A general flexible tooling for frame assembly welding and a welding method

Abstract

This invention discloses a universal flexible tooling and welding method for vehicle frame assembly, belonging to the field of bus manufacturing technology. It includes a tooling base, a positioning component, and a locking pin. The tooling base has multiple mounting holes arranged at predetermined intervals. The positioning component is detachably mounted to the mounting holes of the tooling base via the locking pin. The locking pin includes a locking body, one end of which is threadedly connected to a locking element. The locking element is screwed into the locking body, and the locking pin is in a locked state, fixing the positioning component to the tooling base. When the locking element is screwed away from the locking body, the locking pin is in an unlocked state, allowing the positioning component to be detached from the tooling base. This invention is applicable to customized welding of various vehicle frames and has rapid switching capability for welding different vehicle frames, solving the problems of poor tooling versatility and low switching efficiency in existing technologies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bus manufacturing technology, specifically to a universal flexible tooling for chassis welding and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] In the bus manufacturing process, frame welding is a core step that determines the strength and dimensional accuracy of the vehicle body. Currently, bus manufacturers generally use specialized jigs for frame welding. These jigs are usually custom-designed for a single vehicle model, and their positioning components and bases are fixedly connected. One jig can only correspond to the frame structure of one vehicle model. During production, operators place the frame components on the predetermined positioning points of the jig, fix them with a clamping mechanism, and then perform welding.

[0003] However, due to the influence of various factors such as vehicle type, purpose, and customer needs on chassis design and manufacturing, and as bus manufacturing moves towards smaller batches and more diverse models, the chassis structure has become increasingly complex. The chassis structure and key component locations differ for each model, highlighting the limitations of traditional tooling. Dedicated tooling must be designed and manufactured for each model, resulting in high tooling costs. Furthermore, in multi-model mixed-flow production, the production line requires frequent tooling changes. Each change necessitates lifting the existing tooling off the line and installing the new tooling for the new model, a process that takes several hours and severely impacts production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a universal flexible tooling and welding method for vehicle frame assembly, which can be applied to customized welding of various vehicle frames and has the ability to quickly switch between different vehicle frame welding, thus solving the problems of poor tooling versatility and low switching efficiency in the prior art.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect of the invention, a universal flexible tooling for chassis welding is provided, comprising a tooling base, a positioning component, and a locking pin. The tooling base has a plurality of mounting holes arranged at a set interval. The positioning component is detachably mounted on the mounting holes of the tooling base via the locking pin. The locking pin includes a locking body, one end of which is threadedly connected to a locking element. The locking element is screwed into the locking body, and the locking pin is in a locked state. In the locked state, the locking pin fixes the positioning component to the tooling base. When the locking element is screwed away from the locking body, the locking pin is in an unlocked state, and in the unlocked state, the positioning component can be detached from the tooling base.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tooling base includes a perforated steel plate and a liftable support assembly. The perforated steel plate is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the surface of the perforated steel plate is provided with a nitriding treatment layer. A plurality of liftable support assemblies are installed below the perforated steel plate.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the locking member is provided with a rotating boss, the rotating boss is located outside the locking body, the other end of the locking member is provided with a connecting post, the locking body is provided with a cylindrical cavity, the connecting post is threadedly connected to the cylindrical cavity, and a limiting member is provided at the connection between the locking member and the locking body. One end of the locking body is provided with multiple through holes, which are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer wall of the locking body. The through holes communicate with the cylindrical cavity. Each of the multiple through holes contains a sphere, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the circular cross-section of the through hole on the outer wall of the locking body. The end of the connecting post away from the rotating boss is provided with an annular concave structure, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the connecting post. The annular concave structure is adapted to the outer contour of the sphere.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the stroke of the threaded structure is configured such that: when the locking member is screwed away from the locking body to a designated position, the annular concave structure contacts the ball, and the ball moves along the through hole toward the cylindrical cavity; when the locking member is screwed into the locking body to a designated position, the bottom of the locking member abuts against the locking body, and the ball moves along the through hole toward the outer wall of the locking body via the connecting post.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the positioning assembly includes a key component positioning unit and a connecting component positioning unit. The key component positioning unit is positioned at key components of the frame for positioning. The key components include: airbag support, shock absorber support, stabilizer bar support, and thrust bar support of the frame. The connecting component positioning unit is positioned at connecting components of the frame for positioning and supporting the frame to a set height. The connecting components include: crossbeams, longitudinal beams, corner braces, lap plates, reinforcing ribs, wiring supports, and pipe supports of the frame.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the key part positioning unit includes a mounting plate with multiple connecting holes. The locking pin can pass through the connecting holes and extend into the mounting holes to install the mounting plate with the tooling base. The mounting plate is provided with a frame, and the top of the frame is provided with a support part. The support part is made of elastic material, and the connecting part positioning unit is configured as a stepped frame structure.

[0011] In a second aspect of the invention, a method for welding a vehicle frame is provided, employing the aforementioned universal flexible tooling for welding vehicle frames, comprising: Install the tooling base to the designated work position and adjust the levelness of the tooling base using the liftable support components; Based on the vehicle model information of the frame to be welded, select the corresponding positioning component, place the positioning component into the corresponding mounting hole position of the tooling base, control the locking pin to be in the unlocked state after placing it into the corresponding mounting hole, and control the locking pin to be in the locked state, so that the positioning component is installed on the tooling base. Place the frame components on the positioning assembly, so that the frame is constrained in a predetermined position by the positioning assembly; Weld the frame components. After welding, control the locking pin to be removed from the mounting hole in the unlocked state, and remove the positioning component from the tooling base.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, controlling the locking pin to be in the unlocked state specifically involves: rotating the rotating boss to make the locking member rotate away from the locking body to a designated position, the annular concave structure on the connecting column contacting the ball, and the ball moving along the through hole towards the cylindrical cavity, so that the locking pin enters the unlocked state. The control of the locking pin to be in the locked state is as follows: rotate the rotating boss to screw the locking part into the locking body, the ball moves along the through hole to the outer wall of the locking body through the connecting column, and abuts against the inside of the mounting hole, so that the locking pin enters the locked state and the positioning component is installed on the tooling base.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, when selecting the corresponding positioning component, the mounting hole position of the positioning component on the tooling base is determined according to the coordinate position of the key components of the frame in the process drawing, and the key part positioning unit and the connecting part positioning unit that match the frame to be welded are selected for positioning support.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the frame is mounted on the positioning assembly, at least one of the airbag support, shock absorber support, stabilizer bar support and thrust bar support of the frame is positioned and supported by the key part positioning unit, and at least one of the crossbeam, longitudinal beam, corner brace, lap plate, reinforcing rib, wiring bracket and pipe bracket of the frame is positioned and supported by the connecting part positioning unit, thereby raising the frame to the height required for welding.

[0015] One or more technical solutions of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: By arranging multiple mounting holes at set intervals on the tooling base and using positioning components with locking pins to adaptively position and support the frame, a standardized universal tooling platform is constructed. This allows the same tooling base to serve as a common foundation for positioning components of multiple vehicle models, completely changing the traditional customized model of one tire per vehicle for dedicated jigs. When producing different vehicle models, there is no need to remake or completely replace the tooling; only the corresponding positioning components need to be replaced on the unified tooling base. This significantly improves the universality and reusability of the tooling, effectively reducing the tooling manufacturing costs and inventory management burden caused by the production of multiple vehicle models.

[0016] The locking pin, consisting of a locking body and a locking component connected by threads, allows operators to quickly switch between locked and unlocked states without the need for any special tools. Simply rotating the locking component to screw it into or out of the locking body drives the locking pin. In the locked state, the locking pin secures the positioning component to the tooling base, ensuring stability during welding. In the unlocked state, the positioning component can be quickly disassembled. Compared to existing technologies that require complex disassembly and assembly operations using bolts, pliers, and other tools, this invention simplifies the installation and disassembly of the positioning component into a continuous and smooth process. It reduces the traditional time-consuming process of hoisting and replacing the entire tooling to hours, simplifying it to a quick positioning component replacement. This significantly shortens production line downtime caused by model changes and greatly improves overall operational efficiency in multi-variety, small-batch production models. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall use of a universal flexible tooling for chassis welding provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the key component positioning unit provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tooling base provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the perforated steel plate provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the key component positioning unit provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection positioning unit provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the locking pin provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-section of the locking pin provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Tooling base; 101. Perforated steel plate; 102. Liftable support assembly; 103. Mounting hole; 2. Positioning component; 202. Key component positioning unit; 2021. Mounting plate; 2022. Connecting hole; 2023. Frame; 2024. Support component; 203. Connecting component positioning unit; 3. Locking pin; 301. Locking component; 302. Locking body; 303. Rotating boss; 304. Connecting post; 305. Cylindrical cavity; 306. Limiting component; 307. Through hole; 308. Sphere; 309. Annular concave structure; 4. Frame. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a universal flexible tooling for vehicle frame welding is proposed, including a tooling base 1, a positioning component 2, and a locking pin 3. The tooling base 1 has multiple mounting holes 103 arranged at a set interval. The positioning component 2 is detachably mounted on the mounting holes 103 of the tooling base 1 via the locking pin 3. The locking pin 3 includes a locking body 302, one end of which is threadedly connected to a locking element 301. The locking element 301 is screwed into the locking body 302, and the locking pin 3 is in a locked state. In the locked state, the locking pin 3 fixes the positioning component 2 to the tooling base 1. When the locking element 301 is screwed away from the locking body 302, the locking pin 3 is in an unlocked state, and the positioning component 2 can be detached from the tooling base 1 in the unlocked state.

[0021] By setting standardized mounting holes 103 arranged in an array on the tooling base 1, a unified mounting interface is provided for the positioning components 2 required by different vehicle models. This allows the same tooling base 1 to support multiple positioning components 2, fundamentally solving the problem of the universality of traditional tooling that can only adapt to a single vehicle model. Simultaneously, the locking pin 3 adopts a threaded, screw-in / screw-out structure, allowing operators to quickly connect or separate the positioning component 2 from the tooling base 1 simply by rotating the locking part 301 without the need for any tools. When switching vehicle models, simply unscrew the locking pin 3 corresponding to the current positioning component 2, remove the positioning component 2, place the positioning component 2 required for the new vehicle model in the corresponding mounting hole 103, and then screw the locking pin 3 in to lock it in. The entire operation is simple and quick, eliminating the need to hoist and replace the entire tooling base 1. Compared to the several hours required for traditional dedicated jigs, this invention significantly shortens the switching time between different vehicle frames 4, greatly improving the operating efficiency of multi-model vehicle frame 4 mixed-flow production lines.

[0022] The tooling base 1 includes a perforated steel plate 101 and a liftable support assembly 102. The perforated steel plate 101 is provided with multiple mounting holes 103. The surface of the perforated steel plate 101 is provided with a nitriding treatment layer. Multiple liftable support assemblies 102 are installed below the perforated steel plate 101.

[0023] The perforated steel plate 101 serves as the mounting base for the positioning component 2. Its surface undergoes nitriding treatment to form a hardened layer, effectively resisting the adhesion of welding spatter, facilitating slag cleaning, and improving the steel plate's wear resistance and corrosion resistance, thus extending the tooling's service life. The liftable support component 102 can adjust the overall level and height of the tooling base 1 according to actual production needs, ensuring the accuracy of the positioning reference and avoiding positioning errors caused by uneven ground or tooling installation deviations, providing a stable working foundation for the welding of the frame 4. In this embodiment, the liftable support component is configured as an integrated structure, respectively located on both sides of the perforated steel plate 101. In other embodiments of the invention, the liftable support component 102 can be configured as multiple lifting hydraulic cylinders, adaptively adjusting the height of each lifting hydraulic cylinder to level the perforated steel plate 101 for uneven or pitted ground.

[0024] In this embodiment, the steel plate material is Q355, the mounting hole 103 of the tooling base 1 has a diameter of 28mm and a hole spacing of 100mm. The size and spacing of the mounting hole 103 conform to international standards, which can ensure a tight fit with various components, thereby improving the welding accuracy. In other embodiments of the present invention, the hole diameter and hole spacing of the mounting hole 103 can be set according to the actual working conditions.

[0025] One end of the locking member 301 is provided with a rotating boss 303, which is located outside the locking body 302. The other end of the locking member 301 is provided with a connecting post 304. The locking body 302 is provided with a cylindrical cavity 305. The connecting post 304 is threadedly connected to the cylindrical cavity 305. A limiting member 306 is provided at the connection between the locking member 301 and the locking body 302. One end of the locking body 302 is provided with multiple through holes 307. The multiple through holes 307 are arranged on the outer wall of the locking body 302 at a predetermined distance along the circumference. The through holes 307 are connected to the cylindrical cavity 305. A ball 308 is provided in each of the multiple through holes 307. The diameter of the ball 308 is larger than the diameter of the circular cross section of the through hole 307 on the outer wall of the locking body 302. The end of the connecting post 304 away from the rotating boss 303 is provided with an annular concave structure 309. The diameter of the annular concave structure 309 is smaller than the diameter of the connecting post 304. The annular concave structure 309 is adapted to the outer contour of the ball 308.

[0026] The ball 308 and the annular concave structure 309 cooperate to form a compact and reliable locking mechanism. When the locking member 301 is screwed away from the locking body 302, the ball 308 can retract into the through hole 307, allowing the locking pin 3 to be smoothly inserted into or pulled out of the mounting hole 103. When the locking member 301 is screwed into the locking body 302, the connecting post 304 pushes the ball 308 outward, and the ball 308 forms a multi-point contact locking with the inner wall of the mounting hole 103. This arrangement allows the locking pin 3 to provide a uniform and stable clamping force in the locked state, preventing the positioning component 2 from loosening during welding. At the same time, it allows for smooth disassembly and assembly in the unlocked state, truly achieving tool-free quick switching.

[0027] In addition, the limiting member 306 can prevent the locking member 301 from coming out of the locking body 302 when it is rotated out, maintain the effective connection between the two, and seal the connection between the locking member 301 and the locking body 302 through the limiting member 306.

[0028] The stroke of the threaded structure is configured such that when the locking member 301 is screwed away from the locking body 302 to the designated position, the annular concave structure 309 contacts the ball 308, and the ball 308 moves along the through hole 307 toward the cylindrical cavity 305; when the locking member 301 is screwed into the locking body 302 to the designated position, the bottom of the locking member 301 abuts against the locking body 302, and the ball 308 moves along the through hole 307 toward the outer wall of the locking body 302 via the connecting post 304.

[0029] By precisely configuring the thread stroke, the ball 308 can reliably switch between the retracted and extended states when the locking element 301 switches between two extreme positions. When the locking element 301 is screwed in, its bottom abuts against the locking body 302, forming a limit to prevent over-screwing and structural damage, while ensuring the ball 308 is in a stable extended state, providing continuous locking force. When the locking element 301 is screwed out, it ensures that the ball 308 no longer exerts pressure against the inner wall of the mounting hole 103, facilitating the removal of the locking pin 3 by operators. This design ensures consistent operation of the locking pin 3 during long-term use, avoiding locking reliability issues caused by variations in human operating force.

[0030] The positioning component 2 includes a key component positioning unit 202 and a connecting component positioning unit 203. The key component positioning unit 202 is positioned at key components of the frame 4 for positioning. The key components include: airbag support, shock absorber support, stabilizer bar support and thrust bar support of the frame 4. The connecting component positioning unit 203 is positioned at the connecting components of the frame 4 for positioning and supporting the frame 4 to a set height. The connecting components include: crossbeams, longitudinal beams, corner braces, lap plates, reinforcing ribs, wiring brackets and pipe brackets of the frame 4.

[0031] Positioning component 2 is divided into key component positioning unit 202 and connecting component positioning unit 203, forming a modular positioning system. Key component positioning unit 202 precisely positions the core load-bearing components of the chassis, ensuring the positional accuracy of critical mounting points such as airbag supports and shock absorber supports. These components directly affect the overall vehicle's driving safety and comfort. Connecting component positioning unit 203 is responsible for the positioning and support of the main structure and auxiliary components of the frame 4, ensuring the overall geometric dimensions of the frame 4 and the relative positional relationships between its components. This design allows for more flexible selection and combination of positioning components 2, enabling rapid configuration based on the structural characteristics of specific vehicle models. It ensures both the precision requirements of key components and the overall welding stability of the frame 4.

[0032] The key positioning unit 202 includes a mounting plate 2021, which has multiple connecting holes 2022. The locking pin 3 can pass through the connecting holes 2022 and extend into the mounting hole 103 to install the mounting plate 2021 with the tooling base 1. The mounting plate is provided with a frame 2023, and the top of the frame 2023 is provided with a support part 2024. The support part 2024 is made of elastic material. The connecting positioning unit 203 is set as a stepped frame structure.

[0033] The key component positioning unit 202 adopts a structure where the mounting plate 2021 cooperates with the frame 2023. It is fixed to the tooling base 1 through the connecting holes 2022 on the mounting plate 2021 and the locking pin 3. The elastic support 2024 at the top of the frame 2023 can form flexible contact with the key components of the frame 4, ensuring positioning accuracy while avoiding surface damage to the workpiece that might be caused by rigid contact. The connecting component positioning unit 203 is designed with a stepped frame structure, which can adapt to height changes at different positions of the frame 4, providing a stable support platform for the connecting components of the frame 4. This structural design allows the positioning component 2 to meet positioning accuracy requirements while also possessing good process adaptability.

[0034] In this embodiment, the diameter of the connecting hole 2022 on the positioning component 2 is 28mm, and the hole spacing is 100mm. This design perfectly aligns with the mounting hole 103 of the tooling base 1. The positioning component 2 and the tooling base 1 are connected by a locking pin 3, which has a diameter of 28mm and a length of 50mm. The manufacturing precision requirement for the key positioning unit 202 is a deviation of no more than 1mm, and the manufacturing precision requirement for the connecting positioning unit 203 is a deviation of no more than 2mm.

[0035] In a second aspect of the invention, a method for welding four groups of vehicle frames is provided, employing a universal flexible tooling for welding four groups of vehicle frames, comprising: Install the tooling base 1 to the set work position, and adjust the level of the tooling base 1 using the liftable support component 102; According to the vehicle model information of the frame 4 to be welded, select the corresponding positioning component 2, place the positioning component 2 at the corresponding mounting hole 103 position of the tooling base 1, control the locking pin 3 to be in the unlocked state after placing it in the corresponding mounting hole 103, control the locking pin 3 to be in the locked state, so that the positioning component 2 is installed on the tooling base 1. Place the frame 4 component on the positioning component 2, so that the frame 4 is constrained in the predetermined position by the positioning component 2; Weld the four components of the frame. After welding, control the locking pin 3 to be unlocked and removed from the mounting hole 103, and remove the positioning component 2 from the tooling base 1.

[0036] Through a systematic approach, the leveling of the tooling base 1, the rapid installation of the positioning component 2, the positioning constraint of the chassis 4, and the disassembly process after welding are organically integrated. Compared with existing technologies that require overall hoisting and tooling replacement, this method only requires replacing the positioning component 2 when switching between different chassis 4 models. Operators can complete the installation and disassembly by controlling the state of the locking pin 3. The entire process requires no special tools, is simple and quick, and effectively solves the problem of low tooling switching efficiency in multi-model mixed production modes. At the same time, the leveling of the tooling base 1 is ensured by the liftable support component 102, providing a basic guarantee for subsequent positioning accuracy.

[0037] The locking pin 3 is in the unlocked state by rotating the rotating boss 303 to make the locking part 301 rotate away from the locking body 302 to the designated position, the annular concave structure 309 on the connecting column 304 contacts the ball 308, and the ball 308 moves along the through hole 307 to the cylindrical cavity 305, so that the locking pin 3 enters the unlocked state. The locking pin 3 is controlled to be in the locked state by rotating the rotating boss 303 to screw the locking part 301 into the locking body 302. The ball 308 is pressed against the connecting column 304 and moves along the through hole 307 to the outer wall of the locking body 302, and abuts against the inside of the mounting hole 103, so that the locking pin 3 enters the locked state and the positioning component 2 is installed on the tooling base 1.

[0038] The locking and unlocking operations of the locking pin 3 are simplified to a single action of rotating the boss 303, which can be completed by the operator without the aid of any tools. When the locking member 301 is screwed out, the annular concave structure 309 provides retraction space for the ball 308, allowing the locking pin 3 to smoothly insert into or remove from the mounting hole 103; when the locking member 301 is screwed in, the connecting post 304 pushes the ball 308 outward, and the ball 308 forms a reliable abutment with the inner wall of the mounting hole 103. This operation method not only improves the speed of tooling changeover, but also makes the operation process intuitive and clear, avoiding the risk of misoperation caused by complex operations.

[0039] When selecting the corresponding positioning component 2, the mounting hole 103 of the positioning component 2 on the tooling base 1 is determined according to the coordinate position of the key component of the frame 4 in the process drawing, and the key part positioning unit 202 and the connecting part positioning unit 203 that match the frame 4 to be welded are selected for positioning support.

[0040] The selection and installation of positioning component 2 are guided by coordinate information in the process drawings, providing a clear basis for the positioning process and avoiding reliance on operator experience. Because the tooling base 1 has a standardized array of mounting holes 103, the coordinates of key components of any vehicle model can be converted into the corresponding mounting hole 103 positions, achieving precise determination of the position of positioning component 2. This coordinate-based selection and installation method allows the same tooling to be quickly adapted to different vehicle models, and also provides a reusable technical path for tooling configuration in subsequent new vehicle models.

[0041] When the frame 4 is installed on the positioning assembly 2, at least one of the airbag support, shock absorber support, stabilizer bar support and thrust bar support of the frame 4 is positioned and supported by the key part positioning unit 202, and at least one of the crossbeam, longitudinal beam, corner brace, lap plate, reinforcing rib, wiring bracket and pipe bracket of the frame 4 is positioned and supported by the connecting part positioning unit 203, thereby raising the frame 4 to the height required for welding.

[0042] The specific positioning objects of the key component positioning unit 202 and the connecting component positioning unit 203 were clearly defined, ensuring that the functional division of the positioning component 2 closely corresponds to the actual structural characteristics of the chassis 4. The key component positioning unit 202 focuses on the positioning of the core load-bearing components of the chassis, ensuring the positional accuracy of these key mounting points; the connecting component positioning unit 203 is responsible for supporting and positioning the main structure and auxiliary components of the chassis 4, ensuring the overall assembly stability of the chassis 4. Through the synergistic effect of the two positioning units, the chassis 4 is precisely constrained in a predetermined position and raised to a suitable height before welding, creating favorable conditions for subsequent welding processes and ensuring the dimensional accuracy and structural stability of the chassis 4 assembly from the source.

[0043] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A universal flexible tooling for welding vehicle frames, characterized in that, The tooling base includes a positioning component and a locking pin. The tooling base has multiple mounting holes arranged at a set interval. The positioning component is detachably mounted on the mounting holes of the tooling base by means of the locking pin. The locking pin includes a locking body, one end of which is connected to a locking element via a thread. The locking element is screwed into the locking body, and the locking pin is in a locked state. In the locked state, the locking pin fixes the positioning component to the tooling base. When the locking element is screwed away from the locking body, the locking pin is in an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the positioning component can be detached from the tooling base.

2. The universal flexible tooling for chassis assembly welding as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tooling base includes a perforated steel plate and a liftable support assembly. The perforated steel plate has multiple mounting holes and a nitriding treatment layer on its surface. Multiple liftable support assemblies are installed below the perforated steel plate.

3. The universal flexible tooling for chassis assembly welding as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the locking member is provided with a rotating boss, which is located outside the locking body. The other end of the locking member is provided with a connecting post. The locking body is provided with a cylindrical cavity. The connecting post is threadedly connected to the cylindrical cavity. A limiting member is provided at the connection between the locking member and the locking body. One end of the locking body is provided with multiple through holes, which are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer wall of the locking body. The through holes communicate with the cylindrical cavity. Each of the multiple through holes contains a sphere, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the circular cross-section of the through hole on the outer wall of the locking body. The end of the connecting post away from the rotating boss is provided with an annular concave structure, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the connecting post. The annular concave structure is adapted to the outer contour of the sphere.

4. The universal flexible tooling for chassis assembly welding as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The stroke of the threaded structure is configured such that when the locking member is screwed away from the locking body to a designated position, the annular concave structure contacts the ball, and the ball moves along the through hole toward the cylindrical cavity; when the locking member is screwed into the locking body to a designated position, the bottom of the locking member abuts against the locking body, and the ball moves along the through hole toward the outer wall of the locking body via the connecting post.

5. The universal flexible tooling for chassis assembly welding as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning assembly includes a key component positioning unit and a connecting component positioning unit. The key component positioning unit is positioned at key components of the frame for positioning. The key components include: airbag support, shock absorber support, stabilizer bar support, and thrust bar support of the frame. The connecting component positioning unit is positioned at connecting parts of the frame for positioning and supporting the frame to a set height. The connecting parts include: crossbeams, longitudinal beams, corner braces, lap plates, reinforcing ribs, wiring supports, and pipe supports of the frame.

6. The universal flexible tooling for chassis assembly welding as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The key component positioning unit includes a mounting plate with multiple connecting holes. The locking pin can pass through the connecting holes and extend into the mounting holes to install the mounting plate with the tooling base. The mounting plate is equipped with a frame, and the top of the frame is equipped with a support part made of elastic material. The connecting component positioning unit is configured as a stepped frame structure.

7. A method for welding a vehicle frame, employing a universal flexible tooling for welding a vehicle frame as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: Install the tooling base to the designated work position and adjust the levelness of the tooling base using the liftable support components; Based on the vehicle model information of the frame to be welded, select the corresponding positioning component, place the positioning component into the corresponding mounting hole position of the tooling base, control the locking pin to be in the unlocked state after placing it into the corresponding mounting hole, and control the locking pin to be in the locked state, so that the positioning component is installed on the tooling base. Place the frame components on the positioning assembly, so that the frame is constrained in a predetermined position by the positioning assembly; Weld the frame components. After welding, control the locking pin to be removed from the mounting hole in the unlocked state, and remove the positioning component from the tooling base.

8. The vehicle frame welding method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The control of the locking pin to be in the unlocked state is as follows: rotate the rotating boss to make the locking part rotate away from the locking body to the designated position, the annular concave structure on the connecting column contacts the ball, and the ball moves along the through hole to the cylindrical cavity, so that the locking pin enters the unlocked state; The control of the locking pin to be in the locked state is as follows: rotate the rotating boss to screw the locking part into the locking body, the ball moves along the through hole to the outer wall of the locking body through the connecting column, and abuts against the inside of the mounting hole, so that the locking pin enters the locked state and the positioning component is installed on the tooling base.

9. A vehicle frame welding method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When selecting the corresponding positioning components, determine the mounting hole positions of the positioning components on the tooling base according to the coordinate positions of the key components of the frame in the process drawings, and select the key part positioning unit and the connecting part positioning unit that match the frame to be welded for positioning support.

10. A vehicle frame welding method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, When the frame is installed on the positioning assembly, at least one of the airbag support, shock absorber support, stabilizer bar support and thrust bar support of the frame is positioned and supported by the key part positioning unit, and at least one of the crossbeam, longitudinal beam, corner brace, lap plate, stiffener, wiring bracket and pipe bracket of the frame is positioned and supported by the connecting part positioning unit, and the frame is raised to the height required for welding.

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