Intelligent part positioning device and method

Abstract

The application relates to an intelligent part positioning device and method. The intelligent part positioning device and method comprise a detection mechanism, a positioning mechanism and a controller. The detection mechanism comprises a detection main body, which is used for detecting a distance signal of the detection main body and the part in a first direction. The positioning mechanism is connected with the detection main body and a main shaft, and can drive the detection main body to move in a second direction to obtain different distance signals. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The controller is connected with a host computer and the detection mechanism. The controller obtains an angle offset of the part through at least two distance signals. The host computer obtains a C-shaft compensation angle of the workbench according to the angle offset, and adjusts the C-shaft angle according to the C-shaft compensation angle. The intelligent part positioning device and method improve machining efficiency, shorten positioning time and realize accurate positioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of parts processing technology, and in particular to intelligent parts positioning devices and methods. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the commercial vehicle industry, the manufacturing of commercial vehicle parts is increasingly focusing on improving production efficiency and quality. In the field of commercial vehicle machining, positioning is an essential step in parts manufacturing.

[0003] Currently, in the field of commercial vehicle machining, parts need to be positioned. When determining whether a new product part is parallel to the X-axis or Y-axis, a dial indicator is needed for alignment and straightening. Similarly, in the C-axis positioning of a five-axis machining center, a dial indicator is needed to straighten and determine the C-axis zero point. Alignment is time-consuming and labor-intensive, increases auxiliary time, requires professional technicians to operate, and the measurement accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, an intelligent part positioning device and method are provided to make part positioning fast and simple, while improving positioning accuracy.

[0005] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application discloses an intelligent part positioning device. The machine tool includes a main unit, a spindle, and a worktable, the worktable being used to fix the part. The intelligent part positioning device includes:

[0006] The testing mechanism includes a testing body, which is used to detect a distance signal between the testing body and the part in a first direction;

[0007] A positioning mechanism is provided, which connects the detection body and the main shaft. The positioning mechanism is capable of driving the detection body to move along a second direction to obtain different distance signals. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0008] The controller is signal-connected to the host and the detection mechanism. The controller obtains the angular offset of the part through at least two distance signals. The host obtains the C-axis compensation angle of the worktable based on the angular offset and adjusts the C-axis angle based on the C-axis compensation angle.

[0009] According to the intelligent part positioning device of this application embodiment, after the detection body detects a distance signal, the positioning mechanism drives the detection body to move along the second direction and then detects another distance signal. The acquired at least two distance signals are transmitted to the controller. The controller obtains the angular offset of the part based on the at least two distance signals, then obtains the C-axis compensation angle based on the angular offset, and finally compensates and adjusts the C-axis angle based on the C-axis compensation angle. This intelligent part positioning device can quickly measure the angular offset of the part in the plane of the first direction, assisting the machine tool in quickly aligning the C-axis. The machine tool can be configured as a five-axis machine tool, a three-axis machining center, or a conventional machine tool, all of which can quickly adjust the correct position of the part, quickly and easily completing the part positioning work and improving positioning accuracy.

[0010] In one embodiment, the intelligent part positioning device further includes a visual positioning device, which is signal-connected to the host computer. The visual positioning device acquires the position signal of the part, and the host computer drives the spindle to move through the position signal, so as to move the detection body to one side of the part.

[0011] In one embodiment, the visual positioning device includes:

[0012] Visual identifiers, wherein the visual identifiers are disposed on the side of the part;

[0013] A vision camera, capable of capturing images of the visual identifier to obtain the position signal of the part.

[0014] In one embodiment, the positioning mechanism can also drive the detection subject to move along a third direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are mutually perpendicular, the controller is signal-connected to the positioning mechanism, and the controller controls the positioning mechanism to drive the detection subject to move along the third direction according to the distance signal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes:

[0016] A tool holder, which is fixedly connected to the spindle;

[0017] An X-axis transmission structure is provided, one end of which is disposed on the detection body. The X-axis transmission structure is signal-connected to the controller, and the second direction is configured as the X-axis direction.

[0018] The Z-axis transmission structure has one end located on the other end of the X-axis transmission structure, and the other end located on the tool holder. The Z-axis transmission structure is connected to the controller signal, and the third direction is configured as the Z-axis direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the detection subject is configured as a photoelectric sensor, which measures the distance signal between itself and the part.

[0020] In one embodiment, the photoelectric sensor includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a photosensitive element. The transmitter emits a laser beam that illuminates the part, and the receiver focuses the laser beam reflected from the part onto the photosensitive element to measure the distance signal between the transmitter and the part.

[0021] In one embodiment, the intelligent part positioning device further includes an infrared inspection mechanism for inspecting the position of the part to determine the accuracy of the C-axis angle adjustment.

[0022] In one embodiment, the controller is connected to the host and the detection mechanism via a Bluetooth module signal.

[0023] The second aspect of this application provides an intelligent part positioning method, including the intelligent part positioning device described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the intelligent part positioning method includes;

[0024] An intelligent parts positioning device is installed on the main shaft;

[0025] The detection body detects at least two of the distance signals of the part;

[0026] The controller obtains the angular offset of the part based on the distance signal;

[0027] The host computer obtains the C-axis compensation angle of the worktable based on the angular offset.

[0028] The C-axis angle is adjusted according to the C-axis compensation angle.

[0029] The aforementioned intelligent part positioning method involves the controller acquiring the angular offset of the part based on at least two distance signals, then obtaining the C-axis compensation angle based on the angular offset, and finally compensating and adjusting the C-axis angle based on the C-axis compensation angle. This intelligent part positioning device can quickly measure the angular offset of the part in the plane of the first direction, assisting the machine tool in quickly aligning the C-axis, improving processing efficiency, shortening positioning time, and achieving precise positioning.

[0030] In one embodiment, after the C-axis angle adjustment is completed, the detection body detects at least two of the distance signals of the part again;

[0031] The controller obtains the angular offset of the part based on the adjusted distance signal to determine whether the adjustment is accurate.

[0032] In one embodiment, if the adjustment accuracy reaches a preset accuracy, the adjustment of the C-axis angle is stopped;

[0033] If the adjustment accuracy is less than the preset accuracy, the C-axis angle is adjusted again. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of an intelligent parts positioning device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection mechanism in an intelligent parts positioning device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a front view of the detection mechanism in an intelligent parts positioning device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an intelligent part positioning method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 1. Workbench;

[0040] 2. Parts;

[0041] 3. Detection subject;

[0042] 4. Positioning mechanism; 41. Tool holder; 42. Z-axis transmission structure; 43. X-axis transmission structure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0045] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of an intelligent part 2 positioning device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection mechanism in an intelligent part 2 positioning device according to an embodiment of this application. An embodiment of the first aspect of this application proposes an intelligent part 2 positioning device. The machine tool includes a main unit, a spindle, and a worktable 1. The worktable 1 is used to fix part 2. The intelligent part 2 positioning device includes a detection mechanism, a positioning mechanism 4, and a controller. The detection mechanism includes a detection body 3, which is used to detect the distance signal between the detection body 3 and part 2 in a first direction. The positioning mechanism 4 connects the detection body 3 and the spindle. The positioning mechanism 4 can drive the detection body 3 to move along a second direction to obtain different distance signals. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The controller is signal-connected to the main unit and the detection mechanism. The controller obtains the angular offset of part 2 through at least two distance signals. The main unit obtains the C-axis compensation angle of the worktable 1 based on the angular offset and adjusts the C-axis angle according to the C-axis compensation angle.

[0050] In this process, the detection body 3 measures the distance between itself and part 2 at the first position and obtains a distance signal, L1. After moving a preset distance D in the second direction to reach the second position, the detection body 3 measures the distance between itself and part 2 again at the second position and obtains another distance signal, L2. This process is repeated to obtain at least two distance signals. The controller obtains the angular offset of part 2 through the distance signals and inputs the angular offset to the host computer. The host computer then drives the C-axis of the worktable 1 to make adjustments.

[0051] According to the intelligent part 2 positioning device of this application embodiment, after the detection body 3 detects a distance signal, the positioning mechanism 4 drives the detection body 3 to move along the second direction and detects another distance signal. The acquired at least two distance signals are transmitted to the controller. The controller obtains the angular offset of part 2 based on the at least two distance signals, then obtains the C-axis compensation angle based on the angular offset, and then compensates and adjusts the C-axis angle based on the C-axis compensation angle. This intelligent part 2 positioning device can quickly measure the angular offset of part 2 in the plane of the first direction, assisting the machine tool in quickly aligning the C-axis. The machine tool can be configured as a five-axis machine tool, a three-axis machining center, or a conventional machine tool, all of which can quickly adjust the correct position of part 2, quickly and easily completing the positioning work of part 2 and improving positioning accuracy.

[0052] Once the angular offset of part 2 is obtained, it can be manually input into the host computer, or the host computer can automatically obtain the angular offset and C-axis compensation angle, and automatically adjust the C-axis angle of the worktable 1 to improve the intelligence level of the intelligent part 2 positioning device.

[0053] After the C-axis angle is adjusted, the angle offset of part 2 can be measured again using the intelligent part 2 positioning device to check whether the adjustment is in place. If the angle offset still exists, it is defined as qualified if the error is within ±0.01 degrees. If it exceeds this range, it needs to be measured and corrected again, and so on.

[0054] The intelligent part 2 positioning device in this embodiment can quickly establish the C-axis coordinates of machine tools such as five-axis machining centers. It can also quickly align part 2, greatly improving the positioning efficiency of determining the coordinate system of part 2. Measurement is then completed using an optical sensor, a Bluetooth transmitter, and a receiver. The intelligent part 2 positioning device in this embodiment can be used in different scenarios; the inspection mechanism can be detached and used separately, and different bases can be replaced to change the measurement environment.

[0055] In some embodiments, the controller is connected to the host and the detection mechanism via Bluetooth signal, or 5G signal transmission may be used, which will not be elaborated here.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the positioning mechanism 4 can also drive the detection body 3 to move along a third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The controller is signal-connected to the positioning mechanism 4. The controller controls the positioning mechanism 4 to drive the detection body 3 to move along the third direction according to the distance signal.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a front view of the detection mechanism in an intelligent part positioning device according to an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism 4 includes a tool holder 41, an X-axis transmission structure 43, and a Z-axis transmission structure 42. The tool holder 41 is fixedly connected to the spindle. One end of the X-axis transmission structure 43 is disposed on the detection body 3, and the X-axis transmission structure 43 is signal-connected to the controller. The second direction is configured as the X-axis direction. One end of the Z-axis transmission structure 42 is disposed on the other end of the X-axis transmission structure 43, and the other end of the Z-axis transmission structure 42 is disposed on the tool holder 41. The Z-axis transmission structure 42 is signal-connected to the controller. The third direction is configured as the Z-axis direction.

[0058] It is understandable that the positioning mechanism 4 is used to install and fix the detection body 3 to the spindle, and different positioning mechanisms 4 can be replaced according to different machine tools. When the positioning mechanism 4 includes a tool holder 41, the model of the tool holder 41 can be changed according to different processing requirements. The positioning mechanism 4 can be replaced with other mounting blocks or magnetic blocks to match different application scenarios.

[0059] In some embodiments, the X-axis transmission structure 43 and the Z-axis transmission structure 42 can be two-axis moving platforms in conventional technology, which can drive the detection body 3 to move along the X-axis and Z-axis, and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] In some embodiments, the detection body 3 is configured as a photoelectric sensor, which measures the distance signal between itself and the part 2.

[0061] Specifically, in some embodiments, the photoelectric sensor includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a photosensitive element. The transmitter emits a laser beam that illuminates part 2. The receiver focuses the laser beam reflected from part 2 onto the photosensitive element to measure the distance signal between the transmitter and part 2. The laser beam emitted by the semiconductor laser within the transmitter illuminates the target part 2. A lens within the receiver focuses the light reflected from the target part 2 onto the photosensitive element. When the distance between the transmitter and the target part 2 changes, the angle of the light reflected by the lens within the receiver changes accordingly, and the position where the light is focused on the photosensitive element also changes. The photoelectric sensor measures the distance and can receive the signal.

[0062] In some embodiments, the intelligent part 2 positioning device further includes an infrared inspection mechanism, which is used to inspect the position of part 2 to determine the accuracy of the C-axis angle adjustment. The infrared inspection mechanism can detect part 2 after C-axis rotation, determine whether the rotation is complete and accurate, and proceed to the next measurement step.

[0063] In some embodiments, the intelligent part 2 positioning device further includes a visual positioning device, which is connected to the host signal. The visual positioning device acquires the position signal of part 2, and the host drives the spindle to move through the position signal so as to move the detection body 3 to one side of part 2.

[0064] In some embodiments, the visual positioning device includes a visual marker and a visual camera. The visual marker is disposed on the side of the part 2, and the visual camera is capable of capturing images of the visual marker to obtain the position signal of the part 2.

[0065] When the measured distance signal exceeds 0.5 meters, the machine tool host can control the machine tool to perform X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis displacement control on the spindle, so as to drive the tool holder 41 and the detection body 3 to move closer to the part 2 until the distance between the detection body 3 and the part 2 reaches within 0.5 meters, which makes it easier for the photoelectric sensor to perform measurement work and improves the measurement accuracy.

[0066] Specifically, the visual positioning device has a preliminary positioning function. Visual markers, such as black magnetic strips or tape, are fixed or affixed to the side of part 2. Visual data is captured by a visual camera to complete the preliminary positioning of part 2. After determining the position of part 2, the preliminary X-axis and Z-axis positions are determined and feedback and verification are performed. After manual confirmation, the distance can be actively corrected in the main unit, thus replacing manual adjustment of the X-axis and Z-axis. After adjustment, the detection mechanism performs measurement to ultimately complete the precise positioning.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an intelligent part 2 positioning method according to an embodiment of this application. A second aspect of this application provides an intelligent part 2 positioning method, including the intelligent part 2 positioning device of any of the above embodiments. The intelligent part 2 positioning method includes;

[0068] Step S100: Install the intelligent part 2 positioning device on the spindle;

[0069] Step S200: The detection body 3 detects at least two distance signals of the detection part 2;

[0070] Step S300: The controller obtains the angular offset of part 2 based on the distance signal;

[0071] Step S400: The host obtains the C-axis compensation angle of the worktable 1 based on the angle offset.

[0072] Step S500: Adjust the C-axis angle according to the C-axis compensation angle.

[0073] In some embodiments, after step S500, that is, after the C-axis angle adjustment is completed, the detection body 3 detects at least two distance signals of the part 2 again; the controller obtains the angle offset of the part 2 based on the adjusted distance signals to determine whether the adjustment is accurate.

[0074] Specifically, in some embodiments, if the adjustment accuracy reaches the preset accuracy, the adjustment of the C-axis angle is stopped; if the adjustment accuracy is less than the preset accuracy, the C-axis angle is adjusted again.

[0075] The aforementioned intelligent part 2 positioning method involves the controller acquiring the angular offset of part 2 based on at least two distance signals, then acquiring the C-axis compensation angle based on the angular offset, and finally compensating and adjusting the C-axis angle based on the C-axis compensation angle. This intelligent part 2 positioning device can quickly measure the angular offset of part 2 in the plane of the first direction, assisting the machine tool in quickly aligning the C-axis, improving processing efficiency, shortening positioning time, and achieving precise positioning.

[0076] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0077] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent part positioning device, a machine tool comprising a main machine, a spindle and a worktable, the worktable being used for fixing a part, characterized in that, The application relates to an intelligent part positioning device. The device comprises a detection mechanism, a positioning mechanism, a controller and a visual positioning device. The detection mechanism comprises a detection main body for detecting the distance between the detection main body and the part in a first direction. The positioning mechanism is connected with the detection main body and the main shaft and can drive the detection main body to move in a second direction to obtain different distance signals. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The controller is connected with the main machine and the detection mechanism. The controller obtains the angular deviation of the part through at least two distance signals. The main machine obtains the C-axis compensation angle of the workbench according to the angular deviation and adjusts the C-axis angle according to the C-axis compensation angle. The visual positioning device is connected with the main machine and obtains the position signal of the part. The main machine drives the main shaft to move to drive the detection main body to one side of the part.

2. The intelligent part positioning device of claim 1, wherein When the distance between the detection main body and the part exceeds 0.5 meters, the main machine controls the main shaft to move along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions to drive the detection main body to approach the part until the distance between the detection main body and the part is within 0.5 meters. The positioning mechanism can also drive the detection main body to move in a third direction. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

3. The intelligent part positioning device of claim 1, wherein The controller is connected with the positioning mechanism and controls the positioning mechanism to drive the detection main body to move in the third direction according to the distance signal.

4. The intelligent part positioning device of claim 3, wherein, The positioning mechanism comprises a tool holder fixedly connected with the main shaft, an X-axis transmission structure, one end of which is arranged on the detection main body, the second direction being configured as the X-axis direction, and a Z-axis transmission structure, one end of which is arranged on the other end of the X-axis transmission structure and the other end of which is arranged on the tool holder, the third direction being configured as the Z-axis direction.

5. The intelligent part positioning device of claim 1, wherein, The visual positioning device comprises a visual mark arranged on the side of the part and a visual camera capable of collecting the image of the visual mark to obtain the position signal of the part. The detection main body is configured as a photoelectric sensor which measures the distance signal between the photoelectric sensor and the part. The photoelectric sensor comprises a transmitter, a receiver and a photosensitive element. The transmitter emits a laser beam which is irradiated on the part. The receiver focuses the laser beam reflected by the part on the photosensitive element to measure the distance signal between the transmitter and the part. The intelligent part positioning device further comprises an infrared inspection mechanism for inspecting the position of the part to judge the accuracy of the adjustment of the C-axis angle.

6. The intelligent part positioning device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The controller is connected with the host, the detection mechanism through Bluetooth module signal.

7. An intelligent part positioning method, characterized by, The intelligent part positioning method comprises the intelligent part positioning device according to any one of claims 1-6. The intelligent part positioning device is installed on the main shaft; The position signal of the part is acquired through the visual positioning device; the host drives the main shaft to move according to the position signal, so that the detection body is located on one side of the part; whether the measurement distance between the detection body and the part exceeds 0.5 meters is judged; If it exceeds, the host controls the main shaft to move along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions, so that the detection body is close to the part until the distance between the detection body and the part is within 0.5 meters; The detection body detects at least two distance signals of the part; The controller acquires the angle offset of the part according to the distance signal; The host acquires the C-axis compensation angle of the workbench according to the angle offset; The C-axis angle is adjusted according to the C-axis compensation angle.

8. The intelligent part positioning method of claim 7, wherein, After the C-axis angle is adjusted, the detection body detects at least two distance signals of the part again; The controller acquires the angle offset of the part according to the adjusted distance signal, so as to judge whether the adjustment is accurate.

9. The intelligent part positioning method of claim 8, wherein, If the adjustment accuracy reaches the preset accuracy, the adjustment of the C-axis angle is stopped; If the adjustment accuracy is less than the preset accuracy, the C-axis angle is adjusted again.

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