An automobile sheet metal part welding device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of automobile sheet metal welding equipment, including laser welding device, angle adjusting platform, at least one fixed clamping mechanism and turnover clamping mechanism;Fixed clamping mechanism and turnover clamping mechanism are used to clamp the sheet metal of different positions to be welded, and fixed clamping mechanism and turnover clamping mechanism are formed in the upper of sheet metal Avoidance area, laser welding device is suitable for translation along avoidance area to perform the welding of sheet metal;Angle adjusting platform is used to adjust the welding direction of sheet metal, and turnover clamping mechanism is used to turn over sheet metal.The beneficial effects of the application are: by setting angle adjusting platform, the position of sheet metal is adjusted in real time, so that the welding position of sheet metal can always be kept perpendicular to laser welding device, so as to improve the welding quality of sheet metal.At the same time, the turnover of sheet metal can be completed without re-clamping by turnover clamping mechanism, so as to improve welding efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive parts processing technology, and in particular to a welding equipment for automotive sheet metal parts. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive sheet metal parts refer to thin metal sheet components used in automobiles, manufactured through sheet metal processing. As external body panels and load-bearing structures, they play a crucial role in resisting air resistance, protecting the internal structure of the vehicle body, and enhancing the vehicle's appearance. Common automotive sheet metal parts include doors, fenders, and window frames.

[0003] In the processing of automotive parts, due to the thinness of sheet metal, it is often necessary to fold or stack the sheet metal before welding. Take a car window frame as an example... Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an existing car window frame sheet metal part. As can be seen, the sheet metal part is curved in both its extension and width directions. However, existing welding equipment often only has lifting and translation functions. This results in the welding direction of the welding device not being perpendicular to the welding position of the sheet metal part during welding, thus affecting the welding quality. Furthermore, existing sheet metal parts may require double-sided welding, but the current welding method involves welding one side of the sheet metal part first, then re-clamping the other side, which may reduce welding efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this application is to provide an automotive sheet metal welding device that can solve at least one of the defects in the aforementioned background art.

[0005] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: an automotive sheet metal welding equipment, comprising a laser welding device, an angle adjustment platform, and a fixed clamping mechanism and a flipping clamping mechanism spaced apart on the angle adjustment platform; both the fixed clamping mechanism and the flipping clamping mechanism are used to clamp the sheet metal parts to be welded at different positions, and both the fixed clamping mechanism and the flipping clamping mechanism form a clearance area above the sheet metal parts; the laser welding device is adapted to translate along the clearance area to perform welding on the sheet metal parts; the angle adjustment platform is adapted to simultaneously drive the fixed clamping mechanism and the flipping clamping mechanism to tilt in any direction and at any angle within a set range, so that the welding position of the sheet metal parts is always perpendicular to the laser welding device; after the sheet metal parts are welded on one side, the flipping clamping mechanism is adapted to flip the sheet metal parts 180° so that the unwelded side of the sheet metal parts faces the laser welding device, during which the fixed clamping mechanism releases its clamping on the sheet metal parts.

[0006] Preferably, the angle adjustment platform includes a worktable and four first telescopic devices; the worktable is used to install the fixed clamping mechanism and the flipping clamping mechanism; the four first telescopic devices are located below the worktable and arranged in an array, and the first telescopic devices are connected to the worktable through an output end; when welding sheet metal parts, based on the current welding position of the sheet metal parts, the four first telescopic devices are controlled to extend and retract by corresponding displacement amounts, so that the worktable tilts in the corresponding direction and angle, thereby making the current welding position of the sheet metal parts perpendicular to the laser welding device.

[0007] Preferably, the output end of the first telescopic device is equipped with a ball joint seat, and the lower end face of the worktable is correspondingly equipped with a ball joint head. The output end of the first telescopic device is connected to the corresponding ball joint head through the ball joint seat. Among the four ball joint heads installed on the lower end face of the worktable, one ball joint head is fixedly set to the worktable, and the remaining ball joint heads are slidably installed to the worktable in a direction parallel to the end face.

[0008] Preferably, one fixed clamping mechanism is provided, and the fixed clamping mechanism and the flipping clamping mechanism respectively clamp the sheet metal part on both sides along the extension direction; or, multiple fixed clamping mechanisms are provided, the flipping clamping mechanism is used to clamp the middle area of ​​the sheet metal part along the extension direction, and the fixed clamping mechanisms are arranged on both sides of the flipping clamping mechanism to clamp the sheet metal part on both sides along the extension direction.

[0009] Preferably, the fixed clamping mechanism includes a pair of clamping components and a translation component; the two clamping components are symmetrically arranged along the width direction of the sheet metal part to clamp the two sides of the sheet metal part along the width direction respectively; the translation component is installed on the worktable and is respectively connected to the two clamping components so that the two clamping components move synchronously towards or away from each other under the drive of the translation component.

[0010] Preferably, the clamping assembly includes a first mounting base, a first gripper assembly, a second telescopic device, and a deflection assembly; the first mounting base is horizontally slidably mounted on the worktable and cooperates with the translation assembly, so that the translation assembly drives the clamping assembly to move by driving the first mounting base; the second telescopic device is fixedly mounted on the first mounting base; the first gripper assembly is used to clamp the sheet metal part, and the first gripper assembly is mounted on the output end of the second telescopic device through the second mounting base, so that the first gripper assembly can move up and down along a line perpendicular to the end face of the worktable under the drive of the second telescopic device; the deflection assembly is mounted on the second mounting base and cooperates with the first gripper assembly, so that the first gripper assembly can deflect under the drive of the deflection assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the first gripper assembly includes a pair of grippers, a third mounting base, and a third telescopic device; the third mounting base is rotatably mounted on the second mounting base via a rotating sleeve; the two grippers are symmetrically slidably mounted on the third mounting base via a fixedly mounted push block; the third telescopic device is fixedly mounted on the second mounting base, and the telescopic rod at the output end of the third telescopic device is adapted to pass through the rotating sleeve and engage with the push block via a rotatably mounted traction block, thereby causing the grippers to open or close under the telescopic drive of the third telescopic device; the deflection assembly includes a first rotating device, a first gear, and a second gear; the first rotating device is fixedly mounted on the second mounting base, and the first gear is fixedly mounted on the output end of the first rotating device and meshes with the second gear fixedly mounted on the rotating sleeve, thereby causing the grippers to deflect at an angle under the rotation drive of the first rotating device.

[0012] Preferably, there are two flipping clamping mechanisms symmetrically arranged along the width direction of the sheet metal part, so that the avoidance area is formed between the two flipping clamping mechanisms; the flipping clamping mechanism includes a fourth mounting base, a clamping component, and a flipping drive component; the flipping clamping mechanism is fixedly mounted on the worktable via the fourth mounting base; the clamping component is used to clamp the sheet metal part, and the clamping component is mounted on the fourth mounting base via a guide structure, and a circular flipping path is formed between the guide structures corresponding to the two flipping clamping mechanisms; the flipping drive component is mounted on the fourth mounting base and drives the clamping component, so that the clamping components corresponding to the two flipping clamping mechanisms move along the flipping path to interchange positions under the drive of the corresponding flipping drive component.

[0013] Preferably, the flipping drive assembly includes a pair of third rotating devices and a rack plate; the two third rotating devices are fixedly installed at intervals along the height direction of the fourth mounting base, and a third gear is installed at the output end of each third rotating device; the rack plate is arc-shaped and fixedly installed on the clamping assembly and meshes with the third gear, the center position of the rack plate coincides with the center position of the flipping path, and the center angle of the rack plate is greater than the center angle of the two third rotating devices of equal height to the two flipping clamping mechanisms, thereby the third rotating devices drive the rack plate through the third gear, causing the clamping assembly to interchange positions along the flipping path.

[0014] Preferably, the clamping assembly includes a fifth mounting base, a second gripper assembly, and a fourth telescopic device; the rack plate is fixedly mounted on the fifth mounting base; the fourth telescopic device is fixedly mounted on the fifth mounting base; the second gripper assembly is used to clamp the sheet metal part, and the second gripper assembly is mounted on the output end of the fourth telescopic device, so that the second gripper assembly moves radially along the flipping path under the drive of the fourth telescopic device; the guide structure includes a second guide groove that is arc-shaped and disposed on the fourth mounting base, and a second guide rail that is arc-shaped and fixedly mounted on the fifth mounting base, the second guide rail slidingly engaging with the second guide groove; the central angle corresponding to the second guide rail is greater than the central angle corresponding to the ends of the two second guide grooves at the same height, so that the flipping path is formed between the second guide rail and the two second guide grooves.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0016] By setting up an angle adjustment platform to adjust the position of the sheet metal parts in real time, the welding position of the sheet metal parts can always be kept perpendicular to the laser welding device, thereby improving the welding quality of the sheet metal parts. At the same time, the flipping clamping mechanism can flip the sheet metal parts without reclamping, thereby improving welding efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a traditional sheet metal part structure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall axonometric structure of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this application from a top-down perspective.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the front view of the angle adjustment platform driving the worktable to tilt, as described in this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side view schematic diagram of the structure of the angle adjustment platform that drives the worktable to tilt in this application.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of one example of a ball joint head mounted on a worktable in this application.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping component in this application.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the exploded state of the first gripper assembly and the deflection assembly in this application.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the push block structure in this application.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the flipping clamping mechanism in this application.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled state of the flipping clamping mechanism in this application.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the two flipping clamping mechanisms in this application are clamping the sheet metal part in their normal positions.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the two flipping clamping mechanisms in this application cause the clamped sheet metal part to flip. Figure 1 .

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the two flipping clamping mechanisms in this application cause the clamped sheet metal part to flip. Figure 2 .

[0031] In the diagram: Sheet metal part 01, worktable 100, movable cavity 101, first guide rail 11, ball joint head 12, movable seat 121, first telescopic device 2, ball joint seat 21, fixed clamping mechanism 3, clamping assembly 31, first mounting seat 311, first guide groove 3110, sliding sleeve 3111, second mounting seat 312, second telescopic device 313, first gripper assembly 314, traction groove 3140, gripper 3141, push block 3142, positioning slide groove 3143, third mounting seat 3144, positioning slider 3145, rotating sleeve 3146, third telescopic device Device 3147, telescopic rod 3148, traction block 3149, deflection assembly 315, first rotating device 3151, first gear 3152, second gear 3153, translation assembly 32, second rotating device 321, bidirectional lead screw 322, flipping clamping mechanism 4, fourth mounting base 41, second guide groove 410, fifth mounting base 42, second guide rail 421, fourth telescopic device 43, second gripper assembly 44, flipping drive assembly 45, third rotating device 451, third gear 452, rack plate 453, laser welding device 500. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present application will now be further described in conjunction with specific embodiments. It should be noted that, in the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicates that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms should not be construed as necessarily referring 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. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., which indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this application.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and claims of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0038] One preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an automotive sheet metal welding device includes a laser welding unit 500, an angle adjustment platform, and a fixed clamping mechanism 3 and a flipping clamping mechanism 4 installed at intervals on the angle adjustment platform. Both the fixed clamping mechanism 3 and the flipping clamping mechanism 4 are used to clamp the sheet metal part 01 to be welded at different positions, ensuring stable clamping and thus guaranteeing stable welding. Since the traditional laser welding unit 500 can only move horizontally, to ensure that the laser welding unit 500 can properly weld the sheet metal part 01, both the fixed clamping mechanism 3 and the flipping clamping mechanism 4 form a clearance area above the clamped sheet metal part 01. The laser welding unit 500 can then translate along this clearance area to perform welding on the sheet metal part 01.

[0039] The angle adjustment platform can simultaneously drive the fixed clamping mechanism 3 and the flipping clamping mechanism 4 to tilt in any direction and at any angle within a set range, so that the welding position of the sheet metal part 01 is always perpendicular to the laser welding device 500. After the sheet metal part 01 completes single-sided welding, the flipping clamping mechanism 4 can flip the sheet metal part 01 180° so that the unwelded side of the sheet metal part 01 faces the laser welding device 500. During this process, the fixed clamping mechanism 3 releases its grip on the sheet metal part 01.

[0040] Understandably, compared to traditional welding methods, this application uses an angle adjustment platform to adjust the position of the sheet metal part 01 in real time, ensuring that the welding position of the sheet metal part 01 remains perpendicular to the laser welding device 500, thereby improving the welding quality of the sheet metal part 01. Simultaneously, the flipping clamping mechanism 4 allows the sheet metal part 01 to be flipped without re-clamping, thus improving welding efficiency.

[0041] It is important to understand that during the welding process of sheet metal part 01, the angle adjustment platform needs to adjust the placement of sheet metal part 01 in real time to ensure that its current welding position is always perpendicular to the laser welding device 500. The real-time angle adjustment data of the angle adjustment platform can be calibrated before welding sheet metal part 01. This involves simulating the welding process in software based on the model of sheet metal part 01, ensuring that the welding position of sheet metal part 01 remains perpendicular to the laser welding device 500 as it moves. The position change data of sheet metal part 01 obtained from the simulation can be converted into angle change data for the angle adjustment platform. The specific calibration and simulation process, as well as the data conversion process, are well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The specific structure and working principle of the laser welding device 500 are also well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] In this embodiment, there are various specific structures for the angle adjustment platform that can achieve the above functions. For ease of understanding, one of these structures will be described in detail below. Figures 2 to 5As shown, the angle adjustment platform includes a worktable 100 and four first telescopic devices 2. A fixed clamping mechanism 3 and a flipping clamping mechanism 4 can be fixedly installed on the worktable 100. The four first telescopic devices 2 are vertically arranged below the worktable 100 and arranged in an array. The first telescopic devices 2 are connected to the worktable 100 through their output ends. Therefore, during the welding of the sheet metal part 01, based on the current welding position of the sheet metal part 01, the four first telescopic devices 2 are controlled to extend and retract by corresponding displacements, causing the worktable 100 to tilt in the corresponding direction and angle, thereby making the current welding position of the sheet metal part 01 perpendicular to the laser welding device 500.

[0043] It is understood that the specific structure and working principle of the first telescopic device 2 are well-known technologies to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail here. Common first telescopic devices 2 can be cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or linear motors, and those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs. When controlling the welding angle of sheet metal part 01, the displacement of the four first telescopic devices 2 comes from the aforementioned calibration data. There are various ways in which the displacement of the four first telescopic devices 2 changes, which will be described in detail below for ease of understanding.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the four first telescopic devices 2 can be divided into two groups along the extension direction of the sheet metal part 01. Using one group of first telescopic devices 2 as a reference, by vertically controlling the extension and retraction of the other group of first telescopic devices 2, the worktable 100 can be adjusted to swing up and down along the extension direction of the sheet metal part 01. Based on the different amounts of extension and retraction, the swing angle of the worktable 100 can be adjusted. Figure 5 As shown, the four first telescopic devices 2 can also be divided into two groups along the width direction of the sheet metal part 01. Using one group of first telescopic devices 2 as a reference, by vertically controlling the extension and retraction of the other group, the worktable 100 can be adjusted to swing up and down along the width direction of the sheet metal part 01. Based on the different amounts of extension and retraction, the swing angle of the worktable 100 can be adjusted. Alternatively, using one of the first telescopic devices 2 as a reference, the other three first telescopic devices 2 can be controlled to extend and retract to different degrees, allowing the worktable 100 to swing diagonally. Based on the above multi-directional and multi-angle control of the worktable 100, it can be ensured that the current welding position of the sheet metal part 01 to be welded is always perpendicular to the laser welding device 500.

[0045] It should be understood that the first telescopic device 2 is fixedly installed, generally on a base on the ground, meaning it cannot be moved. When the worktable 100 is adjusted at an angle, the connection distance between the endpoints of the output ends of any two first telescopic devices 2 will differ depending on the amount of extension / retraction. Therefore, when connecting the first telescopic device 2 to the worktable 100, it is necessary to ensure that the connection position can be adaptively moved. There are various connection methods that can achieve the above functions; for ease of understanding, a specific example will be described below.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a ball joint seat 21 is installed at the output end of the first telescopic device 2, and a ball joint head 12 is correspondingly installed on the lower end face of the worktable 100. The output end of the first telescopic device 2 is connected to the corresponding ball joint head 12 via the ball joint seat 21. Of the four ball joint heads 12 installed on the lower end face of the worktable 100, one ball joint head 12 is fixedly installed to the worktable 100, while the remaining ball joint heads 12 are slidably installed to the worktable 100 in a direction parallel to the end face.

[0047] It is understandable that, for a fixedly mounted ball joint head 12, when the worktable 100 is angularly oscillating, the fixedly mounted ball joint head 12 will be used as the oscillation reference to achieve multi-angle and multi-directional adjustments. There are various sliding fit installation methods for the ball joint head 12 and the worktable 100, such as... Figure 6 As shown, a movable cavity 101 can be provided in the worktable 100, and the ball joint head 12 is slidably installed in the movable cavity 101 through the movable seat 121.

[0048] In this embodiment, since the sheet metal part 01 will have a height difference before and after flipping, when flipping the sheet metal part 01, only a single position along the extension direction needs to be clamped and flipped by the flipping clamping mechanism 4. This ensures that the sheet metal part 01 can be flipped quickly. The number of fixed clamping mechanisms 3 can be determined according to the extension length of the sheet metal part 01. If the length of the sheet metal part 01 is short, then only one fixed clamping mechanism 3 needs to be set, and the fixed clamping mechanism 3 and the flipping clamping mechanism 4 can clamp the two sides of the sheet metal part 01 along the extension direction respectively. If the length of the sheet metal part 01 is long, then multiple fixed clamping mechanisms 3 can be set, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, two fixed clamping mechanisms 3 can be provided. Regarding the positioning of the flipping clamping mechanism 4 in the case of multiple fixed clamping mechanisms 3, the flipping clamping mechanism 4 can clamp one side of the sheet metal part 01, or it can clamp the middle of the sheet metal part 01. Considering that clamping and flipping the side of the sheet metal part 01 will result in the maximum height difference of the other end before and after the flip, the displacement of the fixed clamping mechanism 3 in re-clamping the sheet metal part 01 will increase, thus affecting the clamping efficiency. Therefore, in this embodiment, for scenarios with multiple fixed clamping mechanisms 3, it is preferable to use the flipping clamping mechanism 4 to clamp the middle area of ​​the sheet metal part 01 along the extension direction, and arrange the fixed clamping mechanisms 3 on both sides of the flipping clamping mechanism 4 to clamp the two sides of the sheet metal part 01 along the extension direction respectively.

[0049] In this embodiment, there are various specific structures for the fixing and clamping mechanism 3 that can clamp the sheet metal part 01. For ease of understanding, a specific structure will be described in detail below. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the fixed clamping mechanism 3 includes a pair of clamping components 31 and a translation component 32. The two clamping components 31 are symmetrically arranged along the width direction of the sheet metal part 01 to clamp the sheet metal part 01 on both sides along the width direction. A clearance area can be formed between the two clamping components 31 to facilitate the movement of the laser welding device 500. The translation component 32 is mounted on the worktable 100 and is connected to the two clamping components 31 to allow the two clamping components 31 to move synchronously towards or away from each other under the drive of the translation component 32. Specifically, during the welding of the sheet metal part 01, the fixed clamping mechanism 3 can clamp the sheet metal part 01 on both sides along the width direction using the two clamping components 31, thus stabilizing the structure of the sheet metal part 01 in the width direction. When sheet metal part 01 needs to be flipped, to avoid interference from the clamping mechanism 3, the clamping assembly 31 can release its grip on the sheet metal part 01. Then, the translation assembly 32 drives the two clamping assemblies 31 to move in opposite directions, ensuring sufficient space between the two clamping assemblies 31 for the flipping of the sheet metal part 01. After the sheet metal part 01 is flipped, the two clamping assemblies 31 are again driven by the translation assembly 32 to move closer to each other and clamp the sheet metal part 01 again.

[0050] In this embodiment, the clamping component 31 has several specific structures. For ease of understanding, one of these structures will be described in detail below. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the clamping assembly 31 includes a first mounting base 311, a first gripper assembly 314, a second telescopic device 313, and a deflection assembly 315. The bottom of the first mounting base 311 is provided with a first guide groove 3110, and a first guide rail 11 is provided on the worktable 100. The first mounting base 311 slides and is guided by the first guide groove 3110 and the first guide rail 11. The first mounting base 311 cooperates with the translation assembly 32, so that the translation assembly 32 drives the first mounting base 311 to move the entire clamping assembly 31. The second telescopic device 313 is fixedly installed on the first mounting base 311; the first gripper assembly 314 is used to clamp the sheet metal part 01. The first gripper assembly 314 is installed on the output end of the second telescopic device 313 through the second mounting base 312, so that the first gripper assembly 314 can move up and down along the end face perpendicular to the worktable 100 under the drive of the second telescopic device 313; the deflection assembly 315 is installed on the second mounting base 312 and cooperates with the first gripper assembly 314, so that the first gripper assembly 314 can be deflected under the drive of the deflection assembly 315.

[0051] It is understood that the specific structure and working principle of the second telescopic device 313 are well-known technologies to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail here. Common second telescopic devices 313 can employ cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or linear motors, which can be selected by those skilled in the art according to actual needs. As mentioned above, after the sheet metal part 01 is flipped, a height difference will occur. To ensure that the first gripper assembly 314 can clamp the sheet metal part 01 again, the height needs to be adjusted using the second telescopic device 313. Since the sheet metal part 01 has a curvature in its extension direction, but since the curvature is not large, a local length region of the sheet metal part 01 along its extension direction can be considered as an inclined straight section. Therefore, to ensure that the first gripper assembly 314 can stably clamp the sheet metal part 01, the first gripper assembly 314 can be controlled to deviate under the drive of the deflection assembly, so that the clamping direction of the first gripper assembly 314 tends to be parallel to the extension direction of the sheet metal part 01.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the first gripper assembly 314 includes a pair of grippers 3141, a third mounting base 3144, and a third telescopic device 3147. The third mounting base 3144 is rotatably mounted on the second mounting base 312 via a rotating sleeve 3146, thus restricting the degree of freedom of movement of the third mounting base 3144. The two grippers 3141 are symmetrically slidably mounted on the third mounting base 3144 via a fixedly mounted push block 3142, with the sliding mounting direction corresponding to the opening and closing direction of the two grippers 3141. To ensure the stable movement of the grippers 3141, a limiting mechanism is required between the push block 3142 and the third mounting base 3144, i.e., the push block 3142 slides with the positioning slider 3145 provided on the third mounting base 3144 via a positioning groove 3143 along the opening and closing direction. The third telescopic device 3147 is fixedly installed on the second mounting base 312, and the telescopic rod 3148 at the output end of the third telescopic device 3147 can pass through the rotating sleeve 3146 and engage with the push block 3142 through the rotatably installed traction block 3149, thereby causing the gripper 3141 to open or close under the telescopic drive of the third telescopic device 3147. The deflection assembly 315 includes a first rotating device 3151, a first gear 3152, and a second gear 3153; the first rotating device 3151 is fixedly installed on the second mounting base 312, the first gear 3152 is fixedly installed on the output end of the first rotating device 3151 and meshes with the second gear 3153 fixedly installed on the rotating sleeve 3146, thereby causing the gripper 3141 to deflect at an angle under the rotation drive of the first rotating device 3151.

[0053] It is understood that the telescopic rod 3148 installed at the output end of the third telescopic device 3147 is in a movable fit with the rotating sleeve 3146, and the traction block 3149 and the telescopic rod 3148 are rotatably connected. Therefore, the traction block 3149 can rotate with the third mounting base 3144, but this does not affect the opening and closing control of the gripper 3141 by the third telescopic device 3147. The specific structure and working principle of the third telescopic device 3147 and the first rotating device 3151 are well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail here. Common third telescopic devices 3147 can be pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or linear motors, and common first rotating devices 3151 can be motors, rotary pneumatic cylinders, or rotary hydraulic cylinders. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs.

[0054] Specifically, one preferred example of a wedge-shaped traction fit is, for example... Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the push block 3142 has a wedge-shaped surface on the side near the traction block 3149, and the push block 3142 has a traction groove 3140 along the wedge-shaped surface; at the same time, both ends of the traction block 3149 are also wedge-shaped and are engaged with the corresponding traction grooves 3140 for traction sliding. The traction block 3149 and the telescopic rod 3148 are hinged together by a hinge seat. The hinge seat is mounted on the telescopic rod 3148 and is rotatably connected to the telescopic rod 3148. Thus, the traction block 3149 is driven by the third telescopic device 3147 to adjust its distance relative to the gripper 3141. Therefore, by sliding the traction block 3149 along the traction groove 3140, the gripper 3141 can be driven to open and close.

[0055] In this embodiment, there are various specific structures for the translation component 32 that can drive the clamping component 31 to translate. For ease of understanding, one specific structure will be described in detail below. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the translation component 32 includes a second rotating device 321 and a bidirectional lead screw 322. The bidirectional lead screw 322 is rotatably mounted on the worktable 100, and its two screw segments with opposite directions of rotation respectively engage with sliding sleeves 3111 provided on the first mounting seats 311 corresponding to the two clamping components 31. The second rotating device 321 is fixedly mounted on the worktable 100 and engages with the bidirectional lead screw 322 for transmission, so that the bidirectional lead screw, driven by the second rotating device 321, drives the two first mounting seats 311 to move in opposite directions or in opposite directions. There are various transmission connection methods between the second rotating device 321 and the bidirectional lead screw 322, such as gear transmission, chain transmission, and belt transmission. The specific structure and working principle of the second rotating device 321 are well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail here. Common second rotating devices 321 can be motors, rotary cylinders, or rotary hydraulic cylinders, and those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs.

[0056] In this embodiment, the flipping clamping mechanism 4, which can achieve the above-mentioned functions, has various specific structures. For ease of understanding, one specific structure will be described in detail below. For example... Figure 10As shown, there are two flip clamping mechanisms 4, symmetrically arranged along the width direction of the sheet metal part 01, so that a clearance area is formed between the two flip clamping mechanisms 4 to facilitate the movement of the laser welding device 500. The flip clamping mechanism 4 includes a fourth mounting base 41, a clamping assembly, and a flip driving assembly 45; the flip clamping mechanism 4 is fixedly mounted on the worktable 100 via the fourth mounting base 41; the clamping assembly is used to clamp the sheet metal part 01, and the clamping assembly is mounted on the fourth mounting base 41 via a guide structure, forming a circular flipping path between the guide structures corresponding to the two flip clamping mechanisms 4; the flip driving assembly 45 is mounted on the fourth mounting base 41 and drives the clamping assembly, so that the clamping assemblies corresponding to the two flip clamping mechanisms 4 move along the flipping path to interchange positions under the drive of the corresponding flip driving assembly 45.

[0057] It is understandable that the clamping components installed on the two flipping clamping mechanisms 4 are symmetrically arranged at 180°; then, by rotating these two clamping components along a circular path to interchange their positions, the sheet metal part 01 can be flipped.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figures 10 to 14 As shown, the flipping drive assembly 45 includes a pair of third rotating devices 451 and a rack plate 453; the two third rotating devices 451 are fixedly installed at intervals along the height direction of the fourth mounting base 41, and a third gear 452 is installed at the output end of each third rotating device 451; the rack plate 453 is arc-shaped and fixedly installed on the clamping assembly and meshes with the third gear 452. The center position of the rack plate 453 coincides with the center position of the flipping path, and the center angle β of the rack plate 453 is greater than the center angle α of the two third rotating devices 451 at the same height of the two flipping clamping mechanisms 4. Thus, the third rotating device 451 drives the rack plate 453 through the third gear 452, so that the clamping assembly interchanges positions along the flipping path.

[0059] It is understandable that when the center angle β is greater than α, when one clamping component moves along the flipping path towards another flipping clamping mechanism 4 under the drive of the corresponding third gear 452, it can be ensured that the rack plate 453 installed on the clamping component can engage with the corresponding third gear 452 on the other flipping clamping mechanism 4 without completely disengaging from the corresponding third gear 452, thereby ensuring that the two clamping components can smoothly achieve position interchange. The specific values ​​of the center angles α and β can be selected according to the actual needs of those skilled in the art. For example, the value of the center angle α can be 90°, and the value of the center angle β can be 120°.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figures 10 to 14As shown, the clamping assembly includes a fifth mounting base 42, a second gripper assembly 44, and a fourth telescopic device 43. A rack plate 453 is fixedly mounted on the fifth mounting base 42, and the fourth telescopic device 43 is also fixedly mounted on the fifth mounting base 42. The second gripper assembly 44 is used to clamp the sheet metal part 01. The specific structure of the second gripper assembly 44 is basically the same as that of the first gripper assembly 314, so it will not be repeated here. For details, please refer to the first gripper assembly 314 described above. The second gripper assembly 44 is mounted at the output end of the fourth telescopic device 43, allowing it to move radially along the flipping path under the drive of the fourth telescopic device 43, thus facilitating the loading and unloading of the sheet metal part 01. The guiding structure includes a second guide groove 410, which is arc-shaped and located on the fourth mounting base 41, and a second guide rail 421, which is arc-shaped and fixedly mounted on the fifth mounting base 42. The second guide rail 421 and the second guide groove 410 are in sliding engagement. The central angle of the second guide rail 421 is greater than the central angle of the ends of the two second guide grooves 410 at the same height, so that a flipping path is formed between the second guide rail 421 and the two second guide grooves 410. That is, even if the second guide rail 421 is not completely disengaged from the current second guide groove 410, it can slide and engage with the corresponding second guide groove 410 on another flipping clamping mechanism 4, thereby ensuring the flipping stability of the entire clamping assembly.

[0061] It is understood that the specific structure and working principle of the fourth telescopic device 43 and the third rotating device 451 are well-known technologies to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail here. Common fourth telescopic devices 43 can be cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or linear motors, and common third rotating devices 451 can be motors, rotary cylinders, or rotary hydraulic cylinders. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs.

[0062] For ease of understanding, the specific working process of the flipping clamping mechanism 4 will be described in detail below.

[0063] When welding is performed on one side of sheet metal part 01, such as Figure 12 As shown, the two clamping components are at the same height on the worktable 100. When the sheet metal part 01 needs to be flipped after welding one side, as shown... Figure 13 As shown, all the third rotating devices 451 corresponding to the two flipping clamping mechanisms 4 are activated and drive the corresponding third gears 452 to rotate synchronously (the four third gears 452 are of the same specification). Then, the rack plate 453 and the second guide rail 421 installed on the clamping assembly move in a circular motion toward the other flipping clamping mechanism 4. With the movement of the clamping assembly, as... Figure 14As shown, the rack plate 453 corresponding to the clamping assembly can engage with the third gear 452 on another flipping clamping mechanism 4 without disengaging from the initial corresponding third gear 452; simultaneously, the second guide rail 421 corresponding to the clamping assembly can also slide into the second guide groove 410 on another flipping clamping mechanism 4 without disengaging from the initial corresponding second guide groove 410. As the third rotating device 451 continues to drive until the two clamping assemblies reach each other's initial positions, a 180° flip of the sheet metal part 01 can be completed.

[0064] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application have been described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A welding equipment for automotive sheet metal parts, characterized in that, include: Fixed clamping mechanism; A flip-grip mechanism; both the fixed clamping mechanism and the flip-grip mechanism are used to clamp the sheet metal parts to be welded at different positions, and both the fixed clamping mechanism and the flip-grip mechanism form an avoidance area above the sheet metal parts. A laser welding apparatus; the laser welding apparatus is adapted to translate along the avoidance area to perform welding on sheet metal parts; Angle adjustment platform; the angle adjustment platform is adapted to simultaneously drive the fixed clamping mechanism and the flipping clamping mechanism installed at intervals to tilt in any direction and at any angle within a set range, so that the welding position of the sheet metal part is always perpendicular to the laser welding device. After the sheet metal part is welded on one side, the flipping clamping mechanism is adapted to flip the sheet metal part 180° so that the unwelded side of the sheet metal part faces the laser welding device. During this process, the fixing clamping mechanism releases its clamping on the sheet metal part. The fixing clamping mechanism includes: A pair of clamping assemblies; the two clamping assemblies are symmetrically arranged along the width direction of the sheet metal part to clamp the two sides of the sheet metal part along the width direction respectively; Translation component; the translation component is installed on the worktable of the angle adjustment platform and is respectively connected to the two clamping components so that the two clamping components move synchronously towards or away from each other under the drive of the translation component; The clamping assembly includes: First mounting base; the first mounting base is horizontally slidably mounted on the worktable and cooperates with the translation component, so that the translation component drives the clamping component to move by driving the first mounting base; The second telescopic device is fixedly installed on the first mounting base. A first gripper assembly; the first gripper assembly is mounted on the output end of the second telescopic device via a second mounting base, so that the first gripper assembly can move up and down along a path perpendicular to the end face of the worktable under the drive of the second telescopic device; the first gripper assembly includes a pair of grippers, a third mounting base, and a third telescopic device; the third mounting base is rotatably mounted on the second mounting base via a rotating sleeve; the two grippers are symmetrically slidably mounted on the third mounting base via fixedly mounted push blocks; the third telescopic device is fixedly mounted on the second mounting base, and the telescopic rod at the output end of the third telescopic device is adapted to pass through the rotating sleeve and engage with the push block via a rotatably mounted traction block, thereby causing the grippers to open or close under the telescopic drive of the third telescopic device; A deflection assembly; the deflection assembly includes a first rotating device, a first gear, and a second gear; the first rotating device is fixedly mounted on the second mounting base, the first gear is fixedly mounted on the output end of the first rotating device and meshes with the second gear fixedly mounted on the rotating sleeve, and then the third mounting base drives the gripper to deflect at an angle under the rotation drive of the first rotating device; There are two flip-clamping mechanisms symmetrically arranged along the width direction of the sheet metal part, so that the avoidance area is formed between the two flip-clamping mechanisms; the flip-clamping mechanism includes: Fourth mounting base; the flipping clamping mechanism is fixedly mounted on the worktable via the fourth mounting base; A clamping assembly; the clamping assembly is used to clamp sheet metal parts, and the clamping assembly is mounted on the fourth mounting base via a guide structure, forming an annular flipping path between the guide structures corresponding to the two flipping clamping mechanisms; and The flip drive component includes: A pair of third rotating devices; the two third rotating devices are fixedly installed at intervals along the height direction of the fourth mounting base, and a third gear is installed at the output end of each third rotating device; and A rack plate; the rack plate is arc-shaped and fixedly installed in the clamping assembly and meshes with the third gear, and the center position of the rack plate coincides with the center position of the flipping path; The central angle corresponding to the rack plate is greater than the central angle corresponding to the two third rotating devices of the same height as the two flipping clamping mechanisms. Therefore, the third rotating device drives the rack plate through the third gear, so that the clamping assembly interchanges its position along the flipping path.

2. The automotive sheet metal welding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The angle adjustment platform includes: The worktable; the worktable is used to mount the fixed clamping mechanism and the flipping clamping mechanism; and Four first telescopic devices; the four first telescopic devices are located below the worktable and arranged in an array, and the first telescopic devices are connected to the worktable through an output end; When welding sheet metal parts, based on the current welding position of the sheet metal parts, the four first telescopic devices are controlled to extend and retract by corresponding displacement amounts, so that the worktable tilts in the corresponding direction and angle, thereby making the current welding position of the sheet metal parts perpendicular to the laser welding device.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the welding head is configured to weld the first and second metal sheets together at the weld joint. The output end of the first telescopic device is equipped with a ball joint seat, and the lower end face of the worktable is correspondingly equipped with a ball joint head. The output end of the first telescopic device is connected to the corresponding ball joint head through the ball joint seat. Of the four ball joints installed on the lower end face of the workbench, one ball joint is fixedly installed with the workbench, while the remaining ball joints are slidably installed with the workbench in a direction parallel to the end face.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, One fixed clamping mechanism is provided, and the fixed clamping mechanism and the flipping clamping mechanism respectively clamp the sheet metal part on both sides along the extension direction; Alternatively, multiple fixed clamping mechanisms may be provided, with the flipping clamping mechanism used to clamp the middle region of the sheet metal part along the extension direction, and the fixed clamping mechanisms arranged on both sides of the flipping clamping mechanism to clamp the sheet metal part on both sides along the extension direction respectively.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The clamping assembly includes: Fifth mounting base; the rack plate is fixedly mounted on the fifth mounting base; The fourth telescopic device; the fourth telescopic device is fixedly installed on the fifth mounting base. The second gripper assembly is used to clamp the sheet metal part. The second gripper assembly is installed at the output end of the fourth telescopic device, so that the second gripper assembly moves radially along the flipping path under the drive of the fourth telescopic device. The guide structure includes a second guide groove that is arc-shaped and disposed on the fourth mounting base, and a second guide rail that is arc-shaped and fixedly installed on the fifth mounting base, wherein the second guide rail and the second guide groove are slidably engaged. The center angle corresponding to the second guide rail is greater than the center angle corresponding to the ends of the two second guide grooves at the same height, so that the second guide rail and the two second guide grooves form the flipping path.

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