Self-piercing riveting die, self-piercing riveting apparatus, and self-piercing riveting method

Abstract

The application discloses a self-piercing riveting die, comprising a seat body, a second die head and a second driving mechanism. The second die head is arranged on the seat body. The second die head is movable along a Z direction. The second driving mechanism is used for driving the second die head to move along the Z direction. Meanwhile, the application also provides a self-piercing riveting device and a riveting method. The scheme of the application makes the size of a workpiece to be processed no longer limited, and arbitrary point connection can be performed, even riveting of irregular special-shaped workpieces can be performed, the application scene of the self-piercing riveting technology is expanded, and the riveting efficiency is improved while the riveting quality is ensured.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of material connection, and particularly relates to a self-piercing riveting die, a self-piercing riveting device and a self-piercing riveting method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The self-piercing riveting technology includes nail self-piercing riveting and nail-free self-piercing riveting (also known as stamping connection or TOX connection), which is a new type of thin plate material connection technology rapidly rising in recent years, and is particularly suitable for the connection of new light thin plates such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, high-strength steel and composite materials which are difficult to weld. The self-piercing riveting technology has been widely applied in the manufacturing industries of aerospace vehicles, rail vehicles, automobiles, light industry and household appliances.

[0003] The self-piercing riveting device of the prior art has a C frame, a first die is arranged at the upper end of the C frame, a second die is arranged at the lower end of the C frame, the first die is pushed by a stamping mechanism and cooperates with the second die to connect the material. The technology has the following defects:

[0004] 1. Only small-sized components can be processed. For example, in order to perform self-piercing riveting on the central part of large aircraft fuselages, wings and other large components, a self-piercing riveting device with a large C frame structure must be manufactured, resulting in a large device size and poor flexibility.

[0005] 2. Only single-point and fixed-point riveting of the workpiece can be performed. Taking large aircraft fuselages, wings and other large components as an example, the self-piercing riveting device with a C frame structure must be moved to the next riveting position for each riveting point. Since the workpiece and the C frame are both too large, it is extremely inconvenient to move the C frame or the workpiece, and the processing efficiency is low.

[0006] 3. Only regular structures of the workpiece can be processed, and the riveting of irregular structures of the workpiece cannot be well completed.

[0007] Therefore, the traditional self-piercing riveting device and method have obvious defects, and it is difficult to effectively connect large and complex components, which is not conducive to the popularization and application of the self-piercing riveting technology. SUMMARY

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present application aims to provide a self-piercing riveting die and device which are not limited by the size of the workpiece and can process complex workpieces, and simultaneously provides a self-piercing riveting method.

[0009] The technical solution for solving the problem of the present application is as follows: a self-piercing riveting die, comprising:

[0010] a seat body;

[0011] A second die head, at least two of which are disposed on the base body and are movable along the Z direction;

[0012] The second driving mechanism is suitable for driving the second die head to move along the Z direction.

[0013] Furthermore, a plurality of the second die heads are arranged in an array.

[0014] Specifically, the second driving mechanism includes a plurality of driving units, each of the driving units is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a second die head, and each of the second die heads can be independently driven by a driving unit.

[0015] In a specific embodiment, the driving unit includes:

[0016] a cylinder body, wherein one end of the cylinder body is open and has a hollow cavity;

[0017] A piston is disposed in the hollow cavity and is sealed to the inner wall of the cylinder. The piston is slidable in the hollow cavity and blocks the open end of the cylinder.

[0018] The piston is fixedly connected to the second die head;

[0019] A liquid inlet is provided on the cylinder body, and the liquid inlet is communicated with the hollow cavity;

[0020] Also included is a pump that can pressurize or extract liquid into or out of the cavity in the cylinder.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0022] a first die head, the first die head being adapted to cooperate with the second die head to connect a workpiece to be processed;

[0023] A first driving mechanism is adapted to drive the first die head to move along the Z direction.

[0024] Furthermore, the number of the first die heads is less than or equal to the number of the second die heads.

[0025] The present invention also provides a self-piercing riveting device, comprising a workbench, a support frame, a punch mechanism mounted on the support frame, and the self-piercing riveting die;

[0026] The base is arranged on a workbench;

[0027] Also includes:

[0028] a first die head, the first die head being adapted to cooperate with the second die head to connect a workpiece to be processed;

[0029] a first driving mechanism, wherein the first driving mechanism is adapted to drive the first die head to move along the Z direction;

[0030] The first die head is arranged on the punch mechanism.

[0031] Furthermore, the support frame includes:

[0032] a first carrying portion, wherein the first carrying portion is movable relative to the workbench along the X direction;

[0033] a second carrying portion, the second carrying portion being disposed on the first carrying portion;

[0034] The punch mechanism is arranged on the second carrying portion, and the punch mechanism can move relative to the workbench along the Y direction;

[0035] The first driving mechanism is provided on the punch mechanism;

[0036] It also includes a first driving assembly for driving the first carrying portion to move, and a second driving assembly for driving the punch mechanism to move along the Y direction on the second carrying portion.

[0037] Furthermore, the first die head and the first driving mechanism are both arranged on the punch mechanism, and the punch mechanism includes a third driving component that can drive the first die head and the first driving mechanism to move along the Z direction.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, the first drive assembly, the second drive assembly, and the third drive assembly are ball screw modules.

[0039] Furthermore, it also includes a seat driving assembly that can drive the seat to move along the X and / or Y direction on the workbench.

[0040] In a specific embodiment, the seat driving assembly is a linear module.

[0041] Furthermore, it also includes

[0042] 3D scanner, suitable for scanning the workpiece to be processed to obtain the parameters of the workpiece;

[0043] A controller, used to receive data from the 3D scanner and send instructions to the actuators;

[0044] The controller is connected to the 3D scanner and the second driving mechanism.

[0045] The present invention also provides a self-piercing riveting method, comprising the above-mentioned self-piercing riveting device, wherein the self-piercing riveting process comprises the following steps:

[0046] a) placing the workpiece on the second die head and obtaining three-dimensional structural dimension parameter information of the riveted area of ​​the workpiece using a 3D scanner;

[0047] b) The controller receives data from the 3D scanner and sends instructions to the actuators;

[0048] The second driving mechanism drives the adjustment of the Z-direction height of each independent second die to adapt to the three-dimensional structure size of the riveting area.

[0049] c) The controller sends instructions to the actuator to adjust the punch mechanism to reach the specified riveting point, and the first driving mechanism drives the first die to realize self-piercing riveting at any riveting point of the riveting area of the workpiece.

[0050] Further, it also includes a first bearing part which can move along the X direction relative to the workbench.

[0051] A second bearing part is arranged on the first bearing part.

[0052] The punch mechanism is arranged on the second bearing part, and the punch mechanism can move along the Y direction relative to the workbench.

[0053] The first driving mechanism is arranged on the punch mechanism.

[0054] It also includes a first driving assembly for driving the movement of the first bearing part, and a second driving assembly for driving the movement of the punch mechanism on the second bearing part.

[0055] The punch mechanism includes a third driving assembly which can drive the first die and the first driving mechanism to move along the Z direction.

[0056] In step c), the action of adjusting the punch mechanism to reach the specified riveting point is specifically manifested as sending instructions to the first driving assembly, the second driving assembly and the third driving assembly through the controller to realize the adjustment of the punch mechanism in the X, Y and Z directions.

[0057] The significant effect of the present application is:

[0058] 1. The workpiece with any three-dimensional structure size and any riveting point on the workpiece can be effectively connected.

[0059] 2. The workpiece is no longer limited to relatively flat sheet materials, and the riveting points of special-shaped components can be effectively connected.

[0060] 3. It is no longer limited by the size of the C-frame of the traditional self-piercing riveting equipment. The self-piercing riveting equipment in the present application has no limitation on the size of the workpiece, and can rivet whether the workpiece is large or small. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0061] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the initial state of the self-piercing riveting die (second die part) of the present application.

[0063] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the driving unit of the second die.

[0064] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of the self-piercing riveting equipment of the present application.

[0065] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the working state of the self-piercing riveting die (second die part) of Example 1.

[0066] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the working state of the self-piercing riveting equipment of Example 1.

[0067] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the working state of the self-piercing riveting die (second die part) of Example 2.

[0068] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the working state of the self-piercing riveting equipment of Example 2.

[0069] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the working state of the self-piercing riveting die (second die part) of Example 3.

[0070] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the working state of the self-piercing riveting equipment of Example 3.

[0071] In the figure: 1 - seat body, 2 - second die, 3 - driving unit, 4 - first die, 5 - workbench, 6 - support frame, 7 - punch mechanism, 8 - workpiece to be processed, 9 - 3D scanner, 10 - first driving mechanism;

[0072] 31 - cylinder body, 32 - piston, 33 - hollow cavity, 34 - liquid inlet, 35 - pump, 36 - pipeline;

[0073] 61 - first bearing part, 62 - second bearing part, 63 - first driving assembly, 64 - second driving assembly;

[0074] 71 - third driving assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] For ease of description, the description of the relative positional relationship of each component (such as: up, down, left, right, etc.) is described according to the layout direction of the drawings in the specification, and does not limit the structure of the patent.

[0076] The direction is marked in the figure, XYZ direction is three-dimensional coordinate in space rectangular coordinate system, and two two perpendicular. The Z direction in the figure does not mean vertical direction, which does not constitute a limitation on the specific embodiment.

[0077] As Figures 1-2 shown, a self-piercing riveting die includes a seat body 1, a second die 2, and a second driving mechanism.

[0078] The second die 2 is arranged on the seat body 1. The second die 2 can move along the Z direction. The second die 2 is provided with at least two, and can be arranged in an array, and the specific number is determined according to the required processing range.

[0079] The second driving mechanism is used for driving the second die 2 to move along the Z direction.

[0080] The second driving mechanism comprises a plurality of driving units 3. Each driving unit 3 is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the second die 2. Each second die 2 can be independently driven by the driving unit 3.

[0081] A specific way of the driving unit 3 is to comprise a cylinder body 31 and a piston 32. The cylinder body 31 is open at one end and has a hollow cavity 33. The piston 32 is arranged in the hollow cavity 33. The piston 32 is in sealing connection with the inner wall of the cylinder body 31. The piston 32 can slide in the hollow cavity 33. The piston 32 blocks the open end of the cylinder body 33. The piston 32 is fixedly connected with the second die 2.

[0082] A liquid inlet 34 is arranged on the cylinder body 31. The liquid inlet 34 is in communication with the hollow cavity 33.

[0083] A pump 35 for pressing or sucking liquid into or out of the hollow cavity of the cylinder body 31 is further included. The pump 35 can be provided with one or more, and each pump 35 can control the liquid inlet or outlet amount in one or more pipelines 36. A control valve is arranged in each pipeline 36 to control the amount of liquid inlet into the hollow cavity 33 of the cylinder body 31, so as to control the lifting height of the piston 32, and then realize the servo control of the lifting height of the second die 2.

[0084] The self-punching riveting die further comprises a first die 4 and a first driving mechanism 10. The first die 4 is suitable for cooperating with the second die 2 to connect the workpiece to be processed. The first driving mechanism 10 is suitable for driving the first die 4 to move along the Z direction.

[0085] The first die 4 and the second die 2 can adopt the same structural shape design as the prior art, and the present application does not improve the structure of the first die 4 and the second die 2 itself.

[0086] The number of the first die 4 is less than or equal to the number of the second die 2. When the number of the first die 4 is less than the number of the second die 2, the first die 4 can be only one, or can be an array of one row.

[0087] When the number of the first die 4 is multiple, the first die 4 can also be independently controlled, and a plurality of first driving mechanisms 10 are arranged in one-to-one correspondence. The structure of the first driving mechanism 10 can follow the structure in the prior art (such as a pneumatic cylinder), and the present application does not improve it.

[0088] The following describes the self-punching riveting device of the present application with only one first die 4. It should be noted that the case of multiple first dies 4 is a simple improvement based on the case of one first die 4. Based on the following embodiments, those skilled in the art can easily obtain the technical solution of multiple first dies 4.

[0089] As shown in Figure 3 A self-punching riveting device includes a worktable 5, a support frame 6, a punch mechanism 7 mounted on the support frame 6, and the self-punching riveting die described above. The seat body 1 is arranged on the worktable 5.

[0090] The first die 4 is arranged on the punch mechanism 7. The first driving mechanism 10 is arranged on the punch mechanism 7.

[0091] The support frame 6 includes a first bearing part 61 and a second bearing part 62. It also includes a first driving assembly 63 for driving the first bearing part 61 to move, and a second driving assembly 64 for driving the punch mechanism 7 to move along the Y direction on the second bearing part 62.

[0092] The punch mechanism 7 includes a third driving assembly 71 for driving the first die 4 and the first driving mechanism 10 to move along the Z direction.

[0093] The first driving assembly 63, the second driving assembly 64, and the third driving assembly 71 are ball screw modules. Ball screw modules are commonly used structures in the mechanical field for driving parts to move in a straight line, and are prior art, so their specific structures are not described here.

[0094] The first bearing part 61 can move along the X direction relative to the worktable 5. The second bearing part 62 is arranged on the first bearing part 61.

[0095] The punch mechanism 7 is arranged on the second bearing part 62, and the punch mechanism 7 can move along the Y direction relative to the worktable 5.

[0096] The above device, through the design of the support frame 6 and the punch mechanism 7, enables the first die 4 to move in the XYZ directions, achieving the ability to reach any point in a space rectangular coordinate system, and thus enabling effective connection of any riveting point on the workpiece 8 to be processed.

[0097] Of course, the riveting of any point on the workpiece 8 can also be achieved by moving the seat body 1 in the X and Y directions on the workbench 5, and cooperating with the Z direction movement of the first die 4. For example, the seat body 1 is driven to move in the X and / or Y directions on the workbench 5 by setting a seat body driving assembly. The seat body driving assembly is a linear module. The driving structure of the linear module is a common means in the prior art, which will not be described here, and is not shown in the figure. In summary, the riveting of any point can be achieved by the movement of the first die 4 in the XYZ three directions and the Z direction movement of the second die 2; the riveting of any point can also be achieved by the Z direction movement of the first die 4 and the XYZ three direction movement of the second die 2; and even, the riveting of any point can be achieved by the movement of the first die 4 and the second die 2 in the XYZ three directions.

[0098] The above device can be further more intelligent, and various parameters of the workpiece 8 are obtained through three-dimensional scanning technology, and then riveting is performed. This concept is extremely effective for riveting special-shaped parts. Specifically, the above self-punching riveting device further comprises a 3D scanner 9 and a controller.

[0099] The 3D scanner 9 is suitable for scanning the workpiece 8 to obtain the parameters of the workpiece.

[0100] The controller is used for receiving the data of the 3D scanner 9 and sending instructions to the execution element.

[0101] The controller is connected with the 3D scanner 9 and the second driving mechanism. The connection includes wireless connection and / or wired connection. In principle, only the parameters obtained by the 3D scanner 9 are required to be sent to the second driving mechanism through the controller to execute corresponding actions.

[0102] The above 3D scanner 9 can be handheld or mounted on a mechanical hand. For example, a Canadian Xantech 3D scanner can be used. When the 3D scanner 9 is mounted on the mechanical hand, the mechanical hand can be arranged on the workbench 5, or located on one side of the workbench 5, or even mounted on the support frame 6. The mounting mode of the 3D scanner 9 is not an innovative technology, and is a conventional technology for those skilled in the art, so the figure is not shown.

[0103] The application also provides a self-punching riveting method, which comprises the above self-punching riveting device, and the self-punching riveting process comprises the following steps:

[0104] a) The workpiece 8 is placed on the second die 2, and the three-dimensional structure size parameter information of the riveting area of the workpiece 8 is obtained by the 3D scanner.

[0105] b) The controller receives the data of the 3D scanner and sends instructions to the execution element.

[0106] The second driving mechanism drives and adjusts the Z-direction height of each independent second die head 2 to adapt to the three-dimensional structural size of the riveting area.

[0107] c) The controller sends a command to the actuator to adjust the punch mechanism 7 to reach the specified riveting point, and the first drive mechanism 10 drives the first die head 4 to perform self-piercing riveting on any riveting point in the riveting area of ​​the workpiece 8.

[0108] As mentioned above, there are many ways to achieve arbitrary point riveting. The following are two preferred solutions among the many solutions:

[0109] First, arbitrary point riveting can be achieved by moving the first die 4 in the X, Y, and Z directions and the second die 2 in the Z direction. Specifically, in step c) above, the controller sends instructions to the first drive assembly 63, the second drive assembly 64, the third drive assembly 71, and the first drive mechanism 10 to adjust the punch mechanism 7 in the X, Y, and Z directions and move the first die 4 in the Z direction.

[0110] Second, arbitrary point riveting can be achieved by moving the first die head 4 in the Z direction in conjunction with the movement of the second die head 2 in the X, Y, and Z directions. Specifically, in step c) above, the controller sends instructions to the third drive assembly 71, the first drive mechanism 10, and the base drive assembly to achieve movement of the first die head 4 in the Z direction and the second die head 2 in the X and Y directions.

[0111] The following describes the process of riveting workpieces 8 of different shapes and sizes in combination with three embodiments.

[0112] Example 1

[0113] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the workpiece 8 is a two-layer sheet material with stepped protrusions. When riveting such a special-shaped part, the traditional self-piercing riveting equipment can only move the position of the workpiece 8 to adapt to the positions of the first die 4 and the second die 2. The operation is complicated, positioning is difficult, and the positioning accuracy is low.

[0114] The self-piercing riveting equipment of the present invention is used to first place the workpiece 8 on the second die head 2, and use a 3D scanner to obtain the three-dimensional structural dimension parameter information of the riveting area of ​​the workpiece 8. After receiving the data from the 3D scanner, the controller sends instructions to the actuator. The second driving mechanism drives and adjusts the Z-direction height of each independent second die head 2 to fit the shape of the workpiece 8 (such as Figure 5 shown).

[0115] Then, the punch mechanism 7 is adjusted to reach the designated riveting point, and the first die head 4 performs self-piercing riveting on any riveting point in the riveting area of ​​the workpiece.

[0116] Example 2

[0117] As shown in Figures 6-7 , the workpiece 8 is a two-layer plate with a curved surface, and the working principle and process are the same as those of example 1, except that the overall shape fitted by the array of the second die 2 is different. Example 2 is intended to show that the self-piercing riveting equipment of the present application can conveniently process curved special-shaped parts, and the self-piercing riveting equipment of the prior art cannot achieve this.

[0118] Example 3

[0119] As shown in Figures 8-9 , the workpiece 8 is a two-layer plate with a stepped protrusion and a curved surface, and the working principle and process are the same as those of example 1.

[0120] Of course, the materials that can be connected by the present application are not limited to the shapes described above, and can be two-layer or multi-layer plates with flat surfaces, curved surfaces, recesses or protrusions, etc., or two components with large differences in size that can be lap jointed.

[0121] It can be found that after the traditional C-frame structure is cancelled, the size of the workpiece 8 is no longer limited, and arbitrary point connection can be performed, and even irregular special-shaped parts can be riveted, so that the self-piercing riveting technology has a wider application scenario.

Claims

1. A self-piercing riveting apparatus characterized by, The self-piercing riveting device comprises a workbench, a support frame, a punch mechanism mounted on the support frame, and a self-piercing riveting die; a seat body; a plurality of second die heads arranged on the seat body and movable along a Z direction; a second driving mechanism adapted to drive the second die heads to move along the Z direction; the seat body is arranged on the workbench; the plurality of second die heads are arranged in an array; the second driving mechanism comprises a plurality of driving units, each of which is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with a second die head, and each of the second die heads can be independently driven by the driving units; the second driving mechanism drives to adjust the Z direction height of each independent second die head to fit the shape of the workpiece; further comprising: a first die head adapted to cooperate with the second die head to connect the workpiece; a first driving mechanism adapted to drive the first die head to move along the Z direction; the first die head is arranged on the punch mechanism; the support frame comprises: a first bearing part movable along an X direction relative to the workbench; a second bearing part arranged on the first bearing part; the punch mechanism is arranged on the second bearing part and is movable along a Y direction relative to the workbench; the first driving mechanism is arranged on the punch mechanism; further comprising a first driving assembly for driving the first bearing part to move, and a second driving assembly for driving the punch mechanism to move along the Y direction on the second bearing part.

2. The self-piercing riveting apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the driving unit comprises: a cylinder body having an open end and a hollow cavity; a piston arranged in the hollow cavity and in sealing connection with the inner wall of the cylinder body, the piston being slidable in the hollow cavity, and the piston blocking the open end of the cylinder body; the piston is fixedly connected with the second die head; a liquid inlet is arranged on the cylinder body and communicates with the hollow cavity; further comprising a pump capable of pressing or sucking liquid into or out of the hollow cavity of the cylinder body.

3. The self-piercing riveting apparatus of claim 1, wherein The number of the first die heads is less than or equal to the number of the second die heads.

4. The self-piercing riveting apparatus of claim 1, wherein The first die head and the first driving mechanism are both arranged on the punch mechanism, and the punch mechanism comprises a third driving assembly capable of driving the first die head and the first driving mechanism to move along the Z direction.

5. The self-piercing riveting apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by The first driving assembly, the second driving assembly, and the third driving assembly are ball screw modules.

6. The self-piercing riveting apparatus of claim 1, wherein, further comprising a seat body driving assembly capable of driving the seat body to move along the X and / or Y direction on the workbench.

7. The self-piercing riveting apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The seat body driving assembly is a linear module.

8. The self-piercing riveting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by further comprising a 3D scanner adapted to scan the workpiece to obtain parameters of the workpiece; a controller for receiving data of the 3D scanner and sending instructions to the execution element; the controller is connected with the 3D scanner and the second driving mechanism.

9. A method of self-piercing riveting, characterized in that: The self-piercing riveting device of claim 8 has the following steps in the self-piercing riveting process: a) placing the workpiece on the second die head, and obtaining three-dimensional structural size parameter information of the riveting area of the workpiece by using the 3D scanner; b) the controller receives data of the 3D scanner and sends instructions to the execution element; the second driving mechanism drives to adjust the Z direction height of each independent second die head to adapt to the three-dimensional structure size of the riveting area; c) sending instructions to the execution element through the controller to adjust the punch mechanism to reach the designated riveting point, and the first driving mechanism drives the first die head to realize self-piercing riveting at any riveting point of the riveting area of the workpiece.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Also comprising a first bearing part, which is movable along the X direction relative to the workbench; a second bearing part, which is arranged on the first bearing part; the punch mechanism is arranged on the second bearing part, and the punch mechanism is movable along the Y direction relative to the workbench; the first driving mechanism is arranged on the punch mechanism; further comprising a first driving assembly for driving the first bearing part to move, and a second driving assembly for driving the punch mechanism to move on the second bearing part; the punch mechanism comprises a third driving assembly for driving the first die head and the first driving mechanism to move along the Z direction; in step c), the action of adjusting the punch mechanism to reach the designated riveting point specifically manifests as sending instructions to the first driving assembly, the second driving assembly and the third driving assembly through the controller to realize the adjustment of the punch mechanism in the X, Y and Z directions.

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