Fastener installation detection mechanism, tooling, and method

Abstract

The application discloses a fastener installation detection mechanism, tool and method, which comprises a bottom plate, a side plate arranged on the bottom plate and a top plate arranged on the top of the side plate; the side plate is provided with a positioning assembly for supporting a product and detecting whether the product is placed in place by using a to-position detection module; the side plate is further provided with a locking assembly for locking the product on the positioning assembly when the product is placed in place; the top plate is provided with a plurality of operation channels corresponding to the positions of fasteners on the product, and the operation channels are integrated with sensing units and indicating units; the application further comprises a control unit; the control unit is arranged to control the locking assembly to extend when receiving a signal of the to-position detection module; and the control unit is arranged to control the locking assembly to retract only when all the sensing units of the operation channels send operation completion signals. The application can provide fastener tightening detection, and the product can leave the tool only after each fastener is tightened, thereby improving the product qualification rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to assembly tooling, specifically to a fastener installation and testing mechanism, tooling, and method. Background Technology

[0002] In the fastener installation (bolt and nut tightening) process of some products, many fasteners need to be tightened. However, due to the large number of fasteners, omissions may occur during the tightening process, resulting in defective products, low product pass rate, and increased subsequent inspection and rework costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a fastener installation and testing mechanism, tooling, and method that can perform fastener tightening detection. Only after each fastener has been tightened can the product be removed from the tooling, thereby improving the product qualification rate.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a fastener installation and testing fixture, comprising a base plate, a side plate disposed on the base plate, and a top plate disposed on the top of the side plate; the side plate is provided with a positioning component for supporting the product and using a positioning detection module to detect whether the product is placed in the correct position; the side plate is also provided with a locking component for locking the product onto the positioning component when it is placed in the correct position; the top plate is provided with a plurality of working channels corresponding to the fastener positions on the product, and the working channels integrate a sensing unit and an indicating unit;

[0005] It also includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the positioning detection module, the locking component, the sensing unit, and the indicating unit, respectively; the control unit is configured to: control the locking component to extend when it receives a signal from the positioning detection module; and control the locking component to retract only when it receives a work completion signal from the sensing units of all work channels.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the positioning component includes a support block fixed to the inner side of the side plate, the end of the support block being bent upward to form a limiting block, and the positioning detection module being embedded in the side of the limiting block facing the product; a stop block is also fixed on the side plate above the support block, and the stop block, the support block, the limiting block and the locking component together constitute a locking space that restricts the vertical, horizontal and vertical and front-back displacement of the product.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the locking component includes a telescopic cylinder or an electric push rod, and a guide hole is provided on the side plate corresponding to the telescopic end of the locking component. The telescopic end passes through the guide hole and abuts against the side wall of the product to restrict the product from falling out.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the working channel is a through hole penetrating the top plate, and a mounting hole is radially provided on the side wall of the through hole, and the sensing unit is fixed in the mounting hole.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the depth of the mounting hole is greater than the length of the sensing unit, so that the detection end face of the sensing unit is recessed inward by a predetermined distance relative to the inner wall of the working channel, thereby forming a limited sensing area in the working channel, which only senses the columnar tool inserted along the axis of the working channel and shields non-axial hand interference actions.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the inner wall of the working channel is made of a light-transmitting material or lined with an annular light guide column, and the light source output end of the indicator unit is coupled to the light-transmitting material or the annular light guide column; when the indicator unit is lit, the light is exported through the inner wall and forms an annular light ring around the operating tool at the top opening of the working channel.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sensing unit is a diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor or a through-beam infrared sensor; and / or, the indicating unit includes dual-color LED beads, which are used to indicate the pending work status and the work completed status, respectively.

[0012] A fastener installation testing device is also provided, including the fastener installation testing fixture described above.

[0013] A fastener installation inspection method is also provided, which uses the fastener installation inspection fixture described above and includes the following steps:

[0014] Step 1: Place the product on the positioning component. After the positioning detection module recognizes the product, it sends a signal to the control unit. The control unit drives the locking component to extend, mechanically locking the product inside the positioning component.

[0015] Step 2: The operator holds the tightening tool and inserts it into each working channel in sequence to tighten the fasteners; the sensing unit in each working channel independently identifies the complete "entry-stay-exit" action sequence of the tightening tool, confirms it as a valid operation, and the control unit then lights up the corresponding indicator unit of the working channel for visual feedback;

[0016] Step 3: The control unit counts the number of lit indicator units in real time. When the count equals the preset total number of fasteners, the operation is considered complete. The control unit then drives the locking component to retract, releasing the product from the lock.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, in step two, the indicator unit adopts a red-green dual-color indicator: in the initial state, the indicator units corresponding to all work channels are red, indicating that work is pending; when the sensing unit recognizes a valid work, the corresponding indicator unit switches from red to green; if the sensing unit only recognizes the entry of the tightening tool but does not recognize the exit signal, or the dwell time does not reach the preset threshold, the control unit determines that the work is invalid, and the indicator unit keeps flashing red to indicate.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are that it enables real-time detection and control of fastener tightening operations. The positioning detection module detects the placement of the product, and the locking component controls the product to be released only after all fastener tightening operations are completed. This effectively alleviates the problem of missing fastener tightening operations and improves the product assembly qualification rate. At the same time, the visual feedback from the indicator unit makes it easier for operators to grasp the progress of the operation and reduces subsequent inspection and rework costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a top view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention from another perspective.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1. Base plate; 2. Side plate; 21. Guide hole; 3. Top plate; 31. Working channel; 32. Mounting hole; 4. Positioning component; 41. Support block; 42. Limiting block; 43. Stop block; 5. Position detection module; 6. Locking component; 7. Light guide column. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Reference Figure 1-4As shown, this embodiment provides a fastener installation and testing fixture, including a base plate 1, a side plate 2 disposed on the base plate 1, and a top plate 3 disposed on the top of the side plate 2; a positioning component 4 is disposed on the side plate 2 for supporting the product and using a positioning detection module 5 to detect whether the product is placed in place; a locking component 6 is also disposed on the side plate 2 for locking the product to the positioning component 4 when it is placed in place; a plurality of working channels 31 corresponding to the fastener positions on the product are disposed on the top plate 3, and a sensing unit and an indicator unit are integrated in the working channels 31; a control unit is also included, which is electrically connected to the positioning detection module 5, the locking component 6, the sensing unit and the indicator unit respectively; the control unit is configured to: control the locking component 6 to extend when it receives a signal from the positioning detection module 5; and control the locking component 6 to retract only when it receives a work completion signal from the sensing units of all working channels 31.

[0026] The control unit establishes electrical connections with the positioning detection module 5, locking component 6, sensing unit, and indicating unit via wires. During operation, the product is placed on the positioning component 4. After the positioning detection module 5 (which can be a microswitch) detects that the product is in place, it transmits an electrical signal to the control unit. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit drives the locking component 6 to extend, locking the product onto the positioning component 4 to prevent product displacement during operation from affecting the accuracy of the fastener tightening operation. The operator inserts a tightening tool into the working channel 31 to perform the fastener tightening operation. The sensing unit at the working channel 31 detects the completion of the operation and sends a signal to the control unit. The control unit sends a work completion signal and counts the signals from each sensing unit. Only after receiving work completion signals from all work channels 31 will it drive the locking component 6 to retract and release the product from the lock. This ensures that the product can only leave the fixture after all fastener tightening operations are completed, effectively alleviating the problem of missing fastener tightening operations, improving the product's assembly qualification rate, reducing defective products caused by missed operations, and lowering subsequent inspection and rework costs. Moreover, this locking method can also prevent the product from shifting during the fastener tightening process, which could affect the matching of the tightening tool and the fastener position.

[0027] To facilitate comprehensive product positioning and locking, in one optional embodiment, the positioning component 4 includes a support block 41 fixed to the inside of the side plate 2. The end of the support block 41 is bent upward to form a limiting block 42. The positioning detection module 5 is embedded in the side of the limiting block 42 facing the product. A stop block 43 is also fixed on the side plate 2 above the support block 41. The stop block 43, together with the support block 41, the limiting block 42, and the locking component 6, constitute a locking space that restricts the product's vertical, horizontal, and front-back displacement.

[0028] The support block 41 is fixed to the inner side of the side plate 2 by welding or bolting. The limiting block 42 and the support block 41 are integrally bent and formed. The positioning detection module 5 is embedded in the side of the limiting block 42 facing the product by snapping or fixing. The stop block 43 is fixed to the side plate 2 by bolts and is located directly above the support block 41. The product is placed on the support block 41 and cooperates with the limiting block 42 to limit the product. At this time, the positioning detection module 5 directly detects the contact state of the product, and the detection signal transmission is more direct and the detection accuracy is higher. The stop block 43 limits the product from above, the support block 41 supports the product from below, the limiting block 42 positions the product from the side, and the locking component 6 abuts the product from the other side. The locking space formed by the four can limit the displacement of the product from six directions: up and down, left and right, and front and back. This keeps the product fixed during the fastener tightening operation, avoids the misalignment of the tightening tool and the fastener due to product displacement, improves the operation accuracy, and further enhances the locking effect of the locking component 6, making the product assembly operation more stable.

[0029] Specifically, further optimization can be achieved by choosing the following method: the locking component 6 adopts the following structural setting, the locking component 6 includes a telescopic cylinder or electric push rod, and a guide hole 21 is opened on the side plate 2 corresponding to the telescopic end of the locking component 6. The telescopic end passes through the guide hole 21 and abuts against the side wall of the product to restrict the product from coming out.

[0030] A telescopic cylinder or electric push rod is fixed to the outside of side plate 2, with its telescopic end set horizontally and coaxially arranged with guide hole 21 on side plate 2. The control unit is electrically connected to the control end of the telescopic cylinder or electric push rod. When the control unit issues an extension command, the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder or electric push rod extends along the axial direction of guide hole 21, passes through guide hole 21, and abuts against the side wall of the product. The abutment between the side wall surface of the product and the telescopic end forms a mechanical lock on the product, preventing the product from coming out of the positioning component 4. The guide hole 21 guides and limits the telescopic movement of the telescopic end, effectively limiting the radial offset of the telescopic end, making the abutment position of the telescopic end more accurate, and improving the locking stability of the locking component 6 on the product.

[0031] In some options, to make the installation of the sensing unit more reasonable, the working channel 31 adopts the following structural design: the working channel 31 is a through hole that penetrates the top plate 3, and the side wall of the through hole is provided with a mounting hole 32 along the radial direction, and the sensing unit is fixed in the mounting hole 32.

[0032] The through holes on the top plate 3 extend vertically through the top plate 3, and their positions correspond one-to-one with the fastener positions on the product. The mounting holes 32 are opened radially along the through holes and connected to the through holes. The sensing unit is installed in the mounting holes 32 by interference fit or bolt fixation, with its detection end facing the axis of the through hole. When the operator holds a tightening tool and inserts it into the working channel 31 along the axis of the through hole, the tightening tool will enter the detection range of the sensing unit. The sensing unit can accurately identify the entry and exit of the tightening tool. Installing the sensing unit in the mounting holes 32 on the side wall of the through hole allows the detection end of the sensing unit to be closer to the working path of the tightening tool, improving the recognition accuracy of the sensing unit. At the same time, the mounting holes 32 provide a stable mounting base for the sensing unit, preventing the sensing unit from loosening during operation and improving the working stability of the sensing unit.

[0033] To shield against interference from non-operational actions and improve the recognition effectiveness of the sensing unit, the mounting hole 32 and the sensing unit are configured as follows: the depth of the mounting hole 32 is greater than the length of the sensing unit, so that the detection end face of the sensing unit is recessed inward by a preset distance relative to the inner wall of the working channel 31, thereby forming a limited sensing area within the working channel 31, which only senses columnar tools inserted along the axis of the working channel 31, shielding against non-axial hand interference actions.

[0034] The sensing unit is embedded in the mounting hole 32. Because the depth of the mounting hole 32 is greater than the length of the sensing unit, the detection end face of the sensing unit does not protrude from the inner wall of the working channel 31, but is recessed inward to form a limited sensing area. This sensing area is distributed along the axial direction of the working channel 31. When the operator's hand approaches the working channel 31 in a non-axial direction, the hand will not enter the limited sensing area, and the sensing unit will not generate a false trigger signal. The tightening tool is a columnar structure, and when it is inserted along the axis of the working channel 31, it will directly enter the sensing area. The sensing unit can accurately identify it, effectively shielding the false sensing problem caused by non-axial interference actions such as hands, improving the accuracy of the sensing unit in identifying the working action, making the working signal received by the control unit more realistic, alleviating the problem of false locking of the locking component 6 due to false sensing, and further improving the detection and control effect of the tooling.

[0035] To improve the visual feedback effect of the indicator unit, the coordination between the work channel 31 and the indicator unit is optimized as follows: the inner wall of the work channel 31 is made of light-transmitting material or lined with an annular light guide column 7, and the light source output end of the indicator unit is coupled to the light-transmitting material or the annular light guide column 7; when the indicator unit is lit, the light is output through the inner wall and forms an annular light ring around the operating tool at the top opening of the work channel 31.

[0036] The light source output end of the indicator unit is coupled to the light-transmitting inner wall of the working channel 31 or the annular light guide column 7 through light guide adhesive. The control unit is electrically connected to the power supply end of the indicator unit. When the sensing unit detects a valid operation and sends a signal to the control unit, the control unit supplies power to the indicator unit. The light source of the indicator unit emits light, which is conducted through the light-transmitting inner wall or the annular light guide column 7, and finally forms an annular light ring at the top opening of the working channel 31. This light ring surrounds the outside of the tightening tool. The visual cues of the annular light ring are more eye-catching, and the operator can quickly identify the position of the fastener that has been completed and keep track of the progress of the operation. At the same time, the light is directed along the inner wall of the working channel 31, which will not produce glare and affect the operator's operation, improve the visual experience of the operation, and further reduce the omission of fastener tightening operations.

[0037] In actual assembly operations, the sensing unit and the indicating unit can be selected as follows according to the operation requirements: the sensing unit is a diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor or a through-beam infrared sensor; and / or, the indicating unit includes dual-color LED beads, which are used to indicate the state before operation and the state after operation, respectively.

[0038] The signal output terminals of either diffuse reflection photoelectric sensors or through-beam infrared sensors are electrically connected to the control unit. Both can quickly identify the entry and exit movements of cylindrical tightening tools. Diffuse reflection photoelectric sensors are easier to install, while through-beam infrared sensors offer higher recognition accuracy. Operators can choose according to the actual tooling design requirements to adapt to different assembly scenarios. The two power supply terminals of the dual-color LED beads are electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit switches the LED beads by switching the power supply circuit, corresponding to the pending work and work completed states, respectively. The dual-color LED beads allow operators to quickly distinguish the work status. At the same time, their small size makes them easy to integrate into the work channel 31 of the top plate 3, improving the structural compactness of the tooling.

[0039] Based on the fastener installation and testing fixture described above, an integrated fastener installation and testing device can also be formed, specifically configured as follows: a fastener installation and testing device, including the fastener installation and testing fixture described above.

[0040] To standardize the fastener tightening process, a fastener installation inspection method is developed based on the aforementioned inspection fixture. The specific steps are as follows: A fastener installation inspection method, using the aforementioned fastener installation inspection fixture, includes the following steps:

[0041] Step 1: Place the product on the positioning component 4. After the positioning detection module 5 recognizes the product, it sends a signal to the control unit. The control unit drives the locking component 6 to extend, mechanically locking the product inside the positioning component 4.

[0042] Step 2: The operator holds the tightening tool and inserts it into each working channel 31 in sequence to tighten the fastener; the sensing unit in each working channel 31 independently identifies the complete action sequence of the tightening tool's "entry-stay-exit" and confirms it as a valid operation. The control unit then lights up the indicator unit corresponding to the working channel 31 to provide visual feedback.

[0043] Step 3: The control unit counts the number of lit indicator units in real time. When the count equals the preset total number of fasteners, the operation is considered complete. The control unit then drives the locking component 6 to retract, releasing the product from the lock.

[0044] The positioning detection module 5 and the sensing unit are electrically connected to the signal receiving end of the control unit. The locking component 6 and the indicating unit are electrically connected to the signal output end of the control unit. The control unit has pre-stored the total number of fasteners on the product. In step one, after the product comes into contact with the positioning component 4, the detection signal from the positioning detection module 5 is transmitted to the control unit in real time. The control unit immediately outputs a drive signal to the locking component 6 to achieve rapid mechanical locking of the product and prevent product displacement before operation. In step two, each sensing unit works independently and identifies the tightening tool action in the corresponding operation channel 31. Only when the complete action sequence of "enter-stay-leave" is identified is a judgment made. To ensure a valid operation and avoid invalid signals caused by accidental tool insertion, the control unit immediately illuminates the corresponding indicator unit upon receiving a valid operation signal, providing real-time visual feedback. In step three, the control unit uses its internal counting module to count the number of illuminated indicator units in real time. When the count matches the preset total number of fasteners, the control unit outputs an unlocking signal to the locking component 6, enabling automatic unlocking of the product. This method, through standardized operating procedures, provides full-process control over fastener tightening operations, effectively mitigating the problem of missed operations, improving the standardization of manual assembly, making the work process clearer, and reducing the operator error rate.

[0045] To further improve the indication effect of the work status, the working mode of the indicator unit in the above detection method is refined as follows: In step two, the indicator unit adopts red and green dual-color indication: In the initial state, the indicator units corresponding to all work channels 31 are red, indicating that work is pending; when the sensing unit recognizes a valid work, the corresponding indicator unit switches from red to green; if the sensing unit only recognizes the entry of the tightening tool but does not recognize the exit signal, or the dwell time does not reach the preset threshold, the control unit determines that the work is invalid, and the indicator unit keeps flashing red to indicate.

[0046] The control unit is equipped with a timing module, which is electrically connected to the signal terminals of each sensing unit. The timing module tracks the dwell time of the tightening tool in real time. Simultaneously, the control unit is electrically connected to the red and green power supply terminals of the dual-color LED beads. Initially, the control unit powers the red LED beads, and all indicator units display red. When a sensing unit detects a complete "entry-dwell-exit" action and the dwell time reaches a preset threshold, the control unit switches the power supply circuit, de-energizing the red LED beads and powering the green LED beads, causing the indicator units to switch to green. If only an entry signal is detected or the dwell time is insufficient, the control unit controls the red LED beads to be powered intermittently, creating a flashing red indicator. The clear contrast between red and green allows operators to quickly identify the status of pending, completed, and invalid work. The flashing red invalid work indicator promptly reminds operators to complete any unfinished tightening work, further reducing omissions and non-standard practices in fastener tightening, improving the quality of assembly work. Furthermore, the timing module makes the determination of work validity more reasonable, avoiding false work records caused by rapid tool entry and exit.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fastener installation and testing fixture, characterized in that, The device includes a base plate, side plates disposed on the base plate, and a top plate disposed on top of the side plates. The side plates are provided with positioning components for supporting the product and using a positioning detection module to detect whether the product is placed in the correct position. The side plates are also provided with locking components for locking the product onto the positioning components when it is placed in the correct position. The top plate is provided with several working channels corresponding to the fastener positions on the product, and each working channel integrates a sensing unit and an indicator unit. It also includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the positioning detection module, the locking component, the sensing unit, and the indicating unit, respectively; the control unit is configured to: control the locking component to extend when it receives a signal from the positioning detection module; and control the locking component to retract only when it receives a work completion signal from the sensing units of all work channels. The working channel is a through hole penetrating the top plate, and a mounting hole is radially formed on the side wall of the through hole, and the sensing unit is fixed in the mounting hole; The depth of the mounting hole is greater than the length of the sensing unit, so that the detection end face of the sensing unit is recessed inward by a predetermined distance relative to the inner wall of the working channel, thereby forming a limited sensing area in the working channel, which only senses the columnar tool inserted along the axis of the working channel and shields non-axial hand interference actions. The inner wall of the working channel is made of a light-transmitting material or lined with an annular light guide column. The light source output end of the indicator unit is coupled to the light-transmitting material or the annular light guide column. When the indicator unit is lit, the light is output through the inner wall and forms an annular light ring around the operating tool at the top opening of the working channel.

2. The fastener installation and testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning component includes a support block fixed to the inner side of the side plate, the end of the support block being bent upward to form a limiting block, and the positioning detection module being embedded in the side of the limiting block facing the product; a stop block is also fixed on the side plate above the support block, and the stop block, the support block, the limiting block and the locking component together constitute a locking space that restricts the vertical, horizontal and vertical and front-back displacement of the product.

3. The fastener installation and testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a telescopic cylinder or an electric push rod. A guide hole is provided on the side plate corresponding to the telescopic end of the locking assembly. The telescopic end passes through the guide hole and abuts against the side wall of the product to prevent the product from coming out.

4. The fastener installation and testing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing unit is a diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor or a through-beam infrared sensor; and / or, the indicating unit includes dual-color LED beads, which are used to indicate the pending work status and the work completed status, respectively.

5. A fastener installation testing device, characterized in that, Includes the fastener installation and testing fixture as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for detecting fastener installation, characterized in that, The fastener installation inspection fixture as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the product on the positioning component. After the positioning detection module recognizes the product, it sends a signal to the control unit. The control unit drives the locking component to extend, mechanically locking the product inside the positioning component. Step 2: The operator holds the tightening tool and inserts it into each working channel in sequence to tighten the fasteners; the sensing unit in each working channel independently identifies the complete "entry-stay-exit" action sequence of the tightening tool, confirms it as a valid operation, and the control unit then lights up the indicator unit corresponding to that working channel for visual feedback; Step 3: The control unit counts the number of lit indicator units in real time. When the count equals the preset total number of fasteners, the operation is considered complete. The control unit then drives the locking component to retract, releasing the product from the lock.

7. The fastener installation detection method according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step two, the indicator unit uses a red-green dual-color indicator: in the initial state, the indicator unit corresponding to all work channels displays red, indicating that work is pending; when the sensing unit detects a valid work, the corresponding indicator unit switches from red to green; if the sensing unit only detects the entry of the tightening tool but does not detect the exit signal, or the dwell time does not reach the preset threshold, the control unit determines that the work is invalid, and the indicator unit keeps flashing red to indicate.

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