Component table and assembly line
By setting up indicator components and sensor-controlled gates on the parts platform, the problems of missing and incorrect parts picking in the vehicle assembly workshop were solved, improving work efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GAC TOYOTA MOTOR
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In vehicle assembly workshops, parts picking is prone to being missed or picked up incorrectly, resulting in low work efficiency and time-consuming error correction processes.
The component table design includes a base frame and an indicator assembly. The base frame has a picking space with uprights on both sides and poles at the top and bottom forming picking ports. The indicator assembly includes a controller, indicator, sensor, display, and gate. The sensor detects hand signals, and the controller controls the gate and display status to ensure correct component picking.
It effectively solved the problems of missing and incorrect picking, improved the accuracy and efficiency of parts picking, and reduced the probability of safety accidents.
Smart Images
Figure CN224527177U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of workshop storage equipment technology, and in particular to a parts platform and assembly production line. Background Technology
[0002] In vehicle assembly workshops, workers need to retrieve different parts from different parts boxes and assemble them onto the vehicle body. The same type of part may have multiple models, each requiring specific assembly into different vehicle models. Currently, a parts table typically holds multiple parts boxes. During parts picking, workers must select the required parts from the corresponding boxes according to production instructions. However, due to the diverse types of parts on the same table and the fact that workers cannot maintain complete focus throughout the workday, relying solely on manual picking in the assembly workshop easily leads to missed or incorrect parts. This results in significant time wasted in subsequent error correction processes, severely impacting operational efficiency.
[0003] In view of this, the present invention proposes a component platform and assembly line to solve or at least alleviate the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0004] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a parts platform and assembly line, which aims to solve the problems of missing or incorrect parts being picked up during the vehicle parts picking process.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a parts stand for placing parts boxes, comprising:
[0006] The base frame is provided with at least two material handling spaces for placing the component box. Each material handling space includes a material handling port, uprights are provided on both sides of the material handling port, a first top rod is provided on the top of the material handling port, and a first bottom rod is provided on the bottom of the material handling port. The uprights, the first top rod, and the first bottom rod enclose the material handling port to form the material handling port.
[0007] The indicator components are provided in at least two sets, and each indicator component is configured to correspond one-to-one with the material handling space.
[0008] The indicating component includes a controller and an indicator, sensor, display, and gate that are communicatively connected to the controller. The controller and the indicator are both mounted on the base frame. The indicator is used to issue an indicating signal. The sensor is mounted on the first bottom rod. The display is mounted on the first top rod. The gate is mounted on the upright rod and is used to block at least part of the material inlet.
[0009] In one embodiment, the parts station further includes a production indicator, which is communicatively connected to the controller. The production indicator includes at least two indicator lights, each corresponding to a material handling space.
[0010] In one embodiment, the gate includes a gate panel and a drive member, the drive member is mounted on the upright, the gate panel is connected to the drive member, and the drive member is used to drive the gate panel to rotate.
[0011] In one embodiment, the base frame further includes a second push rod, which is parallel to the first push rod and installed on the side of the material handling space away from the first push rod, and the indicator is installed on the top surface of the second push rod.
[0012] In one embodiment, the base frame further includes a second bottom rod, which is installed on the side of the material handling space away from the first bottom rod, and the second bottom rod is spaced apart from the side of the second top rod away from the indicator, and the controller is installed on the second bottom rod.
[0013] In one embodiment, the base frame further includes a plurality of bottom support plates, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the first bottom rod and the second bottom rod, and the bottom support plates are used to support the parts box.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first push rod and the second push rod are located on the same horizontal plane, defined as: both the first push rod and the second push rod are located on the top horizontal plane;
[0015] Then, along the direction from the second top rod to the first top rod, the distance between the bottom support plate and the top horizontal plane gradually increases.
[0016] In one embodiment, the angle between the bottom support plate and the top horizontal plane is defined as α.
[0017] Therefore, α satisfies: 0°<α≤45°.
[0018] In one embodiment, the indicating component further includes an information panel mounted on the side of the second push rod facing the feed port.
[0019] This utility model also proposes an assembly production line, including a component platform as described in any of the above embodiments.
[0020] According to the technical solution provided by this utility model, a parts platform is used to place parts boxes. It includes a base frame and an indicator assembly. The base frame is provided with at least two material picking spaces for placing parts boxes. Each material picking space includes a material picking port. Uprights are provided on both sides of the material picking port. A first top rod is provided at the top of the material picking port. A first bottom rod is provided at the bottom of the material picking port. The uprights, the first top rod, and the first bottom rod enclose the material picking port to form the material picking port. The number of indicator assemblies is at least two sets, and each indicator assembly is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a material picking space. The indicator assembly includes a controller and an indicator, a sensor, a display, and a gate that are communicatively connected to the controller. The controller and the indicator are both installed on the base frame. The indicator is used to emit an indicator signal. The sensor is installed on the first bottom rod. The display is installed on the first top rod. The gate is installed on the uprights. The gate is used to block at least part of the material picking port. With this setup, during parts retrieval, the indicator directs the operator to pick up the corresponding parts from the designated retrieval space. After the indicator sends a signal, the controller opens the gate, allowing the operator to pick up only parts from the retrieval space where the gate is open, thus solving the problem of mistakenly picking up parts. When the operator's hand enters the retrieval space, the sensor detects the hand entry signal and sends it to the controller. The controller then changes the number displayed on the screen. When the operator's hand picks up the part and exits the retrieval space, the controller closes the gate. If the operator does not re-enter the retrieval space after the gate opens, and the sensor does not detect the hand entry signal, the gate remains open. In this way, by combining the changes in the numbers on the display with the open / closed state of the gate, the problem of missing parts can be solved. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the parts stand provided by this utility model when a parts box is placed therein;
[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from another perspective;
[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The provided diagram shows the structure of the parts stand when no parts boxes are placed on it.
[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.
[0026] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0027] 100. Parts table;
[0028] 1. Base frame; 11. Material handling space; 111. Material handling port; 112. Upright pole; 113. First top pole; 114. First bottom pole; 115. Second top pole; 116. Second bottom pole; 117. Bottom support plate;
[0029] 2. Indicator component; 21. Controller; 22. Indicator; 23. Sensor; 24. Display; 25. Gate; 251. Gate panel; 252. Drive unit; 26. Information panel;
[0030] 3. Production indicator; 31. Indicator light;
[0031] 200. Parts box.
[0032] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0034] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0035] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0036] In the production process of modern vehicle assembly workshops, component assembly is one of the core processes. Operators must accurately retrieve various components from different locations and specifications of component bins according to the production plan and assemble them onto the vehicle's main structure according to predetermined process requirements. Due to the diversification of vehicle models, the same type of component is often subdivided into multiple models, each corresponding to a specific assembly location and vehicle model. This requires operators to possess a high level of identification and differentiation skills. Currently, to improve operational efficiency and space utilization, component workstations tend to be integrated, typically with multiple component bins densely packed on a single workstation. These bins may contain components that look similar but have different models. During component picking operations, operators must quickly locate and accurately pick the required components from among numerous component bins based on production instructions.
[0037] However, according to the applicant's observations, during the aforementioned parts picking operation, due to the diversity and complexity of parts types on the parts table, coupled with the operator's distraction and fatigue caused by prolonged continuous work, it is difficult to ensure absolute accuracy in parts picking by relying solely on manual picking. Operators may mistakenly confuse similar models of parts when busy or distracted, leading to missed or incorrect parts. When this happens, it is necessary to locate the incorrectly assembled or missing vehicles on the assembly line and reassemble them. This error correction process not only wastes a lot of time, but if frequent error correction is performed, it will also disrupt the normal production rhythm, reduce overall operational efficiency, and create a vicious cycle.
[0038] Therefore, this utility model proposes a component platform to solve the above problems.
[0039] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2In one embodiment of this utility model, the parts stand 100 is used to place the parts box 200. It includes a base frame 1 and an indicator component 2. The base frame 1 is provided with at least two material handling spaces 11 for placing the parts box 200. Each material handling space 11 includes a material handling port 111. Uprights 112 are provided on both sides of the material handling port 111. A first top rod 113 is provided at the top of the material handling port 111. A first bottom rod 114 is provided at the bottom of the material handling port 111. The uprights 112, the first top rod 113, and the first bottom rod 114 enclose the material handling port 111. The number of indicator components 2 is at least two sets, and the indicator components 2 are set one-to-one with the material taking space 11. The indicator components 2 include a controller 21 and an indicator 22, a sensor 23, a display 24 and a gate 25 that are connected to the controller 21. The controller 21 and the indicator 22 are both installed on the base frame 1. The indicator 22 is used to issue indicator signals. The sensor 23 is installed on the first bottom rod 114. The display 24 is installed on the first top rod 113. The gate 25 is installed on the upright rod 112. The gate 25 is used to block at least part of the material taking port 111.
[0040] Specifically, with Figure 1 Taking the parts table 100 as an example, the parts table 100 has three parallel picking spaces 11, each containing a different parts box 200 with different types of parts. Each picking space 11 is equipped with a controller 21, an indicator 22, a sensor 23, a display 24, and a gate 25. The controller 21 includes either a PLC or a microcontroller. The indicator 22 includes either an audible and visual alarm or a light alarm, used to issue an indication signal to instruct the operator to pick up the corresponding parts from the picking space 11. Sensor 23 includes one of an infrared sensor 23 and a laser sensor 23. When the operator's hand enters the material handling space 11, the hand blocks the infrared or laser light. At this time, sensor 23 detects the hand entering the material handling space 11 and sends this information to controller 21. Controller 21 controls the gate 25 to remain open. When the hand exits the material handling space 11, sensor 23 sends this information to controller 21, and controller 21 controls the gate 25 to close; or, after receiving the signal that a hand has entered the material handling space 11, controller 21 controls the gate 25 to close after a certain delay. After the gate 25 closes, the operator's hand cannot enter the material handling space 11. In this embodiment, the display 24 includes one of an OLED display and an LED display. When controller 21 receives information that a hand has entered the material handling space 11, controller 21 controls the number on display 24 to change. For example, initially, the number on display 24 is N, and after the hand enters the material handling space 11, the number on display 24 becomes (N+1).
[0041] According to the technical solution provided in this embodiment, when performing part picking operations, the indicator 22 can instruct the operator to pick up the corresponding part in the picking space 11. After the indicator 22 issues an instruction signal, the controller 21 controls the gate 25 to open. The operator can only pick up the part in the picking space 11 where the gate 25 is open, thus solving the problem of picking up the wrong part. After the operator's hand enters the picking space 11, the sensor 23 detects the signal of the hand entering and sends the signal to the controller 21. The controller 21 controls the number displayed on the display 24 to change. When the operator's hand picks up the part and exits the picking space 11, the controller 21 controls the gate 25 to close. If the operator does not enter the picking space 11 after the gate 25 is open, and the sensor 23 does not detect the signal of the hand entering, the gate 25 will always remain open. In this way, by combining the change of the number on the display 24 and the opening and closing state of the gate 25, the problem of missing parts can be solved.
[0042] Further, please refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment of this utility model, the parts table 100 further includes a production indicator 3, which is communicatively connected to the controller 21. The production indicator 3 includes at least two indicator lights 31, each corresponding to a picking space 11. The production indicator 3 is used to communicate with the control system in the assembly line. When a certain vehicle model arrives at the assembly work area where the parts table 100 is located, the control system sends a production signal for the required parts to the production indicator 3. After receiving the production signal, the indicator light 31 corresponding to one of the picking spaces 11 lights up, and the production indicator 3 sends a first response signal to the corresponding indicator 22, causing the indicator 22 to send an indication signal to the outside. Subsequently, the indicator 22 sends a second response signal to the controller 21, and then the controller 21 controls the gate 25 to open, allowing the operator to perform parts picking operations. By setting the production indicator 3, the operator can reconfirm the type of parts to be picked, thereby further reducing the probability of parts being picked by mistake. In addition, the production indicator 3 controls the indicator 22 to issue an indication signal before the gate 25 opens, which can also remind the operator to avoid putting their hands directly into the vicinity of the gate 25, thereby reducing the probability of safety accidents.
[0043] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The gate 25 includes a gate plate 251 and a drive component 252. The drive component 252 is mounted on the upright 112, and the gate plate 251 is connected to the drive component 252. The drive component 252 is used to drive the gate plate 251 to rotate. The drive component 252 includes either a servo motor or a stepper motor. Two sets of gates 25 are provided on the uprights 112 on both sides of the material inlet 111. Each gate plate 251 is driven by one drive component 252. In this way, the two gate plates 251 open and close simultaneously, which improves the opening and closing speed of the material inlet 111.
[0044] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base frame 1 also includes a second push rod 115, which is parallel to the first push rod 113 and installed on the side of the material handling space 11 away from the first push rod 113. An indicator 22 is installed on the top surface of the second push rod 115. First, the second push rod 115 is at a higher position, making the indicator 22 more conspicuous and easier for the operator to identify. Second, installing the indicator 22 on the side away from the material handling port 111 avoids obstructing the operator from picking up parts. At the same time, if the indicator signal emitted by the indicator 22 includes a light effect signal, installing the indicator 22 on the second push rod 115 can also prevent the light effect signal from damaging the operator's eyes.
[0045] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The base frame 1 also includes a second bottom rod 116, which is installed on the side of the material handling space 11 away from the first bottom rod 114. The second bottom rod 116 is also spaced apart from the side of the second top rod 115 away from the indicator 22. The controller 21 is installed on the second bottom rod 116. In this embodiment, the second bottom rod 116 and the second top rod 115 are in the same vertical plane, as are the first top rod 113 and the first bottom rod 114. This makes the shape of the base frame 1 more regular and easier to process. Installing the controller 21 on the second bottom rod 116 avoids the controller 21 occupying space in the material handling space 11. Furthermore, the controller 21 is located on the side opposite to the material handling port 111, making it less noticeable and improving the aesthetics of the material handling platform.
[0046] In one embodiment of this utility model, the base frame 1 further includes multiple bottom support plates 117. The two ends of each bottom support plate 117 are connected to a first bottom rod 114 and a second bottom rod 116, respectively. The bottom support plates 117 are used to support the component box 200. By providing multiple bottom support plates 117, the component box 200 can be stably placed in the material handling space 11. In this embodiment, the bottom support plates 117 are arranged in parallel intervals, thereby further ensuring the balanced force distribution on the bottom of the component box 200.
[0047] In one embodiment of this utility model, the first push rod 113 and the second push rod 115 are located on the same horizontal plane, denoted as the first push rod 113 and the second push rod 115 both located on the top horizontal plane; then, along the direction from the second push rod 115 to the first push rod 113, the distance between the bottom support plate 117 and the top horizontal plane gradually increases. Specifically, the bottom support plate 117 is inclined so that the part box 200 can tilt towards the material picking port 111, thereby making it easier for the operator to pick up parts, and thus improving the efficiency of the operator in picking up parts.
[0048] More specifically, in one embodiment, let α be the angle between the bottom support plate 117 and the top horizontal plane; then α satisfies: 0°<α≤45°. The preferred angle range of the included angle α is [10°, 20°]. When designing the parts platform 100 provided in this embodiment, those skilled in the art can reasonably design the included angle α according to the average height of the operator, so that the placement angle of the parts box 200 can facilitate the operator to pick up parts from it.
[0049] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of this utility model, the indicating component 2 further includes an information panel 26, which is installed on the side of the second push rod 115 facing the material handling port 111. The side of the information panel 26 facing the material handling port 111 records the type of parts placed in the corresponding material handling space 11. The information panel 26 enables the operator to verify the parts to be retrieved against the model of the vehicle to be assembled, thereby reducing the probability of installing parts that do not match the vehicle model in the vehicle to be assembled.
[0050] This utility model also proposes an assembly production line, which includes a parts table 100. The specific structure of the parts table 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this assembly production line adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here. The assembly production line is equipped with a control system, which is used to send production signals to the production indicator 3.
[0051] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A parts stand for placing parts boxes, characterized in that, include: The base frame is provided with at least two material handling spaces for placing the component box. Each material handling space includes a material handling port, uprights are provided on both sides of the material handling port, a first top rod is provided on the top of the material handling port, and a first bottom rod is provided on the bottom of the material handling port. The uprights, the first top rod, and the first bottom rod enclose the material handling port to form the material handling port. The indicator components are provided in at least two sets, and each indicator component is configured to correspond one-to-one with the material handling space. The indicating component includes a controller and an indicator, sensor, display, and gate that are communicatively connected to the controller. The controller and the indicator are both mounted on the base frame. The indicator is used to issue an indicating signal. The sensor is mounted on the first bottom rod. The display is mounted on the first top rod. The gate is mounted on the upright rod and is used to block at least part of the material inlet.
2. The component stand as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The component station also includes a production indicator, which is communicatively connected to the controller. The production indicator includes at least two indicator lights, each corresponding to a material handling space.
3. The component stand as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gate includes a gate panel and a driving component. The driving component is installed on the upright, and the gate panel is connected to the driving component. The driving component is used to drive the gate panel to rotate.
4. The component stand as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base frame also includes a second push rod, which is parallel to the first push rod and installed on the side of the material handling space away from the first push rod. The indicator is installed on the top surface of the second push rod.
5. The component stand as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The base frame also includes a second bottom rod, which is installed on the side of the material handling space away from the first bottom rod, and the second bottom rod is spaced apart from the side of the second top rod away from the indicator. The controller is installed on the second bottom rod.
6. The component stand as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The base frame also includes multiple bottom support plates, the two ends of which are connected to the first bottom rod and the second bottom rod, respectively, and the bottom support plates are used to support the parts box.
7. The component stand as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first push rod and the second push rod are located on the same horizontal plane, defined as: the first push rod and the second push rod are both located on the top horizontal plane; Then, along the direction from the second top rod to the first top rod, the distance between the bottom support plate and the top horizontal plane gradually increases.
8. The component stand as described in claim 7, wherein the angle between the bottom support plate and the top horizontal plane is defined as α; Therefore, α satisfies: 0°<α≤45°.
9. The component stand as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The indicator component also includes an information panel, which is mounted on the side of the second push rod facing the material inlet.
10. An assembly production line, characterized in that, Includes the component stand as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.