Cap centering device and method

Abstract

The application discloses a top cover centering device and method, which comprises a workbench, a supporting mechanism arranged on the tabletop of the workbench and provided with a supporting part extending upward, a plurality of the supporting mechanisms are distributed in a matrix on the tabletop of the workbench, and the vertical height of at least part of the supporting parts is adjustable, a longitudinal centering mechanism arranged on the tabletop of the workbench and comprising a longitudinal positioning push rod, two groups of the longitudinal centering mechanisms are arranged longitudinally at intervals, and at least one group of the longitudinal positioning push rods moves longitudinally relative to another group of the longitudinal positioning push rods, and a transverse centering mechanism arranged on the tabletop of the workbench and comprising a transverse positioning push rod, the transverse centering mechanism is at least two and is distributed in a transverse opposite mode, and the transverse positioning push rod is configured to move transversely, so that the device can be adapted to different specifications of top covers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to a roof alignment device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Before processing and assembling, top cover-type workpieces need to be precisely aligned and positioned to ensure the accuracy and consistency of subsequent processing and assembly procedures.

[0003] Current top cover alignment equipment has a simple structural design, mostly using a fixed support structure combined with a unidirectional limiting and pushing method for positioning, resulting in extremely poor adaptability. For top cover workpieces of different specifications and curved surfaces, the fixed support cannot adaptively adjust the support height and point spacing, making it difficult to match the irregular structural features of the workpiece. This easily leads to uneven force distribution and poor fit. Furthermore, traditional equipment has a large positioning deviation, making it difficult to meet the needs of high-precision processing and production. Its overall versatility, positioning accuracy, and operational stability are low, making it unsuitable for batch precision alignment of multi-specification top cover workpieces, thus restricting the flexibility and production efficiency of the top cover assembly line.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a top cover centering device and method to adapt to top cover workpieces of various specifications. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address some or all of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a top cover centering device and method. The adjustable support mechanism arranged in a matrix, combined with a bidirectional centering mechanism, can adaptively adapt to top covers of different specifications and shapes. This effectively improves the technical shortcomings of traditional equipment, such as poor support adaptability, single positioning dimension, and low centering accuracy, significantly enhancing the stability and versatility of top cover positioning.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a top cover centering device is provided, comprising: Workbench A support mechanism is provided on the table surface of the workbench and has upwardly extending support members. Multiple support mechanisms are arranged in a matrix on the table surface of the workbench, and the vertical height of at least some of the support members is adjustable. The longitudinal alignment mechanism is disposed on the table surface of the workbench and includes a longitudinal positioning push rod. Two sets of the longitudinal alignment mechanisms are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction, and at least one set of the longitudinal positioning push rods can move longitudinally relative to the other set of the longitudinal positioning push rods. The transverse centering mechanism is disposed on the table surface of the workbench and includes a transverse positioning push rod. There are at least two transverse centering mechanisms distributed in a transversely opposite manner, and the transverse positioning push rod is designed to move transversely. In this embodiment, the top cover centering device adopts a matrix-type adjustable support combined with a longitudinal and transverse bidirectional collaborative centering structure, which can adaptively adapt to irregularly shaped top covers with different curvatures and thicknesses. The multi-point matrix support ensures uniform workpiece load-bearing and stable placement. Furthermore, the longitudinal and transverse bidirectional independent centering mechanisms can simultaneously complete precise correction of the workpiece in two dimensions, with no blind spots in positioning and small deviations. The overall structure has strong versatility, high positioning accuracy, and good operational stability, meeting the needs of high-precision mass production of multi-specification top cover workpieces.

[0007] In one embodiment, the support member is constructed as a ball-head rod. In this configuration, the spherical contact of the ball-head rod has an adaptive fitting characteristic. For minor curvatures, planar errors, and machining tolerances on the bottom surface of the top cover workpiece, the spherical support point can adaptively adjust the contact angle, always maintaining a single-point fitting support state. This prevents hard compression or scratch damage to the bottom surface of the workpiece, effectively protecting the integrity of the appearance and structural surfaces of the top cover workpiece.

[0008] In one embodiment, the support mechanisms arranged in pairs laterally form a group, with multiple groups spaced apart from front to back. The vertical height and lateral spacing of the support members in the middle support mechanism are adjustable, as are the vertical height of the support members in the secondary rear support mechanism and the longitudinal position and vertical height of the support members in the rear support mechanism. In this embodiment, by grouping the support mechanisms and designing differentiated degrees of freedom, targeted support for different areas of the top cover workpiece is achieved, significantly improving the device's adaptability to irregularly shaped and multi-specification top cover workpieces. This results in higher support accuracy, better workpiece fit, and effectively avoids deformation, offset, and tilting problems during workpiece alignment, significantly improving alignment accuracy and product yield.

[0009] In one embodiment, distance sensors are provided on multiple support mechanisms, with at least three distance sensors arranged in a triangular layout. This arrangement ensures that each distance sensor in the triangular layout can simultaneously collect workpiece spacing data from three different points. Based on the stable geometric principle of triangles, the current spatial posture, tilt angle, offset position, and surface fit status of the workpiece can be accurately calculated through three sets of independent detection data. This provides comprehensive feedback on the placement deviation of the workpiece and the fit of the support, avoiding the problems of blind spots, single data, and inaccurate posture calculation that exist in single-point and straight-line detection.

[0010] In one embodiment, an electric cylinder for driving the support component is installed on the workbench surface. This arrangement leverages the advantages of electric cylinders, such as smooth start-stop, high positioning accuracy, controllable adjustment stroke, fast response speed, and high repeatability. It can receive precise commands from the controller and achieve micron-level precision fine-tuning, meeting the adjustment requirements of high-precision top cover centering operations. Each electric cylinder independently corresponds to a set of adjustable support mechanisms, enabling independent and differentiated adjustment of individual support components without interference, precisely matching the support requirements of workpieces in different areas.

[0011] In one embodiment, the electric cylinder is equipped with a stroke scale. This configuration allows the displacement of the telescopic end of the electric cylinder to be simultaneously visualized via the stroke scale as it drives the support component to complete the adjustment action. Operators can intuitively read the adjustment stroke values ​​of each electric cylinder, ensuring precise and controllable adjustment strokes for each operation. During equipment debugging, fault diagnosis, and workpiece specification switching, the stroke scale allows for quick and accurate positioning of adjustment parameters, improving debugging and operational efficiency.

[0012] In one embodiment, the longitudinal centering mechanisms, arranged in pairs laterally, form a group, with two groups spaced apart longitudinally; the longitudinal positioning push rod located at the rear end is mounted on the table surface of the workbench via a first longitudinal driving component. This grouping layout of the two sets of longitudinal centering mechanisms can accommodate top cover workpieces of different longitudinal lengths, offering a wide adjustment range and strong adaptability.

[0013] In one embodiment, the transverse centering mechanisms, arranged in pairs laterally, form a group, with multiple groups spaced apart longitudinally. Each transverse positioning push rod is mounted on the workbench surface via a first transverse driving component. In this configuration, multiple groups of transverse centering mechanisms are arranged longitudinally along the workpiece, allowing for simultaneous application of transverse corrective forces from different longitudinal positions on the workpiece. During operation, each group of first transverse driving components synchronously drives the corresponding transverse positioning push rod to move inward, simultaneously correcting transverse offsets from multiple positions on the workpiece. This ensures uniform transverse force and upright posture on the workpiece, avoiding localized offsets, tilting, or twisting deformations caused by single-point transverse correction, and achieving precise transverse centering across the entire area.

[0014] In one embodiment, both the longitudinal positioning push rod and the transverse positioning push rod are vertically extending circular rods. The push rod structure of the vertical circular rod has a smooth, arc-shaped side surface, resulting in a smooth, arc-shaped contact with the side of the top cover workpiece. This contact is gentle and free of sharp edges or pressure, preventing damage to the workpiece's edges or surface during the pushing and correcting process. This perfectly suits the positioning of thin-walled, easily deformable top cover workpieces. Simultaneously, the circular rod experiences uniform force in all directions, eliminating stress concentration during pushing and preventing lateral force components. This ensures that the pushing and correcting force is always output along the positioning direction, avoiding workpiece offset or rotation problems caused by uneven stress in the push rod structure. Furthermore, the vertically arranged structure can adapt to top cover workpieces of different heights, accommodating most workpiece specifications without adjusting the push rod height, making it highly versatile.

[0015] In one embodiment, a controller is also included. The controller is used to adjust the height of the support member, the longitudinal position of the longitudinal positioning push rod, and the lateral position of the transverse positioning push rod. The controller can receive workpiece posture data collected by various distance sensors in real time, calculate the workpiece's support fit using a built-in algorithm, and automatically generate longitudinal and transverse position adjustment commands. Simultaneously, the controller precisely controls the travel distance, speed, and start / stop timing of the longitudinal and transverse positioning push rods, achieving fully automatic coordinated matching of bidirectional centering actions. Furthermore, the controller can store multiple sets of operating parameters for workpieces of different specifications, enabling rapid switching between different workpieces without repeated debugging.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a top cover centering method is provided, implemented using the above-described top cover centering device, comprising: Step 1: Adjust the support, the longitudinal positioning push rod, and the transverse positioning push rod to their initial working positions; Step two, place the top cover onto the support member; Step 3: Drive the longitudinal positioning push rod and the transverse positioning push rod to the preset centering position, and push the top cover to complete the centering and positioning; Step four: Remove the centered top cover from the support member; Step 5: Repeat steps 1 to 4 above to achieve continuous alignment. This method is simple in process, clear in logic, and highly automated. Relying on a multi-dimensional adjustable support structure and a two-way collaborative alignment mechanism, it achieves adaptive support for the workpiece, fully automatic and precise alignment, and continuous batch operation. The operation accuracy is stable and repeatability is good, effectively solving the problems of low efficiency, poor accuracy, and insufficient consistency of traditional manual alignment, and significantly improving the automation level of top cover workpiece alignment and the yield rate of batch production.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: When this top cover centering device is working, the top cover workpiece is placed as a whole on the matrix-distributed support mechanism above the workbench. Multiple sets of support members provide multi-point support for the top cover. Utilizing the adjustable vertical height of some support members, the support height can be adaptively adjusted according to the curved surface structure and shape differences of the top cover, ensuring stable placement and uniform force distribution on the workpiece, making it particularly suitable for various top cover models. Simultaneously, two sets of longitudinally spaced longitudinal centering mechanisms achieve longitudinal orientation limit correction of the workpiece, achieved through at least one set of longitudinal positioning push rods. The device achieves precise longitudinal alignment and, in conjunction with a laterally distributed lateral alignment mechanism, uses lateral positioning push rods to correct the lateral orientation of the workpiece. Through bidirectional coordinated positioning, the overall alignment of the top cover is completed. As can be seen, this top cover alignment device adopts a matrix adjustable support combined with a bidirectional alignment structure. The support layout is regular and the adjustment is flexible, effectively solving the problems of fixed support, poor adaptability, and low alignment accuracy of traditional equipment. It can adapt to the precise positioning of top covers of different specifications and shapes, with good positioning stability and strong versatility, greatly improving the alignment accuracy of the top cover and the efficiency of mass production. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to understand the purpose and advantages of the present invention, wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of a top cover centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view of a top cover centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the viewing angle is... Figure 1 different; Figure 3 One of the front support mechanisms and one of the longitudinal centering mechanisms of the top cover centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown; Figure 4 One of the lateral centering mechanisms of the top cover centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 One of the support mechanisms of the top cover centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 One of the support mechanisms of the top cover centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 One of the support mechanisms of the top cover centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 One of the longitudinal centering mechanisms of a top cover centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] In the description of this invention, the directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are defined with reference to the normal horizontal driving state of the vehicle. They are only used to clearly define the relative layout of the structure and do not constitute a limitation on the specific structure, installation posture, and protection range of the product. This is a common way of defining the orientation of automotive chassis structure patents in this field.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0026] This invention provides a top cover centering device. For example... Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the top cover centering device includes a workbench 1, a support mechanism 2, a longitudinal centering mechanism 3, and a transverse centering mechanism 4. These functional components, namely the support mechanism 2, the longitudinal centering mechanism 3, and the transverse centering mechanism 4, are integrated and assembled on the table surface of the workbench 1 to form an integrated, modular top cover centering operation platform.

[0027] The workbench 1 serves as the basic load-bearing structure for the top cover alignment device. The workbench 1 can be welded from high-strength steel, possessing strong load-bearing capacity and capable of maintaining the reference accuracy of the top cover alignment device over a long period. It is not easily deformed by load, vibration, or ambient temperature, effectively ensuring the long-term accuracy stability and structural reliability of the entire top cover alignment device.

[0028] The support mechanism 2 is integrally assembled on the workbench 1. Each support mechanism 2 is equipped with a vertically extending support member 21. The support member 21, as the core component directly supporting the top cover workpiece, is used to provide multi-point support for the top cover workpiece from the bottom. In this embodiment, multiple support mechanisms 2 are evenly distributed in a matrix on the workbench 1. The matrix layout can cover the entire outline of the top cover workpiece, achieving multi-point uniform support for the entire workpiece and avoiding the problems of local suspension and excessive local stress. At the same time, this device limits at least some of the support members 21 to have the function of vertical height adjustment. The support height can be adaptively adjusted according to the curvature, thickness difference, and shape specifications of the top cover workpiece to be processed. For irregular curved top covers, multi-point fitting support can be achieved, ensuring that the top cover workpiece is level and uniformly stressed after placement, completely solving the defects of traditional fixed support that cannot adapt to irregular workpieces, poor support fitting, and easy tilting and displacement of the workpiece.

[0029] The longitudinal alignment mechanism 3 is fixedly mounted on the workbench 1. The core actuating component of the longitudinal alignment mechanism 3 is the longitudinal positioning push rod 31. The longitudinal positioning push rod 31 is a vertically extending rod-shaped component used to limit and correct the longitudinal orientation of the top cover workpiece. This top cover alignment device has two independent sets of longitudinal alignment mechanisms 3 spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, forming a longitudinal positioning structure with front and rear alignment, and at least one set of longitudinal positioning push rods 31 can move longitudinally relative to the other set of longitudinal positioning push rods 31. Through the relative approach and alignment clamping action of the two sets of push rods, the automatic correction and precise positioning of the longitudinal orientation of the top cover workpiece is completed, effectively eliminating the longitudinal installation gap and positioning deviation of the top cover workpiece, and greatly improving the longitudinal alignment accuracy. The structure of the two sets of longitudinal alignment mechanisms 3 arranged at intervals can adapt to top cover workpieces with different longitudinal lengths, avoiding the limitation of a single limiting structure that can only adapt to workpieces of fixed specifications, and effectively broadening the operating range of the device.

[0030] The transverse centering mechanism 4 is also mounted on the workbench 1. The core actuating component of the transverse centering mechanism 4 is the transverse positioning push rod 41. The transverse positioning push rod 41 extends vertically and is used to limit and center the transverse orientation of the top cover workpiece. In this top cover centering device, at least two transverse centering mechanisms 4 are provided, and the two sets of transverse centering mechanisms 4 are symmetrically distributed in the transverse direction, forming a left-right aligned transverse positioning structure. At the same time, the transverse positioning push rod 41 is constructed to be movable in the transverse direction. Through the synchronous or differentiated approaching movement of the transverse positioning push rods 41 on both sides, the transverse position of the top cover workpiece is corrected, limited, and positioned, achieving precise centering of the workpiece's transverse orientation.

[0031] During operation, the top cover workpiece to be aligned is placed above the support members 21 of the matrix-distributed multiple support mechanisms 2, which provide stable multi-point support for the workpiece across the entire area. Then, the longitudinal positioning push rod 31 of the longitudinal alignment mechanism 3 moves relative to the workpiece to correct its longitudinal offset, completing the longitudinal alignment positioning. Simultaneously, the lateral positioning push rod 41 of the lateral alignment mechanism 4 moves laterally to correct the workpiece's lateral offset, completing the lateral alignment positioning. Relying on the adjustable support structure combined with the independent longitudinal and lateral alignment structure, the top cover workpiece can be automatically aligned with high precision in all directions.

[0032] Therefore, this top cover centering device adopts a matrix-type adjustable support combined with a longitudinal and transverse bidirectional collaborative centering structure, which can adaptively adapt to irregularly shaped top covers with different curvatures and thicknesses. The multi-point matrix support ensures uniform load-bearing and stable placement of the workpiece. In addition, the longitudinal and transverse bidirectional independent centering mechanism can simultaneously complete the precise correction of the workpiece in two dimensions, with no blind spots in positioning and small deviations. The overall structure has strong versatility, high positioning accuracy, and good operational stability, which can meet the needs of high-precision centering production of batches of top cover workpieces of various specifications.

[0033] In one example, the workbench frame 1 specifically includes legs 11, support frame 12, plate 13 and reinforcing structure, and is assembled in layers with clear structural hierarchy and reasonable load-bearing capacity.

[0034] The support legs 11, serving as the bottom load-bearing support components of the workbench 1, are integrally cut and formed from structural steel, resulting in high structural strength and good compressive resistance. Multiple support legs 11 are arranged in an array to evenly bear the weight of the upper structure, the workpiece load, and the vibration load during equipment operation. This ensures uniform support and balanced stress distribution across the workbench 1, preventing tilting, settlement, and deformation caused by localized stress concentration, and providing a stable foundation for the entire device.

[0035] The support frame 12 is fixedly mounted on the top of multiple support legs 11 and welded to the top of the support legs 11. The support frame 12 adopts a closed-loop frame structure, and its outline corresponds to the outline of the upper plate 13. It can preferably be set as a square closed-loop structure. The closed-loop frame structure has the advantages of strong integrity, high torsional stiffness, and resistance to deformation. It can evenly distribute the concentrated load borne by the upper plate 13 to each support leg 11, effectively relieve local concentrated pressure, prevent local collapse and warping deformation of the platform, and ensure the geometric stability and structural integrity of the overall frame structure.

[0036] The flat plate 13 is fixedly laid on the upper surface of the support frame 12. The flat plate 13 is made of thick-walled precision steel plate and is leveled to ensure high flatness and levelness. The upper surface of the flat plate 13 constitutes the equipment mounting platform and working reference platform of this device, and is used to uniformly install and arrange the support mechanism 2, the longitudinal centering mechanism 3, and the transverse centering mechanism 4.

[0037] To further enhance the overall connection stability and structural vibration resistance of the workbench 1, tie rods 14 are installed between adjacent legs 11 or between legs 11 and support frame 12. The tie rods 14 are made of steel profiles and are reinforced by welding or bolting, effectively restraining the lateral offset, torsional sway, and horizontal micro-displacement of the legs 11, significantly improving the overall structural integrity and dynamic stability of the entire frame. Simultaneously, a support 15 is installed at the bottom of each leg 11. The support 15 is a ground-bearing component, increasing the contact area between the legs 11 and the ground, dispersing landing pressure, adapting to ground leveling requirements, effectively preventing equipment from damaging the ground or slipping, and also possessing certain shock absorption and leveling capabilities, further improving the stability of equipment operation.

[0038] In addition, multiple through holes 16 are provided on the flat plate 13. These through holes can reduce weight on the one hand, and facilitate the installation and layout of functional components such as the support mechanism 2, the longitudinal centering mechanism 3, and the transverse centering mechanism 4 on the other hand.

[0039] During operation, the workpiece load, the mechanism's own weight, and the operational vibration are uniformly borne by the upper plate 13 and evenly distributed to each support leg 11 via the closed-loop support frame 12. The multiple support legs 11 achieve vertical stability and load bearing, while the lateral constraint of the tie rod 14 restricts the lateral deformation and vibration of the frame. The bottom support 15 provides leveling and vibration damping support, forming a stable force transmission structure system with layered load bearing and all-round reinforcement from top to bottom. This ensures that the frame shape and reference position of the entire centering device remain constant during continuous batch operations.

[0040] In one embodiment, combined Figure 2 and 3The support member 21 is specifically constructed as a ball-head rod structure. That is, the top bearing part of the support member 21 is a smooth spherical structure, and the lower part is a vertical columnar rod structure, which is integrally machined.

[0041] The ball-head support 21 is vertically mounted on the top of the support mechanism 2, with the ball end facing upwards, directly contacting the bottom surface of the top cover workpiece. The columnar rod is fixedly connected to the support mechanism 2 and its position can be adjusted as needed. The spherical contact of the ball-head rod has self-adaptive fitting characteristics. For minor curvatures, planar errors, and workpiece machining tolerances on the bottom surface of the top cover workpiece, the spherical support point can adaptively fine-tune the contact angle, always maintaining a single-point contact support state, without causing hard compression or scratch damage to the bottom surface of the workpiece, effectively protecting the appearance and structural integrity of the top cover workpiece.

[0042] Meanwhile, the spherical contact is a point contact support form, with a small contact area and precise positioning. This minimizes the interference of the support structure on the workpiece's positioning posture and avoids the uneven fit and force offset problems that exist with surface contact supports. During workpiece centering and correction, and the push rod pushing the workpiece to fine-tune its position, the spherical head structure can significantly reduce the sliding friction between the workpiece and the support 21, making the fine-tuning of the workpiece's lateral and longitudinal positions smoother, without any jamming or offset. This ensures the accuracy and stability of the push rod pushing correction, effectively improving the smoothness and positioning accuracy of the centering operation.

[0043] In one example, two symmetrically paired support mechanisms 2 in the lateral direction constitute a set of independent support units. Multiple sets of support units are evenly spaced along the longitudinal direction of the workbench 1, forming an orderly multi-group segmented support structure, realizing segmented, differentiated, and precise support adjustment.

[0044] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 2 at different positions is set with different degrees of freedom for adjustment. Specifically, it is divided into four groups of support units with different functions, which are arranged at the front end, middle, secondary rear end and rear end positions respectively. The structural functions of the support units at each position are clearly defined and they cooperate with each other to fully adapt to the support requirements of the irregular curved surface of the top cover workpiece.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the support mechanism 2 located at the front end is fixed to the workbench 1 via the front support base assembly 22. This application does not specifically limit the structure of the front support base assembly; as long as it enables the fixed installation of the support member 21 on the workbench 1 and ensures that the working position and working state of the support member 21 meet the usage requirements, it falls within the protection scope of this application. For example, in... Figure 3As shown in the diagram, the front-end support base assembly 22 is generally I-shaped. The lower crossbeam is used to fix it to the workbench 1, ensuring a firm overall installation and stable positioning reference. The vertical beam extends vertically to ensure the overall installation height is perpendicular to the structure. The upper crossbeam forms a load-bearing installation platform for the installation support 21. The front-end support base assembly 22 provides a stable installation foundation and operational support rigidity for the front-end support 21. The front-end support mechanism 2 adopts a fixed installation structure and can serve as the front-end reference support point of the entire workpiece support system. It has a simple structure, strong stability, and can provide stable reference support for the front end of the top cover workpiece, effectively improving the reference uniformity of the overall support layout.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the support mechanism 2, located in the middle of the overall support layout, has a dual adjustment function for its support component 21. It can adjust both the vertical height and the horizontal spacing, adaptively adjusting the height and position of the central support according to the curvature and width of the workpiece's center. This ensures precise fit to the irregular curved surface of the workpiece, guaranteeing uniform stress on the core load-bearing area and preventing the center from being suspended, collapsing, or deforming. Structurally, the central support mechanism 2 also includes a central support base 231 and a central two-dimensional electric cylinder mounted on the central support base 231. Specifically, a central first electric cylinder 232 for lateral displacement is mounted on the central support base 231. A central support 233 is mounted on the moving block of the central first electric cylinder 232. A central second electric cylinder 234 for vertical displacement is mounted on the central support 233, and the support component 21 is fixed to the moving block of the central second electric cylinder 234. The intermediate support base 231 is an integral load-bearing base, firmly fixed to the workbench 1 with a one-piece molded structure, providing a stable installation benchmark and load-bearing rigidity for the upper adjustment structure. The intermediate two-dimensional electric cylinders (intermediate first electric cylinder 232 and intermediate second electric cylinder 234) are integrated dual-dimensional drive components, with lateral translation drive function and vertical lifting drive function. They can move independently in the lateral and vertical directions, thereby directly driving the support component 21 to complete the lateral spacing adjustment and vertical height adjustment. Relying on the stable support of the intermediate support base 231, the intermediate two-dimensional electric cylinders can accurately drive the support component 21 to adaptively adjust the vertical support height and lateral support point according to the curvature, width, and placement posture deviation of the workpiece in the middle of the top cover. This achieves precise two-dimensional fine-tuning, accurately conforming to the irregular curved surface contour of the workpiece in the middle, and matching multiple points to the core load-bearing area of ​​the workpiece. This ensures uniform force and tight fit in the middle of the workpiece, completely avoiding the problems of the workpiece being suspended in the middle, localized force concentration, collapse, and deformation.

[0047] like Figure 6As shown, the support mechanism 2, located at the secondary rear end of the overall support layout, has a support member 21 that retains only vertical height adjustment functionality. By adjusting the height, it adapts to the height differences of the curved surface at the tail of the workpiece, simplifying the structure while meeting the tail foundation support requirements, thus reducing equipment manufacturing costs and control difficulty. For example, the support member 21 is driven by a secondary rear-end electric cylinder 241 fixed to the workbench 1 to achieve height adjustment.

[0048] like Figure 7 As shown, the support mechanism 2, located at the rearmost end of the overall support layout, has a support component 21 with dual adjustment functions for vertical height and longitudinal position. It can adaptively adjust the longitudinal support position and height according to the length, curvature, and contour position of the workpiece tail, precisely adapting to the irregular structure of the workpiece tail and solving the problems of poor fit and unstable positioning at the workpiece tail. As easily understood, the rear-end two-dimensional electric cylinder 251 is mounted on the worktable 1 via the rear-end support base 252. The rear-end two-dimensional electric cylinder 251 precisely drives the support component 21 to adaptively adjust the vertical support height and longitudinal support point position, achieving precise micro-adjustment in two dimensions.

[0049] Before operation, the intermediate support unit, secondary rear support unit, and rear support unit are parametrically adjusted according to the overall shape, surface parameters, and length and width specifications of the workpiece to be processed, so that the support components 21 at each position accurately correspond to the contour shape of different areas of the workpiece. After the workpiece is placed, the support units at different positions adapt to the structural differences of the head, middle, and tail of the workpiece, achieving full-area fitting and precise support. Combined with the subsequent longitudinal and transverse bidirectional push rod centering action, the workpiece is ensured to complete precise positioning and centering in a stress-free and deformation-free state. It can be seen that by grouping and designing the support mechanism 2 with differentiated degrees of freedom, targeted adaptation support is achieved for different areas of the workpiece, which greatly improves the device's adaptability to irregular and multi-specification workpieces, resulting in higher support accuracy, better workpiece fit, and effectively avoiding deformation, offset, and tilting problems during workpiece centering, thus significantly improving the centering operation accuracy and product yield.

[0050] In one embodiment, distance sensors 5 are integrated and installed on multiple support mechanisms 2. The distance sensors 5 are preferably high-precision laser distance sensors, which have the characteristics of high detection accuracy, fast response speed, strong anti-interference ability, and good stability. They can collect the distance data between the workpiece and the support mechanism 2 in real time, providing data support for subsequent attitude calculation and precise adjustment.

[0051] In this embodiment, at least three distance sensors 5 are arranged in a triangular layout, that is, the detection points of the three sensors form a stable triangular geometric structure on the table surface of the workbench 1, which is different from the detection methods of linear arrangement and single-point arrangement.

[0052] Once the top cover workpiece is placed above the support mechanism 2, the distance sensors 5, arranged in a triangular pattern, can simultaneously collect workpiece spacing data from three different points. Based on the stable geometric principle of triangles, the current spatial posture, tilt angle, offset position, and surface fit status of the workpiece can be accurately calculated through three sets of independent detection data. This provides comprehensive feedback on the placement deviation of the workpiece and the fit with the support, avoiding the problems of blind spots, single data, and inaccurate posture calculation that exist in single-point and straight-line detection. The real-time data collected by the sensors can be synchronously transmitted to the back-end controller, providing accurate data for precise fine-tuning of the height and position of the support 21 and workpiece centering correction, realizing closed-loop precise adjustment based on real-time detection data.

[0053] In one example, electric cylinders are installed on the workbench 1 at positions corresponding to the adjustable support mechanisms 2. That is, in each support mechanism 2 of this application, electric cylinders are used to actuate the movement of the support member 21. The electric cylinder, as the core drive and actuation component of the support member 21, is connected to each adjustable support member 21 for transmission and is used to drive the support member 21 to complete adjustment actions such as vertical lifting, horizontal translation, and longitudinal translation.

[0054] The electric cylinder adopts a servo electric cylinder structure, which has the advantages of smooth start and stop, high positioning accuracy, controllable adjustment stroke, fast response speed, and high repeatability. It can receive precise commands from the controller to achieve micron-level precise fine-tuning, meeting the adjustment requirements of high-precision top cover centering operations. Each electric cylinder independently corresponds to a set of adjustable support mechanisms 2, which can realize independent and differentiated adjustment of a single set of support components 21 without interference, and accurately match the support requirements of workpieces in different areas.

[0055] The controller compares and analyzes the workpiece posture data collected by the distance sensor 5 with the preset standard parameters, and generates adjustment stroke and adjustment direction commands for each support component 21. After receiving the commands, the corresponding electric cylinder accurately starts, stops, and extends, driving the support component 21 to complete the adaptive adjustment of height lifting and position translation, so that the support component 21 at each point accurately fits the curved surface contour of the workpiece, ensuring that the workpiece posture is horizontal and the force is uniform.

[0056] In one example, a stroke scale 6 is installed on the outer wall of each electric cylinder. The stroke scale 6 adopts a high-precision scale and is arranged parallel to the extension and retraction stroke of the electric cylinder 6, which can intuitively and accurately display the real-time extension and retraction stroke and adjustment displacement of the electric cylinder 6.

[0057] When the electric cylinder 6 drives the support component 21 to complete the adjustment action, the displacement of its telescopic end can be simultaneously visualized through the stroke scale 6. Operators can intuitively read the adjustment stroke values ​​of each electric cylinder 6, ensuring the precision and controllability of each adjustment stroke. During equipment debugging, fault diagnosis, and workpiece specification switching, the adjustment parameters can be quickly and accurately located through the stroke scale 6, improving debugging and operation efficiency.

[0058] In one embodiment, the longitudinal alignment mechanism 3 adopts a grouped layout structure. Pairs of symmetrically distributed longitudinal alignment mechanisms 3 in the transverse direction form a complete longitudinal positioning unit. Two sets of longitudinal positioning units are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the workbench 1, forming a longitudinal positioning system with front-to-back alignment.

[0059] Among them, the longitudinal positioning push rod 31 located at the front end can be fixed to the workbench 1. In order to simplify the overall structural layout and reduce independent base accessories, the longitudinal positioning push rod 31 located at the front end can be directly fixed to the workbench 1 through the front support base assembly 22. Integrated assembly is achieved by relying on the existing base structure, which is compact and easy to install.

[0060] like Figure 8 As shown, the longitudinal positioning push rod 31 located at the rear end is mounted on the table surface of the workbench 1 via the first longitudinal drive component 331. The first longitudinal drive component 331 is preferably an electric cylinder, which features precise displacement control, smooth start and stop, low noise, and fast response. The rear longitudinal centering mechanism 3 also includes a longitudinal support base 332, which is mounted on the workbench 1, and the first longitudinal drive component 331 is mounted on the longitudinal support base 332. To ensure stable support and a long longitudinal stroke, the longitudinal support base 332 can be constructed as a frame.

[0061] The front longitudinal alignment mechanism 3 is a fixed reference end, while the rear longitudinal alignment mechanism 3 is an adjustable correction end. During operation, the first longitudinal drive component 331 drives the rear longitudinal positioning push rod 31 to move towards the front reference end, longitudinally pushing, limiting, and correcting the placed top cover workpiece, compensating for longitudinal placement deviations of the workpiece, and ensuring that the longitudinal center of the workpiece precisely coincides with the reference center of the equipment, thus achieving precise longitudinal alignment. The grouped layout of the two sets of longitudinal alignment mechanisms 3 can adapt to top cover workpieces of different longitudinal lengths, offering a wide adjustment range and strong adaptability.

[0062] In one embodiment, the transverse centering mechanism 4 adopts a multi-group segmented layout structure. Pairs of symmetrically distributed transverse centering mechanisms 4 form a set of transverse positioning units. Multiple sets of transverse positioning units are evenly spaced along the longitudinal direction of the workbench 1, covering the entire transverse contour of the workpiece. For example, two or more sets; this application provides an embodiment with two sets, where these two sets of transverse centering mechanisms 4 are located at the longitudinal ends of the support mechanism 2 in the middle position. Each transverse positioning push rod 41 is assembled onto the workbench 1 surface via an independent first transverse driving member 42. The first transverse driving member 42 is also an electric cylinder, which can independently control the displacement of the transverse positioning push rod 41. The transverse centering mechanism 4 also includes a transverse support base 43 disposed between the first transverse driving member 42 and the workbench 1. This transverse support base 43 can be constructed as a frame structure to facilitate the positioning and installation of the first transverse driving member 42, while effectively improving the installation firmness and operational support stability of the driving components.

[0063] Multiple sets of transverse centering mechanisms 4 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the workpiece, which can simultaneously apply transverse correction force from different longitudinal positions of the workpiece. During operation, the first transverse driving component 42 of each set synchronously drives the corresponding transverse positioning push rod 41 to approach inward, and synchronously corrects the transverse offset from multiple positions of the workpiece, ensuring that the overall transverse force of the workpiece is uniform and the posture is upright, avoiding local offset, tilting, and twisting deformation of the workpiece caused by single-point transverse correction, and realizing full-domain synchronous transverse precision centering.

[0064] In one embodiment, both the longitudinal positioning push rod 31 and the transverse positioning push rod 41 are constructed as vertically extending circular rod structures.

[0065] The vertical circular push rod structure features a smooth, rounded side surface. When it contacts the side of the top cover workpiece, the contact is a smooth arc, resulting in a gentle, non-aggressive contact. During the push and correction of the workpiece's position, it avoids squeezing damage, scratching, or deformation of the workpiece's edges or surface, making it perfectly suited for positioning thin-walled, easily deformable top cover workpieces. Simultaneously, the circular rod distributes force evenly in all directions, preventing stress concentration during the push process and eliminating lateral force components. This ensures that the pushing and correcting force is always output along the positioning direction, avoiding workpiece misalignment or rotation problems caused by uneven stress in the push rod structure. Furthermore, the vertically arranged structure can accommodate top cover workpieces of different heights, allowing for the adaptation of most workpiece specifications without adjusting the push rod height, making it highly versatile.

[0066] In one embodiment, the top cover centering device is also equipped with a controller. The controller is an industrial PLC programmable controller, integrating functions such as data acquisition, calculation and analysis, instruction output, and closed-loop control. The controller is electrically connected to each electric cylinder, the first longitudinal drive component, the first lateral drive component, and each distance sensor to achieve automated and coordinated control of the entire equipment.

[0067] The controller can receive workpiece posture data collected by various distance sensors in real time, calculate the workpiece's support fit through a built-in algorithm, and automatically generate longitudinal and lateral position adjustment commands. Simultaneously, the controller precisely controls the travel distance, speed, and start / stop timing of the longitudinal positioning push rod 31 and the lateral positioning push rod 41, achieving fully automatic coordinated matching of bidirectional centering actions. Furthermore, the controller can store multiple sets of operating parameters for workpieces of different specifications, enabling rapid switching between different workpieces without repeated debugging.

[0068] The following is based on Figures 1 to 8 This document describes in detail the use of a top cover centering device to automate centering operations. It is suitable for batch precision centering production of various irregularly shaped and multi-specification top cover workpieces. The specific operation steps are as follows.

[0069] Step 1: Equipment Reset and Initialization. Before starting the operation, the controller uniformly controls all support components 21, longitudinal positioning push rods 31, and transverse positioning push rods 41 to reset to their preset initial working positions. This ensures that all functional components are in a standard standby state, guaranteeing a consistent reference for each operation, eliminating accumulated equipment errors, and providing a stable reference for subsequent precise alignment. More specifically, each support component 21 is adjusted to a working position compatible with the top cover. The preset initial working position of the longitudinal positioning push rod 31 is 10-20 mm away from the alignment positioning position. Simultaneously, the preset initial working position of the transverse positioning push rod 41 is also 10-20 mm away from the alignment positioning position. In other words, the reserved distance between the initial positions of the longitudinal and transverse positioning push rods and the alignment position is set to 10-20 mm. This spacing setting provides sufficient tolerance space for workpiece loading, avoiding problems such as bumps during loading and workpieces failing to be positioned, while also ensuring that the push rods can complete precise alignment correction in a single operation, effectively balancing loading convenience and alignment efficiency.

[0070] Step two, workpiece loading and placement. The top cover workpiece to be centered and processed is placed stably above the ball-head support ends of each support member 21. The adjustable support mechanism 2, distributed in a matrix, provides full-area multi-point support for the workpiece. According to the contour shape of the workpiece, each support member 21 adapts to fit the bottom surface of the workpiece, ensuring that the workpiece is placed stably without significant tilting or suspension. During the placement of the top cover, each distance sensor 5 is in real-time detection mode and continuously sends real-time detection signals to the controller, dynamically feeding back the workpiece placement status. Only when all distance sensors 5 have stably detected that the top cover is effectively placed on the corresponding support member 21, does the controller determine that the top cover is in place, and the system can unlock and start the subsequent automatic centering operation, effectively avoiding the accidental start of the centering program when the workpiece is not placed stably, is suspended, or is misaligned, ensuring the reliability of the operation.

[0071] Step 3: Fully Automated Two-Way Centering Operation. The controller initiates the centering program, controlling the first longitudinal drive component 331 and the first transverse drive component 42 to move synchronously to the preset centering working position. This pushes and corrects the offset position of the top cover workpiece in both longitudinal and transverse dimensions, ensuring that the workpiece center precisely coincides with the equipment reference center, thus completing all-round precise centering and positioning. During the centering and correction process, each distance sensor 5 continuously collects real-time detection data and transmits detection signals to the controller, dynamically providing feedback on the real-time support posture of the workpiece. Based on the real-time detection data, the controller continuously determines whether there are any abnormalities such as extrusion deformation or warping offset in the workpiece. Only after confirming that the top cover workpiece has no extrusion deformation and its posture is completely qualified can the downstream process access be unlocked.

[0072] Step 4: Workpiece unloading and transfer. After the workpiece is aligned and positioned and its posture is stable, the precisely aligned top cover workpiece is smoothly moved from above the support 21 by manual labor or a robotic arm, and enters the next processing, assembly or inspection process, completing a single alignment operation cycle.

[0073] Step 5: Continuous Batch Operation Cycle. After a single operation is completed, the device automatically resets to the initial standby state and repeats steps one through four above to achieve continuous, automated, and precise batch alignment of multiple top cover workpieces, significantly improving production cycle time and batch production efficiency.

[0074] This method features a simple process, clear logic, and a high degree of automation. Relying on a multi-dimensional adjustable support structure and a two-way collaborative centering mechanism, it achieves adaptive support for the workpiece, fully automatic and precise centering, and continuous batch operation. The operation accuracy is stable and repeatability is good, effectively solving the problems of low efficiency, poor accuracy, and insufficient consistency of traditional manual centering. It significantly improves the automation level of top cover workpiece centering operation and the yield rate of batch production.

[0075] In summary, this invention, by optimizing the adjustable matrix grouping layout of the support mechanism 2, adding a triangular detection sensing structure, configuring an automated drive and intelligent control system, and combining a longitudinal and transverse bidirectional collaborative centering structure, comprehensively solves the technical pain points of traditional top cover centering equipment, such as poor adaptability, low positioning accuracy, insufficient stability, and inability to adapt to the mass production of irregularly shaped workpieces. The overall device is compact, flexible in adjustment, highly versatile, highly automated, and has excellent positioning accuracy, enabling it to widely adapt to the precise centering operation of top cover workpieces of various specifications and curved surfaces, possessing extremely high practical and promotional value. Through the coordinated cooperation of various structures, this invention achieves integrated functions of adaptive support fitting, precise posture detection, automatic position correction, and continuous batch operation, demonstrating significant technological progress and beneficial effects compared to existing technologies.

[0076] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A top cover centering device, characterized in that, include: Workbench A support mechanism is provided on the table surface of the workbench and has upwardly extending support members. Multiple support mechanisms are arranged in a matrix on the table surface of the workbench, and the vertical height of at least some of the support members is adjustable. The longitudinal alignment mechanism is disposed on the table surface of the workbench and includes a longitudinal positioning push rod. Two sets of the longitudinal alignment mechanisms are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction, and at least one set of the longitudinal positioning push rods can move longitudinally relative to the other set of the longitudinal positioning push rods. A transverse centering mechanism is provided, each of which is disposed on the table surface of the workbench and includes a transverse positioning push rod. There are at least two transverse centering mechanisms distributed in a transversely opposite manner, and the transverse positioning push rod is configured to move transversely.

2. The top cover centering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member is constructed as a ball-head rod.

3. The top cover centering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support mechanisms arranged in pairs laterally form a group, and multiple groups are arranged at intervals from front to back; the vertical height and lateral spacing of the support members of the middle support mechanism are adjustable, the vertical height of the support members at the second rear end is adjustable, and the longitudinal position and vertical height of the support members at the rear end are adjustable.

4. The top cover centering device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Distance sensors are provided on multiple of the aforementioned support mechanisms, and at least three of the distance sensors are arranged in a triangular layout.

5. The top cover centering device according to claim 3, characterized in that, An electric cylinder for driving the support member is installed on the table surface of the workbench.

6. The top cover centering device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electric cylinder is equipped with a stroke scale.

7. The top cover centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The longitudinal centering mechanisms, which are arranged in pairs laterally, form a group, and two groups are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction; the longitudinal positioning push rod located at the rear end is assembled onto the table surface of the workbench through the first longitudinal driving component.

8. The top cover centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The transverse centering mechanisms, which are arranged in pairs laterally, form a group, and multiple groups are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction; each transverse positioning push rod is assembled onto the table surface of the workbench through a first transverse driving component.

9. The top cover centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Both the longitudinal positioning push rod and the transverse positioning push rod are vertically extending circular rods.

10. The top cover centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a controller for adjusting the height of the support member, the longitudinal position of the longitudinal positioning push rod, and the lateral position of the transverse positioning push rod.

11. A method for aligning a top cover, characterized in that, The method of using the top cover centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 includes: Step 1: Adjust the support, the longitudinal positioning push rod, and the transverse positioning push rod to their initial working positions; Step two, place the top cover onto the support member; Step 3: Drive the longitudinal positioning push rod and the transverse positioning push rod to the preset centering position, and push the top cover to complete the centering and positioning; Step four: Remove the centered top cover from the support member; Step 5: Repeat steps 1 to 4 above to achieve continuous centering operation.

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