Positioning module for joining or assembling components

Abstract

Positioning module for joining or assembling body parts, in particular body parts, in which a shaft (2) driven by a rotary drive (4) is mounted on a base body (1) arranged on a console in a construction space and is fixed at at least one end; and the shaft (2) is connected to a device which is designed to realize a linear movement which is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2) upon rotation of the shaft (2), and a support (10) for at least one component-specific clamping and positioning element is provided on the device, so that the at least one clamping and positioning element can be positioned as a result of the linear movement in an axial direction oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2); wherein the device is provided with a first wedge-shaped element (12) which is movable linearly parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2) by means of a threaded spindle provided on the shaft (2), which first wedge-shaped element (12) is connected to the threaded spindle and has an obliquely inclined surface or an obliquely inclined surface region, and on which the inclined surface or surface area abuts an inclined surface or surface area of a second wedge-shaped element (15) and the second wedge-shaped element (15) forms a support for the support (10), and the first wedge-shaped element (12) is guided in a guide (17) which is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2) for a corresponding linear movement and at least one guide element (19) is provided on the second wedge-shaped element (15) for a linear movement of the support (10) perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2) and the wedge-shaped elements (12, 15) are interchangeable with wedge-shaped elements (12, 15) with a changed angle of inclination of the inclined surfaces or surface areas, so that a change in the transmission ratio or self-locking under load can be achieved.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a positioning module for joining or assembling vehicle body components. It can be used for adjusting bodywork fixtures or positioning any assemblies in the micrometer range.

[0002] During manufacturing, and especially during the joining of body components, the components to be joined must be positioned precisely and securely. This is done using special fixtures. Deviations in the component shape result in insufficient fixation and poor positioning, which leads to unacceptable deviations in the component's shape after joining. This invention is intended to simplify the adjustment of the positioning points to accommodate deviating component shapes.

[0003] Traditionally, an assembly is measured after joining to determine any deviations in shape. If these exceed the required tolerance at any point, the assembly fixture must be readjusted. This is usually done by placing shims under the positioning and clamping elements. For larger deviations, a completely new element is manufactured.

[0004] This millimeter-level readjustment requires intervention in the highly automated manufacturing process and production cycle, resulting in downtime and thus delays. The adjustment must be performed with an accuracy in the double-digit micrometer range. Due to the simplicity of the current process and the complex design of the construction fixtures used, this method has been retained to date. Previous developments that would improve the existing process have not been adopted.

[0005] To automate the process and thus the use of active components in the construction devices, it is necessary to determine a shape deviation of the components and to determine the adjustment requirements.

[0006] For example, WO 2014 / 188626 A1 discloses a device for conveying a support, in which the support is effected by relative movement of two wedge-shaped bodies, one of which can be driven linearly in a first direction by means of a threaded drive, such that the second wedge-shaped body is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0007] DE 10 2011 054 063 A1 relates to a drive device for a support part for supporting a workpiece in a first direction, wherein a wedge gear is used to move the support part.

[0008] From DE 1063438B a lifting and lowering device for console milling machines is known, in which a console can be driven by means of a lifting spindle.

[0009] A lifting and lowering device for knee-type milling machines is known from DE 1 063 438 B.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide possibilities for a very precise positioning of clamping and positioning elements, while at the same time requiring little installation space for a module suitable for this purpose.

[0011] According to the invention, this object is achieved with a positioning module having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be realized with features designated in subordinate claims.

[0012] The basic idea of the invention described below is to utilize only the installation space of the component-specific clamping and positioning elements and to design these elements in such a way that an adjustment option is possible. This should enable existing construction fixtures to be retrofitted without major modifications and multiple elements to be mounted on a console.

[0013] To solve the described problem, the body parts should first be measured in the unjoined state. This can be done, for example, using optical methods during the process. This allows the shape deviations to be quantitatively determined in advance and used for positioning. The aim of the invention is to make the resulting necessary adjustments in advance using active elements in the assembly device. The dimensions of the active components used should be similar to those of the existing rigid clamping and positioning elements, so that they can be implemented in existing devices.

[0014] Thus, the invention advantageously consists of a movable component that can perform a linear movement in one direction, as well as the necessary drive and, if necessary, suitable sensors.

[0015] In the positioning module according to the invention, a shaft driven by a rotary drive is mounted on a base body which is arranged on a console in a construction space and is fixed at at least one end.

[0016] The shaft is connected to a device designed to realize a linear movement oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft when the shaft rotates.

[0017] The device includes a support for at least one component-specific clamping and positioning element, allowing the at least one clamping and positioning element to be positioned in an axial direction perpendicular to the shaft's rotational axis as a result of the linear movement. The support thus forms a carrier for at least one clamping and positioning element. This can then be moved perpendicular to the rotational axis and positioned in this axial direction.

[0018] For defined positioning, a rotary encoder can be present on the shaft or the rotary drive. A sensor that can be used for positioning can also be an end-position sensor, and / or a displacement sensor can be present on the device. Incremental encoders are preferred. Using the acquired measurement signals, the positioning of the at least one clamping and positioning element can be automatically influenced by an electronic control and / or regulating device, preferably with the aid of measured values previously determined from the respective components.

[0019] In the invention, the device is formed with a gear, which is provided with a worm on the shaft, a worm wheel, the axis of rotation of which is aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft and an internal thread is formed within the worm wheel, in which a threaded pin provided with a complementary external thread is received in a rotationally fixed manner. The threaded pin engages the support on its end face facing away from the shaft. Due to the rotation of the shaft, the threaded pin can move the support in the axial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and thus also the at least one clamping and positioning element for its positioning.

[0020] Advantageously, guide elements on the support can be guided in complementary guide elements provided on the base body for a linear movement of the support perpendicular to the rotation axis of the shaft.

[0021] The at least one guide element can be guided in a guide provided on the base body.

[0022] Complementary guide elements may be provided in and on the inclined surfaces or surface areas of the first and second wedge-shaped elements for a linear movement of the two wedge-shaped elements parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft.

[0023] The wedge-shaped elements can be replaced with wedge-shaped elements with a modified angle of inclination of the inclined surfaces or surface areas. This allows a change in the transmission ratio for the linear movement of at least one clamping and positioning element to be achieved.

[0024] The transmission ratio can be varied by selecting the wedge angle of the inclined surfaces or surface areas, as well as the pitch of the threaded spindle. With appropriate dimensioning, the system can also be self-locking under load. After adjusting the mechanism, loads in the 1 kN range should be able to be supported without the need for drive energy.

[0025] An exact determination and control of the position can be achieved with an end position sensor arranged on the rotary drive 4 and a rotary encoder on the shaft 2. Control of the positioning modules:

[0026] If the positioning module consisting of mechanics, drive technology and sensors is expanded with control electronics, a mechatronic positioning module is created that can be controlled externally.

[0027] There are various options for this: 1. Integration of the individual modules into an industrial control system (e.g. PLC), 2. Integration of the individual modules into a bus system, 3. wired control of the modules via a handheld control unit, 4. Wireless control of the individual modules via common wireless standards such as Bluetooth, WLAN, Xbee or similar. Alternative 1 High gear ratio possible Complex components and storage Self-locking when subjected to process forces Complex manufacturing Small installation space High positioning accuracy Further alternative 2 Small installation space Large number of guides and sliding surfaces Simple components High rigidity of the system High positioning accuracy achievable

[0028] The advantage of these solutions is the ability to execute a linear movement within a specific range, perpendicular to the longest side of the used installation space. At the same time, the necessary loads that occur during use in the designated assembly fixtures can be supported. With the appropriate transmission and control, even minimal deviations in the shape of the components to be joined can be compensated for without requiring intervention in the assembly fixture. This avoids the need to replace the clamping and positioning elements if deviations occur.

[0029] The invention will be explained in more detail below by way of example. Features of an example or figure can be combined with one another in a figure, regardless of the respective example or representation.

[0030] Showing: Fig. 1 a first example in an exploded view; Fig.2 the example according to Fig. 1 in a side view; Fig. 3 the example according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view; Fig. 4 a second example in an exploded view; Fig. 5 the example after Fig. 4 in a first end position and Fig. 6 the example according to Fig. 4 in a second end position.

[0031] In the Fig.In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, a base body 1 is provided, which is used to fix the construction device to a bracket (not shown). A radially and axially mounted shaft 2 is mounted on this shaft and is moved by a rotary drive 4. This rotational movement is transmitted by the worm of the shaft 2 to a worm wheel 5. This worm wheel 5 is mounted on the base body 1 in such a way that it allows a rotational movement and can absorb forces along the rotation axis by means of bearings 6 and 7. The worm wheel 5 can be designed as a ring gear. The bore is designed as a threaded bore within the worm wheel 5.

[0032] By rotating the worm gear 5 by means of the worm on the shaft 2, a threaded pin 8 is moved linearly via this threaded hole in the worm gear 5. This pin is guided in its direction of movement and secured against rotation. This enables movement of the threaded pin 8 relative to the base body 1. This moves a support 10, on which a clamping and positioning element (not shown) is moved linearly along an axial direction oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft 2. The exact position of the support 10 can be determined and controlled using an end position sensor and an incremental encoder (both not shown) on the gear. By translating the movement by 90°, a sufficient travel range, a reduction of the movement, and a sufficiently large stroke can be achieved in a comparatively small installation space.

[0033] The linear guide 9, located on the support 10, engages positively with a groove-shaped guide formed on the base body 1. It serves both for movement and for absorbing transverse forces.

[0034] Thanks to the thread of worm gear 5, the positioning module can also be used against gravity. The preferred direction of the applied force is in the positive Z direction. After adjusting the mechanism, comparatively high loads in the 1 kN range should be able to be supported in this preferred direction.

[0035] Fig. 1 also shows the arrangement of the bearings 3 for the shaft 2 with worm on the base body 1.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of the rotary drive 4 on the shaft 2 and the fixation of the shaft 2 on the base body 1.

[0037] In Fig.3 you can also see the external thread 11 on the threaded pin 8, which engages with the internal thread on the worm gear 5, as well as the bearing 6 for the worm gear.

[0038] In the exploded view after Fig. 4 it can be seen that a first wedge-shaped element 12 and a second wedge-shaped element 15 are used to enable a linear movement of the support 10 in an axial direction oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft 2.

[0039] For this purpose, the first wedge-shaped element 12 is moved linearly and parallel to the rotation axis of the shaft 2, depending on the direction of rotation, by means of the shaft 2 rotating about its rotation axis, which is driven by the rotary drive 4.

[0040] Here, too, the kinetic energy is provided by a rotary drive 4. This drives a threaded spindle on the shaft 2, which is fixed to the base body elements 1.1 and 1.2 and secured radially and axially. The base body elements 1.1 and 1.2 fix the assembly to the fixture. The rotary movement by the rotary drive 4 is transmitted via the spindle drive to the first wedge-shaped element 2 with a corresponding internal thread. This causes the element to move in the axial direction of the shaft 2. The underside of the first wedge-shaped element 12 slides on the upper side of the base body element 1.1, which has been surface-treated accordingly. A suitable linear guide 17 ensures a linear movement of the threaded spindle in the axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft 2 or the spindle drive.A corresponding second wedge-shaped element 15, with its oppositely inclined surface, is displaced linearly by the linear movement of the first wedge-shaped element 12 perpendicular to the rotational axis of the shaft 2 or the spindle drive via the inclined surface of the thus movable first wedge-shaped element, and thus the support 10 is also displaced. The second wedge-shaped element 15 also has two guide elements 19 arranged opposite one another, which are guided in a complementary groove-shaped guide, each formed on a base body element 1.2. These linear guides 19 absorb transverse forces even under load.

[0041] In order to prevent the contact surfaces of the wedge-shaped elements 12 and 15 from separating when used against gravity, contact can be secured by a corresponding additional guide. The second wedge-shaped element 15, which moves perpendicular to the axial direction of the spindle or shaft 2, is provided with a support 10, onto which an element (not shown) corresponding to the shape and position of the components can be attached. The preferred loading direction of the mechanism lies in the axis of movement of the second wedge-shaped element 15 and acts in the direction of the connection to the construction device. When loaded, forces arise along the spindle axis due to the wedge angle of the inclined surfaces, which are absorbed both by the bearing 14 and by the linear guide 19 of the second wedge-shaped element 15. These bearings can also bear the loads that occur when loading is not in the preferred direction.

[0042] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is the example after Fig. 4 in sectional views. Fig. 5 shows the position in which the wedge-shaped elements 12 and 15 have been moved linearly such that the support 10 has been moved linearly perpendicular to the rotational axis of the shaft 2 over its maximum travel. A flange 20, which is present on the second wedge-shaped element 15, has been moved to an end stop 21, which is present on the base body elements 1.2. Guide elements 19, each of which is guided in a groove-shaped recess formed on the base body elements 1.2, are also formed in the area of the flange 20.

[0043] In the Fig.6, the two wedge-shaped elements 12 were moved linearly by means of the rotary drive 4, shaft 2 and threaded spindle so that the support 10 was moved to a lowest position. The direction of rotation of the rotary drive 4 was opposite to the direction of rotation used in the Fig. 5 shown position has been used.

Claims

[1] Positioning module for joining or assembling body parts, in particular body parts, in which a shaft (2) driven by a rotary drive (4) is mounted on a base body (1) arranged on a console in a construction space and is fixed at at least one end; and the shaft (2) is connected to a device which is designed to realize a linear movement which is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2) upon rotation of the shaft (2), and a support (10) for at least one component-specific clamping and positioning element is provided on the device, so that the at least one clamping and positioning element can be positioned as a result of the linear movement in an axial direction oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2); wherein the device is provided with a first wedge-shaped element (12) which is movable linearly parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2) by means of a threaded spindle provided on the shaft (2), which first wedge-shaped element (12) is connected to the threaded spindle and has an obliquely inclined surface or an obliquely inclined surface region, and on which the inclined surface or surface area abuts an inclined surface or surface area of a second wedge-shaped element (15) and the second wedge-shaped element (15) forms a support for the support (10), and the first wedge-shaped element (12) is guided in a guide (17) which is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2) for a corresponding linear movement and at least one guide element (19) is provided on the second wedge-shaped element (15) for a linear movement of the support (10) perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2) and the wedge-shaped elements (12, 15) are interchangeable with wedge-shaped elements (12, 15) with a changed angle of inclination of the inclined surfaces or surface areas, so that a change in the transmission ratio or self-locking under load can be achieved. [2] Positioning module according to claim 1, characterized bythat for a defined positioning there is / are a rotary encoder on the shaft (2) or the rotary drive (4), an end position sensor (11) and / or a displacement sensor on the device. [3] Positioning module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that on the support (10) guide elements (9) are guided in complementary guide elements (1.1) provided on the base body (1) for a linear movement of the support (10) perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2). [4] Positioning module according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the at least one guide element (19) is guided in a guide provided on the base body (1). [5] Positioning module according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized bythat complementary guide elements are provided in and on the obliquely inclined surfaces or surface regions of the first and second wedge-shaped elements (12, 15) for a linear movement of the two wedge-shaped elements (12, 15) parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft (2).

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