poka-yoke positioning mechanism

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of vehicle manufacturing, in particular to a mistake-proof positioning mechanism. The mistake-proof positioning mechanism comprises a base, a positioning unit and a mistake-proof unit. The positioning unit is arranged on the base and is provided with a positioning pin for penetrating a positioning hole of a workpiece. The mistake-proof unit comprises a plurality of positioning column groups for penetrating mistake-proof holes of the workpiece. The plurality of positioning column groups are arranged on the base in a spaced and telescopic mode. Each of the plurality of positioning column groups has an extended state and a retracted state. When any one of the positioning column groups is in the extended state and matches the mistake-proof hole of the corresponding workpiece, the other positioning column groups are in the retracted state. The mistake-proof positioning mechanism can reduce the error rate in the welding production process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and in particular to a fault-prevention positioning mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the welding and assembly process of automobile manufacturing, multiple models share the same production line, and the same set of tooling fixtures is suitable for a variety of different parts. However, the differences between the parts are small, and the error rate of manual visual identification is high. Once a part is misassembled, it will cause a lot of rework and repair, resulting in significant cost losses. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a mistake-proof positioning mechanism that can reduce the error rate in the welding production process.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted in this application include: This application provides a mistake-proof positioning mechanism, which includes a base, a positioning unit, and a mistake-proofing unit. The positioning unit is disposed on the base and has a positioning pin for passing through a positioning hole in the workpiece. The mistake-proofing unit includes multiple positioning pin groups for passing through the mistake-proofing hole in the workpiece. The multiple positioning pin groups are spaced apart and retractably disposed on the base. Each of the multiple positioning pin groups has an extended state and a retracted state. When any one of the positioning pin groups is in the extended state and engages with the corresponding mistake-proofing hole in the workpiece, the other positioning pin groups are in the retracted state.

[0005] The error-proof positioning mechanism proposed in this application involves adjusting the corresponding positioning pin group to the extended state and the other positioning pin groups to the retracted state when processing a certain workpiece. The positioning pins then pass through the positioning holes on the workpiece to position it. The error-proof holes on the workpiece are then passed through the positioning pin groups. If the error-proof holes on the workpiece match the positioning pin groups, the workpiece is considered correct; otherwise, it is considered incorrect. In other words, by matching the positioning pin groups with the error-proof holes on the workpiece, the purpose of workpiece identification is achieved. This allows for rapid identification when switching workpieces, reducing workpiece errors and improving production efficiency and quality. Furthermore, this error-proof positioning mechanism has a simple structure, is easy to operate, is not easily damaged, and has low manufacturing and maintenance costs. Optionally, the error-proof positioning mechanism also includes multiple telescopic cylinders, which are spaced apart on the base. The telescopic end of each telescopic cylinder is connected to the corresponding positioning pin group.

[0006] Optionally, each of the positioning post groups includes at least one positioning post.

[0007] Optionally, the error prevention unit further includes multiple connecting blocks, each connecting block being connected to the telescopic end of the corresponding telescopic cylinder, and each connecting block being provided with at least one positioning post of the corresponding positioning post group.

[0008] Optionally, the error-proof positioning mechanism further includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the plurality of telescopic cylinders to enable any one of the positioning column groups to be in the extended state while the other positioning column groups are in the retracted state.

[0009] Optionally, the error-proof positioning mechanism further includes a clamping unit, which includes a first support portion and a pressing portion. The first support portion is disposed on the base, and the pressing portion is rotatably disposed on the base to move closer to or away from the first support portion. When the pressing portion moves closer to the first support portion, the first support portion and the pressing portion define a limiting space for pressing the workpiece.

[0010] Optionally, the base is provided with a first support, which is spaced apart from the first support portion; the plurality of positioning column groups include a first positioning column group and a second positioning column group, the first positioning column group is provided on the first support, and the second positioning column group is provided on the first support portion.

[0011] Optionally, the first support is provided with a second support portion at one end away from the base, and the second support portion has a support surface for supporting the workpiece.

[0012] Optionally, the first support is provided with a guide portion, the guide portion including a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being disposed on the first support, and the second segment being disposed at the end of the first segment away from the first support and extending in a direction away from the second support portion. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the error-proof positioning mechanism in one embodiment of this application, wherein workpiece A is placed on the error-proof positioning mechanism; Figure 2 This is a front view of a fault-proof positioning mechanism in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the error-proof positioning mechanism in one embodiment of this application.

[0015] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image] 1. Base; 11. First support; 111. Second support; 12. Guide section; 121. First section; 122. Second section; 2. Positioning unit; 21. Positioning pin; 3. Error-proofing unit; 31. Positioning post group; 311. First positioning post group; 312. Second positioning post group; 4. Telescopic cylinder; 5. Connecting block; 6. Clamping unit; 61. First support part; 62. Pressing part; A. Workpiece. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0018] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0019] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0021] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0022] Currently, the production line in the welding process is highly flexible and compatible, and can meet the needs of multiple vehicle models. However, the more parts the same tooling fixture is applicable to, the higher the error rate will be if only human visual identification of part differences is used for error prevention due to uncontrollable factors such as human differences and personnel fatigue. If machine vision system is used for error prevention, the cost is high and the debugging cycle is longer, resulting in low returns.

[0023] Therefore, a fault-proofing positioning mechanism is needed to identify discrepancies in parts, thereby improving product quality and reducing costs.

[0024] This application provides a fault-prevention positioning mechanism, referencing... Figures 1 to 3 The error-proof positioning mechanism includes a base 1, a positioning unit 2, and an error-proof unit 3. The positioning unit 2 is located on the base 1 and has a positioning pin 21 that passes through the positioning hole of the workpiece. The error-proof unit 3 includes multiple positioning post groups 31 that pass through the error-proof hole of the workpiece. The multiple positioning post groups 31 are spaced apart and retractable on the base 1. Each of the multiple positioning post groups 31 has an extended state and a retracted state. When any one positioning post group 31 is in the extended state and engages with the corresponding error-proof hole of the workpiece, the other positioning post groups 31 are in the retracted state.

[0025] The positioning pins 21 of the positioning unit 2 are suitable for positioning holes of various types of workpieces, and can meet the positioning needs of multiple types of workpieces. The anti-misalignment holes on each workpiece are set in different positions, which can be adapted to different positioning post groups 31. Each positioning post group 31 is adapted to the anti-misalignment hole on a workpiece, and each positioning post group 31 is retractable relative to the base 1. When a certain part needs to be machined, the corresponding positioning post group 31 is adjusted to the extended state to match the anti-misalignment hole on the workpiece. At this time, other positioning posts are in the retracted state to reduce interference with the installation of the workpiece. Each positioning post group 31 may have one or more positioning posts, and the positioning posts in each positioning post group 31 can simultaneously retract or extend to match the corresponding anti-misalignment holes on the workpiece.

[0026] In other words, when a positioning post group 31 is in the extended state, only the anti-error hole of the workpiece that matches the positioning post group 31 can cooperate with the positioning post group 31. If other workpieces are placed in the anti-error positioning mechanism, the other workpieces do not have anti-error holes that cooperate with the positioning post group 31, so they cannot be placed in the anti-error positioning mechanism, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing errors.

[0027] The error-proof positioning mechanism proposed in this application involves adjusting the corresponding positioning post group 31 to the extended state and the other positioning post groups 31 to the retracted state when processing a certain workpiece. Then, the positioning hole on the workpiece is passed through the positioning pin 21, which positions the workpiece. The error-proof hole on the workpiece is then passed through the positioning post group 31. If the error-proof hole of the workpiece matches the positioning post group 31, the workpiece is considered correct; otherwise, it is considered incorrect. This application achieves workpiece identification by matching the positioning post group 31 with the error-proof hole of the workpiece. It enables rapid identification when switching workpieces, reduces workpiece errors, and improves production efficiency and quality. Furthermore, this error-proof positioning mechanism has a simple structure, is easy to operate, is not easily damaged, and has low manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0028] Optionally, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The error-proof positioning mechanism also includes multiple telescopic cylinders 4, which are spaced apart on the base 1. The telescopic end of each telescopic cylinder 4 is connected to the corresponding positioning column group 31.

[0029] The telescopic cylinder 4 is located on the base 1 and connected to the positioning column group 31 to control the positioning column group 31 to extend or retract, so that the corresponding positioning column group 31 cooperates with the corresponding workpiece to achieve the purpose of identifying the workpiece.

[0030] Optionally, each locating post group 31 includes at least one locating post.

[0031] Each locating post group 31 can have one, two, three, or more locating posts, depending on the specific application. Each locating post is matched with a corresponding error-proof hole on the workpiece to achieve the purpose of error prevention.

[0032] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The error prevention unit 3 also includes multiple connecting blocks 5, each connecting block 5 is connected to the telescopic end of the corresponding telescopic cylinder 4, and each connecting block 5 is provided with at least one positioning post of the corresponding positioning post group 31.

[0033] The installation of connecting block 5 makes the installation of the positioning column more stable and less prone to deformation or vibration. Furthermore, when the telescopic cylinder 4 drives the connecting block 5 to extend or retract, it enables all positioning columns in the positioning column group 31 to extend and retract synchronously, improving the consistency of the positioning column movements.

[0034] Optionally, the error-proof positioning mechanism also includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to multiple telescopic cylinders 4 to ensure that any one positioning post group 31 is in the extended state while the other positioning post groups 31 are in the retracted state. The control unit simultaneously controls the extension or retraction of the multiple telescopic cylinders 4, thereby controlling the extension or retraction of the positioning post groups 31 connected to the telescopic cylinders 4. For example, when a workpiece needs to be processed, the control unit controls the telescopic cylinder 4 corresponding to the positioning post group 31 of the workpiece, causing the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder 4 to extend the positioning post group 31, while simultaneously controlling the telescopic ends of the other telescopic cylinders 4 to retract the positioning post groups 31.

[0035] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The error-proof positioning mechanism also includes a clamping unit 6, which includes a first support part 61 and a pressing part 62. The first support part 61 is disposed on the base 1, and the pressing part 62 is rotatably disposed on the base 1 to move closer to or away from the first support part 61. When the pressing part 62 moves closer to the first support part 61, the first support part 61 and the pressing part 62 define a limiting space for pressing the workpiece. The rotation of the pressing part 62 can be driven by a cylinder or the like, so that the pressing part 62 rotates toward or away from the first support part 61. When the pressing part 62 rotates away from the first support part 61, the workpiece can be removed from the first support part 61. When the pressing part 62 rotates closer to the first support part 61, the workpiece can be placed on the first support part 61 and pressed by the pressing part 62 for limiting. That is, the workpiece can be clamped within the limiting space defined by the first support part 61 and the pressing part 62.

[0036] In other words, after the workpiece is pre-positioned by passing the positioning pin 21 through the positioning hole of the workpiece, the workpiece is supported on the first support part 61, and then the pressing part 62 is rotated to press the workpiece against the first support part 61, so as to limit the workpiece in the thickness direction.

[0037] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The base 1 is provided with a first support 11, which is spaced apart from the first support portion 61. Multiple positioning post groups 31 include a first positioning post group 311 and a second positioning post group 312. The first positioning post group 311 is located on the first support 11, and the second positioning post group 312 is located on the first support portion 61. The first positioning post group 311 corresponds to one product, and the second positioning post group 312 corresponds to another product. The first positioning post group 311 is retractably located on the first support 11, and the second positioning post group 312 is retractably located on the first support portion 61. It should be noted that the specific positions of the first positioning post group 311 and the second positioning post group 312 can be determined according to specific circumstances, and this application is not limited to this.

[0038] For example, the plurality of telescopic cylinders 4 include a first telescopic cylinder and a second telescopic cylinder. The first telescopic cylinder is disposed on the first support 11, and the second telescopic cylinder is disposed on the first support 61. The telescopic end of the first telescopic cylinder is connected to the first positioning post group 311, and the telescopic end of the second telescopic cylinder is connected to the second positioning post group 312.

[0039] Optionally, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The first support 11 is provided with a second support part 111 at the end away from the base 1. The second support part 111 has a support surface for supporting the workpiece.

[0040] When the positioning hole of the workpiece is engaged with the positioning pin 21, it is supported on the support surface of the first support part 61 and the second support part 111, and is pressed and limited by the pressing part 62.

[0041] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The first support 11 is provided with a guide part 12, which includes a first section 121 and a second section 122. The first section 121 is provided on the first support 11, and the second section 122 is provided at the end of the first section 121 away from the first support 11 and extends in a direction away from the second support part 111.

[0042] The first segment 121 and the second segment 122 are set at an angle, and the second segment 122 extends in a direction away from the second support 111 to provide guidance for the placement of the workpiece.

[0043] The error-proof positioning mechanism in this application, taking products A and B as examples, has an error-proof hole of 9mm for product A and 4mm for product B. The outer diameter of the positioning post corresponding to product A is designed to be 5mm, and the outer diameter of the positioning post corresponding to product B is designed to be 3mm. This design allows workpiece A or workpiece B to pass through freely with a safety margin. The positioning post can be a steel pin, and it is connected to the telescopic cylinder 4 via a connecting block 5. During workpiece switching, the extension or retraction of the positioning post is achieved by controlling the telescopic cylinder 4. The diameter difference between the positioning post and the error-proof hole of the product is designed to reduce jamming caused by misfitting the positioning post and the error-proof hole.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 When processing product A, the telescopic cylinder 4 is controlled by the pneumatic control principle of the control unit to extend the positioning pin corresponding to product A and retract the positioning pin corresponding to product B. Since products A and B share the same positioning pin 21 on the error-proof positioning mechanism, the relative positions of products A and B with the positioning pins can be restricted. If the operator correctly picks up product A and places it into the error-proof positioning mechanism, the error-proof hole of product A (such as one of the four license plate holes) can pass through the positioning pin corresponding to product A, and product A will not come into contact with the positioning pin corresponding to product B. If the operator mistakenly picks up product B and places it into the error-proof positioning mechanism, since the extended positioning pin corresponding to product A does not have an error-proof hole that can pass through at the corresponding position of product B, product B will be pushed up by the positioning pin corresponding to product A, and the pressing part 62 will not be able to press product B tightly, reminding the operator to replace it with the correct product A, thus preventing incorrect production.

[0045] When processing product B, the telescopic cylinder 4 is controlled by the pneumatic control principle of the control unit to extend the positioning pin corresponding to product B and retract the positioning pin corresponding to product A. Since products A and B share a common positioning pin 21 on the error-proof positioning mechanism, the relative position of the product and the positioning pin can be restricted. If the operator correctly picks up product B and places it into the error-proof positioning mechanism, the error-proof hole of product B (such as one of the two license plate holes) can pass through the positioning pin corresponding to product B, and product B will not come into contact with the positioning pin corresponding to product A. If the operator mistakenly picks up product A and places it into the error-proof positioning mechanism, since there is no error-proof hole that can pass through the corresponding position of product A on the positioning pin corresponding to product B, product A will be lifted up by the positioning pin corresponding to product B, and the pressing part 62 will not be able to press product A tightly, reminding the operator to replace it with the correct product B, thereby preventing incorrect production.

[0046] This application uses a retractable cylinder 4 to control the extension or retraction of the positioning column, which enables free switching between workpieces sharing the error-proof positioning mechanism, thereby reducing the production of erroneous workpieces and stabilizing quality. Furthermore, the error-proof positioning mechanism has a simple structure, is easy to operate, has low cost, and has a significant error-proof effect.

[0047] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0048] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.

[0049] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0050] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fault-prevention positioning mechanism, characterized in that, include: Base (1); A positioning unit (2) is provided on the base (1), and the positioning unit (2) has a positioning pin (21) for passing through the positioning hole of the workpiece; The error prevention unit (3) includes multiple positioning post groups (31) to pass through the error prevention hole of the workpiece. The multiple positioning post groups (31) are spaced apart and retractably disposed on the base (1). The multiple positioning post groups (31) have an extended state and a retracted state. When any one of the positioning post groups (31) is in the extended state and cooperates with the corresponding error prevention hole of the workpiece, the other positioning post groups (31) are in the retracted state.

2. The error-proof positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple telescopic cylinders (4), which are spaced apart on the base (1), and the telescopic end of each telescopic cylinder (4) is connected to the corresponding positioning column group (31).

3. The error-proof positioning mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the positioning post groups (31) includes at least one positioning post.

4. The error-proof positioning mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The error prevention unit (3) also includes multiple connecting blocks (5), each connecting block (5) is connected to the telescopic end of the corresponding telescopic cylinder (4), and each connecting block (5) is provided with at least one positioning post of the corresponding positioning post group (31).

5. The error-proof positioning mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to a plurality of the telescopic cylinders (4) so ​​that any one of the positioning column groups (31) is in the extended state and the other positioning column groups (31) are in the retracted state.

6. The error-proof positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a clamping unit (6), which includes a first support part (61) and a pressing part (62). The first support part (61) is disposed on the base (1), and the pressing part (62) is rotatably disposed on the base (1) to approach or move away from the first support part (61). When the pressing part (62) approaches the first support part (61), the first support part (61) and the pressing part (62) define a limiting space for pressing the workpiece.

7. The error-proof positioning mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base (1) is provided with a first support (11), and the first support (11) is spaced apart from the first support part (61); The plurality of positioning post groups (31) include a first positioning post group (311) and a second positioning post group (312), wherein the first positioning post group (311) is disposed on the first support (11) and the second positioning post group (312) is disposed on the first support part (61).

8. The error-proof positioning mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first support (11) has a second support part (111) at one end away from the base (1), and the second support part (111) has a support surface for supporting the workpiece.

9. The error-proof positioning mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first support (11) is provided with a guide (12), the guide (12) includes a first segment (121) and a second segment (122). The first segment (121) is located on the first support (11), and the second segment (122) is located at the end of the first segment (121) away from the first support (11) and extends in a direction away from the second support (111).

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