Automatic pulling and riveting tool for automobile front-end module frame

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic pulling and riveting tool for an automobile front-end module frame, which comprises a tool bottom shell, a control host arranged at the front end of the tool bottom shell, an annular electric sliding rail arranged at the top of the tool bottom shell, an electric sliding block connected with one end of the top of the annular electric sliding rail in a sliding manner, an adjusting shell arranged at the top of the electric sliding block, and a mounting block arranged at the top of the adjusting shell, the tool bottom shell is arranged between a plurality of tools, the automatic mechanical arm can be moved to the position of any tool through the annular electric sliding rail, the automatic mechanical arm can be moved to the position of any tool through the annular electric sliding rail, and the automatic mechanical arm can be moved to the position of any tool through the annular electric sliding rail. According to the automatic mechanical arm riveting tool, riveting operation is conducted on an automobile front-end module frame on the tool, so that the single-mechanical-arm multi-tool operation process is achieved, multiple automatic mechanical arms do not need to be arranged, meanwhile, the moving assembly is arranged in the adjusting shell, and the overall position and angle of the automatic mechanical arms can be further adjusted through the moving assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive front engine compartment front frame manufacturing, specifically an automatic riveting fixture for automotive front module frames. Background Technology

[0002] With the current trend towards lightweighting in automobiles, most front-end engine compartment frames have replaced the original metal frames with plastic ones. This is because the frame needs to integrate multiple components (including the intake manifold, washer fluid reservoir, front horn, anti-collision beam, bumper, grille, cooling module, hood lock, etc.). To accommodate so many parts, the front-end frame needs to be designed with numerous mounting points. These mounting points are typically constructed using a riveting process, where nuts are pulled into the front-end frame using a rivet gun.

[0003] According to publicly available patent 202010650343.8, "Riveting Fixture for Front-End Frame of Automotive Engine Compartment," the mounting panel has symmetrically arranged first and second riveting fixture columns at the center of both sides. Each of the first and second riveting fixture columns contains a rotary motor, and the output shaft of each rotary motor has a first connecting block. A clamping mechanism is located in the center of each first connecting block, and a cylinder is located at the lower part of the first connecting block. The cylinder's output and the clamping mechanism are fixedly connected. A second connecting block is located at the bottom of each first connecting block, and a linkage rod is provided between the second connecting blocks. This technical solution addresses the problem that during the riveting process at the mounting points of the front-end frame of an automotive engine compartment, operators often experience deviations in the riveting angle, resulting in poor riveting effect and dimensions, thus affecting the dimensional accuracy of the mounting end.

[0004] In traditional automobile manufacturing, the automated riveting process for the front-end module frame is a crucial step, directly affecting the stability and safety of the vehicle structure. To achieve efficient automated production, automated robotic arms are typically used for the precise riveting of the front-end frame of a car's engine compartment. However, while automated robotic arms offer high precision and efficiency, their working space (or operating range) is relatively limited. This necessitates the deployment of automated robotic arms at multiple stations on large automotive front-end module frame riveting production lines to meet the riveting requirements of different parts. While this approach solves the space coverage problem for riveting operations to some extent, it also increases system complexity. The coordinated operation of multiple automated robotic arms requires a complex control system, which not only increases equipment costs but also the difficulty of subsequent maintenance and upkeep. Furthermore, during the riveting process, the specifications and sizes of the nuts installed on the automotive front-end module frame may vary, requiring the use of bolts of corresponding sizes. This presents significant inconvenience in practice, requiring workers to frequently change bolts between different stations to ensure that each nut is tightened correctly and securely. This not only reduces work efficiency but also increases the risk of reduced riveting quality or production line malfunctions due to improper bolt replacement. Therefore, a new technical solution is needed to address these issues. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, adapt to the needs of reality, and provide an automatic riveting fixture for the front-end module frame of automobiles. This is to address the fact that in the current traditional automobile manufacturing industry, the automatic riveting operation of the front-end module frame is a crucial link that is directly related to the stability and safety of the automobile structure. To achieve efficient automated production, automated robotic arms are typically used to perform precise riveting of the front frame of a car's engine compartment. However, while automated robotic arms offer advantages in precision and efficiency, their working space (or operating range) is relatively limited. This necessitates the deployment of automated robotic arms at multiple workstations on large automotive front-end module frame riveting production lines to meet the riveting requirements of different parts. While this approach solves the space coverage problem for riveting operations to some extent, it also increases system complexity. The coordinated operation of multiple automated robotic arms requires a complex control system, which not only increases equipment costs but also the difficulty of subsequent maintenance and upkeep. Furthermore, during the riveting process, the specifications and sizes of the nuts installed on the automotive front-end module frame may vary, requiring the use of bolts of corresponding sizes. This presents significant inconvenience in actual operation, requiring workers to frequently change bolts between different workstations to ensure that each nut is tightened correctly and securely. This not only reduces work efficiency but also easily leads to technical problems such as decreased riveting quality or production line malfunctions due to improper bolt replacement.

[0006] To achieve the purpose of this utility model, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: An automatic riveting fixture for a car front-end module frame is designed, including a fixture base shell. A control host is installed at the front end of the fixture base shell. An annular electric slide rail is installed on the top of the fixture base shell. An electric slider is slidably connected to one end of the top of the annular electric slide rail. An adjustment housing is provided on the top of the electric slider. A mounting block is provided on the top of the adjustment housing. Multiple mounting holes are installed on the surface of the mounting block for installation with an automatic robotic arm. A moving component is provided inside the adjustment housing. A circular groove is opened on the top of the fixture base shell, and a replacement component is installed inside the circular groove.

[0007] Preferably, the moving component includes a first motor, a threaded rod, a moving block, a square hole, a connecting column, and a bearing.

[0008] Preferably, the first motor is installed on the inner side of the adjusting housing, one end of the first motor is connected to a threaded rod, the end of the threaded rod away from the first motor passes through the moving block and is rotatably connected to a bearing, and the threaded rod is threadedly connected to a threaded hole in the moving block.

[0009] Preferably, a connecting post is fixed to the top of the movable block, and the top of the connecting post passes through a square hole opened on the surface of the adjusting housing and is fixed to the mounting block.

[0010] Preferably, the electric slider has a groove at the top, a second motor is installed at the bottom of the groove, a rotating rod is connected to the top of the second motor, and an adjustment housing is fixed to one end of the rotating rod that extends out of the groove.

[0011] Preferably, the replacement component includes an annular housing, a mounting groove, a slot, a bolt body, and a locking block.

[0012] Preferably, the annular shell is installed in the circular groove, and the top of the annular shell is provided with multiple mounting grooves. Multiple slots are provided on the inner wall of the multiple mounting grooves. A bolt body is inserted into the mounting groove. Multiple locking blocks are fixed to the top of the bolt body. The multiple locking blocks are locked into the multiple slots. The top of the bolt body is provided with an internal thread groove, which is used to connect with the rotatable threaded rod on the automatic robotic arm.

[0013] Preferably, a fixing ring is installed inside the annular shell, and an annular cleaning cotton is fixed to the inner wall of the fixing ring.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] 1. This utility model, through the combination of a ring-shaped electric slide rail, an adjusting housing, and a moving component, allows an automated robotic arm to be mounted on the surface of a mounting block. By placing the tooling base shell between multiple toolings, the automated robotic arm can be moved to the position of any tooling via the ring-shaped electric slide rail to perform riveting operations on the automotive front-end module frame on that tooling. This achieves a single robotic arm operating on multiple toolings, eliminating the need for multiple automated robotic arms. Furthermore, the moving component within the adjusting housing allows for further adjustment of the overall position and angle of the automated robotic arm, further enhancing the adjustment effect. This addresses the issue that while automated robotic arms offer high precision and efficiency, their working space (or operating range) is relatively limited. This necessitates the configuration of automated robotic arms at multiple workstations on large automotive front-end module frame riveting production lines to meet the riveting requirements of different parts. While this approach solves the space coverage problem for riveting operations to some extent, it also increases system complexity. The collaborative operation of multiple automated robotic arms requires a complex control system, which not only increases equipment costs but also adds to the technical challenges of subsequent maintenance and upkeep.

[0016] 2. This utility model, through the combination of a tooling base and replacement components, allows an automated robotic arm to move to a pre-prepared storage location for multiple bolt bodies of different sizes to meet the riveting requirements of different sized automotive front-end module frames during operation. Subsequently, using the threaded post equipped on the automated robotic arm, a threaded connection is achieved with the internal thread groove on the top of the selected bolt body through a rotational action. This process requires no manual intervention and is entirely completed autonomously by the automated robotic arm, thus enabling rapid replacement of bolt bodies. This solves the technical problem that during riveting operations, since the specifications and sizes of the nuts installed on the automotive front-end module frame may vary, it is necessary to use bolts of corresponding sizes for matching. This brings great inconvenience to actual operation, requiring workers to frequently change bolts between different workstations to ensure that each nut is tightened correctly and securely. This not only reduces work efficiency but also easily leads to a decrease in riveting quality or production line failure due to improper bolt replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the bolt of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mobile component of this utility model.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Tooling base shell; 101. Control host; 2. Circular electric slide rail; 201. Electric slider; 202. Adjusting housing; 203. Square hole; 204. Moving block; 205. First motor; 206. Threaded rod; 207. Bearing; 208. Connecting column; 209. Mounting block; 210. Groove; 211. Second motor; 212. Rotating rod; 3. Circular groove; 301. Circular housing; 302. Mounting groove; 303. Slot; 304. Slot; 305. Bolt body; 306. Fixing ring; 307. Circular cleaning cotton; 308. Internal threaded groove. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0022] Example 1: Automatic riveting fixture for automotive front-end module frame, see [link / reference] Figures 1 to 3The system includes a base housing 1, a control host 101 mounted at the front end of the base housing 1, a circular electric slide rail 2 mounted on the top of the base housing 1, an electric slider 201 slidably connected to one end of the top of the circular electric slide rail 2, an adjusting housing 202 on the top of the electric slider 201, and a mounting block 209 on the top of the adjusting housing 202. The mounting block 209 has multiple mounting holes for mounting an automated robotic arm. A moving component is located inside the adjusting housing 202. A circular groove 3 is formed on the top of the base housing 1, and a replacement component is installed inside the groove 3. First, the base housing 1 is placed in a pre-designed fixed position between multiple riveting fixtures. Then, the automated robotic arm is securely mounted on top of the mounting block 209, which serves as a support structure for the automated robotic arm, ensuring its stability and operational accuracy. After preparation, the circular electric slide rail 2 is activated. The electric slider 201 inside the circular electric slide rail 2 moves in a circular motion under the guidance of the slide rail. The movement of the electric slider 201 drives the connected adjusting housing 202 to move in a ring. The adjusting housing 202 serves as the support structure for the mounting block 209 and the automated robotic arm. Its movement allows the automated robotic arm to cover different riveting fixture positions. When the adjusting housing 202 moves the automated robotic arm to the target riveting fixture position, the automated robotic arm begins the riveting operation, riveting the front-end module frame of the car on the fixture. If the distance between the automated robotic arm and the riveting fixture needs to be adjusted, the first motor 205 can be activated. The rotation of the first motor 205 drives the threaded rod 206 to rotate. The threaded rod 206 and the moving block 204 are connected by a threaded connection for transmission. Therefore, the rotation of the threaded rod 206 pushes or pulls the moving block 204 to move linearly. The movement of the moving block 204 further drives the connected connecting column 208 and the mounting block 209 to move, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the distance of the automated robotic arm. When the angle of the automated robotic arm needs to be adjusted to adapt to different operations... When needed, the second motor 211 can be activated. The rotation of the second motor 211 drives the rotating rod 212 to rotate, which in turn drives the adjusting housing 202 to rotate. The rotation of the adjusting housing 202 further adjusts the angle of the automatic robotic arm, enabling it to perform riveting operations at the optimal angle. This solves the problem that while automatic robotic arms have the advantages of high precision and efficiency, their working space (or operating range) is relatively limited. As a result, on large automotive front-end module frame riveting production lines, in order to meet the riveting needs of different parts, automatic robotic arms need to be configured at multiple workstations. Although this approach solves the space coverage problem of riveting operations to a certain extent, it also increases the complexity of the system. The coordinated operation of multiple automatic robotic arms requires a complex control system, which not only increases equipment costs but also increases the technical difficulties of later maintenance and upkeep.

[0023] For details, see Figure 3 The moving component includes a first motor 205, a threaded rod 206, a moving block 204, a square hole 203, a connecting column 208, and a bearing 207.

[0024] For more details, see Figure 3 The first motor 205 is installed on the inner side of the adjusting housing 202. One end of the first motor 205 is connected to a threaded rod 206. The end of the threaded rod 206 away from the first motor 205 passes through the moving block 204 and is rotatably connected to a bearing 207. The threaded rod 206 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole in the moving block 204.

[0025] Further, see Figure 3 A connecting post 208 is fixed to the top of the movable block 204. The top of the connecting post 208 passes through a square hole 203 opened on the surface of the adjusting housing 202 and is fixed to the mounting block 209.

[0026] Further, see Figure 3 The electric slider 201 has a groove 210 on its top. A second motor 211 is installed at the bottom of the groove 210. A rotating rod 212 is connected to the top of the second motor 211. An adjustment housing 202 is fixed to one end of the rotating rod 212 that extends out of the groove 210.

[0027] It is worth noting that, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The replacement components include annular housing 301, mounting groove 302, slot 303, bolt body 305, and locking block 304.

[0028] It is worth noting that, see Figure 1 and Figure 2An annular housing 301 is installed in a circular groove 3, and multiple mounting grooves 302 are formed around the top of the annular housing 301. Multiple slots 303 are formed on the inner wall of the mounting grooves 302. A bolt body 305 is inserted into the mounting groove 302. Multiple locking blocks 304 are fixed to the top of the bolt body 305. The locking blocks 304 are engaged in the slots 303. An internal thread groove 308 is formed on the top of the bolt body 305. The internal thread groove 308 is used to connect with the rotatable threaded rod 206 on the automatic robotic arm. Before the operation begins, multiple bolt bodies 305 of different sizes are prepared in advance according to the different size requirements of the front module frame of the car, and they are placed in the designated mounting grooves 302. When it is necessary to replace the bolt body 305, the automatic robotic arm first moves to the designated storage position of the bolt body 305 according to the preset program or instructions. During this process, the automatic robotic arm identifies and locates the target bolt body 305 through the built-in sensors or vision system. After the automatic robotic arm reaches the target position, it first performs the disassembly operation. Using its own threaded post, the existing bolt body 305, which was previously connected to the threaded post, is inserted into the mounting slot 302. Then, the threaded post on the automated robotic arm begins to rotate in the reverse direction. Since the bolt body 305 and the threaded post are connected by threads, the reverse rotation causes them to gradually separate. When the rotation reaches a certain point, the bolt body 305 and the threaded post are completely separated, and the original bolt body 305 is successfully disassembled. After disassembly, the automated robotic arm moves to the new bolt body 305's storage position and connects it using the threaded post. At this point, the threaded post begins to rotate in the forward direction, gradually achieving a threaded connection with the internal thread groove 308 on the top of the new bolt body 305. When it rotates to the predetermined position... When the threaded post is in place, it is tightly connected to the new bolt body 305. After the replacement of the new bolt body 305 is completed, the automated robotic arm returns to its previous working position and continues to perform the riveting operation. This solves the problem that in the riveting process, since the specifications and sizes of the nuts installed on the front module frame of the car may be different, it is necessary to use bolts of the corresponding size for matching. This brings great inconvenience to actual operation. Workers need to frequently change bolts between different work stations to ensure that each nut can be tightened correctly and securely. This not only reduces work efficiency, but also easily leads to a decrease in riveting quality or production line failure due to improper bolt replacement.

[0029] It is worth mentioning that, see Figure 1 A fixing ring 306 is installed inside the annular housing 301. An annular cleaning cotton 307 is fixed to the inner wall of the fixing ring 306. When it is necessary to clean the bolt body 305, an automatic robotic arm can be used to insert the bolt body 305 into the annular cleaning cotton 307 and drive the bolt body 305 to rotate, thereby cleaning the surface of the bolt body 305.

[0030] When using the automated riveting fixture for the automotive front-end module frame, firstly, the fixture base 1 is placed in a pre-designed fixed position among multiple riveting fixtures. Next, the automated robotic arm is securely mounted on top of the mounting block 209, which serves as a support structure for the robotic arm, ensuring its stability and operational accuracy. Once preparation is complete, the circular electric slide rail 2 is activated. The circular electric slide rail 2 contains an electric slider 201, which moves in a circular motion guided by the slide rail. The movement of the electric slider 201 drives the connected adjusting housing 202 to move in a circular motion. The adjusting housing 202 serves as the support structure for the mounting block 209 and the automated robotic arm. Its movement allows the automated robotic arm to cover different riveting fixture positions. When the adjusting housing 202 moves the automated robotic arm to the target riveting fixture position, the automated robotic arm begins to perform riveting operations, riveting the front-end module frame of the car on the fixture. If it is necessary to adjust the distance between the automated robotic arm and the riveting fixture, the first motor 205 can be activated. The rotation of the first motor 205 drives the threaded rod 206 to rotate. The threaded rod 206 and the moving block 204 are connected by a thread to achieve transmission. Therefore, the rotation of the threaded rod 206 will push or pull the moving block 204 to move linearly. The movement of the moving block 204 further drives the connected connecting column 208 and the mounting block 209 to move, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the distance of the automated robotic arm. When it is necessary to adjust the angle of the automated robotic arm... When adjusting to meet different operational needs, the second motor 211 can be activated. The rotation of the second motor 211 drives the rotating rod 212 to rotate, which in turn drives the adjusting housing 202 to rotate. The rotation of the adjusting housing 202 further adjusts the angle of the automatic robotic arm, enabling it to perform riveting operations at the optimal angle. Before the operation begins, multiple bolt bodies 305 of different sizes are prepared in advance according to the different size requirements of the automotive front-end module frame, and they are placed in multiple designated mounting slots 302. When it is necessary to replace the bolt body 305, the automatic robotic arm first moves to the designated bolt body 305 storage position according to the preset program or instructions. During this process, the automatic robotic arm identifies and locates the target bolt body 305 through built-in sensors or vision systems. After the automatic robotic arm reaches the target position, it first performs the disassembly operation.Using its own threaded post, the robot arm inserts the existing bolt body 305, which is connected to the threaded post, into the mounting slot 302. Then, the threaded post on the automated robotic arm begins to rotate in the reverse direction. Since the bolt body 305 and the threaded post are connected by threads, the reverse rotation causes them to gradually separate. When the rotation reaches a certain point, the bolt body 305 and the threaded post are completely separated, and the original bolt body 305 is successfully disassembled. After disassembly, the automated robotic arm moves to the storage position of the new bolt body 305 and connects it using the threaded post. At this time, the threaded post begins to rotate in the forward direction and gradually achieves threaded connection with the internal thread groove 308 on the top of the new bolt body 305. When the rotation reaches the predetermined position, the threaded post and the new bolt body 305 are tightly connected, and the replacement of the new bolt body 305 is completed. After replacing the bolt body 305, the automated robotic arm returns to the previous working position and continues to perform the riveting operation.

[0031] In addition, all components designed in this utility model are general standard parts or parts known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle can be known to those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods. Those skilled in the art can fully implement them, so there is no need to elaborate. The content protected by this utility model does not involve improvements to the internal structure and method.

[0032] The embodiments disclosed herein are preferred embodiments, but are not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can readily grasp the spirit of this utility model based on the above embodiments and make different extensions and variations. However, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of this utility model, they are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic riveting fixture for a car front-end module frame, comprising a fixture base (1), wherein a control host (101) is mounted on the front end of the fixture base (1), characterized in that, The tooling base (1) is equipped with a ring-shaped electric slide rail (2) on its top. One end of the ring-shaped electric slide rail (2) is slidably connected to an electric slider (201). The electric slider (201) is equipped with an adjustment housing (202) on its top. The adjustment housing (202) is equipped with a mounting block (209) on its top. The mounting block (209) has multiple mounting holes on its surface for mounting with an automatic robotic arm. The adjustment housing (202) is equipped with a moving component inside. The tooling base (1) has a circular groove (3) on its top. The circular groove (3) is equipped with a replacement component inside.

2. The automatic riveting fixture for the automotive front-end module frame as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The moving component includes a first motor (205), a threaded rod (206), a moving block (204), a square hole (203), a connecting column (208), and a bearing (207).

3. The automatic riveting fixture for the automotive front-end module frame as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first motor (205) is installed on the inner side of the adjusting housing (202). One end of the first motor (205) is connected to a threaded rod (206). The end of the threaded rod (206) away from the first motor (205) passes through the moving block (204) and is rotatably connected to a bearing (207). The threaded rod (206) is threadedly connected to the threaded hole in the moving block (204).

4. The automatic riveting fixture for the automotive front-end module frame as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the movable block (204) is fixed with a connecting column (208), the top of the connecting column (208) passes through a square hole (203) opened on the surface of the adjusting housing (202) and is fixed with the mounting block (209).

5. The automatic riveting fixture for the automotive front-end module frame as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric slider (201) has a groove (210) on its top. A second motor (211) is installed at the bottom of the groove (210). A rotating rod (212) is connected to the top of the second motor (211). An adjusting housing (202) is fixed to one end of the rotating rod (212) that extends out of the groove (210).

6. The automatic riveting fixture for the automotive front-end module frame as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The replacement component includes an annular housing (301), a mounting groove (302), a slot (303), a bolt body (305), and a locking block (304).

7. The automatic riveting fixture for the automotive front-end module frame as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The annular housing (301) is installed in the circular groove (3), and a plurality of mounting grooves (302) are provided around the top of the annular housing (301). A plurality of slots (303) are provided on the inner wall of the plurality of mounting grooves (302). A bolt body (305) is inserted into the mounting groove (302). A plurality of locking blocks (304) are fixed to the top of the bolt body (305). The plurality of locking blocks (304) are engaged in the plurality of slots (303). An internal thread groove (308) is provided on the top of the bolt body (305). The internal thread groove (308) is used to connect with the rotatable threaded column on the automatic robotic arm.

8. The automatic riveting fixture for the automotive front-end module frame as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A fixing ring (306) is installed inside the annular shell (301), and an annular cleaning cotton (307) is fixed to the inner wall of the fixing ring (306).

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