Centering mechanism

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of body-in-white assembly, in particular to a centering mechanism which comprises a frame and a swing rod, the middle of the swing rod is rotatably connected to the frame, the swing rod can swing on a vertical plane, connecting rods are hinged to the two ends of the swing rod, sliding blocks are hinged to the two ends of the connecting rods, a sliding rail is fixed to the bottom of the frame, and the sliding blocks are horizontally connected to the sliding rail in a sliding mode. Vehicle body positioning pins are vertically fixed to the bottom of the sliding block, the connecting rod comprises a sleeve and connectors connected to the two ends of the sleeve in a threaded mode, the two connectors are hinged to the swing rod and the sliding block respectively, and the distance between the two vehicle body positioning pins is equal to the distance between positioning holes in a vehicle body when the swing rod and the connecting rod are in a stress balance state. The problem that the adjusting range is limited in the prior art can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of body-in-white assembly, in particular to a centering mechanism. Background Art

[0002] During the assembly process of the body-in-white hood, the centering mechanism plays a vital role. Using the centering mechanism can ensure the precise alignment of the hood and the body, and ensure that the gap between the hood and the body is uniform, thereby achieving high-quality assembly results.

[0003] For example, a centering mechanism for a body-in-white adjustment line fixture disclosed in the prior art (publication number: CN112692503A; application date: 2021-01-27) includes a support installed inside the fixture, a cylinder is installed on the support, and a rotary centering mechanism is connected to the cylinder transmission, and a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod and a third connecting rod are provided on the rotary centering mechanism; the second connecting rod and the third connecting rod are respectively connected to the middle connecting rod, and two sliding mechanisms with the same structure are symmetrically installed on the left and right sides of the fixture, and the sliding mechanisms are respectively connected to the two middle connecting rods. The first connecting rod is driven to move by the movement of the cylinder, and the first connecting rod drives the rotating seat to rotate. When the rotating seat drives the second and third connecting rods to rotate, the two middle connecting rods are driven to move inward or outward at the same time. Finally, the two positioning blocks on the sliding mechanism are moved, and the two positioning blocks on each side are adjusted accordingly according to the position changes of the left and right sides of the vehicle body, so as to achieve the purpose of adjusting the symmetry of the whole vehicle. However, the prior art still has the following problems:

[0004] 1. Since the length of the middle connecting rod is fixed, the centering mechanism can only be adjusted within a specific range, which limits the flexibility of the centering mechanism and cannot meet the centering requirements of vehicles of different sizes and designs.

[0005] 2. When assembling the hood or tailgate of a vehicle body, the centering mechanism is typically installed on an assembly fixture and secured inside the vehicle body along with the assembly fixture. The hood or tailgate is then secured when closed. Existing technology achieves this centering function by using a pneumatic cylinder to drive the movement of two intermediate connecting rods. The presence of the cylinder increases the size and space requirements of the entire centering mechanism. Due to the limited space available for the hood and tailgate installation on some specialized vehicle models, the larger size of existing technology makes it difficult to apply to these specialized vehicles, limiting its flexibility. Utility Model Content

[0006] The utility model aims to provide a centering mechanism to solve the problem of limited adjustment range in the prior art.

[0007] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] A centering mechanism includes a frame and a rocker arm. The middle part of the rocker arm is rotatably connected to the frame, and the rocker arm can swing on a vertical plane. Connecting rods are hinged at both ends of the rocker arm, and sliders are hinged at both ends of the connecting rod. A slide rail is fixed to the bottom of the frame, and the slider is connected to the slide rail for horizontal sliding. A body locating pin is vertically fixed to the bottom of the slider. The connecting rod includes a sleeve and connecting heads threadedly connected to both ends of the sleeve. The two connecting heads are hinged to the rocker arm and the slider respectively. When the rocker arm and the connecting rod are in a force balanced state, the distance between the two body locating pins is the same as the distance between the locating holes on the body.

[0009] Preferably, as an improvement, a connecting plate is fixed to the top of the slide rail, a connecting arm is fixed to the connecting plate, the connecting arm is connected to a mounting block, and the mounting block is detachably connected to the frame.

[0010] Preferably, as an improvement, the mounting block is a C-shaped mounting block, the middle of the mounting block is connected to the connecting arm, the two ends of the mounting block are detachably connected to the frame, and reinforcing ribs are fixed between the middle and the two ends of the mounting block.

[0011] Preferably, as an improvement, the slide rail is a dovetail-type slide rail, a dovetail groove is provided on the slider, and the slider is slidably connected to the slide rail through the dovetail groove.

[0012] Preferably, as an improvement, the slider is connected to an oil filling pipe joint for injecting lubricating oil into the dovetail groove.

[0013] Preferably, as an improvement, limiting plates are fixed at both ends of the connecting plate, the slider is connected to the limiting block, the limiting block is located between the two limiting plates, and pads are fixed on both sides of the limiting block and the inner side of the limiting plate.

[0014] Preferably, as an improvement, the frame includes a porous body and a U-shaped mounting frame detachably connected to the bottom of the porous body, and the rocker arm is rotatably connected to the middle of the mounting frame.

[0015] The principles and beneficial effects of this program are:

[0016] 1. In addition to the range of motion of the three-link mechanism consisting of the rocker arm and two connecting rods, this solution also allows the range of motion of the body locating pin to be adjusted by adjusting the length of the connecting rod itself. By adjusting the length of the connecting rod's connector, the length of the connecting rod itself can be adjusted. This allows the adjustment range of the centering mechanism to be narrowed or expanded based on the range of motion of the three-link mechanism, meeting the centering requirements of different vehicle models. Furthermore, the range of motion of the centering mechanism can be adjusted by adjusting the installation position of the slide rail, thus adapting to the centering requirements of different vehicle models.

[0017] 2. In actual application, this solution is connected to the front cover assembly tooling through a frame. When assembling the front cover, the entire front cover assembly tooling is placed vertically into the vehicle body from top to bottom. The two vehicle body locating pins of this solution can drive the two connecting rods to move synchronously outward or inward by the same distance through the swing of the rocker arm, so as to achieve fine-tuning of the positions of the two vehicle body locating pins, compensate for the position deviation of the vehicle body locating holes caused by processing errors, and enable the two vehicle body locating pins to be inserted into the locating holes of the vehicle body accordingly, thereby making the front cover assembly tooling fixed in the center on the vehicle body, completing the centering and fixation of the front cover assembly tooling.

[0018] This centering mechanism sets the rocker arm to swing in a vertical plane. The rocker arm and the connecting rod reach a state of force equilibrium under the action of gravity. In actual use, the distance between the two body locating pins in this equilibrium state is set to be equal to the distance between the two locating holes on the body. This setting eliminates the need for an additional swinging drive component to drive the rocker arm to swing. Instead, during the lowering process, the weight of the front cover assembly tooling (200-300 kg) is used to squeeze the two body locating pins into the body locating holes, thereby driving the rocker arm to swing. In summary, the design of this centering mechanism does not require the configuration of an additional drive component to drive the rocker arm, saving equipment costs and reducing the volume and space occupied by the front cover assembly tooling.

[0019] 3. The use of C-shaped mounting blocks allows all three sides of the mounting block to be connected to the frame, improving the connection strength. In addition, adding reinforcing ribs between the middle and both ends of the mounting block can further improve the structural strength.

[0020] 4. The use of dovetail-type sliders and slide rails can prevent the sliders and slide rails from falling off and improve their connection stability; the oil filling pipe joint is used to connect the external lubricating oil pipeline to inject lubricating oil into the dovetail groove, thereby lubricating the slide rails and sliders, preventing them from getting stuck and improving their sliding smoothness.

[0021] 5. The limit plates limit the limit blocks on both sides, thereby limiting the sliding range of the positioning pin. Providing a U-shaped mounting bracket at the bottom of the porous body can increase the distance between the swing arm and the porous body, expand the swing arm's swing range, and avoid interference between the swing arm and the porous body. The use of a porous body allows the mounting bracket and slide rail to be installed in the desired position as needed during actual use, making it more flexible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following is further described in detail through specific implementation methods:

[0026] The figure marks in the drawings of the specification include: porous body 1, mounting frame 11, mounting block 12, reinforcing rib 13, rocker arm 2, connecting rod 3, connector 31, sleeve 32, slider 4, oil filling pipe joint 41, limit block 42, body locating pin 5, slide rail 6, connecting plate 61, connecting arm 62, limit plate 63, and pad 64.

[0027] Example:

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a centering mechanism includes a frame, which includes a porous body 1 and a U-shaped mounting frame 11. C-shaped mounting blocks 12 are bolted to both ends of the mounting frame 11. The mounting frame 11 is bolted to the bottom of the porous body 1 via the mounting blocks 12. A rocker arm 2 is rotatably connected to the middle of the mounting frame 11. The rocker arm 2 can swing in a vertical plane. A connecting rod 3 is hinged at both ends of the rocker arm 2. A slider 4 is hinged at both ends of the connecting rod 3. A vertical vehicle body locating pin 5 is bolted to the bottom of the slider 4. The connecting rod 3 includes a sleeve 32 and connectors 31 threadedly connected to both ends of the sleeve 32. The two connectors 31 are hinged to the rocker arm 2 and the slider 4, respectively. When the rocker arm 2 and the connecting rod 3 are in a force-balanced state, the distance between the two vehicle body locating pins 5 is the same as the distance between the locating holes on the vehicle body.

[0029] Also includes a slide rail 6, combined with Figure 3 As shown, a connecting plate 61 is bolted to the top of the slide rail 6, and a connecting arm 62 is bolted to the connecting plate 61. The connecting arm 62 is detachably connected to the frame via a C-shaped mounting block 12. Reinforcing ribs 13 are fixed between the middle and ends of the mounting block 12. The slide rail 6 is a dovetail-shaped slide rail 6, and the slider 4 is provided with a dovetail groove. The slider 4 is slidably connected to the slide rail 6 through the dovetail groove. The slider 4 is connected to an oil filling pipe joint 41 for injecting lubricating oil into the dovetail groove. Limiting plates 63 are bolted to both ends of the connecting plate 61. The slider 4 has an integrally formed limiting block 42. The limiting block 42 is located between the two limiting plates 63. Pads 64 are bolted to both sides of the limiting block 42 and the inside of the limiting plates 63.

[0030] The working principle of a centering mechanism is:

[0031] This centering mechanism is installed on the BIW hood assembly tool. The hood assembly tool with this centering mechanism installed is hoisted as a whole above the BIW hood by a robot and then slowly lowered into the vehicle body after being aligned by the robot. Due to machining errors in the vehicle body locating holes, the positions of the vehicle body locating holes may deviate slightly, resulting in a slight deviation between the axis of the vehicle body locating pin 5 and the axis of the vehicle body locating hole. The vehicle body locating pin 5 can contact the vehicle body locating hole but cannot be completely aligned with it. During the process of lowering the hood assembly tool with this centering mechanism, the two vehicle body locating pins 5 are squeezed into the vehicle body locating holes under the weight of the hood assembly tool. As a result, the two vehicle body locating pins 5 simultaneously move inward or outward by the same distance under the swinging action of the rocker arm 2 and the two connecting rods 3, achieving fine-tuning of the two vehicle body locating pins 5, allowing the two vehicle body locating pins 5 to be accurately inserted into the corresponding vehicle body locating holes. This allows the hood assembly tool to be fixed to the vehicle body in a centered manner, completing the centering of the hood assembly tool, facilitating subsequent assembly of the hood, and ensuring the assembly accuracy of the hood.

[0032] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and the commonly known specific technical solutions and / or features of the solution are not described in detail here. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, without departing from the technical solution of the present invention, several variations and improvements can be made, which should also be considered as the scope of protection of the present invention, and these will not affect the effect of the implementation of the present invention and the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application shall be based on the content of its claims, and the specific implementation methods and other records in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A centering mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a frame and a rocker arm. The middle part of the rocker arm is rotatably connected to the frame. The rocker arm can swing on a vertical plane. Connecting rods are hinged at both ends of the rocker arm. Sliders are hinged at both ends of the connecting rod. A slide rail is fixed to the bottom of the frame. The slide rail slides horizontally and is connected to the slide rail. A body locating pin is vertically fixed to the bottom of the slider. The connecting rod includes a sleeve and a connecting head threadedly connected to both ends of the sleeve. The two connecting heads are hinged to the rocker arm and the slider respectively. When the rocker arm and the connecting rod are under force balance, the distance between the two body locating pins is the same as the distance between the locating holes on the body.

2. A centering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting plate is fixed on the top of the slide rail, a connecting arm is fixed on the connecting plate, the connecting arm is connected to a mounting block, and the mounting block is detachably connected to the frame.

3. A centering mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting block is a C-shaped mounting block, the middle of the mounting block is connected to the connecting arm, the two ends of the mounting block are detachably connected to the frame, and reinforcing ribs are fixed between the middle and the two ends of the mounting block.

4. A centering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide rail is a dovetail type slide rail, a dovetail groove is provided on the slider, and the slider is slidably connected to the slide rail through the dovetail groove.

5. A centering mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sliding block is connected to an oil filling pipe joint for injecting lubricating oil into the dovetail groove.

6. A centering mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: Limiting plates are fixed at both ends of the connecting plate, the slider is connected to the limiting block, the limiting block is located between the two limiting plates, and pads are fixed on both sides of the limiting block and the inner side of the limiting plate.

7. A centering mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The frame comprises a porous body and a U-shaped mounting frame detachably connected to the bottom of the porous body, and a swing rod is rotatably connected to the middle part of the mounting frame.

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