An automated welder and automated welder system

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic welding machine and an automatic welding machine system, and relates to the technical field of welding, wherein the automatic welding machine comprises a welding unit, a composite unit and a control unit, the welding unit comprises an upper electrode and a lower electrode, the composite unit comprises a distance detection device, the control unit is used for controlling the distance detection device to detect a first distance between the distance detection device and the lower electrode, a second distance between the distance detection device and the lower electrode when the lower electrode is not abraded is preset in the control unit, and the control unit calculates an abrasion amount of the lower electrode by using a difference between the first distance and the second distance. According to the abrasion amount, the height of a to-be-welded part is adjusted correspondingly, a gap between the to-be-welded part and the lower electrode is avoided, and the welding quality of the welding machine and the normal operation of the welding machine are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of welding technology, and in particular to an automated welding machine and an automated welding machine system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automated welding, automated welding machines are increasingly widely used. Robots transport the parts to be welded between the upper and lower electrodes of the automated welding machine for efficient welding. However, in long-term operation, the lower electrode of existing automated welding machines inevitably wears down due to the complex conditions of high temperature, high pressure, and mechanical friction during welding, resulting in a shortened length. After the lower electrode wears down, when the part to be welded is delivered to the predetermined position according to the preset program, a gap is created between the part and the lower electrode. During welding, this gap not only leads to a decrease in welding quality, resulting in defects such as incomplete welds and weak welds, but it can also affect the normal operation and service life of the automated welding machine, increasing equipment maintenance costs and downtime, and reducing production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes an automated welding machine that ensures the welding quality and normal operation of the welding machine.

[0004] An automated welding machine according to one embodiment of this application includes: a welding unit comprising an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and an electrode driving mechanism, wherein the electrode driving mechanism is capable of driving the upper electrode downward toward the lower electrode to weld the component to be welded between the upper electrode and the lower electrode; a composite unit comprising a distance detection device, wherein the distance detection device is capable of measuring a first distance between itself and the lower electrode; and a control unit comprising a preset second distance, wherein the second distance is the distance between the lower electrode and the distance detection device when the lower electrode is not worn, and the control unit is used to control the distance detection device to measure the first distance to calculate the wear amount of the lower electrode by means of the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

[0005] According to some embodiments of one aspect of this application, the composite unit is provided with a foreign matter cleaning device to clean the surfaces of the upper electrode and the lower electrode.

[0006] According to some embodiments of one aspect of this application, the foreign object removal device includes an electromagnetic valve and an upper air blowing port and a lower air blowing port controlled by the electromagnetic valve. The electromagnetic valve includes an air outlet and an air inlet. The air outlet is connected to the upper air blowing port and the lower air blowing port, and an air supply device is connected to the air outlet.

[0007] According to some embodiments of one aspect of this application, the composite unit is provided with a unit driving mechanism, which is capable of driving the distance detection device of the composite unit to move above the lower electrode of the welding unit.

[0008] According to some embodiments of one aspect of this application, the automated welding machine further includes a slide rail, and the composite unit is slidably connected on the slide rail.

[0009] According to some embodiments of one aspect of this application, the automated welding machine further includes a track and a mounting base. One end of the track is fixedly disposed on the mounting base, and the other end of the track is fixedly disposed on the composite unit. The composite unit slides along the slide rail, and the track is used to guide the composite unit.

[0010] According to some embodiments of one aspect of this application, the composite unit is provided with a bracket, the bracket including a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part and the second connecting part being connected at an angle, the end of the first connecting part being able to slide on the slide rail, and the end of the second connecting part being connected to the distance detection device.

[0011] According to some embodiments of one aspect of this application, the distance detection device is an infrared ranging sensor.

[0012] According to some embodiments of another aspect of this application, An automated welding machine system according to another embodiment of this application includes the automated welding machine of the first aspect of this application.

[0013] According to some embodiments of another aspect of this application, an automated welding machine system includes a transport robot, the control unit of the automated welding machine being electrically connected to the transport robot, the transport robot being able to adjust the height of the part to be welded according to the wear of the lower electrode, so that the part to be welded is in contact with the lower electrode when it is delivered above the lower electrode.

[0014] The automated welding machine according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following technical effects: the control unit is used to control the distance detection device in the composite unit to detect the first distance between it and the lower electrode. The control unit is preset with a second distance between the lower electrode and the distance detection device when the lower electrode is not worn. The control unit calculates the wear amount of the lower electrode through the difference between the first distance and the second distance, and adjusts the height of the part to be welded accordingly based on the wear amount, so as to avoid the gap between the part to be welded and the lower electrode, and ensure the welding quality of the welding machine and the normal operation of the welding machine. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated welding machine according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part a; Figure 3 This is a side view of an automated welding machine according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of part b in the middle.

[0016] Figure label: 100. Welding unit; 110. Upper electrode; 120. Lower electrode; 130. Electrode drive mechanism; 200, Composite unit; 210, Distance detection device; 220, Foreign object removal device; 221, Upper air blowing port; 222, Lower air blowing port; 230, Unit drive mechanism; 240, Slider; 250, Support; 251, First connecting part; 252, Second connecting part; 300, Tracks; 400, Base; 500, Chassis; 510, Working Platform; 520, Mounting Base; 600, Slide Rail. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0018] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0019] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] In the field of automated welding, automated welding machines are increasingly widely used. Welding transport robots in these machines deliver the parts to be welded between the upper and lower electrodes for efficient welding. However, in long-term operation, the lower electrode of existing automated welding machines inevitably wears down due to the complex conditions of high temperature, high pressure, and mechanical friction during welding, resulting in a shortened length. After the lower electrode wears down, a gap is created between the part to be welded and the lower electrode when it is delivered to the predetermined position according to the preset program. During welding, this gap not only leads to a decrease in welding quality, resulting in defects such as incomplete welds and weak welds, but it can also affect the normal operation and service life of the automated welding machine, increasing equipment maintenance costs and downtime, and reducing production efficiency.

[0021] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 4 An automated welding machine according to an embodiment of this application is described.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, one embodiment of this application discloses an automated welding machine, which includes a welding unit 100, a composite unit 200, and a control unit.

[0023] The welding unit 100 includes an upper electrode 110, a lower electrode 120, and a driving mechanism 130. The electrode driving mechanism 130 can drive the upper electrode 110 downward to approach the lower electrode 120 to weld the component to be welded between the upper and lower electrodes. The lower electrode 120 will wear down and shorten during the welding process. The length of the lower electrode 120 that has shortened due to wear is the wear amount of the lower electrode 120. The composite unit 200 is provided with a distance detection device 210, which can measure a first distance between itself and the lower electrode 120. The control unit is preset with a second distance, which is the distance between the lower electrode 120 and the distance detection device 210 when it is not worn. The control unit is used to control the distance detection device to measure the first distance so as to calculate the wear amount of the lower electrode by the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the automated welding machine includes a base 400 and a chassis 500 mounted on the base 400. The front of the chassis 500 is the working area of ​​the automated welding machine. A control unit (not shown in the figure) is installed inside the chassis 500. A welding unit 100 is provided on the front surface of the chassis 500. All components of the welding unit 100 are located in front of the chassis 500. The welding unit 100 includes an upper electrode 110, a lower electrode 120, and an electrode drive mechanism 130. The electrode drive mechanism 130 is a first cylinder. It can be understood that the unit drive mechanism 130 can be a servo motor, hydraulic pump, or other drive mechanism. An electrode driving mechanism 130 is fixedly mounted on the front surface of the chassis 500. An upper electrode 110 is connected below the electrode driving mechanism 130. The electrode driving mechanism 130 can drive the upper electrode 110 to move vertically. The front surface of the chassis 500 is also provided with a working platform 510, which is located below the upper electrode 110. Corresponding to the position of the upper electrode 110, a lower electrode 120 is provided on the upper surface of the working platform 510. The electrode driving mechanism 130 drives the upper electrode 110 to move downward so that the upper electrode 110 and the lower electrode 120 can weld the parts to be welded.

[0025] Because the lower electrode 120 will wear down and shorten during the welding process, the length of which is the amount of wear on the lower electrode 120. If the part to be welded is still fed between the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 110 at the preset height, a gap will be generated between the lower electrode 120 and the part to be welded. This gap will not only lead to a decrease in welding quality, resulting in defects such as incomplete welds and weak welds, but may also affect the normal operation and service life of the automated welding machine, increasing equipment maintenance costs and downtime, and reducing production efficiency. Therefore, the automated welding machine is also equipped with a composite unit 200, which is installed on the front surface of the housing 500. The composite unit 200 includes a slider 240, which is movably mounted on the work platform 510 via the slider 240. The composite unit 200 can move on the work platform 510. A bracket 250 extends from the slider 240 toward the lower electrode 120, and a distance detection device 210 is installed at the end of the bracket 250. The distance detection device 210 is vertically higher than the top of the lower electrode 120. Before welding, the distance detection device 210... Figure 2As shown, the distance detection device 210 moves directly above the lower electrode 120 to measure the vertical distance between the device and the lower electrode 120, i.e., the first distance. After measurement, the distance detection device 210 transmits the first distance to the control unit inside the chassis 500. The control unit has a pre-set second distance, which is the distance between the lower electrode 120 and the distance detection device 210 when the lower electrode 120 is not worn. The control unit calculates the wear amount of the lower electrode 120 based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance. Then, based on the wear amount, the position of the part to be welded is adjusted accordingly when it is fed into the automated welding machine to avoid gaps between the part to be welded and the lower electrode, thus ensuring the welding quality and normal operation of the welding machine.

[0026] In some specific embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the composite unit 200 is equipped with a foreign matter cleaning device 220 to clean the surfaces of the upper electrode 110 and the lower electrode 120. As illustrated, the foreign matter cleaning device 220 is adjacent to the distance detection device 210. The foreign matter cleaning device 220 is vertically higher than the lower electrode 120 and lower than the upper electrode 110. After the automated welding machine finishes welding the components to be welded, the control unit controls the foreign matter cleaning device 220 to clean the surfaces of the upper electrode 110 and the lower electrode 120. It can be understood that the cleaning by the foreign matter cleaning device 220 can be achieved by blowing air or wiping the surfaces of the upper and lower electrodes to remove foreign matter from the surfaces of the upper and lower electrodes.

[0027] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the foreign object removal device 220 includes a solenoid valve, and an upward air outlet 221 and a downward air outlet 222 controlled by the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve has an air outlet and an air inlet. The air outlet connects to the upward air outlet 221 and the downward air outlet 222, and the air inlet is connected to an external air supply device. The solenoid valve in the foreign object removal device 220 is embedded in a bracket 250. The bracket 250 has an upward air outlet 221 and a downward air outlet 222 in the vertical direction. The upward air outlet 221 and the downward air outlet 222 are aligned horizontally. The air outlet of the solenoid valve connects to the upward air outlet 221 and the downward air outlet 222, and the air inlet of the solenoid valve is connected to an external air supply device. When the control unit opens the solenoid valve of the foreign object removal device 220, gas is introduced from the gas supply device to the upper air blowing port 221 and the lower air blowing port 222, respectively, to blow air onto the upper electrode 110 and the lower electrode 120 to remove foreign objects. This prevents the surface of the upper electrode 110 and the lower electrode 120 from having foreign objects such as welding slag and metal residue left from the previous welding. Residual foreign objects will affect the quality of the subsequent welding and may even cause an explosion during the subsequent welding.

[0028] In some specific embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2The composite unit 200 shown includes a unit drive mechanism 230, which drives the distance detection device 210 of the composite unit 200 to move above the lower electrode 120 of the welding unit 100. Furthermore, the automated welding machine also includes a slide rail 600, on which the composite unit 200 is slidably connected. See [reference needed] Figure 3 This is a side view of an automated welding machine. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged diagram of part b, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the unit drive mechanism 230 is the second cylinder, and the slider 240 is mounted on the slide rail 600. The slider 240 slides along the slide rail 600 under the action of the unit drive mechanism 230. When it is necessary to measure the wear of the lower electrode 120, the unit drive mechanism 230 drives the slider 240 to move forward, as shown. Figure 2 As shown, the slider 240 drives the distance detection device 210 on the bracket 250 to move until the distance detection device 210 is above the lower electrode 120. The distance detection device 210 measures the first distance. At the same time, the foreign matter cleaning device 220 can also clean the upper electrode 110 and the lower electrode 120 simultaneously. After measurement or cleaning, the unit drive mechanism 230 drives the slider 240 to move backward, leaving space for the subsequent work of the automated welding machine. It can be understood that the unit drive mechanism 230 can be a servo motor, hydraulic pump, or other drive mechanism; the composite unit 200 can be movably connected to the automated welding machine by means of hinge, screw connection, or other methods.

[0029] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the automated welding machine also includes a track 300 and a mounting base 520. One end of the track 300 is fixedly mounted on the mounting base 520, and the other end of the track 300 is fixedly mounted on the composite unit 200. The composite unit 200 slides along the slide rail 600, and the track 300 is used to guide the composite unit 200. Figure 2 As shown, the front surface of the chassis 500 has a long strip-shaped mounting base 520. A track 300 is mounted on the mounting base 520, with the lower end of the track 300 fixed to the mounting base 520. The mounting base 520 is located beside and parallel to the slide rail 600. The slide rail 600 has a slider 240 of the composite unit 200. The slider 240 has a mounting portion extending towards the mounting base 520, located directly above the mounting base 520. The upper end of the track 300 is fixed to this mounting portion. The track 300 has a U-shaped posture, including two straight edges and a curved edge between them. Figure 4As shown, when the slider 240 slides along the slide rail 600, the upper end of the track 300 moves accordingly with the slider 240. The track 300 falls on or detaches from the mounting base 520 as the slider 240 moves. The lengths of the two straight sides of the U-shaped track 300 change in a trend of mutual inversion. The track 300 guides the sliding of the slider 240, making the composite unit 200 more stable during the sliding process on the slide rail 600.

[0030] In some specific embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the composite unit 200 includes a support 250, which comprises a first connecting portion 251 and a second connecting portion 252. The first connecting portion 251 and the second connecting portion 252 are connected at an angle. The end of the first connecting portion 251 can slide on the slide rail 600, and the end of the second connecting portion 252 is connected to the distance detection device 210. In other words, the support 250 can transmit the movement of the unit drive mechanism 230 to the distance detection device 210. The support 250 achieves movement transmission at different heights through the angled first connecting portion 251 and the second connecting portion 252, which facilitates the positional arrangement of the unit drive mechanism 230 and the distance detection device 210 in the automated welding machine. When the automated welding machine is welding, the support 250 transmits the movement of the unit drive mechanism to keep the distance detection device 210 away from the upper electrode 110 and the lower electrode 120, thus preventing the distance detection device 210 from being damaged by the electrode arc.

[0031] In some specific embodiments of this application, the distance detection device 210 is an infrared ranging sensor.

[0032] In another specific embodiment of this application, an automated welding machine system is disclosed, including the automated welding machine as described above, and also including a transport robot. The control unit of the automated welding machine is electrically connected to the transport robot. The transport robot can adjust the height of the part to be welded according to the wear of the lower electrode 120, so that the part to be welded is in contact with the lower electrode 120 when it is sent above the lower electrode 120.

[0033] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. An automated welding machine, characterized in that, include: The welding unit includes an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and an electrode driving mechanism. The electrode driving mechanism can drive the upper electrode downward to approach the lower electrode in order to weld the component to be welded between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. A composite unit, wherein a distance detection device is provided in the composite unit, the distance detection device being capable of measuring a first distance between itself and the lower electrode; The control unit has a preset second distance, which is the distance between the lower electrode and the distance detection device when the lower electrode is not worn. The control unit is used to control the distance detection device to measure the first distance, so as to calculate the wear amount of the lower electrode by the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

2. The automated welding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The composite unit is equipped with a foreign matter cleaning device to clean the surfaces of the upper electrode and the lower electrode.

3. The automated welding machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The foreign object removal device includes an electromagnetic valve and an upper air inlet and a lower air inlet controlled by the electromagnetic valve. The electromagnetic valve includes an air outlet and an air inlet. The air outlet is connected to the upper air inlet and the lower air inlet. An air supply device is connected to the air outlet.

4. The automated welding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The composite unit is provided with a unit driving mechanism, which can drive the distance detection device of the composite unit to move above the lower electrode of the welding unit.

5. The automated welding machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The automated welding machine also includes a slide rail, on which the composite unit is slidably connected.

6. The automated welding machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The automated welding machine also includes a track and a mounting base. One end of the track is fixedly mounted on the mounting base, and the other end of the track is fixedly mounted on the composite unit. The composite unit slides along the slide rail, and the track is used to guide the composite unit.

7. The automated welding machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The composite unit is provided with a bracket, which includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part are connected at an angle. The end of the first connecting part can slide on the slide rail, and the end of the second connecting part is connected to the distance detection device.

8. The automated welding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance detection device is an infrared ranging sensor.

9. An automated welding machine system, characterized in that, Including the automated welding machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The automated welding machine system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The automated welding machine includes a transport robot, and the control unit of the automated welding machine is electrically connected to the transport robot. The transport robot can adjust the height of the part to be welded according to the wear of the lower electrode, so that the part to be welded is in contact with the lower electrode when it is delivered above the lower electrode.

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