A welding system with a sequence proof function

Abstract

The application discloses a welding system with a component sequence error prevention function, comprising a supporting assembly, a pressing assembly and a positioning assembly, the supporting assembly comprises a group of supporting blocks, the pressing assembly comprises a turnover cylinder, the turnover arm of the turnover cylinder is connected with a group of pressing blocks, a pair of matched pressing blocks and supporting blocks form a clamping pair, the clamping pair defines a first clamping area and a second clamping area, the two clamping areas partially overlap to form an overlapping area, the two clamping areas enclose a groove-shaped area, and the overlapping area is located at the groove bottom of the groove-shaped area; the turnover arm connected with the pressing block of the overlapping area turns in the vertical plane and moves from one end of the groove-shaped area to the corresponding supporting block, and the other end of the groove-shaped area is provided with a welding mechanical arm; the supporting seat is fixedly provided with a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting workpieces. The tool structure of the application is simple and compact, and is helpful to prevent component sequence errors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of welding tooling equipment, and specifically relates to a welding system with a component assembly sequence error prevention function. Background Technology

[0002] Many automotive components are assembled using sheet metal parts through welding, riveting, and bolting. Sheet metal parts are first stamped and then connected according to the design to form functional components with complex structures and shapes. Welding is the most widely used connection method. During welding, the two workpieces must overlap in the designed manner; otherwise, subsequent assembly will be impossible or the welded component will be scrapped. Therefore, on the one hand, it is necessary to ensure that the workpieces are accurately positioned on their respective workpieces, and on the other hand, it is necessary to ensure that the assembly sequence meets the requirements, so that the two workpieces overlap in the designed manner. In the prior art, some tooling uses a combination of mechanical and electrical control to prevent errors in the assembly sequence. For example, patent document CN108907584A discloses a fixture with a plate overlap error prevention mechanism, including a first clamping device for clamping and positioning a first plate and a second clamping device for positioning a second plate. A limit switch is provided below the placement position of the first plate, and an error prevention cylinder is provided below the placement position of the second plate. The limit switch controls the retraction movement of the error prevention cylinder, which can effectively prevent errors in the loading sequence. However, for irregularly shaped and complex sheet metal parts, due to the complexity of the fixture structure, it is not convenient to achieve error prevention in a similar way. Especially in automated welding scenarios, robots automatically weld parts and use robotic arms to automatically or manually load and unload parts. While preventing errors, the convenience of loading and unloading parts must also be taken into account to ensure welding efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a welding system with a component sequence error prevention function.

[0004] The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] A welding system with component sequence error prevention function includes a support assembly, a clamping assembly, and a positioning assembly. The support assembly includes a support base on which a set of support blocks are fixedly disposed. The clamping assembly includes a tilting cylinder, the tilting arm of which is connected to a set of clamping blocks that cooperate with the support blocks. A pair of cooperating clamping blocks and support blocks form a clamping pair, wherein a portion of the clamping pair defines a first clamping area, a portion of the clamping pair defines a second clamping area, and the second clamping area partially overlaps with the first clamping area to form an overlap area.

[0006] The key lies in,

[0007] The first clamping area and the second clamping area form a groove-shaped region, and the overlapping area is located at the bottom of the groove-shaped region.

[0008] At least one clamping pair is provided in the overlapping area, and the flipping arm connected to the pressure block of the clamping pair flips in the vertical plane and moves from one end of the grooved area to the pressure block facing the corresponding support block.

[0009] A welding robotic arm is provided at the other end of the groove-shaped area, and the welding clamp of the welding robotic arm extends into the groove-shaped area;

[0010] The support base is fixedly equipped with a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting the workpiece, wherein the first sensor faces the first clamping area and the second sensor faces the second clamping area, and both avoid the overlapping area.

[0011] The above design allows the overlapping parts of the two sheet metal parts to be pressed tightly together, while avoiding interference between the movement of the welding clamp and the movement of the flipping arm, and avoiding interference between the flipping arm and other parts in the first and second clamping areas. It also saves installation space. In addition, the sensor feeds back the detection signal to the control or display module, which can help the operator determine whether the assembly sequence is in place.

[0012] Preferably, the support block includes a vertical support block and a lateral support block, the lateral support block facing the overlapping area, the flipping arm flipping in the vertical plane, and at least one of the pressing blocks moving in a plane parallel to the support surface of the lateral support block.

[0013] Preferably, the above-mentioned vertical support block includes a first support block, a second support block, and an overlapping support block, all of which have upward supporting surfaces. The first support block and the second support block are located above the overlapping support block and on its two sides.

[0014] The lateral support block includes a horizontal support block and an oblique support block;

[0015] The horizontal support block is disposed between the first support block and the overlapping support block, and all three are located within the first clamping area. The support surface of the horizontal support block is located within the vertical plane.

[0016] The inclined support block is disposed between the second support block and the overlapping support block, and all three are located within the second clamping area. The support surface of the inclined support block is inclined upward.

[0017] Preferably, there are two horizontal support blocks, which are distributed along the length of the groove-shaped region.

[0018] The clamping assembly includes a first tilting cylinder, which has a first tilting arm that rotates from the outside of one end of the groove-shaped region into the groove. The front end of the first tilting arm has a horizontal pressing block that cooperates with the horizontal support block near the first tilting cylinder. The front end of the first tilting arm also has an overlapping pressing block that cooperates with the overlapping support block.

[0019] Preferably, the positioning component includes an overlapping positioning pin, which is erected on the overlapping support block.

[0020] The first sensor is close to the first tilting cylinder, with the sensing end of the first sensor facing upwards.

[0021] Preferably, there are two inclined support blocks, one close to the second support block and the other close to the overlapping support block;

[0022] A workpiece positioning pin is vertically provided on the inclined support block near the second support block.

[0023] Preferably, the above-mentioned clamping assembly further includes a second tilting cylinder, which is located near the second clamping area and has a second tilting arm;

[0024] The front end of the second tilting arm is laterally connected to a first cross arm, and the first cross arm is provided with a first pressing block that cooperates with the first support block;

[0025] The second flipping arm is also laterally connected to a second horizontal arm. Below the second horizontal arm, two inclined support blocks are fixedly connected to inclined pressure blocks, and one of the inclined pressure blocks has a clearance notch corresponding to the workpiece positioning pin.

[0026] A second pressure block is provided below the middle part of the second tilting arm, corresponding to the second support block.

[0027] Preferably, the welding system further includes a control module and a status indication module. The control module outputs control commands to the tilting cylinder and the welding robot arm based on the signals from the first sensor and the second sensor, and outputs status display commands to the status indication module.

[0028] Preferably, the control module described above is provided with an input terminal group and an output terminal group;

[0029] The input terminal group includes a first signal input terminal and a second signal input terminal, and the output terminal group includes a clamping command output terminal, a welding command output terminal and a status command output terminal;

[0030] The signal output terminal of the first sensor is connected to the first signal input terminal, and the signal output terminal of the second sensor is connected to the second signal input terminal.

[0031] The clamping command output terminal is connected to the action command input terminal of the electronic control valve of the tilting cylinder;

[0032] The welding command output terminal is connected to the control switch of the welding robotic arm;

[0033] The status command output terminal is connected to the status display command input terminal of the status indication module.

[0034] Preferably, the status indication module includes a green light, an alarm red light, and a control circuit. The control circuit is used to turn on the green light or the alarm red light according to the command input at the status display command input terminal.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: For welding two workpieces assembled into a groove-shaped component, this tooling can press the overlapping part of the two sheet metal parts together, and avoid interference between the movement of the welding clamp and the movement of the flipping arm, and avoid interference between the flipping arm and the other parts of the first clamping area and the second clamping area, while saving installation space; in addition, the sensor feeds back the detection signal to the control or display module, which can help the operator judge whether the assembly sequence is in place. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tooling portion of the welding system of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fixture of the welding system of the present invention from a first-view perspective;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fixture of the welding system of the present invention from a second perspective;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixture of the welding system of the present invention from a third perspective;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fixture support assembly of the welding system of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sequence error prevention control system of the welding system of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the tooling for preventing errors in the assembly sequence of the welding system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0044] like Figures 1-4As shown, a welding system with a component sequence error prevention function includes a support assembly, a clamping assembly, and a positioning assembly. The support assembly includes a support base 100 on which a set of support blocks are fixedly disposed. The clamping assembly includes a tilting cylinder, the tilting arm of which is connected to a pressure block assembly, which includes a set of pressure blocks that cooperate with the support blocks. A pair of cooperating pressure blocks and support blocks form a clamping pair, wherein a portion of the clamping pair defines a first clamping area for fixing a first sheet metal part a, and a portion of the clamping pair defines a second clamping area for fixing a second sheet metal part b. The second clamping area partially overlaps with the first clamping area to form an overlap area. The first and second clamping areas form a groove-shaped region, and the overlap area is located at the bottom of the groove-shaped region. At least one clamping pair is provided in the overlap area, and the tilting arm connected to the pressure block of the clamping pair tilts in a vertical plane and moves from one end of the groove-shaped region to the point where the pressure block is directly opposite the corresponding support block.

[0045] like Figure 1 A welding robotic arm 400 is provided at the other end of the groove-shaped area, and the welding clamp 410 of the welding robotic arm 400 extends into the groove-shaped area. The welding robotic arm 400 and the flipping arm connected to the pressure block used for clamping the overlapping area are respectively located at both ends of the groove-shaped area. This arrangement not only clamps the overlapping part of the two sheet metal parts, but also avoids interference between the movement of the welding clamp 410 and the movement of the flipping arm. In addition, the flipping arm moves in a plane parallel to the groove wall of the groove-shaped area, avoiding interference with the other components of the first clamping area and the second clamping area, and saving installation space.

[0046] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen, a first sensor 500 and a second sensor 600 for detecting workpieces are fixedly installed on the support base 100. The first sensor 500 faces the first clamping area, and the second sensor 600 faces the second clamping area, both avoiding the overlapping area. The first sensor 500 and the second sensor 600 are used to detect the first sheet metal part a and the second sheet metal part b, respectively, and feed back the detection signals to the control or display module to help the operator determine whether the assembly sequence is correct.

[0047] For welding sheet metal parts with such complex shapes, the support block includes a vertical support block and a lateral support block, the lateral support block facing the overlapping area, the flipping arm flipping in the vertical plane, and at least one pressure block moving in a plane parallel to the support surface of the lateral support block.

[0048] The vertical support block has its support surface facing upwards, providing vertical support for the sheet metal part. The support surface of the lateral support block faces horizontally or at an angle of less than 90° to the horizontal direction to assist in positioning irregularly shaped workpieces. This fixture is used for welding and clamping irregularly shaped sheet metal parts with three-dimensional depth. Since the overlap area is the welding connection point of two sheet metal parts, a clamping pair must be set. The lateral support block must also be equipped with a matching pressure block. In the case of limited space, if two tilting cylinders are set separately, the two tilting arms may interfere with each other, or they may need to be tilted sequentially, increasing the control complexity of the entire fixture. Therefore, the tilting arm is designed to tilt in the vertical plane, and at least one pressure block moves in a plane parallel to the support surface of the lateral support block, so that the pressure block moves along the direction of contact with the local plate surface to be directly opposite the lateral support block.

[0049] In a tooling fixture for a workpiece, such as Figure 5 The vertical support block includes a first support block 111, a second support block 112, and an overlapping support block 110, all with their supporting surfaces facing upwards. The first support block 111 and the second support block 112 are located above the overlapping support block 110 and on either side of it. The overlapping support block 110 is provided with an overlapping positioning pin 310. The lateral support block includes a horizontal support block 120 and an oblique support block 121. The horizontal support block 120 is disposed between the first support block 111 and the overlapping support block 110, all three located within the first clamping area, with its supporting surface in the vertical plane. The oblique support block 121 is disposed between the second support block 112 and the overlapping support block 110, all three located within the second clamping area, with its supporting surface tilted upwards.

[0050] Specifically, there are two horizontal support blocks 120, which are distributed along the length of the groove-shaped region, thereby providing horizontal support for the longer first sheet metal part a.

[0051] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, the clamping assembly includes a first tilting cylinder 210. The first tilting cylinder 210 has a first tilting arm 211 that rotates from the outside of one end of the groove-shaped region into the groove. A horizontal pressing block 212 is provided at the front end of the first tilting arm 211. This horizontal pressing block 212 cooperates with the horizontal support block 120 near the first tilting cylinder 210. The front end of the first tilting arm 211 also has an overlapping pressing block 213 that cooperates with the overlapping support block 110. In this embodiment, the first tilting cylinder 210 is positioned below the vertical support block, reducing space occupation.

[0052] The horizontal pressure block 212 cooperates with one of the horizontal support blocks 120 to clamp the sheet metal parts and prevent them from shifting during welding in the overlapping area. The clamping pair formed by the overlapping support block 110 and the overlapping pressure block 213 clamps the overlapping area of ​​the two sheet metal parts.

[0053] The positioning component includes an overlapping positioning pin 310, which, in conjunction with... Figure 2 , 3 As can be seen in Figure 5, the overlapping positioning pin 310 is erected on the overlapping support block 110 to position the overlapping part of the two sheet metal parts.

[0054] The first sensor 500 is close to the first tilting cylinder 210, with the sensing end of the first sensor 500 facing upwards.

[0055] Combination Figure 3 , 4 As can be seen in Figure 5, the vertical support block also includes a third support block 113, which is located at one end of the groove-shaped area corresponding to the welding clamp 410, and is close to the oblique support block 121. This structure is suitable for clamping workpieces where the first sheet metal part a has an extension at one end of the overlap area.

[0056] The first support block 111, the overlapping support block 110, the third support block 113 and the pressure block on the first flipping arm 211 cooperate with each other to mainly play a role in pressing and positioning the first sheet metal part a.

[0057] like Figure 5 There are two inclined support blocks 121, one near the second support block 112 and the other near the overlapping support block 110. A workpiece positioning pin 320 is vertically provided on the inclined support block 121 near the second support block 112. This provides better support for the entire second sheet metal part b and maintains the angle of its inclined portion.

[0058] Combination Figure 1 , 3As shown in Figure 4, the clamping assembly also includes a second tilting cylinder 220, which is located near the second clamping area. The second tilting cylinder 220 has a second tilting arm 221, which is parallel to the length direction of the groove-shaped area. A first horizontal arm is laterally connected to the front end of the second tilting arm 221, and a first pressing block 222 that cooperates with the first support block 111 is provided on the first horizontal arm. When the second tilting cylinder 220 is in the clamping state, the first horizontal arm spans across the groove-shaped area. A second horizontal arm is also laterally connected to the middle of the second tilting arm 221, and inclined pressing blocks 223 are fixedly connected to the two inclined support blocks 121 below the second horizontal arm. One of the inclined pressing blocks 223 has a clearance notch 224 corresponding to the workpiece positioning pin 320.

[0059] A second pressing block 225 is provided below the middle of the second flip arm 221 corresponding to the second support block 112, and a third pressing block 226 that cooperates with the third support block 113 is also connected below the middle of the second flip arm 221.

[0060] The overlapping support block 110, the inclined support block 121, the workpiece positioning pin 320, and the second tilting cylinder 220 work together to press and accurately position the second sheet metal part b.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first tilting cylinder 210 and the second tilting cylinder 220 can be controlled by the same electronically controlled valve group 201. Since the tilting trajectories of the two tilting arms are parallel to each other, they can move synchronously. Since the tilting trajectories of the first tilting arm 211 and the horizontal pressure block 212 and the overlapping pressure block 213 connected to its front end are located outside the first horizontal arm, they do not interfere with each other.

[0062] like Figure 6 To improve the ease of use of the system's error-proofing function, the welding system further includes a control module 700 and a status indication module 800. The control module 700 outputs control commands to the tilting cylinder and the welding robotic arm 400 based on the signals from the first sensor 500 and the second sensor 600, and outputs status display commands to the status indication module 800. The control module 700 can be a PLC controller.

[0063] Specifically, the control module 700 is provided with an input terminal group and an output terminal group. The input terminal group includes a first signal input terminal and a second signal input terminal, and the output terminal group includes a clamping command output terminal, a welding command output terminal, and a status command output terminal.

[0064] The first sensor 500 and the second sensor 600 generate sensing signals when they detect a workpiece. The signal output terminal of the first sensor 500 is connected to the first signal input terminal, and the signal output terminal of the second sensor 600 is connected to the second signal input terminal. Both the first sensor 500 and the second sensor 600 can be photoelectric sensors, with their sensing ends facing the corresponding sheet metal parts.

[0065] The clamping command output terminal is connected to the action command input terminal of the electronically controlled valve group 201 of the tilting cylinder.

[0066] The welding command output terminal is connected to the control switch of the welding robotic arm 400.

[0067] The status command output terminal is connected to the status display command input terminal of the status indication module 800.

[0068] In one embodiment, the status indication module 800 includes a green light 820, an alarm red light 830, and a control circuit 810. The control circuit 810 is used to turn the green light 820 or the alarm red light 830 on or off according to the command input at the status display command input terminal. The status indication module 800 can be implemented using existing circuit structures, and will not be described in detail here.

[0069] The error prevention principle of this system is as follows: Figure 7 With the fixture in the open state, the first sheet metal part a is placed on the tooling. The first sensor 500 detects the first sheet metal part a, generates a sensing signal, and transmits it to the control module 700. Then, the second sheet metal part b is placed, and the second sensor 600 detects the second sheet metal part b, generates a sensing signal, and transmits it to the control module 700. Based on the input signals, the control module 700 determines that the assembly sequence is normal, and outputs a normal display command at the status command output terminal, while the status indicator module 800 turns on the green light 820. In this state, the operator gives the control module 700 clamping and welding signals, and the control module 700 outputs a clamping command, the tilting cylinder clamps the sheet metal part, and then the welding robot arm 400 performs welding.

[0070] If the second sheet metal part b is placed before the first sheet metal part a, the control module 700 determines that the assembly is incorrect, outputs an abnormality display command at the status output terminal, and the status indicator module 800 activates the alarm red light 830. Even if the operator gives the control module 700 clamping and welding signals, the tilting cylinder cannot clamp, and the welding robot arm 400 will not perform welding operations. This status prompts the operator to reposition the sheet metal parts.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of the present invention, can make various similar representations without departing from the spirit and claims of the present invention, and such modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A welding system with a component sequence error prevention function, comprising a support assembly, a clamping assembly and a positioning assembly, wherein the support assembly includes a support base (100) on which a set of support blocks are fixedly disposed, and the clamping assembly includes a flipping cylinder, wherein the flipping arm of the flipping cylinder is connected to a set of clamping blocks that cooperate with the support blocks, and a pair of cooperating clamping blocks and support blocks form a clamping pair, wherein a portion of the clamping pair defines a first clamping area and a portion of the clamping pair defines a second clamping area, and the second clamping area partially overlaps with the first clamping area to form an overlap area; Its features are: The first clamping area and the second clamping area form a groove-shaped region, and the overlapping area is located at the bottom of the groove-shaped region. At least one clamping pair is provided in the overlapping area, and the flipping arm connected to the pressure block of the clamping pair flips in the vertical plane and moves from one end of the grooved area to the pressure block facing the corresponding support block. A welding robotic arm (400) is provided at the other end of the groove-shaped area, and the welding clamp (410) of the welding robotic arm (400) extends into the groove-shaped area; The support base (100) is fixedly provided with a first sensor (500) and a second sensor (600) for detecting the workpiece, wherein the first sensor (500) faces the first clamping area and the second sensor (600) faces the second clamping area, both of which avoid the overlapping area.

2. The welding system with component sequence error prevention function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support block includes a vertical support block and a lateral support block, the lateral support block facing the overlapping area, the flipping arm flipping in the vertical plane, and at least one of the pressing blocks moving in a plane parallel to the support surface of the lateral support block.

3. A welding system with component sequence error prevention function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The vertical support block includes a first support block (111), a second support block (112), and an overlapping support block (110). The support surfaces of all three are facing upwards. The first support block (111) and the second support block (112) are located above the overlapping support block (110) and on its two sides. The lateral support block includes a horizontal support block (120) and an oblique support block (121); The horizontal support block (120) is disposed between the first support block (111) and the overlapping support block (110), and the three are located within the first clamping area. The support surface of the horizontal support block (120) is located within the vertical plane. The inclined support block (121) is disposed between the second support block (112) and the overlapping support block (110), and the three are located in the second clamping area. The support surface of the inclined support block (121) is inclined upward.

4. A welding system with component sequence error prevention function according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are two horizontal support blocks (120), and the two horizontal support blocks (120) are distributed along the length direction of the groove region; The clamping assembly includes a first tilting cylinder (210), which has a first tilting arm (211) that rotates from one end outside the groove region into the groove. The front end of the first tilting arm (211) has a horizontal pressing block (212) that cooperates with the horizontal support block (120) near the first tilting cylinder (210). The front end of the first tilting arm (211) also has an overlapping pressing block (213) that cooperates with the overlapping support block (110).

5. A welding system with component sequence error prevention function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The positioning component includes an overlapping positioning pin (310) which is erected on the overlapping support block (110); The first sensor (500) is close to the first tilting cylinder (210), and the sensing end of the first sensor (500) is facing upward.

6. A welding system with component sequence error prevention function according to claim 5, characterized in that: There are two inclined support blocks (121), which are located near the second support block (112) and the overlapping support block (110), respectively; A workpiece positioning pin (320) is vertically provided on the inclined support block (121) near the second support block (112).

7. A welding system with component sequence error prevention function according to claim 6, characterized in that: The clamping assembly further includes a second tilting cylinder (220) located near the second clamping area, the second tilting cylinder (220) having a second tilting arm (221); The front end of the second flipping arm (221) is laterally connected to a first horizontal arm, and the first horizontal arm is provided with a first pressing block (222) that cooperates with the first support block (111); The second flip arm (221) is also laterally connected to the middle part of the second horizontal arm. The second horizontal arm is fixedly connected to the two inclined support blocks (121) below it. One of the inclined pressure blocks (223) is provided with a clearance notch (224) corresponding to the workpiece positioning pin (320). A second pressure block (225) is provided below the middle part of the second tilting arm (221) corresponding to the second support block (112).

8. A welding system with component sequence error prevention function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The welding system also includes a control module (700) and a status indication module (800). The control module (700) outputs control commands to the tilting cylinder and the welding robot arm (400) based on the signals from the first sensor (500) and the second sensor (600), and outputs status display commands to the status indication module (800).

9. A welding system with component sequence error prevention function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control module (700) is provided with an input terminal group and an output terminal group; The input terminal group includes a first signal input terminal and a second signal input terminal, and the output terminal group includes a clamping command output terminal, a welding command output terminal and a status command output terminal; The signal output terminal of the first sensor (500) is connected to the first signal input terminal, and the signal output terminal of the second sensor (600) is connected to the second signal input terminal; The clamping command output terminal is connected to the action command input terminal of the electronic control valve of the tilting cylinder; The welding command output terminal is connected to the control switch of the welding robotic arm (400); The status command output terminal is connected to the status display command input terminal of the status indicator module (800).

10. A welding system with component sequence error prevention function according to claim 9, characterized in that: The status indication module (800) includes a green light (820), an alarm red light (830), and a control circuit (810). The control circuit (810) is used to turn on the green light (820) or the alarm red light (830) according to the instruction input by the status display instruction input terminal.

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