Flexible pilot production line and processing method
The design of the flexible prototype production line has improved the automation level and processing efficiency of the prototype production line, solving the problems of low efficiency, poor flexibility and large footprint of traditional prototype production lines, and meeting the needs of multi-model co-production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU MINO AUTOMOTIVE EQUIP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
The existing pilot production line has low overall efficiency, low flexibility, and a large footprint, which cannot meet the automation requirements for the co-production of multiple models.
Design a flexible pilot production line, including a tool library, conveyor line, traction components and processing components, to realize the automated conveying, storage and processing of processing tools and workpieces through automated equipment, and support multi-tool co-line production.
It improves the automation level and processing efficiency of the production line, reduces manual intervention, reduces the floor space, and increases the flexibility of the production line, enabling flexible adjustment of the installation position and quantity of tool libraries, conveyor lines, and processing components according to demand.
Smart Images
Figure CN2026074979_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
A flexible pilot production line and processing method Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of body-in-white welding, specifically relating to a flexible prototype production line and processing method. Background Technology
[0002] As society's demand for and emphasis on automotive products increases, the level of automation in automotive body-in-white welding production lines is also improving. With the increasing maturity of automation in body-in-white welding production lines, the automation requirements for multi-model co-production are also gradually increasing.
[0003] Typically, a new car model is pre-produced on a prototype production line before mass production. However, in traditional prototype production lines, welding or assembly is mostly done manually, resulting in low overall processing efficiency. Furthermore, they largely employ traditional rigid operation methods with low flexibility. In addition, traditional prototype production lines often occupy a large area. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a flexible pilot production line and processing method to solve the problems of low overall efficiency, low flexibility and large footprint of the pilot production line in the prior art.
[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a flexible pilot production line, comprising:
[0006] Tool library, used to store machining tools and / or workpieces;
[0007] A conveyor line used to transport either traction components or machining tools and workpieces.
[0008] A traction assembly for traction or storage of any of the machining tools and workpieces;
[0009] Machining components are used to process workpieces using machining tools;
[0010] The tool library is located on the conveyor line, the traction assembly is movably connected to the conveyor line, and the processing assembly is located on one side of the conveyor line.
[0011] It should be noted that the traction component is externally connected to a drive device, which can control the movement of the traction component on the conveyor line. Although the tool magazine is installed on the conveyor line, the tool magazine has a traction port for the conveyor line and the traction component to pass through. The traction component can move on the conveyor line and stop in the tool magazine to pull the corresponding processing tool in the tool magazine.
[0012] It should be further explained that the traction assembly is equipped with a traction component for traction of the machining tool or workpiece. Both the machining tool and workpiece are provided with traction grooves adapted to the traction component. The traction assembly uses the traction component and traction grooves to traction or store the machining tool or workpiece.
[0013] It should be noted that the processing component can be an automated processing device such as a robotic arm or robot, and the processing component is equipped with a corresponding structure for connecting the processing tool, so as to connect and use the processing tool to complete the processing of the workpiece.
[0014] In this solution, the conveyor line can transport the traction component to the tool magazine, and use the traction component to pull and store the processing tools or workpieces in the tool magazine.
[0015] In practical use, this solution can achieve the effect of multi-tool co-line production by placing various processing tools with traction grooves in the tool library for different purposes.
[0016] Compared to existing pilot production lines, this invention boasts a high degree of automation, automating the loading and unloading of parts, the switching of processing tools, and the overall processing of parts, eliminating manual labor and improving overall processing efficiency. Furthermore, compared to existing pilot production lines, this invention offers greater flexibility; the conveyor line, traction components, and processing components can all be installed in their respective positions and quantities according to actual production needs. Additionally, compared to existing pilot production lines, this invention occupies a relatively small area. Its overall structure is simple, and based on its high flexibility, the installation positions and quantities of the tool library, conveyor line, traction components, and processing components can be controlled according to the available space, thus controlling the footprint of this invention.
[0017] In one embodiment, the conveyor line is further provided with a processing station and a loading / unloading station. The processing station is used to process the workpieces, and the loading / unloading station is used to load and unload the workpieces.
[0018] It should be noted that an automatic loading and unloading device is installed outside the loading and unloading station to cooperate with the loading and unloading station to realize the automatic loading and unloading of processed parts.
[0019] In one embodiment, the processing component is mounted on one side of the processing station.
[0020] It should be noted that the processing component is specifically a robotic arm, which is equipped with a corresponding structure for connecting processing tools to grasp and use the processing tools to complete the processing of the workpiece. In the actual processing process of this invention, the conveyor line first transports the workpiece to be processed and the processing tools required for processing the workpiece to the processing station through the traction component. The robotic arm then connects to the processing tools through the corresponding structure and begins processing the workpiece at the processing station. After processing is completed, the robotic arm can, according to the settings, choose to return the processing tools to the processing station so that the traction component can transport them back to their original position and unload the processed workpiece, or retain the processing tools and use them to process the next workpiece to be processed that is transported to the processing station.
[0021] In this solution, by setting up processing stations and loading / unloading stations, and coordinating conveyor lines, tool libraries, traction components, and processing components, it is possible to load workpieces to be processed and unload completed workpieces, while simultaneously switching processing tools. Compared with existing pilot production lines, this solution features a high degree of automation and high processing efficiency.
[0022] In one embodiment, a conveyor trolley is also installed on the conveyor line, and the traction assembly is mounted on the conveyor trolley.
[0023] In one embodiment, the traction assembly includes a sliding guide rail and a traction unit. The sliding guide rail is mounted on the transport trolley, and the traction unit is movably connected to the sliding guide rail. The traction unit is provided with a traction component for traction of the processing tool.
[0024] In one embodiment, the traction unit includes a gear set and a rack, with a drive motor externally connected to the gear set. The drive motor drives the gear set to make the traction unit slide on the sliding guide rail.
[0025] It should be noted that the conveying trolley is externally connected to a conveying drive system for driving the conveying trolley, which is used to transport the traction component at any position on the conveyor line; the traction unit is externally connected to a traction drive system for driving the traction unit; the traction unit is also connected to an auxiliary limiting component, which can be used to reduce the distance that the traction unit may shift on the transport trolley due to external interference when it is connected to the workpiece and is in the process of processing, thereby reducing the defect rate during processing to a certain extent.
[0026] It should be noted that the conveyor trolley can be equipped with more than one traction component. Correspondingly, the number and structure of tool locations, the number and structure of processing stations, and the number and structure of loading and unloading stations are all changed synchronously with the setting of the traction component. This allows for the simultaneous traction of multiple tools from the tool library to multiple processing stations, or the simultaneous traction of multiple workpieces to be processed from multiple loading and unloading stations to multiple processing stations, or the simultaneous traction of multiple completed workpieces from processing stations to multiple loading and unloading stations, etc.
[0027] In this solution, by setting up a conveyor trolley, the flexibility of the invention can be increased to better meet the target requirements of the pilot production line.
[0028] In one embodiment, the tool library includes multiple storage locations where processing tools are placed.
[0029] In one embodiment, both the machining tool and the workpiece are provided with traction grooves for connecting the traction assembly.
[0030] It should be noted that the traction groove is adapted to the traction component, and both the machining tools and the machining components are connected to the traction assembly through the cooperation of the traction groove and the traction component.
[0031] In one embodiment, the tool library includes a first storage library and a second storage library, the conveyor line passes between the first storage library and the second storage library, and a lifting mechanism is provided between the first storage library and the second storage library.
[0032] It should be noted that the lifting mechanism can lift the traction component located between the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment to the corresponding storage position, so that the traction unit on the traction component can slide into the corresponding storage position to connect the processing tools or processing parts.
[0033] In this solution, users can classify the storage locations of processing tools and workpieces according to their actual needs through the first storage warehouse and the second storage warehouse. For example, the first storage warehouse can be used to store processing tools, and the second storage warehouse can be used to store workpieces to be processed and workpieces that have been processed.
[0034] In one embodiment, both the first storage repository and the second storage repository include multiple storage locations.
[0035] It should be noted that multiple storage locations in both the first and second storage warehouses are vertically arranged.
[0036] It should be added that the size of the storage space can also be set according to the user's own needs, so that processing tools or parts of different sizes can be placed at the same time.
[0037] In this scheme, multiple storage locations in the first and second storage libraries are arranged vertically, which increases the number of tool storage locations without increasing the footprint of the tool library itself. And through cooperation with the traction component, the traction component can normally traction the processing tools in the tool library.
[0038] One aspect of this invention provides a flexible pilot production line, applicable to the flexible pilot production line described above. In the initial state, the tool library does not yet contain processing tools, and the processing method includes the following steps:
[0039] Step 1: The first conveyor trolley loads the machining tools and the workpiece to be processed at the loading and unloading station, and positions the second conveyor trolley at the machining station;
[0040] Step 2: The first conveyor trolley moves to the tool storage area;
[0041] Step 3: The first conveyor trolley uses its traction assembly to move the machining tools and workpieces to different storage locations in the tool library;
[0042] Step 4: The first conveyor trolley moves to the loading / unloading station, and the second conveyor trolley moves to the tool room.
[0043] Step 5: The second conveyor trolley uses its traction assembly to transfer the machining tools and workpieces from the tool library to the second conveyor trolley;
[0044] Step 6: The second conveyor trolley moves to the processing station, where the processing components connect the processing tools and process the workpiece.
[0045] One aspect of this invention provides a flexible pilot production line, applicable to the flexible pilot production line described above, and the processing method includes the following steps:
[0046] Step 1: The first conveyor trolley loads the first processing tool and the first workpiece to be processed at the loading / unloading station; the second conveyor trolley is positioned at the processing station and holds the second processing tool and the processed second workpiece; the tool magazine temporarily stores the third processing tool and the processed third workpiece.
[0047] Step 2: The first conveyor trolley moves to the tool storage area;
[0048] Step 3: The first conveying trolley uses its traction assembly to move the first processing tool and the first workpiece to different storage locations in the tool library, and at the same time moves the third processing tool and the third workpiece in the tool library to the first conveying trolley;
[0049] Step 4: The first conveyor trolley moves to the loading / unloading station and unloads the third processing tool and the third processing part; at the same time, the second conveyor trolley moves to the tool magazine.
[0050] Step 5: The second conveyor trolley uses its traction assembly to move the second processing tool and the second workpiece to different storage locations in the tool library, while simultaneously moving the first processing tool and the first workpiece from the tool library to the second conveyor trolley;
[0051] Step 6: The second conveyor trolley moves to the processing station, where it is connected to the first processing tool by the processing component, and processes the first workpiece. Attached Figure Description
[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0053] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a flexible pilot production line according to the present invention.
[0054] Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of point A in Figure 1.
[0055] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of point B in Figure 1.
[0056] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 2.
[0057] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the production process steps of the single-tool processing method in Embodiment 1.
[0058] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the production process steps of the multi-tool processing method in Embodiment 1.
[0059] Among them, 1. Tool library; 11. Storage location; 12. First storage room; 13. Second storage room; 14. Lifting mechanism; 2. Conveyor line; 21. Processing station; 22. Loading and unloading station; 23. Conveying trolley; 231. Sliding guide rail; 3. Traction assembly; 31. Traction unit; 32. Traction component; 33. Auxiliary limiting component; 4. Processing assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0060] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0061] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention 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.
[0062] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention 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. Thus, 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 invention.
[0063] Referring to Figures 1-6, one embodiment provides a flexible prototyping production line, which includes a tool library 1, a conveyor line 2, a traction assembly 3, and a processing assembly 4. The tool library 1 stores processing tools or workpieces. The conveyor line 2 transports the traction assembly 3, processing tools, or workpieces. The traction assembly 3 pulls or stores the processing tools and workpieces. The processing assembly 4 processes the workpieces using the processing tools.
[0064] The tool library 1 is set on the conveyor line 2, the traction component 3 is movably connected to the conveyor line 2, and the processing component 4 is located on one side of the conveyor line 2.
[0065] It should be noted that the traction component 3 is externally connected to a drive device, which can control the traction component 3 to move on the conveyor line 2. Although the tool magazine 1 is installed on the conveyor line 2, the tool magazine 1 has a traction port for the conveyor line 2 and the traction component 3 to pass through. The traction component 3 can move on the conveyor line 2 and stop in the tool magazine 1 to pull the corresponding processing tool in the tool magazine 1.
[0066] It should be further explained that the traction assembly 3 is provided with a traction member 32 for traction of the processing tool or workpiece. Both the processing tool and the workpiece are provided with traction grooves adapted to the traction member 32. The traction assembly 3 realizes the traction or storage of the processing tool or workpiece through the traction member 32 and the traction grooves.
[0067] It should be noted that the processing component 4 can be an automated processing device such as a robotic arm or robot, and the processing component 4 is provided with a corresponding structure for connecting the processing tool, so as to connect and use the processing tool to complete the processing of the workpiece.
[0068] In this embodiment, the conveyor line 2 can transport the traction component 3 to the tool magazine 1, and use the traction component 3 to traction and store the processing tools or workpieces in the tool magazine 1.
[0069] Please refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows three traction components 3, located on the conveyor trolley 23 at the loading / unloading station 22, the conveyor trolley 23 at the processing station 21, and the lifting mechanism 14, respectively. The traction components 3 on the lifting mechanism 14 can directly switch tools or workpieces. The conveyor line 2 can slide the conveyor trolley 23 at the loading / unloading station 22 between the tool magazine 1 and the loading / unloading station 22, facilitating the traction components 3 at the loading / unloading station 22 to switch tools or workpieces. On the other hand, it can slide the conveyor trolley 23 at the processing station 21 between the tool magazine 1 and the processing station 21, facilitating the traction components 3 at the processing station 21 to switch tools or workpieces.
[0070] In practical use of this embodiment, multiple processing tools with different purposes and equipped with traction grooves can be placed in the tool library 1 to achieve the effect of multi-tool co-line production.
[0071] Compared to existing pilot production lines, this invention boasts a high degree of automation, automating the loading and unloading of parts, the switching of processing tools, and the overall processing of parts, eliminating manual labor and improving overall processing efficiency. Furthermore, compared to existing pilot production lines, this invention offers greater flexibility; the conveyor line 2, traction component 3, and processing component 4 can all be installed in their respective positions and quantities according to actual production needs. Additionally, compared to existing pilot production lines, this invention occupies a relatively small area. Its overall structure is simple, and based on its high flexibility, the installation positions and quantities of the tool library 1, conveyor line 2, traction component 3, and processing component 4 can be controlled according to the available space, thus managing the footprint of this invention.
[0072] In one embodiment, the conveyor line 2 is further provided with a processing station 21 and a loading / unloading station 22. The processing station 21 is used to process the workpiece, and the loading / unloading station 22 is used to load and unload the workpiece.
[0073] It should be noted that an automatic loading and unloading device is installed outside the loading and unloading station 22 to cooperate with the loading and unloading station 22 to realize the automatic loading and unloading of processed parts.
[0074] In one embodiment, the processing component 4 is installed on one side of the processing station 21.
[0075] It should be noted that the processing component 4 is specifically a robotic arm. The robotic arm is equipped with a corresponding structure for connecting the processing tool, so as to grasp and use the processing tool to complete the processing of the workpiece. In the actual processing process of the present invention, the conveyor line 2 first transports the workpiece to be processed and the processing tool required for processing the workpiece to the processing station 21 through the traction component 3. The robotic arm then connects to the processing tool through the corresponding structure and starts processing the workpiece to be processed at the processing station 21. After processing is completed, the robotic arm can, according to the settings, choose to put the processing tool back to the processing station 21, so that the traction component 3 can transport it back to its original position and unload the processed workpiece, or retain the processing tool and use the processing tool to process the next workpiece to be processed that is transported to the processing station 21.
[0076] In this embodiment, by setting up processing station 21 and loading / unloading station 22, and cooperating with conveyor line 2, tool library 1, traction component 3 and processing component 4, it is possible to load the workpiece to be processed and unload the processed workpiece after processing, and at the same time complete the switching of processing tools. Compared with the existing trial production line, this solution has the characteristics of high automation and high processing efficiency.
[0077] In one embodiment, a conveying trolley 23 is also installed on the conveying line 2, and the traction assembly 3 is installed on the conveying trolley 23.
[0078] In one embodiment, the traction assembly 3 includes a sliding guide rail 231 and a traction unit 31. The sliding guide rail 231 is mounted on the conveying trolley 23, and the traction unit 31 is movably connected to the sliding guide rail 231. The traction unit 31 is provided with a traction member 32 for traction of the processing tool.
[0079] In one embodiment, the traction unit 31 includes a gear set (not shown) and a rack (not shown). The gear set (not shown) is externally connected to a drive motor, which drives the gear set (not shown) to cause the traction unit 31 to slide on the sliding guide rail 231.
[0080] It should be noted that the conveying trolley 23 is externally connected to a conveying drive system for driving the conveying trolley 23. The conveying trolley 23 is used to convey the traction component 3 at any position on the conveyor line 2. The traction unit 31 is externally connected to a traction drive system for driving the traction unit 31. The traction unit 31 is also connected to an auxiliary limiting component 33. The auxiliary limiting component 33 can be used to reduce the distance that the traction unit 31 may be displaced on the conveying trolley 23 due to external interference when it is connected to the workpiece and is in the process of processing, thereby reducing the defect rate during processing to a certain extent.
[0081] It should be noted that the conveyor trolley 23 can be equipped with more than one traction component 3. Correspondingly, the number and structure of storage locations in the tool library 1, the number and structure of processing stations 21, and the number and structure of loading and unloading stations 22 are all changed synchronously with the setting of the traction component 3. This allows for the synchronous traction of multiple tools from the tool library 1 to multiple processing stations 21, or the synchronous traction of multiple workpieces to be processed from multiple loading and unloading stations 22 to multiple processing stations 21, or the synchronous traction of multiple completed workpieces from processing stations 21 to multiple loading and unloading stations 22, etc. In addition, the tool library 1 can also be set with more than one to meet the needs of multi-tool co-line production of more types of processing tools.
[0082] In this embodiment, by setting up the conveyor trolley 23, the flexibility of the present invention can be increased to better meet the target requirements of the pilot production line.
[0083] In one embodiment, the tool library 1 includes a plurality of storage locations 11, in which processing tools are placed.
[0084] In one embodiment, both the processing tool and the processing part are provided with traction grooves for connecting the traction assembly 3.
[0085] It should be noted that the traction groove is adapted to the traction component 32, and the processing tools and processing parts are connected to the traction assembly 3 through the cooperation of the traction groove and the traction component 32.
[0086] In one embodiment, the tool library 1 includes a first storage library 12 and a second storage library 13, the conveyor line 2 passes between the first storage library 12 and the second storage library 13, and a lifting mechanism 14 is provided between the first storage library 12 and the second storage library 13.
[0087] It should be noted that the lifting mechanism 14 can lift the traction component 3 located between the first storage compartment 12 and the second storage compartment 13 to the corresponding storage position, so that the traction unit 31 on the traction component 3 can slide into the corresponding storage position to connect the processing tool or processing part.
[0088] It should be noted that the lifting mechanism 14 is specifically a lifting tray, and the lifting tray is externally connected to a lifting drive system.
[0089] Taking the example of sorting tools from the second layer of the tool library to the first layer:
[0090] The lifting drive system drives the lifting pallet to the second floor of the tool storage room. The traction unit 31 on the lifting pallet moves to the required tool storage location and connects to the processing tools on the second floor. Then, the traction unit 31 drives the processing tools on the second floor back onto the lifting pallet.
[0091] The lifting drive system then lowers the lifting pallet and the second-layer processing tools down to the first floor of the tool magazine 1. The traction unit 31 on the lifting pallet moves the second-layer processing tools to an empty storage space on the first floor of the tool magazine to a suitable position and separates them from the second-layer processing tools at the empty storage space. Then, the traction unit 31 moves to the storage space of the first-layer processing tools on the first floor of the tool magazine to a suitable position and connects to the first-layer processing tools. Then, the traction unit 31 moves the first-layer processing tools back to the lifting pallet.
[0092] The lifting drive system lifts the lifting pallet to the second floor of the tool library. The traction unit 31 on the lifting pallet moves the processing tools from the first floor to the empty storage space on the second floor of the tool library. The tools are then separated from the processing tools on the first floor at the empty storage space. The traction unit 31 then resets, thus completing the work of sorting the tools from the second floor of the tool library to the first floor.
[0093] In this solution, users can classify the storage locations 11 for processing tools and workpieces according to their actual needs through the first storage 12 and the second storage 13. For example, the first storage 12 can be used to store processing tools, and the second storage 13 can be used to store workpieces to be processed and workpieces that have been processed.
[0094] In one embodiment, both the first storage library 12 and the second storage library 13 include multiple storage locations 11.
[0095] It should be noted that the multiple storage locations 11 in the first storage warehouse 12 and the second storage warehouse 13 are all vertically arranged.
[0096] It should be noted that the size of storage location 11 can also be set according to the user's own needs, so that processing tools or parts of different sizes can be placed at the same time.
[0097] In this embodiment, the multiple storage locations 11 in the first storage library 12 and the second storage library 13 are arranged vertically. This increases the number of storage locations in the tool library 1 without increasing the floor space of the tool library 1 itself. The lifting mechanism 14 and the traction component 3 work together to enable the traction component 3 to pull the processing tools in the tool library 1.
[0098] To demonstrate the high flexibility of this invention, two design structures of this invention are listed below:
[0099] Example 1
[0100] The conveyor line 2 passes through the tool library 1. Two conveyor trolleys 23, A and B (hereinafter referred to as trolley A and trolley B), are installed on the conveyor line 2. Both conveyor trolleys 23 are equipped with traction components 3. The conveyor line 2 is equipped with loading and unloading stations 22 and processing stations 21. The processing component 4 is located on one side of the processing station 21.
[0101] Specifically, processing component 4 is a robotic arm.
[0102] Specifically, the tool library 1 includes a first storage library 12 and a second storage library 13, and both the first storage library 12 and the second storage library 13 have multiple storage locations 11 vertically arranged.
[0103] Specifically, the lifting mechanism 14 is a lifting pallet, which is externally connected to a lifting drive system. The traction component 3 includes a traction unit 31 that slides on the sliding guide rail 231. The traction unit 31 is externally connected to a traction drive system, and the traction unit 31 is provided with a traction component 32 for connecting the processing tool and the processing workpiece.
[0104] This embodiment includes a production method that uses a single tool to process a workpiece and a production method that uses multiple tools to process a workpiece. The working principles of the two production methods are described below:
[0105] Please refer to Figure 5. The production steps for machining parts using a single tool are as follows:
[0106] Initially, tool A is not stored in tool library 1;
[0107] Step 1: Cart A loads tool A and the workpiece to be processed at loading / unloading station 22, while cart B is located at processing station 21;
[0108] Step 2: The trolley A moves to tool library 1 under the drive of the conveyor drive system;
[0109] Step 3: The trolley A, through the traction component 3 and in conjunction with the traction drive system, slides the tool A and the workpiece to be processed into different storage locations in the tool magazine 1;
[0110] Step 4: Cart A moves to loading / unloading station 22 under the drive of the conveyor drive system to perform loading / unloading work, while cart B moves to tool library 1 under the drive of the conveyor drive system.
[0111] Step 5: The traction component 3 on trolley B slides tool A and the workpiece to be processed from different storage locations onto trolley B;
[0112] Step 6: The trolley B moves to processing station 21 under the drive of the conveyor drive system;
[0113] After the above steps, the robotic arm connects to tool A and completes the processing of the workpiece at processing station 21.
[0114] Please refer to Figure 6. The production steps of the multi-tool machining process are as follows:
[0115] In the initial state, since the workpiece needs to be processed using a brand new tool A, a brand new tool A needs to be installed.
[0116] Step 1: Cart A loads tool A and the workpiece to be processed at loading / unloading station 22. Tool C and the first completed workpiece are placed in tool library 1. Tool B and the second completed workpiece are placed on cart B.
[0117] Step 2: The trolley A moves to tool library 1 under the drive of the conveyor drive system;
[0118] Step 3: The trolley A, through the traction component 3 and in conjunction with the traction drive system, slides tool A and the workpiece to be processed to different storage locations in tool magazine 1, while simultaneously sliding tool C and workpiece number one onto the trolley A;
[0119] Step 4: Cart A moves to the loading / unloading station 22 under the drive of the conveyor drive system to unload tool C and the finished workpiece. Cart B moves to tool magazine 1 under the drive of the conveyor drive system.
[0120] Step 5: The traction component 3 on the trolley B slides tool B and workpiece No. 2 to different storage locations in tool magazine 1, while simultaneously sliding tool A and workpiece to be processed onto the trolley B;
[0121] Step 6: The trolley B moves to processing station 21 under the drive of the conveyor drive system;
[0122] After the above steps, the robotic arm connects to tool A and completes the processing of the workpiece at processing station 21.
[0123] Example 2
[0124] Please refer to Figure 4. The conveyor line 2 passes through the two tool libraries 1. Three conveyor trolleys 23 are installed on the conveyor line 2. Each of the three conveyor trolleys 23 is equipped with a traction component 3. The conveyor line 2 is equipped with two loading and unloading stations 22 and one processing station 21. The processing component 4 is located on one side of the processing station 21.
[0125] Specifically, processing component 4 is a robotic arm.
[0126] Specifically, the tool library 1 includes a first storage library 12 and a second storage library 13, and both the first storage library 12 and the second storage library 13 have multiple storage locations 11 vertically arranged.
[0127] Specifically, the lifting mechanism 14 is a lifting pallet, which is externally connected to a lifting drive system. The traction component 3 includes a traction unit 31 that slides on the sliding guide rail 231. The traction unit 31 is externally connected to a traction drive system, and the traction unit 31 is provided with a traction component 32 for connecting the processing tool and the processing workpiece.
[0128] In this embodiment, the number of loading and unloading stations 22, the number of conveying trolleys 23, and the number of tool libraries 1 are increased. The number of processing tools that can be stored in the tool library 1, the number of parts to be processed, and the number of processed parts are also increased to support the co-line production of more types of processing tools and the number of processed parts that can be stored.
[0129] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A flexible pilot production line, characterized in that, include: Tool library, used to store machining tools and / or workpieces; A conveyor line used to transport either traction components or machining tools and workpieces. A traction assembly for traction or storage of any of the machining tools and workpieces; Machining components are used to process workpieces using machining tools; The tool library is located on the conveyor line, the traction assembly is movably connected to the conveyor line, and the processing assembly is located on one side of the conveyor line.
2. The flexible pilot production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor line is also equipped with a processing station and a loading / unloading station. The processing station is used to process the parts, and the loading / unloading station is used to load and unload the parts.
3. The flexible pilot production line as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The processing component is installed on one side of the processing station.
4. A flexible pilot production line as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The conveyor line is also equipped with a conveyor trolley, and the traction assembly is mounted on the conveyor trolley.
5. A flexible pilot production line as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The traction assembly includes a sliding guide rail and a traction unit. The sliding guide rail is mounted on the conveying trolley, and the traction unit is movably connected to the sliding guide rail. The traction unit is provided with a traction component for traction of the processing tool.
6. The flexible pilot production line as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The traction unit includes a gear set and a rack. A drive motor is externally connected to the gear set. The drive motor is used to drive the gear set so that the traction unit slides on the sliding guide rail.
7. A flexible pilot production line as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The tool library includes multiple storage locations, in which processing tools are placed.
8. A flexible pilot production line as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Both the processing tool and the workpiece are provided with traction grooves for connecting the traction assembly. The traction assembly is provided with a traction member for traction of the processing tool or the workpiece. The traction assembly realizes traction or storage of the processing tool or the workpiece through the traction member and the traction groove.
9. A flexible pilot production line as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The tool library includes a first storage library and a second storage library. The conveyor line passes between the first storage library and the second storage library. A lifting mechanism is provided between the first storage library and the second storage library. The lifting mechanism is used to lift the traction component located between the first storage library and the second storage library.
10. A flexible pilot production line as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Both the first storage warehouse and the second storage warehouse include multiple storage locations.
11. A processing method applicable to a flexible pilot production line as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, Initially, the tool library does not contain any processing tools. The processing method includes the following steps: Step 1: The first conveyor trolley loads the processing tools and the workpiece to be processed at the loading and unloading station, and positions the second conveyor trolley at the processing station; Step 2: The first conveyor trolley moves to the tool magazine; Step 3: The first conveying trolley uses its traction assembly to move the processing tools and the processed parts to different storage locations in the tool library; Step 4: The first conveyor trolley moves to the loading / unloading station, and the second conveyor trolley moves to the tool magazine; Step 5: The second transport trolley uses its traction assembly to transfer the machining tools and workpieces from the tool magazine to the second transport trolley; Step 6: The second conveyor trolley moves to the processing station, where the processing assembly connects to the processing tool and processes the workpiece.
12. A processing method applicable to a flexible pilot production line as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The processing method includes the following steps: Step 1: The first conveyor trolley loads the first processing tool and the first workpiece to be processed at the loading / unloading station; the second conveyor trolley is positioned at the processing station and holds the second processing tool and the processed second workpiece; the tool magazine temporarily stores the third processing tool and the processed third workpiece. Step 2: The first conveyor trolley moves to the tool magazine; Step 3: The first conveying trolley uses its traction assembly to move the first processing tool and the first workpiece to different storage locations in the tool library, and at the same time moves the third processing tool and the third workpiece in the tool library to the first conveying trolley; Step 4: The first conveyor trolley moves to the loading / unloading station and unloads the third processing tool and the third processed part; at the same time, the second conveyor trolley moves to the tool magazine. Step 5: The second conveying trolley uses its traction assembly to move the second processing tool and the second workpiece to different storage locations in the tool library, while simultaneously moving the first processing tool and the first workpiece from the tool library to the second conveying trolley; Step 6: The second conveyor trolley moves to the processing station, where the processing component connects to the first processing tool and processes the first workpiece.