A method for controlling a multi-functional line body at a front end of a vehicle assembly line

Abstract

The application provides a whole vehicle assembly body line front end assembly multifunctional line body control method: the corresponding automatic assembly vehicle model identification code and the manual assembly vehicle model identification code are input in advance on an operation panel, a HIM program will be transmitted to a PLC according to the input vehicle model identification code, and the PLC corresponds to the operation program of the corresponding EHB trolley. When the EHB trolley runs to the front of the front end assembly area, the data carrier at the right rear wheel cover of the vehicle body is read through a reader-writer, the vehicle model data is identified, the operation program of the corresponding EHB is called, the control system controls the corresponding EHB trolley to run in different modes, and after the front end assembly in different modes is completed, the total operation beat of the EHB line is not affected, the EHB trolley keeps the original interval and runs, the overall operation beat is not affected, the front end assembly line is adapted to the special assembly of new vehicle models and the automatic equipment failure and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automobile assembly technology, specifically to a method for controlling a multi-functional assembly line at the front end of a vehicle body assembly line. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in our company's automotive assembly line, the front-end assembly section adopts an overhead liftable EHB line (monorail electric conveyor line) with an electric lifting hoist. The front bumper assembly process is carried out by an operator-controlled gripping robot that picks up the front-end module at the front-end line transfer station. The robot then transports the front-end module to the front of the moving vehicle body, where it moves and is assembled along with the EHB hoist. The operator then operates an electric gun to tighten the module. After tightening, the robot returns and exits the line. The assembly process occupies two workstations, with the EHB trolley operating at normal process speed and low workstation height at these two workstations.

[0003] The current front-end assembly section can be modified to automate the assembly process using robots. One robot is required to complete the automate assembly at the stationary position on the car body, while another robot completes the tightening. However, when new parts or new car models are being assembled, or when the automate assembly equipment malfunctions, operators may temporarily use robotic arms to assist in the assembly. But it is difficult to switch between the two methods, and it is impossible to manually assemble special car models without losing the cycle time.

[0004] In view of the above problems, the inventors of this invention have finally obtained this invention after a long period of research and practice. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a multi-functional assembly line control method for the front end of a vehicle assembly line, which enables seamless switching between automatic and manual assembly without loss of cycle time.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0007] A method for controlling the front end assembly of a multi-functional vehicle body assembly line is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0008] S1: Before the vehicle body enters the front assembly area, the data carrier on the vehicle body is read, the vehicle model data is identified, and the vehicle model data is used to determine whether to run the automatic assembly mode or the manual assembly mode on the EHB line in the front assembly area. If the automatic assembly mode is run, step S2 is executed; if the manual assembly mode is run, step S3 is executed.

[0009] S2: The EHB assembly line in the front-end assembly area operates in six sequential stroke segments:

[0010] First segment: The EHB lifting device operates at the normal process speed, and the EHB lifting device is lifted;

[0011] Second segment: EHB spreader moves rapidly;

[0012] Third segment: The EHB spreader comes to a standstill for 26 seconds, and the robot completes the front-end assembly and tightening.

[0013] Fourth section: EHB spreader operates rapidly;

[0014] Fifth stage: The EHB spreader descends and operates at the normal process speed;

[0015] Sixth paragraph: The EHB spreader moves synchronously with the preceding vehicle;

[0016] S3: The EHB line in the front assembly area operates in four stroke segments sequentially:

[0017] First segment: The EHB lifting device operates at the normal process speed, and the EHB lifting device is lifted;

[0018] Second segment: EHB spreader moves rapidly;

[0019] Third stage: The EHB spreader operates at the normal process speed and descends;

[0020] Fourth section: The EHB spreader moves in sync with the preceding vehicle, and the operator operates the robotic arm to follow the EHB trolley, completing the assembly within this workstation.

[0021] Furthermore, in step S1, the line control system has preset assembly modes corresponding to each vehicle model.

[0022] Furthermore, in step S2, the running distance of the first segment is 2.5 meters, the running distance of the second segment is 6.3 meters, the running distance of the fourth segment is 6.6 meters, and the running distance of the fifth segment is 2.5 meters.

[0023] Furthermore, in step S3, the running distance of the first segment is 2.5 meters, the running distance of the second segment is 7.3 meters, and the running distance of the third segment is 1.5 meters.

[0024] Furthermore, in step S2, the EHB lifting device in the first segment is raised to more than 1.5 meters.

[0025] Furthermore, in step S3, the EHB spreader descends to a height of 550mm in the third segment.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] The line control method of this invention enables seamless switching between front and rear hangers under different assembly modes without loss of cycle time, perfectly realizing the automatic switching between manual and automatic front-end assembly for different vehicle models. It solves the problem of EHB operating speed affecting cycle time during manual-automatic assembly switching, adapts to trial assembly of various new vehicle models, and provides backup assembly solutions. It boasts a high degree of automation, high flexibility, and strong multi-functional adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a multifunctional line control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the HMI interface of the line control panel according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The above-mentioned and other technical features and advantages of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The multi-functional assembly line control method at the front end of the vehicle assembly line of the present invention can realize a multi-functional conveying mode of the whole vehicle at the front-end automatic assembly station.

[0033] The overall concept is:

[0034] 1. Input the corresponding vehicle identification code for automatic assembly and manual assembly in advance on the operation panel. The HIM program will transmit the input vehicle identification code to the PLC, and the PLC will then execute the corresponding EHB car's operating program.

[0035] 2. When the EHB trolley moves to the previous station in the front assembly area, it reads the data carrier on the right rear wheel arch of the vehicle body through the reader and identifies the vehicle model data. The PLC will determine the vehicle model on the next lifting device based on the 6-digit code of the vehicle body and call the corresponding EHB running program. The control system controls the corresponding EHB trolley to run in different ways. At the same time, the front assembly method of the next vehicle is indicated in a prominent position at the robot arm assembly station, so that the manual operation area can prepare in advance to operate the robot arm to grab the front module for assembly.

[0036] 3. After completing the front-end assembly in different ways, the overall operating cycle of the EHB is not affected. The EHB maintains its original spacing and does not affect the overall operating cycle.

[0037] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the control scheme for the front-end assembly multi-functional line is as follows:

[0038] I. Reference Figure 2 On the HMI interface, you can set the manual / automatic mode selection for the front assembly area of ​​different vehicle models. For each vehicle model, you need to confirm the operation mode of EHB in this area. You can also select all vehicle models at the same time (this page requires advanced operation permissions).

[0039] 2. Before entering the front-end assembly area, the data carrier at the right rear wheel arch of the vehicle body is read by the reader, the vehicle model data is identified, and the corresponding next conveying operation program is executed according to the set requirements, that is, the automatic assembly EHB line operation mode or the manual robotic arm assembly EHB line operation mode is selected.

[0040] III. Automatic Assembly EHB Line Operation Mode: The EHB line in the front assembly area operates in six stroke segments sequentially:

[0041] First segment: EHB lifting device, operating at process speed, travel distance 2.5 meters;

[0042] Second segment: The EHB spreader moves rapidly, covering a distance of 6.3 meters;

[0043] Third segment: The EHB spreader is stationary for 26 seconds, and the robot completes the front-end assembly and tightening.

[0044] Fourth segment: EHB rapid operation, running distance 6.6 meters;

[0045] Fifth segment: The EHB spreader descends, with a process speed travel distance of 2.5 meters;

[0046] Sixth segment: EHB synchronizes with the preceding vehicle.

[0047] IV. EHB Line Operation Mode During Manual Robotic Arm Assembly: The EHB line in the front assembly area operates in four sequential stroke segments:

[0048] First segment: EHB lifting device, operating at process speed, travel distance 2.5 meters;

[0049] Second segment: The EHB spreader moves rapidly, covering a distance of 7.3 meters;

[0050] Third segment: The EHB spreader descends to a height of 550mm, and the process speed travels a distance of 1.5 meters;

[0051] Fourth stage: The EHB synchronizes with the preceding vehicle and simultaneously begins manual robotic arm assembly. The operator operates the robotic arm to follow the EHB trolley and complete the assembly within this workstation.

[0052] Using the above solution, after the current vehicle is automatically assembled, if the next vehicle is to be manually assembled, the lifting device does not need to stop at the stop position. After quickly moving to the robotic arm assembly area, it maintains the distance from the preceding vehicle while already operating at the process speed. Even if subsequent lifting devices operate in automatic assembly mode, their cycle time can meet the overall cycle time requirements, thus ensuring the stable operation of the entire EHB line. This solution improves the flexibility of the automotive automated production line, thereby increasing productivity and adapting to trial assembly of various new models and backup assembly schemes. Seamless switching between manual and automatic front-end assembly is achieved without loss of cycle time. From the HIM program in the screen settings to the PLC program at the control end, automatic switching between manual and automatic front-end assembly for different vehicle models is perfectly realized. This design solves the problem of EHB operating speed affecting cycle time during manual-automatic assembly switching.

[0053] If a newly built factory has planned automated assembly stations but no manual robotic arms for assembly, it cannot solve the problem of having no backup equipment when special assembly of new models or automatic equipment failures occur. The solution of this invention perfectly solves this problem and has a high degree of flexibility.

[0054] Currently, most vehicle assembly lines in China rely on robotic arms for front-end assembly, lacking automated assembly and exhibiting low automation rates. The solution presented in this invention, however, boasts a high degree of automation. Even in factories that have converted robotic arms to automated assembly lines, the switching cycle time remains a significant challenge, requiring 10-20 minutes of manual adjustment and settings each time, which is highly inconvenient. This invention, on the other hand, offers strong versatility and adaptability.

[0055] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are illustrative rather than restrictive. The structure and connection methods of the components in the present invention can be varied, and any equivalent transformations and improvements made based on the technical solution of the present invention should not be excluded from the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a multi-functional assembly line at the front end of a vehicle body assembly line, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Before the vehicle body enters the front assembly area, the data carrier on the vehicle body is read, the vehicle model data is identified, and the vehicle model data is used to determine whether to run the automatic assembly mode or the manual assembly mode on the EHB line in the front assembly area. If the automatic assembly mode is run, step S2 is executed; if the manual assembly mode is run, step S3 is executed. S2: The EHB assembly line in the front-end assembly area operates in six stroke segments sequentially. First segment: The EHB lifting device operates at the normal process speed, and the EHB lifting device is lifted; Second segment: EHB spreader moves rapidly; Third segment: The EHB spreader comes to a standstill for 26 seconds, and the robot completes the front-end assembly and tightening. Fourth section: EHB spreader operates rapidly; Fifth stage: The EHB spreader descends and operates at the normal process speed; Sixth paragraph: The EHB spreader moves synchronously with the preceding vehicle; S3: The EHB assembly line in the front-end assembly area operates in four stroke segments sequentially: First segment: The EHB lifting device operates at the normal process speed, and the EHB lifting device is lifted; Second segment: EHB spreader moves rapidly; Third stage: The EHB spreader operates at the normal process speed and descends; Fourth section: The EHB spreader moves in sync with the preceding vehicle, and the operator operates the robotic arm to follow the EHB trolley, completing the assembly within this workstation.

2. The method for controlling the multi-functional assembly line at the front end of a vehicle body assembly line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the line control system has preset assembly modes corresponding to each vehicle model.

3. The method for controlling the front end assembly of a multi-functional vehicle body assembly line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the running distance of the first segment is 2.5 meters, the running distance of the second segment is 6.3 meters, the running distance of the fourth segment is 6.6 meters, and the running distance of the fifth segment is 2.5 meters.

4. The method for controlling the front end assembly of a multi-functional vehicle body assembly line as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In step S3, the running distance of the first segment is 2.5 meters, the running distance of the second segment is 7.3 meters, and the running distance of the third segment is 1.5 meters.

5. The method for controlling the multi-functional assembly line at the front end of a vehicle body assembly line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the EHB lifting device in the first segment is raised to more than 1.5 meters.

6. The method for controlling the multi-functional assembly line at the front end of a vehicle body assembly line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, the EHB spreader descends to a height of 550mm in the third segment.

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