Fool-proof mechanism with sensor external connection structure and use method of fool-proof mechanism
By setting an external sensor structure in the foolproof system and utilizing the cooperation of the lifting rod and the external rod, the problem of sensor damage caused by the welding environment is solved, a safe distance between the sensor and the welding area is achieved, and the durability and detection accuracy of the system are improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOWER AUTOMOTIVE (WUHU) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
In existing foolproof systems, sensors are easily damaged by welding spatter, high-temperature radiation, and electromagnetic interference, leading to signal distortion or functional failure, which affects the reliability and stability of the system.
Design a foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure. Place the sensor at a position far from the welding area. Reliable clamping and detection of the foolproof component can be achieved through the cooperation of the lifting rod and the external rod.
This improves the system's durability and detection accuracy, ensures a safe distance between the sensor and the welding area, avoids sensor damage, and ensures the reliability and stability of the mistake-proof system.
Smart Images

Figure CN121928262A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of error prevention mechanisms, and more specifically, to an error prevention mechanism with an external sensor structure and its method of use. Background Technology
[0002] In industrial production, mistake-proofing systems are crucial for ensuring accurate operating procedures and preventing assembly errors or missing parts. Currently, the commonly used approach involves using photoelectric or magnetic sensors to detect whether parts are in place and transmitting the signal to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Subsequent welding operations are only permitted after the system confirms that the status is normal.
[0003] However, when the workpiece size is small, it not only needs to be accurately detected by the sensor, but also needs to be stably fixed by the clamping mechanism, which significantly limits the sensor's installation position. In actual layouts, the sensor often has to be close to the welding area, exposed to harsh environments such as welding spatter, high-temperature radiation, and electromagnetic interference for a long time, which can easily cause sensor damage, signal distortion, or functional failure, thereby affecting the reliability and stability of the mistake-proof system.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a new type of error-proof mechanism that can ensure the workpiece is reliably clamped while maintaining a certain safe distance between the sensor and the welding area, thereby improving the system's durability and detection accuracy. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure and its usage method. This foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure can place the foolproof sensor at a position far away from the welding position, so that the sensor and the welding area can maintain a certain safe distance, thereby improving the durability and detection accuracy of the system.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure, including a structural body, a clamping structure and an external sensor structure. The foolproof mechanism with the external sensor structure has a limit structure on the side facing the foolproof component for limiting the foolproof component. The clamping structure is rotatably connected to the structural body for clamping or releasing the foolproof component. The sensor's external structure includes a lifting rod and an external rod that cooperates with the lifting rod. The lifting rod cooperates with the anti-fooling device to push the external rod to rotate outward. After the external rod rotates to its position, it cooperates with the anti-fooling sensor to send a signal that the anti-fooling device is in position.
[0007] Preferably, the lifting rod mates with the positioning hole of the anti-fooling component. Preferably, the diameter of the lifting rod is larger than the diameter of the positioning hole.
[0008] Preferably, the external rod is L-shaped, with the middle part of the L-shaped external rod rotatably connected to the main body of the structure, one end of the L-shaped external rod cooperating with the lifting rod, and the other end rotating.
[0009] Preferably, the sensor external structure further includes a first reset structure for resetting the external rod.
[0010] Preferably, the first reset structure drives the lifting rod to reset, and the L-shaped external rod resets under its own weight.
[0011] Preferably, the clamping structure includes two clamping blocks arranged opposite to each other. The middle part of the clamping block is rotatably connected to the structure body. The top of the clamping block is provided with a clamping surface. The two opposite clamping surfaces are used to clamp the anti-misalignment component. The bottom of the clamping block is connected to the driving structure. The driving structure drives the bottom of the clamping block to move away from each other.
[0012] Preferably, the drive structure is configured to be able to rise and fall, and the top of the drive structure is provided with a first inclined surface; The bottom of the clamping block is provided with a second inclined surface that mates with the first inclined surface.
[0013] Preferably, the clamping structure further includes a second reset structure for resetting the clamping block.
[0014] The present invention also provides a method of using a foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure, comprising: Step 1: Place the anti-foolproof component inside the limiting structure, and activate the clamping structure to clamp the anti-foolproof component; Step 2: Activate the downward pressing mechanism of the upper workpiece; the anti-fool sensor detects that the anti-fool sensor is in place. Step 3: Begin welding.
[0015] According to the above technical solution, the anti-mistake component of the present invention is placed on the anti-mistake mechanism with an external sensor structure. The limiting structure can restrict the position of the anti-mistake component, so that the anti-mistake component is in an ideal position. Then, another workpiece welded to the anti-mistake component moves relative to the anti-mistake component, and finally the positions of the upper and lower workpieces to be welded fit together, so that welding can be performed at that position. During the relative movement of the upper and lower workpieces, the anti-mistake component pushes the lifting rod to move downward. During the downward movement of the lifting rod, the external rod is pushed to rotate. During the rotation of the external rod, it will be displaced in a direction away from the structure body, so that the anti-mistake sensor located on the outside of the structure body can sense the external rod and send a signal that the anti-mistake component is in place.
[0016] Therefore, the foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure can place the foolproof sensor at a distance from the welding position, so that the sensor and the welding area can maintain a certain safe distance, thereby improving the durability and detection accuracy of the system.
[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the working state of a foolproof mechanism with an external sensor connection structure. Figure 2 This is a front view of a foolproof mechanism with an external sensor connection structure; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial view; Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The left view; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a foolproof mechanism with an external sensor connection structure but no driving structure. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The left view; Figure 8 It is a structural body that mates with a clamping structure; Figure 9 It is a structural body that mates with a clamping structure; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping structure; Figure 11 It is a type of connector block; Figure 12 yes Figure 10 The main view; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Cross-sectional view.
[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures Detailed Implementation
[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "one end," "the other end," "outer surface," "axis," "conical," and "near" in the terminology represent only the orientation of the term in its conventional use or are common terms understood by those skilled in the art, and should not be regarded as limitations on the term.
[0022] See Figure 1-4 The aforementioned foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure includes a structural body 1, a clamping structure, and an external sensor structure. The foolproof mechanism with the external sensor structure has a limiting structure on the side facing the foolproof component 10 for limiting the foolproof component 10. The clamping structure is connected to the structural body 1 for clamping or releasing the foolproof component 10. The sensor external structure includes a lifting rod 31 and an external rod 32 that cooperates with the lifting rod 31. The lifting rod 31 cooperates with the anti-fooling component 10 to push the external rod 32 to rotate outward. After the external rod 32 rotates to the correct position, it cooperates with the anti-fooling component sensor to send a signal that the anti-fooling component 10 is in position.
[0023] Through the implementation of the above technical solution, the anti-mistake component 10 is placed on the anti-mistake mechanism with an external sensor structure. The limiting structure can restrict the position of the anti-mistake component 10, so that the anti-mistake component 10 is in the ideal position. Then, another workpiece welded to the anti-mistake component 10 moves relative to the anti-mistake component 10. Finally, the positions of the upper and lower workpieces that need to be welded are aligned, so that welding can be carried out at that position. During the relative movement of the upper and lower workpieces, the anti-mistake component 10 pushes the lifting rod 31 to move downward. During the downward movement of the lifting rod 31, the external rod 32 is rotated. During the rotation of the external rod 32, it will be displaced in a direction away from the structure body 1, so that the anti-mistake sensor located outside the structure body 1 can sense the external rod 32 and send a signal that the anti-mistake component 10 has arrived.
[0024] Therefore, the foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure can place the foolproof sensor at a distance from the welding position, so that the sensor and the welding area can maintain a certain safe distance, thereby improving the durability and detection accuracy of the system.
[0025] In this embodiment, preferably, the lifting rod 31 is engaged with the positioning hole 101 of the anti-foolproof component 10, and the diameter of the lifting rod 31 is larger than the diameter of the positioning hole 101.
[0026] A space is formed between the two opposing clamping surfaces 211 of the clamping structure. When the anti-misalignment component 10 is placed into this space, the positioning hole 101 engages with the lifting rod 31. After the anti-misalignment component 10 is placed, the clamping surfaces 211 of the clamping structure limit the anti-misalignment component 10, and at the same time, the positioning hole 101 on the anti-misalignment component 10 engages with the lifting rod 31, so that the position of the anti-misalignment component 10 can be reliably limited.
[0027] The diameter of the positioning hole 101 is smaller than the diameter of the anti-fooling component 10. Therefore, the positioning hole 10 and the anti-fooling component 10 can exert relative forces through their mating positions. When the upper workpiece presses down on the anti-fooling component 10, the anti-fooling component 10 will move downward under the action of the two clamping surfaces 211. During the movement, the anti-fooling component 10 pushes the lifting rod 31 downward through the positioning hole 101.
[0028] Preferably, after the anti-foolproof component 10 is limited, the clamping structure can directly clamp the anti-foolproof component 10 when it is in operation, thereby ensuring that the relative position between the other workpiece that cooperates with the anti-foolproof component 10 and the anti-foolproof component 10 will not change during the welding process, thus ensuring the reliability of the weld.
[0029] In one embodiment, after the anti-misalignment component 10 is inserted, the upper workpiece first presses the anti-misalignment component 10 downwards. Under the push of the upper workpiece, the anti-misalignment component 10 moves downwards and pushes the lifting rod 31 downwards. The lifting rod 31 pushes the external rod 32 to rotate outwards, and the anti-misalignment component sensor sends an anti-misalignment component positioning signal. This positioning signal can be used to control the clamping structure to clamp the anti-misalignment component 10, thereby realizing automatic welding of the anti-misalignment component 10. In this welding preparation process, only the upper workpiece needs to be pressed down. However, since the anti-misalignment component 10 is not clamped when the upper workpiece is pressed down, there is a risk that the position of the anti-misalignment component 10 may be unstable during the pressing process.
[0030] In one embodiment, after the anti-misalignment component 10 is inserted, the operator presses a button, and the clamping structure clamps the anti-misalignment component 10. After the anti-misalignment component 10 is clamped, the operator also needs to press a button to start the upper workpiece to press the anti-misalignment component 10 downward. Under the push of the upper workpiece, the anti-misalignment component 10 moves downward and pushes the lifting rod 31 downward. The lifting rod 31 pushes the external rod 32 to rotate outward. The anti-misalignment component sensor sends an anti-misalignment component positioning signal, which is used to start welding. When using this method, the anti-misalignment component 10 is already clamped before the upper workpiece is pressed down, thus ensuring the reliability of the relative position of the anti-misalignment component 10 with the upper workpiece during its movement.
[0031] Preferably, the clamping structure has a certain stroke range so that the anti-mistake component 10 can move downward within this stroke range. At the same time, the side of the structure body 1 facing the anti-mistake component 10 is provided with a support surface 12 to support the anti-mistake component 10. When the anti-mistake component 10 is pressed downward, the support surface 12 will limit the anti-mistake component 10, so as to avoid the anti-mistake component 10 being pressed by the limit stroke of the clamping structure, which would affect the clamping reliability of the clamping structure, and at the same time improve the positional stability of the anti-mistake component 10 during the welding process.
[0032] In this embodiment, preferably, the external rod 32 is L-shaped, with the middle part of the L-shaped external rod 32 rotatably connected to the structural body 1, one end of the L-shaped external rod 32 cooperating with the lifting rod 31, and the other end rotating.
[0033] One end of the external rod 32 is engaged with the lifting rod 31. When the lifting rod 31 moves downward, it will push the external rod 32 to rotate around the position where it is connected to the structure body 1. During the rotation, the other end of the external rod 32 will move outward and upward until the external rod 32 triggers the anti-fool sensor.
[0034] In this embodiment, preferably, the sensor external structure further includes a first reset structure for resetting the external rod 32.
[0035] To ensure that the external structure of the sensor can work repeatedly, a first reset structure is also required. Under the action of the first reset structure, the lifting rod 31 can return to the initial position so that the next anti-foolproof component 10 that needs to be welded can trigger the anti-foolproof component sensor again by pushing the lifting rod 31.
[0036] In this embodiment, preferably, the first reset structure drives the lifting rod 31 to reset, and the L-shaped external rod 32 resets under its own weight.
[0037] The first reset structure is configured as an elastic component. Preferably, the first reset structure is configured as a spring 331. The upper limit position 311 and the lower limit position 312 cooperate with the upper and lower ends of the spring 331, respectively, to limit the position of the spring 331. The upper limit position 311 is fixed to the lifting rod 31, and the lower limit position 312 is fixed to the structure body 1. When the lifting rod 31 descends, the upper limit position 311 compresses the spring 331 downwards. When the pressure above is removed, the elastic force of the spring 331 drives the upper limit position 311 to move upwards, so that the lifting rod 31 can return to its initial position.
[0038] In this embodiment, preferably, the clamping structure includes two clamping blocks 21 arranged opposite to each other. The middle part of the clamping block 21 is rotatably connected to the structure body 1. The top of the clamping block 21 is provided with a clamping surface 211. The two opposing clamping surfaces 211 are used to clamp the anti-fooling component 10. The bottom of the clamping block 21 is connected to the driving structure 22. The driving structure 22 drives the bottom of the clamping block 21 to move away from each other.
[0039] The clamping block 21 rotates around the position where it is connected to the structure body 1. When the driving structure 22 drives the bottom of the clamping block 21 to move away from each other, the top of the clamping block 21 will move closer to each other. The two relatively close clamping surfaces 211 can clamp the anti-fooling component 10 located therein.
[0040] In this embodiment, preferably, the drive structure 22 is configured to be able to rise and fall, and the top of the drive structure 22 is provided with a first inclined surface 221. The bottom of the clamping block 21 is provided with a second inclined surface 212 that cooperates with the first inclined surface 221.
[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, during the upward movement of the drive structure 22, the first inclined surface 221 rises and cooperates with the second inclined surface 212 to push the two clamping blocks 21 away from each other, so that the upper ends of the two clamping blocks 21 can approach each other to achieve the clamping effect on the anti-fooling component 10.
[0042] In this embodiment, preferably, the clamping structure further includes a second reset structure 23 for resetting the clamping block 21.
[0043] In one embodiment, the second reset structure 23 is located at the bottom of the clamping structure. The second reset structure 23 is configured as a spring, with both ends of the spring connected to two clamping blocks 21 respectively. When the spring is in its original state, the upper end of the clamping block 21 is slightly open, making it easier for the anti-foolproof component 10 to be inserted into the limiting structure. After the anti-foolproof component 10 is inserted, the operator presses the start button to activate the drive structure 22 to rise and push the two clamping surfaces 211 closer to each other.
[0044] The drive structure 22 can be configured as a cylinder. When the start button is pressed, the cylinder is inflated, and the connecting block 24 connected to the cylinder is pushed upward, causing the upper ends of the clamping blocks 21 to come closer together and clamp. Preferably, when the cylinder is not in motion, the connecting block 24 is in its initial position, with its upper end positioned between the bottoms of the two clamping blocks 21. When the cylinder is activated, the connecting block 24 is pushed upward, and the first inclined surface 221 pushes the bottoms of the two clamping blocks 21 apart along the second inclined surface 212. Since the upper end of the connecting block 24 is always positioned between the two second inclined surfaces 212, the clamping structure operates more smoothly during operation.
[0045] The present invention also provides a method of using a foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure, comprising: Step 1: Place the anti-foolproof component 10 inside the limiting structure and activate the clamping structure to clamp the anti-foolproof component 10. Step 2: Start the upper workpiece to press down the anti-foolproof component 10, and the anti-foolproof component sensor detects that the anti-foolproof component 10 is in place; Step 3: Begin welding.
[0046] like Figure 6As shown, the clamping structure, in conjunction with the lifting rod 31, forms a limiting structure. The front end of the lifting rod 31 is designed with a conical positioning surface. The anti-misalignment component 10 engages with the lifting rod 31 through this conical positioning surface and is ultimately fitted onto the conical positioning surface. The anti-misalignment component 10 can determine its basic position through the limiting structure. Then, the two sides of the anti-misalignment component 10 engage with two clamping blocks 21 respectively, thus restricting the position of the anti-misalignment component 10. The drive structure 22 is activated, causing the anti-misalignment component 10 to be clamped by the clamping structure, thereby ensuring the positional stability of the anti-misalignment component 10. At this time, the bottom of the anti-misalignment component 10 is not in contact with the support surface 12.
[0047] The diameter of the lifting rod 31 is larger than the diameter of the positioning hole 101, so that when the upper workpiece is pressed down, the anti-fooling component 10 slides down along the clamping surface 211 and finally abuts against the support surface 12. The support surface 12, together with the clamping structure and the lifting rod 31, forms a stable support for the anti-fooling component 10, so that the upper workpiece and the anti-fooling component 10 can maintain a relatively stable position during the welding process, thereby ensuring the welding quality of the weld.
[0048] During the pressing down of the anti-misalignment component 10, it pushes the lifting rod 31 downward through the positioning hole 101. The lower end of the lifting rod 31, in its initial state, contacts one end of the external rod 32. As the lifting rod 31 descends, the external rod 32 rotates, and its other end engages with the anti-misalignment sensor. When the external rod 32 rotates to its designated position, it triggers the external anti-misalignment sensor to issue an anti-misalignment positioning signal. Welding can only begin when this signal is issued; otherwise, the system will issue an alarm. Therefore, by setting up this anti-misalignment mechanism with an external sensor structure, reliable detection of whether the anti-misalignment component is in place can be achieved, preventing missing components.
[0049] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0050] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately.
[0051] Furthermore, various different embodiments of the present invention can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of the present invention, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by the present invention.
Claims
1. A foolproof mechanism with an external sensor connection structure, characterized in that, The structure includes a main body (1), a clamping structure and a sensor external structure. The foolproof mechanism with the sensor external structure has a limit structure on the side facing the foolproof part (10) for limiting the foolproof part (10). The clamping structure is rotatably connected to the main body (1) for clamping or releasing the foolproof part (10). The sensor external structure includes a lifting rod (31) and an external rod (32) that cooperates with the lifting rod (31). The lifting rod (31) cooperates with the anti-fooling component (10) to push the external rod (32) to rotate outward. After the external rod (32) rotates to the position, it cooperates with the anti-fooling component sensor to send a signal that the anti-fooling component (10) is in position.
2. The foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting rod (31) is engaged with the positioning hole (101) of the anti-fooling component (10).
3. The foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diameter of the lifting rod (31) is larger than the diameter of the positioning hole (101).
4. The foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external rod (32) is set to L-shape. The middle part of the L-shaped external rod (32) is rotatably connected to the main body (1). One end of the L-shaped external rod (32) is engaged with the lifting rod (31), and the other end rotates.
5. The foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sensor external structure also includes a first reset structure for resetting the external rod (32).
6. The foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first reset structure drives the lifting rod (31) to reset, and the L-shaped external rod (32) resets under its own weight.
7. The foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping structure includes two clamping blocks (21) arranged opposite to each other. The middle part of the clamping block (21) is rotatably connected to the structure body (1). The top of the clamping block (21) is provided with a clamping surface (211). The two opposing clamping surfaces (211) are used to clamp the anti-fooling component (10). The bottom of the clamping block (21) is connected to the driving structure (22). The driving structure (22) drives the bottom of the clamping block (21) to move away from each other.
8. The foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive structure (22) is configured to be able to rise and fall, and the top of the drive structure (22) is provided with a first inclined surface (221). The bottom of the clamping block (21) is provided with a second inclined surface (212) that cooperates with the first inclined surface (221).
9. The foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clamping structure also includes a second reset structure (23) for resetting the clamping block (21).
10. A method of using the foolproof mechanism with an external sensor structure as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: Step 1: Place the anti-foolproof component (10) inside the limiting structure and activate the clamping structure to clamp the anti-foolproof component (10); Step 2: Start the upper workpiece to press down the anti-foolproof component (10), and the anti-foolproof component sensor detects that the anti-foolproof component (10) is in place; Step 3: Begin welding.