Self-piercing riveting device, system and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a self-piercing riveting device, system and method. The riveting assembly (1) includes a riveting drive unit, a transfer unit and a feeding unit. The riveting drive unit (1) is provided with a feeding trough (107). The transfer unit is provided with an assembly station (13). The feeding unit is mounted on the riveting drive unit. The detection assembly includes a label drive unit, a label conveying unit, a first laser component (22) and an imaging unit (23). The label drive unit is connected to the riveting drive unit and is provided with a label conveying trough. The label conveying unit is mounted on the label drive unit. The first laser component (22) and the imaging unit (23) are mounted on the riveting drive unit. The control unit is respectively connected to the riveting drive unit (1), the transfer unit, the feeding unit, the label drive unit, the label conveying unit, the first laser component (22) and the imaging unit (23). The present disclosure can detect the spacing between riveting points and automatically adjust the workpiece product so that the riveting point position meets the riveting requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of riveting processing equipment, and in particular to a self-piercing riveting equipment, system and method based on riveting point distance detection. Background Art

[0002] Self-piercing riveting is a method used in the machining industry to connect parts and is a key process in industrial production. It is a cold-joining technique used to connect two or more sheets, securely joining them together without pre-drilling or threading. Self-piercing riveting uses a specially designed rivet to penetrate the top sheet. The rivet die then expands the hollow structure at the end of the rivet, allowing it to penetrate the bottom sheet without piercing the bottom sheet, thus forming a secure joint.

[0003] At present, existing self-piercing riveting is usually performed using a self-piercing riveting machine, which uses the punch of the riveting machine to cooperate with the rivet to perform stamping to complete the riveting; however, when performing riveting processing, the existing self-piercing riveting machine may cause a certain error in the spacing of the riveted points due to some unavoidable factors in the production and manufacturing process, such as material deformation, tooling accuracy, position alignment deviation, etc., which may cause the riveted point position to deviate from the design requirements, resulting in poor workpiece connection effect or damage to the workpiece, thereby affecting the overall connection quality.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a self-piercing riveting device that can detect the spacing between riveting points and then automatically adjust the position of the workpiece product so that the position of the riveting points meets the riveting requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above shortcomings, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-piercing riveting device, system and method based on riveting point distance detection, which has a high degree of automation and flexible application. It can project luminous objects to generate light spots at the riveting points, and then calculate the distance between the light spots through image recognition technology, automatically adjust the position of the workpiece to be riveted, so that the spacing of the riveting points meets the riveting requirements, so as to reduce the deviation of the riveting point position from the design requirements and the impact on the riveted workpiece and the overall connection quality.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a self-piercing riveting device based on riveting point distance detection, including: a riveting component, including a riveting drive unit, a transfer unit and a feeding unit, the riveting drive unit is provided with a feed trough, and the riveting operation is performed on the workpiece to be riveted through the riveting drive unit; the transfer unit is provided with an assembly station, and the assembled workpiece to be riveted is driven by the transfer unit to move along a preset path; the feeding unit is installed on the riveting drive unit and is connected to the rivet strip to be riveted, and the movement path of the rivet strip to be riveted through the feed trough is constrained by the feeding unit; the detection component includes a label drive unit, a label conveying unit, a first laser component and an imaging unit, the label drive unit is connected to the riveting drive unit, and the label conveying unit The label driving unit is provided with a label conveying slot; the label conveying unit is installed on the label driving unit, and the output end of the label conveying unit is connected to the label conveying slot, and the detection label is conveyed to the riveted rivet through the label conveying unit; the first laser component is installed on the riveting driving unit, and the first laser component is used to irradiate the detection label of the riveted rivet to form a first detection light spot, and then the second detection light spot is projected to the area to be riveted through the first laser component; the imaging unit is installed on the riveting driving unit, and the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot is identified by the imaging unit; a control unit is respectively connected to the riveting driving unit, the transfer unit, the feeding unit, the label driving unit, the label conveying unit, the first laser component and the imaging unit.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the distance between the previous rivet point and the next rivet point can be obtained through the combination of the first detection light spot, the second detection light spot and the image recognition technology. When the distance exceeds the riveting design requirements, the X-axis and / or Y-axis position of the workpiece to be riveted is automatically adjusted to make the rivet point position meet the riveting design requirements, thereby reducing the impact of the rivet point position deviation from the design requirements on the riveted workpiece and the overall connection quality.

[0008] Preferably, the riveting drive unit includes a die base, a material strip tube, a guide base, a first driving member and a punch. The material strip tube is installed on the die base and is provided with a material strip through hole for constraining the rivet strip to pass through; the guide base is installed on the die base and is provided with a feed trough and a rivet groove; the first driving member is installed on the die base, and the output end of the first driving member is at least partially inserted into the rivet groove; one end of the punch is at least partially inserted into the rivet groove and is connected to the output end of the first driving member, and the other end of the punch is located on the same center extension line as the center point of the die base processing end.

[0009] Preferably, the riveting drive unit further includes a first moving member, an output end of the first moving member is connected to the mold base, and the mold base is driven to move along a first preset direction by the first moving member.

[0010] Preferably, the transfer unit includes a second moving member, a third moving member, a limiting member, a second driving member and a workpiece fixing member. The third moving member is installed at the moving end of the second moving member, and the third moving member is provided with an assembly station. The third moving member is driven by the second moving member to move along the second preset direction, and the third moving member moves along the third preset direction; the limiting member is installed in the assembly station of the third moving member, and the placement position of the workpiece to be riveted is constrained by the limiting member; the second driving member is installed in the assembly station, and the workpiece fixing member is connected to the driving end of the second driving member. The workpiece fixing member is driven by the second driving member to move toward the assembly station direction to fix the workpiece to be riveted.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the die base and the workpiece to be riveted can be driven to move in the X, Y, and Z axis directions, thereby adjusting the positions of the die base and the workpiece to be riveted, thereby improving the efficiency and adaptability of self-piercing riveting.

[0012] Preferably, the second driving member includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the first cylinder is installed at the first end of the assembly station, and the second cylinder is installed at the second end of the assembly station; the workpiece fixing member includes a first fixing block and a second fixing block, the first fixing block is connected to the first cylinder, and the first cylinder drives the first fixing block to fix one end of the workpiece to be riveted; the second fixing block is connected to the second cylinder, and the second cylinder drives the second fixing block to fix the other end of the workpiece to be riveted.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple ends of the workpiece to be riveted placed in the assembly station can be fixed, thereby improving the fixing effect of the workpiece and reducing the impact of the shaking of the workpiece on the riveting deviation.

[0014] Preferably, the feeding unit includes a first mounting member and a winding drive member, the first mounting member is mounted on the die base, the winding drive member is mounted on the first mounting member, and the winding drive member is connected to the rivet strip to be riveted, and the rivet strip to be riveted is driven by the winding drive member through the material strip tube and the feed trough.

[0015] Preferably, the feeding unit further comprises structural adhesive and a sealing film layer, the structural adhesive is filled in the cavity of the rivet to be riveted, and the structural adhesive is covered in the cavity of the rivet to be riveted by the sealing film layer.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the structural adhesive can penetrate into the gap between the rivet and the workpiece to be riveted, thereby improving the riveting effect of the rivet.

[0017] Preferably, the label driving unit includes a second mounting member, a rotating member and a material guide seat, the second mounting member is mounted on the mold base, the rotating member is mounted on the second mounting member, the material guide seat is connected to the driving end of the rotating member, and the material guide seat is provided with a feed through hole, and the material guide seat is driven by the rotating member to move toward the assembly station.

[0018] Preferably, the label conveying unit includes a storage part and a label conveying part, the storage part stores detection labels, one end of the label conveying part is connected to the output end of the storage part, and the other end of the label conveying part is connected to the material guide seat, and the detection labels stored in the storage part are conveyed to the material guide seat through the label conveying part.

[0019] Preferably, the detection component further includes a second laser component and a third laser component, the second laser component is mounted on the mold base, and the third laser component is mounted on the third movable component, the first distance between the detection component and the workpiece to be riveted is obtained by the second laser component, and the second distance between the detection component and the workpiece to be riveted is obtained by the third laser component, and then the thickness data of the workpiece to be riveted is calculated according to the first distance and the second distance.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the thickness data of each riveting point area of ​​the workpiece to be riveted can be obtained in real time, and then different axial pressures can be controlled according to the different thicknesses of the riveting point areas to rivet the rivet to the workpiece to be riveted, thereby improving the riveting efficiency and avoiding the influence of different rivet depths caused by different thicknesses on the riveting effect.

[0021] The present invention also provides a self-piercing riveting system based on riveting point distance detection, comprising the self-piercing riveting device based on riveting point distance detection, and further comprising: a frame on which the self-piercing riveting device is installed.

[0022] The present invention also provides a self-piercing riveting method based on riveting point distance detection, using the self-piercing riveting system based on riveting point distance detection, the method includes: S1: moving the workpiece to be riveted placed at the assembler position along a first preset path, and then moving the rivet belt to be riveted toward the output end of the riveting drive unit, and positioning the first rivet and the center of the first riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted on the same center extension line; S2: moving the first rivet toward the first riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted by the riveting drive unit to perform a riveting operation; S3: after the riveting of the first riveting point is completed, the detection label transported by the label transport unit is placed on the first rivet by the label drive unit, and then the first laser component is irradiated on the detection label of the first rivet for a preset time to form a first detection light spot; S4: The workpiece moves along the second preset path, so that the first laser component is projected toward the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted, forming a second detection light spot; S5: acquiring image data of the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot, and then performing distance identification between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot; S6: then judging whether the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot meets the preset riveting distance. If so, the rivet strip to be riveted is moved toward the output end of the riveting drive unit, and the center of the second rivet and the second riveting point are located on the same center extension line, and then the second rivet is moved toward the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted by the riveting drive unit to perform the riveting operation. If not, the workpiece to be riveted is moved along the third preset path, and the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot is adjusted to the preset riveting distance.

[0023] Preferably, when performing a riveting operation, the method includes: S20: obtaining a first distance and a second distance, and then determining thickness data of the workpiece to be riveted based on the first distance and the second distance; S21: adjusting the axial pushing force of the riveting drive unit to a preset value based on the thickness data, and then moving the rivet toward the riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted through the riveting drive unit according to the preset value to perform a riveting operation.

[0024] Based on the above content, the present invention can obtain the distance between each riveting point. When the spacing exceeds the riveting design requirements, the X-axis and / or Y-axis position of the workpiece to be riveted is automatically adjusted to make the riveting point position meet the riveting design requirements, thereby reducing the impact of the riveting point position deviation from the design requirements on the riveted workpiece and the overall connection quality.

[0025] Based on the above, the present invention can realize the precise positioning and movement of the workpiece to be riveted in different directions, thereby increasing flexibility and applicability. At the same time, the workpiece to be riveted can be fixed at multiple ends, thereby ensuring the stability and positioning accuracy of the workpiece during the riveting process, which is conducive to improving the quality of self-piercing riveting.

[0026] Based on the above, the present invention can provide additional bonding strength by allowing structural adhesive to penetrate into the gap between the rivet and the workpiece to be riveted, thereby increasing the stability and firmness of the riveted point. This can, to a certain extent, fill the gap between the metal materials and increase the contact area, thereby improving the load-bearing capacity and shear strength of the connection. At the same time, the structural adhesive filling can prevent external substances such as moisture and dust from invading the connection point, thereby reducing the possibility of oxidation and corrosion and extending the service life of the connection.

[0027] Based on the above content, the present invention can obtain the thickness data of each riveting point area of ​​the workpiece to be riveted in real time, and then control different axial pressures according to the different thicknesses of the riveting point areas to rivet the rivet to the workpiece to be riveted, thereby improving the riveting efficiency and avoiding the influence of different rivet depths caused by different thicknesses on the riveting effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0029] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the self-piercing riveting system based on riveting point distance detection of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the application of the self-piercing riveting technology of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a connection diagram of the self-piercing riveting system based on riveting point distance detection of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the self-piercing riveting device based on riveting point distance detection of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a front view schematic diagram of the self-piercing riveting device based on riveting point distance detection of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 It is a first perspective schematic diagram of the transfer unit of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a schematic top view of the transfer unit of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 It is a second perspective schematic diagram of the transfer unit of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9It is a first stereoscopic schematic diagram of the riveting assembly and the detection assembly of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a second stereoscopic schematic diagram of the riveting assembly and the detection assembly of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 It is a first stereoscopic schematic diagram of the tag driving unit area of ​​the present invention.

[0040] Figure 12 4 is a second stereoscopic schematic diagram of the tag driving unit area of ​​the present invention.

[0041] Figure 13 3D is a third stereoscopic schematic diagram of the tag driving unit area of ​​the present invention.

[0042] Figure 14 It is an application schematic diagram of the area where the structural adhesive layer of the present invention is located. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0044] One aspect of the present invention provides a self-piercing riveting device based on riveting point distance detection. The self-piercing riveting device described herein preferably belongs to the self-piercing riveting category using rivets as the connecting material. Self-piercing riveting devices using rivets as the connecting material include, but are not limited to, handheld electric riveting machines, manual riveting machines, and automated riveting machines. These self-piercing riveting devices all use rivets as the connecting material, applying force through a drive mechanism to pierce the material, and then continuously increasing axial pressure to expand the rivet to complete the connection of two or more materials. Self-piercing riveting devices are suitable for workpieces and products that require high connection strength, lightweightness, and durability. They are used in the automotive manufacturing industry (such as connecting body panels, beams, door panels, roofs, and other components), the aerospace industry (such as connecting components on aircraft and satellites), rail transportation (such as connecting components such as the body structure, seats, and chassis of railway vehicles), and home appliance and electronic product manufacturing (such as connecting metal casings, circuit boards, radiators, and other components). In addition to the above fields, self-piercing riveting technology has also been applied in the fields of construction, military industry, and shipbuilding. In summary, the basic principle of the self-piercing riveting equipment involved is: the rivet is driven through the material using an axial pressure drive mechanism. When the rivet passes through the material, its expanded part will encounter resistance, causing the rivet end to expand inside the material. During the expansion process, the rivet end will form an expanded shape inside the material to ensure the firmness of the connection.

[0045] In some embodiments, the self-piercing riveting system based on riveting point distance detection is composed of at least a frame 4 and a self-piercing riveting device based on riveting point distance detection.

[0046] Among them, reference Figure 1 As shown, a protective net 41 and a control panel 42 are installed on the frame 4, and a processing station 40 is provided on the frame 4.

[0047] Among them, reference Figure 1 As shown, the self-piercing riveting device is installed on the processing station 40 of the frame 4.

[0048] refer to Figures 1-11 As shown, in some embodiments, the self-piercing riveting device based on riveting point distance detection is composed of at least a riveting component 1, a detection component, and a control unit 3.

[0049] Riveting component 1

[0050] The riveting assembly 1 includes a riveting drive unit, a transfer unit and a feeding unit. The riveting drive unit is provided with a feed trough 107, through which the riveting drive unit performs riveting operations on the workpiece to be riveted; the transfer unit is provided with an assembly station 13, through which the assembled workpiece to be riveted is driven to move along a preset path; the feeding unit is installed on the riveting drive unit and is connected to the rivet strip to be riveted, and the feeding unit constrains the movement path of the rivet strip to be riveted through the feed trough 107.

[0051] Among them, reference Figure 4-Figure 9 As shown, the riveting drive unit includes a die base, a first movable part 101, a material strip tube 102, a guide base 103, a first drive part 104 and a punch 105. The die base includes a mounting bracket 1000, a connecting frame 1001, and a rivet die 1002. The mounting bracket 1000 is installed on the processing station 40 of the frame 4, the connecting frame 1001 is installed in the mounting bracket 1000, and a riveting station is opened; the rivet die 1002 is installed in the riveting station of the connecting frame 1001.

[0052] The first movable member 101 is installed on the mounting bracket 1000, and the output end of the first movable member 101 is connected to the connecting frame 1001, and the mold base is driven to move along the first preset direction by the first movable member 101, wherein the first movable member 101 can be any form of driving mechanism as long as it can drive the connecting frame 1001 to move back and forth in a straight line, including but not limited to hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices, servo motors (driving screws, cams, etc.) and other driving mechanisms that provide reciprocating linear motion power. In this embodiment, a servo electric cylinder is referenced; the first preset direction is set by the operator according to actual needs and costs. In this embodiment, it is preferably reciprocating motion in the direction of the workpiece to be riveted, that is, reciprocating motion in the Z-axis direction.

[0053] The material strip tube 102 is installed on the connecting frame 1001 and is provided with a material strip through hole 106 for constraining the rivet strip to pass through. The number of the material strip tubes 102 is set by the operator according to actual needs. In this embodiment, at least two are referenced, namely the first tube body and the second tube body.

[0054] The guide seat 103 is installed on the connecting frame 1001 and is provided with a feed slot 107 and a riveting slot.

[0055] The first driving member 104 is installed on the connecting frame 1001, and the output end of the first driving member 104 is at least partially inserted into the rivet groove, wherein the first driving member 104 can be any form of driving mechanism as long as it can move back and forth in a straight line, including but not limited to hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices, servo motors (driving screws, cams, etc.) and other driving mechanisms that provide reciprocating linear motion power. In this embodiment, a gas-liquid booster cylinder is referenced.

[0056] One end of the punch 105 is at least partially inserted into the rivet groove and connected to the output end of the first driving member 104 , and the other end of the punch 105 is located on the same center extension line as the center point of the die base processing end.

[0057] Among them, reference Figure 6-Figure 8 As shown, the transfer unit includes a second moving part 110, a third moving part 111, a limiting part 112, a second driving part 113 and a workpiece fixing part 114, the second moving part 110 includes a first moving source 1100 and a first linear slide 1101, the input end of the first linear slide 1101 is connected to the first moving source 1100, and the first linear slide 1101 is driven by the first moving source 1100 to move along a second preset direction; wherein, the second preset direction is set by the operator according to actual needs and costs, and in this embodiment, it is preferably a reciprocating motion in the Y-axis direction.

[0058] The third moving part 111 includes a first moving platform 1110, a second moving source 1111, a second linear slide 1112, and a second moving platform 1113. The first moving platform 1110 is connected to the sliding end of the first linear slide 1101, and the first moving platform 1110 is driven to move by the first linear slide 1101; the second moving source 1111 is installed on the first moving platform 1110, the input end of the second linear slide 1112 is connected to the second moving source 1111, the second moving platform 1113 is connected to the sliding end of the second linear slide 1112, and the second moving platform 1113 is provided with an assembly station 13, and the second linear slide 1112 is driven by the second moving source 1111 to drive the second moving platform 1113 to move along a third preset direction; wherein, the third preset direction is set by the operator according to actual needs and cost, and in this embodiment, it is preferably reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction.

[0059] Among them, as long as the first moving source 1100 and the second moving source 1111 can drive the linear slide to move, they can be any form of driving mechanism, including but not limited to the driving form of a servo motor in combination with a screw, a belt, and a rack. In this embodiment, reference is made to the driving form of a servo motor in combination with a belt.

[0060] The limiting member 112 is installed in the assembly station 13 of the second movable platform 1113 , and the limiting member 112 constrains the placement position of the workpiece to be riveted.

[0061] The second driving member 113 is installed in the assembly station 13, and the workpiece fixing member 114 is connected to the driving end of the second driving member 113. The workpiece fixing member 114 is driven by the second driving member 113 to move toward the assembly station 13 to fix the workpiece to be riveted; wherein, the second driving member 113 can be any form of driving mechanism as long as it can drive the workpiece fixing member 114 to move back and forth, including but not limited to hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices, electric devices, etc. to provide reciprocating linear motion power. In this embodiment, a driving cylinder is referenced.

[0062] Among them, reference Figure 4-Figure 5 As shown, the feeding unit includes a first mounting member 120 and a winding drive member 121, the first mounting member 120 is installed on the connecting frame 1001, and the winding drive member 121 includes a driving motor 1210 and a reel 1211, the driving motor 1210 is installed on the first mounting member 120, the reel 1211 is connected to the output end of the driving motor 1210, and the reel 1211 is provided with a rivet strip to be riveted, and the reel 1211 is driven by the driving motor 1210 to drive the rivet strip to be riveted to move between the first tube body, the feed trough 107 and the second tube body.

[0063] Detection components

[0064] The detection component includes a label driving unit, a label conveying unit, a first laser element 22 and an imaging unit 23. The label driving unit is connected to the riveting driving unit, and the label driving unit is provided with a label conveying slot; the label conveying unit is installed on the label driving unit, and the output end of the label conveying unit is connected to the label conveying slot, and the detection label is conveyed to the riveted rivet through the label conveying unit; the first laser element 22 is installed on the connecting frame 1001, and the detection label adhered to the riveted rivet is irradiated by the first laser element 22 to form a first detection light spot, and then the second detection light spot is projected to the area to be riveted through the first laser element 22; the imaging unit 23 is installed on the mounting frame, and the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot is identified by the imaging unit.

[0065] Among them, reference Figures 9-11 As shown, the tag driving unit includes a second mounting member 200 , a rotating member 201 and a material guide seat 202 . The second mounting member 200 is mounted on the connecting frame 1001 and fixedly connected to the connecting frame 1001 .

[0066] The rotating member 201 is installed on the second mounting member 200 , the material guide seat 202 is connected to the driving end of the rotating member 201 , and the material guide seat 202 is provided with a feed through hole 203 , which is driven by the rotating member 201 to reciprocate toward the assembly station 13 .

[0067] Among them, reference Figure 9 As shown, the label conveying unit includes a storage part 210 and a label conveying part 211. The storage part 210 is installed on the mounting bracket 1000, and the storage part 210 is provided with a storage cavity. The storage cavity stores detection labels, wherein the detection labels are set by the operator according to actual needs, and in this embodiment, reference is made to fluorescent powder or mucus with fluorescent powder.

[0068] One end of the label conveying member 211 is connected to the output end of the storage member 210, and the other end of the label conveying member 211 is connected to the material guide seat 202 through a hose, and the detection label stored in the storage member 210 is conveyed to the feed through hole 203 of the material guide seat 202 through the label conveying member 211; wherein, as long as the label conveying member 211 can convey the detection label, it can be any form of conveying structure, including but not limited to a powder spraying structure, a conveyor belt structure, and a push-and-stick structure. The specific setting is determined by the operator according to actual needs and costs. In this embodiment, a powder spraying structure including a high-voltage generator and a nozzle is referenced.

[0069] The first laser component 22 in this embodiment refers to a laser emitter, and the imaging unit 23 in this embodiment refers to a camera.

[0070] Control unit 3

[0071] The control unit 3 is connected to the first moving member 101 , the first driving member 104 , the first moving source 1100 , the second moving source 1111 , the second driving member 113 , the driving motor 1210 , the rotating member 201 , the label conveying member 211 , the first laser member 22 and the imaging unit 23 .

[0072] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention proposes a working principle of a self-piercing riveting system based on riveting point distance detection. This working principle provides distance detection between riveting points, and then provides riveting point distance adjustment operation for workpieces with riveting point deviations, so that the spacing of the riveting points meets the riveting requirements, thereby reducing the impact of the riveting point position deviation from the design requirements on the riveted workpiece and the overall connection quality; namely:

[0073] The first moving member 101 drives the connecting frame 1001 to move along the Z-axis direction to move the riveting die 1002 to the required riveting position, and the second driving member 113 drives the workpiece fixing member 114 to fix the workpiece to be riveted at the assembly station 13.

[0074] The first linear slide 1101 is driven by the first moving source 1100 to move, driving the first moving platform 1110 to move along the Y-axis direction. At the same time, the second linear slide 1112 is driven by the second moving source 1111 to move, driving the second moving platform 1113 to move along the X-axis direction, and moving the first riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted to the position of the riveting die 1002.

[0075] The drive motor 1210 drives the reel 1211 to drive the rivet strip to be riveted to move between the first tube body, the feed trough 107 and the second tube body, so that the center of the first rivet of the rivet strip to be riveted and the center of the first rivet point of the workpiece to be riveted are located on the same center extension line, and then the first driving member 104 drives the punch 105 to move along the rivet groove of the guide seat 103, so that the first rivet is riveted to the first rivet point of the workpiece to be riveted.

[0076] After the first riveting point is riveted, the material guide seat 202 is driven to move toward the first riveting point by the rotating member 201 , and then the detection label is delivered to the first rivet by the label conveying member 211 .

[0077] The first laser component 22 is used to irradiate the detection label of the first rivet for a preset time to form a first detection light spot, and then the first linear slide 1101 is driven to move by the first moving source 1100, driving the first moving platform 1110 to move along the Y-axis direction. At the same time, the second linear slide 1112 is driven to move by the second moving source 1111, driving the second moving platform 1113 to move along the X-axis direction, and moving the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted to the position of the rivet die 1002.

[0078] The first laser element 22 is projected onto the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted to form a second detection light spot, and then the image data of the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot are obtained through the imaging unit 23. The distance data between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot is generated based on the image recognition technology to determine whether the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot meets the riveting set distance.

[0079] If so, the reel 1211 is driven by the driving motor 1210 to drive the rivet strip to be riveted to move between the first tube body, the feed trough 107 and the second tube body, and the second rivet of the rivet strip to be riveted and the center of the second rivet point of the workpiece to be riveted are located on the same center extension line, and then the punch 105 is driven by the first driving member 104 to move along the rivet groove of the guide seat 103, and the second rivet is riveted to the second rivet point of the workpiece to be riveted. If not, the first linear slide 1101 is driven to move by the first moving source 1100 to drive the first moving platform 1110 to move along the Y-axis direction, and / or, the second linear slide 1112 is driven to move by the second moving source 1111 to drive the second moving platform 1113 to move along the X-axis direction, and the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot is adjusted to the riveting set distance; and so on, until all the riveted points of the workpiece to be riveted are riveted.

[0080] Among them, the first rivet refers to the rivet riveted to the first riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted, and the second rivet refers to the rivet riveted to the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted. The first riveting point and the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted are set by the operator according to the actual riveting requirements. In this embodiment, the riveting points are referred to in the riveting order, that is, the first riveting point is the riveting point of the first sequence, the second riveting point is the riveting point of the second sequence, and so on.

[0081] The present invention provides a self-piercing riveting method based on riveting point distance detection, which provides automated distance detection for the riveting points of the workpieces to be riveted, and further provides automated distance offset adjustment. Figures 1-11 In some embodiments, a self-piercing riveting method based on riveting point distance detection of the present invention is composed of steps S1-S6.

[0082] Step S1: Move the workpiece to be riveted placed at the assembly station 13 along a first preset path, and then move the rivet belt to be riveted toward the output end of the riveting drive unit, so that the center of the first rivet and the first riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted are located on the same center extension line.

[0083] Among them, when the workpiece to be riveted is placed on the assembly station 13, the workpiece fixing member 114 is driven by the second driving member 113 to move in the direction of the workpiece to be riveted, so as to fix the workpiece to be riveted at the assembly station 13; the first preset path movement refers to the path movement set along the X-axis and / or Y-axis direction, that is, when the workpiece to be riveted moves, the first linear slide 1101 is driven by the first moving source 1100 to move, driving the first moving platform 1110 to move along the Y-axis direction, and at the same time, the second linear slide 1112 is driven by the second moving source 1111 to move, driving the second moving platform 1113 to move along the X-axis direction; when the rivet strip to be riveted moves, the reel 1211 is driven by the driving motor 1210 to drive the rivet strip to be riveted to move between the first tube body, the feed trough 107 and the second tube body.

[0084] Step S2: The first rivet is moved toward the first riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted by the riveting driving unit to perform the riveting operation.

[0085] During the riveting operation, the punch 105 is driven by the first driving member 104 to move along the riveting groove of the guide seat 103 to rivet the first rivet to the first riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted.

[0086] Step S3: After the first riveting point is riveted, the detection label transported by the label transport unit is placed on the first rivet through the label driving unit, and the first laser component 22 irradiates the detection label of the first rivet for a preset time to form a first detection light spot.

[0087] Among them, when the detection label is placed on the first rivet, the material guide seat 202 is driven to move toward the first riveting point through the rotating part 201, and then the detection label is placed on the first rivet through the label conveying part 211; the preset time is set by the operator according to actual needs. In this embodiment, the time required for the fluorescent powder to be irradiated with light by the laser is referenced; the first detection light spot refers to the light spot generated by the light emission of the first rivet detection label.

[0088] Step S4: the workpiece to be riveted is moved along a second preset path, and the first laser element 22 is projected toward the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted to form a second detection light spot.

[0089] Among them, the second preset path movement refers to driving the first linear slide 1101 to move by the first moving source 1100, driving the first moving platform 1110 to move along the Y-axis direction, and at the same time driving the second linear slide 1112 to move by the second moving source 1111, driving the second moving platform 1113 to move along the X-axis direction, moving the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted to the position of the riveting die 1002; the second detection light spot refers to the light spot projected by the first laser component 22 on the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted.

[0090] Step S5: Acquire image data of the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot, and then perform distance recognition between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot.

[0091] The image data of the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot are acquired by the imaging unit 23 , and the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot is recognized by the existing image recognition and distance measurement technology.

[0092] Step S6: Determine whether the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot meets the preset riveting distance. If so, move the rivet strip to be riveted toward the output end of the riveting drive unit, and place the second rivet and the center of the second riveting point on the same center extension line. Then, move the second rivet toward the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted through the riveting drive unit to perform the riveting operation. If not, move the workpiece to be riveted along a third preset path, and adjust the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot to the preset riveting distance.

[0093] Among them, the preset riveting distance is set by the operator according to the actual riveting requirements; the third preset path is the adjustment path of the riveting point spacing, that is, the first linear slide 1101 is driven to move by the first moving source 1100, driving the first moving platform 1110 to move along the Y-axis direction, and / or, the second linear slide 1112 is driven to move by the second moving source 1111, driving the second moving platform 1113 to move along the X-axis direction, and adjusting the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot to the preset riveting distance.

[0094] Preferably, in actual implementation, the self-piercing riveting method based on riveting point distance detection of the present invention is executed by the aforementioned self-piercing riveting system based on riveting point distance detection. For example, the method can be designed into a computer-readable language format (e.g., a computer program) and stored on a storage medium, thereby being invoked and executed by the control unit 3 of the self-piercing riveting system during operation.

[0095] In some embodiments, the second driving member 113 includes a first cylinder 1130 and a second cylinder 1131 , and the workpiece fixing member 114 includes a first fixing block 1140 and a second fixing block 1141 .

[0096] Among them, reference Figure 3 、 Figure 8 As shown, the first cylinder 1130 is installed at the first end of the assembly station 13, and the second cylinder 1131 is installed at the second end of the assembly station 13; the first fixing block 1140 is connected to the driving end of the first cylinder 1130, and the first fixing block 1140 is driven by the first cylinder 1130 to fix one end of the workpiece to be riveted; the second fixing block 1141 is connected to the driving end of the second cylinder 1131, and the second fixing block 1141 is driven by the second cylinder 1131 to fix the other end of the workpiece to be riveted.

[0097] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention proposes a self-piercing riveting method based on riveting point distance detection, which fixes the workpiece to be riveted through multiple fixing ends, improves the fixing effect of the workpiece, and reduces the impact of the workpiece shaking on the riveting deviation. Specifically, refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 8 In some embodiments, a self-piercing riveting method based on riveting point distance detection of the present invention is composed of steps S10-S11.

[0098] Step S10: After the operator places the workpiece to be riveted on the assembly station 13 and fits it with the limiting member 112, the first cylinder 1130 drives the first fixing block 1140 to move toward the workpiece to be riveted, pressing the workpiece to be riveted downward and fixing it.

[0099] Step S11: After the workpiece to be riveted is pressed down and fixed, the second cylinder 1131 drives the second fixing block 1141 to move toward the workpiece to be riveted, so as to push and fix the workpiece to be riveted.

[0100] In some embodiments, the feeding unit further includes a structural adhesive and a sealing film layer.

[0101] Among them, reference Figure 14 As shown, the structural adhesive is filled in the cavity of the rivet to be riveted, and the structural adhesive is coated in the cavity of the rivet to be riveted by the sealing film layer, thereby forming a structural adhesive layer 14. When the rivet penetrates the workpiece to be riveted, the sealing film layer of the structural adhesive layer 14 is pierced by the workpiece to be riveted, thereby allowing the structural adhesive to penetrate between the rivet and the workpiece to be riveted.

[0102] In some embodiments, the detection assembly further includes a second laser component 24 and a third laser component 25 .

[0103] Among them, reference Figure 3 、 Figure 11-13As shown, the second laser element 24 is installed on the first end of the mounting bracket 1000, and the third laser element 25 is installed on the second end of the mounting bracket 1000. The first distance between the second laser element 24 and the first surface of the workpiece to be riveted is obtained, and the second distance between the third laser element 25 and the second surface of the workpiece to be riveted is obtained, and then the thickness data of the workpiece to be riveted is calculated based on the first distance and the second distance.

[0104] Among them, the first surface of the workpiece to be riveted refers to the side of the workpiece to be riveted close to the second laser element 24, and the second surface of the workpiece to be riveted refers to the side of the workpiece to be riveted close to the third laser element 25; the second laser element 24 and the third laser element 25 refer to the laser rangefinder in this embodiment.

[0105] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention proposes a self-piercing riveting method based on riveting point distance detection, which obtains the first distance between the second laser component 24 and the workpiece to be riveted, obtains the second distance between the third laser component 25 and the workpiece to be riveted, and then obtains the thickness data of the current riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted based on the first initial distance between the second laser component 24 and the riveting mold 1002, the second initial distance between the third laser component 25 and the riveting mold 1002, the first distance, and the second distance, and adjusts the axial pushing force of the first driving component 104 according to the thickness data, thereby improving the riveting efficiency of the workpiece product. Specifically, refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 11-13 In some embodiments, a self-piercing riveting method based on riveting point distance detection of the present invention is composed of steps S20-S21.

[0106] Step S20: Acquire the first distance and the second distance, and then determine the thickness data of the workpiece to be riveted according to the first distance and the second distance.

[0107] The thickness data of the workpiece to be riveted is: the first initial distance minus the first distance plus the second initial distance minus the second distance.

[0108] Step S21: According to the thickness data, the axial pushing force of the riveting drive unit is adjusted to a preset value, and then according to the preset value, the punch 105 is driven by the first drive member 104 to move along the riveting groove of the guide seat 103, and the rivet is moved toward the riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted to perform the riveting operation.

[0109] The preset value is set by the operator according to actual riveting requirements, and at least satisfies the rivet to connect the workpieces to be riveted, thereby adjusting the axial pushing force of the first driving member 104 .

[0110] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0111] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0112] Description of reference numerals:

[0113] 1. Riveted components

[0114] 3. Control unit

[0115] 4. Rack

[0116] 5. Workpiece to be riveted

[0117] 6. Rivets

[0118] 13. Assembly station

[0119] 14. Structural adhesive layer

[0120] 22.The first laser component

[0121] 23. Video Unit

[0122] 24. Second laser component

[0123] 25. The third laser component

[0124] 40.Processing station

[0125] 41. Protective net

[0126] 42. Control Panel

[0127] 101.First moving part

[0128] 102. Material tape tube

[0129] 103.Guide seat

[0130] 104.First driving member

[0131] 105. Punch

[0132] 106. Material strip through hole

[0133] 107.Feed chute

[0134] 110. Second moving part

[0135] 111. Third moving part

[0136] 112.Limiting parts

[0137] 113. Second driving member

[0138] 114.Workpiece fixing parts

[0139] 120.First mounting piece

[0140] 121. Winding drive parts

[0141] 200. Second mounting piece

[0142] 201.Rotating parts

[0143] 202.Material guide seat

[0144] 203.Feed hole

[0145] 210. Storage

[0146] 211. Label conveyor

[0147] 1000. Mounting bracket

[0148] 1001. Connection Framework

[0149] 1002. Rivet die

[0150] 1100. First Mobile Source

[0151] 1101.First linear slide

[0152] 1110. First Mobile Platform

[0153] 1111. Second mobile source

[0154] 1112. Second linear slide

[0155] 1113. Second Mobile Platform

[0156] 1130.First Cylinder

[0157] 1131 Second cylinder

[0158] 1140.First fixed block

[0159] 1141. Second fixed block

[0160] 1210. Drive Motor

[0161] 1211. Reel.

Claims

1. Self-piercing riveting equipment based on riveting point distance detection, characterized in that: include: The riveting assembly includes a riveting drive unit, a transfer unit, and a feeding unit. The riveting drive unit is provided with a feed chute, through which the riveting operation is performed on the workpiece to be riveted; the transfer unit is provided with an assembly station, through which the assembled workpiece to be riveted is driven to move along a preset path; the feeding unit is mounted on the riveting drive unit and connected to the rivet strip to be riveted, and the feeding unit constrains the movement path of the rivet strip to be riveted through the feed chute; The detection assembly includes a label drive unit, a label conveying unit, a first laser element, and an imaging unit. The label drive unit is connected to the riveting drive unit and has a label conveying slot. The label conveying unit is mounted on the label drive unit, and the output end of the label conveying unit is connected to the label conveying slot. The detection label is conveyed to the riveted rivet via the label conveying unit. The first laser element is mounted on the riveting drive unit and irradiates the detection label on the riveted rivet to form a first detection light spot. The first laser element then projects a second detection light spot onto the area to be riveted. The imaging unit is mounted on the riveting drive unit and uses the imaging unit to identify the distance between the first and second detection light spots. as well as A control unit is connected to the riveting assembly and the detection assembly respectively.

2. The self-piercing riveting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The riveting drive unit includes a die base, a material strip tube, a guide base, a first drive member and a punch. The material strip tube is installed on the die base and is provided with a material strip through hole for constraining the rivet strip to pass through; the guide base is installed on the die base and is provided with a feed trough and a rivet groove; the first drive member is installed on the die base, and the output end of the first drive member is at least partially inserted into the rivet groove; one end of the punch is at least partially inserted into the rivet groove and is connected to the output end of the first drive member, and the other end of the punch is located on the same center extension line as the center point of the die base processing end.

3. The self-piercing riveting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The riveting drive unit further includes a first moving member, an output end of which is connected to the mold base, and the mold base is driven to move along a first preset direction by the first moving member.

4. The self-piercing riveting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transfer unit includes a second moving member, a third moving member, a limiting member, a second driving member and a workpiece fixing member. The third moving member is installed at the moving end of the second moving member, and the third moving member is provided with an assembly station. The third moving member is driven by the second moving member to move along the second preset direction, and the third moving member moves along the third preset direction; the limiting member is installed in the assembly station of the third moving member, and the placement position of the workpiece to be riveted is constrained by the limiting member; the second driving member is installed in the assembly station, and the workpiece fixing member is connected to the driving end of the second driving member. The workpiece fixing member is driven by the second driving member to move toward the assembly station direction to fix the workpiece to be riveted.

5. The self-piercing riveting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second driving member includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the first cylinder is installed at the first end of the assembly station, and the second cylinder is installed at the second end of the assembly station; the workpiece fixing member includes a first fixing block and a second fixing block, the first fixing block is connected to the first cylinder, and the first cylinder drives the first fixing block to fix one end of the workpiece to be riveted; the second fixing block is connected to the second cylinder, and the second cylinder drives the second fixing block to fix the other end of the workpiece to be riveted.

6. The self-piercing riveting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The feeding unit includes a first mounting member and a winding drive member. The first mounting member is mounted on the die base. The winding drive member is mounted on the first mounting member. The winding drive member is connected to the rivet strip to be riveted. The rivet strip to be riveted is driven by the winding drive member through the material strip tube and the feed trough.

7. The self-piercing riveting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The feeding unit further comprises a structural adhesive and a sealing film layer. The structural adhesive is filled in the cavity of the rivet to be riveted, and the structural adhesive is covered in the cavity of the rivet to be riveted by the sealing film layer.

8. The self-piercing riveting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The label driving unit includes a second mounting member, a rotating member and a material guide seat. The second mounting member is mounted on the mold base, the rotating member is mounted on the second mounting member, the material guide seat is connected to the driving end of the rotating member, and the material guide seat is provided with a feed through hole, and the material guide seat is driven by the rotating member to move toward the assembly station.

9. The self-piercing riveting device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The label conveying unit includes a storage part and a label conveying part. The storage part stores detection labels. One end of the label conveying part is connected to the output end of the storage part, and the other end of the label conveying part is connected to the material guide seat. The detection labels stored in the storage part are conveyed to the material guide seat through the label conveying part.

10. The self-piercing riveting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The detection component also includes a second laser component and a third laser component. The second laser component is installed on the mold base, and the third laser component is installed on the third movable component. The first distance between the second laser component and the workpiece to be riveted is obtained by the second laser component, and the second distance between the second laser component and the workpiece to be riveted is obtained by the third laser component, and then the thickness data of the workpiece to be riveted is calculated based on the first distance and the second distance.

11. The self-piercing riveting system based on riveting point distance detection is characterized in that: The self-piercing riveting device based on riveting point distance detection according to any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprises: A frame is provided with the self-piercing riveting device.

12. A self-piercing riveting method based on riveting point distance detection, characterized in that: Using the self-piercing riveting system based on riveting point distance detection according to claim 11, the method includes: S1: Move the workpiece to be riveted placed at the assembly position along a first preset path, thereby moving the rivet belt to be riveted toward the output end of the riveting drive unit, so that the center of the first rivet and the first riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted are located on the same center extension line; S2: The first rivet is moved toward the first riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted by the riveting driving unit to perform the riveting operation; S3: After the first riveting point is riveted, the detection label conveyed by the label conveying unit is placed on the first rivet through the label driving unit, and the first laser component is irradiated on the detection label of the first rivet for a preset time to form a first detection light spot; S4: moving the workpiece to be riveted along a second preset path, thereby projecting the first laser element toward a second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted, thereby forming a second detection light spot; S5: Acquire image data of the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot, and then perform distance recognition between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot; S6: Determine whether the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot meets the preset riveting distance. If so, move the rivet strip to be riveted toward the output end of the riveting drive unit, and place the second rivet and the center of the second riveting point on the same center extension line. Then, move the second rivet toward the second riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted through the riveting drive unit to perform the riveting operation. If not, move the workpiece to be riveted along a third preset path, and adjust the distance between the first detection light spot and the second detection light spot to the preset riveting distance.

13. The self-piercing riveting method according to claim 12, characterized in that: During the riveting operation, the method further comprises: S20: Acquire a first distance and a second distance, and then determine thickness data of the workpiece to be riveted based on the first distance and the second distance; S21: According to the thickness data, the axial pushing force of the riveting drive unit is adjusted to a preset value, and then according to the preset value, the rivet is moved toward the riveting point of the workpiece to be riveted by the riveting drive unit to perform the riveting operation.

Images