An automobile body-in-white B column positioning tool and positioning method

By employing a positioning fixture method that uses double-sided clamping and XYZ-direction drive component adjustment on the B-pillar of the car body-in-white, the problems of inaccurate positioning and deformation caused by single-sided clamping are solved, and the consistency of the gap between the side panel and the roof and the appearance quality are improved.

CN116275800BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-03HG STAR TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310156851.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-02-23
Publication Date
2026-02-03
Estimated Expiration
2043-02-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing technology, the single-sided clamping method of the B-pillar of the car body cannot effectively control the torsional deformation in the Z-axis direction, resulting in inconsistent gaps between the side panel and the roof during welding, and single-sided clamping can easily cause the surface of the sheet metal to bend or pit.

Method used

Two clamping components are used to clamp both sides of the same B-pillar, and the clamping position and force are adjusted by X, Y and Z drive components to ensure balanced clamping force and adapt to the clamping needs of different vehicle models.

Benefits of technology

It achieves precise positioning of the side panel of the car body in the Y direction, avoiding deformation and appearance quality defects, ensuring the consistency of the gap between the side panel and the roof, and reducing the damage to the sheet metal caused by clamping pressure.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a kind of automobile body in white B column positioning tool and positioning method, it includes: first B column clamping component, it is used to exert first clamping force to the B column of automobile body in white side wall, to carry out the clamping of the first side of B column PB;Second B column clamping component, it is used to exert second clamping force to the same B column of automobile body in white side wall, to carry out the clamping of the second side of B column PB;And movement component, it is used to drive the first B column clamping component and / or second B column clamping component movement.The application is clamped to two sides of the same B column by two clamping components respectively, so that the head and tail of automobile body in white side wall in Y direction is positioned more accurately, and can adapt to the clamping demand of different vehicle body side wall B column, and effectively avoid producing appearance quality defects.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing, specifically to a positioning fixture and method for the B-pillar of an automobile body-in-white. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the production process of automotive main welding line, after the side panels and roof of the body-in-white are assembled, the roof needs to be spot welded and laser welded. At this time, the side panels of the body-in-white need to be positioned to ensure the positioning accuracy of the side panels during welding.

[0003] Existing technologies include technical solutions for clamping and fixing the B-pillar portion of the side panel using clamping mechanisms, such as in 202110949899.1 - Welding fixture for the front inner panel of the automobile side panel, which uses multiple B-pillar clamping mechanisms to clamp the B-pillar.

[0004] In this clamping method, each clamping mechanism only clamps the B-pillar on one side. Therefore, it can only control the Y-axis positional accuracy of the B-pillar on one side, but cannot control the torsional deformation of the B-pillar along the Z-axis of the vehicle body. Furthermore, the above-mentioned single-side clamping method cannot effectively control the overall Y-axis positional dimensions of the side panel at the front and rear of the vehicle body, which leads to inconsistent gaps between the side panel and the roof during welding or assembly.

[0005] Furthermore, when the Y-axis dimension deviation of the original side panel assembly is large, the clamping mechanism with single-sided clamping needs to provide greater pressure at the contact surface to clamp the B-pillar, which makes it more likely that the surface of the panel will be bent or dented after clamping. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a positioning fixture and method for the B-pillar of an automotive body-in-white. It uses two clamping components to clamp both sides of the same B-pillar, making the positioning of the front and rear of the side of the automotive body-in-white more accurate in the Y direction. It can also adapt to the clamping requirements of the B-pillar of different vehicle models and effectively avoids appearance quality defects.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] On the one hand, a B-pillar positioning tooling for automotive body-in-white is provided, which includes:

[0009] The first B-pillar clamping assembly is used to apply a first clamping force to the B-pillar of the side panel of the vehicle body-in-white in order to clamp the first side of the B-pillar PB.

[0010] The second B-pillar clamping assembly is used to apply a second clamping force to the same B-pillar of the vehicle body-in-white side panel to clamp the second side of the B-pillar PB.

[0011] And a motion component, which is used to drive the first B-pillar clamping component and / or the second B-pillar clamping component to move.

[0012] On the other hand, a method for positioning a car body-in-white using the aforementioned car body-in-white positioning fixture is also provided, which includes the following steps:

[0013] Obtain the vehicle model code information corresponding to the side panel of the car body-in-white, and determine the positions of the first clamping force and the second clamping force based on the vehicle model code information;

[0014] The X-axis drive assembly and the Z-axis drive assembly drive the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly to move. The local Y-axis drive assembly drives the second B-pillar clamping assembly to move, so that the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly reach the predetermined position.

[0015] The car body in white is transported to the predetermined position, and the overall Y-direction drive assembly drives the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly to move along the Y direction to the predetermined position.

[0016] Both the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly clamp the first and second sides of the same B-pillar respectively through opening and closing actions.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This invention uses two clamping components to clamp both sides of the same B-pillar, making the Y-axis positioning of the front and rear of the car body side panel more precise, thus ensuring consistent gaps between the side panel and the roof. Simultaneously, by adjusting the magnitude, direction, and point of application of the clamping force, and by using a local Y-axis drive component to move the second B-pillar clamping component, it adapts to the clamping requirements of different car body side B-pillars, effectively avoiding quality problems such as deformation and dents, and reducing defects in the side panel's appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an overall view of the B-pillar positioning fixture for the car body-in-white clamping the B-pillar of the car body-in-white in this invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of column B in the XY plane;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the state of the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly clamping the B-pillar in the XZ plane in this invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly clamping the B-pillar in the XY plane of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an overall structural diagram of the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly in this invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is an overall structural diagram of the motion component in this invention;

[0025] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the B-pillar of the body-in-white of another vehicle model in the XY plane;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly in the XY plane when clamping the B-pillar of another vehicle body-in-white.

[0027] Figure 9a This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the X-axis drive component in this invention;

[0028] Figure 9b for Figure 9a Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 9c This is an overall structural diagram of the X-axis driving component in this invention from another perspective;

[0030] Figure 9d This is an overall structural diagram of the X-axis scale assembly in this invention;

[0031] Figure 10a This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the overall Y-axis drive assembly in this invention;

[0032] Figure 10b This is an overall structural diagram of the overall Y-axis drive component in this invention from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 11a This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the Z-axis driving component in this invention;

[0034] Figure 11b This is an overall structural diagram of the Z-axis driving component in this invention from another perspective;

[0035] Figure 12a This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a partial Y-axis driving component in this invention;

[0036] Figure 12b This is an overall structural diagram of the local Y-axis driving component in this invention from another perspective;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the transparent window in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] Example 1:

[0040] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides a B-pillar positioning fixture for an automotive body-in-white. In this embodiment, the B-pillar PB has a first side portion PB1 and a second side portion PB2. Further, the automotive body-in-white B-pillar positioning fixture includes:

[0041] Mounting bracket 100 is installed on the side of the side panel P of the vehicle body-in-white;

[0042] The first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 is used to apply a first clamping force Q1 to the B-pillar PB of the side panel P of the car body-in-white in order to clamp the first side PB1 of the B-pillar PB.

[0043] The second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 is used to apply a second clamping force Q2 to the same B-pillar PB of the side panel P of the vehicle body-in-white in order to clamp the second side PB2 of the B-pillar PB.

[0044] And a motion component, which is connected to the mounting bracket 100, for driving the first B-pillar clamping component 600 and / or the second B-pillar clamping component 700 to move.

[0045] In this embodiment, the length direction of the side panel P of the car body-in-white is the X direction, the width direction is the Y direction, and the height direction is the Z direction; at the same time, the shortest distance from the point of action O1 of the first clamping force Q1 on the B-pillar PB to the edge of the first side PB1 is 1-30% of the width of the B-pillar PB, preferably 1-15%, particularly preferably 1-5%, and / or, the shortest distance from the point of action O2 of the second clamping force Q2 on the B-pillar PB to the edge of the second side PB2 is 1-30% of the width of the B-pillar PB, preferably 1-15%, particularly preferably 1-5%, thereby ensuring that the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 clamp in the area close to the two side edges;

[0046] Furthermore, the angle between the direction of the first clamping force Q1 and the Y direction is 0±45°, preferably 0±20°, particularly preferably 0±5°, and even more preferably 0±1°, and / or the angle between the direction of the second clamping force Q2 and the Y direction is 0±45°, preferably 0±20°, particularly preferably 0±5°, and even more preferably 0±1°;

[0047] Furthermore, the magnitude of the first clamping force Q1 is equal to the magnitude of the second clamping force Q2 * (1 ± 0.5)%, preferably equal to the magnitude of the second clamping force Q2 * (1 ± 0.3)%, particularly preferably equal to the magnitude of the second clamping force Q2 * (1 ± 0.1)%, and even more preferably equal to the magnitude of the first clamping force Q1 * (1 ± 0.05)%.

[0048] Therefore, by clamping the two sides of the same B-pillar with two clamping components respectively, the positioning of the front and rear of the car body side panel P in the Y direction is more accurate, ensuring that the gap between the side panel and the roof is consistent front and rear. At the same time, by adjusting the magnitude, direction and point of application of the clamping force, it can be adapted to the clamping requirements of the B-pillar of different car body side panels. Furthermore, compared with the pressure applied to the contact surface of the B-pillar by a single clamping component in the prior art, the pressure applied to the contact surface by each clamping component is greatly reduced (only half of the pressure applied by a single clamping component) because the B-pillar is clamped by two clamping components in this embodiment. This can completely fix the position of the B-pillar while effectively avoiding quality problems such as deformation and dents and reducing defects in the appearance quality of the side panel.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 5 The first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 / second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 includes:

[0050] Connector 601, which connects to the motion component;

[0051] A cylinder mounting base 602 is mounted on the connecting base 601;

[0052] Clamping cylinder 603 is connected to cylinder mounting base 602;

[0053] The positioning block 604 is connected to the cylinder mounting seat 602 and is equipped with a first ball head clamping block 605;

[0054] The connecting rod 606 and the pressure arm 607 are connected to the power output end of the clamping cylinder 603 at one end and to one end of the pressure arm 607 at the other end. A second ball head clamping block 608 is installed on the other end of the pressure arm 607, and the pressure arm 607 is also hinged to the positioning block 604.

[0055] The extension and retraction of the power output end of the clamping cylinder 603 drives the connecting rod 606 to move, further driving the pressure arm 607 to rotate around the hinge point 609 between it and the positioning block 604. At this time, the second ball head clamping block 608 rotates synchronously, causing the first ball head clamping block 605 and the second ball head clamping block 608 to move closer to each other, so as to clamp and position the B-pillar PB side. Conversely, when the connecting rod 606 drives the pressure arm 607 and the second ball head clamping block 608 to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction around the hinge point 609, the first ball head clamping block 605 and the second ball head clamping block 608 move away from each other, so as to release the clamping and positioning of the B-pillar PB side.

[0056] Furthermore, to facilitate standardized production and simplify the equipment manufacturing process, the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 have the same structure.

[0057] The first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 include a first ball-head clamping block 605 and a second ball-head clamping block 608, which can ensure that point contact can be formed with the curved surfaces of various curvature angles on the B-pillar, and further ensure the overall positional accuracy of the B-pillar through clamping at the point contact position.

[0058] Example 2:

[0059] The only difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that, Figure 1 As shown in Figure 6, the motion component includes:

[0060] X-direction drive assembly 200, overall Y-direction drive assembly 300, Z-direction drive assembly 400 and partial Y-direction drive assembly 500; and the X-direction drive assembly 200, overall Y-direction drive assembly 300, Z-direction drive assembly 400 and partial Y-direction drive assembly 500 are disposed on the side of the body-in-white side panel P.

[0061] The X-axis drive assembly 200 is connected to the mounting bracket 100, the overall Y-axis drive assembly 300 is connected to the X-axis drive assembly 200, the Z-axis drive assembly 400 is connected to the overall Y-axis drive assembly 300, the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the partial Y-axis drive assembly 500 are both connected to the Z-axis drive assembly 400, and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 is connected to the partial Y-axis drive assembly 500.

[0062] The X-direction drive assembly 200 is used to drive the overall Y-direction drive assembly 300, Z-direction drive assembly 400, partial Y-direction drive assembly 500, first B-pillar clamping assembly 600, and second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 to move together along the X-direction. The Y-direction drive assembly 300 is used to drive the overall Z-direction drive assembly 400, partial Y-direction drive assembly 500, first B-pillar clamping assembly 600, and second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 to move together along the Y-direction. The Z-direction drive assembly 400 is used to drive the partial Y-direction drive assembly 500, first B-pillar clamping assembly 600, and second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 to move together along the Z-direction. The partial Y-direction drive assembly 500 is used to drive the overall second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 to move together along the Y-direction.

[0063] Simultaneously, the heights of the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 are matched, such that in the Z-direction, the height of the point O1 on the B-pillar PB where the first clamping force Q1 acts is equal to the height of the point O2 on the B-pillar PB where the second clamping force Q2 acts is equal to (1 ± 0.5)%. Preferably, the height of the point O1 on the B-pillar PB where the first clamping force Q1 acts is equal to the height of the point O2 on the B-pillar PB where the second clamping force Q2 acts is equal to (1 ± 0.2)%. Particularly preferably, the height of the point O1 on the B-pillar PB where the first clamping force Q1 acts is equal to the height of the point O2 on the B-pillar PB where the second clamping force Q2 acts is equal to (1 ± 0.2)%. The height of the point O1 on the B-pillar PB where the first clamping force Q1 acts is equal to the height of the point O2 on the B-pillar PB where the second clamping force Q2 acts is equal to (1 ± 0.1)%. More preferably, the height of the point O1 on the B-pillar PB where the first clamping force Q1 acts is equal to the height of the point O2 on the B-pillar PB where the second clamping force Q2 acts is equal to (1 ± 0.05)%. Thus, when the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 clamp the B-pillar, misalignment caused by clamping can be prevented from causing twisting and deformation.

[0064] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the B-pillar has a U-shaped structure, but the first side P1 and the second side P2 of the B-pillar on different car models are not on the same plane in the Y direction, as shown below. Figure 7 As stated above, in the Y direction, the height of the first side PB1 of the B-pillar of the vehicle body is lower than that of the second side PB2. At this time, if... Figure 8 As shown, the second B-pillar clamping component 700 needs to be moved in the Y direction by the local Y-direction driving component 500 so that the second B-pillar clamping component 700 can reach the predetermined position and accurately clamp the side of the B-pillar (such as the second side PB2) to adapt to the clamping requirements of the B-pillar of various vehicle models. This solution is an important inventive point of this application.

[0065] Therefore, the body-in-white positioning fixture in this embodiment has a compact structure and reasonable design. It can adjust the overall position of the first B-pillar clamping component 600 and the second B-pillar clamping component 700 in the XYZ directions of the body through the X-direction drive component 200, the overall Y-direction drive component 300, and the Z-direction drive component 400. Furthermore, it can be adapted to the positioning and clamping requirements of the body-in-white side panels of various models. Furthermore, the position of the second B-pillar clamping component 700 can be adjusted through the partial Y-direction drive component 500 to adapt to the positioning and clamping requirements of the side B-pillars of various models.

[0066] Example 3:

[0067] The only difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 or 2 is that, Figures 9a-9c As shown, the X-axis drive component 200 includes:

[0068] X-shaped base plate 7, which is connected to the mounting bracket 100;

[0069] The X-axis drive unit is connected to the X-axis base plate 7;

[0070] X-direction linear guide 2, which extends along the X-direction and is connected to the X-direction base plate 7;

[0071] The X-axis slide 8 slides along the X-axis linear guide 2 and is connected to the X-axis drive unit, and can move linearly along the X-axis linear guide 2 under the action of the X-axis drive unit. Specifically, the X-axis drive unit includes: an X-axis drive motor 1 connected to the X-axis base plate 7; an X-axis ball screw assembly 11 connected to the X-axis slide 8; an X-axis transmission assembly 5 (including a synchronous belt, synchronous pulley, or coupling, etc.) connected to the rotation output end of the X-axis drive motor 1 and the X-axis ball screw assembly 8 respectively; and an X-axis bearing 4 that cooperates with the X-axis ball screw assembly 11, and the X-axis bearing 4... The X-axis transmission assembly 5 and the X-axis ball screw assembly 11 are coaxially arranged; and the first cable drag chain 3 is used to install the cable connected to the X-axis drive motor 1 to reduce cable wear and prevent cable scratches, pulling, and tangling; the X-axis drive motor 1 drives the X-axis ball screw assembly 11 to rotate through the X-axis transmission assembly 5, and further drives the X-axis slide table 8 to move linearly in the X-axis direction along the X-axis linear guide rail 2 through the X-axis ball screw assembly 11, and the X-axis bearing 4 ensures the relative parallelism between the X-axis linear guide rail 2 and the X-axis ball screw assembly 11 and the smoothness of the rotation of the X-axis ball screw assembly 11;

[0072] X-direction protective cover 9 is used to cover part or all of the X-direction drive unit, and / or cover part or all of the X-direction linear guide 2, such as covering the X-direction ball screw 11, X-direction linear guide 2, etc., to prevent dust and foreign objects (such as welding slag) from entering and affecting the normal operation and service life of the equipment.

[0073] An X-axis limiting unit, connected to the X-axis base plate 7 and / or the X-axis linear guide rail 2, is used to limit the movement range of the X-axis slide table 8 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the X-axis limiting unit includes: an X-axis limiting block 6, connected to the X-axis base plate 7 and / or the X-axis linear guide rail 2, and located on the movement path of the X-axis slide table 8, used to block the movement of the X-axis slide table 8 in the X-axis direction; and / or an X-axis overtravel sensing switch 10 (such as an infrared sensor or other photoelectric sensing device), connected to the X-axis base plate 7 and / or the X-axis linear guide rail 2, and simultaneously connected to an X-axis drive unit (such as an X-axis drive motor 1), used to generate a sensing signal after being triggered by the X-axis slide table 8 and send it to the X-axis drive unit, so that the X-axis drive unit (such as the X-axis drive motor 1) stops moving according to the sensing signal, further stopping the drive of the X-axis slide table 8 to move along the X-axis direction;

[0074] The X-axis scale unit is used to indicate the sliding distance of the X-axis slide table 8; in this embodiment, as... Figure 9a , 9d As shown, the X-axis scale unit includes: an X-axis scale 101, an X-axis pointer 13, and an X-axis zero-point calibration reference block 14; the X-axis scale 101 is detachably connected to the X-axis base plate 7 / X-axis protective cover 9 in the X-axis direction; the X-axis pointer 13 is connected to the bottom of the X-axis slide table 8 and points to the X-axis scale 101; the X-axis zero-point calibration reference block 14 is detachably installed at the sliding start point of the X-axis slide table 8. By observing whether there is a gap between the X-axis slide table 8 and the X-axis zero-point calibration reference block 13, it is determined whether the X-axis slide table 8 is located at the accurate sliding start point position. If there is a gap, manual calibration and adjustment are performed to ensure that the sliding distance of the X-axis slide table 8 meets the conditions; thus, the sliding distance of the X-axis slide table 8 can be intuitively indicated by the X-axis scale unit, and the presence of a gap between the X-axis slide table 8 and the X-axis zero-point calibration reference block 13 can be used to determine whether the X-axis slide table 8 is located at the accurate sliding start point position. Furthermore, manual calibration and adjustment can ensure the accurate sliding of the X-axis slide table 8.

[0075] Example 4:

[0076] The only difference between this embodiment and any one of embodiments 1-3 is that, Figures 10a-10b As shown, the overall Y-axis drive assembly 300 includes:

[0077] The overall Y-axis base plate 12 is connected to the X-axis slide table 8 of the X-axis drive assembly 200;

[0078] An integral Y-axis drive unit, which is connected to the integral Y-axis base plate 12;

[0079] An integral Y-direction linear guide 15 extends along the Y direction and is connected to the integral Y-direction base plate 12;

[0080] An integral Y-axis slide 16 slides with the integral Y-axis linear guide 15 and is connected to the integral Y-axis drive unit, and can move linearly along the integral Y-axis linear guide 15 under the action of the integral Y-axis drive unit. Specifically, the integral Y-axis drive unit includes: an integral Y-axis drive motor 17 connected to the integral Y-axis base plate 12; an integral Y-axis ball screw assembly 18 connected to the integral Y-axis slide 16; an integral Y-axis transmission assembly 20 (including a synchronous belt, synchronous pulley, or coupling, etc.) connected to the rotation output end of the integral Y-axis drive motor 17 and the integral Y-axis ball screw assembly 18 respectively; and an integral Y-axis bearing 19, which cooperates with the integral Y-axis ball screw assembly 18. The integral Y-axis bearing 19 and the integral Y-axis ball screw assembly 18 are coaxially arranged; and the second cable drag chain 21 is used to install the cable connected to the integral Y-axis drive motor 17. Its function is the same as that of the first cable drag chain 3, and will not be described again. Similar to the X-axis drive unit, the integral Y-axis drive motor 17 drives the integral Y-axis ball screw assembly 18 to rotate, and further drives the integral Y-axis slide 16 to move linearly in the Y-axis direction along the integral Y-axis linear guide 15 through the integral Y-axis ball screw assembly 18. The integral Y-axis bearing 19 ensures the relative parallelism between the integral Y-axis linear guide 15 and the integral Y-axis ball screw assembly 18 and the smoothness of the rotation of the integral Y-axis ball screw assembly 18.

[0081] The overall Y-axis protective cover 21 is used to cover part or all of the overall Y-axis drive unit, and / or, part or all of the overall Y-axis linear guide 18, such as covering the overall Y-axis ball screw assembly 18, the overall Y-axis linear guide 15, etc. Its function is the same as that of the X-axis protective cover 9, and will not be described again.

[0082] An overall Y-axis limiting unit, connected to the overall Y-axis base plate 12 and / or the overall Y-axis linear guide rail 15, is used to limit the movement range of the overall Y-axis slide table 16 in the Y-axis. Specifically, the overall Y-axis limiting unit includes: an overall Y-axis limiting block 22, connected to the overall Y-axis base plate 12 and / or the overall Y-axis linear guide rail 15, and located on the movement path of the overall Y-axis slide table 16, used to block the movement of the overall Y-axis slide table 16 in the Y-axis; and / or, an overall Y-axis overtravel sensing switch 23 (such as an infrared sensor). The sensor (such as an optoelectronic sensing device) is connected to the overall Y-axis base plate 12 and / or the overall Y-axis linear guide rail 15, and is also connected to the overall Y-axis drive unit (such as the overall Y-axis drive motor 17). It is used to generate a sensing signal after being triggered by the overall Y-axis slide table 16 and send it to the overall Y-axis drive unit (such as the overall Y-axis drive motor 17), so that the Y-axis drive unit (such as the overall Y-axis drive motor 17) stops moving according to the sensing signal, and further stops driving the overall Y-axis slide table 16 to move along the Y-axis.

[0083] An overall Y-axis scale unit is used to indicate the sliding distance of the overall Y-axis slide 16. In this embodiment, the overall Y-axis scale unit includes: an overall Y-axis scale 24, an overall Y-axis pointer, and an overall Y-axis zero-point calibration reference block 25. The overall Y-axis scale 24 is detachably connected to the overall Y-axis base plate 12 / overall Y-axis protective cover 21 in the Y-axis direction. The overall Y-axis pointer is connected to the bottom of the overall Y-axis slide 16 and points to the overall Y-axis scale 24. The overall Y-axis zero-point calibration reference block 25 is detachably installed at the sliding start point of the overall Y-axis slide 16. By observing whether there is a gap between the overall Y-axis slide 16 and the overall Y-axis zero-point calibration reference block 25, it is determined whether the overall Y-axis slide 16 is located at the accurate sliding start point position. If there is a gap, manual calibration and adjustment are performed to ensure that the sliding distance of the overall Y-axis slide 16 meets the conditions. Its function is the same as that of the X-axis scale unit, and will not be described again.

[0084] Example 5:

[0085] The only difference between this embodiment and any one of embodiments 1-4 is that, Figures 11a-11b As shown, the Z-axis drive component 400 includes:

[0086] Z-axis mounting bracket 26, which is vertically connected to the integral Y-axis slide 16 of the integral Y-axis drive assembly 300;

[0087] Z-axis base plate 27, which is connected to the Z-axis mounting bracket 26;

[0088] Z-axis drive unit, which is connected to the Z-axis base plate 27;

[0089] Z-direction linear guide 28, which extends along the Z-direction and is connected to the Z-direction base plate 27;

[0090] The Z-axis slide 29 slides in cooperation with the Z-axis linear guide 28 and is connected to the Z-axis drive unit, the connecting seat of the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600, and the partial Y-axis drive assembly 500. Under the action of the Z-axis drive unit, it can drive the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the partial Y-axis drive assembly 500 to move linearly along the Z-axis linear guide 28 in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the Z-axis drive unit includes: a Z-axis drive motor 30 connected to the Z-axis base plate 27; a Z-axis ball screw assembly 31 connected to the Z-axis slide 29; and a Z-axis transmission assembly 32 (including a synchronous belt, synchronous pulley, or coupling, etc.) connected to the rotation output end of the Z-axis drive motor 30 and the Z-axis ball screw assembly 31, respectively. The bearing 33 cooperates with the Z-axis ball screw assembly 31, and the Z-axis bearing 33 and the Z-axis ball screw assembly 31 are coaxially arranged; and the third cable drag chain 34 is used to install the cable connected to the Z-axis drive motor 30. Its function is the same as that of the first drag chain 3 and the second drag chain 21, and will not be described again; similar to the X-axis drive unit and the overall Y-axis drive unit, the Z-axis drive motor 30 drives the Z-axis ball screw assembly 31 to rotate, and further drives the Z-axis slide table 29 to move linearly along the Z-axis linear guide rail 28 in the Z-axis direction through the Z-axis ball screw assembly 31. The Z-axis bearing 33 ensures the relative parallelism between the Z-axis linear guide rail 28 and the Z-axis ball screw assembly 31 and the smoothness of the rotation of the Z-axis ball screw assembly 31.

[0091] Z-axis limiting unit, which is connected to the Z-axis base plate 27 and / or the Z-axis linear guide rail 28, is used to limit the movement range of the Z-axis slide table 29 in the Z-axis direction; specifically, the Z-axis limiting unit includes: a Z-axis limiting block 35, which is connected to the Z-axis base plate 27 and / or the Z-axis linear guide rail 28 and is located on the movement path of the Z-axis slide table 29, and is used to block the movement of the Z-axis slide table 29 in the Z-axis direction; and / or, a Z-axis overtravel sensing switch 36 (such as an infrared sensor or other photoelectric sensing device), which is connected to the Z-axis base plate 27 and / or the Z-axis linear guide rail 28, and is also connected to a Z-axis drive unit (such as a Z-axis drive motor 30), which is used to generate a sensing signal after being triggered by the Z-axis slide table 29 and send it to the Z-axis drive unit (such as the Z-axis drive motor 30), so that the Z-axis drive unit (such as the Z-axis drive motor 30) stops moving according to the sensing signal, and further stops driving the Z-axis slide table 29 to move in the Z-axis direction;

[0092] Z-direction protective cover 39 is used to cover part or all of the Z-direction drive unit, and / or, part or all of the Z-direction linear guide 28, such as covering the Z-direction ball screw assembly 31, the Z-direction linear guide 28, etc. Its function is the same as that of the X-direction protective cover 9 and the overall Y-direction protective cover 21, and will not be described again.

[0093] The Z-axis scale unit is used to indicate the sliding distance of the Z-axis slide table 29. In this embodiment, the Z-axis scale unit includes: a Z-axis scale 37, a Z-axis pointer 38, and a Z-axis zero-point calibration reference block 40. The Z-axis scale 37 is detachably connected to the Z-axis base plate 27 and / or the Z-axis protective cover 39 in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis pointer 38 is connected to the bottom of the Z-axis slide table 29 and points to the Z-axis scale 37. The functions of the Z-axis pointer 38 and the Z-axis scale 37 are the same as those of the X-axis scale unit and the overall Y-axis scale unit, and will not be described again. The Z-axis zero-point calibration reference block 40 is detachably installed at the sliding start point of the Z-axis slide table 29. By observing whether there is a gap between the Z-axis slide table 29 and the Z-axis zero-point calibration reference block 40, it is determined whether the overall Z-axis slide table 29 is located at the accurate sliding start point position. If there is a gap, manual calibration and adjustment are performed.

[0094] Example 6:

[0095] The only difference between this embodiment and any one of embodiments 1-5 is that, Figures 12a-12b As shown, the local Y-axis driving component 500 includes:

[0096] A partial Y-axis base plate 41 is connected to the Z-axis slide 39 of the Z-axis drive assembly 400;

[0097] A local Y-axis drive unit, which is connected to the local Y-axis base plate 41;

[0098] A local Y-direction linear guide 42 extends along the Y direction and is connected to the local Y-direction base plate 41;

[0099] The partial Y-axis slide 43 is slidably engaged with the partial Y-axis linear guide 42 and connected to the connection seat 601 of the partial Y-axis drive unit and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700. Under the action of the partial Y-axis drive unit, it can drive the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 to move linearly in the Y-axis along the partial Y-axis linear guide 42.

[0100] Specifically, the local Y-axis drive unit includes: a local Y-axis drive motor 44 connected to the local Y-axis base plate 41; a local Y-axis ball screw assembly 45 connected to the local Y-axis slide 43; a local Y-axis transmission assembly 46 (including a timing belt, timing pulley, or coupling, etc.) connected to the rotation output end of the local Y-axis drive motor 44 and the local Y-axis ball screw assembly 45 respectively; and a local Y-axis bearing 47 cooperating with the local Y-axis ball screw assembly 45, wherein the local Y-axis bearing 47 and the local Y-axis ball screw assembly 45 are coaxially arranged. The local Y-axis drive motor 44 drives the local Y-axis ball screw assembly 45 to rotate, and further drives the local Y-axis slide 43 to move linearly in the Y-axis direction along the local Y-axis linear guide rail 42 through the local Y-axis ball screw assembly 45. The function of the local Y-axis bearing 47 is the same as that of the overall Y-axis bearing 19, and will not be described again.

[0101] The partial Y-axis protective cover 48 is used to cover part or all of the partial Y-axis drive unit, and / or, part or all of the partial Y-axis linear guide 42, such as covering the partial Y-axis ball screw assembly 45, the partial Y-axis linear guide 42, etc. Its function is the same as other protective covers, and will not be described in detail here.

[0102] A local Y-axis limiting unit, connected to the local Y-axis base plate 41 and / or the local Y-axis linear guide rail 42, is used to limit the movement range of the local Y-axis slide 43 in the Y-axis. Specifically, the local Y-axis limiting unit includes: a local Y-axis limiting block 49, connected to the local Y-axis base plate 41 and / or the local Y-axis linear guide rail 42, and located on the movement path of the local Y-axis slide 43, used to block the movement of the local Y-axis slide 43 in the Y-axis; and / or, a local Y-axis overtravel sensing switch 50 (such as an infrared sensor). The device is a photoelectric sensing device (such as a local Y-axis base plate 41 and / or a local Y-axis linear guide rail 42), and is also connected to a local Y-axis drive unit (such as a local Y-axis drive motor 44). It is used to generate a sensing signal after being triggered by the local Y-axis slide 43 and send it to the local Y-axis drive unit (such as a local Y-axis drive motor 44), so that the local Y-axis drive unit (such as a local Y-axis drive motor 44) stops moving according to the sensing signal, and further stops driving the local Y-axis slide 43 to move along the Y direction.

[0103] A local Y-axis scale unit is used to indicate the sliding distance of the local Y-axis slide table 43. In this embodiment, the local Y-axis scale unit includes: a local Y-axis scale 51, a local Y-axis pointer 52, and a local Y-axis zero-point calibration reference block 53. The local Y-axis scale 51 is detachably connected to the local Y-axis base plate 41 / local Y-axis protective cover 48 in the Y-axis direction. The local Y-axis pointer 52 is connected to the bottom of the local Y-axis slide table 43 and points to the local Y-axis scale 51. The local Y-axis zero-point calibration reference block 53... The reference block 53 is detachably installed at the sliding start point of the local Y-axis slide 43. By observing whether there is a gap between the local Y-axis slide 43 and the local Y-axis zero-point calibration reference block 53, it is determined whether the local Y-axis slide 43 is located at the accurate sliding start point position. If there is a gap, manual calibration and adjustment are performed to ensure that the sliding distance of the overall Y-axis slide 16 meets the conditions. Thus, the local Y-axis scale unit has a similar function to the X-axis scale unit, the local Y-axis scale unit, and the Z-axis scale unit, and will not be described in detail here.

[0104] Example 7:

[0105] The only difference between this embodiment and any one of embodiments 1-6 is that, Figure 13 As shown, a transparent window 54 is provided at the X-axis transmission component 5, and / or the overall Y-axis transmission component 20, and / or the Z-axis transmission component 32, and / or the partial Y-axis transmission component 46, thereby facilitating the observation of the operation status of the transmission components. Preferably, the transparent window 54 is made of acrylic material.

[0106] Example 8:

[0107] This embodiment provides a method for positioning a car body-in-white using the car body-in-white positioning fixture described in any one of embodiments 1-7 above, which includes the following steps:

[0108] S1. Obtain the vehicle model code information corresponding to the side panel of the car body-in-white, and determine the positions of the first clamping force Q1 and the second clamping force Q2 based on the vehicle model code information;

[0109] S2, the X-axis drive assembly 200 and the Z-axis drive assembly 400 drive the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 to move, and the partial Y-axis drive assembly 500 drives the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 to move, so that the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 reach the predetermined position.

[0110] S3. The car body in white is transported to the predetermined position, and the overall Y-direction drive assembly 300 drives the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 to move along the Y direction to the predetermined position.

[0111] S4. The first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 clamp the first side PB1 and the second side PB2 of the same B-pillar respectively through opening and closing actions.

[0112] S5. Welding is completed on the side panel P of the car body-in-white using welding robots, etc.

[0113] S6. The first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 are opened to release the side panel P of the car body in white.

[0114] S7. The overall Y-direction drive assembly 300 drives the first B-pillar clamping assembly 600 and the second B-pillar clamping assembly 700 to retract along the Y direction to the zero position.

[0115] S8. Repeat steps S1-S7 to complete the welding of the next automotive body-in-white side panel.

[0116] In summary, this invention uses two clamping components to clamp both sides of the same B-pillar, making the Y-axis positioning of the front and rear of the car body side panel more precise, thus ensuring consistent gaps between the side panel and the roof. Simultaneously, by adjusting the magnitude, direction, and point of application of the clamping force, and by using a local Y-axis drive component to move the second B-pillar clamping component, it adapts to the clamping requirements of different car body side B-pillars. Furthermore, the pressure applied to the contact surface by each clamping component is significantly reduced (only half the pressure applied by single-sided clamping), effectively preventing quality problems such as deformation and dents, and reducing defects in the side panel's appearance. This allows for complete fixation of the B-pillar position while effectively avoiding quality issues such as deformation and dents, and reducing defects in the side panel's appearance.

[0117] It should be noted that the technical features in embodiments 1 to 7 above can be combined arbitrarily, and the resulting technical solutions all fall within the protection scope of this application. Furthermore, in this document, terms such as "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0118] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A positioning fixture for the B-pillar of an automotive body-in-white, characterized in that, include: The first B-pillar clamping assembly is used to apply a first clamping force to the B-pillar of the side panel of the vehicle body-in-white in order to clamp the first side of the B-pillar PB. The second B-pillar clamping assembly is used to apply a second clamping force to the same B-pillar of the vehicle body-in-white side panel to clamp the second side of the B-pillar PB. And a motion component, which is used to drive the first B-pillar clamping component and / or the second B-pillar clamping component to move; The shortest distance from the point of application of the first clamping force on the B-pillar to the first side edge is 1-15% of the width of the B-pillar, and / or, the shortest distance from the point of application of the second clamping force on the B-pillar to the second side edge is 1-15% of the width of the B-pillar; The motion components include: an X-axis drive component, an overall Y-axis drive component, a Z-axis drive component, and a local Y-axis drive component; Wherein, the X-direction drive assembly is connected to the mounting bracket, the overall Y-direction drive assembly is connected to the X-direction drive assembly, the Z-direction drive assembly is connected to the overall Y-direction drive assembly, the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the partial Y-direction drive assembly are both connected to the Z-direction drive assembly, and the second B-pillar clamping assembly is connected to the partial Y-direction drive assembly; The local Y-direction driving component drives the second B-pillar clamping component to move in the Y direction, so that the second B-pillar clamping component clamps the second side of the B-pillar, and the first side and the second side of the B-pillar are not located on the same plane.

2. The automotive body-in-white B-pillar positioning fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the direction of the first clamping force and the Y direction is 0±45°, and / or the angle between the direction of the second clamping force and the Y direction is 0±45°.

3. The automotive body-in-white B-pillar positioning fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnitude of the first clamping force = the magnitude of the second clamping force * (1 ± 0.5)%.

4. The automotive body-in-white B-pillar positioning fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the point of application of the first clamping force on the B-pillar is equal to the height of the point of application of the second clamping force on the B-pillar * (1 ± 0.5)%.

5. The automotive body-in-white B-pillar positioning fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A transparent window is provided at the X-axis transmission component of the X-axis drive assembly, and / or at the overall Y-axis transmission component of the overall Y-axis drive assembly, and / or at the Z-axis transmission component of the Z-axis drive assembly, and / or at the local Y-axis transmission component of the local Y-axis drive assembly.

6. The automotive body-in-white B-pillar positioning fixture as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The X-axis transmission assembly, the overall Y-axis transmission assembly, the Z-axis transmission assembly, or the partial Y-axis transmission assembly includes one or more of a timing belt, a timing pulley, or a coupling.

7. The automotive body-in-white B-pillar positioning fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly have the same structure.

8. A method for positioning a car body-in-white using the B-pillar positioning fixture of any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Obtain the vehicle model code information corresponding to the side panel of the car body-in-white, and determine the positions of the first clamping force and the second clamping force based on the vehicle model code information; The X-axis drive assembly and the Z-axis drive assembly drive the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly to move. The local Y-axis drive assembly drives the second B-pillar clamping assembly to move, so that the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly reach the predetermined position. The car body in white is transported to the predetermined position, and the overall Y-direction drive assembly drives the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly to move along the Y direction to the predetermined position. Both the first B-pillar clamping assembly and the second B-pillar clamping assembly clamp the first and second sides of the same B-pillar respectively through opening and closing actions.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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