Automatic stud projection welding device and method

Abstract

Automatic stud projection welding device and method. The present invention belongs to the field of automobile welding production technology, and specifically relates to the field of projection welding. It solves the problems of low workpiece positioning accuracy in the stud projection welding process and workpiece shaking during stud projection welding. The device includes a ground support positioning component and a gripper component; the ground support positioning component includes a ground support foot, four support columns and a number of support blocks, and the gripper component includes a square steel pipe frame, four positioning components and an insulating component; after the gripper component is fixed to the welded part, it is fixed to the ground support positioning component to perform welding, and after the welding is completed, the gripper component drives the welded part to the next welding position. The device and method of the present invention can be applied in the fields of automobile welding production technology, automobile parts processing technology and stud projection welding technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of automobile welding production, and in particular relates to the field of projection welding. Background Art

[0002] Projection welding is a common welding method used in automobile body manufacturing. It uses high-pressure oil to grind the flange and then join two metal sheets together under high temperature and pressure. The advantages of the projection welding process include high weld strength, beautiful appearance, low steel requirements, and high work efficiency. Stud projection welding is used to weld studs and is mainly used in the automotive, aerospace and other industries. During welding, the stud and workpiece must be precisely welded. First, the workpiece must be clamped, then the stud is placed in the corresponding position, and the stud welding is performed, including spot welding and individual welding.

[0003] In automobile welding production lines, stud projection welding processes mostly use manual welding methods. As the degree of automation of the line becomes higher and higher, the stud projection welding process also uses the method of robots grabbing the workpiece and fixing it for welding. However, the positioning accuracy of fixed welding with ordinary grippers is not accurate enough, and the force used in the projection welding nut process is relatively greater than the force used when the servo welding clamp welds the workpiece, which will cause the workpiece grabbed by the robot to shake, affecting the welding quality of the stud projection welding. These are the difficulties of the stud projection welding process.

[0004] To address workpiece positioning and vibration issues in stud projection welding, existing technologies incorporate machine vision technology and sensor monitoring. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and feedback of the welding process, enabling timely adjustment of welding parameters and reducing errors. However, this approach does not reduce errors at their source; rather, it uses error correction to compensate for existing errors.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a method that can improve the positioning accuracy of the workpiece in the stud projection welding process and reduce the shaking of the workpiece during the stud projection welding process. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention solves the problems of low workpiece positioning accuracy and workpiece shaking during stud projection welding. The specific solution is as follows:

[0007] Solution 1: An automatic stud projection welding device, comprising a ground support and positioning component and a gripper component;

[0008] The ground support positioning component includes a ground support foot, four support columns and a plurality of support blocks, the support columns are fixed to the ground support corners, the support blocks are fixed to the ground support foot, and two support columns form a group of four support columns, respectively forming a first support column group and a second support column group, and the first support column group is arranged on the left side of the second support column group;

[0009] The gripper component includes a square steel tube frame, four positioning components and an insulating component, wherein the positioning component is fixed to the square steel tube frame, and the insulating component is fixed to the square steel tube frame; among the four positioning components, two positioning components form a group, respectively constituting a first positioning component group and a second positioning component group, and the first positioning component group is arranged on the left side of the second positioning component group;

[0010] The ground support positioning components and the gripper components are connected in such a manner that, during each connection, one positioning component in the first positioning component group is connected to one support column in the first support column group, and one positioning component in the second positioning component group is connected to one support column in the second support column group; different positioning components are connected to different support columns to form different welding positions;

[0011] The support column includes a support component, a clamp cylinder and a detection switch; a circular through hole is provided in the center of the support component, which is provided above the column body of the support column; a pressure head is provided on the clamp cylinder, and the clamp cylinder drives the pressure head to move up and down, and the clamp cylinder is provided on the side of the column body of the support column; the detection switch is connected to the top corner of the support component.

[0012] Furthermore, when the ground support positioning component and the gripper component are connected, the support block supports the square steel tube frame.

[0013] Furthermore, the positioning component includes a detection switch detection piece, a positioning pin, a gasket and a connecting plate; the detection switch detection piece is connected to the top corner of the positioning component, the gasket is fixed on the connecting plate, and the positioning pin is detachably connected to the gasket.

[0014] Furthermore, when the support column is connected to the positioning component, the support component is engaged with the positioning component, the positioning pin is inserted into the circular through hole, and the pressure head presses the support component and the positioning component together.

[0015] Furthermore, when the positioning pin is inserted into the circular through hole, the detection switch contacts the detection switch detection piece. At this time, the detection switch sends a position signal, and the clamp cylinder controls the pressure head to move downward, so that the support component and the positioning component are pressed together.

[0016] Furthermore, during welding, the robot is connected to the gripper component via the insulating component, and drives the gripper component to move to grip the welded workpiece.

[0017] Furthermore, the gripper component also includes a retractable positioning pin and several fixed positioning pins, and the retractable positioning pin and several fixed positioning pins are all installed on the square steel tube frame. When grabbing the welded part, the fixed positioning pin is first inserted into the gap of the welded part. After the fixation is completed, the retractable positioning pin is extended and inserted into the positioning hole of the welded part.

[0018] Furthermore, the gripper component also includes a plurality of cylinder clamping components, which are installed on the square steel pipe frame. After the retractable positioning pin is extended and inserted into the positioning hole of the welded part, the cylinder clamping component fastens the welded part to the gripper component.

[0019] Solution 2: An automatic stud projection welding method, wherein the method uses the automatic stud projection welding device as described in Solution 1 for welding, comprising the following steps:

[0020] Step S1: The robot drives the gripper component to grab the welded part;

[0021] Step S2: The robot drives the gripper component to the welding position, the detection switch sends a position signal, the support component and the positioning component are pressed together, and the projection welding device welds;

[0022] Step S3: After welding is completed, the pressure head is opened, the robot drives the gripper component to move to another welding position, the detection switch sends a position signal, the support component and the positioning component are pressed together, and the projection welding device welds;

[0023] Step S4: After welding is completed, the pressure head is opened and the robot drives the gripper component to leave.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the automatic stud projection welding device of the present invention are:

[0025] (1) On the basis of the traditional fixed welding system, a ground support and positioning component is added. After the gripper component grabs the workpiece to be welded, it is fixedly connected to the ground support and positioning component. The ground support and positioning component provides stable support for the gripper component, ensuring that the gripper component does not shake or sway during the welding process.

[0026] The connection between the ground support positioning component and the gripper component is realized through the connection between the support column and the positioning component. Different support columns can be connected to different positioning components, thereby ensuring that the welded parts are fixed in different welding positions, which can improve the workpiece positioning accuracy in the stud projection welding process.

[0027] (2) In order to further improve the support force of the gripper components and ensure that the gripper components do not shake, support blocks are added, and the setting of the support blocks is flexible and can be adjusted according to specific needs.

[0028] (3) The connection method between the support column and the positioning component is designed in a refined and automated manner; first, a circular through hole is provided in the center of the support component in the support column, and a positioning pin is provided in the positioning component, and the positioning pin is engaged with the circular through hole to make the connection more stable; secondly, a detection switch is provided in the support column, and a switch detection piece is provided in the positioning component. After the detection switch contacts the switch detection piece, a signal is sent to make the pressure head provided in the support column move downward, so that the support component and the positioning component are pressed together. The automatic pressing method as described above not only further ensures the fixation of the positioning component, but is also an automated process, making the operation process simpler.

[0029] (4) In order to ensure the firmness of the welded parts during the stud projection welding process, a connection method between the positioning component and the welded parts is designed, which changes the original method of the positioning component grabbing the welded parts for welding, and makes the positioning component and the welded parts detachable. Specifically, first, a positioning pin is set in the positioning component to preliminarily fix the position of the welded parts, and then the cylinder clamping component in the positioning component is used to fix it, so that the welded parts and the positioning component are firmly connected. When the welded parts need to move, the positioning component drives the welded parts to move to different support columns, thereby realizing the rapid positioning and movement of the welded parts and the firm connection of the welded parts.

[0030] The device and method of the present invention can be applied in the fields of automobile welding production technology, automobile parts processing technology and stud projection welding technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 A structural diagram of a ground support and positioning component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 A structural diagram of a gripper component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 A structural diagram of a positioning component provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a first welding position provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a second welding position provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Example 1.

[0038] This embodiment provides an automatic stud projection welding device, which includes a ground support and positioning component 1 and a gripper component 2;

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, it is a structural diagram of a ground support positioning component 1, the ground support positioning component 1 includes a ground support foot 11, four support columns 12 and a plurality of support blocks 13, the support columns 12 are fixed on the ground support angle 11, the support blocks 13 are fixed on the ground support foot 11, and among the four support columns 12, two support columns 12 form a group, respectively constituting a first support column 12 combination and a second support column 12 group, and the first support column 12 group is arranged on the left side of the second support column 12 group;

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, it is a structural diagram of the gripper component 2, which includes a square steel tube frame 21, four positioning components 22 and an insulating component 23. The positioning components 22 are fixed to the square steel tube frame 21, and the insulating component 23 is fixed to the square steel tube frame 21; among the four positioning components 22, two positioning components 22 form a group, respectively constituting a first positioning component 22 group and a second positioning component 22 group, and the first positioning component 22 group is arranged on the left side of the second positioning component 22 group;

[0041] The connection mode of the ground support positioning component 1 and the gripping component 2 is as follows: each time a connection is made, one positioning component 22 in the first positioning component 22 group is connected to one supporting column 12 in the first supporting column 12 group, and one positioning component 22 in the second positioning component 22 group is connected to one supporting column 12 in the second supporting column 12 group; different positioning components 22 are connected to different supporting columns 12 to form different welding positions. This embodiment provides two optional welding positions, such as Figure 4 The first welding position is shown in Figure 5 The second welding position is shown. In practical applications, other welding positions can be combined according to actual needs.

[0042] Example 2.

[0043] This embodiment is a further limitation of Example 1, and specifically introduces the role of the support block 13. When the ground support positioning component 1 and the gripping component 2 are connected, the support block 13 supports the square steel tube frame 21, further improving the supporting force of the gripping component 2, ensuring that the gripping component does not shake, and adding support blocks. The setting of the support blocks is flexible and can be adjusted according to specific needs.

[0044] Example 3.

[0045] This embodiment is a further limitation of embodiment 1. Figure 1 As shown, the support column 12 includes a support component 121, a clamp cylinder 122 and a detection switch 123; a circular through hole 1211 is provided in the center of the support component 121, which is provided above the column body of the support column 12; a pressure head 1221 is provided on the clamp cylinder 122, and the clamp cylinder 122 drives the pressure head 1221 to move up and down, and the clamp cylinder 122 is provided on the side of the column body of the support column 12; the detection switch 123 is connected to the top corner of the support component 121.

[0046] like Figure 3 The figure shows the structure diagram of the positioning component 22, and the positioning component 22 includes a detection switch detection piece 221, a positioning pin 222, a gasket 223 and a connecting plate 224; the detection switch detection piece 221 is connected to the top corner of the positioning component 22, and the gasket 223 is fixed on the connecting plate 224, and the gasket 223 is set to 3 groups, which can be adjusted in the three directions of X, Y and Z to ensure positioning accuracy. The positioning pin 222 is detachably connected to the gasket 223. When the support column 12 is connected to the positioning component 22, the support component 121 is engaged with the positioning component 22, the positioning pin 222 is inserted into the circular through hole 1211, and the pressure head 1221 presses the support component 121 and the positioning component 22.

[0047] When the positioning pin 222 is inserted into the circular through hole 1211, the detection switch 123 contacts the detection switch detection piece 221. At this time, the detection switch 123 sends a position signal, and the clamp cylinder 122 controls the pressure head 1221 to move downward, so that the support component 121 is pressed against the positioning component 22.

[0048] The automatic pressing method as described above not only further ensures the fixation of the positioning component 22, but is also an automated process, making the operation process simpler.

[0049] Example 4.

[0050] This embodiment is a further limitation of Example 1. During projection welding, it is also necessary to ensure that the current forms a welding circuit between the workpiece and the projection welding machine without affecting other equipment. Therefore, this device is provided with the insulating component 23. During welding, the robot is connected to the gripper component 2 through the insulating component 23, so that the workpiece and the projection welding machine form a closed loop, and drive the gripper component 2 to move to grab the welded workpiece.

[0051] Example 5.

[0052] This embodiment is a further limitation of embodiment 1. In order to ensure the firmness of the welded parts during the stud projection welding process, a connection method between the positioning component 22 and the welded parts is designed. The original method of the positioning component grabbing the welded parts for welding is changed, and the positioning component 22 and the welded parts are detachably connected.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the gripper component 2 also includes a retractable positioning pin 24 and several fixed positioning pins 25, and the retractable positioning pin 24 and several fixed positioning pins 25 are all installed on the square steel tube frame 21. When grabbing the welded part, the fixed positioning pin is first inserted into the pore of the welded part. After the fixation is completed, the retractable positioning pin 24 is extended and inserted into the positioning hole of the welded part. The gripper component 2 also includes several cylinder clamping components 26, and the cylinder clamping components 26 are installed on the square steel tube frame 21. After the retractable positioning pin 24 is extended and inserted into the positioning hole of the welded part, the cylinder clamping component 26 fastens the welded part to the gripper component 2.

[0054] In this embodiment, a valve island component 27 is further installed on the square steel tube frame 21 in the gripper component 2 for controlling the cylinder clamping component 26 .

[0055] Example 6.

[0056] This embodiment provides an automatic stud projection welding method, which uses the automatic stud projection welding device described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 5 for welding, including the following steps:

[0057] Step S1: The robot drives the gripper component 2 to grab the welded part;

[0058] Step S2: The robot drives the gripper component 2 to the welding position, the detection switch 123 sends a position signal, the support component 121 and the positioning component 22 are pressed together, and the projection welding device welds;

[0059] Step S3: After welding is completed, the pressure head 1221 is opened, the robot drives the gripper component 2 to move to another welding position, the detection switch sends a position signal, the support component 121 and the positioning component 22 are pressed together, and the projection welding device welds;

[0060] Step S4: After welding is completed, the pressure head 1221 is opened, and the robot drives the gripper component 2 to leave.

[0061] The automatic stud projection welding method provided by the present invention ensures the accuracy requirements of the projection welding points, while avoiding possible shaking of the workpiece during the welding process. At the same time, it is compatible with multiple welding positions, greatly improving the quality and efficiency of projection welding.

Claims

1. An automatic stud projection welding device, characterized in that: The device comprises a ground support positioning component (1) and a gripper component (2); The ground support positioning component (1) comprises a ground support foot (11), four support columns (12) and a plurality of support blocks (13), wherein the support columns (12) are fixed on the ground support foot (11), and the support blocks (13) are fixed on the ground support foot (11), and among the four support columns (12), two support columns (12) form a group, respectively forming a first support column group and a second support column group, and the first support column group is arranged on the left side of the second support column group; The gripper component (2) comprises a square steel tube frame (21), four positioning components (22) and an insulating component (23), wherein the positioning components (22) are fixed on the square steel tube frame (21), and the insulating component (23) is fixed on the square steel tube frame (21); among the four positioning components (22), two positioning components (22) form a group, respectively constituting a first positioning component group and a second positioning component group, and the first positioning component group is arranged on the left side of the second positioning component group; The ground support positioning component (1) and the gripper component (2) are connected in the following manner: each time a connection is made, a positioning component (22) in the first positioning component group is connected to a support column (12) in the first support column group, and a positioning component (22) in the second positioning component group is connected to a support column (12) in the second support column group; different positioning components (22) are connected to different support columns (12) to form different welding positions; The support column (12) comprises a support component (121), a clamp cylinder (122) and a detection switch (123); a circular through hole (1211) is provided in the center of the support component (121) and is arranged above the column body of the support column (12); a pressure head (1221) is provided on the clamp cylinder (122), and the clamp cylinder (122) drives the pressure head (1221) to move up and down, and the clamp cylinder (122) is arranged on the side of the column body of the support column (12); the detection switch (123) is connected to the top corner of the support component (121).

2. The automatic stud projection welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the ground support positioning component (1) and the gripper component (2) are connected, the support block (13) supports the square steel tube frame (21).

3. The automatic stud projection welding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning component (22) comprises a detection switch detection piece (221), a positioning pin (222), a gasket (223) and a connecting plate (224); the detection switch detection piece (221) is connected to the top corner of the positioning component (22), the gasket (223) is fixed on the connecting plate (224), and the positioning pin (222) is detachably connected to the gasket (223).

4. The automatic stud projection welding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the support column (12) is connected to the positioning component (22), the support component (121) is engaged with the positioning component (22), the positioning pin (222) is inserted into the circular through hole (1211), and the pressing head (1221) presses the support component (121) and the positioning component (22) together.

5. The automatic stud projection welding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the positioning pin (222) is inserted into the circular through hole (1211), the detection switch (123) contacts the detection switch detection piece (221), and the detection switch (123) sends a position signal. The clamp cylinder (122) controls the pressure head (1221) to move downward, so that the support component (121) and the positioning component (22) are pressed together.

6. The automatic stud projection welding device according to claim 5, characterized in that: During welding, the robot is connected to the gripper component (2) via the insulating component (23), and drives the gripper component (2) to move to grip the welded part.

7. The automatic stud projection welding device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The gripper component (2) further comprises a retractable positioning pin (24) and a plurality of fixed positioning pins (25), wherein the retractable positioning pin (24) and the plurality of fixed positioning pins (25) are all mounted on the square steel tube frame (21). When the welded part is grasped, the fixed positioning pin is first inserted into the pore of the welded part. After the fixing is completed, the retractable positioning pin (24) is extended and inserted into the positioning hole of the welded part.

8. The automatic stud projection welding device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The gripper component (2) further comprises a plurality of cylinder clamping components (26), wherein the cylinder clamping components (26) are mounted on the square steel tube frame (21), and after the retractable positioning pin (24) is extended and inserted into the positioning hole of the welded part, the cylinder clamping component (26) fastens the welded part to the gripper component (2).

9. An automatic stud projection welding method, characterized in that: The method uses the automatic stud projection welding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for welding, comprising the following steps: Step S1, the robot drives the gripper component (2) to grab the welded part; Step S2: The robot drives the gripper component (2) to the welding position, the detection switch (123) sends a position signal, the support component (121) and the positioning component (22) are pressed together, and the projection welding device welds; Step S3: After the welding is completed, the pressure head (1221) is opened, the robot drives the gripper component (2) to move to another welding position, the detection switch sends a position signal, the support component (121) and the positioning component (22) are pressed together, and the projection welding device welds; Step S4: After welding is completed, the pressure head (1221) is opened, and the robot drives the gripper component (2) to leave.

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