Automobile lamp assembly production line and assembly process thereof

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of machine tool, and particularly relates to combined machining, and especially relates to an automobile lamp assembly production line and an assembly process thereof; wherein one automobile lamp assembly production line comprises: a fixed module horizontally arranged on a workbench and used for fixing a lamp, the fixed module comprising: an inner support fixed ring vertically arranged on a fixed plate and internally hollow; a limiting plate hingedly arranged on an outer wall of the inner support fixed ring in an inclined manner, and a plurality of limiting plates evenly distributed around the inner support fixed ring; and an inner pull block arranged in the inner support fixed ring in a lifting manner and linked with the limiting plate; wherein when the mechanical hand carries the lamp and places the lamp on the fixed plate, the inclined limiting plate is in contact with an entrance edge of an inner positioning hole of the lamp, and is used for pre-positioning the lamp; after the lamp is stably placed, the limiting plate is pushed downward by an inner wall of the inner positioning hole of the lamp to overturn downward, the inner pull block moves downward to push the limiting plate to continue to overturn downward, and the outer wall of the limiting plate is completely attached to the inner wall of the inner positioning hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of machine tool technology, specifically relating to assembly processing, and particularly to an automotive headlight assembly production line and its assembly process. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive headlight assembly requires high-precision processes such as riveting and screw tightening. Because headlight bodies are often irregularly shaped curved surfaces, the industry commonly uses an internal support fixing method. This involves inserting a deformable internal support structure into the headlight's internal positioning hole and then expanding it outwards to achieve radial positioning of the headlight.

[0003] The currently common industry-standard internal support positioning structure uses multiple sets of clamping heads arranged in a ring array for positioning. Under normal conditions, the clamping heads are vertical and can be easily inserted into the positioning hole inside the headlight. After the headlight is in place, the clamping heads are deformed outwards by an internal pull block, conforming to the inner wall of the positioning hole to achieve limiting and fixation. However, this structure has the following technical defects in actual production applications: First, traditional clamping heads, after deforming outward, can only form point or line contact with the inner wall of the positioning hole inside the headlight, resulting in a small support area and concentrated local pressure. During the riveting impact and screw tightening process of the headlight, the clamping head is prone to relative sliding or displacement with the inner wall of the positioning hole, causing inaccurate headlight positioning.

[0004] Secondly, there is a design contradiction in the assembly clearance between the positioning hole and the clamping head. If the clearance is too small, the clamping head will experience excessive insertion resistance, easily scratching the inner wall of the positioning hole and damaging the workpiece. If a large clearance is used to ensure smooth insertion and removal, the positioning hole may initially tilt relative to the clamping head when the headlight is placed. The existing internal support structure has limited radial correction force and cannot completely correct the initial tilt. The residual slight tilt angle will cause interference between the tool and the workpiece during subsequent assembly, requiring manual secondary correction and significantly reducing assembly efficiency.

[0005] Finally, metal shavings, oil stains, or burrs may remain on the inner wall of the positioning hole inside the headlight, which will further reduce the actual contact area between the clamping head and the hole wall, or even cause "virtual contact", causing the transmission of internal support force to fail, and ultimately leading to the headlight being accidentally displaced during assembly.

[0006] Therefore, how to solve the problem of poor contact stability between the inner support structure and the headlight, which leads to headlight displacement during assembly, is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field.

[0007] It should be noted that the information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of this application concept, and therefore, the above description is not considered to constitute information related to the technology. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure provides at least one automotive lighting assembly line and its assembly process.

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide an automotive lighting assembly production line, comprising: A fixing module, horizontally mounted on the worktable, is used to fix the vehicle lights. The fixing module includes: The inner support fixing ring is vertically set on the fixing plate and is hollow inside; A limiting plate is inclinedly hinged to the outer wall of the inner support fixing ring, and several of the limiting plates are evenly distributed around the inner support fixing ring in the circumferential direction. The inner pull block is raised and lowered within the inner support fixing ring and is linked with the limiting plate; When the robotic arm places the vehicle light onto the fixed plate, the inclined limiting plate contacts the entrance edge of the vehicle light's inner positioning hole to pre-position the vehicle light. Once the headlight is in place, the limiting plate is pushed downwards and flipped by the inner wall of the positioning hole inside the headlight. The inner pull block moves downwards to push the limiting plate to continue flipping downwards until the outer wall of the limiting plate is completely in contact with the inner wall of the positioning hole.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the limiting plate has an inclination angle of 60°-75° and extends axially along the inner support fixing ring.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, two elastic members are fixed to the inner wall of the limiting plate, and the upper elastic member has a shorter length than the lower elastic member.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, a limiting hole is provided at the symmetrical limiting plate on the outer wall of the inner support fixing ring; A connecting rod is provided on the inner wall of the limiting plate, the connecting rod passes through the limiting hole and abuts against the inner pull block on the inner wall; When the inner pull block moves downward, it abuts against the connecting rod to push the limiting plate outward.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the inner diameter of the limiting hole is larger than the diameter of the connecting rod.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the inner end of the connecting rod is provided with a first inclined surface, the first inclined surface being upward; The outer wall of the inner pull block is provided with a second inclined surface that is adapted to the first inclined surface. The second inclined surface abuts against the first inclined surface to push the connecting rod outward.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the outer wall of the limiting plate is evenly distributed with a plurality of air blowing holes, which face the positioning hole inside the headlight.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, a flexible ring is provided on the outer wall of the limiting plate, the flexible ring being hollow inside and communicating with the compressor; When the limiting plate is flipped outward to fit with the inner positioning hole, the flexible ring is used to compensate for the gap between the outer wall of the limiting plate and the inner wall of the inner positioning hole.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, a pressing unit, which is lifted and positioned above the worktable, is used to press rivets onto the vehicle headlights. The screw fastening part, which is symmetrically arranged with the press-fit part, is used to fix the screw to the headlight; A fixing module, horizontally mounted on the worktable, is used to fix the vehicle lights. The fixing module includes: The inner support fixing ring is vertically set on the fixing plate, and has an internal lifting block for lifting. The limiting plate is inclinedly hinged to the outer wall of the inner support fixing ring; When the headlight is placed into the fixed module, the limiting plate maintains an inclined posture and pre-positions the headlight by contacting the entrance edge of the headlight positioning hole with its inclined surface. Once the headlights are in place, the inner pull block moves downwards to push the limiting plate to continue flipping downwards until the outer wall of the limiting plate matches the contour of the inner wall of the inner positioning hole.

[0018] In one optional embodiment, the outer wall of the limiting plate is evenly distributed with a plurality of air blowing holes, which are connected to the compressor and used to blow air into the inner wall of the inner positioning hole. A flexible ring is provided on the outer wall of the limiting plate, and the flexible ring is hollow inside and connected to the compressor. When the limiting plate is flipped outward to fit with the inner positioning hole, the flexible ring is used to compensate for the gap between the outer wall of the limiting plate and the inner wall of the inner positioning hole.

[0019] Secondly, this disclosure also provides an assembly process for an automotive headlight assembly production line, the assembly process including: When the robotic arm places the vehicle light onto the fixed plate, the inclined limiting plate contacts the entrance edge of the vehicle light's inner positioning hole to pre-position the vehicle light. Once the headlight is in place, the limiting plate is pushed downwards and flipped by the inner wall of the positioning hole inside the headlight. The inner pull block moves downwards to push the limiting plate to continue flipping downwards until the outer wall of the limiting plate is completely in contact with the inner wall of the positioning hole.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are that it provides an automotive headlight assembly production line and its assembly process. By rotating the limiting plate downwards around the hinge axis, the traditional point / line contact between the clamping head and the inner positioning hole wall is upgraded to surface contact. This increases the effective contact area between the limiting plate and the inner positioning hole wall of the headlight, reduces local pressure increases, and fundamentally avoids sliding displacement caused by riveting impact or screw-locking reaction force. The initially tilted limiting plate can pre-position the headlight the moment it is placed, preventing the headlight from tilting relative to the clamping head after it has been placed stably.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings.

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the prior art; Figure 2 A perspective view of an automotive headlight assembly production line provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 A perspective view of the fixed module provided in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 4 An axial sectional perspective view of the inner support fixing ring and the limiting plate provided in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the limiting plate fitting against the inner wall of the positioning hole in the headlight, as provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] In the picture: 1. Fixed module; 10. Fixed plate; 11. Inner support fixing ring; 12. Limiting plate; 13. Inner pull block; 14. Elastic element; 15. Limiting hole; 16. Connecting rod; 17. First inclined surface; 18. Second inclined surface; 19. Air blowing hole; 20. Flexible ring; 2. Pressing section; 3. Screw tightening section; 4. Worktable. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless explicitly stated otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive, and the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0028] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0029] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0030] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, at least one embodiment provides an automotive headlight assembly production line, including: a workbench 4, and a fixed module 1 slidably disposed on the workbench 4. The fixed module 1 achieves horizontal movement relative to the workbench 4 through an X-axis sliding joint and a Y-axis sliding joint. The fixed module 1 includes a horizontally disposed fixed plate 10, an inner support fixing ring 11 vertically fixed to the upper end of the fixed plate 10, an inner pull block 13 vertically disposed within the inner support fixing ring 11, and a plurality of circumferentially distributed limiting plates 12. A drive cylinder is fixed below the fixed plate 10, and the inner pull block 13 is fixed to the piston rod end of the drive cylinder. The drive cylinder is used to drive the inner pull block 13 to move vertically.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner support fixing ring 11 is made of metal steel plate and is vertically welded to the fixing plate 10. It is hollow inside and has several limiting holes 15 evenly distributed around its outer wall. Each limiting hole 15 corresponds to a limiting plate 12. The diameter of the limiting hole 15 is larger than the diameter of the connecting rod 16. When the limiting plate 12 is squeezed and flipped downward by the vehicle headlight, it ensures that the limiting plate 12 can drive the connecting rod 16 to move relative to the limiting hole 15.

[0032] Continue to refer to the appendix Figure 3 The limiting plate 12 is made of aluminum alloy and has an inclination angle of 60°-75°, with a preferred value of 65°. It extends axially along the inner support fixing ring 11, and the length of the limiting plate 12 covers at least 80% of the depth of the positioning hole. Two elastic elements 14 are welded to the inner wall of each limiting plate 12. Preferably, the elastic elements 14 are spring steel wires, with the free length of the upper spring being less than that of the lower spring, so that the limiting plate 12 remains in an inclined state in the initial state. Each of the limiting plates 12 has a connecting rod 16 fixed to its inner wall. The connecting rod 16 passes through the limiting hole 15, and the inner end of the connecting rod 16 is provided with a first inclined surface 17 with its inclined surface facing upward. The outer wall of the inner pull block 13 is provided with a second inclined surface 18 that is adapted to the first inclined surface 17. The inclined surface of the second inclined surface 18 is opposite to the first inclined surface 17. When the inner pull block 13 moves downward, the second inclined surface 18 abuts against the first inclined surface 17, and the inner pull block 13 continues to move downward. The second inclined surface 18 pushes the connecting rod 16 and the limiting plate 12 to move radially outward along the inner support fixing ring 11.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer wall of the limiting plate 12 is provided with several air blowing holes 19. The air blowing holes 19 are connected to the compressor. The compressor blows compressed air through the air blowing holes 19 onto the inner wall of the inner positioning hole of the headlight to clean metal debris and other impurities from the inner wall of the inner positioning hole. Furthermore, in order to reduce the squeezing force of the limiting plate 12 on the inner positioning hole wall of the headlight, a flexible ring 20 is provided on the outer wall of the limiting plate 12. The flexible ring 20 is a hollow silicone or rubber ring, which is used to compensate for the gap between the limiting plate 12 and the inner wall of the inner positioning hole of the headlight, so as to achieve flexible surface contact and prevent scratches and loosening. The flexible ring 20 is hollow inside and connected to the compressor. After the headlight is placed stably, the inner pull block 13 moves downward and pushes the limiting plate 12 to move outward in sync. At the same time, the compressor delivers compressed air into the flexible ring 20 so that the flexible ring 20 expands and flexibly contacts the inner positioning hole wall of the headlight. Since the inner positioning hole of the headlight has manufacturing tolerances during the processing, the outwardly expanding flexible ring 20 can compensate for the gap between the outer wall of the limiting plate 12 and the inner positioning hole wall.

[0034] The working principle of an automotive headlight assembly line is as follows: The robotic arm picks up the headlight and moves it above the fixed module 1. The headlight slowly falls down, and the edge of the inner positioning hole of the headlight contacts the inclined limiting plate 12. The inclined surface of the limiting plate 12 performs radial automatic correction and pre-positioning of the headlight to prevent the headlight from being tilted when placed in.

[0035] The headlights fall onto the fixing plate 10 and are placed stably. The inner wall of the inner positioning hole presses against the limiting plate 12, causing the limiting plate 12 to be passively rotated downward at a small angle and initially attached to the inner wall of the positioning hole.

[0036] like Figure 5As shown, the drive cylinder below the fixed plate 10 is activated, causing the inner pull block 13 to move downwards. The second inclined surface 18 of the inner pull block 13 presses against the first inclined surface 17 of the connecting rod 16, pushing the connecting rod 16 outwards. The limiting plate 12 is continuously pushed outwards until its outer wall completely fits against the inner wall of the positioning hole in the headlight, forming a large-area surface contact. Simultaneously, the compressor inflates the flexible ring 20, causing it to expand slightly and fill the gap between the limiting plate 12 and the inner positioning hole wall, achieving gapless rigid positioning. During the process of the limiting plate 12 opening, the compressor starts 0.5 seconds in advance and delivers compressed air to the air blowing hole 19. The air blowing hole 19 sprays air outwards to remove debris and oil stains from the inner wall of the inner positioning hole, ensuring a clean contact surface.

[0037] After the headlight is limited by the fixed module 1, the X-axis moving joint and the Y-axis moving joint drive the headlight to move horizontally, so that the corresponding rivet holes and threaded holes on the headlight are aligned and assembled with the press-fit part 2 and the locking part, respectively.

[0038] At least one embodiment provides an automotive lighting assembly line, comprising: The pressing part 2 is lifted and positioned above the worktable 4 to press rivets onto the headlights; the screw-locking part 3 is symmetrically arranged with the pressing part 2 to fix screws onto the headlights. A fixing module 1, horizontally mounted on the worktable 4, is used to fix the vehicle lights. The fixing module 1 includes: The inner support fixing ring 11 is vertically set on the fixing plate 10, and the inner pull block 13 is provided for lifting and lowering inside; The limiting plate 12 is inclinedly hinged to the outer wall of the inner support fixing ring 11; The control system, with the cooperation of PLC and touch screen, links the robotic arm, fixed module 1, pressing unit 2, and screw fastening unit 3 to achieve fully automatic cycle; When the headlight is placed into the fixed module 1, the limiting plate 12 maintains an inclined posture and pre-positions the headlight by contacting the entrance edge of the headlight positioning hole with its inclined surface. Once the headlights are in place, the inner pull block 13 moves downward to push the limiting plate 12 to continue flipping downward until the outer wall of the limiting plate 12 matches the contour of the inner wall of the inner positioning hole.

[0039] At least one embodiment provides an assembly process for an automotive lighting assembly production line, the assembly process including: When the robotic arm places the vehicle light onto the fixed plate 10, the inclined limiting plate 12 contacts the entrance edge of the inner positioning hole of the vehicle light to pre-position the vehicle light. Once the headlight is in place, the limiting plate 12 is pushed downward by the inner wall of the positioning hole inside the headlight and flips over. The inner pull block 13 moves downward to push the limiting plate 12 to continue flipping downward until the outer wall of the limiting plate 12 is completely in contact with the inner wall of the positioning hole.

[0040] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless expressly indicated herein. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed above may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0042] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automotive headlight assembly production line, characterized in that, include: A fixing module (1), which is horizontally set on the worktable (4), is used to fix the vehicle lights. The fixing module (1) includes: The inner support fixing ring (11) is vertically set on the fixing plate (10) and is hollow inside; Limiting plates (12) are inclinedly hinged to the outer wall of the inner support fixing ring (11), and several of the limiting plates (12) are evenly distributed around the inner support fixing ring (11) in the circumferential direction; The inner pull block (13) is raised and lowered within the inner support fixing ring (11) and is linked with the limiting plate (12); When the robot arm places the vehicle light onto the fixed plate (10), the inclined limiting plate (12) contacts the entrance edge of the inner positioning hole of the vehicle light to pre-position the vehicle light. Once the headlight is in place, the limiting plate (12) is pushed downward by the inner wall of the positioning hole inside the headlight and flipped. The inner pull block (13) moves downward to push the limiting plate (12) to continue flipping downward until the outer wall of the limiting plate (12) is completely in contact with the inner wall of the positioning hole. The inclination angle of the limiting plate (12) is 60°-75°, and it extends axially along the inner support fixing ring (11); The outer wall of the inner support fixing ring (11) is evenly distributed with several limiting holes (15) along the circumference, and one limiting hole (15) corresponds to one limiting plate (12); the inner diameter of the limiting hole (15) is larger than the diameter of the connecting rod (16); Each of the limiting plates (12) has a connecting rod (16) on its inner wall. The connecting rod (16) passes through the limiting hole (15), and the inner end of the connecting rod (16) has a first inclined surface (17) that is inclined upward. The outer wall of the inner pull block (13) has a second inclined surface (18) that is adapted to the first inclined surface (17). The second inclined surface (18) is opposite to the first inclined surface (17). When the inner pull block (13) moves downward, the second inclined surface (18) abuts against the first inclined surface (17). The inner pull block (13) continues to move downward, and the connecting rod (16) and the limiting plate (12) are pushed radially outward along the inner support fixing ring 11 by the second inclined surface (18). A flexible ring (20) is provided on the outer wall of the limiting plate (12), the flexible ring (20) is hollow inside and connected to the compressor; The inner pull block (13) moves downward to push the limiting plate (12) to move outward in sync, while the compressor delivers compressed air into the flexible ring (20) so that the flexible ring (20) expands and flexibly contacts the inner positioning hole wall of the vehicle lamp.

2. The automotive headlight assembly production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the limiting plate (12) is fixed with two elastic elements (14), and the upper elastic element (14) is shorter than the lower elastic element (14).

3. The automotive headlight assembly production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the limiting plate (12) is evenly distributed with several air holes (19), and the air holes (19) face the positioning hole inside the headlight.

4. The automotive headlight assembly production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: The pressing part (2) is raised and lowered above the worktable (4) and is used to press rivets onto the vehicle lights; The screw-locking part (3) is symmetrically arranged with the press-fitting part (2) and is used to fix the screw to the headlight; A fixing module (1), which is horizontally set on the worktable (4), is used to fix the vehicle lights. The fixing module (1) includes: The inner support fixing ring (11) is vertically set on the fixing plate (10), and the inner pull block (13) is provided for lifting and lowering inside. The limiting plate (12) is inclinedly hinged to the outer wall of the inner support fixing ring (11); When the vehicle light is placed into the fixed module (1), the limiting plate (12) maintains an inclined posture and contacts the entrance edge of the vehicle light positioning hole through its inclined surface to pre-position the vehicle light; Once the headlights are in place, the inner pull block (13) moves downward to push the limiting plate (12) to continue to flip downward until the outer wall of the limiting plate (12) and the inner wall of the inner positioning hole form a surface contact limit.

5. The automotive headlight assembly production line as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The outer wall of the limiting plate (12) is evenly distributed with a number of air blowing holes (19), which are connected to the compressor and are used to blow air into the inner wall of the inner positioning hole; A flexible ring (20) is provided on the outer wall of the limiting plate (12), the flexible ring (20) is hollow inside and connected to the compressor; When the limiting plate (12) is flipped outward to fit with the inner positioning hole, the flexible ring (20) is used to compensate for the gap between the outer wall of the limiting plate (12) and the inner wall of the inner positioning hole.

6. An assembly process for an automotive headlight assembly production line, characterized in that, The automotive lighting assembly line as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the assembly process includes: When the robotic arm moves the car light onto the fixed plate (10), the inclined limiting plate (12) contacts the entrance edge of the inner positioning hole of the car light to pre-position the car light. Once the headlight is in place, the limiting plate (12) is pushed downward by the inner wall of the positioning hole inside the headlight and flipped. The inner pull block (13) moves downward to push the limiting plate (12) to continue flipping downward until the outer wall of the limiting plate (12) is completely in contact with the inner wall of the positioning hole.

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