Vertical open-type vehicle roof assembly omnibearing detection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vertical openable roof assembly omnibearing detection device, the device mainly comprises a supporting part, an image acquisition system, an operation control system and a fixing device base, the supporting part is composed of a vertical frame and a frame base, provides stable support and is provided with a plurality of mounting ports to realize flexible configuration of each part, and the image acquisition system is connected with the operation control system. The image acquisition system comprises a multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical arm and an industrial camera and can be adjusted at multiple angles, non-blind area image acquisition of the surface of the roof assembly is achieved, and the operation control system comprises an electric box, a touch display screen, a control system and a state warning device and is responsible for power supply, man-machine interaction and overall control. The fixing device base is used for quickly positioning and locking the workpiece fixing device, the rollers, the foldable fixing blocks and the in-place sensors are arranged on the fixing device base, the workpiece fixing device adapts to clamping of different types of roof assemblies through adsorption, clamping and fine adjustment structures, and the device has the advantages of being modularized, high in automation degree, comprehensive in detection coverage, high in adaptability and the like. And the detection efficiency and precision are obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automated testing technology for automotive parts, specifically relating to a vertical, openable roof assembly omnidirectional testing device. Background Technology

[0002] As an important feature for enhancing the driving experience in modern automobiles, the functionality and reliability of openable roof components directly affect the sealing performance, structural safety, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) of the entire vehicle. During the production of these components, rigorous quality testing is required to ensure that they are free of defects in appearance, meet assembly standards, and have properly fitted sealing strips. The accuracy of the testing not only affects the vehicle's aesthetics but also directly impacts safety performance. Substandard components may lead to wind and rain intrusion, abnormal noises, and even safety hazards while driving. Therefore, employing efficient and accurate testing equipment is of great significance for the quality control of openable roof components.

[0003] Currently, most openable roof assembly inspection devices on the market rely on a combination of mechanical structures and sensors to achieve functional verification. For example, a known roof inspection fixture includes a placement seat, a conveyor belt, an inspection bracket, and a flipping device. During inspection, the roof is placed on the conveyor belt, and its surface is scanned by the inspection head. The flipping device then fixes the roof with a clamping assembly and flips it using a rotating bearing so that the inspection head can perform a full scan of the inside and outside of the roof. This device uses mechanical grippers and a drive assembly to fix and rotate the roof, thereby enabling inspection at different angles.

[0004] However, such testing devices have several drawbacks. First, they rely on complex mechanical structures, such as the need to control the reverse movement of the first and second sliding seats, and to adjust the position of the clamping blocks through the storage components and the switching mechanism. These structures not only increase the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the equipment, but also introduce more potential failure points. Second, existing devices require multiple adjustments to the position and angle of the car roof during the testing process, which is cumbersome and inefficient. For example, when different angles of the car roof need to be tested, the car roof must be rotated manually or semi-automatically through the flipping device, which is not only time-consuming, but may also damage the workpiece due to improper operation.

[0005] In addition, existing testing equipment has limitations in terms of accuracy and adaptability. For example, some testing systems may not be able to accurately simulate the installation and operating conditions of roof components in actual vehicles, resulting in deviations between the test results and the actual situation. At the same time, with the continuous innovation of openable roof designs, existing testing equipment may not be able to cover the verification needs of these new functions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a more efficient, accurate and adaptable testing device to meet the automotive industry's growing quality and safety requirements for openable roof components.

[0006] In conclusion, the testing technology for openable roof components still faces multiple challenges, and future development should focus on simplifying the operation process, improving testing accuracy, and enhancing adaptability to new functions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To overcome some shortcomings of the existing technology mentioned in the background, there is an urgent need for a high-precision testing solution that is structurally reasonable, easy to operate, comprehensive, and highly adaptable. Against this background, the present invention proposes a vertical, openable roof component all-around testing device, which aims to achieve efficient, stable, and comprehensive quality testing through modular design and intelligent control. The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0008] A vertical, openable roof component omnidirectional inspection device, which mainly includes four core modules: a support part, an image acquisition system, an operation control system, and a fixing device base.

[0009] The support system consists of a ground-mounted frame and a frame base. The frame base is fixed to the ground, providing stable support for the entire device. The ground-mounted frame is designed with multiple standardized mounting ports. These mounting ports are not only used for flexible adjustment of the height and angle of the image acquisition system, but also enable rapid positioning and installation of the fixed device base, greatly improving the modularity and reconfigurability of the equipment.

[0010] The image acquisition system is mounted on the mounting port at the top of the freestanding frame via its acquisition system base. The system includes a large robotic arm, a small robotic arm, and an industrial camera. The components achieve multi-degree-of-freedom movement through rotating axes. The large robotic arm is connected to the acquisition system base via its large robotic arm rotating axis, while the small robotic arm is connected to the end of the large robotic arm via its small robotic arm rotating axis. The industrial camera has a camera rotating axis at its bottom. Through the coordinated drive of these three sets of rotating axes, the industrial camera can achieve high-speed and high-precision image capture from multiple angles and directions. Its field of view can fully cover the openable roof assembly located in the central area of ​​the freestanding frame, thereby achieving blind-spot-free detection of key areas such as the upper surface, edges, and sealing structures of the workpiece.

[0011] The operation control system, as the intelligent hub of the entire testing device, includes an electrical box, a display unit, a control system, and an alarm device. The electrical box is usually located at the bottom of the floor-standing frame, providing a stable power supply to all electric and control systems. The display unit uses a touch screen, installed on the side of the frame for easy human-machine interaction, and can display testing data, image results, and equipment status in real time, as well as receive operating commands. The control system is electrically connected to the electrical box, image acquisition system, fixed device base, and alarm device, and is responsible for coordinating the actions of each component, processing image data, judging the quality status of the workpiece, and outputting control signals. The alarm device is preferably a dual-color indicator light, used to intuitively indicate the equipment operating status and whether the testing results are qualified.

[0012] The mounting base is installed on the mounting opening below the vertical frame to support and position the openable roof assembly fixing device. The base is equipped with oriented rollers whose arrangement direction is consistent with the pushing direction of the workpiece fixing device, facilitating smooth docking. The base is also equipped with a foldable fixing block, which consists of a base and a foldable block. The base is fixed to the base, and the foldable block can rotate relative to the base. When the workpiece fixing device is pushed into place by the rollers, the foldable block automatically stands up and locks, achieving rapid fixing. At the same time, the base has a built-in contact sensor to detect whether the workpiece fixing device is accurately positioned, ensuring the safety and stability of the detection process.

[0013] The openable roof assembly fixing device, as the component that directly supports the workpiece to be inspected, includes multiple ring-shaped array support seats. It fixes the back of the roof assembly by negative pressure adsorption, avoiding mechanical damage to the workpiece surface. The roller support structure, together with the support structure slide rail, can clamp the workpiece in the front-to-back direction and make fine adjustments in the left and right directions. Multiple clamping devices set on the side are used to stabilize the workpiece from both sides. Both the roller support structure and the clamping devices are designed to be telescopic and adjustable, so as to adapt to different models and sizes of openable roof assemblies, which significantly improves the versatility and practicality of the equipment.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, this invention achieves rapid configuration and efficient operation of the detection device through a highly modular structural design. The standardized mounting ports on the freestanding frame allow the main functional modules to be flexibly adjusted according to detection needs, significantly shortening equipment debugging and changeover time. The image acquisition system adopts a multi-robotic arm collaborative control method, breaking through the limitations of traditional single-camera or fixed multi-camera systems, and achieving true blind-spot-free coverage detection. The rapid docking and locking mechanism between the fixed device base and the workpiece fixing device, combined with contact sensing technology, ensures both positioning accuracy and improves operational efficiency. In addition, the overall equipment achieves a high degree of integration in electrical control and software processing, and can automatically complete the entire detection process through preset programs, minimizing manual intervention and significantly improving the consistency and reliability of detection.

[0015] Beneficial effects:

[0016] In summary, the omnidirectional inspection device for openable roof components involved in this invention has several advantages, bringing improvements and convenience to existing inspection technologies:

[0017] First, the device is highly modular and flexible in structure. Through standardized interface design and adjustable image acquisition system, it can quickly adapt to the inspection needs of workpieces of different specifications and models, greatly improving equipment utilization and production line flexibility.

[0018] Secondly, in terms of detection capabilities, relying on a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm and a high-resolution industrial camera, the device can achieve comprehensive imaging and precise analysis of key areas such as the upper and lower surfaces of the roof components, the surrounding sealing structure, and the assembly gaps. The detection accuracy and coverage are far superior to traditional equipment.

[0019] Furthermore, in terms of operational efficiency, the entire process, from workpiece clamping and position adjustment to image acquisition and result judgment, has achieved a high degree of automation and intelligence, significantly reducing manual operation time and labor intensity, while also reducing the risk of errors or workpiece damage caused by human factors.

[0020] Finally, the device also has good scalability and compatibility, and can meet the testing needs of new roof components in the future through software upgrades or module replacements, thus extending the service life of the equipment.

[0021] In conclusion, this device is not only suitable for openable roof components, but its design concept and modular structure can also provide an important reference for the automated inspection of other large curved surface workpieces, and has broad application prospects and market value. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 An isometric side view of a vertical, openable roof assembly omnidirectional inspection device with an installed openable roof assembly.

[0023] Figure 2 An isometric side view of a vertical, openable roof assembly omnidirectional inspection device;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the image acquisition system structure of a vertical, openable roof component omnidirectional inspection device;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting base structure of a vertical, openable, all-around inspection device for vehicle roof components;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing device structure of a vertical, openable roof component all-around inspection device;

[0027] In the diagram, 1. Freestanding frame, 2. Frame base, 3. Electrical box, 4. Image acquisition system, 401. Acquisition system base, 402. Large robotic arm, 403. Small robotic arm, 404. Industrial camera, 5. Display unit, 6. Control system, 7. Warning device, 8. Fixing device base, 801. Roller, 802. Folding fixing block, 803. Contact sensor, 9. Fixing device, 901. Support base, 902. Roller support structure, 903. Support structure slide rail, 904. Clamping device, 10. Openable roof assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enhance understanding of the present invention, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only for explaining the invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the invention.

[0029] 1. Ground-mounted frame; 2. Frame base; 3. Electrical box; 4. Image acquisition system; 401. Acquisition system base; 402. Large robotic arm; 403. Small robotic arm; 404. Industrial camera; 5. Display unit; 6. Control system; 7. Warning device; 8. Fixing device base; 801. Roller; 802. Folding fixing block; 803. Contact sensor; 9. Fixing device; 901. Support base; 902. Roller support structure; 903. Support structure slide rail; 904. Clamping device; 10. Openable roof assembly.

[0030] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the all-around testing device mainly includes a support part, an image acquisition system 4, an operation control system, and a fixing device base 8. The support part consists of a ground-standing frame 1 and a frame base 2. The frame base 2 is fixed to the floor of the testing workshop by anchor bolts, providing rigid support for the entire equipment. The ground-standing frame 1 is welded from steel profiles, and its columns and beams are arranged with standardized mounting ports in a matrix. These mounting ports are used for the installation and position adjustment of the image acquisition system 4 and the fixing device base 8.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the image acquisition system 4 is connected to the mounting port on the top of the standing frame 1 via the acquisition system base 401 at its bottom and is fixed by a quick-release locking mechanism. The image acquisition system 4 includes a large robotic arm 402, a small robotic arm 403, and an industrial camera 404. The large robotic arm 402 is horizontally connected to the acquisition system base 401 via a large robotic arm rotation axis. The small robotic arm 403 is pitched and rotated via a small robotic arm rotation axis to the end of the large robotic arm 402. The industrial camera 404 is installed at the end of the small robotic arm 403 and has a camera rotation axis at its bottom, which can realize the camera rotation around the optical axis. All three rotation axes are equipped with high-precision servo motors and encoders, which are coordinated and driven by the control system, so that the industrial camera 404 can flexibly adjust its posture in multiple degrees of freedom to realize the acquisition of key areas such as the upper surface, surrounding contours, and sealing strips of the openable roof component 10 located in the central area of ​​the frame without blind spots.

[0032] The operation control system includes an electrical box 3, a display unit 5, a control system 6, and a warning device 7. The electrical box 3 is installed at the bottom of the freestanding frame 1 and contains electrical components such as circuit breakers, switching power supplies, and servo drives, providing power distribution and protection for the entire device. The display unit 5 is a high-definition touch screen installed on the side of the freestanding frame 1 at a height convenient for the operator to observe and operate. It is used to display real-time detection images, system status, detection result information, and to receive input commands from the operator. The control system 6 is installed inside the electrical box 3 or inside the freestanding frame 1. Its core is an industrial computer and PLC, which is responsible for receiving commands from the display unit 5, processing image data collected by the industrial camera 404, controlling the movement of the robotic arm, and handling communication with the fixed device base 8. The warning device 7 uses a dual-color light pole, installed in a conspicuous position on the top of the freestanding frame 1, and uses green or red light signals to indicate whether the detection is qualified, unqualified, or the equipment operating status.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the fixing device base 8 is bolted to the pre-set mounting port below the standing frame 1. Multiple sets of rollers 801 are mounted on its upper surface, with all rollers 801 aligned with the direction of the opening roof assembly fixing device 9 to reduce pushing resistance. The base 8 also has multiple foldable fixing blocks 802. Each fixing block 802 consists of a base fixed to the base 8 and a foldable block connected to the base via a rotating shaft. When the fixing device 9 is not pushed in, the foldable block is in a flat state. When the fixing device 9 is pushed into the predetermined position along the rollers 801, the foldable block automatically stands up under the drive of a cylinder or motor, locking into the corresponding slot at the bottom of the fixing device 9 and securing it. Simultaneously, the fixing device base 8 is equipped with a contact sensor 803 to detect whether the fixing device 9 has been accurately positioned and output a signal to the control system 6.

[0034] like Figure 5As shown, the openable roof assembly fixing device 9 is used to directly clamp the openable roof assembly 10 to be tested. The bottom of the device has a structure corresponding to the rollers 801 and fixing blocks 802 on the base 8 of the fixing device, which enables quick docking and locking. The upper surface of the fixing device 9 is provided with multiple vacuum support seats 901. These support seats 901 are arranged in a ring array. They fix the back of the roof assembly 10 by generating negative pressure adsorption force to avoid scratching the appearance of the workpiece. Multiple sets of roller support structures 902 and their matching support structure slide rails 903 are installed on the surface of the fixing device 9 for clamping and positioning the roof assembly 10 from the front and rear directions. The roller support structures 902 can move along the slide rails 903, allowing for fine adjustment of the workpiece in the left and right directions. Multiple telescopic clamping devices 904 are also installed on the left and right sides of the fixing device 9 for clamping the workpiece from the side to ensure its stability during the inspection process. Both the roller support structures 902 and the clamping devices 904 are designed to be manually or electrically adjustable to accommodate roof assemblies of different models and sizes.

[0035] The operating procedure of the device is as follows: First, the operator adjusts the position of the roller support structure 902 and the clamping device 904 on the fixing device 9 according to the model of the roof assembly to be inspected. Then, the roof assembly 10 is hoisted or placed on the fixing device 9, so that its back side contacts the vacuum support base 901. Vacuum adsorption is activated to initially fix it. Then, the roller support structure 902 is pushed and clamped from both sides using the clamping devices 904. After completion, the entire fixing device 9 is pushed into the fixing device base 8 by the rollers at its bottom until the contact sensor 803 sends a positioning signal, and the fixing block 802... The system automatically stands up and locks the workpiece in place. The operator starts the inspection program on the display unit 5. The control system 6 controls the movement of each robotic arm of the image acquisition system 4 according to the preset path, driving the industrial camera 404 to perform an all-round scan and capture of the roof component 10. The acquired images are transmitted to the control system 6 in real time for image analysis and processing to determine whether there are defects, whether the gaps are qualified, etc. After the inspection is completed, the results are displayed on the display unit 5. The warning device 7 lights up the corresponding color light according to the results. Finally, the fixing block 802 is retracted, and the operator can pull out the fixing device 9 to remove the inspected workpiece.

[0036] Implementation example:

[0037] The following is a specific application example to illustrate how to use this device. Suppose that a pre-shipment inspection of the panoramic sunroof glass assembly of a certain model of automobile is required.

[0038] The operator first checks the dimensional parameters of the sunroof assembly and then manually adjusts the position of all roller support structures 902 on the support structure slide rail 903 on the fixing device 9, and adjusts the length of its telescopic rod. Similarly, the extension length and clamping angle of the clamping devices 904 on both sides are adjusted to ensure that they can effectively clamp the workpiece of this model without interference. After the adjustment is completed, a piece of openable roof assembly 10 to be tested is smoothly transferred and placed on the prepared fixing device 9 using a hoisting device. When placing it, the rear frame of the sunroof assembly is aligned and in contact with multiple vacuum support seats 901.

[0039] The operator activates the vacuum system of the fixing device 9, and the sunroof assembly is initially fixed by the suction force generated by the support seat 901. Then, the front and rear roller support structures 902 are pushed in sequence, so that the flexible rollers on them fit tightly against the front and rear edges of the sunroof assembly to achieve positioning and clamping in the front and rear directions. Next, the clamping devices 904 on the left and right sides are locked, so that their rubber chucks gently clamp the left and right frames of the sunroof assembly from the sides, completing the final clamping of the workpiece.

[0040] Next, the operator pushes the workpiece-loaded fixing device 9 under the standing frame 1. The guide wheel at the bottom of the fixing device 9 aligns with the roller 801 on the fixing device base 8. The operator smoothly pushes the fixing device 9 into the base 8 along the direction of the roller 801. When the fixing device 9 is fully in place, it triggers the contact sensor 803 on the base 8. The sensor 803 sends a signal to the control system 6, which then controls the cylinder to automatically stand up all the foldable fixing blocks 802, firmly locking the bottom of the fixing device 9 to prevent it from moving.

[0041] The operator walks to the display unit 5 on the side of the standing frame 1, selects the preset detection program on the operation interface and clicks the start button. The control system 6 starts running according to the program instructions. The electrical box 3 supplies power to each servo motor. The control system 6 controls the large robotic arm 402 to start rotating horizontally and the small robotic arm 403 to perform pitching motion. At the same time, the industrial camera 404 is constantly adjusting its shooting angle and focal length. The industrial camera 404 moves and takes pictures along a pre-planned complex path that can cover the entire upper surface of the sunroof assembly, the surrounding rubber strips and mounting holes. At each shooting point, the industrial camera 404 automatically focuses and takes pictures, and transmits the high-definition images back to the image processing software in the control system 6 in real time.

[0042] The image processing software automatically analyzes each received image, checks for scratches, bubbles, impurities, and other appearance defects on the surface of the sunroof glass, measures whether the assembly gap between the glass and the frame is within the tolerance range, and checks whether the sealing strip is laid continuously, flatly, and without twisting. The entire inspection process is fully automated and requires no manual intervention.

[0043] After the testing program is completed, the industrial camera 404 returns to the initial standby position. The image processing software makes a final judgment based on all the analysis results. The actual measured values ​​and acceptable ranges of each test indicator are listed in detail on the screen of the display unit 5. At the same time, the overall conclusion is given. The dual-color light of the warning device 7 lights up. If the product is qualified, the green light will light up. If there is a defect, the red light will light up.

[0044] Once the green light illuminates, the operator can click the release button on the touchscreen. The foldable fixing block 802 on the base 8 of the fixing device will retract and flatten under the action of the cylinder. The contact sensor 803 will reset its state. The operator will then pull the fixing device 9 out of the base 8, turn off the vacuum adsorption, release the clamping devices 904 and the roller support structure 902, and finally use hoisting equipment to remove the qualified sunroof assembly and transfer it to the next process.

[0045] This concludes the comprehensive inspection of the openable roof component.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vertical, openable, all-around inspection device for vehicle roof components, characterized in that, include: Support components, image acquisition system, operation control system, and base for fixing device; The supporting part includes a ground-mounted frame and a frame base. The frame base is fixedly installed on the ground and supports the ground-mounted frame. The ground-mounted frame is provided with multiple mounting ports. Through the multiple mounting ports on the ground-mounted frame, the height and angle of the image acquisition system can be flexibly configured, and the fixed device base can be quickly positioned and installed. The image acquisition system is equipped with an acquisition system base, which is mounted on the mounting port on the top of the standing frame. The image acquisition system includes a large robotic arm, a small robotic arm, and an industrial camera that are rotatably connected in sequence. A camera rotation axis is provided below the industrial camera. By driving the rotation axis of the large robotic arm, the rotation axis of the small robotic arm, and the rotation axis of the camera, the shooting direction of the industrial camera can be adjusted to cover the openable roof assembly located in the central area of ​​the standing frame. The operation control system includes an electrical box, a display unit, a control system, and an alarm device. The electrical box provides power to the omnidirectional detection device. The display unit processes human-machine interaction information to display detection information and receive instructions. The control system is electrically connected to the electrical box, the display unit, the alarm device, and the image acquisition system to control the operation of the device. The alarm device displays the status of the device. The fixing device base is installed on the mounting port under the ground frame, and supports and positions the openable roof component fixing device. The fixing device base is equipped with rollers, foldable fixing blocks and contact sensors to detect whether the openable roof component fixing device is in place. The openable roof assembly fixing device places and fixes the openable roof assembly to be tested, with its bottom docking with the fixing device base, and the fixing device base providing power and control signals.

2. The omnidirectional inspection device for an openable roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the image acquisition system, the large robotic arm is rotatably connected to the base of the acquisition system via a large robotic arm rotation axis, and the small robotic arm is rotatably connected to the large robotic arm via a small robotic arm rotation axis.

3. The omnidirectional inspection device for an openable roof assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The foldable fixing block on the base of the fixing device includes a base that is firmly connected to the base and a foldable block that is rotatably connected to the base. When the openable roof component fixing device is pushed into place by the roller docking, the foldable block stands up to fix the openable roof component fixing device.

4. The omnidirectional inspection device for an openable roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The openable roof assembly fixing device includes: a support base, a roller support structure, a support structure slide rail, and a clamping device; Multiple support bases are provided and arranged in a circular array on the upper surface of the openable roof assembly fixing device, and the back of the openable roof assembly is directly fixed by adsorption force. The roller support structure and the supporting structure slide rail that cooperate with it are provided in multiple sets, which are set on the surface of the fixing device. The roller support structure can move along the supporting structure slide rail to clamp the openable roof assembly from the front and rear directions, and allow the openable roof assembly to be finely adjusted left and right. Multiple clamping devices are provided and are arranged on the left and right sides of the openable roof assembly fixing device to clamp the openable roof assembly from the side.

5. The omnidirectional inspection device for an openable roof assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the roller support structure and the clamping device are telescopic and adjustable to accommodate different models of openable roof assemblies.

6. The omnidirectional inspection device for an openable roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display unit is a touch screen and is installed on the side of the floor-standing frame.

7. The omnidirectional inspection device for an openable roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The warning device is a dual-color indicator light.

8. The omnidirectional inspection device for an openable roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rollers on the base of the fixing device are arranged in the same direction as the push-in direction of the opening roof assembly fixing device.

9. The omnidirectional inspection device for an openable roof assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical box is located at the bottom of the floor-standing frame.

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