An automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly

Abstract

This utility model relates to an automated material feeding cart for aircraft assembly, including a frame, a first carrying rack, and a limiting component. The frame has a first accommodating space; the first carrying rack is inclinedly disposed within the first accommodating space; the limiting component includes a limiting plate and a guide member, the limiting plate being rotatably connected to the frame, and the guide member being disposed at one end of the limiting plate, with the limiting component corresponding to the lower end of the first carrying rack. The rotatable limiting component cooperates with a mating part at the target workstation, allowing the limiting component to automatically rotate to a position where it no longer obstructs the materials or fully loaded material boxes on the first carrying rack. This allows the materials or fully loaded material boxes to slide off the inclined first carrying rack to the target workstation under their own weight, eliminating the need for manual handling of materials or fully loaded material boxes from the automated material feeding cart to the target workstation, significantly reducing the labor intensity of operators and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of aircraft manufacturing technology, specifically to an automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Aircraft are a type of aviation equipment product. Doing a good job in the design and management of process equipment is of great practical significance to the development of my country's aviation industry.

[0003] In aircraft assembly, some components are transported to the assembly station using material handling carts, making it convenient for operators to assemble them onto the fuselage. As a form of material transfer, material handling carts are lightweight, flexible, widely applicable, and inexpensive, and therefore widely used in various stages of industrial production.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent document CN212950699U discloses a workshop material turnover cart, including a frame, a first material rack mounted on the frame, and a second material rack mounted on the frame; the second material rack is tilted, and the tilt angle allows items placed on the second material rack to automatically move from the higher end to the lower end of the second material rack under their own weight. This turnover cart in the patent can conveniently and quickly transfer materials to the assembly station, saving manpower to a certain extent.

[0005] However, the limiting mechanism at the lowest end of the second material rack in the patent document is fixedly installed. When the turnover cart moves to the target location, the materials on the turnover cart or the full material box are restricted by the fixed limiting mechanism and cannot move automatically to the target workstation. Operators still need to move the materials on the turnover cart or the full material box to the target workstation, which will increase the labor intensity of the operators and reduce production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0006] Based on the above description, this utility model provides an automated material feeding cart for aircraft assembly, which aims to solve the problem that materials or fully loaded material boxes on the feeding cart are restricted by fixed limiting mechanisms and cannot automatically move to the target workstation.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: An automated feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly includes: a frame having a first accommodating space; The first shelf is inclinedly disposed within the first accommodating space; The limiting assembly includes a limiting plate and a guide, the limiting plate being rotatably connected to the vehicle frame, the guide being disposed at one end of the limiting plate, and the limiting assembly corresponding to the lower end of the first cargo rack.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0009] Furthermore, it includes a second shelf, which is inclinedly disposed within the first accommodating space, located below the first shelf, and the inclination direction of the second shelf is opposite to that of the first shelf.

[0010] Furthermore, a guide is provided at the first end of the second cargo rack, and the guide is connected to the vehicle frame.

[0011] Furthermore, the first rack includes at least two sliding components, all of which are connected to the vehicle frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the first shelf includes two crossbeams arranged opposite each other, with each crossbeam connected to one end of each sliding component. All sliding components are spaced apart along the length of the crossbeams, and adjacent sliding components are parallel to each other.

[0013] Furthermore, the structure of the second shelf is the same as that of the first shelf, and a baffle is provided at the second end of the second shelf.

[0014] Furthermore, the frame has a second accommodating space located below the first accommodating space, the second accommodating space being used to accommodate the power mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner wall of the second accommodating space opposite to the power mechanism is provided with a positioning component. The positioning component includes a positioning plate, a positioning structure, and an identification code. The positioning plate is connected to the vehicle frame, and the identification code and the positioning structure are both disposed on the positioning plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the bottom of the frame is equipped with multiple casters.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial technical effects: (1) In this application, the rotatable limiting component cooperates with the mating part at the target work station so that the limiting component can automatically rotate to a position where it no longer blocks the material or the full material box on the first carrier, so that the material or the full material box slides off the inclined first carrier under its own weight to the target work station. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to manually move the material or the full material box on the aircraft assembly automated feeding car to the target work station, which greatly reduces the labor intensity of the operators and improves production efficiency.

[0018] (2) By setting a second shelf below the first shelf, when the automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly is transporting materials or full material boxes to the target work station, the empty material boxes can be retrieved and transported to the loading location at the same time. This setting also improves the utilization rate of the material boxes.

[0019] (3) By providing a second accommodating space at the bottom of the frame to accommodate the matching external power mechanism, the automated material delivery vehicle for aircraft assembly can be automatically transported to the target work station by the power mechanism, thereby increasing the automation rate of material transportation and reducing the labor intensity of operators. Attached Figure Description

[0020] 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly, as described in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of some target workstations in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly docking with the target workstation in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the limiting component of the automated feeding cart for aircraft assembly docking with the mating parts at the target workstation in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first storage rack in this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the limiting component in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a limiting component including a buffer element in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a limiting component that includes a buffer; Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Chassis; 11. First compartment; 12. Second compartment; 2. First shelf; 21. Crossbeam; 22. Sliding assembly; 221. Guide plate; 222. Rollers; 3. Limiting component; 31. Limiting plate; 32. Guide component; 33. First housing; 331. Limiting protrusion; 34. Second housing; 341. Slide groove; 35. Spring; 4. Second rack; 41. Baffle; 5. Guide component; 5'. Mating component; 6. Positioning components; 61. Positioning plate; 62. Positioning structure; 63. Identification code; 7. Casters. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0025] It is understood that spatial relation terms such as "below," "under," "below," "below," "above," "above," etc., can be used here to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms also include different orientations of the device in use and operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element or feature described as "below" or "below" of the other element or feature will be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below" and "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. Furthermore, the device may also include other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0026] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated feature, whole, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: an automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly, including a frame 1, a first load rack 2, and a limiting component 3. The frame 1 has a first accommodating space 11; the first load rack 2 is inclinedly disposed within the first accommodating space 11; the limiting component 3 includes a limiting plate 31 and a guide 32. The limiting plate 31 is rotatably connected to the frame 1, and the guide 32 is disposed at one end of the limiting plate 31. The limiting component 3 corresponds to the lower end of the first load rack 2.

[0028] For example, the frame 1 can be made of high-strength aluminum profile, the limiting plate 31 can be connected to the frame 1 through a pivot, the guide 32 can be a guide wheel, etc., and the connection method between the first load rack 2 and the frame 1 can be bolts, welding or U-shaped hooks, etc.

[0029] In this embodiment, the tilted first shelf 2 allows materials or fully loaded material boxes to slide to the lower end of the first shelf 2 under their own weight. The lower end of the first shelf 2 is provided with a limiting component 3, and the limiting plate 31 in the limiting component 3 is rotatably connected to the frame 1. Since one end of the limiting plate 31 is connected to the guide 32, under the action of gravity, the end of the limiting plate 31 with the guide 32 is always at the lowest point, while the other end of the limiting plate 31 is at the highest point. At this time, the limiting plate 31 is in a vertical state. When the limiting plate 31 is in this state, it will block the materials or fully loaded material boxes on the first shelf 2, thereby restricting the materials or material boxes from continuing to slide. When the automated material feeding cart for aircraft assembly moves to the target station, a mating part 5' is provided at the corresponding limit component 3 of the target station. The mating part 5' applies a force to the guide 32, causing the guide 32 to move under the force and drive the limit plate 31 to rotate. When the limit plate 31 rotates to a position where it no longer blocks the material or the fully loaded material box, the material or the fully loaded material box will slide onto the target station due to its own gravity. When the material feeding cart leaves the target station, the force of the mating part 5' on the guide 32 disappears, and the limit plate 31 rotates back to its original position under the action of the guide 32's own gravity, and the limit plate 31 returns to the vertical blocking state. The rotatable limiting component 3 cooperates with the mating part 5' at the target workstation, allowing the limiting component 3 to automatically rotate to a position where it no longer obstructs the material or fully loaded material box on the first carrier 2. This allows the material or fully loaded material box to slide off the inclined first carrier 2 under its own weight onto the target workstation. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to manually move the material or fully loaded material box from the automated aircraft assembly feeding cart to the target workstation, greatly reducing the labor intensity of operators and improving production efficiency.

[0030] In some other embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the mating part 5' at the target station and the corresponding position of the limiting component 3 can be a guide cone plate. The position of the guide cone plate at the target station is opposite to the guide 32, and the number of guide cone plates corresponds to the number of limiting components 3.

[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, when the guide 32 is a guide wheel, the guide wheel is rotatably connected to one end of the limiting plate 31. When the mating part 5' of the target station comes into contact with the guide wheel, it drives the guide wheel to move and then drives the limiting plate 31 to rotate. By setting a rotatable guide wheel, the friction mode between the guide 32 and the mating part 5' changes from static friction to rolling friction, which reduces the friction between the guide 32 and the mating part 5' and thus reduces the wear of the mating part 5' and the guide 32.

[0032] Reference Figures 8 to 10As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting plate 31 is provided with a buffer on the side near the material or material box. The buffer includes a first box body 33, a second box body 34 and a plurality of springs 35. The first box body 33 and the second box body 34 are arranged opposite to each other. The side of the second box body 34 away from the first box body 33 is connected to the limiting plate 31. The inner wall of the second box body 34 is provided with a sliding groove 341. The outer wall of the first box body 33 is provided with a limiting protrusion 331 corresponding to the sliding groove 341. When the first box body 33 moves toward or away from the second box body 34, the limiting protrusion 331 moves along the sliding groove 341. The first box body 33 and the second box body 34 together form a receiving cavity. All the springs 35 are provided in the receiving cavity. One end of each spring 35 abuts against the first box body 33 and the other end of each spring 35 abuts against the second box body 34.

[0033] For example, the connection between the side of the second box 34 away from the first box 33 and the limiting plate 31 can be welding or bonding.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first housing 33 of the buffer abuts against the sliding material or material box and transmits the impact force of that part to the spring 35 to buffer and absorb energy, thus reducing the risk of the material being damaged by impact. When the first housing 33 slides away from the second housing 34 to its maximum stroke, the limiting protrusion 331 abuts against the end of the slide groove 341 away from the limiting plate 31 to prevent the first housing 33 from disengaging from the second housing 34.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the automated feeding cart for aircraft assembly includes a second rack 4, which is inclinedly disposed within the first accommodating space 11. The second rack 4 is located below the first rack 2, and the inclination direction of the second rack 4 is opposite to that of the first rack 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, the second rack 4 is used to retrieve empty material boxes. When the aircraft assembly automated feeding vehicle delivers materials or full material boxes to the target workstation, it can simultaneously retrieve empty material boxes and transport them to the loading location. This setting also improves the utilization rate of material boxes.

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, a guide 5 is provided at the first end of the second cargo rack 4, and the guide 5 is connected to the frame 1.

[0038] For example, guide member 5 may be a guide cone plate, etc.

[0039] It should be noted that the first end of the second shelf 4 is the higher end of the second shelf 4.

[0040] In this embodiment, such as Figures 2 to 4As shown, the target workstation has a two-layer structure. The upper layer corresponds to the first rack 2 and is used to receive materials or fully loaded material boxes. The lower layer holds empty material boxes and corresponds to the second rack 4. The lower layer is also equipped with a limit component 3, which is used to restrict the movement of empty material boxes. When the aircraft assembly automated feeding cart moves to the target workstation, the guide 5 applies force to the limit component 3 at the target workstation, causing the limit plate 31 to rotate to a position where it no longer blocks the empty material box. At this time, the empty material box will slide onto the second rack 4. This arrangement allows the empty material box to be automatically recycled into the aircraft assembly automated feeding cart, increasing production efficiency and reducing labor intensity.

[0041] Meanwhile, the upper and lower structures of the target workstation can also be set to be inclined, with the inclination direction of the upper structure being the same as that of the first carrier 2, and the inclination direction of the lower structure being the same as that of the second carrier 4. Alternatively, the upper and lower structures of the target workstation can also be conveyor belts, etc.

[0042] In some other embodiments, the structure of the mating part 5' at the target station may be the same as the structure of the guide part 5.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the first rack 2 includes at least two sliding components 22, all of which are connected to the frame 1.

[0044] For example, the sliding component 22 may consist of two guide plates 221 and a plurality of rollers 222 rotatably disposed between the two guide plates 221, or the sliding component 22 may be a slide rod, etc.

[0045] In this embodiment, the sliding component 22 is used to carry materials or material boxes, and the friction between the sliding component 22 and the materials or material boxes is small, which makes it easy for the materials or material boxes to slide along the sliding component 22 to the lower end of the first carrier 2.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the first shelf 2 includes two crossbeams 21 arranged opposite to each other, the two crossbeams 21 being connected one-to-one to the two ends of each sliding component 22, all sliding components 22 being spaced apart along the length of the crossbeams 21, and adjacent sliding components 22 being parallel to each other.

[0047] For example, the crossbeam 21 can be made of high-strength aluminum profiles, etc., and the connection between the two ends of the sliding component 22 and the crossbeam 21 can be through U-shaped hooks, bolts, or welding, etc.

[0048] In this embodiment, the crossbeam 21 serves as a connector between the sliding assembly 22 and the frame 1. The sliding assemblies 22 are spaced apart along the length of the crossbeam 21, and all the sliding assemblies 22 are parallel to each other. This arrangement makes it easier for materials or material boxes to slide from the sliding assembly 22 to the lower end of the first shelf 2.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the structure of the second shelf 4 is the same as that of the first shelf 2, and the second end of the second shelf 4 is provided with a baffle 41.

[0050] It should be noted that the second end of the second shelf 4 is the lower end of the second shelf 4.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first shelf 2 and the second shelf 4 with the same structure are convenient for production and maintenance. The baffle 41 provided at the second end of the second shelf 4 is used to prevent empty material boxes from sliding onto the second shelf 4.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the frame 1 has a second accommodating space 12 located below the first accommodating space 11, the second accommodating space 12 being used to accommodate the power mechanism.

[0053] For example, the power mechanism can be an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle).

[0054] In this embodiment, the power mechanism can automatically move to the second accommodating space 12 below the frame 1, lift the aircraft assembly automated material feeding vehicle and transport it to the target workstation. In this way, the aircraft assembly automated material feeding vehicle can achieve automated material transportation with the help of an external power mechanism.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the inner wall of the second accommodating space 12 opposite to the power mechanism is provided with a positioning component 6. The positioning component 6 includes a positioning plate 61, a positioning structure 62 and an identification code 63. The positioning plate 61 is connected to the frame 1, and the identification code 63 and the positioning structure 62 are both disposed on the positioning plate 61.

[0056] For example, the identification code 63 can be a QR code or barcode, etc., and the positioning structure 62 can be a positioning hole or positioning groove, etc.

[0057] In this embodiment, after the power mechanism moves to the second accommodating space 12, it identifies the identification code 63 there, which can quickly identify material transportation information and proceed with the next transportation operation, reducing logistics operation time, reducing labor intensity, improving production efficiency, and enhancing the level of intelligence. Simultaneously, the power mechanism has a device corresponding to the positioning structure 62. When the positioning structure 62 and the corresponding device on the power mechanism are combined, the power mechanism and the automated aircraft assembly feeding vehicle can achieve rapid positioning and ensure the accuracy of docking interaction, avoiding displacement during logistics transportation and docking with the target workstation, thus ensuring the safety of logistics operations.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the bottom of the frame 1 is provided with multiple casters 7.

[0059] For example, caster 7 can be a fusible wheel or a swivel wheel with brakes, etc.

[0060] In this embodiment, the casters 7 allow the automated aircraft assembly material delivery cart to be moved manually as well.

[0061] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automated material feeding cart for aircraft assembly, characterized in that, include: The frame (1) has a first accommodating space (11); The first shelf (2) is inclinedly disposed within the first accommodating space (11); The limiting component (3) includes a limiting plate (31) and a guide (32). The limiting plate (31) is rotatably connected to the frame (1), and the guide (32) is disposed at one end of the limiting plate (31). The limiting component (3) corresponds to the lower end of the first rack (2).

2. The automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes a second shelf (4), which is inclinedly disposed within the first accommodating space (11). The second shelf (4) is located below the first shelf (2), and the inclination direction of the second shelf (4) is opposite to that of the first shelf (2).

3. The automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first end of the second rack (4) is provided with a guide (5), which is connected to the frame (1).

4. The automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first rack (2) includes at least two sliding components (22), all of which are connected to the frame (1).

5. The automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first shelf (2) includes two crossbeams (21) arranged opposite to each other. The two crossbeams (21) are connected to the two ends of each sliding component (22) in a one-to-one correspondence. All the sliding components (22) are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the crossbeams (21), and the two adjacent sliding components (22) are parallel to each other.

6. The automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The structure of the second shelf (4) is the same as that of the first shelf (2), and the second end of the second shelf (4) is provided with a baffle (41).

7. The automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (1) has a second accommodating space (12) located below the first accommodating space (11), the second accommodating space (12) being used to accommodate the power mechanism.

8. The automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second accommodating space (12) has a positioning component (6) on its inner wall opposite to the power mechanism. The positioning component (6) includes a positioning plate (61), a positioning structure (62), and an identification code (63). The positioning plate (61) is connected to the frame (1), and the identification code (63) and the positioning structure (62) are both located on the positioning plate (61).

9. The automated material feeding vehicle for aircraft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the frame (1) is provided with multiple casters (7).

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