SYSTEM FOR PARKING REVERSING AID DEVICES

Abstract

A system 100 for parking one or more backup aid devices 110 includes a main rail assembly 104; a cross rail assembly 106; the cross rail assembly 106 is slidably engaged with the main rail assembly 104 for movement along a first direction and is configured to slidably support one or more carts 108 for movement along a second direction. The carts 108 support one or more auxiliary devices 102. A cross rail auxiliary assembly 114 is configured to telescopically engage the cross rail assembly such that, upon telescopic engagement of one of the cross rail auxiliary assemblies 114 with the cross rail assembly, transfer of one of the auxiliary carts 116 to the cross rail assembly 106 is enabled when a need arises.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to the field of workshops. In particular, this is a system for parking backup assist devices in a production plant.BACKGROUNDIn an assembly shop, various tools or devices such as lifting devices, rivet hammers, torque locks, grease presses and the like are usually mounted in a suspended manner and easily accessible to the workers. The auxiliary devices are mounted on a suspended rail construction above the arrangement area so that they can be brought to different locations as required. The rail structure includes a longitudinally oriented first rail assembly and a plurality of transversely oriented second rail assemblies longitudinally slidably mounted on the first rail assembly, and the auxiliary devices are laterally slidably mounted on the second rail assemblies to reach any location below the rail structure.It may happen that the auxiliary devices no longer function and have to be replaced immediately so as not to impair production. Currently, backup assist devices or manipulators are parked on the same rail system, i.e., on specific cross-rail assemblies. However, the conventional arrangement for parking backup assist devices has some disadvantages. First, it requires additional cross-rail assemblies that take up space and production area, which can be as much as 2 m. Secondly, they interfere with production in the event of repair during production. Third, they impede workers working at the next station and get a risk of security from collisions.Patent application CN109773745A discloses a production plant comprising a mechanism for easy transfer of inspection equipment from a rail position to the peripheral rail position. A main rail is provided for transporting the main equipment. A transition rail is provided for transferring the inspection device to the edge / main rails. However, the mechanism for transferring the equipment includes a number of elements including a stepping motor, a clutch, a lead screw, a first support seat, a second support seat, and a transmission nut. The two ends of the lead screw are rotatably supported on the first and second support seats, respectively. The stepping motor is connected to the lead screw via the coupling, and the transmission nut connected to a transition rail is disposed on the lead screw. The transmission is effected by actuating the stepping motor. As can be seen, the cited reference provides a mechanism which is complicated and comprises a number of parts with complications in operation and maintenance.There is therefore a need for a simple, compact and efficient solution for parking backup assist devices in a production facility.OBJECT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSUREA general object of the present disclosure is to overcome the problems associated with existing handling equipment on the suspended track in the assembly hall by providing a simple, compact and efficient solution to the development of a system for parking backup assist devices in a production facility.A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, cost-effective and easily operated system for parking backup assist devices in a production plant.Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for parking backup assist devices that can be manufactured at low cost by using a mechanical construction without automation for the backup assist devices.Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for parking backup assist devices that can be installed in production without hindering operation of the production plant.Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that does not take up space in the production area.Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for parking backup assist devices that minimizes the risk of colliding with the operators at the adjacent station, thus ensuring general safety.SUMMARYAspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems for parking backup assist devices in a production facility. In particular, the present disclosure provides a simple, compact and efficient system for parking backup assist devices in a production facility.According to one aspect, the proposed system for parking one or more backup assist devices in a production facility comprises a main rail arrangement which is oriented along a first direction and at least one transverse rail arrangement. The cross rail assembly is oriented along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The cross rail assembly slidably engages the main rail assembly for movement along the first direction. The cross rail assembly is configured to slidably support one or more carriages moving in the second direction. The one or more carriages carry one or more auxiliary devices.In addition, the system includes an additional main rail assembly. The auxiliary main rail arrangement is arranged at a distance parallel to the main rail arrangement in a storage zone of the production plant.The system also includes at least one additional cross rail assembly. The cross rail auxiliary assembly is oriented along the second direction. The cross rail auxiliary assembly slidably engages the auxiliary main rail assembly for movement along the first direction. The cross rail auxiliary assembly is configured to slidably support one or more auxiliary carriages moving in the second direction. The one or more auxiliary cars carry one or more support devices.The cross rail auxiliary assembly is configured to telescopically engage the cross rail assembly. The telescopic engagement of the cross rail auxiliary assemblies with the cross rail assembly enables transfer of one or more auxiliary cars into the cross rail assembly when a need exists. The need is to use the one or more backup assist devices.In one embodiment, the system includes a telescoping member attached to an end of the cross rail auxiliary assembly toward the cross rail assembly, and the cross rail assembly includes a slot such that when the cross rail auxiliary assembly is moved toward the cross rail assembly after the two are aligned, the telescoping member telescopically engages the slot to hold the two together in the aligned position.In one embodiment, the system may include a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may lock the additional cross rail assembly to the cross rail assembly after being slid into each other.In another embodiment, the locking mechanism may be a manually operated lock mechanism.In another embodiment, the locking mechanism may comprise a locking lever. The locking lever may be rotatably supported at an extreme end of the cross rail auxiliary assembly. The locking mechanism may comprise a locking pin. The locking pin may be attached to a corresponding end of the cross rail assembly.In another embodiment, the production plant may be an assembly line. The first direction may be a longitudinal direction of the arrangement line.In another embodiment, the one or more auxiliary devices may be manipulators. The manipulators can be used in the assembly line of the production plant.Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and form part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustrative purposes only and thus do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A shows an example perspective view of the proposed system for parking one or more backup assist devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B shows an exemplary perspective view of the proposed system after the latching between the main assembly rail and the auxiliary main rail assembly for the transfer of the backup assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary detailed perspective view of the locking mechanism of the proposed device according to an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are so detailed as to clearly convey the disclosure. It is not intended, however, to limit the predictable variations of embodiments with the particularity provided, but to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.The embodiments explained here relate to a simple, compact and efficient system for parking backup assist devices in a production plant.Referring to FIGS. 1A-2, the proposed system 100 for parking backup assist devices (also referred to herein as system 100) is disclosed. The system 100 may include a main rail assembly 104 located in a production zone 120, a cross rail assembly 106, and one or more carriages 108 for transporting auxiliary equipment 102 used in the production zone 120. The system may also include, in a parking zone 130, an auxiliary main rail assembly 112, at least one cross rail auxiliary assembly 114, and one or more assist cars 116 for parking one or more backup assist devices 110. The auxiliary main rail assembly 112 may be spaced apart and parallel to the main rail assembly 104 in a manufacturing facility storage zone 130, as in FIGS. 1A and 1BAccording to an embodiment of the application, the production plant may be a mounting line running along the first direction, wherein the main rail assembly 104 extends along a length of the mounting line, referred to herein as the first direction. The first direction can thus be a longitudinal direction of the arrangement line.As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cross rail assembly 106 may be oriented perpendicular to the first direction, referred to as the second direction. The cross rail assembly 106 may be slidably engaged with the main rail assembly 104. The sliding engagement may serve for movement along the first direction. The transverse rail assembly 106 may be configured to slidably support one or more carriages 108. The cross rail assembly 106 may allow the carriages 108 to move in the second direction. The one or more carriages 108 may support one or more auxiliary devices 102. In an example, the one or more auxiliary devices 102 may be manipulators. The manipulators can be used in the assembly line of the production plant. The manipulators may be, for example, robotic arms equipped with joints and links that mimic movements of a human arm, material handling equipment for lifting, moving or transferring heavy objects, or assembly line assembly line assembly line assembly line assembly line assembly tools that aid in tasks such as positioning parts for assembly, tightening screws, or precisely attaching particular components.The system 100 may also include one or more additional cross-rail auxiliary assemblies 114, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, located in the manufacturing facility / assembly facility storage zone 130. The transverse auxiliary rail assemblies 114 may be oriented in the second direction. The cross rail auxiliary assemblies 114 may be slidably engaged with the main rail auxiliary assembly 112. The transverse auxiliary rail assemblies 114 may move in the first direction. The transverse auxiliary rail assemblies 114 may be configured to slidably support one or more auxiliary carriages 116. The assist carriages 116 may be supported by the cross rail assist assemblies 114 for sliding movement in the second direction. The one or more assist cars 116 may support one or more assist containers 110.The additional cross rail assembly or assemblies 114 may be configured to telescopically engage the cross rail assembly 106. This telescoping engagement may connect each of the additional cross rail assemblies to one of the cross rail assemblies 106. The engagement of the cross rail auxiliary assembly 114 with the cross rail assemblies 106 may allow for the transfer of one or more auxiliary cars 116 to the cross rail assembly 106, as needed. The need may be to use the one or more backup assist devices 110.In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the telescopic engagement between the cross rail auxiliary assemblies 114 and the cross rail assembly 106 may be provided by a combination of a telescopic member 206 and a slot 208. The telescoping member 206 may be secured to an end of the cross rail auxiliary assembly 114 that faces the production area 130 of the system 100, i.e., the cross rail assembly 106. The slot 208 may be provided on the cross rail assembly 106 at an end facing the non-production area or storage zone 130 of the system 100. When the cross rail assist assembly 114 is moved toward the cross rail assembly 106 in the production zone 120 after the corresponding cross rail assist assembly 114 and the cross rail assembly 106 are aligned, the telescoping member 206 must telescopically engage the slot 208 to hold the two together in the aligned position.In one embodiment, the system 100 may include a locking mechanism 200 as shown in FIG. 2. The locking mechanism 200 may lock the additional cross rail assembly 114 to the cross rail assembly 106 after telescopically engaging each other. The locking mechanism 200 may include a locking lever 202. The locking lever 202 may be hinged to an outer end of the cross rail auxiliary assembly 114 or the cross rail assembly 106. The locking mechanism 200 may include a locking pin 204. The locking pin 204 may be attached to a corresponding end of the other of the cross rail assembly 106 and the cross rail auxiliary assembly 114. The locking mechanism 200 may be a manually operated locking mechanism.While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples included to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person of ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention overcomes the problems associated with existing hand tools on the suspended railway in the assembly shop by providing a simple, compact and efficient solution for the development of a system for parking backup assist devices in a production facility.The present disclosure provides a system for parking backup assist devices that can be inexpensively manufactured through a mechanical design without automatizing the backup assist devices.The present disclosure provides a backup assist device parking system that can be installed in production without hindering operation of the production plant.The present disclosure provides a system that does not require space in the production area.The present disclosure provides a system for parking backup assist devices that minimizes the risk of colliding with the neighboring station operators and thus ensures general safety.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedCN 109773745A

[0004]

Claims

A system (100) for parking one or more backup assist devices (110) in a production facility, the system (100) comprising: a main rail assembly (104) oriented along a first direction; at least one cross rail assembly (106) oriented along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; wherein the at least one cross rail assembly (106) is in sliding engagement with the main rail assembly (104) for movement along the first direction and is configured to slidably support one or more carriages (108) for movement along the second direction, wherein the one or more carriages (108) support one or more assist devices (102); an assist main rail assembly (112) spaced parallel to the main rail assembly (104); at least one cross rail assist assembly (114) aligned for movement along the second direction in sliding engagement with the assist main rail assembly (112) for movement along the first direction and configured to slidably support one or more assist carriages (116) for movement along the second direction, the one or more assist carriages (116) supporting the one or more assist devices (110); wherein the at least one cross rail assist assembly (114) is configured for telescopic engagement with the at least one cross rail assembly such that telescopic engagement of the at least one cross rail assist assembly (114) with the cross rail assembly enables delivery of any of the one or more assist carriages (116) to the cross rail assembly (106) when there is a need to use the one or more assist devices (110).The system (100) of claim 1, comprising a telescoping member (206) secured to an end of the at least one cross rail auxiliary assembly (114), said end facing the at least one cross rail assembly (106), and the at least one cross rail assembly (106) having a slot (208) such that when the at least one cross rail auxiliary assembly (114) is moved toward the at least one cross rail assembly (106) after the corresponding cross rail auxiliary assembly (114) and the cross rail assembly (106) are aligned, the telescoping member (206) telescopically engages the slot (208) to hold the two together in the aligned position.The system (100) of claim 1, comprising a locking mechanism (200) for locking the cross rail auxiliary assembly (114) to the cross rail assembly (106) after telescopic engagement therebetween.The system (100) of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism (200) is a manually operated lock mechanism.The system (100) of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism (200) comprises a locking lever (202) hinged to an extreme end of the additional cross rail assembly (114), and a locking pin (204) attached to a corresponding end of the cross rail assembly (106).The system (100) of claim 5, wherein the production plant is an assembly line and the first direction is a longitudinal direction of the assembly line.The system (100) of claim 6, wherein the one or more auxiliary devices (102) are manipulators used in the assembly of the production plant.

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