Backflow mechanism of assembly line and assembly line comprising same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a backflow mechanism of an assembly line and the assembly line comprising the backflow mechanism, which are used for moving a carrier on a forward conveying chain of the assembly line to a reverse conveying chain to enable the carrier conveyed on the assembly line to flow back. The intercepting part is used for stopping a carrier positioned on the forward conveying chain at a first position of the forward conveying chain; the supporting part is arranged between the forward conveying chain and the reverse conveying chain; and the pushing part is used for pushing the carrier in the direction towards the reverse conveying chain and moving the carrier to the position of the reverse conveying chain. According to the utility model, the reversing processing of the carrier is realized through the backflow mechanism. Wherein the intercepting part is used for intercepting and enabling the carrier to stop at the first position of the forward conveying chain, and enabling the pushing part to drive the carrier to move from the first position to the reverse conveying chain along the supporting surface, complete reversing and be conveyed on the reverse conveying chain, so that the carrier flows back to the head of the assembly line, the structure is simple, the carrying efficiency is high, and the cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of transportation tooling, and in particular to a return mechanism for an assembly line and an assembly line including the same. Background Technology

[0002] During the transport process, the vehicle is often transported from one end of the assembly line to the other. After the vehicle completes the installation work on the assembly line, it is transported from one end of the assembly line to the end, at which point the vehicle needs to return to the beginning.

[0003] In the existing workflow, to facilitate vehicle return, the production line includes at least one forward conveyor chain running from the beginning to the end of the production line and one reverse conveyor chain running from the end to the beginning, with the end of the forward conveyor chain and the beginning of the reverse conveyor chain positioned close together. Currently, when a vehicle is transported via the forward conveyor chain and stops at the end, it is manually transferred from the forward conveyor chain to the beginning of the reverse conveyor chain. This manual vehicle transfer method is cumbersome, inefficient, and costly. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defects of the cumbersome, inefficient and costly carrier return process in the existing assembly line, and to provide a return mechanism for the assembly line and an assembly line including the same.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0006] A return mechanism for an assembly line is used to move a carrier on the forward conveyor chain to the reverse conveyor chain, thereby returning the carrier transported on the assembly line.

[0007] The reflux mechanism includes:

[0008] An interceptor is disposed on the forward transport chain and is used to stop a vehicle located on the forward transport chain at a first position on the forward transport chain.

[0009] A support portion is disposed between the forward transport chain and the reverse transport chain, and is located on the side of the first position relatively close to the reverse transport chain. The support portion has a support surface for supporting the vehicle, and the height of the support surface is lower than or equal to the conveying surface height of the forward transport chain and the reverse transport chain.

[0010] A pushing unit is disposed at a first position on the forward transport chain on a side relatively away from the reverse transport chain. The pushing unit is used to push the vehicle in a direction toward the reverse transport chain and move it to the reverse transport chain position.

[0011] In this design, a return mechanism is installed on the assembly line to reverse the direction of the conveyor belt, moving the conveyor belt from the forward transport chain to the reverse transport chain, and then returning along the reverse transport chain. The interceptor unit intercepts and stops the conveyor belt at a first position on the forward transport chain. The support unit provides a support surface at the first position near the reverse transport chain to support the conveyor belt and allows the conveyor belt to be driven by the pusher unit, moving from the first position along the support surface to the reverse transport chain, completing the reversal and transporting it back to the head of the assembly line. This design is simple in structure, highly efficient in handling, and low in cost.

[0012] Preferably, the return mechanism further includes a base, and the interception part, the support part and the pushing part are respectively connected to the base, and the base is used to connect to the production line.

[0013] Preferably, the support portion is plate-shaped, and there are multiple support portions, which are spaced apart on the surface of the base.

[0014] In this design, the base is provided with spaced support sections, which allows the carrier to be supported and lifted when it moves to the first position. This reduces the contact area between the carrier and the base when it is driven by the pusher, thereby reducing friction with the base and preventing damage to the return mechanism or the carrier. The carrier moves from the forward transport chain to the top of the reverse transport chain and then returns.

[0015] Preferably, the support is made of a flexible and / or wear-resistant material.

[0016] In this solution, the support part is made of flexible and wear-resistant material to prevent the support part from wearing down the vehicle and to increase the durability of the support part.

[0017] Preferably, the support portion is strip-shaped, the support portions are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the production line, and the two ends of the support portion are chamfered.

[0018] In this solution, the support parts are arranged in strips and spaced perpendicular to the flow line direction to facilitate the support of the vehicle being transported to the first position. The chamfering process reduces the resistance encountered by the vehicle when it moves between the support parts during the transport process from the forward conveyor chain to the reverse conveyor chain.

[0019] Preferably, the base is used for detachable connection with the production line.

[0020] In this solution, the base and production line are detachably connected to increase the flexibility of the recirculation mechanism installation. This allows for independent control and modular design of the recirculation mechanism, thereby increasing the convenience of mass production.

[0021] Preferably, the base has at least one through hole, and the return mechanism further includes a fastener, the threaded end of which protrudes downward from the through hole and is used for detachable connection with the production line.

[0022] In this solution, through holes are made in the base so that fasteners can pass through the through holes, allowing the return mechanism to be detachably connected to the production line.

[0023] Preferably, the return mechanism further includes a positioning sensor, a control box, and a first driving member. The positioning sensor is distributed on or near the support portion. The positioning sensor is signal-connected to the control box, and the control box is signal-connected to the first driving member to drive the pushing portion to move in the direction from the forward transport chain to the reverse transport chain.

[0024] In this design, the return mechanism senses the movement of the carrier through position sensors distributed on or near the support section. When the carrier reaches the first position, the sensors generate a signal and transmit it to the control box. The control box connects to and drives the first drive unit to propel the push unit, causing it to move the carrier from the forward conveyor chain to the reverse conveyor chain. After being pushed to the reverse conveyor chain, the carrier returns to the head of the production line with the reverse conveyor chain. After the push is completed, the first drive unit drives the push unit back to its original position.

[0025] Preferably, the return mechanism further includes: a partition member disposed on the forward transport chain and located upstream of the interception section along the transport direction of the forward transport chain; and a second drive member, wherein the partition member is tractively connected to the second drive member, and the second drive member is used to drive the partition member to be raised to a height higher than the conveying surface of the forward transport chain.

[0026] In this solution, by setting a partition between the assembly line and the base, when the return mechanism is working, the second drive component is raised and forms a partition to block the subsequent carrier, preventing the subsequent carrier on the forward transport chain from moving to the first position and preventing the transport of the subsequent carrier from affecting the operation of the return mechanism.

[0027] This utility model also provides an assembly line, which includes a return mechanism as described above, a forward transport chain and a reverse transport chain. The return mechanism is located at the end of the forward transport chain assembly line and the beginning of the reverse transport chain, and the return mechanism is detachably connected to the forward transport chain and the reverse transport chain.

[0028] The significant advantages of this invention are as follows: The return mechanism of the assembly line and the assembly line containing it enable the reversing of the carrier, allowing the carrier to move from the forward transport chain to the reverse transport chain and then return along the reverse transport chain. Specifically, the intercepting part intercepts and stops the carrier at a first position on the forward transport chain, while the supporting part provides a supporting surface at the first position near the reverse transport chain to support the carrier. The supporting part also allows the carrier to be driven by the pushing part, moving from the first position along the supporting surface to the reverse transport chain, completing the reversal and transporting it on the reverse transport chain, thus returning it to the head of the assembly line. The structure is simple, the handling efficiency is high, and the cost is low. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the reflux mechanism in a preferred embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the reflux mechanism in a preferred embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the assembly line of the preferred embodiment of this utility model (I).

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram (II) of the assembly line of the preferred embodiment of this utility model.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] Forward transport chain 1, first position 11, direction A

[0035] Reverse transport chain 2

[0036] Vehicle 3

[0037] 100 reflux mechanism

[0038] Base 101

[0039] Interception Department 110

[0040] Support section 120

[0041] Through hole 121

[0042] Block 123

[0043] Promotion Department 130

[0044] Slide rail 131

[0045] Putter 132

[0046] First drive unit 133

[0047] Position sensor 140

[0048] 141 away from sensor

[0049] Control box 142

[0050] Partition 150

[0051] Second drive unit 151

[0052] Electrical component enclosure 160

[0053] Power port 161

[0054] Cable routing hole 162

[0055] baffle 163 Detailed Implementation

[0056] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0057] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides an assembly line including a forward transport chain 1 and a reverse transport chain 2 for moving a carrier 3 in opposite directions. To achieve the purpose of moving the carrier 3 located on the forward transport chain 1 to the reverse transport chain 2, the assembly line is further provided with a return mechanism 100, which moves the carrier 3 from the forward transport chain 1 to the reverse transport chain 2, so that the carrier 3 returns via the reverse transport chain 2.

[0058] The return mechanism 100 in this embodiment includes an interception part 110, a support part 120, and a pushing part 130. The interception part 110 is at least provided on the forward transport chain 1, and is used to stop the vehicle 3 located on the forward transport chain 1 at a first position 11 on the forward transport chain 1 (i.e., Figure 1 In the area defined by the dashed box, the support 120 is positioned between the forward transport chain 1 and the reverse transport chain 2, and is located at the first position 11 on the side relatively close to the reverse transport chain 2 (i.e., in the area where the dashed box is located). Figure 1 In this configuration, at least a portion of each support portion 120 is located on the right side of the first position 11. The upper surface of each support portion 120 serves as a support surface for supporting the bottom surface of the carrier 3. The height of the support surface is lower than or equal to the height of the conveying surfaces of the forward transport chain 1 and the reverse transport chain 2. The pusher portion 130 is located on the side of the first position 11 of the forward transport chain 1 that is relatively far away from the reverse transport chain 2 (i.e., in...). Figure 1In the first position 11, the pushing unit 130 is located to the left. The pushing unit 130 is used to push the carrier 3 in the direction A toward the reverse transport chain 2 and move it to the position of the reverse transport chain 2. During the movement of the carrier 3, the support surfaces of each support unit 120 support the lower surface of the carrier 3 to prevent the carrier 3 from overturning during the movement.

[0059] By setting a return mechanism 100 on the assembly line, the pusher 130 of the return mechanism 100 pushes the carrier 3 to move, thereby moving the carrier 3 from the forward transport chain 1 to the reverse transport chain 2, and then returning along the reverse transport chain 2. The interceptor 110 intercepts and stops the carrier 3 at a specific position (i.e., first position 11) on the forward transport chain 1, so that the pusher 130 can push the carrier 3. During the pushing process, the side of the first position 11 closest to the reverse transport chain 2 is supported by the support surface of the support 120 to support the carrier 3, preventing the carrier 3 from tipping over during the pushing process. This return mechanism 100 pushes the carrier 3 from the first position 11 on the forward transport chain 1 along direction A to the reverse transport chain 2 via the pusher 130, allowing the carrier 3 to return to the head of the assembly line via the reverse transport chain 2. It has a simple structure, high handling efficiency, and low cost.

[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment, the return mechanism 100 is located at the end of the assembly line to return the vehicle 3 that has reached the end of the forward transport chain 1. Of course, in other embodiments, the return mechanism 100 can also be located at other positions on the assembly line, such as in the middle of the forward transport chain 1 and the reverse transport chain 2, etc., to achieve the purpose of returning the vehicle 3 located at the position where the return mechanism 100 is located.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the interception unit 110 intercepts the carrier 3 by abutting against it from the side. In this embodiment, the interception unit 110 is specifically the side of the return mechanism 100 facing the carrier 3. The interception unit 110 abuts against the carrier 3 transported to the end of the assembly line to intercept the carrier 3. The pusher unit 130 has a push rod 132 located outside the return mechanism 100, away from the reverse transport chain 2, and extending towards the assembly line. The push rod 132 moves along direction A to push the carrier 3, causing the carrier 3 to be moved to the reverse transport chain 2. At the same time, the return mechanism 100 has a slide rail 131 arranged perpendicular to the assembly line and extending therein. The pusher unit 130 is slidably connected to the slide rail 131 and can reciprocate along the slide rail 131. The slide rail 131 guides the pusher unit 130, allowing it to run smoothly.

[0062] In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can adjust the specific positions and shapes of the interception unit 110 and the pushing unit 130 as needed to intercept and stop the vehicle 3 on the forward transport chain 1, push the vehicle 3 to the reverse transport chain 2, support the bottom of the vehicle 3 during the pushing process, prevent the vehicle 3 from overturning during the pushing process, and finally realize the automated return of the vehicle 3.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the return mechanism 100 also includes a base 101, and the interception part 110, the support part 120 and the push part 130 are respectively connected and fixed on the base 101. The base 101 is used to connect with other parts of the production line to fix the return mechanism 100 on the forward transport chain 1 and the reverse transport chain 2 of the production line.

[0064] In this embodiment, the base 101 is plate-shaped, and a plurality of support portions 120 are provided on the base 101 at intervals. The support portions 120 are higher than the base 101 but not higher than the conveying surface height of the forward conveyor chain 1 and the reverse conveyor chain 2. Strip-shaped gaps are opened on the plate-shaped base 101 for the forward conveyor chain 1 and the reverse conveyor chain 2 to extend out. By providing the support portions 120 at intervals on the base 101, the carrier 3 is supported and lifted by the support portions 120 when it moves to the first position 11. This reduces the contact area between the carrier 3 and the base 101 when it is driven by the pusher 130, thereby reducing friction with the base 101 and preventing damage to the return mechanism 100 or the carrier 3. In addition, a chamfered stop 123 is provided in the area between the forward transport chain 1 and the reverse transport chain 2. The stop 123 constrains the side of the vehicle 3 to prevent the vehicle 3 from leaving the push path of the push unit 130 during the return flow (i.e., to prevent the vehicle 3 from moving in directions other than direction A).

[0065] In other embodiments, the specific shape and number of the support part 120 can be adjusted as needed, as long as the setting height of the support part 120 does not obstruct the contact between the forward transport chain 1, the reverse transport chain 2 and the carrier 3 to achieve transportation. The specific shape and number can be adjusted by those skilled in the art according to actual design requirements.

[0066] As one embodiment of the support portion 120, by using a flexible, wear-resistant material for the support portion 120, wear on the carrier 3 is prevented and the durability of the support portion 120 is increased.

[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the support portion 120 is strip-shaped, and the support portions 120 are distributed and extended at intervals along a direction perpendicular to the assembly line. The two ends of the support portion 120 are chamfered.

[0068] In one embodiment of the support portion 120, the support portion 120 is made into strips and spaced apart perpendicular to the flow line direction, so that the support portion 120 can easily support the carrier 3 transported to the first position 11. By chamfering, the resistance encountered by the carrier 3 when moving between the support portions 120 is reduced during the transportation from the forward transport chain 1 to the reverse transport chain 2.

[0069] In other embodiments, the specific shape and distribution of the support portion 120 can be designed as needed, including continuous distribution, dotted or block-shaped interval distribution, which can also reduce the movement of the carrier 3 on the support surface and prevent the carrier 3 from directly contacting the support portion 120 or the base 101, and prevent the return mechanism 100 from directly rubbing and causing wear.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the base 101 is used for detachable connection with the production line. Specifically, the base 101 has at least one through hole 121, and the return mechanism 100 also includes a fastener, the threaded end of which protrudes downward from the through hole 121 and is used for detachable connection with the production line.

[0071] In this embodiment, the base 101 and the production line are detachably connected to increase the installation flexibility of the recirculation mechanism 100. This allows the recirculation mechanism 100 to be independently controlled and modularly designed, thereby increasing the convenience of mass production of the recirculation mechanism 100. By providing through holes 121 in the base 101, fasteners can pass through the through holes 121, enabling the recirculation mechanism 100 to be detachably connected to the production line.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a through hole 121 is used to connect the assembly line with a mounting hole at the tail end for bolt connection. In other embodiments, other detachable connection methods such as slot connection or snap-fit ​​can be used as needed to achieve the connection between the two.

[0073] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the return mechanism 100 also includes a position sensor 140, a control box 142, and a first drive member 133. The position sensor 140 is distributed on or near the support part 120. The position sensor 140 is signal-connected to the control box 142, and the control box 142 is signal-connected to the first drive member 133 to drive the push part 130 to move along direction A from the forward transport chain to the reverse transport chain.

[0074] In this embodiment, the return mechanism 100 senses the movement of the carrier 3 through positioning sensors 140 distributed on the support 120. When the carrier 3 reaches the first position 11, the positioning sensor 140 is triggered, generating a signal and transmitting it to the control box 142. The control box 142 connects to and controls the first drive member 133. The first drive member 133 drives the pusher 130, causing it to push the carrier 3 from the forward transport chain 1 to the reverse transport chain 2. After being pushed to the reverse transport chain 2, the carrier 3 returns to the head of the production line with the reverse transport chain 2. After the push is completed, the first drive member 133 drives the pusher 130 back to its original position. As a preferred embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a carrier 3 departure sensor 141 can be added to the side of the base 101 near the reverse transport chain 2. When the carrier 3 leaves the first position, the sensor generates a signal and transmits it to the control box 142 to coordinate with the positioning sensor 140 and increase the sensing accuracy. In this embodiment, since the carrier 3 is made of metal, the positioning sensor 140 is a non-contact sensor capable of sensing changes in the magnetic field to detect the positioning status of the carrier 3. In other embodiments, the positioning sensor 140 can also use other contact or non-contact methods existing in the prior art to detect the positioning status of the carrier 3.

[0075] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the return mechanism 100 also includes a partition 150 and a second drive member 151. In this embodiment, the partition 150 and the second drive member 151 are not connected to the base 101, but are separately fixed to the forward transport chain 1 and located upstream of the interception section 110 along the transport direction of the forward transport chain 1. The partition 150 and the second drive member 151 are connected by transmission. The second drive member 151 is used to drive the partition 150 to rise above the conveying surface height of the forward transport chain 1 to prevent the subsequent carrier 3 on the forward transport chain 1 from moving to the first position and colliding with the carrier 3 being returned. Therefore, by setting the partition 150 and driving it to rise and fall with the second drive member 151, the transport of the subsequent carrier 3 can be prevented from affecting the operation of the return mechanism 100.

[0076] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one specific embodiment of the first driving member 133 and the second driving member 151, a cylinder can be used as the driving member. That is, a lifting cylinder is provided below the partition member 150, and a cylinder is provided on one side of the pushing member to drive its reciprocating movement. Both the first driving member 133 and the second driving member 151 are connected to the control box 142.

[0077] In one specific implementation, an electrical component housing 160 is provided on the side of the base 101 away from the production line. The electrical component housing 160 houses the control box 142 and other necessary components. The control box 142 receives signals generated by the sensors and coordinates the control of the first drive unit 133 and the second drive unit 151. Additionally, the electrical component housing 160 has a power hole 161 for accommodating a power button and multiple wiring holes 162 for facilitating the arrangement of power supply and control box 142 connection cables by the operator. A baffle 163 is provided inside the electrical component housing 160 to separate the internal control box 142 from the other components.

[0078] In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can adjust the arrangement and connection of components such as the electrical component housing 160 and the control box 142 of the return mechanism 100 as needed.

[0079] In this embodiment, the return mechanism 100 is installed on the forward transport chain 1 and the reverse transport chain 2 of the production line, so that the return mechanism 100 can be detachably connected to the forward transport chain 1 and the reverse transport chain 2 for easy installation and maintenance.

[0080] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A flow line recirculation mechanism for moving a carrier on a forward transport chain of a flow line to a reverse transport chain to recirculate a carrier in the flow line, characterized by, The return mechanism comprises: an intercepting part arranged on the forward conveying chain, the intercepting part being used to stop the carrier on the forward conveying chain at a first position of the forward conveying chain; a supporting part arranged between the forward conveying chain and the reverse conveying chain and located on a side of the first position close to the reverse conveying chain, the supporting part having a supporting surface for carrying the carrier, the height of the supporting surface being lower than or equal to the height of the conveying surface of the forward conveying chain and the reverse conveying chain; a pushing part arranged on a side of the first position of the forward conveying chain away from the reverse conveying chain, the pushing part being used to push the carrier in a direction towards the reverse conveying chain and move the carrier to a position of the reverse conveying chain.

2. The return flow mechanism of claim 1, wherein The return mechanism further comprises a base, the intercepting part, the supporting part and the pushing part being connected to the base, the base being used to be connected to the assembly line.

3. The return flow mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The supporting part is in the shape of a plate, and a plurality of the supporting parts are distributed on the surface of the base.

4. The return flow mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The supporting part is made of flexible and / or wear-resistant material.

5. The return mechanism of claim 3, wherein, The supporting part is in the shape of a strip, and a plurality of the supporting parts are distributed in a direction perpendicular to the assembly line, and the supporting surface is chamfered towards the edges of the two ends of the forward conveying chain and the reverse conveying chain.

6. The return mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The base is used to be detachably connected to the assembly line.

7. The return flow mechanism of claim 6, wherein At least one through hole is formed on the base, and the return mechanism further comprises a fastener, a threaded end of the fastener being downwardly threaded out of the through hole and used to be detachably connected to the assembly line.

8. The return mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The return mechanism further comprises a position sensor, a control box and a first driving member, the position sensor being arranged on or near the supporting part, the position sensor being signal-connected to the control box, and the control box being signal-connected to the first driving member to drive the pushing part to move in a direction from the forward conveying chain to the reverse conveying chain.

9. The return flow mechanism of claim 2, wherein The return mechanism further comprises: a partition member arranged on the forward conveying chain and located upstream of the intercepting part in the conveying direction of the forward conveying chain; a second driving member, the partition member being drivingly connected to the second driving member, and the second driving member being used to drive the partition member to be lifted to a height higher than the height of the conveying surface of the forward conveying chain.

10. A pipeline characterized by, The assembly line comprises: the return mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a forward conveying chain and a reverse conveying chain, the return mechanism being arranged at the end of the forward conveying chain and at the beginning of the reverse conveying chain, and the return mechanism being detachably connected to the forward conveying chain and the reverse conveying chain.

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