A laser scribing apparatus for a vehicle frame

Abstract

The application provides a laser scribing device for a vehicle frame, comprising a tooling mechanism, a robot and a laser scribing mechanism; the tooling mechanism has a main body, a front section support assembly, a rear section limiting assembly, an intermediate positioning assembly, a centering assembly, a leveling assembly and a buffer assembly; the overall vehicle frame is limited and leveled by the independent tooling mechanism, so that the vehicle frame can meet the conditions of automatic laser scribing; the main body of the tooling mechanism and various structural assemblies arranged thereon position the pin shaft, center and push, level and set, and limit the end of the vehicle frame placed on the main body, thereby significantly improving the stability of the vehicle frame; the flexible support of the vehicle frame is achieved through the connection and pressure relief of the buffer assembly, so that the vehicle frame subjected to hoisting is prevented from being subjected to severe impact; the mechanical arm freely walks on the three-axis walking frame, drives the laser module to move to the specified position for laser scribing, thereby greatly improving the scribing precision and meeting the requirements of automatic production and manufacturing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of laser equipment technology, and more specifically, to a laser marking device for vehicle frames. Background Technology

[0002] Laser scribing is the largest application area of ​​laser processing. It utilizes a high-energy-density laser to locally irradiate a workpiece, causing the surface layer to vaporize or change color, thus leaving a permanent mark. Because the focused laser area is very small, the heat-affected zone is small, and the processing is precise, it can accomplish processes that are impossible with conventional methods. Laser processing is extremely fast and inexpensive. Furthermore, laser processing is automatically controlled by a computer, requiring no human intervention during production.

[0003] In the production line of truck crane chassis, the marking of the entire chassis is done manually with chalk. Due to the large size of the workpiece and the different marking points on the chassis, the workpiece needs to be turned over many times manually. This manual operation is extremely inconvenient and not conducive to intelligent production. In addition, the structural characteristics of the chassis make it difficult to perform automatic laser marking directly. Various unstable factors can easily cause deviations, thus affecting the accuracy of subsequent assembly processes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a laser marking device for vehicle frames to solve the above problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a laser marking device for vehicle frames, including a tooling mechanism, a robot, and a laser marking mechanism configured on the robot.

[0006] The tooling mechanism has a main body adapted to the frame, a front support assembly, a rear limiting assembly, an intermediate positioning assembly, a centering assembly, a leveling assembly, and a buffer assembly mounted on the main body. The intermediate positioning assembly is configured to pin-position the middle part of the frame, and the centering assembly pushes the frame to the center position in a unidirectional drive manner. The buffer assembly includes a pressure relief component mounted on the intermediate positioning assembly, which slides against the bottom surface of the frame. The leveling assembly includes rotary encoders positioned at the front and rear of the frame, and a leveling component for lifting the frame to a horizontal state after receiving an electrical signal from the rotary encoder. The front support assembly and the rear limiting assembly cooperate to limit and level the ends of the horizontally positioned frame.

[0007] The robot includes a three-axis walking frame independent of the tooling mechanism and a robotic arm configured on the three-axis walking frame. The laser marking mechanism has a laser module on the robotic arm, and the laser module is controlled by programming to mark lines one by one at designated positions on the frame.

[0008] In some embodiments, the intermediate positioning component includes a placement platform with a positioning pin, the placement platform being positioned on the main body and biased toward the rear limiting component, so that the entire frame maintains a forward-shifted center of gravity on the main body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the connecting pressure relief component is connected to the vehicle frame. After being connected to the vehicle frame, the connecting pressure relief component moves downward and away from the vehicle frame, and the middle of the vehicle frame is supported by the placement platform.

[0010] In some embodiments, the rotary encoders are positioned on opposite sides of the placement platform, with one rotary encoder located near the front of the frame and the other rotary encoder located near the rear of the frame, and the rotary encoders are configured with a self-calibrating structure to monitor the levelness of the entire bottom of the frame.

[0011] In some embodiments, the correction structure includes a swivel arm with a counterweight, which swings by an angle after being contacted with the flange surface of the frame to obtain the current state of the frame.

[0012] In some embodiments, the placement platform is provided with a plurality of chrome-plated support rods that contact the vehicle frame. The plurality of chrome-plated support rods are arranged around the positioning pin shaft, and the height of the chrome-plated support rods is approximately equal to the height of the rotating arm at its pivot point.

[0013] In some embodiments, the leveling component is positioned in front of the pressure relief component, and the vehicle frame is always in contact with the leveling component. The leveling component supports and lifts the front part of the vehicle frame to adjust it to a horizontal state and corrects deformation in the front section.

[0014] In some embodiments, the front support assembly includes a movable frame slidably disposed at the end of the main body and a clamping seat disposed on the movable frame, the clamping seat having a fastener that locks onto the head of the frame.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rear limiting assembly includes an abutment seat that abuts against the rear of the frame, the abutment seat being electrically driven and corresponding to being pressed against the rear of the frame after being locked onto the head of the frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, the three-axis traveling frame is located on the outside of the main body, the robotic arm slides freely on the three-axis traveling frame, and the laser module is configured to perform automated laser scribing by offline programming.

[0017] Through the above technical solution, the laser scribing equipment for vehicle frames of this application limits and levels the entire vehicle frame through an independent tooling mechanism, ensuring that the vehicle frame can meet the conditions for automated laser scribing. On one hand, the main body of the tooling mechanism and its various structural components perform pin positioning, centering push, leveling setting, and end limiting on the vehicle frame placed on the main body, significantly improving the stability of the vehicle frame. On the other hand, the buffer assembly provides flexible support for the vehicle frame through connecting pressure relief components, avoiding severe impacts to the vehicle frame during hoisting. The robotic arm moves freely on the three-axis traveling frame, driving the laser module to move to the designated position for laser scribing, greatly improving the scribing accuracy and meeting the requirements of automated production manufacturing.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of this application, but do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without any inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is an application scenario diagram of a laser marking device for a vehicle frame according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a laser marking device for a vehicle frame according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is another application scenario diagram of the laser marking device for vehicle frame according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chassis of the laser scribing device for chassis in the tooling mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the tooling mechanism of a laser scribing device for a vehicle frame according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Structural diagrams from other perspectives, with some parts enlarged for easier illustration;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the frame and tooling mechanism of the laser scribing device for vehicle frame according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Tooling mechanism; 2-Robot; 3-Laser scribing mechanism; 4-Main body; 5-Front support assembly; 6-Rear limit assembly; 7-Intermediate positioning assembly; 8-Centering assembly; 9-Connecting pressure relief component; 10-Rotary encoder; 11-Leveling component; 12-Three-axis traveling frame; 13-Robotic arm; 14-Laser module; 15-Positioning pin; 16-Placement platform; 17-Chrome-plated support rod; 18-Rotating support arm; 19-Moving frame; 20-Pressure seat; 21-Fixing component; 22-Abutment seat; A-Chassis. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0029] Combination Figures 1 to 7 This embodiment provides a laser marking device for a vehicle frame, including a tooling mechanism 1, a robot 2, and a laser marking mechanism 3 mounted on the robot 2. The tooling mechanism 1 has a main body 4 adapted to the vehicle frame A, a front support assembly 5, a rear limiting assembly 6, a middle positioning assembly 7, a centering assembly 8, a leveling assembly, and a buffer assembly mounted on the main body 4. The middle positioning assembly 7 is configured to pin-position the middle portion of the vehicle frame A, and the centering assembly 8 pushes the vehicle frame A to the center position in a unidirectional drive manner. The buffer assembly includes a pressure relief component 9 mounted on the middle positioning assembly 7, which slides against the bottom surface of the vehicle frame A. The leveling assembly includes rotary encoders 10 positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle frame A, and a leveling component 11 for lifting the vehicle frame A to a horizontal position after receiving an electrical signal from the rotary encoder 10. The front support component 5 and the rear limiting component 6 cooperate to limit and level the end of the horizontally positioned vehicle frame A. The robot 2 includes a three-axis traveling frame 12 independent of the tooling mechanism 1 and a robotic arm 13 mounted on the three-axis traveling frame 12. The laser marking mechanism 3 has a laser module 14 mounted on the robotic arm 13. The laser module 14 is programmed to mark lines one by one at designated positions on the vehicle frame A.

[0030] The laser scribing equipment for the vehicle frame A described above uses an independent tooling mechanism 1 to limit and level the entire vehicle frame A, ensuring that the vehicle frame A meets the requirements for automated laser scribing. On one hand, the main body 4 of the tooling mechanism 1 and its various structural components perform pin positioning, centering, leveling, and end limiting on the vehicle frame A placed on the main body 4, significantly improving the stability of the vehicle frame A. On the other hand, the pressure relief component 9 of the buffer assembly provides flexible support for the vehicle frame A, preventing the vehicle frame A from being subjected to severe collisions during hoisting. The robotic arm 13 moves freely on the three-axis traveling frame 12, driving the laser module 14 to move to the designated position for laser scribing, greatly improving the scribing accuracy and meeting the requirements of automated production manufacturing.

[0031] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the intermediate positioning component 7 includes a placement platform 16 with a positioning pin 15. The placement platform 16 is disposed on the main body 4 and biased towards the rear limiting component 6, so that the center of gravity of the entire frame A is shifted forward on the main body 4. Since the front of the frame A is much larger than the rear, the center of gravity of the entire frame A will be more biased towards the front when the middle of the frame A is connected to the placement platform 16. Therefore, the leveling component 11 is needed for support and lifting.

[0032] In this embodiment, the connecting pressure relief component 9 is connected to the vehicle frame A. After connecting to the vehicle frame A, the connecting pressure relief component 9 moves downward and away from the vehicle frame A, and is supported by the placement platform 16 at the middle of the vehicle frame A. The connecting pressure relief component can be driven by a hydraulic cylinder to perform the pressure relief operation, thereby making the contact between the entire connecting pressure relief component 9 and the hoisted vehicle frame A more flexible. Furthermore, the initial connecting support of the vehicle frame A is achieved through the connecting pressure relief component 9 to ensure that the vehicle frame A is placed stably on the main body 4 of the tooling mechanism 1.

[0033] like Figures 4 to 7As shown, in this embodiment, the rotary encoders 10 are positioned on either side of the placement platform 16. One rotary encoder 10 is located near the front of the frame A, and the other rotary encoder 10 is located near the rear of the frame A. The rotary encoders 10 are configured with a built-in correction structure to monitor the levelness of the entire bottom of the frame A. Furthermore, the correction structure includes a rotating support arm 18 with a counterweight. The rotating support arm 18 swings at an angle after being contacted by the flange surface of the frame A to obtain the current state of the frame A. Clearly, the rotating support arm 18 is controlled by contact with the frame A, corresponding to the swing angle when tilted due to its own weight, to contact the flange surface at the bottom of the frame A. The swing angles of the two rotary encoders 10 correspond to the sway state of the frame A, and the leveling component 11 then lifts the frame A until it is leveled. It should be noted that the rotation angle of the rotating support arm 18 is fed back to the rotary encoder 10 to obtain the required correction range; this is prior art and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0034] In this embodiment, the placement platform 16 is provided with multiple chrome-plated support rods 17 that contact the vehicle frame A. These chrome-plated support rods 17 are arranged around the positioning pin 15, and the height of each chrome-plated support rod 17 is approximately equal to the height of the rotating arm 18 at its pivot point. Thus, the vehicle frame A is ultimately supported by the multiple chrome-plated support rods 17, achieving a more significant protective purpose. It should be noted that the centering assembly 8 is a conventional centering clamping device, which centers the vehicle frame A on the placement platform 16 along the width direction. Since the positioning pin 15 only serves as an axis for positioning, the vehicle frame A can be pushed and aligned in the width direction of the main body 4 by the centering mechanism.

[0035] In this embodiment, the leveling component 11 is positioned in front of the pressure relief component 9. The vehicle frame A is always in contact with the leveling component 11, which supports and lifts the front of the vehicle frame A to adjust it to a horizontal state. It is understood that the rotary encoder 10 converts the tilt angle of its rotating support arm 18 into an electrical signal and transmits it to the leveling component 11. The leveling component 11 is preferably hydraulically driven, thereby lifting the front of the vehicle frame A according to the electrical signal until the rotating support arm rotates to be completely flush with the flange surface. Furthermore, the hydraulic drive maintains pressure to ensure that the vehicle frame A does not tilt again, thus improving the stability of the entire vehicle frame A on the main body 4.

[0036] In this embodiment, the front support assembly 5 includes a movable frame 19 slidably disposed at the end of the main body 4 and a clamping seat 20 disposed on the movable frame 19. The clamping seat 20 is provided with a fixing member 21 that locks onto the head of the frame A. The rear limiting assembly 6 includes an abutment seat 22 that abuts against the rear of the frame A. The abutment seat 22 is electrically driven and presses against the rear of the frame A after the head of the frame A is locked. Specifically, after the frame A is adjusted to a horizontal position, the head of the frame A is first fixed by the clamping seat 20 on the movable frame 19, and then the abutment seat 22 slides further to abut against the rear of the frame A, thereby maintaining effective limiting of the frame A in all directions.

[0037] In this embodiment, the three-axis traveling frame 12 is located on the outside of the main body 4, and the robotic arm 13 slides freely on the three-axis traveling frame 12. The laser module 14 is configured to perform automated laser scribing according to offline programming. The laser module 14 consists of existing components such as a laser head, laser scanner, and laser. The laser head, laser module 14, and laser rangefinder are mounted on the robotic arm 13, and the automatic scribing function is realized according to the recorded offline programming. First, the coordinate origin needs to be marked on the frame A in advance. Then, after the frame A is positioned, the entire frame A is scanned by the laser scanner. Combining the origin position and the pre-written program, the workpiece is automatically scribed. Furthermore, if the workpiece is offset or deformed, it can be automatically compensated according to the origin and the program after the laser scanner scan is completed, thereby reducing errors.

[0038] For the offline programming described above, the accuracy requirements are as follows: The calibration device must meet the accuracy requirements for workpiece position calibration. The minimum required accuracy must be considered in the design to ensure the workpiece can be calibrated in the correct position. The reliability requirements are: The calibration device must have sufficient reliability to ensure no malfunctions or errors occur during use. The applicability requirements are: The calibration device must be suitable for different types and sizes of workpieces and must be flexibly adjustable to adapt to different calibration needs.

[0039] In addition, the calibration device needs to be easy to use so that operators can perform calibration quickly and accurately. This can be achieved by providing a simple, intuitive control interface, easy-to-understand instructions and feedback information. Furthermore, the calibration device needs to be sufficiently safe to ensure that it will not cause any injury or damage to the operator or the workpiece during use.

[0040] The specific steps for preparing for offline programming are as follows:

[0041] Program understanding: Prepare the teaching program architecture for Robot Model 2 and the laser equipment in advance.

[0042] Import drawings: Obtain the actual 3D layout of the site and import it into offline software for simulation environment layout calibration.

[0043] Define Robot 2: Define the configuration and parameters of Robot 2 in the software environment.

[0044] Program testing: After layout calibration and robot 2 calibration, export the test program to verify the program and configuration to run and confirm offline accuracy, and finally determine that the layout and accuracy are usable.

[0045] Create program path: After testing the program and finding no problems, edit the program path of robot 2 using offline software to determine the motion trajectory and laser line drawing sequence of robot 2.

[0046] The specific steps for implementing the offline program on-site are as follows:

[0047] Program format: Understand the program format of Field Robot 2.

[0048] Export Program: Copy the compiled Robot 2 offline program file to the Robot 2 control terminal. The program file format generated by the Robot 2 offline program should be exported to a format that the Robot 2 can recognize in the field, based on the specific Robot 2 program format.

[0049] Launch the Robot 2 offline program on the Robot 2 control terminal and follow the prompts. Typically, the Robot 2 offline program provides a graphical or command-line interface for setting Robot 2 parameters, motion trajectories, and sensor data acquisition. Before launching the program, ensure that Robot 2's power supply and communication devices are properly connected, and perform necessary safety checks and operational instructions.

[0050] During the implementation of the offline program for Robot 2, it is necessary to pay attention to the safety of Robot 2. The first run of the program should be as slow as possible to prevent accidents caused by program errors or operational mistakes.

[0051] Once the program is confirmed to be functioning correctly and with usable accuracy, the robot can automatically use the offline line-drawing program in two modes. If there are accuracy deviations, fine-tune parts of the program before resuming normal operation.

[0052] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0053] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; 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.

[0054] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0055] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A laser marking device for a vehicle frame, comprising a tooling mechanism (1), a robot (2), and a laser marking mechanism (3) mounted on the robot (2); characterized in that, The tooling mechanism (1) has a main body (4) adapted to the frame, a front support assembly (5), a rear limiting assembly (6), an intermediate positioning assembly (7), a centering assembly (8), a leveling assembly, and a buffer assembly on the main body (4); the front support assembly (5) includes a movable frame (19) slidably disposed at the end of the main body (4) and a clamping seat (20) disposed on the movable frame (19), the clamping seat (20) having a fixing member (21) locked to the head of the frame; the intermediate positioning assembly (7) is configured to pin-position the middle part of the frame, and the centering assembly (8) pushes the frame to the center position in a unidirectional drive manner; the buffer assembly includes a connecting pressure relief member (9) disposed on the intermediate positioning assembly (7), the connecting pressure relief member (9) slidingly contacting the bottom surface of the frame; the leveling assembly includes a counterweight on the frame. The front and rear rotary encoders (10) and the leveling component (11) are used to lift the frame to a horizontal state after receiving the electrical signal fed back by the rotary encoder (10); the front support component (5) and the rear limiting component (6) cooperate to limit and level the frame at the end in a horizontal state; the intermediate positioning component (7) includes a placement platform (16) with a positioning pin (15); the connecting pressure relief component (9) is connected to the frame; after the connecting pressure relief component (9) is connected to the frame, it moves down and away from the frame; the middle part of the frame is supported by the placement platform (16); the leveling component (11) is arranged in front of the connecting pressure relief component (9); the frame is always in contact with the leveling component (11); the front part of the frame is supported and lifted by the leveling component (11) to adjust it to a horizontal state; and the front part is deformed and corrected. The robot (2) includes a three-axis walking frame (12) independent of the tooling mechanism (1) and a robotic arm (13) configured on the three-axis walking frame (12). The laser marking mechanism (3) has a laser module (14) on the robotic arm (13). The laser module (14) is controlled by programming to mark lines one by one at a specified position on the frame.

2. The laser marking device for vehicle frames according to claim 1, characterized in that, The placement platform (16) is located on the main body (4) and biased toward the rear limiting component (6) so that the entire frame maintains a forward center of gravity on the main body (4).

3. The laser marking device for vehicle frames according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotary encoders (10) are positioned on opposite sides of the placement platform (16), with one rotary encoder (10) located near the front of the frame and the other rotary encoder (10) located near the rear of the frame. The rotary encoders (10) are configured with a self-calibrating structure to monitor the level of the entire bottom of the frame.

4. The laser marking device for vehicle frames according to claim 3, characterized in that, The correction structure includes a rotating arm (18) with a counterweight, which swings by an angle after being contacted by the flange surface of the frame to obtain the current state of the frame.

5. The laser marking device for vehicle frames according to claim 4, characterized in that, The placement platform (16) is provided with multiple chrome-plated support rods (17) that are in contact with the vehicle frame. The multiple chrome-plated support rods (17) are arranged around the positioning pin (15), and the height of the chrome-plated support rods (17) is equivalent to the height of the rotating arm (18) at its pivot.

6. The laser marking device for vehicle frames according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear limiting component (6) includes an abutment seat (22) that abuts against the rear of the frame. The abutment seat (22) is controlled by electric push and is pressed against the rear of the frame after being locked to the head of the frame.

7. The laser marking device for vehicle frames according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-axis walking frame (12) is located on the outside of the main body (4), the robotic arm (13) slides freely on the three-axis walking frame (12), and the laser module (14) is configured to perform automated laser scribing by offline programming.

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