Intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts

Abstract

This application relates to the field of welding processing, and in particular to an intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts. The device includes a transport robot placed next to a projection welding machine. The robot's movable end is equipped with a clamp for holding the workpiece. Multiple preparation tables are located next to the robot, each equipped with a positioning element for positioning the workpiece. In this application, the worker pre-places the workpiece to be welded on the positioning element. Under the control of the control system, the transport robot moves the clamp to the positioning element to hold the workpiece. The robot then feeds the workpiece into the projection welding machine for welding. After welding, the transport robot removes the workpiece from the machine. Because the entire movement of the transport robot is program-controlled, errors are less likely to occur during loading and unloading, thus greatly improving welding efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of welding processing, and in particular to an intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts. Background Technology

[0002] Projection welding is a high-efficiency welding method that can perform multi-point welding simultaneously. It can be used to replace traditional arc welding and brazing. Projection welding only consumes electricity and has no other consumption.

[0003] In related technologies, when workers use projection welding machines to weld workpieces, they manually place the workpiece to be welded in the welding position and place the nut on the workpiece. After welding is completed, they manually remove the welded workpiece and place a new workpiece to be welded.

[0004] The above-mentioned manual method is used to load and unload the workpieces to be welded. However, in order to ensure the accuracy of the welding position, a corresponding positioning device must be set at the welding position to position the workpiece. Errors are inevitable in the process of manually docking the workpiece with the positioning device, so it is necessary to re-dock, which will result in low welding efficiency of the workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To improve welding efficiency, this application provides an intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts.

[0006] The intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts includes a transport robot placed next to a projection welding machine. The movable end of the transport robot is equipped with a clamp for holding the workpiece. Multiple material preparation stations are arranged next to the transport robot, and each material preparation station is equipped with a positioning component for positioning the workpiece.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, workers pre-place the workpieces to be welded on the positioning components of the preparation table. Under the control of the control system, the transport robot moves the fixture to the positioning component to clamp the workpiece. The transport robot then feeds the workpiece into the projection welding machine for welding. After welding, the transport robot removes the workpiece from the projection welding machine. Because the loading and unloading processes of the transport robot and fixture are all program-controlled, errors are less likely to occur during loading and unloading. Workers only need to place the workpieces to be welded on the positioning component before the fixture clamps them, thus improving welding efficiency.

[0008] Optionally, multiple positioning elements are provided on the material preparation platform, and multiple clamps are provided on the moving end of the handling robot, each corresponding to one of the multiple positioning elements on the same material preparation platform.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple grippers can simultaneously pick up multiple workpieces during one operation of the handling robot. The robot can switch between workpieces to be welded by its movements, enabling multiple workpieces to be welded at once, thereby improving welding efficiency.

[0010] Optionally, a material unloading robot is placed next to the projection welding machine. Multiple clamps are provided on the movable end of the material unloading robot. A testing platform is placed next to the material unloading robot. Multiple positioning components are provided on the testing platform. Multiple testing components are also provided on the testing platform and correspond one-to-one with the multiple positioning components on the testing platform. The testing components include a drive cylinder electrically connected to the control system. A torque gun electrically connected to the control system is provided on the piston rod of the drive cylinder.

[0011] By employing the above technical solution, the handling robot places the welded workpiece onto multiple positioning components on the inspection table. Then, the piston rod of the drive cylinder moves the torque gun downwards, with the moving end of the torque gun engaging with the threaded nut. If the engagement is smooth, it indicates that the nut is accurately positioned relative to the workpiece and that there are no foreign objects inside the nut. If the engagement is not smooth, either the nut is not accurately positioned relative to the workpiece, or there are foreign objects inside the nut. This process enables the inspection of welded automotive parts. After inspection, the unloading robot, with the help of a fixture, removes the workpiece.

[0012] Optionally, the testing platform is also provided with multiple clamping components, including a pressure plate cylinder electrically connected to the control system and a pressure arm connected to the movable end of the pressure plate cylinder.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, before testing, the control system starts the pressure plate cylinder. The moving end of the pressure plate cylinder drives the pressure arm to rotate, so that the pressure arm presses the workpiece onto the positioning part, reducing the possibility of the workpiece moving on the positioning part due to force.

[0014] Optionally, a receiving box with an open top and a hollow interior is provided next to the handling robot.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, after the unloading robot removes the welded workpiece from the projection welding machine, the clamp releases its grip on the workpiece, and the workpiece automatically falls into the receiving box.

[0016] Optionally, a horizontal bearing ring is provided directly above the receiving box, and an elastic receiving bladder with open top and bottom is provided below the bearing ring. The diameter of the elastic receiving bladder gradually decreases from top to bottom. A material-strapping component for scraping the workpiece out from the bottom of the elastic receiving bladder is also provided next to the receiving box.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, after the fixture releases the workpiece, the workpiece passes through the bearing ring and falls into the elastic receiving bladder. Since the diameter of the discharge port at the bottom of the elastic receiving bladder is small, the workpiece will get stuck in the elastic receiving bladder. The material-strapping assembly can slide the workpiece out from the bottom of the elastic receiving bladder. During this process, the elastic receiving bladder is stretched downward and the bottom is opened by the workpiece, so that the workpiece falls into the receiving box from a lower position, reducing the possibility of surface damage due to excessive impact when the workpiece falls into the receiving box.

[0018] Optionally, the material handling assembly includes a column, on which a first lifting cylinder electrically connected to a control system is mounted. The piston rod of the first lifting cylinder faces downward and is connected to a mounting ear plate. A gripper cylinder electrically connected to the control system is mounted on the mounting ear plate, and gripper arms are respectively mounted on the two movable ends of the gripper cylinder.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, when the workpiece falls into the elastic receiving bag, the control system activates the gripper cylinder. The two gripper arms of the gripper cylinder move closer to each other, so that the elastic receiving bag is clamped in the gap between the two gripper arms. At this time, the piston rod of the first lifting cylinder extends downward, and the two gripper arms cooperate to pull the workpiece out of the elastic receiving bag.

[0020] Optionally, the unloading robot is equipped with a laser emitter, and the column is equipped with a receiver. Both the laser emitter and the receiver are electrically connected to the control system.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, each time the handling robot moves to the same position, the clamp releases the workpiece. At this moment, the laser emitted by the laser emitter is received by the receiver. When the handling robot moves away, the receiver will use the absence of laser light as a signal to control the system to activate the material handling assembly.

[0022] Optionally, both clamping arms are coated with lubricant at the points where they contact the elastic receiving bladder.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the lubricating oil can reduce the friction between the clamping arm and the outer wall of the elastic receiving bladder, which can not only improve the smoothness of the material feeding process, but also reduce the possibility of damage to the elastic receiving bladder.

[0024] Optionally, the column is also provided with a second lifting cylinder, the piston rod of which is connected to the bearing ring.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, as the workpieces continue to accumulate in the receiving box, the piston rod of the second lifting cylinder slowly retracts upward, thereby correspondingly raising the height at which the workpieces are pulled out from the bottom of the elastic receiving bag.

[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The handling robot, in conjunction with the fixture, loads and unloads workpieces. Since the loading and unloading process of the handling robot in conjunction with the fixture is controlled by a program, it is less prone to errors during the loading and unloading process, thereby improving welding efficiency. 2. After the clamp releases the workpiece, the workpiece passes through the bearing ring and falls into the elastic receiving bladder. Because the diameter of the discharge port at the bottom of the elastic receiving bladder is small, the workpiece will get stuck in the elastic receiving bladder. The material-strapping assembly can slide the workpiece out from the bottom of the elastic receiving bladder. During this process, the elastic receiving bladder is stretched downward and the bottom is opened by the workpiece, so that the workpiece falls into the receiving box from a lower position, reducing the possibility of surface damage due to excessive impact when the workpiece falls into the receiving box. 3. As the workpieces continue to accumulate in the receiving box, the piston rod of the second lifting cylinder slowly retracts upward, thereby raising the height of the workpieces as they are pulled out from the bottom of the elastic receiving bag. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drive cylinder, torque gun, and pressure plate cylinder in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the material feeding assembly in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Handling robot; 2. Fixture; 3. Material preparation table; 4. Positioning component; 5. Receiving box; 6. Bearing ring; 7. Elastic receiving bladder; 9. Column; 10. First lifting cylinder; 11. Mounting ear plate; 12. Gripper cylinder; 13. Gripper arm; 14. Receiver; 15. Second lifting cylinder; 16. Unloading robot; 17. Inspection table; 181. Drive cylinder; 182. Torque gun; 191. Pressure plate cylinder; 192. Pressure arm. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-2 This application will be described in further detail.

[0032] This application discloses an intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts.

[0033] Example 1 Reference Figure 1 The intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts includes a handling robot 1 placed next to the projection welding machine, and multiple clamps 2 for holding workpieces are provided on the movable end of the handling robot 1.

[0034] Reference Figure 1Multiple material preparation stations 3 are placed next to the handling robot 1. Each material preparation station 3 is equipped with multiple positioning components 4 for positioning the workpiece. Multiple clamps 2 on the handling robot 1 correspond one-to-one with multiple positioning components 4 on the same material preparation station 3.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The aforementioned handling robot 1, fixture 2, and positioning component 4 all employ existing technologies, with different fixtures 2 and positioning components 4 matched to different workpieces.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 The worker places the workpiece to be welded on the positioning part 4. Under the control of the control system, the transport robot 1 moves the clamp 2 to the positioning part 4. The clamp 2 clamps the workpiece on the corresponding positioning clamp. Then the transport robot 1 sends the workpiece into the projection welding machine for welding.

[0037] During the welding process, the transport robot 1 moves, allowing the projection welding machine to weld multiple workpieces at once. After the weld is completed, the transport robot 1 removes the workpiece from the projection welding machine, and then the clamp 2 releases its grip on the workpiece.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 During the loading and unloading of workpieces by the handling robot 1, the worker simultaneously repositions the workpiece to be processed on the positioning component 4. As long as the workpiece can be placed on the positioning component 4 before the fixture 2 re-clamps the workpiece, it will not affect the constant speed loading and unloading of the handling robot 1.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 Since both the handling robot 1 and the fixture 2 are controlled by a program, errors are less likely to occur during the loading and unloading process, which helps to improve welding efficiency.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Next to the projection welding machine, there is a material unloading robot 16. Multiple clamps 2 are set on the movable end of the material unloading robot 16. Next to the material unloading robot 16, there is a testing table 17. Multiple positioning parts 4 are set on the testing table 17.

[0041] The testing platform 17 is also equipped with multiple testing components, which correspond one-to-one with multiple positioning parts 4 on the testing platform 17. The testing components include a drive cylinder 181 electrically connected to the control system, and a torque gun 182 electrically connected to the control system is installed on the piston rod of the drive cylinder 181.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The handling robot 1 places the welded workpiece on multiple positioning parts 4 on the inspection table 17, and then starts the drive cylinder 181. The piston rod of the drive cylinder 181 descends, thereby driving the torque gun 182 to move downward and engage with the nut threaded on the workpiece.

[0043] If the fit is smooth, it indicates that the nut is accurately positioned relative to the workpiece and that there are no foreign objects inside the nut. Conversely, if the fit is not smooth, it indicates that either the nut is not accurately positioned relative to the workpiece or that there are foreign objects inside the nut. This enables the inspection of automotive parts after the welding process.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The testing table 17 is also equipped with multiple clamping components, including a pressure plate cylinder 191 electrically connected to the control system and a pressure arm 192 connected to the movable end of the pressure plate cylinder 191.

[0045] Before testing, the control system starts the pressure plate cylinder 191. The moving end of the pressure plate cylinder 191 drives the pressure arm 192 to rotate, so that the pressure arm 192 presses the workpiece on the positioning part 4, reducing the possibility of the workpiece moving under force during the testing process.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Next to the handling robot 1 is a receiving box 5 with an open top and a hollow interior. The clamp 2 at the moving end of the unloading robot 16 clamps the finished workpiece and moves it to the top of the receiving box 5. The clamp 2 releases its grip on the workpiece, and the workpiece falls into the receiving box 5, thereby collecting the welded workpiece.

[0047] The implementation principle of Example 1 is as follows: The worker places the workpiece to be welded on the positioning part 4 of the preparation table 3 in advance. Under the control of the control system, the transport robot 1 moves the clamp 2 to the positioning part 4 to clamp the workpiece. Then, the transport robot 1 sends the workpiece into the projection welding machine for welding. After welding, the transport robot 1 removes the workpiece from the projection welding machine and places it on the positioning part 4 on the inspection table 17. The movable end of the pressure plate cylinder 191 drives the pressure arm 192 to rotate, thereby pressing the workpiece tightly onto the positioning part 4. Then, the drive cylinder 181 is activated, and the piston rod of the drive cylinder 181 descends, thereby driving the torque gun 182 to move downwards and engage with the nut threaded on the workpiece. If the engagement is smooth, it indicates that the welding position of the nut relative to the workpiece is accurate and there are no foreign objects inside the nut. Conversely, if the engagement is not smooth, it indicates that either the welding position of the nut relative to the workpiece is inaccurate, or there are foreign objects inside the nut. After inspection, the clamp 2 at the movable end of the unloading robot 16 clamps the workpiece and places it in the receiving box 5. During the loading and unloading of workpieces by the handling robot 1, the worker simultaneously repositions the workpiece to be processed on the positioning component 4. Since both the handling robot 1 and the fixture 2 are program-controlled, errors are less likely to occur during the loading and unloading process, which helps improve welding efficiency.

[0048] Example 2 Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that: a vertical column 9 is bolted to the ground next to the receiving box 5 by expansion bolts, and a second lifting cylinder 15 electrically connected to the control system is bolted to the top of the column 9. The piston rod of the second lifting cylinder 15 faces downward and is threadedly connected to a horizontal bearing ring 6, which is located directly above the receiving box 5.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 An elastic receiving bladder 7 is bonded to the bottom of the bearing ring 6. The top and bottom of the elastic receiving bladder 7 are open, and the diameter of the elastic receiving bladder 7 gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 The column 9 is also provided with a material-strapping assembly for scraping the workpiece out from the bottom of the elastic receiving bag 7. The material-strapping assembly includes a first lifting cylinder 10 bolted to the column 9 and electrically connected to the control system. The piston rod of the first lifting cylinder 10 faces downward and is threadedly connected to a mounting ear plate 11.

[0051] A gripper cylinder 12, which is electrically connected to the control system, is bolted to the mounting ear plate 11. The two movable ends of the gripper cylinder 12 are respectively welded with semi-circular gripper arms 13. The gripper cylinder 12 directly adopts existing technology.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The unloading robot 16 is also threaded with a laser emitter, and the column 9 is threaded with a receiver 14. Both the laser emitter and the receiver 14 are electrically connected to the control system.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The unloading robot 16 removes the inspected workpiece from the positioning part 4 and moves it to the designated position. At this time, the laser emitted by the laser emitter can be received by the receiver 14.

[0054] After the workpiece is released from clamp 2, it passes through the bearing ring 6 and falls into the elastic receiving bladder 7. Because the bottom diameter of the elastic receiving bladder 7 is small, the workpiece will be stuck in the elastic receiving bladder 7 and will not leak directly from the bottom of the elastic receiving bladder 7.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 When the feeding robot 16 moves away, the receiver 14 sends a signal to the control system the instant it can no longer receive the laser. The control system then starts the material handling assembly after a delay of several seconds.

[0056] At this time, the two movable ends of the gripper cylinder 12 drive the two gripper arms 13 to move closer to each other, and the elastic receiving bag 7 is collected in the gap between the two gripper arms 13. Then, the piston rod of the first lifting cylinder 10 extends downward, and the two gripper arms 13 cooperate to pull the workpiece out from the bottom end of the elastic receiving bag 7. During this process, the elastic receiving bag 7 is stretched downward and its bottom end is opened by the workpiece.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 Both clamping arms 13 are coated with lubricating oil at the positions where they contact the elastic receiving bladder 7. The lubricating oil can improve the smoothness of the workpiece being pulled out of the elastic receiving bladder 7 by the material feeding assembly.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 As the workpieces accumulate in the receiving box 5, the piston rod of the second lifting cylinder 15 slowly retracts upward, thereby raising the height at which the workpieces are pulled out from the bottom of the elastic receiving bag 7.

[0059] By combining the aforementioned material feeding assembly and the elastic receiving bladder 7, the workpiece is moved to a lower position before falling into the receiving box, reducing the possibility of surface damage due to excessive impact during the workpiece's descent.

[0060] The implementation principle of an intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: the unloading robot 16 removes the inspected workpiece from the positioning part 4 and moves it to the designated position. At this time, the laser emitted by the laser emitter can be received by the receiver 14. After the workpiece is released from the clamp 2, it falls through the bearing ring 6 and is stuck in the elastic receiving bag 7.

[0061] After the feeding robot 16 moves away, the receiver 14 sends a signal to the control system the instant it can no longer receive the laser. The control system then starts the material handling assembly after a delay of several seconds.

[0062] The two movable ends of the gripper cylinder 12 drive the two gripper arms 13 to move closer together, and the elastic receiving bag 7 is collected in the gap between the two gripper arms 13. Then, the piston rod of the first lifting cylinder 10 extends downward, and the two gripper arms 13 cooperate to pull the workpiece out from the bottom end of the elastic receiving bag 7. During this process, the elastic receiving bag 7 is stretched downward and its bottom end is opened by the workpiece.

[0063] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts, characterized in that: The system includes a transport robot (1) placed next to the projection welding machine. The transport robot (1) is equipped with a clamp (2) for holding the workpiece on its movable end. Multiple material preparation stations (3) are set next to the transport robot (1). Each material preparation station (3) is equipped with a positioning component (4) for positioning the workpiece. A receiving box (5) with an open top and a hollow interior is provided next to the handling robot (1). A horizontal bearing ring (6) is provided directly above the receiving box (5). An elastic receiving bladder (7) with an open top and bottom is also provided below the bearing ring (6). The diameter of the elastic receiving bladder (7) gradually decreases from top to bottom. A material-strapping assembly for scraping the workpiece out from the bottom of the elastic receiving bladder (7) is also provided next to the receiving box (5). The material-strapping assembly includes a column (9). A first lifting cylinder (10) electrically connected to the control system is provided on the column (9). The piston rod of the first lifting cylinder (10) faces downward and is connected to a mounting ear plate (11). A gripper cylinder (12) electrically connected to the control system is provided on the mounting ear plate (11). The two movable ends of the gripper cylinder (12) are respectively provided with gripping arms (13).

2. The intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple positioning components (4) are provided on the material preparation platform (3), and multiple clamps (2) are provided on the movable end of the handling robot (1) and correspond one-to-one with multiple positioning components (4) on the same material preparation platform (3).

3. The intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts according to claim 1, characterized in that: Next to the projection welding machine is a material unloading robot (16). Multiple clamps (2) are provided on the movable end of the material unloading robot (16). Next to the material unloading robot (16) is a testing platform (17). Multiple positioning components (4) are provided on the testing platform (17). Multiple testing components are also provided on the testing platform (17) and correspond one-to-one with the multiple positioning components (4) on the testing platform (17). The testing components include a drive cylinder (181) electrically connected to the control system. A torque gun (182) electrically connected to the control system is provided on the piston rod of the drive cylinder (181).

4. The intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts according to claim 3, characterized in that: The testing platform (17) is also provided with multiple clamping components, including a pressure plate cylinder (191) electrically connected to the control system and a pressure arm (192) connected to the movable end of the pressure plate cylinder (191).

5. The intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts according to claim 3, characterized in that: The unloading robot (16) is equipped with a laser emitter, and the column (9) is equipped with a receiver (14). Both the laser emitter and the receiver (14) are electrically connected to the control system.

6. The intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two clamping arms (13) are coated with lubricating oil at the positions where they contact the elastic receiving bladder (7).

7. The intelligent loading and unloading device for projection welding of automotive parts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The column (9) is also provided with a second lifting cylinder (15), and the piston rod of the second lifting cylinder (15) is connected to the bearing ring (6).

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