An assembly mechanism

Abstract

This invention provides an assembly mechanism, including an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a first drive unit, and a transfer member. The transfer member has a loading space and multiple assembly areas located on the outer periphery of the loading space, with different spatial orientations for each assembly area. Each assembly area at least partially forms a channel connecting the loading space and the external space. The transfer member is connected to the AGV via the first drive unit and rotates under its drive to change the spatial orientation of each assembly area. The transfer member connects to the product to be assembled. During connection, the product is positioned in the loading space, with each assembly surface of the product corresponding to an assembly area, and the assembly points on the assembly surfaces are visible to the outside through the corresponding assembly area's channel. The movement of the AGV enables product handling, thereby simplifying the structure of the entire production line. The first drive unit drives the transfer member to rotate, enabling product flipping and allowing each assembly surface of the product to be sequentially positioned in the operating orientation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of assembly technology, specifically to an assembly mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In modern fully automated assembly lines, product movement is mostly achieved by integrating lifting and / or traversing servo structures with grippers, or by integrating conveyor belts with accompanying fixtures. This results in complex line designs, large floor space requirements, and high overall investment. Furthermore, when assembling different assembly surfaces, the product needs to be flipped to ensure each surface is in the correct operating position for easy assembly. However, for heavy and / or bulky products, flipping them is quite challenging. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an assembly mechanism that simplifies product handling and flipping.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an assembly mechanism, including an automated guided vehicle, a first drive unit, and a transfer component; wherein:

[0005] The adapter includes a positioning part that defines a loading space and multiple assembly areas. The multiple assembly areas are located on the outer periphery of the loading space, and the spatial orientations of the different assembly areas are different. Each assembly area at least partially forms a channel connecting the loading space and the external space. The adapter is connected to the automated guided vehicle through the first driving part, and the adapter can also rotate under the drive of the first driving part to change the spatial orientation of each assembly area.

[0006] Optionally, the first drive unit includes a first rotary drive unit and a second rotary drive unit; the first rotary drive unit is connected to the automated guided vehicle and includes a first mover configured to rotate about its own axis; the second rotary drive unit is connected to the first mover and includes a second mover configured to rotate about its own axis; the axis of the second mover intersects with or is not in the same plane as the axis of the first mover.

[0007] The adapter is connected to the second moving part.

[0008] Optionally, the adapter includes a base connected to the first drive unit and at least partially formed as a base plate;

[0009] The positioning part includes a pressure plate, a second driving part, and a base plate; the pressure plate and the base plate are arranged at intervals along a preset direction; the second driving part is connected to the base and the pressure plate, and is configured to drive the pressure plate to move along the preset direction to move away from or closer to the base plate;

[0010] The loading space is located at least partially between the pressure plate and the base plate, and the pressure plate constitutes an assembly area. The pressure plate is also provided with a first hollow structure extending through the predetermined direction, and the first hollow structure constitutes the channel. The remaining assembly areas are arranged around the axis of the pressure plate on the outer periphery of the pressure plate, and the axis of the pressure plate extends along the predetermined direction.

[0011] Optionally, the positioning part further includes a guide positioning body, which is connected to the base and located on the outer periphery of the loading space and extends along the preset direction; the guide positioning body cooperates with the pressure plate to guide the movement of the pressure plate along the preset direction;

[0012] A hollow area is formed between two adjacent guide positioning bodies;

[0013] At least a portion of the hollowed-out area constitutes the assembly area.

[0014] Optionally, the base includes a first plate and a second plate connected to each other, the first plate being perpendicular to the second plate; the first plate being connected to the first driving part; the second plate forming the base plate and also forming an assembly area, and the second plate also having a second hollow structure extending through along the preset direction, the second hollow structure forming the channel;

[0015] Except for the cutout area closest to the first plate, the other cutout areas each constitute an assembly area.

[0016] Optionally, the second plate is detachably connected to the first plate.

[0017] Optionally, the base further includes a support body and a connector; the support body is connected to the first plate and is perpendicular to the first plate; the support body is provided with an insertion slot; the second plate is partially inserted into the insertion slot and is also detachably connected to the first plate through the connector;

[0018] The guide positioning body is connected to the carrier.

[0019] Optionally, the pressure plate is detachably connected to the second drive unit.

[0020] Optionally, the adapter is detachably connected to the first drive unit.

[0021] Optionally, the automated guided vehicle includes a frame and a parking device. The parking device includes a third drive unit and a contact plate. The third drive unit is connected to the frame and includes a third mover. The third mover is configured to extend and retract in the vertical direction, and the free end of the third mover is arranged downward and connected to the contact plate.

[0022] Optionally, the third drive unit includes a cylinder; the automated guided vehicle further includes a compressed air source disposed on the frame, the compressed air source being connected to the cylinder and configured to supply compressed gas to the cylinder.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the assembly mechanism of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0024] The aforementioned assembly mechanism includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a first drive unit, and a transfer member. The transfer member includes a positioning unit that defines a loading space and multiple assembly areas. These assembly areas are located on the outer periphery of the loading space, and each assembly area has a different spatial orientation. Each assembly area at least partially forms a channel connecting the loading space and the external space. The transfer member is connected to the AAV via the first drive unit, and it can also rotate under the drive of the first drive unit to change the spatial orientation of each assembly area. The transfer member is connected to the product to be assembled via the positioning unit. During connection, the product is positioned in the loading space via the positioning unit, and each assembly surface of the product corresponds to one assembly area, making the assembly points on the assembly surfaces visible to the outside through the channels of the corresponding assembly areas. Thus, the movement of the automated guided vehicle enables the handling of the product, thereby simplifying the structure of the entire assembly line and reducing the cost of the assembly line. Furthermore, by driving the adapter to rotate through the first drive unit, the product can be flipped so that each of the product's assembly surfaces can be positioned sequentially in the operating position. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand this utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. Wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure provided by this utility model according to one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure provided according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 1 The observation directions are different;

[0028] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated guided vehicle with an assembly mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of an automated guided vehicle with an assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 3 The observation directions are different;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the frame of the automated guided vehicle with an assembly mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) with an assembly mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first drive unit of the assembly mechanism provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adapter of the assembly mechanism provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] [The following are explanations of the reference numerals in the attached drawings]: 100 - Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), 110 - Frame, 121 - Fourth Drive Unit, 1211 - Motor, 1212 - Reducer, 1213 - Battery, 122 - Drive Wheel, 123 - Driven Wheel, 124 - Battery, 125 - Parking Device, 1251 - Third Drive Unit, 1252 - Contact Plate, 130 - Assembly Mechanism Control Module, 131 - LiDAR, 132 - Proximity Switch, 133 - Assembly Mechanism Controller, 140 - Vehicle Safety Module, 141 - Warning Light, 142 - Anti-collision Strip, 101 - Information Input Unit, 102 - Display Screen, 200 - First Drive Unit, 210 - First Rotary Drive Unit, 211 - First Stator, 212 - First Mover, 221 - Second Mover, 2 30-Dating plate, 300-Adapter, 310-Positioning part, 320-Base, 321-First plate, 322-Second plate, 3221-Second hollow structure, 323-Bearing body, 324-Connector, 301-Pressure plate, 3011-First hollow structure, 302-Second drive part, 303-Guide positioning body, 303a-First guide positioning body, 303b-Second guide positioning body, 303c-Third guide positioning body, 303d-Fourth guide positioning body, 3031-First guide part, 3032-Second guide part, 410-Air pump, 420-Oil-water separator, 430-Air source dryer, 440-Air storage tank, 510-First quick-change connector, 520-Second quick-change connector, 600-Communication module. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this utility model. Therefore, the drawings only show components related to this utility model and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape, and size of the components in implementation. In actual implementation, the type, quantity, and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the component layout may also be more complex.

[0036] Furthermore, while each embodiment described below possesses one or more technical features, this does not imply that users of this utility model must simultaneously implement all technical features in any embodiment, or can only separately implement some or all technical features in different embodiments. In other words, provided it is feasible, those skilled in the art can selectively implement some or all technical features in any embodiment, or selectively implement a combination of some or all technical features in multiple embodiments, based on the disclosure of this utility model and depending on design specifications or implementation requirements, thereby increasing the flexibility in implementing this utility model.

[0037] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural objects, and the plural form “a plurality” includes two or more objects, unless otherwise expressly indicated. As used herein, the term “or” is generally used to include the meaning of “and / or,” unless otherwise expressly indicated, and the terms “install,” “connect,” and “link” should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Connections can be mechanical or electrical. Connections can be direct or indirect through an intermediate medium, and can represent internal communication between two elements or an interaction between two elements. Relational terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor do they indicate relative importance or implicitly specify the number of indicated technical features. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an assembly mechanism that can conveniently transport products to be assembled and can flip the products to be assembled.

[0039] To make the objectives, advantages, and features of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are all in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to conveniently and clearly illustrate the objectives of the embodiments of this utility model. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar parts.

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the assembly mechanism provided in some embodiments of the present invention. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the assembly mechanism includes an automated guided vehicle 100, a first drive unit 200, and a connector 300. The connector 300 includes a positioning unit 310, which defines a loading space (not shown) and multiple assembly areas (not shown). The multiple assembly areas are located on the outer periphery of the assembly space, and the spatial orientations of the different assembly areas are different. Each assembly area is at least partially formed as a channel connecting the loading space and the external space. The connector 300 is connected to the automated guided vehicle 100 via the first drive unit 200, and the connector 300 can rotate under the drive of the first drive unit 200 to change the spatial orientation of each assembly area.

[0041] The assembly mechanism is used to transport and flip products to be assembled. During operation, the product is confined within the loading space by the positioning part 310 and remains relatively stationary with the adapter 300. Each assembly surface on the product corresponds to an assembly area of ​​the adapter 300, and the assembly point on each assembly surface is visible to the outside through the channel of the corresponding assembly area. Thus, by moving the automated guided vehicle 100, the product can be transported to the assembly station, eliminating the need to integrate a product handling module into the assembly line, simplifying its structure and reducing costs. Furthermore, by driving the adapter 300 to rotate via the first driving part 200 to change the spatial orientation of each assembly area, the product is flipped and its assembly surfaces are changed, ensuring that each assembly surface is in a suitable operating position for easy assembly. Here, the suitable operating position is determined as needed; for example, when performing an assembly operation on an assembly surface in the operating position, that surface is the upper surface of the product.

[0042] Furthermore, the assembly mechanism can be applied to different assembly lines to facilitate the rational allocation of production resources.

[0043] The following is a further explanation of each component of the assembly mechanism.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 and combined Figures 3 to 6 The automated guided vehicle 100 includes a frame 110, a motion module (not shown in the figure), and an assembly mechanism control module 130.

[0045] The frame 110 may have any suitable form. The first drive unit 200 is connected to the frame 110, specifically, it may be connected to the upper surface of the frame 110.

[0046] The function of the motion module is to realize the movement of the automated guided vehicle 100. The motion module is mounted on the frame 110 and includes a fourth drive unit 121, multiple drive wheels 122, and multiple driven wheels 123. The drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 123 are both located at the bottom of the frame 110 and together support the frame 110 on the ground. The drive wheels 122 are connected to the output end of the fourth drive unit 121 and can rotate under the drive of the fourth drive unit 121 to move the automated guided vehicle 100. The driven wheels 123 are omnidirectional wheels, which rotate along with the rotation of the drive wheels 122.

[0047] The fourth drive unit 121 may include a motor 1211 and a reducer 1212 driven to the output end of the motor 1211, the output end of the reducer 1212 constituting the output end of the fourth drive unit 121. The motion module may also include a battery 124, which is electrically connected to the motor 1211 to supply power to the motor 1211. The battery 124 is fixed to the frame 110, or the battery 124 may be detachably mounted on the frame 110.

[0048] Furthermore, the motion module also includes a parking device 125, which is configured to fix the automated guided vehicle 100 to prevent the automated guided vehicle 100 from undergoing undesirable movement.

[0049] Optionally, the parking device 125 includes a third drive unit 1251 and a contact plate 1252. The third drive unit 1251 includes a third stator and a third mover (not shown in the figure). The third stator is connected to the vehicle body 110, and the third mover is connected to the third stator. The third mover is configured to extend and retract in the vertical direction, and its free end is downward. The contact plate 1252 is connected to the free end of the third mover. When it is necessary to fix the automated guided vehicle 100, simply control the third mover to extend until the contact plate 1252 is firmly pressed against the ground. When the third mover is controlled to retract so that the contact plate 1252 is higher than the ground, the fixing of the automated guided vehicle 100 can be released. In practice, when the automated guided vehicle 100 transports the product to the assembly station, the parking device 124 fixes the automated guided vehicle 100 to keep the product in the assembly station.

[0050] Optionally, the third drive unit 1251 includes a cylinder, and the piston rod of the cylinder constitutes the third actuator.

[0051] Accordingly, the assembly mechanism also includes a compressed air source (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the third drive unit 1251 and provides compressed gas to the third drive unit 1251. The compressed air source includes components such as an air pump 410, an oil-water separator 420, an air source dryer 430, an air storage tank 440, a pressure switch (not shown in the figure), and a valve island (not shown in the figure). The specific configuration and connection method of the air pump 410, the oil-water separator 420, the air source dryer 430, the air storage tank 440, the pressure switch (not shown in the figure), and the valve island (not shown in the figure), as well as the working method of the compressed air source, are well known in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0052] The function of the assembly mechanism control module 130 is to navigate the automated guided vehicle 100 and control it to perform functions such as forward movement, backward movement, turning, and stopping. The assembly mechanism control module includes a lidar 131 and an assembly mechanism controller 132. The lidar 131 learns all objects in the working environment to navigate the movement of the automated guided vehicle 100. The assembly mechanism controller is communicatively connected to both the lidar 131 and the motion module, and is configured to control the motion module based at least on the navigation provided by the lidar 131, thereby controlling the automated guided vehicle 100 to move forward, backward, turn, and stop. The specific methods by which the assembly mechanism controller controls the motion module based on the navigation provided by the lidar 131, and thus controls the automated guided vehicle 100 to move forward, backward, turn, and stop, are well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated here.

[0053] Furthermore, the assembly mechanism control module 130 also includes a proximity switch 133, which is configured to scan objects on the path of the automated guided vehicle 100. The controller is communicatively connected to the proximity switch 133 and is configured to control the motion module based on the detection result of the proximity switch 133. For example, when the proximity switch 133 detects an object obstructing the movement of the automated guided vehicle 100 on its path, it controls the motion module to stop, thus stopping the automated guided vehicle 100. It is understood that when the lidar 131 detects an object obstructing the movement of the automated guided vehicle 100 on its path, the controller can also control the motion module to stop, thus stopping the automated guided vehicle 100. That is, the proximity switch 133 and the lidar 131 provide redundancy in obstacle avoidance, improving the safety of the automated guided vehicle 100.

[0054] Optionally, the automated guided vehicle 100 further includes a vehicle safety module 140. The vehicle safety module 140 includes an alarm light 141 and a crash bar 142 mounted on the frame 110. The alarm light 141 is communicatively connected to the controller. When the lidar 131 and / or the proximity switch 132 detects an object obstructing the movement of the automated guided vehicle 100, the controller can control the alarm light 141 to flash to issue an alarm. The crash bar 142 can be positioned at any suitable location on the frame 110, and a collision detection component (not shown) can be mounted on the crash bar 142. The controller is also communicatively connected to the collision detection component and configured to receive detection signals from the collision detection component, and determine whether the crash bar 142 is being compressed based on the detection signals. If so, the controller controls the motion module to stop operating and also controls the alarm light 141 to flash to issue an alarm. The collision detection component can be a pressure sensor or other suitable sensor.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an information input unit 101 can be provided on the frame 110, and the information input unit 101 is communicatively connected to the assembly mechanism controller. The information input unit 101 is configured to receive alarm cancellation information input by the operator. Specifically, when the factors causing the automated guided vehicle 100 to stop are eliminated, such as the removal of an object from the movement path of the automated guided vehicle 100, or the removal of an object pressing against the anti-collision strip 142, and the automated guided vehicle 100 can drive normally, the operator inputs the alarm cancellation information through the information input unit 101. After receiving the alarm cancellation information, the assembly mechanism controller controls the alarm light 141 to stop flashing and controls the motion module to allow the automated guided vehicle to resume driving. The information input unit 102 can have any suitable function, such as a button.

[0056] Furthermore, a display screen 102 is preferably provided on the frame 110. The assembly mechanism controller 130 is also preferably communicatively connected to the battery 124 and the display screen 101. The controller is configured to obtain the remaining power of the battery 1213 and control the display screen 101 to display the remaining power of the battery 1213.

[0057] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7As shown, the first drive unit 200 includes a first rotary drive unit 210 and a second rotary drive unit (not labeled in the figure). The first rotary drive unit 210 includes a first stator 211 and a first rotor 212. The first stator 211 is connected to the automated guided vehicle 100, and the first rotor 212 is connected to the first stator 211. The first rotor 212 is configured to rotate about its own axis (i.e., the first rotor 212 can rotate on its own axis). The second rotary drive unit 220 includes a second stator (not shown in the figure) and a second rotor 221. The second stator is connected to the first rotor 212, and the second rotor 221 is connected to the second stator. The second rotor 221 is configured to rotate about its own axis (i.e., the second rotor 221 can rotate on its own axis). The axis of the second rotor 221 intersects with or is not in the same plane as the axis of the first rotor 211, for example, they are perpendicular. The adapter 300 is connected to the second rotor 221. Thus, the rotation of the first mover 212 causes the adapter 300 to rotate around the axis of the first mover 212, thereby causing the product connected to the adapter 300 to rotate around the axis of the first mover 212; the rotation of the second mover 221 causes the adapter 300 to rotate around the axis of the second mover 221, thereby causing the product connected to the adapter 300 to rotate around the axis of the second mover 221. This allows for the product to be flipped in both directions.

[0058] The first drive unit 200 is preferably communicatively connected to the assembly mechanism controller 133 and operates under the control of the assembly mechanism controller 133.

[0059] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the adapter 300 includes a base 320, which is connected to the first drive unit 200, specifically to the second mover 221 of the first drive unit 200. At least a portion of the base 320 is formed as a base plate (not shown in the figure).

[0060] The positioning part 310 includes a pressure plate 301, a second driving part 302, and the base plate. The pressure plate 301 and the base plate are arranged at intervals along a preset direction. The second driving part 302 connects the base 320 and the pressure plate 301, and is configured to drive the pressure plate 301 to move along the preset direction to move closer to or further away from the base plate.

[0061] The loading space is at least partially located between the pressure plate 301 and the base plate. The pressure plate 301 also forms a loading area, and a first perforated structure 3011 extending through the pressure plate 301 along the predetermined direction serves as a channel connecting the loading space and the external space at the pressure plate 301. Apart from the loading area formed by the pressure plate 301, other loading areas are arranged around the axis of the pressure plate 301 on its outer periphery. It can be understood that the axis of the pressure plate 301 extends along the predetermined direction.

[0062] Thus, when the product is loaded onto the adapter 300, the product is placed between the pressure plate 301 and the base plate, and is held and fixed within the loading space by the pressure plate 301 and the base plate. It is easy to understand that the steps for loading the product onto the adapter 300 are as follows: first, the distance between the pressure plate 301 and the base plate is made larger; then, the product is placed between the pressure plate 301 and the base plate, with one loading surface of the product facing the pressure plate 301; finally, the second driving unit 302 drives the pressure plate 301 to move closer to the base plate until the pressure plate 301 engages with the base plate to clamp the product. It is easy to understand that the assembly points on the loading surface facing the pressure plate 301 correspond to the first hollow structure 3011, thus, assembly operations can be performed on the assembly points through the first hollow structure 3011.

[0063] Preferably, the pressure plate 301 is detachably connected to the second drive unit 302 so that the corresponding pressure plate 301 can be replaced according to the type of product.

[0064] Preferably, the positioning part 310 further includes guide positioning bodies 303. There are multiple guide positioning bodies 303, which are distributed on the base 320 and located on the outer periphery of the loading space. The guide positioning bodies 303 extend along the preset direction and cooperate with the pressure plate 301 to guide the movement of the pressure plate 301 along the preset direction.

[0065] In some examples, the guide positioning body 303 includes a first guide portion 3031 and a second guide portion 3032. Both the first guide portion 3031 and the second guide portion 3032 extend along the preset direction and are connected at an angle. An oblique angle is formed between the first guide portion 3031 and the second guide portion 3032, with the opening facing the loading space. The pressure plate 301 is located inside all the guide positioning portions 303 and contacts the first guide portion 3031 and the second guide portion 3032 of each guide positioning body 303.

[0066] In other examples, the pressure plate has multiple engagement holes, and the pressure plate is fitted onto all the guide positioning bodies (not shown in the figure) through the multiple engagement holes.

[0067] It is understood that the multiple guide positioning bodies 303 can also constrain the position of the pressure plate 301 on a plane perpendicular to the preset direction.

[0068] It is easy to understand that there is a hollow area between two adjacent guide positioning bodies 303. In this embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the hollow area constitutes an assembly area.

[0069] In some examples, the base 320 is partially formed as the base plate. Please refer to the following reference. Figure 8 The base 320 includes a first plate 321 and a second plate 322 connected to each other, with the first plate 321 and the second plate 322 perpendicular to each other. The first plate 321 is connected to the first driving part 200, and the second plate 322 constitutes the base plate (i.e., the positioning part 310 includes the second plate 322). In this case, except for the hollow area closest to the first plate 321, the other hollow areas each constitute an assembly area, and the assembly area formed by the hollow areas forms the channel as a whole; and the second plate 322 constitutes an assembly area, and the second plate 322 is provided with a second hollow structure 321 extending through along the preset direction, the second hollow structure 321 constituting the channel of the assembly area formed by the base plate.

[0070] In one specific embodiment, the number of guide positioning bodies 303 is four, and the four guide positioning bodies 303 are distributed at the four vertices of a positioning rectangle. For ease of description, the four guide positioning bodies 303 are respectively referred to as the first guide positioning body 303a, the second guide positioning body 303b, the third guide positioning body 303c, and the fourth guide positioning body 303d.

[0071] The first guide positioning body 303a and the second guide positioning body 303b are arranged parallel to the first plate 321, the third guide positioning body 303c and the fourth guide positioning body 303d are arranged parallel to the first plate 321, and the first guide positioning body 303a and the fourth guide positioning body 303d are arranged perpendicular to the first plate 321, with the first guide positioning body 303a closer to the first plate 321 than the fourth guide positioning body 303d. The second guide positioning body 303b and the third guide positioning body 303c are arranged perpendicular to the first plate 321, with the second guide positioning body 303b closer to the first plate 321 than the third guide positioning body 303c. A hollow area is formed between the first guide positioning body 303a and the second guide positioning body 303b, and this hollow area is referred to as the first hollow area. A hollow area is formed between the second guide positioning body 303b and the third guide positioning body 303c, and this hollow area is referred to as the second hollow area. A hollow area is formed between the third guide positioning body 303c and the fourth guide positioning body 303d, and this hollow area is referred to as the third hollow area. A hollow area is formed between the fourth guide positioning body 303d and the first guide positioning body 303a, and this hollow area is referred to as the fourth hollow area. The first hollow area is closest to the first plate 321. Therefore, the first hollow area does not form the assembly area, while the second, third, and fourth hollow areas each form an assembly area. Thus, a total of five assembly areas are formed on the adapter 300.

[0072] The aforementioned adapter 300 is particularly suitable for products that are cubic in shape and have no more than five mounting surfaces. An example is a cubic product with five mounting surfaces. During operation, the product is loaded into the loading space such that the non-mounting surfaces of the product are arranged corresponding to the first cutout area (i.e., facing the first plate 321), and each of the other mounting surfaces is arranged facing one of the mounting areas. The product is then clamped and fixed using the pressure plate 301 and the base plate (i.e., the second plate 322). Then, the second rotation drive unit 220 is controlled to rotate as needed, so that the mounting areas corresponding to the second cutout area, the fourth cutout area, the pressure plate 301, and the base plate are respectively positioned in the operating orientation. The first rotation drive unit 220 is also controlled to rotate as needed, so that the mounting area corresponding to the third cutout area is positioned in the operating orientation.

[0073] Preferably, the second plate 322 is detachably connected to the first plate 321 so as to facilitate the replacement of the base plate according to the type of the product.

[0074] Optionally, the base 320 further includes a support body 323 and a connector 324. The support body 323 is connected to and perpendicular to the first plate 321, and has an insertion slot (not shown in the figure) on it. The second plate 322 is partially inserted into the insertion slot and is also detachably connected to the first plate 321 via the connector 324. By providing the support body 323, the stability of the product when driven to rotate by the first drive unit 200 is improved. The connector 324 can be a screw or other detachable connector. In addition, both the second drive unit 302 and the guide positioning body 303 can be disposed on the support body 323.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, the base as a whole serves as the base plate. Thus, the base plate cannot be used as the assembly area, while the hollowed-out area formed by any two adjacent guide positioning bodies can serve as an assembly area. However, this results in a higher center of gravity for the adapter 300 when the product is installed onto it, increasing the difficulty of loading the product onto the adapter 300.

[0076] Furthermore, the adapter 300 is preferably detachably connected to the first drive unit 200 so as to facilitate the replacement of the appropriate adapter 300 according to the type of product.

[0077] Furthermore, the adapter 300 can be detachably connected to the first drive unit 200 in any suitable manner. In optional embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, a first quick-connect connector 510 is provided on the base 320, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the first drive unit 200 further includes a docking plate 230, which is connected to the second stator 221. The docking plate 230 is provided with a second quick-connect coupling 520, which cooperates with the first quick-connect coupling 510 to achieve connection. The first quick-connect coupling 510 and the second quick-connect coupling 520 are, for example, pneumatic quick-connect couplings.

[0078] It is understood that when the first quick-connect fitting 510 and the second quick-connect fitting 520 are pneumatic quick-connect fittings, the first quick-connect fitting 510 and the second quick-connect fitting 520 are connected to the compressed air source.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 1As shown, the assembly mechanism also includes a communication module 600 mounted on the automated guided vehicle 100. The communication module 600 is configured to communicate with external equipment, such as production line control equipment of the assembly line, to exchange relevant information about the assembly mechanism, such as the assembly mechanism's number, the orientation information of the adapter 300, and information about the product loaded on the adapter 300. The communication module 600 is, for example, a radio frequency communication module.

[0080] The assembly mechanism is connected in real-time to a scheduling system via a wireless network, and the scheduling system is connected to the production line control equipment of the assembly line. The principle of fully automated assembly of the product using the assembly mechanism and the assembly line is as follows:

[0081] The production line control equipment sends instructions to the scheduling system to control the scheduling system to switch the operating status of all the assembly mechanisms to online automatic status, and to control each assembly mechanism to run to its designated assembly station.

[0082] When the production line control equipment detects that the assembly mechanism has arrived at the corresponding assembly station, the production line control equipment interacts with the communication module 600 to obtain relevant information about the assembly mechanism, such as the angle information of the first mover 212 of the first drive unit 200, the angle information of the second mover 221, and the information of the product loaded on the adapter 300.

[0083] The assembly line performs assembly operations. During this process, if it is necessary to flip the product, the production line control equipment sends a command to the assembly mechanism controller 133 of the assembly mechanism to control the first drive unit 200 to drive the adapter 300 to rotate. After the adapter 300 has rotated, the assembly line continues to perform assembly operations.

[0084] In some examples, the product undergoes assembly operations at only one of the assembly stations. In other examples, the product undergoes assembly operations at multiple assembly stations. Thus, when the assembly operation at the current assembly station is completed, the production line control equipment issues a command to the scheduling system, which controls the assembly mechanism that has completed assembly at the current station to move to the next assembly station to perform the assembly operation.

[0085] After all the assembly surfaces on the product have been assembled, the production line control equipment sends a command to the scheduling system, which then controls the corresponding assembly mechanism to move to the unloading station. At the unloading station, the product is removed from the adapter 300 using any suitable means, simultaneously establishing the information binding between the product and the assembly mechanism.

[0086] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An assembly mechanism, characterized in that, Includes an automated guided vehicle, a first drive unit, and a transfer unit; wherein: The adapter includes a positioning part that defines a loading space and multiple assembly areas. The multiple assembly areas are located on the outer periphery of the loading space, and the spatial orientations of the different assembly areas are different. Each assembly area at least partially forms a channel connecting the loading space and the external space. The adapter is connected to the automated guided vehicle through the first driving part, and the adapter can also rotate under the drive of the first driving part to change the spatial orientation of each assembly area.

2. The assembly mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive unit includes a first rotary drive unit and a second rotary drive unit; the first rotary drive unit is connected to the automated guided vehicle and includes a first mover configured to rotate about its own axis; the second rotary drive unit is connected to the first mover and includes a second mover configured to rotate about its own axis; the axis of the second mover intersects with or is not in the same plane as the axis of the first mover. The adapter is connected to the second moving part.

3. The assembly mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adapter includes a base, which is connected to the first drive unit and is at least partially formed as a base plate; The positioning part includes a pressure plate, a second driving part, and a base plate; the pressure plate and the base plate are arranged at intervals along a preset direction; The second drive unit connects the base and the pressure plate, and is configured to drive the pressure plate to move along the preset direction to move away from or closer to the base plate; The loading space is located at least partially between the pressure plate and the base plate, and the pressure plate constitutes an assembly area. The pressure plate is also provided with a first hollow structure extending through the predetermined direction, and the first hollow structure constitutes the channel. The remaining assembly areas are arranged around the axis of the pressure plate on the outer periphery of the pressure plate, and the axis of the pressure plate extends along the predetermined direction.

4. The assembly mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning part further includes a guide positioning body, which is connected to the base and located on the outer periphery of the loading space and extends along the preset direction; the guide positioning body cooperates with the pressure plate to guide the movement of the pressure plate along the preset direction; A hollow area is formed between two adjacent guide positioning bodies; At least a portion of the hollowed-out area constitutes the assembly area.

5. The assembly mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The base includes a first plate and a second plate that are connected to each other, the first plate being perpendicular to the second plate; the first plate is connected to the first driving part; the second plate forms the base plate and also forms an assembly area, and the second plate is also provided with a second hollow structure extending through along the preset direction, the second hollow structure forming the channel; Except for the cutout area closest to the first plate, the other cutout areas each constitute an assembly area.

6. The assembly mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second plate is detachably connected to the first plate.

7. The assembly mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base also includes a support body and a connector; the support body is connected to the first plate and is perpendicular to the first plate; the support body is provided with a insertion slot; the second plate is partially inserted into the insertion slot and is also detachably connected to the first plate through the connector; The guide positioning body is connected to the carrier.

8. The assembly mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure plate is detachably connected to the second drive unit.

9. The assembly mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adapter is detachably connected to the first drive unit.

10. The assembly mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automated guided vehicle includes a frame and a parking device. The parking device includes a third drive unit and a contact plate. The third drive unit is connected to the frame and includes a third mover. The third mover is configured to extend and retract in the vertical direction, and the free end of the third mover is arranged downward and connected to the contact plate.

11. The assembly mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that, The third drive unit includes a cylinder; the automated guided vehicle also includes a compressed air source mounted on the frame, the compressed air source being connected to the cylinder and configured to supply compressed gas to the cylinder.

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