A flexible tooling for automated detection units

Abstract

This invention relates to a flexible fixture for an automated testing unit, belonging to the field of rudder plate measurement. The invention includes: a support assembly (1) and a tray assembly (2); the support assembly (1) provides support and a zero-point positioning reference, and the tray assembly (2) is positioned above the support assembly (1) to support and fix the part to be tested; the support assembly (1) includes: a zero-point fixture (3), a quick-connect air path (4), a proximity switch (5), and a base plate (6); the base plate (6) is a square plate fixed on a three-coordinate platform, with the zero-point fixture (3) located in the center of the upper part of the base plate (6), and quick-connect air paths (4) symmetrically located on both sides of the zero-point fixture (3). A proximity switch (5) is also located above the base plate. This invention provides stable rudder plate support, accurate testing system reference, and accurate zero-point positioning, ensuring the feasibility of automated rudder plate testing from a mechanical structure perspective.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of rudder plate measurement, specifically relating to a flexible tooling for an automated detection unit. Background Technology

[0002] Before final assembly, the rudder blades of a certain type of guidance module require dimensional measurements. These rudder blades contain minute through-holes and spatial positional tolerances. Current inspection methods combine manual measurement with random checks of spatial positional tolerances using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Manual measurement requires holding the part in one hand and a digital caliper or similar measuring tool in the other, with the measurement results relying on the inspector's experience. Using a CMM requires manually placing the part on the inspection fixture and manually establishing the measurement coordinate system. Manual placement results in low repeatability, and the coordinate system must be re-established each time, making it impossible to use the same measurement program for continuous measurement of the same model of part. Therefore, existing inspection methods suffer from significant drawbacks such as low efficiency and high labor intensity for workers, making them unsuitable for large-scale production and a bottleneck restricting capacity expansion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to provide a flexible tooling for an automated detection unit to solve the problems of low detection efficiency and high labor intensity of workers in existing detection methods.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention proposes an automated detection unit flexible tooling, comprising: a support component 1 and a tray component 2;

[0007] The support component 1 is located at the bottom and is used to provide support and zero-point positioning reference. The tray component 2 is located above the support component 1 and is used to support and fix the part to be tested.

[0008] The support assembly 1 includes: zero-point fixture 3, quick-connect air circuit 4, proximity switch 5, and base plate 6;

[0009] The base plate 6 is a square plate fixed on a three-coordinate platform. A zero-point fixture 3 is provided at the center of the upper part of the base plate 6. Quick-connect air passages 4 are provided at symmetrical positions on both sides of the zero-point fixture 3. A proximity switch 5 is also provided above the base plate.

[0010] The pallet assembly 2 includes: a pallet shell 7, a pallet top plate 8, a gripper connector 9, a vacuum suction cup 10, a positioning post 11, a zero-point limiting piece 12, and a locking rivet 13;

[0011] The pallet housing 7 serves as the main body of the pallet assembly 2. It is fixed to the zero-point fixture 3 by the locking rivet 13 at the bottom of the pallet housing 7. The pallet housing 7 has three detection zones on its top, and each detection zone has multiple positioning holes. Each vacuum suction cup 10 and positioning post 11 is inserted into the positioning holes of the pallet housing 7. The pallet top plate 8 has through holes with the same position and size as the positioning holes on the upper surface of the pallet housing 7. The openings of the pallet top plate 8 are aligned with the positions of the vacuum suction cups 10 and then laid on the pallet housing 7. The locking rivet 13 is located at the center of the bottom of the pallet housing 7. A zero-point limiting piece 12 is also provided at the center of the lower surface of the pallet housing 7.

[0012] Before the rudder plate is inspected, the collaborative robot grabs the pallet housing 7 and moves it above the base plate 6. After the zero-point fixture 3 is opened, the collaborative robot grabs the pallet housing 7 and slowly moves it down. The locking pin 13 will be inserted into the locking hole of the zero-point fixture 3, and the zero-point limit piece 12 will be close to the limit block of the zero-point fixture 3. When the pallet housing 7 is close to the proximity switch 5, the proximity switch 5 triggers a signal and provides feedback. The system controls the zero-point fixture 3 to lock the locking pin 13 and restrict the vertical displacement of the pallet housing 7 and the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation in the horizontal direction. At the same time, the zero-point limit piece 12 and the limit block of the zero-point fixture 3 restrict the horizontal displacement of the pallet housing 7 in two axial directions and the vertical rotation, so that the pallet assembly 2 and the support assembly 1 are locked.

[0013] The collaborative robot picks up the rudder piece to be tested and places it in one of the three detection areas above the tray housing 7 according to its model. After placement, the vacuum suction cup 10 placed in the area of ​​the rudder piece to be tested is activated to fix the rudder piece to be tested on the tray housing 7 for testing.

[0014] The pallet housing 7 is provided with a gripper joint 9 on its side wall, and the collaborative robot connects to the pallet housing 7 through the gripper joint 9 when it grabs the pallet housing 7.

[0015] The zero-point fixture 3 supports and locks the tray assembly 2, ensuring that the repeatability of the positioning accuracy is within ±3μm.

[0016] The base plate 6 is provided with quick-connect air passage positioning screw holes. The quick-connect air passage 4 is fastened to the base plate 6 through the positioning screw holes, and is used to provide an air supply channel for the tray assembly 2 after the zero-point tooling 3 is locked with the locking rivet 13.

[0017] The base plate 6 is fixed to the three-coordinate platform by screws, and the parallelism between the upper plane of the base plate 6 and the three-coordinate platform is no more than 0.2mm.

[0018] The zero-point fixture 3 is fixed to the base plate 6 by screws, and the parallelism between the working plane of the zero-point fixture 3 and the three-coordinate table surface is no more than 0.2mm.

[0019] The pallet top plate 8 is fixed to the pallet housing 7 with screws, and each positioning post 11 is screwed into the threaded hole of the pallet top plate 8 to ensure that the positioning post is perpendicular to the pallet top plate 8.

[0020] The zero-point limiting piece 12 is fixed to the bottom of the pallet housing 7 by screws, ensuring that the parallelism between the surface of the zero-point limiting piece 12 and the bottom surface of the pallet housing 7 is no more than 0.2mm.

[0021] When the rudder piece to be tested is placed on the tray housing 7, the rudder piece is fixed by the vacuum suction cup 10 and the positioning post 11.

[0022] The vacuum chuck 10 is triggered to operate only in the working area of ​​the part to be tested.

[0023] The three detection zones on the upper part of the tray housing 7 are numbered A-2, B-2, and D-2.

[0024] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0025] This invention proposes a flexible tooling for an automated detection unit, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] 1) The rudder blade support is stable, the test system benchmark is accurate, and the test zero point is accurate, which ensures the feasibility of automated rudder blade testing from a mechanical structure perspective;

[0027] 2) The structure has a certain degree of flexibility, and the functions of each component are modular. By adjusting the placement position, it can be used for automated testing of different types of rudder blades. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible tooling of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the supporting components of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the tray assembly of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the tray assembly of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible tooling of the present invention in operation;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible tooling of the present invention in operation;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible tooling of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, contents, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0036] This embodiment provides a flexible tooling for an automated detection unit, including: a support component 1 and a tray component 2;

[0037] The support component 1 is located at the bottom and is used to provide support and zero-point positioning reference. The tray component 2 is located above the support component 1 and is used to support and fix the part to be tested.

[0038] The support assembly 1 includes: zero-point fixture 3, quick-connect air circuit 4, proximity switch 5, and base plate 6;

[0039] The base plate 6 is a square plate fixed on a three-coordinate platform. A zero-point fixture 3 is provided at the center of the upper part of the base plate 6. Quick-connect air passages 4 are provided at symmetrical positions on both sides of the zero-point fixture 3. A proximity switch 5 is also provided above the base plate.

[0040] The pallet assembly 2 includes: a pallet shell 7, a pallet top plate 8, a gripper connector 9, a vacuum suction cup 10, a positioning post 11, a zero-point limiting piece 12, and a locking rivet 13;

[0041] The pallet housing 7 serves as the main body of the pallet assembly 2. It is fixed to the zero-point fixture 3 by the locking rivet 13 at the bottom of the pallet housing 7. The pallet housing 7 has three detection zones on its top, and each detection zone has multiple positioning holes. Each vacuum suction cup 10 and positioning post 11 is inserted into the positioning holes of the pallet housing 7. The pallet top plate 8 has through holes with the same position and size as the positioning holes on the upper surface of the pallet housing 7. The openings of the pallet top plate 8 are aligned with the positions of the vacuum suction cups 10 and then laid on the pallet housing 7. The locking rivet 13 is located at the center of the bottom of the pallet housing 7. A zero-point limiting piece 12 is also provided at the center of the lower surface of the pallet housing 7.

[0042] Before the rudder plate is inspected, the collaborative robot grabs the pallet housing 7 and moves it above the base plate 6. After the zero-point fixture 3 is opened, the collaborative robot grabs the pallet housing 7 and slowly moves it down. The locking pin 13 will be inserted into the locking hole of the zero-point fixture 3, and the zero-point limit piece 12 will be close to the limit block of the zero-point fixture 3. When the pallet housing 7 is close to the proximity switch 5, the proximity switch 5 triggers a signal and provides feedback. The system controls the zero-point fixture 3 to lock the locking pin 13 and restrict the vertical displacement of the pallet housing 7 and the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation in the horizontal direction. At the same time, the zero-point limit piece 12 and the limit block of the zero-point fixture 3 restrict the horizontal displacement of the pallet housing 7 in two axial directions and the vertical rotation, so that the pallet assembly 2 and the support assembly 1 are locked.

[0043] The collaborative robot picks up the rudder piece to be tested and places it in one of the three detection areas above the tray housing 7 according to its model. After placement, the vacuum suction cup 10 placed in the area of ​​the rudder piece to be tested is activated to fix the rudder piece to be tested on the tray housing 7 for testing.

[0044] The pallet housing 7 is provided with a gripper joint 9 on its side wall, and the collaborative robot connects to the pallet housing 7 through the gripper joint 9 when it grabs the pallet housing 7.

[0045] The zero-point fixture 3 supports and locks the tray assembly 2, ensuring that the repeatability of the positioning accuracy is within ±3μm.

[0046] The base plate 6 is provided with quick-connect air passage positioning screw holes. The quick-connect air passage 4 is fastened to the base plate 6 through the positioning screw holes, and is used to provide an air supply channel for the tray assembly 2 after the zero-point tooling 3 is locked with the locking rivet 13.

[0047] The base plate 6 is fixed to the three-coordinate platform by screws, and the parallelism between the upper plane of the base plate 6 and the three-coordinate platform is no more than 0.2mm.

[0048] The zero-point fixture 3 is fixed to the base plate 6 by screws, and the parallelism between the working plane of the zero-point fixture 3 and the three-coordinate table surface is no more than 0.2mm.

[0049] The pallet top plate 8 is fixed to the pallet housing 7 with screws, and each positioning post 11 is screwed into the threaded hole of the pallet top plate 8 to ensure that the positioning post is perpendicular to the pallet top plate 8.

[0050] The zero-point limiting piece 12 is fixed to the bottom of the pallet housing 7 by screws, ensuring that the parallelism between the surface of the zero-point limiting piece 12 and the bottom surface of the pallet housing 7 is no more than 0.2mm.

[0051] When the rudder piece to be tested is placed on the tray housing 7, the rudder piece is fixed by the vacuum suction cup 10 and the positioning post 11.

[0052] The vacuum chuck 10 is triggered to operate only in the working area of ​​the part to be tested.

[0053] The three detection zones on the upper part of the tray housing 7 are numbered A-2, B-2, and D-2.

[0054] Support component installation steps:

[0055] a) Fix the base plate 6 to the coordinate measuring machine platform with screws, ensuring that the parallelism between the upper plane and the coordinate measuring machine platform is no more than 0.2mm.

[0056] b) Fix the zero-point fixture 3 to the base plate 6 with screws, ensuring that the parallelism between the working plane of the zero-point fixture and the three-coordinate table is no more than 0.2mm.

[0057] c) According to the installation relationship, tighten each quick-connect air circuit onto the base plate 6, and then fix the proximity switch 5 onto the base plate 6 with screws.

[0058] 2.3.2 Tray assembly installation

[0059] a) Insert each vacuum suction cup 10 into the tray housing 7, then align the opening of the tray top plate 8 with the vacuum suction cup position and turn it down to ensure that each vacuum suction cup can be inserted into the opening. Fix the tray top plate 8 to the tray housing 7 with screws, and screw each positioning pin 11 into the threaded hole of the tray top plate 8 to ensure that the positioning pin is perpendicular to the tray top plate 8.

[0060] b) Fix the gripper connector 9 to the fixed position on the side of the pallet housing 7 with screws.

[0061] c) Fix the zero-point limiting piece 12 to the bottom of the pallet housing 7 with screws, ensuring that the parallelism between the surface of the zero-point limiting piece 12 and the bottom surface of the pallet housing 7 is no more than 0.2mm.

[0062] d) Screw the locking rivet 13 into the bottom of the pallet housing 7, ensuring it is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the pallet housing 7.

[0063] Flexible tooling work

[0064] Before the rudder plate inspection, the collaborative robot moves the pallet assembly 2 above the support assembly 1. After the zero-point fixture 3 opens, the collaborative robot slowly moves the pallet assembly 2 downward. During this process, the locking pin 13 is inserted into the locking hole of the zero-point fixture 3, and the zero-point limit piece 12 is close to the limit block of the zero-point fixture 3. When the entire pallet assembly 2 is close to the proximity switch 5, the proximity switch 5 triggers a signal and provides feedback. The system then controls the zero-point fixture 3 to lock the locking pin 13 and restrict the pallet assembly 2's displacement in the z-axis direction and its rotation around the x and y axes, a total of three degrees of freedom. At the same time, the zero-point limit piece 12 and the limit block of the zero-point fixture 3 restrict the pallet assembly 2's displacement in the x and y-axis directions and its rotation around the z-axis, a total of three degrees of freedom, so that the pallet assembly 2 and the support assembly 1 are locked together.

[0065] The collaborative robot then grabs the rudder blade and places it in one of the three detection positions, A-2, B-2, or D-2, according to its model. After placement, the vacuum suction cup 10 is activated. Only the vacuum suction cup in the area where the rudder blade to be tested is placed will be triggered, fixing the rudder blade on the tray assembly 2 for testing.

[0066] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated detection unit flexible tooling, characterized by, The utility model relates to a kind of support assembly and tray assembly for the detection of rudder piece. The support assembly (1) is arranged on the bottom to provide support and zero positioning reference, and the tray assembly (2) is arranged above the support assembly (1) to carry and fix the parts to be tested. The support assembly (1) includes a zero tool (3), a quick-connect air circuit (4), a proximity switch (5) and a bottom plate (6). The bottom plate (6) is a square plate fixed on a three-coordinate platform, and a zero tool (3) is arranged on the upper middle part of the bottom plate (6). Quick-connect air circuits (4) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the zero tool (3). A proximity switch (5) is further arranged on the upper part of the bottom plate. The tray assembly (2) includes a tray shell (7), a tray top plate (8), a gripper joint (9), a vacuum chuck (10), a positioning column (11), a zero limiting piece (12) and a locking pull nail (13). The tray shell (7) serves as the main body of the tray assembly (2) and is fixed above the zero tool (3) through the locking pull nail (13) at the bottom of the tray shell (7). Three detection zones are arranged on the upper part of the tray shell (7), and a plurality of positioning holes are formed in each detection zone. The vacuum chucks (10) and the positioning columns (11) are respectively inserted into the positioning holes in the tray shell (7). The tray top plate (8) has through holes with the same size and position as the positioning holes on the upper surface of the tray shell (7). The tray top plate (8) is laid on the tray shell (7) after the through holes are aligned with the positions of the vacuum chucks (10). The locking pull nail (13) is arranged at the center below the tray shell (7), and the zero limiting piece (12) is further arranged at the center of the lower surface of the tray shell (7). Before the detection of the rudder piece, the collaborative robot moves the tray shell (7) to above the bottom plate (6) and waits for the zero tool (3) to open. Then, the collaborative robot slowly moves the tray shell (7) downward, and the locking pull nail (13) is inserted into the locking hole of the zero tool (3). The zero limiting piece (12) is close to the limiting block of the zero tool (3). When the tray shell (7) approaches the proximity switch (5), the proximity switch (5) triggers a signal and feeds back to the system. Then, the system controls the zero tool (3) to lock the locking pull nail (13) and restrict the displacement of the tray shell (7) in the vertical direction and the rotation of the tray shell (7) in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions in the horizontal direction. At the same time, the zero limiting piece (12) and the limiting block of the zero tool (3) restrict the displacement of the tray shell (7) in the horizontal direction and the rotation of the tray shell (7) in the vertical direction, so that the tray assembly (2) and the support assembly (1) are locked. The collaborative robot grasps the rudder piece to be tested and places it in one of the three detection zones above the tray shell (7) according to the model. After the placement is completed, the vacuum chuck (10) placed in the detection area of the rudder piece to be tested is started to fix the rudder piece to be tested on the tray shell (7) for detection. The gripper joint (9) is arranged on the side wall of the tray shell (7), and the collaborative robot grasps the tray shell (7) through the gripper joint (9).

2. The automated detection unit flexible tooling of claim 1, wherein, The zero tool (3) supports and locks the tray assembly (2), ensuring that the repeated positioning accuracy is within ±3 μm.

3. The automated detection unit flexible tooling of claim 1, wherein, ​ 4. The automated detection unit flexible tooling of claim 1, wherein, The bottom plate (6) is provided with quick connection air path positioning screw holes, and the quick connection air path (4) is fastened on the bottom plate (6) through the positioning screw holes, so as to provide a gas supply channel for the tray assembly (2) after the zero tooling (3) is locked with the locking puller (13).

5. The automated detection unit flexible tooling of claim 1, wherein, The bottom plate (6) is fixed on the three-coordinate platform through screws, and the parallelism between the upper surface of the bottom plate (6) and the three-coordinate platform is not greater than 0.2 mm.

6. The automated detection unit flexible tooling of claim 1, wherein, The zero tooling (3) is fixed on the bottom plate (6) through screws, and the parallelism between the working surface of the zero tooling (3) and the three-coordinate platform is not greater than 0.2 mm.

7. The automated detection unit flexible tooling of claim 1, wherein, The tray top plate (8) is fixed on the tray shell (7) through screws, each positioning column (11) is screwed into the threaded hole of the tray top plate (8), and the positioning column is perpendicular to the tray top plate (8).

8. The automated detection unit flexible tooling of claim 1, wherein, The zero limiting piece (12) is fixed on the bottom of the tray shell (7) through screws, and the parallelism between the surface of the zero limiting piece (12) and the bottom surface of the tray shell (7) is not greater than 0.2 mm.

9. The automated detection unit flexible tooling of claim 1, wherein, When the rudder to be tested is placed on the tray shell (7), the rudder is fixed through the vacuum chuck (10) and the positioning column (11). Only the vacuum chuck (10) of the working area of the part to be tested is triggered to work.

10. The automated detection unit flexible tooling of claim 1, wherein, The three detection areas on the tray shell (7) are numbered as A-2, B-2 and D-2.

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