Y-direction auxiliary positioning hole 63, a steering gear mounting main positioning hole 64, and a steering gear mounting Y-direction auxiliary positioning hole 65. When the front subframe 61 is hoisted, it needs to be kept horizontal and lowered vertically so that the front subframe main positioning hole 62, the front subframe Y-direction auxiliary positioning hole 63, the steering gear mounting main positioning hole 64, and the steering gear mounting Y-direction auxiliary positioning hole 65 pass through two front subframe positioning pins (1, 17) and two steering gear bolts 51 at the same time, so as to realize the hoisting and drilling operation of the front subframe.

[0093] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10As shown, when hoisting the steering gear 71, it needs to be kept horizontal and lowered vertically so that the two steering gear mounting holes 72 of the steering gear 71 can pass through the two steering gear bolts 51 at the same time. Then, the steering gear nut 73 is tightened to realize the hoisting and tightening operation of the steering gear 71. This solves the problem that the steering gear bolts 51 need to pass through the front subframe 61 and the mounting holes of the steering gear 71 from bottom to top in conventional operations, which are not visible to the human-machine interface. It also solves the problem of the inconvenience caused by the need to knock and tighten the steering gear bolts 51 and steering gear nut 73.

[0094] like Figure 1 , Figure 11 As shown, the support required for the powertrain assembly mainly consists of the first set of inserts (8, 12), the second set of inserts (9, 11), the gearbox support 6, and the front shock absorber anti-tipping support (5, 13). The first set of inserts (8, 12) and the second set of inserts (9, 11) can be quickly replaced to adapt to different engine configurations. The gearbox support 6 can be designed with multiple sets and can be flipped to adapt to different gearbox configurations. The upper part of the first set of inserts (8, 12) is designed with a circular guide for inserting into the engine oil pan positioning through holes (82, 84) corresponding to the engine-transformer sub-assembly 81. The upper part of the second set of inserts (9, 11) is designed with a flat surface for supporting the engine oil pan support surface (83, 85) corresponding to the engine-transformer sub-assembly 81. The upper part of the gearbox support 6 is designed with a flat surface for auxiliary support of the gearbox oil pan support surface 86 of the engine-transformer sub-assembly 81, ensuring that the engine-transformer sub-assembly 81 does not tip over on the fixture. After the front subframe sub-assembly is completed on the fixture, the engine-transformer sub-assembly 81 is lifted and lowered vertically while maintaining a horizontal state, so that the engine oil pan positioning through holes (82, 84) are inserted into the first set of inserts (8, 12) of the engine, thus completing the lifting operation of the engine-transformer sub-assembly 81. The front shock absorber anti-tipping support (5, 13) is used to straighten and prevent the front shock absorber from tipping over after installation.

[0095] like Figure 2 As shown, the support plate 21 provides the basic carrier for the support of the entire fixture, and two positioning sleeves (22, 23) are designed to be embedded on the support plate 21.

[0096] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the rotating mechanism mainly consists of a rotating base 32, four rotating base support blocks 33, two rotating locking handle mechanisms 34, two rotating base positioning pins (35, 37), four ball bearing support mechanisms 36, and a rotating locking pin 39. The rotating base 32 has four evenly distributed circular rotating base locking holes 38. The four rotating base support blocks 33 and the two rotating base positioning pins (35, 37) are screwed and fixed to the upper surface of the rotating base 32. The two rotating base positioning pins (35, 37) are diagonally arranged to position and match the two positioning sleeves (22, 23) on the support plate 21. The two rotating base positioning pins (35, 37) connect the rotating base 32 and the support plate 21 into a single connected unit. The four rotating base support blocks 33 are used on the lower surface of the support plate 21. The rotating mechanism is fixed to the upper surface of the transfer frame 31 via the rotating base 32. Below the rotating base 32 are designed two rotating locking handle mechanisms 34, four ball bearing support mechanisms 36, and a rotating locking pin 39. The rotating locking handle mechanisms 34 are fixed to the transfer frame 31 and distributed on both sides of the transfer frame 31 for easy operation by employees. The four ball bearing support mechanisms 36 are fixed to the transfer frame 31 and are evenly distributed in a circle on the lower surface of the rotating base 32 to support the rotating base 32. The rotating locking pin 39 is fixed to the transfer frame 31 and is a spring-loaded telescopic pin used to engage with the locking hole 38 of the rotating base to lock the rotating base 32. If an employee needs to rotate the fixture for assembly, they only need to press down the handle of the rotary locking handle mechanism 34 with one hand to press down the rotary locking pin 39 in conjunction with it, so that the rotary locking pin 39 separates from the rotary base locking hole 38 on the rotary base 32. With the other hand, they can rotate the support plate 21 to drive the rotary base 32 to rotate together, so that the rotary locking pin 39 engages with the required rotary base locking hole 38, thereby realizing the switching of the fixture position.

[0097] As can be seen from the above description, the pallet clamp in the above embodiments has the following beneficial effects:

[0098] (1) Save production line area and reduce tooling types: The original "front subframe assembly line" and "powertrain assembly line" are merged into one common assembly line, and the original two different fixtures (front subframe fixture and powertrain assembly fixture) are merged into one compatible fixture, eliminating the waste of logistics channel area between the original two assembly lines, as well as the waste of non-operation area at the end of the assembly line.

[0099] (2) Save equipment investment and eliminate redundant facilities: Since the assembly is carried out on the same line, the front subframe and the generator-transformer assembly are assembled on the same fixture. There is no need to lift the front subframe or the generator-transformer assembly to the powertrain assembly line for a second time. Therefore, there is no need to invest in steel structures, tracks, hoists (cups) and corresponding lifting tools for secondary hoisting, which reduces the initial investment cost of equipment.

[0100] (3) Improve work efficiency and reduce labor costs: After the front subframe / generator assembly is assembled, the non-value-added work links such as hoisting, handling and alignment are eliminated and the vehicle is moved to another line. There is no need to add extra workers to carry out secondary hoisting operations, which reduces the waste of non-value-added working hours and labor costs and improves overall production efficiency.

[0101] (4) Avoiding quality hazards and ensuring product appearance: During the secondary hoisting and handling of the front subframe assembly and the powertrain assembly, the paint surface of the metal parts was not bumped or scratched by the support points of the powertrain assembly line tray clamps. This eliminated the quality hazard of rust caused by paint scratches and ensured the appearance quality of the parts.

[0102] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0103] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this invention.

[0104] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0105] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pallet clamp for co-line assembly of the front subframe and powertrain, characterized in that, include: A transfer frame, the top of which is provided with a rotating base (32), the rotating base (32) being rotatably disposed relative to the transfer frame; The clamping part is connected to the rotating base (32). The clamping part is provided with a front subframe assembly area and a powertrain assembly area. The clamping part is used to place the front subframe and powertrain of the vehicle for assembly of the front subframe and the powertrain.

2. The pallet clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping part includes: A support plate (21) is provided with a front subframe positioning pin (1, 17) at one edge of the support plate (21). The front subframe positioning pin (1, 17) is located in the front subframe assembly area. An engine insert bracket is provided inside the front subframe positioning pin (1, 17). The engine insert bracket is located in the powertrain assembly area. The front subframe positioning pin (1, 17) is used to pass through the main and auxiliary positioning holes of the front subframe. The engine insert bracket is used to support the engine.

3. The pallet clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that, The engine insert bracket includes a first set of inserts (8, 12) and a second set of inserts (9, 11). The first set of inserts (8, 12) and the second set of inserts (9, 11) are protrudingly disposed on the support plate (21). At least one of the first set of inserts (8, 12) and the second set of inserts (9, 11) is detachably connected to the support plate (21). The first set of inserts (8, 12) is used to connect with the positioning hole of the oil pan of the engine, and the second set of inserts (9, 11) is used to abut against the support surface of the oil pan of the engine.

4. The pallet clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that, A steering gear bolt anti-rotation support (2, 16) is provided between the engine insert bracket and the front subframe positioning pin (1, 17). The steering gear bolt anti-rotation support (2, 16) is used for pre-assembly of the steering gear bolt.

5. The pallet clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that, The steering gear bolt anti-rotation support (2, 16) includes a magnetic sleeve (41) for pre-assembling the steering gear bolt.

6. The pallet clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support plate (21) is provided with front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15), and there are multiple front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15). The multiple front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15) are arranged at intervals along the outer side of the engine insert bracket. The multiple front subframe supports (3, 7, 10, 15) are used to support the bottom plane of the front subframe.

7. The pallet clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support plate (21) is provided with a swing arm support (4, 14), a gearbox support (6) and a front shock absorber anti-tipping support (5, 13). The swing arm support (4, 14) is located between the steering gear bolt anti-rotation support (2, 16) and the engine plate bracket. The swing arm support (4, 14) is located near the edge of the other side of the support plate (21). The gearbox support (6) is located near the engine plate bracket. The front shock absorber anti-tipping support (5, 13) is located on the side of the swing arm support (4, 14) away from the front subframe positioning pin (1, 17).

8. The pallet clamp according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transfer rack includes: The transfer frame (31) and the rotating base (32) are connected to the top of the transfer frame (31) through a rotating flange. The upper surface of the rotating base (32) is provided with a rotating base support block (33) and a rotating base positioning pin (35, 37). The support plate (21) is connected to the rotating base (32) through the rotating base positioning pin (35, 37). The rotating base support block (33) is used to support the support plate (21).

9. The pallet clamp according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transfer frame (31) is provided with a rotary locking handle mechanism (34) and a rotary locking pin (39) that cooperates with the rotary locking handle mechanism (34). The rotating base (32) is provided with a rotary base locking hole (38) that cooperates with the rotary locking pin (39). By operating the rotary locking handle mechanism (34), the rotary locking pin (39) can be inserted into and removed from the rotary base locking hole (38).

10. The pallet clamp according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transfer frame (31) is provided with multiple ball bearing support mechanisms (36), which are used to support the rotating base (32).

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