A fully automatic online detection device for platform tailgate locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fully automatic online testing device for platform tailgate locks, comprising a production line track and a carrier that slides onto the production line track. The device is characterized in that the production line track is sequentially equipped with: a first testing fixture for detecting the diameter and height of the lock body's rivet points; a second testing fixture for detecting the lock body's power-on unlocking function; a third testing fixture for detecting the lock body's locking force, switch switching signal, and the amount of rearward displacement of the lock pin during switch switching; a fourth testing fixture for detecting the lock body's emergency opening torque and angle; and a fifth testing fixture for detecting the lock body's snow load function. Each testing station is equipped with a stop mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly, and corresponding testing components. The present invention enables automatic testing of tailgate locks, significantly improving production efficiency, saving labor costs, and enhancing product testing quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tailgate lock detection production line, in particular to a platform-based tailgate lock automatic online detection device used in an automated assembly line operation system and based on simulating the actual vehicle operation state. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the production process for automotive tailgate locks requires testing for various functions, such as rivet point condition, locking force, and power-on unlocking. These tests require manual sensory evaluation using simple tooling. This judgment lacks a benchmark, quantifiable parametric data, and 100% component inspection. These shortcomings hinder effective product quality assurance. Furthermore, the current surge in labor costs and fatigue from continuous work pose a significant obstacle to rapid business growth. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a platform tailgate lock fully automatic online detection device, which is applied to the tailgate lock assembly and detection operation on the production line, replaces manual work to realize the automatic detection operation of the tailgate lock, and improves product quality and production efficiency.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0005] A fully automatic online detection device for platform tailgate locks includes a production line track and a carrier that slides on the production line track. The device is special in that the production line track is sequentially equipped with the following components along the direction of travel of the carrier:

[0006] A first testing tool for detecting the diameter and height of the rivet points on the lock body; a second testing tool for detecting the lock body's power-on unlocking function; a third testing tool for detecting the lock body's locking force, the switch switching signal, and the amount of rearward displacement of the lock pin during switch switching; a fourth testing tool for detecting the lock body's emergency opening torque and angle; and a fifth testing tool for detecting the lock body's snow load function.

[0007] Each inspection station is equipped with a stopping mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a positioning component and corresponding inspection components.

[0008] The first detection tooling includes a pair of toolings with the same structure and used in pairs. The structure of each tooling set includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly and a detection assembly. The lifting mechanism adopts a lifting cylinder located under the carrier. The positioning assembly includes a lower positioning block installed at the output end of the lifting cylinder and a pair of positioning columns arranged under the horizontal frame plate; the detection assembly includes a trigger sleeve rod elastically installed on the frame, the trigger sleeve rod includes a core rod and a movable sleeve sliding on the outer periphery of the core rod and a fixed sleeve sleeved on the outer periphery of the movable sleeve. A photoelectric sensor for detecting the position of the core rod is provided on the top of the core rod, and the movable sleeve is linked to the displacement sensor via a linkage rod.

[0009] The diameters of the core rod, the movable sleeve and the fixed sleeve are set based on the dimensional requirements for the diameter and height of the rivet point.

[0010] To ensure the accuracy of the first inspection tool, the lower positioning block of the first inspection tool is positioned directly on the lock body rather than on the carrier, thereby ensuring its positioning accuracy. The lower positioning block is provided with several precision positioning bumps, which are used to insert into the positioning slots of the carrier. The height of these precision positioning bumps should be greater than the height of the positioning slots of the carrier. When the lifting cylinder pushes the lower positioning block, the precision positioning bumps pass through the positioning slots of the carrier and then directly act on the lock body. Due to the height difference, the precision positioning bumps lift the lock body and maintain a predetermined distance from the carrier. This method can avoid the problem of insufficient lock body rivet point alignment accuracy caused by insufficient carrier accuracy.

[0011] The second detection tooling includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly and a detection assembly. The positioning assembly includes a carrier positioning limit column and a product positioning column installed on the frame. The carrier positioning limit column is used to be plugged and limited with the corresponding position of the carrier, and the product positioning column is used to press and position the lock body at a predetermined position; the detection assembly includes a locking cylinder for locking the lock body and a locking shaft connected by its output, and also includes an unlocking cylinder for unlocking the lock body by power on and a probe controlled by its output.

[0012] The third detection fixture includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly and a detection assembly. The detection assembly includes a locking force detection part and a switch conversion signal detection part and a part for the backward displacement of the lock pin when the switch is converted. The locking force detection part and the part for the backward displacement of the lock pin when the switch is converted include a locking motor and a screw rod assembly connected to its output, a first guide slider and a second guide slider. The locking motor is connected to the first guide slider via the screw rod assembly, and both sliders are installed on the slide rail. The front end of the first guide slider is connected to the second guide slider via a tension sensor, and the front end of the second guide slider is provided with a locking shaft; the switch conversion signal detection part includes an unlocking cylinder, and the output of the unlocking cylinder is connected to the probe;

[0013] The fourth detection tooling includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly and a detection assembly. The detection assembly includes a locking cylinder and a locking shaft for locking the lock body, and a driving cylinder, a detection motor and a driving rod for driving the lock body opening arm. The output of the driving cylinder is connected to the detection motor, and the output shaft of the detection motor is connected to the driving rod that is clamped to the opening arm.

[0014] The fifth detection tooling includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly and a detection assembly. The detection assembly includes a locking cylinder for locking the lock body and a locking shaft connected by its output, and also includes an unlocking cylinder for electrically unlocking the lock body and a probe controlled by its output.

[0015] The production line track is also provided with NG product unloading tools for rejecting defective products. The number and position of the NG product unloading tools are set according to demand.

[0016] The NG product unloading tooling includes a frame and a translation cylinder installed on the frame. The output of the translation cylinder is connected to a lifting cylinder. The output of the lifting cylinder is connected to a pair of electromagnets. The electromagnets are used to adsorb products. The translation cylinder and the lifting cylinder are used to realize the transfer of the lock body.

[0017] The fully automatic online detection equipment for platform tailgate locks of the present invention integrates different functional detection tools on a track production line, thereby replacing traditional manual detection and realizing automatic detection of tailgate locks, greatly improving production efficiency, saving labor costs, and improving product detection quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 : Schematic diagram of the overall structure of a platform tailgate lock fully automatic online detection device according to the first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2-4 : Schematic diagram of the positioning and detection component structure in the first detection tooling;

[0020] Figure 5 : Schematic diagram of the trigger sleeve structure in the first detection tooling;

[0021] Figure 6 : Schematic diagram of the positioning and detection component structure of the second detection tooling;

[0022] Figure 7-8 : Schematic diagram of the positioning and detection component structure of the third detection tooling;

[0023] Figure 9-10 : Schematic diagram of the positioning and detection assembly structure of the fourth detection tool;

[0024] Figure 11 : Schematic diagram of the NG product blanking tooling structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] This embodiment of a fully automatic online inspection system for platform tailgate locks includes a production line track 7 and a carrier 8 that slides onto the production line track 7. The carrier 8 is used to mount the tailgate lock, and its structural shape is adapted to the tailgate lock's contour. Based on the specific functional testing requirements of the tailgate lock, the production line track 11 is sequentially equipped with a first inspection tool 1 for inspecting the diameter and height of the rivet point; a second inspection tool 2 for inspecting the power-on unlock function; a third inspection tool 3 for inspecting the locking force and switch switching signal, as well as the rearward displacement of the lock pin during switch switching; a fourth inspection tool 4 for inspecting the emergency opening torque and angle; and a fifth inspection tool 5 for inspecting the snow load function. The production line track also features two sets of NG product removal tools 6 for rejecting defective products: one set is located between the second and third inspection tools 2 and 3, and the other is located between the fourth and fifth inspection tools 4 and 5. Each inspection station is equipped with a stop mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly, and corresponding inspection components.

[0028] The following is a detailed description of the structural composition, functional principles and operation procedures of each tool.

[0029] The first inspection station mainly detects the diameter and height of the two rivet points on the tailgate lock, so the first inspection tool 1 configured at this station includes two sets of tooling with the same structure and used in pairs, and the two sets of tooling respectively detect the two rivet points on the tailgate lock. The following is a detailed description of the structure of only one set of tooling. The first inspection tool 1 includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly and a detection assembly. The frame mainly includes a gantry 11 erected above the production line track, and a horizontal frame plate 11-1 is connected to the inner side of the gantry 11. The horizontal frame plate 11-1 is fixedly connected to the top of the gantry 11 through a vertical plate 11-2 above the horizontal frame plate 11-1, thereby making the gantry 11, the horizontal frame plate 11-1 and the vertical plate 11-2 together constitute the installation base of the entire tooling. The lifting mechanism adopts a lifting cylinder located under the carrier, and the positioning assembly includes a lower positioning block installed at the output end of the lifting cylinder and a pair of positioning columns 13 arranged under the horizontal frame 11-1. The lower positioning block is used to position the bottom of the lock body on the carrier, and the two positioning columns 13 are used to press and position the top of the lock body on the carrier. The detection assembly includes a trigger sleeve rod 14 elastically mounted on the horizontal frame plate 11-1, and the trigger sleeve rod 14 includes a core rod 14-1, a movable sleeve 14-2 sliding on the outer periphery of the core rod 14-1, and a fixed sleeve 14-3 sleeved on the outer periphery of the movable sleeve 14-2. The diameters of the core rod 14-1, the movable sleeve 14-2 and the fixed sleeve 14-3 are set based on the dimensional requirements of the rivet point diameter and height. A photoelectric sensor 15 for detecting the position of the core rod 14-1 is provided on the top of the core rod 14-1. The movable sleeve 14-2 is linked to a displacement sensor 16 installed above the horizontal frame plate 11-1 and fixed on the vertical plate 11-2 via a linkage rod. The fixed sleeve 14-3 is fixed to the fixed block at the lower part of the horizontal frame plate 11-1.

[0030] To ensure the accuracy of the first inspection tool, the lower positioning block of the first inspection tool is positioned directly on the lock body rather than on the carrier, thereby ensuring its positioning accuracy. The lower positioning block is provided with several precision positioning bumps, which are used to insert into the positioning slots of the carrier. The height of these precision positioning bumps should be greater than the height of the positioning slots of the carrier. When the lifting cylinder pushes the lower positioning block, the precision positioning bumps pass through the positioning slots of the carrier and then directly act on the lock body. Due to the height difference, the precision positioning bumps lift the lock body and maintain a predetermined distance from the carrier. This method can avoid the problem of insufficient lock body rivet point alignment accuracy caused by insufficient carrier accuracy.

[0031] Inspection process: The vehicle with the tailgate lock arrives at the first inspection station. The stop mechanism stops the vehicle. At this time, the lifting cylinder 12 is activated to lift the vehicle to a predetermined height. At this position, the positioning column under the frame presses the lock body on the vehicle into position. The lock body rivet point is triggered to the bottom of the trigger sleeve rod 14. When the rivet point diameter is too small or the height is too high, the rivet point triggers and lifts the core rod 14-1 to a higher position. This position can trigger the photoelectric sensor above. The photoelectric sensor outputs the corresponding detection signal according to the setting. When the rivet point diameter and height are within the detection standard range, the rivet point will simultaneously trigger the core rod 14-1 and the movable sleeve 14-2 to rise to a height within the set standard range. At this time, although the core rod 14-1 rises, it does not reach the position that triggers the photoelectric sensor, so the photoelectric sensor does not output a signal. The movable sleeve 14-2 rises and drives the linkage rod on one side to rise, causing the linkage rod to trigger the displacement sensor 16 connected above it. However, because the displacement is within the threshold range, the displacement sensor 16 outputs a qualified product signal. When the diameter of the rivet point is too large and the height is too small, the rivet point also triggers the core rod 14-1 and the movable sleeve 14-2 to rise to a lower position. At this time, the core rod 14-1 also does not reach the trigger position of the photoelectric sensor 15, and the movable sleeve 14-2 causes the displacement of the displacement sensor 16 to be less than the set threshold because the rising height is too small, thereby causing the displacement sensor 16 to output a defective signal.

[0032] The second inspection tool 2 is used to detect the unlocking function of the lock body when it is powered on. Its structure includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly, and a detection assembly. The lifting mechanism is the same as that of the first inspection tool and will not be repeated here. The positioning assembly includes a pair of carrier positioning limit posts 21 and a pair of product positioning posts 22 mounted on the frame. The carrier positioning limit posts 21 are used to engage and limit the corresponding positions of the carrier, and the product positioning posts 22 are used to press and position the lock body at a predetermined position. The detection assembly is mounted on the frame and includes a locking cylinder 23 for locking the lock body and a locking shaft 23a connected to its output. It also includes an unlocking cylinder 24 for unlocking the lock body when it is powered on and a probe 24a controlled by its output.

[0033] Testing process: The carrier, carrying the lock body, arrives at the second testing station. The stopping mechanism stops the carrier, and the lifting mechanism lifts the carrier to a predetermined height. The positioning assembly positions the carrier and lock body. Locking cylinder 23 drives locking shaft 23a at its front end to rotate the lock body's clamping plate until the clamping plate engages with the stop pawl and reaches the locked position. Locking cylinder 23 then retracts and applies a predetermined force to pull locking shaft 23a in the opposite direction. Simultaneously, unlocking cylinder 24 on the other side drives probe 24a to connect to the lock body terminal. The lock body is energized for a certain period of time, and the motor inside the lock body drives the lock to unlock. Locking cylinder 23 resets, completing the power-on unlocking function test.

[0034] The third detection fixture 3 is used to detect the locking force, switch conversion signal and the backward displacement of the locking pin when the switch is converted. Its structure includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly and a detection assembly, wherein the lifting mechanism is the same as the first detection fixture and will not be repeated here. The positioning assembly also includes a carrier positioning limit column three 31 and a product positioning column three 32. The detection assembly includes a locking force detection part and a switch conversion signal detection part and a part for the backward displacement of the locking pin when the switch is converted, wherein the locking force detection part and the part for the backward displacement of the locking pin when the switch is converted include a locking motor 33 and a screw assembly connected to its output, a first guide slider 34-1 and a second guide slider 34-2. The locking motor 33 is connected to the first guide slider 34-1 via the screw assembly. Both sliders are installed on the slide rail 38. The front end of the first guide slider 34-1 is connected to the second guide slider 34-2 via a tension sensor 35. The front end of the second guide slider 34-2 is provided with a locking shaft three 36a. The switch switching signal detection part includes an unlocking cylinder 3 37, and the output of the unlocking cylinder 3 37 is connected to a probe 3 37a. The amount of displacement of the lock pin backward during the switch switching is obtained from the data of the screw rod rotation.

[0035] Inspection process: The carrier arrives at the third inspection station with the lock body, and the stopping mechanism stops the carrier. At this time, the lifting mechanism lifts the carrier to a predetermined height. After the positioning component positions the carrier and the lock body, the locking motor 33 first drives the locking shaft three 36a to lock the lock body. During the driving process, the tension sensor 35 outputs the measured locking force value signal; then the unlocking cylinder three 37 is actuated to connect the probe three 37a to the terminal inside the lock body, and the motor in the lock body executes the unlocking, and the locking motor 33 rotates, driving the locking shaft three 36a to retreat until the card plate triggers the micro switch in the lock body, outputs the detected switch conversion signal, and calculates the displacement occurring at this time through the motor signal.

[0036] The fourth detection tool 4 is used to detect the emergency opening torque and angle, including a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly and a detection assembly, wherein the lifting mechanism is the same as the first detection tool, and the positioning assembly also includes a carrier positioning limit column three 41 and a product positioning column three 42. The detection assembly includes a locking cylinder four 43 and a locking shaft four 43a for locking the lock body, as well as a driving cylinder 44 and a detection motor 45 for driving the lock body opening arm. The output of the driving cylinder 44 is connected to the detection motor 45, and the output shaft of the detection motor 45 is connected to a driving rod 46 that is clamped to the opening arm.

[0037] Inspection process: The carrier, carrying the lock body, arrives at the fourth inspection station. The stop mechanism stops the carrier, and the lifting mechanism lifts the carrier to a predetermined height. The positioning assembly positions the carrier and lock body. Locking cylinder 43 drives locking shaft 43a to lock the lock body. Then, drive cylinder 44 drives inspection motor 45 to a predetermined position, causing the drive rod 45 at the front end of inspection motor 45 to engage with the lock body's opening arm. Inspection motor 45 then rotates, driving the drive rod 45 to rotate the lock body's opening arm a certain angle, unlocking the lock. The inspection motor detects the opening torque and rotation angle and outputs a corresponding signal.

[0038] The fifth testing fixture 5 is used to test snow load functionality. Its structure includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly, and a testing assembly. The lifting mechanism and positioning assembly have the same structures as above. The testing assembly includes a locking cylinder 5 for locking the lock body and a locking shaft 5 connected to its output. It also includes an unlocking cylinder 5 for unlocking the lock body and a probe 5 controlled by its output. Because the fifth testing fixture is similar in structure to the second testing fixture, it is not shown in a separate figure.

[0039] Inspection process: The carrier, carrying the lock body, arrives at the fourth inspection station. The stop mechanism stops the carrier, and the lifting mechanism lifts the carrier to a predetermined height. The positioning assembly positions the carrier and lock body. First, a certain locking force is set on locking cylinder 51. After locking, it is held for a specified period of time, then powered on to unlock. Locking cylinder 51 then pulls back to unlock. The cylinder sensor outputs an unlock signal, and the card plate triggers the microswitch in the lock body, outputting a detected switch transition signal.

[0040] The NG product unloading tooling 6 includes a frame and a translation cylinder 61 installed on the frame. The output of the translation cylinder 61 is connected to the lifting cylinder 62. The output of the lifting cylinder 62 is connected to a pair of electromagnets 63. The electromagnets 63 are used to adsorb the products. The translation cylinder 61 and the lifting cylinder 62 are used to realize the transfer of the lock body.

[0041] Unloading process: When the carrier carrying defective products passes through the unloading station, the stopping mechanism stops the carrier, and the translation cylinder 61 drives the lifting cylinder 62 to move above the product. The lifting cylinder 62 drives the electromagnet 63 downward until it touches the lock body. The electromagnet 63 is energized to suck the lock body on the carrier, and then the lifting cylinder 62 is lifted up, and the translation cylinder 61 drives the lifting cylinder 62 to the defective product collection area. The lifting cylinder 62 descends, the electromagnet 63 is de-energized, and the defective products are placed in the defective product collection area.

[0042] The fully automatic online detection device for platform tailgate locks of the present invention is applicable to the assembly and detection of tailgate locks in automated production lines (not limited to production lines), replacing manual labor to automatically detect tailgate locks, thereby greatly saving labor costs, improving production efficiency and product quality, and ensuring reliability.

[0043] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, this is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the appended patent applications.

Claims

1. A fully automatic online detection device for platform tailgate locks, comprising a production line track and a carrier that slides on the production line track, characterized in that: The production line track is sequentially configured along the carrier's travel direction: A first testing tool for detecting the diameter and height of the rivet points on the lock body; a second testing tool for detecting the lock body's power-on unlocking function; a third testing tool for detecting the lock body's locking force, the switch switching signal, and the amount of rearward displacement of the lock pin during switch switching; a fourth testing tool for detecting the lock body's emergency opening torque and angle; and a fifth testing tool for detecting the lock body's snow load function. Each inspection station is equipped with a stop mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a positioning component and corresponding inspection components; The first detection fixture includes a pair of fixtures with the same structure and used in pairs, and the structure of each fixture includes a frame, a lifting mechanism, a positioning assembly and a detection assembly. The lifting mechanism adopts a lifting cylinder, and the positioning assembly includes a lower positioning block installed at the output end of the lifting cylinder and a pair of positioning columns arranged below the horizontal frame plate; the detection assembly includes a trigger sleeve rod elastically installed on the frame, and the trigger sleeve rod includes a core rod, a movable sleeve sliding on the outer periphery of the core rod, and a fixed sleeve sleeved on the outer periphery of the movable sleeve. A photoelectric sensor for detecting the position of the core rod is provided on the top of the core rod, and the movable sleeve is linked to the displacement sensor on the frame via a linkage rod; The positioning assembly of the second inspection tooling includes a carrier positioning limit post and a product positioning post mounted on the frame, the carrier positioning limit post being used to engage and limit with the corresponding position of the carrier, and the product positioning post being used to press and position the lock body at a predetermined position; the inspection assembly of the second inspection tooling includes a locking cylinder for locking the lock body and a locking shaft connected by its output, and also includes an unlocking cylinder for electrically unlocking the lock body and a probe controlled by its output; The detection component of the third detection fixture includes a locking force detection part, a switch conversion signal detection part, and a part that detects the rearward displacement of the lock pin when the switch is converted. The locking force detection part and the part that detects the rearward displacement of the lock pin when the switch is converted include a locking motor and a screw assembly connected to the output of the locking motor, a first guide slider, and a second guide slider. The locking motor is connected to the first guide slider via the screw assembly, and both sliders are installed on the slide rail. The front end of the first guide slider is connected to the second guide slider via a tension sensor, and the front end of the second guide slider is provided with a locking shaft; the switch conversion signal detection part includes an unlocking cylinder, and the output of the unlocking cylinder is connected to a probe; The detection assembly of the fourth detection fixture includes a locking cylinder and a locking shaft for locking the lock body, and a driving cylinder, a detection motor and a driving rod for driving the lock body opening arm. The output of the driving cylinder is connected to the detection motor, and the output shaft of the detection motor is connected to the driving rod that is clamped to the opening arm. The detection components of the fifth detection tool include a locking cylinder for locking the lock body and a locking shaft connected by its output, and also include an unlocking cylinder for electrically unlocking the lock body and a probe controlled by its output.

2. The platform tailgate lock fully automatic online detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameters of the core rod, the movable sleeve and the fixed sleeve are set based on the dimensional requirements for the diameter and height of the rivet point.

3. The platform tailgate lock fully automatic online detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The production line track is also provided with NG product blanking tools for removing defective products. The number and position of the NG product blanking tools are set according to demand.

4. The platform tailgate lock fully automatic online detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The NG product unloading tooling includes a frame and a translation cylinder installed on the frame. The output of the translation cylinder is connected to a lifting cylinder. The output of the lifting cylinder is connected to a pair of electromagnets. The electromagnets are used to adsorb products. The translation cylinder and the lifting cylinder are used to realize the transfer of the lock body.

5. The platform tailgate lock fully automatic online detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A number of precision positioning protrusions are provided on the lower positioning block of the first detection tooling, and the precision positioning protrusions are used to be inserted into the positioning grooves of the carrier, and the height of the precision positioning protrusions should be greater than the height of the positioning grooves of the carrier. When the lifting cylinder pushes the lower positioning block, the precision positioning protrusions pass through the positioning grooves of the carrier and then directly act on the lock body. The precision positioning protrusions lift the lock body and maintain a predetermined distance from the carrier.

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