A flexible pinch device and laser welding apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a flexible pressing device and laser welding equipment, which comprises a mounting base provided with a plurality of mounting holes and a pressing unit arranged through the mounting holes and separable from the mounting holes, which is used for applying adjustable pressure to a workpiece to press the workpiece. According to the type and size of the workpiece, different numbers of pressing units can be selected and mounted on corresponding mounting holes to press different areas of the workpiece. Meanwhile, the pressure applied to the workpiece by the pressing unit can be flexibly adjusted to meet different welding process requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser welding, specifically to a flexible clamping device and laser welding equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of laser welding, it is usually necessary to use a clamping device to press the area near the weld point of the workpiece to promote the close fit between the workpieces with no gaps or minimal gaps, so as to meet the quality requirements of laser welding.

[0003] Currently, most commonly used clamping devices are cylinder-driven rotary clamping arms or translational clamping arms. The clamping arms drive the clamping blocks to move, thereby clamping a designated position near the weld point. When adjusting the pressure, it can only be achieved by adjusting the thickness of the clamping block shims or adjusting the output power of the cylinder. As can be seen, the above-mentioned clamping devices are complex in structure, large in size, heavy in weight, and have poor flexibility. The equipment is prone to overload, and the process of adjusting the pressure near the weld point is cumbersome.

[0004] Especially when there are a large number of welding points, such as dozens to hundreds, using the existing clamping device would significantly increase the cost of equipment design and use. Furthermore, the complex structure would severely encroach on the working space of other components such as the laser welding head and scanning detection device, making debugging difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a flexible clamping device and laser welding equipment. Different numbers of clamping units can be selected and installed on corresponding mounting holes according to the type and size of the workpiece to clamp different areas of the workpiece. At the same time, the pressure applied to the workpiece by the clamping unit can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different welding process requirements.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A flexible clamping device is provided, comprising:

[0008] The mounting base has several openings;

[0009] And a clamping unit, part of which applies pressure to the workpiece after passing through the opening to clamp the workpiece.

[0010] Preferably, the clamping unit is detachably mounted at the opening.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping unit includes:

[0012] case;

[0013] A pressure regulating block is connected to the housing, and the pressure regulating block and the housing can move relative to each other in the axial direction;

[0014] A pressure bar has a first end and a second end, and a first step portion is formed on its outer peripheral surface inside the housing. The first end of the pressure bar is located outside the housing and is used to contact the workpiece.

[0015] And an elastic element, which is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the pressure rod, with one end abutting against the inner wall surface of the closed end of the pressure adjusting block, and the other end abutting against the first step portion of the pressure rod.

[0016] Preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the housing is provided with external threads, and the inner wall surface of the pressure regulating block is provided with internal threads, and the two can be threadedly connected.

[0017] Preferably, the pressure regulating block and the housing are slidably fitted in the axial direction.

[0018] Preferably, the second end of the pressure rod extends into the housing and is located inside the housing, or the second end extends into the housing and extends out of the housing.

[0019] Preferably, the shape of the part of the first end of the pressure rod that contacts the workpiece matches the surface of the workpiece; or, the first end of the pressure rod includes: an end rod body, and a contour block that connects the end rod body and contacts the workpiece, and the shape of the part of the contour block that contacts the workpiece matches the surface of the workpiece.

[0020] Preferably, the flexible clamping device further includes:

[0021] A locking element is used to lock the housing after the housing of the clamping unit passes through the opening.

[0022] Preferably, the locking element includes: an internal thread disposed on the inner wall of the mounting hole and an external thread disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, so that the housing and the opening are connected by threads.

[0023] Preferably, the locking element further includes a locking unit for locking the housing.

[0024] Preferably, the locking unit includes one or more of the following: a snap-fit ​​assembly, a fastening assembly, and a threaded connection assembly.

[0025] Preferably, the inner wall of the locking unit is provided with an internal thread, which is threadedly connected to the external thread of the housing through the internal thread.

[0026] Preferably, a through hole is provided on the closed end of the pressure regulating block, and the second end of the pressure rod extends into the through hole and is located inside the through hole; or, the second end of the pressure rod passes through the through hole and extends to the outside of the pressure regulating block.

[0027] Preferably, the inner wall surface of the housing has a second stepped portion.

[0028] Preferably, the flexible clamping device further includes an axial limiting member for limiting the position of the second end of the clamping rod.

[0029] Preferably, the axial limiting member includes:

[0030] A retaining ring is located above the voltage regulating block;

[0031] And a pressure bar fastener, one end of which passes through the axial opening of the retaining ring and is connected to the second end of the pressure bar.

[0032] A laser welding device is also provided, characterized in that it includes: a laser welding head, the aforementioned flexible clamping device, and a support; the support is used to support the workpiece.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0034] The flexible clamping device of this invention is lightweight and occupies little space. Different numbers of clamping units can be selected and installed on the corresponding mounting holes according to the type and size of the workpiece to clamp different areas of the workpiece. At the same time, the pressure applied to the workpiece by the clamping unit can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different welding process requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the flexible clamping device in this invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is an overall structural diagram of the clamping unit in this invention;

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Structural diagram at point A;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the clamping unit in this invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the clamping unit during pressure adjustment in this invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the clamping unit with two sets of locking nuts in this invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the axial limiting component in this invention;

[0042] Figure 8 This is an overall structural diagram of the laser welding equipment in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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.

[0044] Example 1:

[0045] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a flexible clamping device, which includes:

[0046] The mounting base 100 has a plurality of openings 101 (in this embodiment, the number of openings 101 is 100-200); the mounting base 100 can be matched with different types of workpieces or similar workpieces of different sizes; and the openings 101 are all located close to the welding points of the workpiece P.

[0047] And a clamping unit 200, a portion of which, after passing through the opening 101, applies adjustable pressure to the workpiece P to clamp the workpiece P; in this embodiment, the workpiece P includes an automobile body floor.

[0048] In this embodiment, there are also several clamping units 200, and one clamping unit 200 is provided at each opening 101. For example, in this embodiment, the clamping unit 200 can be detachably installed at the opening 101 by means of detachable connecting parts such as bolts and buckles, as long as it can be ensured that part of the clamping unit 200 can pass through the opening 101.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, according to the requirements of the welding process, the number of weld points, and other factors, a corresponding number of clamping units 200 can be selected and installed at the corresponding opening 101 to achieve clamping and fixing of a specific area of ​​the workpiece P (such as a designated clamping point at the weld point). This is compatible with the welding process requirements of different workpieces and similar workpieces of different sizes. Moreover, the clamping units 200 can be produced according to the requirements of standard parts, which makes it easy to replace damaged clamping units 200 at any time. At the same time, the clamping units 200 can be recycled after being separated from the opening 101 and then matched with the redesigned mounting base 100 for use, so as to achieve flexible production.

[0050] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown in Figure 4, at least one clamping unit 200 includes:

[0051] The shell 201 is a columnar structure with a regular geometric cross-section and is hollow inside. In this embodiment, the diameter of the shell 201 is 15-35mm (preferably 25mm), and its cross-section can be a circular, regular N-gon, rectangular, elliptical, or other axisymmetric or centrally symmetric shape. At the same time, an opening 101 is provided for one shell 201 to pass through, and the shell 201 can be separated from the opening 101.

[0052] The pressure regulating block 204 has a cylindrical structure with an open end 2043 and a closed end 2041. A through hole 2042 is provided on the closed end 2041. The pressure regulating block 204 is connected to the housing 201 through the open end 2043. The pressure regulating block 204 and the housing 201 can move relative to each other in the axial direction Y. Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201 is provided with external threads, and the inner wall surface of the pressure regulating block 204 (especially the inner wall surface of the open end 2043) is provided with internal threads. The two can be threaded together, and the pressure regulating block 204 can be moved in the axial direction Y by rotating it. It should be noted that the above relative movement can also be achieved by using linear sliding components such as axially arranged slide grooves and slide rails, so that the pressure regulating block 204 and the housing 201 slide in the axial direction.

[0053] The pressure rod 203 has a first end 2032 and a second end 2033, and a first step portion 2031 located inside the housing 201 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pressure rod 203. At the same time, the pressure rod 203 is clearance-fitted with the housing 201, and the first end 2032 of the pressure rod 203 is located outside the housing 201, and the second end 2033 extends into the housing 201 along the axial direction Y and is located inside the housing 201, or the second end 2033 extends into the housing 201 along the axial direction Y and extends out from the housing 201.

[0054] And an elastic element 202, which is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the pressure rod 203, with one end abutting against the inner wall surface of the closed end 2041 of the pressure adjusting block 204, and the other end abutting against the first step portion 2031 of the pressure rod 203; preferably, the elastic element 202 in this embodiment includes a spring.

[0055] The housing 201, elastic element 202, pressure rod 203, and pressure adjusting block 204 are coaxially arranged.

[0056] In use, first move the mounting base 100 above the workpiece P using a robotic arm or similar equipment, then... Figure 5 As shown in part (a), the corresponding opening 101 can be selected for use in the area to be pressed as needed (generally near the weld point of the workpiece). Then, the housing 201 is passed through the opening 101 on the mounting base 100 so that the two are coaxially arranged, as shown in part (a). Figure 5As shown in part (b), the pressure adjusting block 204 is driven to move toward the workpiece P in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow by means of rotation (such as clockwise rotation) or pushing until the first end 2032 of the pressure rod 203 protruding from the housing 201 contacts the workpiece P (preferably in perpendicular contact). At this time, the pressure adjusting block 204 is driven to move toward the workpiece P, and the elastic element 202 is compressed, thereby applying pressure to the first step portion 2031 of the pressure rod 203 and transmitting it to the workpiece P, thereby achieving the pressing of the workpiece P.

[0057] Furthermore, if increased pressure is required, the pressure regulating block 204 is driven to move toward the workpiece P, causing the elastic element 202 to be compressed further, thereby generating a greater force on the first step portion 2031 of the pressure rod 203 and increasing the pressure on the workpiece P. Conversely, by rotating in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) or pulling, the pressure regulating block 204 is driven to move away from the workpiece P along the dotted line direction, causing the elastic element 202 to extend and the force on the first step portion 2031 of the pressure rod 203 to be smaller, further reducing the pressure on the workpiece P, thus achieving flexible adjustment of the pressure on the workpiece P.

[0058] It should be noted that if the pressure regulating block 204 is driven by pushing / pulling, after the pressure regulating block 204 reaches the predetermined position, its position is fixed by a corresponding limiting device, such as a locking block, to prevent its position from changing.

[0059] Therefore, the aforementioned clamping unit 200 has the advantages of simple structure, light weight, small space occupation, and convenient debugging. At the same time, it can realize flexible adjustment of the pressure on the workpiece P to adapt to different welding process requirements, thus greatly reducing costs and improving economic benefits.

[0060] Example 2:

[0061] The only difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the shape of the part of the first end 2032 of the pressure rod 203 that contacts the workpiece P matches the surface of the workpiece.

[0062] Or, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first end 2032 of the pressure rod 203 includes: an end rod body 20321, and a contour block 20322 that connects to the end rod body 20321 and contacts the workpiece P. The shape of the part of the contour block 20322 that contacts the workpiece P matches the surface of the workpiece to achieve a better pressing effect.

[0063] Example 3:

[0064] The only difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 or 2 is that the flexible clamping device further includes:

[0065] A locking element is used to lock the housing 201 of the pressing unit 200 after the housing 201 of the pressing unit 200 passes through the opening 101, so as to fix the position of the housing 201.

[0066] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown in Figure 6, the locking element includes:

[0067] The internal thread provided on the inner wall of the opening 101, the external thread provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 201, and the locking unit 205;

[0068] Therefore, the housing 201 and the opening 101 can be connected by threads, so that the housing 201 is locked; and / or, after the housing 201 passes through the opening 101, the locking unit 205 locks the housing 201, wherein the locking unit 205 includes one or more of the following: snap-fit ​​components (such as snap rings, buckles, etc.), fastening components, threaded connection components, etc.

[0069] For example, to further ensure the fastening effect, after the housing 201 and the opening 101 are threadedly connected, the locking unit 205 further locks the housing 201 to further reinforce its position. Alternatively, the locking unit 205 can lock the housing 201 simply after it passes through the opening 101, without needing to cooperate with the threaded structure of the housing 201 and the opening 101.

[0070] Preferably, in this embodiment, the inner wall surface of the locking unit 205 is provided with an internal thread, and the locking unit 205 is threadedly connected to the external thread of the housing 201 through its internal thread to prevent the housing 201 from loosening. Preferably, in this embodiment, there are two locking units 205, located above and below the mounting base 100 respectively, thereby further tightening and fixing the housing 201 through the two locking units 205.

[0071] Example 4:

[0072] The only difference between this embodiment and any one of embodiments 1-3 is that, Figure 4 As shown, the second end 2033 of the pressure rod 203 extends into the through hole 2042 and is located inside the through hole 2042, or the second end 2033 of the pressure rod 203 passes through the through hole 2042 and extends to the outside of the pressure regulating block 204.

[0073] Furthermore, the second end 2033 of the pressure rod 203 is clearance-fitted with the through hole 2042 and does not rotate circumferentially. Thus, the pressure rod 203 can be radially limited through the through hole 2042 to prevent it from shifting.

[0074] Example 5:

[0075] The only difference between this embodiment and any one of embodiments 1-4 is that, Figure 4 As shown, the inner wall surface of the housing 201 has a second stepped portion 2011, as... Figure 5 As shown, when the pressure regulating block 204 moves toward the workpiece P, it drives the elastic element 202 to move synchronously, so as to push the pressure rod 203 toward the workpiece P through the elastic element 202. When the pressure rod 203 moves to the point where the first step 2031 is flush with the second step 2011, the elastic element 202 simultaneously abuts against the second step 2011. At this time, the elastic element 202 can no longer apply a pushing force to the pressure rod 203, and the pressure rod 203 stops moving.

[0076] Thus, the stroke of the pressure rod 203 can be adjusted through the second step 2011, avoiding excessive compression of the elastic element 202 and thus avoiding excessive pressure on the pressure rod 203, thereby further realizing flexible adjustment of the pressure on the workpiece P.

[0077] Example 6:

[0078] The only difference between this embodiment and any one of embodiments 1-5 is that, Figure 4 As shown in Figure 7, the flexible clamping device further includes:

[0079] An axial limiting member 206 is used to limit the position of the second end 2033 of the pressure rod 203.

[0080] Specifically, the axial limiting member 206 includes:

[0081] A retaining ring 2061 is located above the pressure regulating block 204, and its orthogonal projection on the closed end 2041 of the pressure regulating block 204 covers all / part of the through hole 2042.

[0082] And a pressure rod fastener 2062 (including bolts or other shaft or rod components), one end of which passes through the axial opening 20611 of the retaining ring 2061 and is connected to the second end 2033 of the pressure rod 203, and the other end is located outside the retaining ring 2061, and its orthogonal projection on the retaining ring 2061 covers all / part of the axial opening 20611;

[0083] Therefore, the position of the pressure rod 203 can be restricted by the retaining ring 2061 and the pressure rod fastener 2062, so that the pressure rod 203 always moves in the axial direction Y to avoid deviation, and further apply pressure evenly to the workpiece P to avoid deformation of the workpiece P.

[0084] Example 7:

[0085] This embodiment provides a laser welding device (preferably a laser flying welding device), such as... Figure 8 As shown, it includes: a laser welding head, the flexible clamping device described in any one of Examples 1-6, and a bracket 300;

[0086] The bracket 300 is used to support the workpiece P. The flexible clamping device can be moved above the workpiece P by the action of a robotic arm or other equipment to clamp the workpiece P. Meanwhile, the openings 101 on the mounting base 100 are all located near the welding points of the workpiece P.

[0087] Therefore, in the aforementioned laser welding equipment, a flexible clamping device is only needed near the weld point, leaving ample space for the laser welding head to be adjusted and processed, which is beneficial for improving the adjustment effect and welding quality. Furthermore, even with hundreds of clamping units (200 units), the weight of a single flexible clamping device does not exceed 400 kg, ensuring that the robot's handling / lifting load meets safety standards. This eliminates the need to purchase additional heavy-duty robots or equipment, resulting in significant cost savings.

[0088] In summary, the flexible clamping device of this application is lightweight and occupies little space. Different numbers of clamping units can be selected and installed on the corresponding mounting holes according to the type and size of the workpiece to clamp different areas of the workpiece. At the same time, the pressure applied to the workpiece by the clamping unit can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different welding process requirements, thus greatly reducing costs and improving economic efficiency.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 flexible clamping device, characterized in that, include: The mounting base has several openings; And a clamping unit, part of which, after passing through the opening, applies pressure to the workpiece to clamp the workpiece; The clamping unit can be detachably installed at the opening; The clamping unit includes: case; The pressure regulating block has a cylindrical structure with an open end and a closed end. A through hole is provided on the closed end. The pressure regulating block is connected to the housing through the open end, and the pressure regulating block and the housing can move relative to each other in the axial direction. A pressure bar has a first end and a second end, and a first step portion is formed on its outer peripheral surface inside the housing. The first end of the pressure bar is located outside the housing and is used to contact the workpiece. And an elastic element, which is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the pressure rod, with one end abutting against the inner wall surface of the closed end of the pressure adjusting block, and the other end abutting against the first step portion of the pressure rod; The inner wall surface of the housing is formed with a second step; the second end of the pressure rod passes through the through hole and extends to the outside of the pressure regulating block, or the second end of the pressure rod extends into the through hole and is located inside the through hole; When the pressure adjusting block moves toward the workpiece, it drives the elastic element to move synchronously, so as to push the pressure rod toward the workpiece through the elastic element; when the pressure rod moves to the point where the first step and the second step are flush, the elastic element simultaneously abuts against the second step, so that the elastic element can no longer apply the pushing force to the pressure rod, and the pressure rod stops moving.

2. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the housing is provided with external threads, and the inner wall surface of the pressure regulating block is provided with internal threads, and the two can be connected by threads.

3. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure regulating block and the housing are axially slidingly fitted together.

4. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the pressure rod extends into the housing and protrudes from the housing.

5. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the part of the first end of the pressure rod that contacts the workpiece matches the surface of the workpiece.

6. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the pressure bar includes: an end rod body, and a contour block that connects to the end rod body and contacts the workpiece, wherein the shape of the part of the contour block that contacts the workpiece matches the surface of the workpiece.

7. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible clamping device also includes: A locking element is used to lock the housing after the housing of the clamping unit passes through the opening.

8. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The locking component includes: an internal thread disposed on the inner wall of the opening and an external thread disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, so that the housing and the opening are connected by threads.

9. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The locking component further includes a locking unit for locking the housing.

10. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The locking unit includes one or more of the following: a snap-fit ​​assembly, a fastening assembly, and a threaded connection assembly.

11. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The inner wall of the locking unit is provided with an internal thread, which is threadedly connected to the external thread of the housing through the internal thread.

12. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible clamping device further includes an axial limiting member, which is used to limit the position of the second end of the pressure rod.

13. The flexible clamping device as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The axial limiting component includes: A retaining ring is located above the voltage regulating block; And a pressure bar fastener, one end of which passes through the axial opening of the retaining ring and is connected to the second end of the pressure bar.

14. A laser welding device, characterized in that, include: A laser welding head, a flexible clamping device as described in any one of claims 1-13, and a support; the support is used to support a workpiece.

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