A teaching tool for edge rolling of tire molds

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of automotive edging technology, specifically relating to a tire mold edging teaching tool, including a base connected to a robot, the base and a roller being adsorbed together and can be detached under external force; the base has a rolling surface that rolls along the tire mold, and the roller has a rolling surface that can press the tire mold when the base and the tire mold are in contact and rolling; this invention solves the problems of repeatedly changing angles during the teaching process and damage to the tire mold due to improper force applied by the teaching tool; this invention can simplify the teaching steps, improve teaching efficiency and quality, and avoid damage to the teaching tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive edging technology, and more specifically to a tire mold edging teaching tool. Background Technology

[0002] Car doors, hoods, and tailgates are the main exterior body panels of a car, and their craftsmanship and construction directly affect the car's aesthetics. As the largest exterior body panel, car doors often employ edging techniques to make their lines more elegant and smooth.

[0003] In current technology, most automakers use robotic hemming systems to edge car doors. Robotic hemming systems utilize robots in conjunction with specific hemming tools to repeatedly roll the edges of the outer door panel along a pre-set trajectory. To improve the quality and aesthetics of the door hemming, the rolling tool needs to be adjusted at several rolling angles. However, considering accuracy issues, the pre-set trajectory and angles cannot be directly used in industrial manufacturing. Therefore, engineers must correct the simulated trajectory; this process is called teaching. The simulated trajectory is composed of a series of feature points, the number of which is related to the complexity of the hemming line, generally numbering in the hundreds. During teaching, engineers rely on visual inspection and experience to determine the rolling trajectory and angles. Because the angle and trajectory influence each other, this method suffers from high subjectivity and insufficient accuracy. Moreover, during teaching, the teaching tool needs to maintain constant contact with the mold; both the angle and trajectory alter the pressure exerted by the teaching tool on the mold. Improper force can damage the robot or the mold. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a tire mold edge-rolling teaching tool, which solves the issues of repeatedly changing angles during the teaching process and damaging the tire mold due to improper force applied to the teaching tool.

[0005] A tire mold edge-rolling teaching tool includes a base connected to a robot on one side and a roller located on the other side of the base; the base and the roller are magnetically connected, such that the base and the roller have a first state of being connected under suction and a second state of being separated under external force; the base has a rolling surface that can roll in contact with the tire mold; the roller has a rolling surface that can roll the tire mold when the base and the tire mold are in contact and rolling.

[0006] Preferably, the rolling surface is a cylindrical surface; the rolling surface is a variable cross-section, and the diameter of the variable cross-section first remains constant and then increases linearly from the connection side between the roller and the substrate to the opposite side of the connection side.

[0007] Furthermore, in the first state, the edge of the rolling surface is in close contact with the edge of the rolling surface.

[0008] Furthermore, the substrate has a hollow structure, and a magnet is fixed inside the substrate; the roller is a combination structure of a frustum and a cylinder, and the roller is made of a magnetic material.

[0009] Furthermore, the magnet is ring-shaped; the magnet is located at the center of the substrate, and the edge of the magnet abuts against the inner wall of the substrate.

[0010] Preferably, the substrate has a hollow structure, and a first magnet is fixed inside the substrate;

[0011] The roller has a hollow structure, and a second magnet is fixed inside the roller.

[0012] Preferably, in the first state, the inclination angle of the rolling surface relative to the horizontal direction is 0° / 30° / 60°.

[0013] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:

[0014] 1. In the technical solution provided in this application, the connection between the substrate and the roller remains in contact with the edge of the mold during the teaching process. This avoids the need to repeatedly adjust the angle of the teaching tool when the line shape and angle change during teaching, thus simplifying the teaching process. The constant contact between the substrate and the roller and the edge of the mold serves as a reference trajectory for the teaching path. When the teaching tool rolls along the reference trajectory, the pressure between the teaching tool and the mold determines the rolling quality. Shifting the decisive factor in rolling quality from manual to mechanical control significantly improves the accuracy of quality control. The reference trajectory provides a specific benchmark for the teaching path; when correcting the teaching path for the programmed path, only an offset to the reference trajectory is needed for automatic correction.

[0015] 2. When making trajectory corrections based on the reference trajectory, the pressure between the teaching tool and the mold must be controlled within a specific range. Within this range, the roller can form a rolled edge on the mold, and the teaching tool (the connection surface between the rolled edge and the base) will not deform or damage the mold due to excessive pressure.

[0016] 3. The roller edge and the base are connected by an adsorption method, so that the connection surface between the roller edge and the base is aligned with the edge of the mold. When the tangential component of the force generated by the external force on the connection surface exceeds the adsorption between the roller edge and the base, the connection surface between the base and the roller changes from the first state of overlap to the second state of separation, preventing the teaching tool from squeezing the mold and causing damage to the mold.

[0017] 4. Designing the rolling surface as a cylindrical surface improves the fit between the cylindrical surface and the mold edge, resulting in a more stable rolling process and easier control of the pressure point. The rolling surface is designed with a variable cross-section, achieving the rolling function while also creating a smooth transition with the rolling surface. Multiple tilt angles can be designed in the linearly increasing diameter section of the variable cross-section to meet different rolling profile requirements. To complement the cylindrical surface and adsorption connection, the base structure is designed as a hollow column with a ring magnet installed within. The ring magnet supports the inner wall of the hollow structure, providing stable support and ensuring more uniform force distribution along the circumferential direction, thus improving the accuracy of the robot's control over the teaching pendant's pressure range. The ring magnet also ensures that the adsorption of the base to the roller has a symmetrical point along the radial direction. This design does not generate forces in other directions at the connection surface, potentially ensuring that the required release force remains the same even when the force on the teaching pendant exceeds the adsorption force in any direction. A bolt can be inserted into the central opening of the ring magnet to fix the magnet in place. At the same time, the size of the central opening of the ring magnet can be controlled to adjust the attraction force of the magnet base on the roller. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This application provides an application diagram of a die-molding edge-teachable tool.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the substrate and the roller described in this application in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the substrate described in this application in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the roller described in this application in one embodiment;

[0023] 1. Base; 2. Roller; 3. Magnet; 4. Countersunk screw; 5. Set screw; 6. Hex screw; 7. Robot; 8. Mold. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application; however, this application may be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0027] As attached Figure 1 As shown, a tire mold 8 rolling teaching tool includes a base 1 connected to a robot 7 on one side and a roller 2 located on the other side of the base 1; the base 1 and the roller 2 are connected by adsorption, so that the base 1 and the roller 2 have a first state of being connected under suction and a second state of being separated under external force.

[0028] The base 1 has a rolling surface that can roll in contact with the mold 8; the roller 2 has a rolling surface that can roll the mold 8 when the base 1 rolls in contact with the mold 8.

[0029] When using the robot 7 edge-pressing system to press the edges of a car door, the pressing trajectory of the pressing tool controlled by the robot 7 is initially set through programming, and then corrected by engineers. This correction process is called teaching. The pressing trajectory of the teaching tool during teaching is called the teaching trajectory, which is generally composed of hundreds of feature points connected in series. Since edge pressing is formed by multiple pressings by the robot 7 with pressing tools at different angles, workers need to visually judge the trajectory and angle of the pressing tool during teaching, which can lead to deviations in the teaching trajectory and angle. In this application, the teaching tool is divided into an adsorption-connected roller 2 and a base 1, and the connecting surfaces of the two are aligned with the edge of the mold 8. Engineers can judge whether the roller 2 can form a good quality indentation by observing the degree of adhesion between the teaching tool and the mold 8. Those skilled in the art should understand that by controlling the pressure between the teaching tool and the edge of the mold 8 within a specific range, the adhesion between the teaching tool and the mold 8 can be achieved. In this application, the human factors that determine the rolling quality are transformed into mechanical factors, which can significantly improve the efficiency of the teaching process, simplify the teaching steps, and improve the accuracy of the teaching.

[0030] In this application, the rolling surface is the surface of the base 1, and the rolling surface is the surface of the roller 2. The base 1 is connected to the robot 7 and rotates under the control of the robot 7. The edge of the connection surface between the base 1 and the roller 2 is the contact surface between the teaching tool and the edge of the mold 8. While controlling the rotation of the teaching tool, the robot 7 simultaneously applies downward pressure to the edge of the mold 8. This downward pressure cannot always remain perpendicular to the contact point / contact surface in the radial direction. When the teaching trajectory changes, the pressure in the direction perpendicular to the contact point or contact surface will change. When the pressure direction changes, the rolling pressure of the rolling surface on the mold 8 must rely on the component force of the robot 7 on the teaching tool. By using this method to connect the teaching trajectories, trajectory changes or angle changes that are not easily perceptible to the naked eye can be transformed into changes in the fit between the teaching tool and the mold 8 that are easily discernible to the naked eye, or, more precisely, the pressure range applied by the robot 7 can be set. By transforming the decision factors, this application simplifies the teaching steps and improves the accuracy of teaching, thereby improving teaching efficiency.

[0031] As attached Figure 2As shown in the preferred embodiment of this application, the rolling surface is cylindrical and the rolling surface has a variable cross-section. The diameter of the variable cross-section is the same as that of the cylindrical surface at the connection point, and then increases linearly. The linearly increasing portion forms a certain angle with the horizontal direction on the same side. Designing the rolling surface as a cylindrical surface results in better contact between the cylindrical surface and the edge of the mold 8, a more stable rolling process, and easier control of the pressure point. Designing the rolling surface as a variable cross-section allows for a good transition with the rolling surface while achieving the rolling function. Multiple tilt angles can be designed in the linearly increasing diameter portion of the variable cross-section to meet different rolling profile requirements.

[0032] In one specific embodiment, the angle formed by the linearly increasing portion of the variable cross-section and the horizontal direction on the same side is 30°. In another specific embodiment, the angle formed by the linearly increasing portion of the variable cross-section and the horizontal direction on the same side is 0°, that is, the diameter of roller 2 is the same as the diameter of base 1. Multiple angles are set so that rollers 2 with different angles can be interchanged to meet different edging shapes.

[0033] As attached Figure 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of this application, the connection between the substrate 1 and the roller 2 is an adsorption connection. This application does not specifically limit the implementation of the adsorption connection; it can be achieved through magnet adsorption 3, adsorption using atmospheric pressure, or adsorption with a strong adhesive and an intermediate medium. The aim is to create a stable and controllable first state where the roller 2 is connected to the substrate 1, and a second state where it separates under external force. By using an adsorption connection between the roller edge and the substrate 1, the connecting surface of the roller edge and the substrate 1 is aligned with the edge of the mold 8. When the tangential component of the force generated by the external force on the connecting surface exceeds the adsorption effect between the roller edge and the substrate 1, the connecting surface of the substrate 1 and the roller 2 changes from the overlapping first state to the separated second state, preventing the teaching tool from squeezing the mold 8 and causing damage.

[0034] In one specific embodiment of this method, the base 1 is a cylindrical hollow structure, and the roller 2 is a combination of a frustum and a short cylinder. A magnet 3, which is ring-shaped, is installed inside the base 1. The ring magnet 3 can be supported on the inner wall of the hollow structure of the base 1, providing stable support for the base 1 and making the force on the base 1 more uniform along the circumferential direction, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the robot 7 in controlling the pressure range of the teaching pendant. The ring magnet 3 also ensures that the adsorption of the base 1 on the roller 2 has a symmetrical point along the radial direction. This design does not generate force components in other directions at the connection surface, which may ensure that when the force on the teaching pendant in any direction exceeds the adsorption force, the required detachment force is the same. A bolt can be inserted into the central opening of the ring magnet 3 to fix the magnet 3. Simultaneously, the size of the central opening of the ring magnet 3 can be controlled to adjust the adsorption force of the magnet 3 on the base 1 on the roller 2.

[0035] In another specific embodiment of this method, both the substrate 1 and the roller 2 are hollow structures, with a first magnet 3 fixed inside the substrate 1 and a second magnet 3 fixed inside the roller 2. Using two magnets 3 to fix the roller 2 to the substrate 1 increases the strength at the connection surface between the roller 2 and the substrate 1, reduces potential vibrations, and further improves the stability of the rolling process.

[0036] As attached Figure 4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of this application, a through hole is provided at the center of the roller 2, and a hexagonal screw 6 is provided in the through hole to reinforce the roller 2. A countersunk screw 4 is provided in the base 1 with an annular magnet 3 to reinforce the base 1, and a countersunk hole is provided on the rolling surface of the base 1. A set screw 5 is installed in the countersunk hole to fix the base 1 to the base of the robot 7 for connecting the base 1.

[0037] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0038] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0039] The foregoing is merely an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should all be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A teaching tool for edge rolling of a tire mold, characterized in that, It includes a base connected to the robot on one side and a roller located on the other side of the base; the base and the roller are connected by adsorption, so that the base and the roller have a first state of being connected under the action of suction and a second state of being separated under the action of external force; The substrate has a rolling surface that can roll in contact with the mold, and the rolling surface is a cylindrical surface; The roller has a rolling surface that can roll the mold when the base and the mold are in contact and rolling; the rolling surface has a variable cross section, and the diameter of the variable cross section first remains unchanged and then increases linearly from the side where the roller is connected to the base to the side opposite to the connecting side; In the first state, the edge of the rolling surface is in close contact with the edge of the rolling surface; The substrate has a hollow structure, and a magnet is fixed inside the substrate; The roller is a combination structure of a frustum and a cylinder, and the roller is made of a magnetic material. The edge of the connection surface between the substrate and the roller is the contact surface between the teaching tool and the edge of the mold. By controlling the pressure between the teaching tool and the edge of the mold within a specific range, the teaching tool and the mold can be made to fit together.

2. The tire mold hemming teaching tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnet is ring-shaped; the magnet is located at the center of the substrate, and the edge of the magnet abuts against the inner wall of the substrate.

3. The tire mold hemming teaching tool as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The substrate has a hollow structure, and a first magnet is fixed inside the substrate; The roller has a hollow structure, and a second magnet is fixed inside the roller.

4. The tire mold hemming teaching tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the first state, the inclination angle of the rolling surface relative to the horizontal direction is 0°, 30°, or 60°.

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