A steel and aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation for steel and aluminum car bodies, which includes a tooling placement and retrieval system, an SPR self-piercing riveting system and an FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system; the tooling placement and retrieval system includes a slide rail and a tooling placement platform that can move on the slide rail, and the tooling placement and retrieval system also includes a plurality of robot grippers for removing steel and aluminum car body workpieces; the SPR self-piercing riveting system is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail, and is used for self-piercing riveting of steel and aluminum car body workpieces on the tooling placement platform; the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail, and is used for heating and riveting steel and aluminum car body workpieces on the tooling placement platform. Compared with the prior art, the utility model realizes continuous, flexible and stable connection of steel and aluminum car body workpieces through reasonable layout and modular design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile welding, in particular to an automatic flexible cold connection technical workstation for steel and aluminum car bodies. Background Art

[0002] As the energy crisis and environmental pollution become increasingly serious, the automobile industry, as a pillar industry of the global manufacturing industry, is facing unprecedented pressure to save energy and reduce emissions. Lightweighting of automobiles is regarded as the most economical and effective means to achieve energy conservation and emission reduction. When the weight of the whole vehicle equipment decreases by 10%, it can bring about a 6% to 8% reduction in fuel consumption and a 4% reduction in exhaust emissions. It can be seen that the lightweighting of the whole vehicle has become an irreversible trend.

[0003] Therefore, automobile manufacturers are constantly innovating and need to use advanced materials and technologies to reduce the equipment weight of the entire vehicle while ensuring the safety performance of the vehicle body. High-strength steel-aluminum hybrid bodies have emerged as the times require. This body structure uses a combination of high-strength steel and aluminum alloy materials. Although the density of aluminum alloy is low, its specific strength and specific stiffness are far superior to steel, so it can not only ensure the strength of the body, but also achieve lightweight body.

[0004] However, in actual automobile welding, the traditional single plate steel-steel, aluminum-aluminum resistance welding and arc welding processes can no longer meet the connection and application requirements of aluminum alloys. CN 116159961 A discloses an automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation for aluminum body, which uses the same robot system equipped with an SPR docking station system, an FDS docking station system and a CLINCH docking station system to achieve flexible application of multiple connection processes. However, the automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation can only switch the working system in sequence, and cannot achieve the connection of body workpieces at the same time.

[0005] Therefore, it is urgent to develop new flexible aluminum alloy joining processes to achieve continuous, flexible and stable joining of steel and aluminum body workpieces. Summary of the invention

[0006] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a steel-aluminum body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation in order to overcome the defect that the existing automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation is not suitable for the automatic flexible connection of steel-aluminum body.

[0007] The purpose of the utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] An automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation for steel and aluminum car bodies, which includes a tooling placement and retrieval system, an SPR (Self Piercing Riveting) self-piercing riveting system, and an FDS (Flow drill screw) hot-melt self-tapping riveting system;

[0009] The tooling placement and retrieval system includes a slide rail and a tooling placement platform that can move on the slide rail, and the tooling placement and retrieval system also includes a plurality of robot grippers for removing steel and aluminum body workpieces;

[0010] The SPR self-piercing riveting system is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail, and is used to perform self-piercing riveting on the steel and aluminum body workpieces on the tooling placement platform;

[0011] The FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail, and is used to heat and rivet the steel and aluminum body workpieces on the tooling placement platform.

[0012] Furthermore, the tooling placement platform is provided with a clamping piece capable of fixing the steel and aluminum body workpiece.

[0013] Furthermore, the robot gripper includes a workpiece placement robot gripper and a workpiece transfer robot gripper.

[0014] Furthermore, the workpiece placement robot gripper is arranged near the starting point of the tooling placement platform on the slide track, and the workpiece placement robot gripper grabs the steel and aluminum body workpiece from the upper platform and places it on the tooling placement platform.

[0015] Furthermore, the workpiece transfer robot gripper is arranged near the riveting position of the tooling placement platform on the slide track, and the workpiece transfer robot gripper grabs the steel and aluminum body workpiece from the tooling placement platform and moves it to the downstream collection point.

[0016] Furthermore, the workpiece placement robot gripper and the workpiece transfer robot gripper both include a plurality of robotic arms for gripping steel and aluminum body workpieces.

[0017] Furthermore, the SPR self-piercing riveting system includes an SPR robot and an SPR control unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the SPR control unit includes an SPR control cabinet and an SPR robot control cabinet connected to the SPR control cabinet, and the SPR control cabinet is connected to the SPR robot.

[0019] Furthermore, the SPR robot comprises an SPR robot body and an SPR clamp body with a clip mounted on the SPR robot body.

[0020] Furthermore, the SPR control cabinet is connected to the SPR clamp body through the SPR pipeline package on the SPR robot body.

[0021] Furthermore, the SPR self-piercing riveting system also includes a nail feeding unit.

[0022] Furthermore, the nail feeding unit includes a nail charging station containing rivets, the nail charging station is connected to the SPR control cabinet through an SPR nail feeding tube, and the SPR robot goes to the nail charging station to charge nails through a clip on the SPR clamp body.

[0023] Furthermore, the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system includes an FDS robot and an FDS control unit.

[0024] Furthermore, the FDS control unit includes an FDS control cabinet and an FDS robot control cabinet connected to the FDS control cabinet, and the FDS control cabinet is connected to the FDS robot.

[0025] Furthermore, the FDS robot includes an FDS robot body and an FDS tightening shaft mounted on the FDS robot body.

[0026] Furthermore, the FDS control cabinet is connected via the FDS line pack and the FDS tightening shaft on the FDS robot body.

[0027] Furthermore, the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system also includes a feeding unit connected to the FDS control cabinet.

[0028] Furthermore, the feeding unit includes a material box containing FDS screws, and the material box is connected to the FDS robot through an FDS nail feeding tube.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] (1) The utility model establishes an automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation for steel and aluminum body by rationally arranging and modularizing the tooling placement and retrieval system, the SPR self-piercing riveting system and the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system, thereby achieving stable connection of steel and aluminum body workpieces.

[0031] (2) The layout of the production line of the utility model is reasonable, and it can realize the simultaneous riveting of the SPR self-piercing riveting system and the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system. It can connect multiple riveting robots and equip the production line with an automatic conveying device to form a flexible production line combining multiple riveting forms.

[0032] (3) The SPR self-piercing riveting system and the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system of the utility model are cleverly arranged on both sides of the slide rail, so that the steel and aluminum body workpieces to be riveted can slide to the middle of the four robots, making it convenient to carry out the two riveting processes at the same time.

[0033] (4) The utility model of the steel-aluminum body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation can also be connected to a variety of platforms according to the requirements of the production line, and can expand a variety of interfaces to improve the production line construction cycle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 The utility model is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the robot gripper of Example 2 of the utility model.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the SPR self-piercing riveting system of Example 2 of the utility model.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system of Example 2 of the utility model.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall layout of the steel-aluminum body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation of Example 3 of the utility model.

[0039] Description of the markings in the figure:

[0040] 1-tooling placement and retrieval system, 11-slideway, 12-tooling placement platform, 13-robot gripper, 131-workpiece placement robot gripper, 132-workpiece transfer robot gripper, 133-robot arm; 2-SPR self-piercing riveting system, 21-SPR robot, 211-SPR robot body, 212-SPR clamp body, 213-SPR pipeline package, 22-SPR control unit, 221-SPR control cabinet, 222-SP R robot control cabinet, 23-nail feeding unit, 231-nail charging station, 232-SPR nail feeding tube; 3-FDS hot melt self-tapping riveting system, 31-FDS robot, 311-FDS robot body, 312-FDS tightening shaft, 313-FDS pipeline package, 32-FDS control unit, 321-FDS control cabinet, 322-FDS robot control cabinet, 33-feeding unit, 331-material box, 332-FDS nail feeding tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. This embodiment is implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and provides a detailed implementation method and a specific operation process, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0042] In the present utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific position, be constructed and operated in a specific position, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present utility model; the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance; in addition, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be a communication between the two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0043] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings. Example 1

[0044] A steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation comprises a tooling placing and taking system 1, an SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 and an FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system 3.

[0045] The tooling placement and retrieval system 1 comprises a slide rail 11 and a tooling placement platform 12 which can move on the slide rail 11 . The tooling placement and retrieval system 1 also comprises a plurality of robot grippers 13 for grabbing steel and aluminum body workpieces.

[0046] The SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail 11 and is used for self-piercing riveting the steel and aluminum body workpieces on the tooling placement platform 12 .

[0047] The FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system 3 is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail 11 , and is used to heat and rivet the steel and aluminum body workpieces on the tooling placement platform 12 .

[0048] In this embodiment, the steel and aluminum body workpieces to be welded are placed on the tooling placement platform 12 by the robot gripper 13, and slide along the slide track 11 to the riveting position; then the SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 and the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system 3 arranged on both sides of the slide track 11 will simultaneously rivet the steel and aluminum body workpieces; after the riveting is completed, the robot gripper 13 will grab the riveted steel and aluminum body workpieces to the collection position. Example 2

[0049] This embodiment provides a steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation, which includes a tooling placement and retrieval system 1, an SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 and an FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system 3.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the tooling placement and retrieval system 1 includes a slide rail 11 and a tooling placement platform 12 that can move on the slide rail 11. The tooling placement platform 12 is provided with clamping parts that can fix the steel and aluminum body workpieces, which can firmly fix the steel and aluminum body workpieces to be welded. The tooling placement and retrieval system 1 also includes a plurality of robot grippers 13 for grabbing steel and aluminum body workpieces. The robot grippers 13 of this embodiment include two types: a workpiece placement robot gripper 131 and a workpiece transfer robot gripper 132. Among them, the workpiece placement robot gripper 131 is arranged near the starting point of the tooling placement platform 12 on the slide rail 11, and is used to grab the steel and aluminum body workpieces from the upper platform and place them on the tooling placement platform 12; the workpiece transfer robot gripper 132 is arranged near the riveting position of the tooling placement platform 12 on the slide rail 11, and is used to grab the steel and aluminum body workpieces from the tooling placement platform 12 and move them to the downstream collection point. As shown Figure 2 As shown, the workpiece placement robot gripper 131 and the workpiece transfer robot gripper 132 each include a plurality of robotic arms 133 for gripping steel and aluminum body workpieces.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail 11, and is used for self-piercing riveting the steel and aluminum body workpieces on the tooling placement platform 12. The SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 includes an SPR robot 21 and an SPR control unit 22. The SPR robot 21 includes an SPR robot body 211 and an SPR clamp body 212 with a clip installed on the SPR robot body 211. The SPR control unit 22 includes an SPR control cabinet 221 and an SPR robot control cabinet 222 connected to the SPR control cabinet 221, and the SPR control cabinet 221 is connected to the SPR clamp body 212 through the SPR pipeline package 213 on the SPR robot body 211. The riveting system 2 of this embodiment also includes a nail feeding unit 23, which includes a nail charging station 231 containing rivets. The nail charging station 231 is connected to the SPR control cabinet 221 through an SPR nail feeding tube 232, and the SPR robot 21 goes to the nail charging station 231 to charge nails through the clip on the SPR clamp body 212.

[0052] like Figure 4As shown, the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system 3 is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail 11, and is used to heat and rivet the steel and aluminum body workpieces on the tooling placement platform 12. The FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system 3 includes an FDS robot 31 and an FDS control unit 32. The FDS robot 31 includes an FDS robot body 311 and an FDS tightening shaft 312 installed on the FDS robot body 311. The FDS control unit 32 includes an FDS control cabinet 321 and an FDS robot control cabinet 322 connected to the FDS control cabinet 321, and the FDS control cabinet 321 is connected to the FDS tightening shaft 312 through the FDS pipeline package 313 on the FDS robot body 311. The FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system 3 also includes a feeding unit 33 connected to the FDS control cabinet 321, and the feeding unit 33 includes a material box 331 containing FDS screws. The material box 331 is connected to the FDS robot 31 through the FDS nail feeding tube 332 , and the FDS screws can be fed to the FDS robot 31 through the FDS nail feeding tube 332 after riveting. Example 3

[0053] This embodiment provides a steel and aluminum body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation, such as Figure 5 As shown, it includes a tooling placing and taking system 1, an SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 and an FDS hot melt self-tapping riveting system 3 to achieve reliable and stable connection of steel and aluminum body workpieces. The specific configuration of the tooling placing and taking system 1 refers to Example 2.

[0054] The SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 of this embodiment includes an SPR robot 21, an SPR control unit 22 and a nail feeding unit 23. The SPR control unit 22 includes an SPR control cabinet 221 and an SPR robot control cabinet 222. The SPR robot control cabinet 222 is connected to the SPR control cabinet 221 through a 380V power supply, a 24V safety power supply, communication, signal, and air source. The motor power cable, motor encoder cable, 24V safety power supply, communication line, and air source of the SPR control cabinet 221 are connected to the SPR clamp body 212 through the SPR pipeline package 213 on the SPR robot 21. The SPR robot 21 moves the SPR clamp body 212 to dock with the nail filling station 231 to fill the magazine.

[0055] The FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system 3 of this embodiment includes an FDS robot 31, an FDS control unit 32 and a feeding unit 33. The FDS control unit 32 includes an FDS control cabinet 321 and an FDS robot control cabinet 322 connected to the FDS control cabinet 321. The FDS robot control cabinet 322 is connected to the FDS control cabinet 321 through a 380V power supply, a 24V safety power supply, communication, and a signal. The feeding unit 33 includes a material box 331 containing FDS screws, and the feeding unit 33 is connected to the FDS tightening shaft 312 through an air source and an FDS nail feeding tube 332. The motor power cable, motor encoder cable, 24V safety power supply, communication line, and air source of the FDS control cabinet 321 are connected to the FDS tightening shaft 312 through the FDS pipeline package 313 on the FDS robot 31.

[0056] In this embodiment, the robot gripper 13 near the starting point of the slide track 11 grabs the steel and aluminum body workpieces to be welded and places them on the tooling placement platform 12, and the tooling placement platform 12 slides along the slide track 11 to the riveting position. Subsequently, a group of SPR robots 21 and a group of FDS robots 31 arranged on both sides of the slide track 11 rivet the steel and aluminum body workpieces at the same time. After the riveting is completed, the robot gripper 13 near the welding position will grab the riveted steel and aluminum body workpieces to the collection point, and the two SPR robots 21 will move the SPR clamp body 212 to dock with the nail filling station 231 to replenish the clips, and the FDS robots 31 will replenish the FDS screws from the material box 331 through the FDS pipeline package 313. This repetition can realize the automated and continuous welding of steel and aluminum body workpieces.

[0057] Compared with the existing resistance welding and arc welding technologies, the SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 of this embodiment has the following advantages: (1) It can connect materials of different types, strengths and coatings (steel, aluminum, plastic). (2) The strength of the riveted joint is very high - it can be tested by the naked eye and has a long service life. (3) Low energy consumption, green process, no smoke, steam or sparks, and environmental protection. (4) No need to drill or punch holes in advance, and no need to center the rivet holes. (5) It can realize fast and automated processes without heat and deformation during connection. (6) High optimization potential.

[0058] Compared with the existing resistance welding and arc welding technologies, the FDS hot melt self-tapping riveting system 3 of this embodiment has the following advantages: (1) A wide variety of materials can be connected, including any material and dissimilar materials including ultra-high strength steel, aluminum-magnesium alloy, cast aluminum, and composite materials. (2) Single-sided operation can be used for closed cavity structures, thick walls or closed cavities where SPR or Clinching cannot be used. (3) The plate is heated, the plate and the screw have good contact, and the connection strength is high. (4) The screws are removable and easy to recycle, and metric bolts can be used for repair. (5) The working environment is clean, without sparks, debris, almost no noise, and environmentally friendly. (6) No need to drill or punch holes in advance. (7) A fast and automated process can be achieved, which can be combined with glue coating.

[0059] In summary, in the steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation of the utility model, by integrating the tooling placement and retrieval system 1, the SPR self-piercing riveting system 2 and the FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system 3, the automatic and continuous welding of the steel-aluminum car body can be realized, and it can be used to reliably and stably connect plate materials and vehicle workpieces of different strengths.

[0060] The above description of the embodiments is to facilitate the understanding and use of the utility model by those skilled in the art. It is obvious that those familiar with the art can easily make various modifications to these embodiments and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without creative work. Therefore, the utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the utility model without departing from the scope of the utility model should be within the scope of protection of the utility model.

Claims

1. A steel and aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation, characterized in that: It includes a tooling placing and removing system (1), an SPR self-piercing riveting system (2) and an FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system (3); The tooling placing and picking system (1) comprises a slide rail (11) and a tooling placing platform (12) movable on the slide rail (11), and the tooling placing and picking system (1) further comprises a plurality of robot grippers (13) for removing steel and aluminum body workpieces; The SPR self-piercing riveting system (2) is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail (11) and is used to perform self-piercing riveting on the steel and aluminum body workpieces on the tooling placement platform (12); The FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system (3) is respectively arranged on both sides of the slide rail (11) and is used to heat and rivet the steel and aluminum body workpieces on the tooling placement platform (12).

2. The steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The tooling placement platform (12) is provided with a clamping piece capable of fixing the steel and aluminum body workpiece.

3. The steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The robot gripper (13) comprises a workpiece placement robot gripper (131) and a workpiece transfer robot gripper (132); The workpiece placement robot gripper (131) is arranged near the starting point of the tooling placement platform (12) on the slide track (11), and the workpiece transfer robot gripper (132) is arranged near the riveting point of the tooling placement platform (12) on the slide track (11).

4. The steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The workpiece placement robot gripper (131) and the workpiece transfer robot gripper (132) both include a plurality of mechanical arms (133) for gripping steel and aluminum body workpieces.

5. The steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The SPR self-piercing riveting system (2) comprises an SPR robot (21) and an SPR control unit (22); The SPR control unit (22) comprises an SPR control cabinet (221) and an SPR robot control cabinet (222) connected to the SPR control cabinet (221), and the SPR control cabinet (221) is connected to the SPR robot (21).

6. The steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation according to claim 5 is characterized in that: The SPR robot (21) comprises an SPR robot body (211) and an SPR clamp body (212) with a clip mounted on the SPR robot body (211); The SPR control cabinet (221) is connected to the SPR clamp body (212) via an SPR pipeline package (213) on the SPR robot body (211).

7. The steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation according to claim 6 is characterized in that: The SPR self-piercing riveting system (2) further comprises a nail feeding unit (23); The nail feeding unit (23) comprises a nail charging station (231) containing rivets, and the nail charging station (231) is connected to the SPR control cabinet (221) through an SPR nail feeding pipe (232).

8. The steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system (3) comprises an FDS robot (31) and an FDS control unit (32); The FDS control unit (32) comprises an FDS control cabinet (321) and an FDS robot control cabinet (322) connected to the FDS control cabinet (321), and the FDS control cabinet (321) is connected to the FDS robot (31).

9. The steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation according to claim 8 is characterized in that: The FDS robot (31) comprises an FDS robot body (311) and an FDS tightening shaft (312) mounted on the FDS robot body (311); The FDS control cabinet (321) is connected via an FDS pipeline package (313) and an FDS tightening shaft (312) on the FDS robot body (311).

10. The steel-aluminum car body automatic flexible cold connection technology workstation according to claim 9 is characterized in that: The FDS hot-melt self-tapping riveting system (3) further comprises a feeding unit (33) connected to the FDS control cabinet (321); The feeding unit (33) comprises a material box (331) containing FDS screws, and the material box (331) is connected to the FDS robot (31) via an FDS nail feeding tube (332).

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