Methods for using an automated guided cart

• US 9,581,983 B2
• Filed: 05/28/2013
• Issued: 02/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Comau LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Comau LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Kilibarda, Velibor, Maybee, William J.
• Primary Examiner(s): HARTMAN JR, RONALD D
• Application Number:
  US13/903,527
• Publication Number:
  US 20130325159A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,372 Days
• Field of Search: 29429-430, 700 17- 20
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 37/047 moving work to adjust its position between soldering, welding or cutting steps B23K37/053 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4189 characterised by the transport system
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/41895 using automatic guided vehicles [AGV] control of position or course of AGV's G05D1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31002 Computer controlled agv conveys workpieces between buffer and cell
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0225 involving docking at a fixed facility, e.g. base station or loading bay parking aids B62D15/027
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/60 Electric or hybrid propulsion means for production processes

Abstract

An automated guided cart (AGC) that is configured to travel along a cart path according to generally non-precision movements is implemented to support a build process requiring precise positioning of vehicle build devices. In an example of a method of use, a vehicle build device for the build process is engaged with the AGC. When the AGC travels proximate a build operation area, the AGC can be secured in a dimensionally fixed position, with the result that both the AGC and a vehicle build device engaged with the AGC are located in precise positions. Based on the precise location of the vehicle build device, the vehicle build device can be interfaced with robots or other automated equipment according to preprogrammed and/or precise movements to carry out a build process.

Claims

1. A method for precisely transporting and positioning vehicle build devices in a manufacturing assembly line using an automated guided cart (AGC), the method comprising the steps of:

defining a cart path with a guide path device, the cart path including a first location proximate a build operation area;

placing an AGC in communication with the guide path device;

engaging at least one vehicle build device with the AGC;

supporting a vehicle component by the vehicle build device;

selectively and automatically moving the AGC along the cart path to the first location through sensing of the guide path device by a sensor connected to the AGC in communication with a memory device having programmed instructions, a processor and a drive device; and

stopping the AGC in the first location thereby precisely dimensionally positioning the vehicle component at the first location without further movement of the vehicle component relative to the vehicle build device.

2. A method for supporting an automated build operation with vehicle build devices, the method comprising the steps of:

defining a cart path with a guide path device, the cart path including a first location proximate a build operation area;

placing an AGC in communication with the guide path device;

engaging at least one vehicle build device with the AGC;

selectively and automatically moving the AGC along the cart path through sensing of the guide path device by a sensor connected to the AGC to the first location;

docking the AGC at the first location, the docking operable to precisely dimensionally position the AGC at the first location, and to temporarily secure the AGC in a dimensionally fixed position to thereby precisely position the vehicle build device engaged with the AGC; and

interfacing automated equipment with the vehicle build device while the AGC is docked at the first location based on the precise positioning of the vehicle build device.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of engaging at least one vehicle build device with the AGC comprises:

engaging the AGC with a pallet for supporting at least one of vehicle build components and subassemblies.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the pallet is in the form of a component transfer cart, the step of engaging a support pallet comprises:

engaging a transfer cart having a plurality of build components specific to a vehicle type; and

sequentially moving the AGC and engaged build component cart along the guide path in substantially coordinated movement with a vehicle body traveling along the assembly line.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of:

sequentially removing build components from the component cart at predetermined locations and times in a vehicle build sequence.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein the pallet is in the form of a vehicle body support fixture, the step of engaging a support pallet comprises:

positioning the cart guide path directly on the assembly line path of travel;

engaging a vehicle body support fixture for supporting a partially assembled vehicle body; and

moving the vehicle body directly along the assembly line path of travel directly through at least one assembly cell.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of securing the AGC in a dimensionally fixed position at the first location further comprises:

engaging at least two locator pads positioned on opposing sides of and extending from the AGC with one or more locating rollers positioned on pillars positioned on opposing sides of the guide path.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of engaging the locator pads further comprises the steps of:

engaging the locator pad of the AGC with a vertical locating roller of the docking station to precisely position the AGC in a horizontal (y) direction;

engaging the locator pad of the AGC with a horizontal locating roller of the docking station to precisely position the AGC in a vertical (z) direction; and

engaging the horizontal locating roller of the docking station within a detent defined by the locator pad of the AGC to temporarily secure the position the AGC in a longitudinal (x) direction along the cart path.

9. The method of claim 2 wherein the vehicle build device is at least one of a vehicle component part, a vehicle component subassembly, a component holding fixture or a component rack.

10. A method for precisely transporting and positioning vehicle build devices in a manufacturing assembly line using an automated guided cart (AGC), the method comprising the steps of:

defining a cart path with a guide path device, the cart path including a predetermined first location proximate a build operation area;

placing an AGC in communication with the guide path device;

engaging a pallet for supporting a vehicle build component or subassembly with the AGC;

selectively and automatically moving the AGC along the cart path through sensing of the guide path device by a sensor connected to the AGC to the predetermined first location; and

stopping the AGC in the predetermined first location and precisely dimensionally positioning the vehicle build component or subassembly at the predetermined first location.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the pallet is in the form of a component transfer cart, the step of engaging a support pallet comprises:

engaging a transfer cart having a plurality of build components specific to a vehicle type; and

sequentially moving the AGC and engaged build component cart along the guide path in substantially coordinated movement with a vehicle body traveling along the assembly line.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of:

sequentially removing build components from the transfer cart at predetermined locations and times in a vehicle build sequence.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the pallet is in the form of a vehicle body support fixture, the step of engaging a support pallet comprises:

positioning the cart guide path directly on the assembly line path of travel;

engaging a vehicle body support fixture for supporting a partially assembled vehicle body; and

moving the vehicle body directly along the assembly line path of travel directly through at least one assembly cell.

14. A method for precisely transporting and positioning vehicle build devices in a manufacturing assembly line using an automated guided cart (AGC), the method comprising the steps of:

defining a cart path with a guide path device, the cart path including a first location proximate a build operation area;

placing an AGC in communication with the guide path device;

engaging at least one vehicle build device with the AGC;

selectively and automatically moving the AGC along the cart path through sensing of the guide path device by a sensor connected to the AGC to the first location; and

stopping the AGC in the first location and precisely dimensionally positioning the vehicle build device at the first location.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of precisely positioning the vehicle build device at the first location further comprises the step of:

mounting a docking station at the first location; and

engaging the AGC with the docking station thereby precisely dimensionally positioning the vehicle build device with respect to the first location.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of:

temporarily securing the AGC in a dimensionally fixed position at the first location through the AGC engagement with the docking station.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of securing the AGC in a dimensionally fixed position at the first location further comprises:

engaging at least two locator pads positioned on opposing sides of and extending from the AGC with one or more locating rollers positioned on pillars positioned on opposing sides of the guide path.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of engaging the locator pads further comprises the steps of:

engaging the locator pad of the AGC with a vertical locating roller of the docking station to precisely position the AGC in a horizontal (y) direction; and

engaging the locator pad of the AGC with a horizontal locating roller of the docking station to precisely position the AGC in a vertical (z) direction.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of engaging the locator pads further comprises the steps of:

engaging the horizontal locating roller of the docking station within a detent defined by the locator pad of the AGC to temporarily secure the position the AGC in a longitudinal (x) direction along the cart path.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of precisely positioning the vehicle build device at the first location further comprises the steps of:

defining a plurality of dimensionally precision attachment points on an exterior of the AGG; and

engaging the vehicle build device at the precision attachment points thereby precisely dimensionally positioning the vehicle build device relative to the AGC.

21. The method of claim 14 wherein the vehicle build device is at least one of a vehicle component part, a vehicle component subassembly, a component holding fixture or a component rack.