Self-adaptive supporting and positioning device for forming curved panel

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of plate forming, and provides a self-adaptive support positioning device for curved plate forming, which comprises at least one pair of parallel transverse guide rails, a plurality of pairs of parallel longitudinal guide rails, a gravity support unit and a horizontal component force support unit, the plurality of pairs of parallel longitudinal guide rails are slidably connected with the transverse guide rails in the length direction of the transverse guide rails, and the gravity support unit and the horizontal component force support unit are used for supporting and positioning the curved plate together, each gravity support unit or horizontal component force support unit can realize transverse or longitudinal movement alone, the present application can realize adjustment of the posture of the curved plate to be supported in space, avoids interference of plate processing tools, and is suitable for cold action forming process, hot action forming process and cold-heat integrated action forming process of the curved plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of sheet metal forming, and more specifically, relates to an adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal. Background Technology

[0002] Existing methods for fixing curved sheet metal mainly involve using slings to carry clamps to constrain the sheet metal. This method has problems such as sling swaying, time-consuming installation and disassembly of clamps, and clamp interference with processing.

[0003] CN107234151B discloses a complex curvature plate forming system and method with integrated hot and cold loading. Addressing the irregular shape and complex curvature variations of complex curvature plates, the system researches and designs the component structure and arrangement, integrating the characteristics of integrated hot loading, force loading, and water cooling. It utilizes a designed integrated loading system and computer simulation technology in the forming process, effectively improving processing efficiency. However, because the processed plate is in a continuous deformation state, insufficient constraint on the plate leads to displacement, affecting processing accuracy.

[0004] CN111515883A discloses a support and positioning device for manufacturing curved sheet metal, which uses magnetic chucks to constrain the sheet metal. However, due to the high temperature during hot forming of the sheet metal, which causes demagnetization, this method is only suitable for cold bending of the sheet metal. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a more adaptable positioning device that can provide effective support and positioning for the forming process of complex curved sheets for ships. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal. It combines the characteristics of forming curved sheet metal for ships to create a support and positioning fixture that can effectively position the curved sheet metal during the forming process. At the same time, it solves the problems of the sling-carrying clamp restraint method and the magnetic chuck restraint method.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, an adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal is provided. The positioning device includes at least one pair of parallel transverse guide rails, multiple pairs of parallel longitudinal guide rails, a gravity support unit, and a horizontal force component support unit. The multiple pairs of parallel longitudinal guide rails are slidably connected to the transverse guide rails along the length direction of the transverse guide rails. The gravity support unit and the horizontal force component support unit are used together for supporting and positioning the curved sheet metal.

[0007] The gravity support unit includes a first base, a first hydraulic system, and a gravity support element. The first base is slidably connected to the longitudinal guide rail. The first hydraulic system is disposed on the first base. The gravity support element is disposed on the first hydraulic system. The gravity support element has a support surface that contacts the lower surface of the curved plate, which is used to counteract the vertical component of the gravity of the curved plate.

[0008] The horizontal force support unit includes a second base, a second hydraulic system, and a horizontal force support element. The second base is slidably connected to the longitudinal guide rail. The second hydraulic system is disposed on the second base. The horizontal force support element is disposed on the second hydraulic system. The horizontal force support element has a support thrust surface that contacts the edge of the curved plate to counteract the horizontal component of the weight of the curved plate.

[0009] Furthermore, in the gravity support unit, the first hydraulic system and the gravity support element are connected by a spherical structure. The spherical structure is used to adjust the orientation of the gravity support element in three-dimensional space to achieve good contact between the gravity support element and the lower surface of the curved plate.

[0010] More preferably, in the gravity support unit, the first hydraulic system is equipped with a first pressure sensor to detect the pressure on the gravity support element during processing. When the pressure on the gravity support element is greater than a preset threshold, the first hydraulic system drives it to move downward. When the pressure on the gravity support element is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the hydraulic system drives it to move upward. This achieves adaptive adjustment of the spatial position of the curved plate to be supported during the plate forming process, avoiding excessive or insufficient pressure on the support surface.

[0011] More preferably, in the horizontal force support unit, the second hydraulic system is equipped with a second pressure sensor to detect the pressure on the horizontal force support element during processing. When the pressure on the horizontal force support element is greater than a preset threshold, the horizontal force support element moves away from the edge of the curved plate under the combined action of the base, the transverse guide rail, and the longitudinal guide rail. When the pressure on the support thrust surface is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the support thrust surface moves closer to the edge of the curved plate under the combined action of the base, the transverse guide rail, and the longitudinal guide rail. This achieves adaptive restriction of the horizontal movement of the curved plate to be supported during the forming process, avoiding excessive or insufficient pressure on the horizontal force support element.

[0012] More preferably, the gravity support unit is equipped with a position sensor to detect the distance between the sheet metal processing tool and the gravity support unit, and to determine whether the gravity support unit is working. When the distance is less than a preset value, the gravity support unit where the position sensor is located moves under the combined action of the base, the horizontal guide rail and the vertical guide rail, so that the gravity support unit is removed from its support position and is no longer in working state; otherwise, the gravity support unit continues to work.

[0013] More preferably, the number of gravity support units is greater than or equal to 3, and the number of horizontal force support units is greater than or equal to 8.

[0014] More preferably, the length of the transverse guide rail is 2-2.2 times the length of the curved plate to be processed, and the length of the longitudinal guide rail is 1.2-1.5 times the width of the curved plate to be processed.

[0015] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above-described technical solutions conceived by this invention mainly possess the following technical advantages:

[0016] 1. In the guide rail system of the present invention, each gravity support unit or horizontal component force support unit can independently realize lateral or longitudinal movement, and the gravity support unit cancels the vertical component of the curved plate's gravity, while the horizontal component force support unit cancels the horizontal component of the curved plate's gravity. Therefore, the present invention can realize the adjustment of the curved plate to be supported in any posture in space.

[0017] 2. The gravity support unit of the present invention is located below the curved sheet, and the horizontal component support unit is located on the side of the curved sheet, realizing adaptive contact with the curved sheet, avoiding interference with the processing tools, improving work efficiency, and is suitable for the cold action forming process, hot action forming process and cold and hot integrated action forming process of curved sheet.

[0018] 3. In this invention, a pressure sensor is used to adjust the hydraulic system of the gravity support unit and the horizontal thrust, and a position sensor is used to adjust the position of the gravity support unit, thereby realizing dynamic adjustment during the forming process of curved sheet material. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a gravity support unit installed on a longitudinal guide rail according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the horizontal force support unit set on the longitudinal guide rail according to the present invention.

[0022] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein:

[0023] 1-Horizontal guide rail, 2-Longitudinal guide rail, 3-Curved plate to be supported, 4-Base, 5-Hydraulic system, 6-Gravity support element, 7-Horizontal component support element. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0025] The present invention provides an adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal. The positioning device includes at least one pair of parallel transverse guide rails, multiple pairs of parallel longitudinal guide rails, a gravity support unit, and a horizontal force component support unit. The multiple pairs of parallel longitudinal guide rails are slidably connected to the transverse guide rails along the length direction of the transverse guide rails. The gravity support unit and the horizontal force component support unit are used together for supporting and positioning the curved sheet metal.

[0026] The gravity support unit includes a first base, a first hydraulic system, and a gravity support element. The first base is slidably connected to the longitudinal guide rail. The first hydraulic system is disposed on the first base. The gravity support element is disposed on the first hydraulic system. The gravity support element has a support surface that contacts the lower surface of the curved plate, which is used to counteract the vertical component of the gravity of the curved plate.

[0027] The horizontal force support unit includes a second base, a second hydraulic system, and a horizontal force support element. The second base is slidably connected to the longitudinal guide rail. The second hydraulic system is disposed on the second base. The horizontal force support element is disposed on the second hydraulic system. The horizontal force support element has a support thrust surface that contacts the edge of the curved plate to counteract the horizontal component of the weight of the curved plate.

[0028] In some embodiments, in the gravity support unit, the first hydraulic system and the gravity support element are connected by a spherical structure. The spherical structure is used to adjust the orientation of the gravity support element in three-dimensional space to achieve good contact between the gravity support element and the lower surface of the curved plate.

[0029] In some embodiments, by adjusting the position of the gravity support element in three-dimensional space, the spatial posture of the curved plate to be supported is positioned under the combined action of the horizontal component support elements, thereby avoiding displacement of the curved plate to be supported after contact with the plate processing tool, and achieving precise positioning throughout the processing.

[0030] In some embodiments, the gravity support unit is provided with a first pressure sensor on the first hydraulic system for detecting the pressure on the gravity support element during processing. When the pressure on the gravity support element is greater than a preset threshold, the first hydraulic system drives it to move downward. When the pressure on the gravity support element is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the hydraulic system drives it to move upward. This achieves adaptive adjustment of the spatial position of the curved plate to be supported during the plate forming process, avoiding excessive or insufficient pressure on the support surface.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second hydraulic system of the horizontal force support unit is equipped with a second pressure sensor to detect the pressure on the horizontal force support element during processing. When the pressure on the horizontal force support element is greater than a preset threshold, the horizontal force support element moves away from the edge of the curved plate under the combined action of the base, the transverse guide rail, and the longitudinal guide rail. When the pressure on the support thrust surface is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the support thrust surface moves closer to the edge of the curved plate under the combined action of the base, the transverse guide rail, and the longitudinal guide rail. This achieves adaptive restriction of the horizontal movement of the curved plate to be supported during the forming process, avoiding excessive or insufficient pressure on the horizontal force support element.

[0032] In some embodiments, the gravity support unit is provided with a position sensor for detecting the distance between the sheet metal processing tool and the gravity support unit, and thereby determining whether the gravity support unit is working. When the distance is less than a preset value, the gravity support unit where the position sensor is located moves under the combined action of the base, the horizontal guide rail, and the vertical guide rail, so that the gravity support unit is removed from its support position and is no longer in working state; otherwise, the gravity support unit continues to be in working state.

[0033] In some embodiments, the number of gravity support units is greater than or equal to 3, and the number of horizontal force support units is greater than or equal to 8.

[0034] In some embodiments, the length of the transverse guide rail is 2-2.2 times the length of the curved plate to be processed, and the length of the longitudinal guide rail is 1.2-1.5 times the width of the curved plate to be processed.

[0035] The following are specific examples:

[0036] Example 1

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, an adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal includes four transverse guide rails 1 arranged in two groups; each group of transverse guide rails 1 has four longitudinal guide rails 2 arranged on it, for a total of eight, and the longitudinal guide rails 2 can move along the length of the transverse guide rails; each of the four longitudinal guide rails has a horizontal force support unit arranged on it; the remaining four longitudinal guide rails each have a gravity support unit and a horizontal force support unit arranged on them, and the horizontal force support unit is located on one side of the edge of the curved sheet metal 3 to be supported.

[0038] The transverse guide rail 1 and the longitudinal guide rail 2 are used to adjust the position of the gravity support unit and the horizontal component support unit in the transverse and longitudinal directions, respectively. Each gravity support unit or horizontal component support unit can achieve independent transverse and longitudinal movement.

[0039] The gravity support unit includes a base 4, a hydraulic system 5, and a gravity support element 6. The hydraulic system is equipped with a pressure sensor, and the gravity support unit is equipped with a position sensor. The base 4 is mounted on the longitudinal guide rail 2, the hydraulic system 5 is mounted on the base 4, and the gravity support element 6 is mounted on the hydraulic system 5. The gravity support element can move up and down under the action of the hydraulic system. The gravity support element is in contact with the lower surface of the curved plate and is mainly used to counteract the vertical component of the gravity of the curved plate.

[0040] The horizontal force support unit includes a base 4, a hydraulic system 5, and a horizontal force support element 7. The hydraulic system is equipped with a pressure sensor. The base 4 is mounted on the longitudinal guide rail 2, the hydraulic system 5 is mounted on the base 4, and the horizontal force support element 7 is mounted on the hydraulic system 5. The horizontal force support element can move up and down under the action of the hydraulic system. The horizontal force support element 7 contacts the edge of the curved plate and is used to counteract the horizontal component of the gravity of the curved plate 3 to be supported.

[0041] In the gravity support unit, the hydraulic system and the gravity support element are connected by a universal ball joint. The first hydraulic system is equipped with a first pressure sensor to detect the pressure on the gravity support element during processing. When the pressure on the gravity support element 6 is greater than a preset threshold, the hydraulic system 5 drives it to move downward. When the pressure on the gravity support element 6 is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the hydraulic system 5 drives it to move upward. This achieves adaptive adjustment of the spatial position of the curved sheet material to be supported during the sheet forming process, avoiding excessive or insufficient pressure on the support surface. The gravity support unit is also equipped with a position sensor to detect the distance between the sheet processing tool and the gravity support unit, and to determine whether the gravity support unit is working. When the distance is less than a preset value, the gravity support unit where the position sensor is located moves under the combined action of the base, the transverse guide rail, and the longitudinal guide rail, causing the gravity support unit to leave its support position and cease working. Otherwise, the gravity support unit continues to work.

[0042] In the horizontal force support unit, the hydraulic system 5 is equipped with a second pressure sensor to detect the pressure on the horizontal force support element during processing. When the pressure on the horizontal force support element is greater than a preset threshold, the horizontal force support element 6 moves away from the edge of the curved plate under the combined action of the base 3, the transverse guide rail 1, and the longitudinal guide rail 2. When the pressure on the support thrust surface is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the support thrust surface moves closer to the edge of the curved plate under the combined action of the base 3, the transverse guide rail 1, and the longitudinal guide rail 2. This achieves adaptive restriction of the horizontal movement of the curved plate to be supported during the forming process, avoiding excessive or insufficient pressure on the horizontal force support element.

[0043] During the design process, the lengths of the longitudinal guide rail 2 and the transverse guide rail 1 can be determined according to the actual dimensions of the curved plate to be processed. In this embodiment, the curved plate to be supported in the support positioning device is 3 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. Therefore, the transverse guide rail is 6.6 meters long and the longitudinal guide rail is 1.8 meters long. That is, the length of the transverse guide rail is 2.2 times the length of the curved plate to be processed, and the length of the longitudinal guide rail is 1.2 times the width of the curved plate to be processed. The distance between the two sets of transverse guide rails is as close as possible but does not interfere with each other.

[0044] The specific operation procedure of the support and positioning device in this embodiment is as follows:

[0045] In use, the spatial positions of the gravity support element and the horizontal component force support element are set according to the shape and position information of the plate to be supported, so as to achieve effective support for the plate. During processing, the plate is moved to the processing station, and the spatial posture of the plate to be supported is adjusted according to the starting point and processing direction of the processing route on the plate. During processing, the gravity support unit relies on the position sensor set on it to determine whether the gravity support unit is in working state. Specifically, the threshold range of the position sensor is set in advance. When the position sensor detects that the gravity support unit has entered the threshold range, the gravity support unit will stop working. During processing, the force on the gravity support element and the horizontal component force support element is adjusted by the pressure sensor set on the hydraulic system to ensure the stability of the processing. After processing is completed, the processed plate is moved to the designated position.

[0046] Therefore, the support and positioning device of the present invention is suitable for positioning curved sheet metal in cold forming process, hot forming process and cold and hot integrated forming process.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal, characterized in that, It includes four transverse guide rails arranged in two groups of two; each group of transverse guide rails has four longitudinal guide rails arranged on it, for a total of eight, and the longitudinal guide rails can move along the length of the transverse guide rails; each of the four longitudinal guide rails has a horizontal force support unit arranged on it; the remaining four longitudinal guide rails each have a gravity support unit and a horizontal force support unit arranged on them, and the horizontal force support unit is located on one side of the edge of the curved plate to be supported. The gravity support unit and the horizontal force support unit are used together for supporting and positioning the curved plate. The gravity support unit includes a first base, a first hydraulic system, and a gravity support element. The first base is slidably connected to the longitudinal guide rail. The first hydraulic system is disposed on the first base. The gravity support element is disposed on the first hydraulic system. The gravity support element has a support surface that contacts the lower surface of the curved plate, which is used to counteract the vertical component of the gravity of the curved plate. The horizontal force support unit includes a second base, a second hydraulic system, and a horizontal force support element. The second base is slidably connected to the longitudinal guide rail. The second hydraulic system is disposed on the second base. The horizontal force support element is disposed on the second hydraulic system. The horizontal force support element has a support thrust surface that contacts the edge of the curved plate to counteract the horizontal component of the weight of the curved plate. In the horizontal force support unit, a second pressure sensor is installed on the second hydraulic system to detect the pressure on the horizontal force support element during processing. When the pressure on the horizontal force support element is greater than a preset threshold, the horizontal force support element moves away from the edge of the curved plate under the combined action of the second base, the transverse guide rail, and the longitudinal guide rail. When the pressure on the support thrust surface is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the support thrust surface approaches the edge of the curved plate under the combined action of the second base, the transverse guide rail, and the longitudinal guide rail. This achieves adaptive restriction of the horizontal movement of the curved plate to be supported during the forming process, avoiding excessive or insufficient pressure on the horizontal force support element.

2. The adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the gravity support unit, the first hydraulic system is connected to the gravity support element by a spherical structure. The spherical structure is used to adjust the orientation of the gravity support element in space and realize the contact between the gravity support element and the lower surface of the curved plate.

3. The adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the gravity support unit, the first hydraulic system is equipped with a first pressure sensor to detect the pressure on the gravity support element during processing. When the pressure on the gravity support element is greater than a preset threshold, the first hydraulic system drives it to move downward. When the pressure on the gravity support element is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the first hydraulic system drives it to move upward. This achieves adaptive adjustment of the spatial position of the curved plate to be supported during the plate forming process, avoiding excessive or insufficient pressure on the support surface.

4. The adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gravity support unit is equipped with a position sensor to detect the distance between the sheet metal processing tool and the gravity support unit, and to determine whether the gravity support unit is working. When the distance is less than a preset value, the gravity support unit where the position sensor is located moves under the combined action of the first base, the horizontal guide rail and the vertical guide rail, so that the gravity support unit is removed from its support position and is no longer in working state. Otherwise, the gravity support unit continues to work.

5. The adaptive support and positioning device for forming curved sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the transverse guide rail is 2-2.2 times the length of the curved plate to be processed, and the length of the longitudinal guide rail is 1.2-1.5 times the width of the curved plate to be processed.

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