assembly line

Abstract

This application relates to an assembly production line. The assembly production line includes: a first station, equipped with a first feeding mechanism, a first conveying mechanism, and a first feeding position; the first conveying mechanism includes a first horizontal driving component, a first vertical driving component, and a first gripping component; a second station, equipped with a second feeding mechanism, a second conveying mechanism, and a second feeding position; the second conveying mechanism includes a second horizontal driving component, a second vertical driving component, and a second gripping component; an assembly surface, capable of sequentially moving to the first station and the second station; the assembly surface, after receiving a first object conveyed to the assembly area at the first station, can be moved to the second station to automatically assemble a second object conveyed to the assembly area with the first object; and a moving mechanism connected to the assembly surface to drive the assembly surface from the first station to the second station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an assembly line. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, automotive seat rail assembly lines require the installation of gearboxes. The corresponding mounting structure for the gearboxes typically includes the gearbox itself and a corresponding bracket, such as an arch-shaped bracket.

[0003] The general method for installing a gearbox is to manually remove the gearbox and bow-shaped bracket, assemble them manually, and then place them on a pallet on the conveyor line.

[0004] To further improve assembly efficiency, there is a need in the field for an assembly production line to achieve automated assembly of gearboxes and brackets. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to achieve automated assembly of gearboxes and brackets at a lower cost by coordinating the feeding mechanism, handling mechanism, assembly surface and moving mechanism of the assembly production line, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0006] An assembly line according to a first aspect of this application is used to automatically assemble a first object and a second object. The assembly line includes: a first station equipped with a first feeding mechanism, a first conveying mechanism, and a first feeding position; the first conveying mechanism including a first horizontal driving component, a first vertical driving component, and a first gripping component; a second station equipped with a second feeding mechanism, a second conveying mechanism, and a second feeding position; the second conveying mechanism including a second horizontal driving component, a second vertical driving component, and a second gripping component; and an assembly surface capable of sequentially moving to the first station and the second station, wherein the assembly surface can receive material at the first station. After the first object is transported to the assembly area, it is moved to the second station to receive the second object transported to the assembly area and automatically assemble it with the first object; a moving mechanism is connected to the assembly surface to drive the assembly surface to move from the first station to the second station; the flow of the first object at the first station includes the first feeding mechanism moving the first object from the outside to the first feeding position, the first conveying mechanism grabbing the first object located at the first feeding position by the first gripper, and conveying it to the assembly area of ​​the assembly surface located at the first station for installation by the first horizontal driving member and the first vertical driving member.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the assembly production line, the flow of the second object at the second station includes: the second feeding mechanism moving the second object from the outside to the second feeding position; the second conveying mechanism gripping the second object located at the second feeding position using a second gripper; and conveying it to the assembly area with the first object on the assembly surface located at the second station using a second horizontal drive member and a second vertical drive member.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the assembly production line, the first horizontal drive, the first vertical drive, the second horizontal drive, and the second vertical drive are all cylinders.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the assembly line, the stroke of the cylinder is at least 400 mm.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the assembly line, a compressed air storage tank is further included, wherein the air flow direction includes the compressed air being delivered from the compressed air storage tank to the first horizontal drive member, the first vertical drive member, the second horizontal drive member, and the second vertical drive member.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the assembly line, an air compressor is also included, wherein the air flow includes the following: after the air is compressed into compressed air by the air compressor, the compressed air enters the air storage tank for storage, and the compressed air is transported from the compressed air storage tank to the first horizontal drive member, the first vertical drive member, the second horizontal drive member, and the second vertical drive member.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the assembly line, the first object includes an arcuate bracket, and the second object includes a gearbox, the arcuate bracket being mounted and fixed to the periphery of the gearbox.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the assembly line, the material of the bow-shaped bracket includes a bow-shaped bracket of a first thickness and a bow-shaped bracket of a second thickness; the first gripper has a first part and a second part, the first part being a movable part, and the distance between the first part and the second part provides a first clamping thickness and a second clamping thickness; when the first gripper provides the first clamping thickness, the first part drives the third part connected to the first part to move to a first identification position, which is identified by a first proximity sensor; when the first gripper provides the second clamping thickness, the first part drives the third part connected to the first part to move to a second identification position, which is identified by a second proximity sensor.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the assembly line, the moving mechanism includes a longitudinally moving belt that enables the assembly surface to move longitudinally from a first station to a second station, wherein the horizontal, longitudinal, and vertical directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the assembly production line, the first feeding mechanism includes a first guide rail, the second feeding mechanism includes a second guide rail, the first object moves from the outside to the first feeding position along the first guide rail, and the second object moves from the outside to the second feeding position along the second guide rail.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the assembly production line described above include, but are not limited to, the coordination of the feeding mechanism, the conveying mechanism, the assembly surface, and the moving mechanism. In particular, the conveying mechanism can achieve automatic gripping and assembly by using simple horizontal and vertical paths and horizontal and vertical drive components, without the need for a complex robotic arm structure. This enables automated assembly of gearboxes and brackets at a lower cost, thereby improving assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second object assembled on an assembly line according to an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first object assembled on an assembly line according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first object and the second object assembled on the assembly line according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly surface of an assembly production line according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of an assembly production line according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the assembly line after removing the outer shell.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism of an assembly production line according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an assembly production line according to an embodiment of this application after the first object is installed on the assembly surface.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first gripping mechanism of an assembly production line according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second gripping mechanism of an assembly production line according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] 1000- Assembly Production Line

[0030] 100 - First Object

[0031] 200 - Second Object

[0032] 10-First workstation

[0033] 101 - First Material Supply Organization

[0034] 1011-First Guide Rail

[0035] 102-First Transport Organization

[0036] 1021-First horizontal direction drive component

[0037] 1022-First vertical drive component

[0038] 1023 - First Grab

[0039] 10231 - Part 1

[0040] 10232 - Part Two

[0041] 10233 - Part Three

[0042] 10234 - First Proximity Sensor

[0043] 10235 - Second Proximity Sensor

[0044] 103 - First feeding position

[0045] 20-Second workstation

[0046] 201-Second Feeding Mechanism

[0047] 2011-Second Guide Rail

[0048] 202-Second Handling Mechanism

[0049] 2021 - Second Horizontal Direction Drive Component

[0050] 2022 - Second Vertical Direction Drive Component

[0051] 2023 - Second Grab

[0052] 30-Assembly Surface

[0053] 301 - Assembly Area

[0054] 40-Mobile mechanism

[0055] 401-Moving Belt

[0056] 50-Compressed Air Storage Tank

[0057] 60-Air compressor. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0060] As indicated in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may include plural forms. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0061] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. In addition, although the terminology used in this application is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this application's specification may have been chosen by the applicant according to his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of this description. Moreover, this application should be understood not only through the actual terms used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0063] The assembly line described in this application, taking the assembly of the gearbox of the seat slide rail as an example, automatically assembles the gearbox with the corresponding bow-shaped bracket. However, this is not a limitation. Other structures that require automatic assembly can also be covered by the assembly line described in this application and fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0064] In the following content, the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions can refer to the mutually perpendicular X, Y, and Z directions in the diagram, but are not limited thereto.

[0065] refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, taking the assembly of the gearbox for the seat slide rail as an example, Figure 1 The gearbox shown is the second object 200 and Figure 2 The bow-shaped bracket shown is assembled as the first object 100 to form a structure. Figure 3 The assembly structure shown depicts an arc-shaped bracket that is fixed to the periphery of the gearbox. The specific assembly location could be... Figure 4 The assembly surface 30 shown is provided by the component that provides the assembly surface 30. Figure 4 The tray structure shown assembles the first object 100 and the second object 200 in the assembly area 301 of the assembly surface 30.

[0066] refer to Figures 5 to 10 As shown, the assembly line 1000 may include a first station 10 and a second station 20, both with similar structures. The first station 10 is equipped with a first feeding mechanism 101, a first conveying mechanism 102, and a first feeding position 103. The first conveying mechanism 102 includes a first horizontal driving component 1021, a first vertical driving component 1022, and a first gripping component 1023. The second station 20 is equipped with a second feeding mechanism 201, a second conveying mechanism 202, and a second feeding position. The second conveying mechanism 202 includes a second horizontal driving component 2021, a second vertical driving component 2022, and a second gripping component 2023. It can be understood that... Figure 5 In the diagram, most of the structure of the first station 10 and the second station 20 is obscured by the outer casing, while Figure 6The content describes the internal structure without the outer shell. Figure 6 The second feeding position is not shown because it is obscured by the touch screen. Its structure is similar to that of the first feeding position 103, so the structure of the first feeding position 103 can be referred to.

[0067] The operation control of the first station 10 and the second station 20 can be carried out using a common programmable logic controller (PLC) for industrial control, such as a Siemens S7-1500 PLC. The program can be switched and the parameters adjusted through the touch screen. In addition, it is understood that the assembly line 1000 is generally equipped with control buttons with basic functions such as emergency stop buttons. These are all existing technologies well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0068] The structure of the feeding mechanism, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the first feeding mechanism 101 includes a first guide rail 1011, and the second feeding mechanism 201 includes a second guide rail 2011. The first object 100 moves from the outside to the first feeding position 103 along the first guide rail 1011, and the second object 200 moves from the outside to the second feeding position along the second guide rail 2011. Materials for the first and second objects can be added to one end of the guide rail manually or automatically. The materials move automatically along the guide rail or vibrate to reach the corresponding feeding position. This feeding structure is simple, safe, and reliable, and does not require a complex robotic arm structure, resulting in lower costs.

[0069] The specific structure of the conveying mechanism, comprising the first conveying mechanism 102 and the second conveying mechanism 202, includes a horizontally moving drive component and a vertically moving drive component, meaning it can be driven in two directions without the need for a complex robotic arm. For example, materials at the first or second object in the feeding position are first lifted vertically by the vertically moving drive component, then moved horizontally by the horizontally moving drive component, reaching the corresponding assembly surface 30, and then lowered vertically by the vertically moving drive component, thus achieving material conveying. It can be understood that the horizontal and vertical movement distances of the horizontal and vertically moving drive components can be programmed and controlled by the aforementioned PLC, and the arrival status can be determined by common sensors such as proximity switches.

[0070] The specific structures of the horizontal and vertical drive components can be, for example: Figure 7As shown, the first horizontal drive component 1021, the first vertical drive component 1022, the second horizontal drive component 2021, and the second vertical drive component 2022 are all cylinders. This structure is simple and has a low cost. It is understood that other linear motion mechanisms, such as hydraulic cylinders or linear motors, can also be used; there is no limitation on this. However, as described above, using cylinders is less costly and has a simpler structure. In some embodiments, the cylinder stroke is at least 400 mm, which ensures the reliability and safety of the handling operation.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 7 As shown, the air source for the cylinder is a compressed air storage tank. The air flow includes compressed air being delivered from the compressed air storage tank 50 to the first horizontal drive component 1021, the first vertical drive component 1022, the second horizontal drive component 2021, and the second vertical drive component 2022. Its beneficial effect is that it ensures stable and reliable assembly results and cylinder stroke. Specifically, the inventors discovered that if an air compressor is directly used to supply compressed air to the cylinder, there is a problem of unstable stroke. After in-depth analysis, the inventors found that the reason is likely that to achieve an assembly efficiency of up to a 6-second cycle, the opening of the cylinder's airflow valve needs to be at its maximum, and the cylinders need to operate simultaneously. Using a compressed air storage tank as the air source solves the above problems. The pressure of the compressed air storage tank 50 can be 0.3MPa-0.8MPa. It is understood that the air supply path also needs to be equipped with corresponding switches, valves, and pipelines, all of which are existing technologies well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated here.

[0072] Continue to refer to Figure 7 As shown, the compressed air supply to the compressed air storage tank 50 can be achieved using an air compressor 60. The air flow includes the following sequence: air is compressed into compressed air by the air compressor 60, the compressed air enters the storage tank 50 for storage, and the compressed air is then transported from the compressed air storage tank 50 to the first horizontal drive component 1021, the first vertical drive component 1022, the second horizontal drive component 2021, and the second vertical drive component 2022. This allows for a continuous supply of compressed air to the compressed air storage tank 50.

[0073] refer to Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the gripper structure, as the name suggests, can fix and release a first or second object, similar to a gripping and releasing action. Common clamping structures, such as clamping mechanisms, can be used, and are not limited to these. (Reference) Figure 9As shown, the material of the bow-shaped bracket includes a bow-shaped bracket of first thickness and a bow-shaped bracket of second thickness; the first gripper 1023 has a first part 10231 and a second part 10232, the first part 10231 is a movable part, and the distance between the first part 10231 and the second part 10232 provides a first clamping thickness and a second clamping thickness. When the first gripper 1023 provides the first clamping thickness, the first part 10231 drives the third part 10233 connected to the first part 10231 to move to the first identification position and is identified by the first proximity sensor 10234; when the first gripper 1023 provides the second clamping thickness, the first part 10231 drives the third part 10233 connected to the first part 10231 to move to the second identification position and is identified by the second proximity sensor 10235. Figure 9 The diagram shows an arc-shaped support with a material of the first thickness. The first gripper 1023 provides a structure with a first clamping thickness. If the operator mistakenly places material with a second thickness into the arc-shaped support, the first gripper 1023 will provide a second thickness, which cannot be recognized by the first proximity sensor 10234, thus triggering an error. Figure 9 The first gripper 1023 in the illustrated embodiment is capable of identifying incorrect materials.

[0074] The assembly line 1000 also includes an assembly surface 30 and a moving mechanism 40. The assembly surface 30 can be moved sequentially to a first station 10 and a second station 20. The specific structure of the assembly surface 30 can be the pallet structure shown in the figure, but is not limited thereto. After receiving the first object 100 transported to the assembly area 301 at the first station 10, the assembly surface 30 can be moved to the second station 20 to automatically assemble with the first object 100, receiving the second object 200 transported to the assembly area 301. The moving mechanism 40 is connected to the assembly surface 30 to drive the assembly surface 30 from the first station 10 to the second station 20. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the moving mechanism 40 may include a longitudinally moving belt 401, enabling the assembly surface 401 to move longitudinally from the first station 10 to the second station 20, with the horizontal, longitudinal, and vertical directions perpendicular to each other. It is understood that the longitudinal movement structure of the moving mechanism can be other moving mechanisms besides belts, such as electric guide rails, as belts are less costly. Additionally, the moving mechanism 40 may also include a vertical moving mechanism, such as a cylinder, to lift or lower the assembly surface 30.

[0075] During the assembly process, the flow of materials can be as follows: the flow of the first object 100 at the first station 10 includes the following: the first feeding mechanism 101 moves the first object 100 from the outside to the first feeding position 103; the first conveying mechanism 102 grasps the first object 100 located at the first feeding position 103 using the first gripper 1023; and conveys it to the assembly area 301 of the assembly surface 30 at the first station 10 for installation using the first horizontal driving member 1021 and the first vertical driving member 1022. Figure 8 The diagram shows a structure where the first object 100 is installed on the assembly surface 30 but the second object 200 has not yet been installed. At this time, the assembly surface 30, where the first object 100 is already installed, is moved towards the second station 20 by the moving mechanism 40 to assemble the second object 200, while the second object 200 is simultaneously transported by the second conveying mechanism 202. The flow of the second object 200 at the second station 20 includes: the second feeding mechanism 201 moves the second object 200 from the outside to the second feeding position; the second conveying mechanism 202 grasps the second object 200 located at the second feeding position using the second gripper 2023; and transports it to the assembly area 301 of the assembly surface 30 at the second station 10, where the first object 100 is located, via the second horizontal drive member 2021 and the second vertical drive member 2022, for installation.

[0076] In summary, the beneficial effects of the assembly production line of this application include, but are not limited to, the coordination of the feeding mechanism, the conveying mechanism, the assembly surface, and the moving mechanism. In particular, the conveying mechanism can achieve automatic gripping and assembly by using horizontal and vertical drive components through simple horizontal and vertical motion paths, without the need for a complex robotic arm structure. This achieves automated assembly of gearboxes and brackets at a lower cost, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0077] Although this application has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the essential spirit of this application will fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An assembly production line (1000), characterized in that, The assembly line (1000) for automatically assembling a first object (100) and a second object (200) includes: The first workstation (10) is provided with a first feeding mechanism (101), a first conveying mechanism (102) and a first feeding position (103). The first conveying mechanism (102) includes a first horizontal driving member (1021), a first vertical driving member (1022) and a first gripping member (1023). The second workstation (20) is provided with a second feeding mechanism (201), a second conveying mechanism (202) and a second feeding position. The second conveying mechanism (202) includes a second horizontal driving member (2021), a second vertical driving member (2022) and a second gripping member (2023). The assembly surface (30) can be moved sequentially to the first station (10) and the second station (20). After receiving the first object (100) transported to the assembly area (301) at the first station (10), the assembly surface (30) can be moved to the second station (20) to automatically assemble the second object (200) transported to the assembly area (301) with the first object (100). A moving mechanism (40) is connected to the assembly surface (30) to drive the assembly surface (30) to move from the first station (10) to the second station (20). The flow of the first object (100) at the first station (10) includes the following: the first feeding mechanism (101) moves the first object (100) from the outside to the first feeding position (103); the first conveying mechanism (102) picks up the first object (100) located at the first feeding position (103) by the first gripper (1023); and conveys it to the assembly area (301) of the assembly surface (30) located at the first station (10) by the first horizontal drive (1021) and the first vertical drive (1022).

2. The assembly production line (1000) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow of the second object (200) at the second station (20) includes the second feeding mechanism (201) moving the second object (200) from the outside to the second feeding position, the second conveying mechanism (202) gripping the second object (200) located at the second feeding position by the second gripper (2023), and conveying it to the assembly area (301) with the first object (100) on the assembly surface (30) located at the second station (20) by the second horizontal drive (2021) and the second vertical drive (2022).

3. The assembly production line (1000) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first horizontal drive (1021), the first vertical drive (1022), the second horizontal drive (2021), and the second vertical drive (2022) are all cylinders.

4. The assembly production line (1000) as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The stroke of the cylinder is at least 400 mm.

5. The assembly production line (1000) as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a compressed air storage tank (50), and the air flow includes the compressed air being transported from the compressed air storage tank (50) to the first horizontal direction drive (1021), the first vertical direction drive (1022), the second horizontal direction drive (2021), and the second vertical direction drive (2022).

6. The assembly production line (1000) as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an air compressor (60), and the air flow includes the following: after the air is compressed into compressed air by the air compressor (60), the compressed air enters the air storage tank (50) for storage, and the compressed air is transported from the compressed air storage tank (50) to the first horizontal direction drive (1021), the first vertical direction drive (1022), the second horizontal direction drive (2021), and the second vertical direction drive (2022).

7. The assembly production line (1000) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first object (100) includes an arc-shaped bracket, and the second object (200) includes a gearbox, the arc-shaped bracket being assembled and fixed to the periphery of the gearbox.

8. The assembly production line (1000) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The material of the bow-shaped bracket includes a bow-shaped bracket of a first thickness and a bow-shaped bracket of a second thickness; the first gripper (1023) has a first part (10231) and a second part (10232), the first part (10231) is a movable part, and the distance between the first part (10231) and the second part (10232) provides a first clamping thickness and a second clamping thickness. When the first gripper (1023) provides the first clamping thickness, the first part (10231) drives the third part (10233) connected to the first part (10231) to move to the first identification position and be identified by the first proximity sensor (10234); when the first gripper (1023) provides the second clamping thickness, the first part (10231) drives the third part (10233) connected to the first part (10231) to move to the second identification position and be identified by the second proximity sensor (10235).

9. The assembly production line (1000) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The moving mechanism (40) includes a longitudinal moving belt (401) that enables the assembly surface (30) to move longitudinally from the first station (10) to the second station (20), wherein the horizontal, longitudinal and vertical directions are perpendicular to each other.

10. The assembly production line (1000) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first feeding mechanism (101) includes a first guide rail (1011), and the second feeding mechanism (201) includes a second guide rail (2011). The first object (100) moves from the outside to the first feeding position (103) along the first guide rail (1011), and the second object (200) moves from the outside to the second feeding position along the second guide rail (2011).

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