Summary of the invention
The objective of the invention is to utilize simple device will be preferably car body or install after the edge of parts (especially outer metallic plate) of body part overturn so that these parts do not deform.This equipment also should so constitute so that it can promptly adapt to different component shape.
The present invention relates to a kind of crimping equipment, it comprises crimping head, at least one first crimping roller and at least one second crimping roller, and each of these crimping rollers all pivots by the crimping head.Under the situation of roll extrusion crimping, the first crimping roller has formed pressure roller, and it is at the edge for the treatment of crimping, and the narrow rim strip (rim strip) that is preferably parts is gone up roll extrusion.The second crimping roller is with acting on the anti-roll of first volume limit roller, that is, for rim strip with for example 30 ° or 45 ° of crimpings, this anti-roll bears the power that is applied by the first crimping roller.According to their function separately, below the first crimping roller is called pressure roller, and the second crimping roller is called anti-roll.Especially, the crimping head can be fastened on the end of manipulator, and this manipulator preferably has whole six degrees of freedom of motion, but has the required free degree of crimping processing self at least.
According to the present invention, this crimping equipment also comprises stable protection structure, and this protection structure can be fastened on the parts or be fastened during the roll extrusion crimping.For anti-roll, this protection structure or self form rolling surface, and anti-roll roll extrusion on this rolling surface during the roll extrusion crimping perhaps only forms rolling surface by the rolling surface of the direct roll extrusion thereon of supporting anti-roll indirectly.Under first kind of situation, the inboard of protection structure abuts against parts and is preferably shaped to its surface and matches.The outside of protection structure is formed for the rolling surface of anti-roll.Under second kind of situation, the protection structure is arranged in the interior zone of curled edges to be formed, and abuts against the inboard of parts, wherein protects structure optimization to be configured as with inner surface and matches.Because parts are supported in the inboard, so it can self be formed for the rolling surface of anti-roll under second kind of situation, however, it can not be out of shape owing to pushing anti-roll, and perhaps comparing than the situation that does not have supporting in the inboard has very little distortion.
If protection structure self forms rolling surface; not directly roll extrusion on parts of anti-roll so; but roll extrusion on the protection structure; this protection structure optimization has formed a kind of matrix that matches with the inboard parts outline, thereby even the space structure of parts minimum also can accurately duplicate and needn't fear distortion.Crimping head self can be a type, and it also can be used for other crimping processing.In sum, this has such advantage, that is, many different bodies can be processed on the production line that for example is used for car body (being preferably car body).Only need to keep the protection structure that matches respectively, these protection structures can begin at first that the crimping first being processed is placed on the body or insert in the interior zone of curled edges.
In a preferred embodiment, the drape forming that protection structure and zone to be protected lean for described parts consistent against the zone, thereby make protect structure and parts front (full-face) against.
Body and protection structure optimization all have at least one marker (marker), and this marker allows boundary belt to be placed on the edge for the treatment of crimping with accurate cooperation.Described at least one marker on the body can be the intrinsic profile or the edge that limit in advance, for example is used for the part of door or beam etc.Also introduce at least one hole especially.In a preferred embodiment, the protection structure has centring element (being preferably alignment pin) and at least one stopping element as the profile supporter.Alternatively, the protection structure can also only be provided with two centring elements (being preferably alignment pin), or only is provided with two stopping elements.Utilize the corresponding positioner of this and parts or positioner that parts (in the supposition example) match right, the protection structure can accurately be located with respect to curled edges when the zone leans itself and parts.In optional embodiment, wherein protect structure to be arranged in the interior zone of curled edges, single setting element (being preferably stopping element) enough is used for the location.
In an improvement, the crimping head is equipped with the 3rd crimping roller, and the 3rd crimping roller forms another anti-roll in crimping processing, be used at least one of the first crimping roller and the second crimping roller.Closed power stream (flow of force) can obtain by the 3rd crimping roller.Such embodiment is for the protection structure advantageous particularly that is arranged in the curled edges interior zone.The 3rd crimping roller as TVS also can be used for fastening protection structure.Therefore, special in being arranged at the protection structure of curled edges interior zone, even can omit additional fastening fully.On the principle, this also be applicable in the outside against the protection structure.
In another improves; except described at least two crimping rollers; sensing element is fastening or be formed on the crimping head; preferably pivot as the sensing roller; and the protection structure has formed the path of navigation (being preferably another rolling surface) that is used for this sensing element, and this path of navigation is followed the track of curled edges.The sensing element that is directed in path of navigation upper edge curled edges in the crimping processing, guide scroll head again conversely, this makes and is used to control the cephalomotor essential expenditure of crimping, particularly measures expenditure and reduces.For roll extrusion crimping, on the principle even can omit fully based on control or adjustment by the position signalling that measures along curled edges.If by (it is preferably formed by boundary belt at drive cam; but also can for example form on the principle by curled edges self) last guiding induction element; by means of sensing element along curled edges guide scroll head; the crimping head is preferred so so installs; so that it can be along about the path of navigation direction pointed to of approximate vertical at least, preferably resist elastic restoring force and move back and forth.Easily, this elastic restoring force can be an aerodynamic force.
Be advantageously provided a sensor, be preferably range sensor.This sensor be preferably mounted on the crimping head or the fastening platform thereon of crimping head on.Can determine distance between crimping head and parts or protection structure by sensor.By during the roll extrusion crimping, making range sensor along moving with respect to the described path of navigation of sensing element, continuous measuring distance under discontiguous situation, and utilize reading to adjust the motion of crimping head, can replace described sensing element with the range sensor of Touchless manipulation like this.One dimension (1D) sensor is enough to as this range sensor.
In improvement project, be provided with the dimension sensor of Touchless manipulation, that is, the 2D sensor utilizes this dimension sensor, can determine the position of crimping head with respect to parts (especially with respect to its curled edges) in the viewing plane on parts.Dimension sensor be preferably mounted on the crimping head or the fastening platform thereon of crimping head on.In advantageous applications (roll extrusion crimping on airframe components), viewing plane extends in the XZ plane of the usual coordinates system of car body.The crimping head that this sensing system only needs (and also only being used in advantageous method embodiment) will be used for the roll extrusion crimping is placed on curled edges.If described mechanical sensing element or range sensor are not provided, so also can use dimension sensor or another alternative sensor system (for example, two one dimension sensors), be used for during the roll extrusion crimping, adjusting the motion of crimping head.But, except described sensing element or range sensor, preferably provide the dimension sensor system.For the so-called whereabouts of flanging crimping (dropflange), sensing in the XZ plane and adjustment are particularly advantageous.But, always be in the position of carrying out the roll extrusion crimping with enough precision if suppose the parts for the treatment of crimping, and they itself always are shaped with enough precision, can omit two-dimentional device sensing system so, because in this case, can rely on such fact, promptly, (for example, prearranged position) is just enough if the crimping head moves to the precalculated position.Under described situation, can also omit sensing element and range sensor.
Protection structure, or at least a portion of its formation rolling surface or rolling surface supporting member preferably be shaped with die casting method, and they are preferably the die casting structure in this sense.The protection structure can be pre-formed fully by die casting, if the protection structure forms rolling surface, die casting only need form the re-surface of rolling surface so ideally.But also need other Surface Machining usually.Preferably, assembling point is arranged on the protection structure like this after the die casting, for example is used for the setting element of positioner or applicable to the tightening member of fastener.If although enough firmly then protect structure to be made of plastics, be preferably the cast metal construction of making by metal or metal alloy.Particularly, it can be the grey cast-iron structure.But alternatively, also can expect protecting structure to be formed from steel.In addition, it will also be appreciated that the protection structure is formed composite construction support (bearer) structure that for example has the rolling surface of making by steel or ceramic material and make by grey cast-iron or plastics.Do not get rid of the protection structure of making by ceramic material fully yet.
The crimping head preferably is made up of support and carriage, this support can move and at least one anti-roll is installed on this support with respect to retainer, and described carriage is held so that it can be installed on this carriage with different approach angles at mobile on the support and at least one pressure roller (being preferably two pressure rollers) at least, wherein an actuating device preferably is arranged between this support and the carriage, and can be braked (arrest) or be arranged to make it to apply predetermined actuation force.For the edge being turned with special angle, select on the crimping head corresponding pressure roller and with anti-roll around required angle.This pair of rollers is along treating the border movement of flanged member (being preferably car body), so that this edge is reversed with required angle.This process repeats two or three times, and wherein flip angle becomes more and more tightlier finally closed up to flanging, does not connect if perhaps do not produce flanging, has so just obtained required angle of bend.
When the only local upset in edge, this actuating device is braked with the edge and is set to predetermined angular and does not consider required like this power.On the contrary, when the complete closed flanging, for the edge of the second housing parts that will be arranged in the flanging groove clamps, it is very important applying certain force.For this reason, this actuating device preferably is controlled to so that it applies predetermined actuation force.
The carriage that is guided on described support and its is installed on the retainer successively, so that they can move, retainer is connected with manipulator usually, and this manipulator moves retainer on precalculated track.For with the edge flanging, robot is along this margin guide crimping head, and wherein the Movable bracket of the support on the retainer has been realized the automatic compensation perpendicular to parts.This has also compensated the tolerance about the orientation of the parts goal-selling known with respect to robot.Therefore, do not need separately and the physical location of detection part (being preferably metal body plate) accurately.
Described actuating device is preferably pneumatic cylinder, and wherein the latter is filled with high pressure gas when braking, and this almost is equivalent to be braked.Add man-hour carrying out final flanging, the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder has determined to be applied to the power on the flanging.
If at the anti-roll that is provided for each pressure roller on the carriage on the support, the crimping head just is easy to handle especially so, because this crimping head only needs to redirect as a whole from the crimping step to the crimping step.
As mentioned above, support can freely move on retainer in limited field.But,, can between support and retainer, damper be set for the motion that makes manipulator can not cause vibrations swing between limited field.
The invention still further relates to a kind of method, for example as mentioned above.Crucially, the protection structure is placed on the edge-of-part at first with by flanging, perhaps inserts in the interior zone of curled edges and forms or supporting is used for the rolling surface of anti-roll.Therefore use can process different component shape according to equipment of the present invention.This only needs to keep distinguishing compatible protection structure.The crimping head can remain unchanged; Only its control advantageously is suitable for corresponding body, wherein also should consider to protect thickness of structure.
In addition, when overturn in the part, the actuating device of crimping head preferably is braked, thereby keeps during the roll extrusion crimping by the predetermined angle of bend of actuation angle.On the contrary, when final flanging, advantageously apply a constraining force, it causes the flanging groove to seal best, and is being arranged in the enough big clamping force of generation on second edge-of-part of flanging groove.
In the above with respect to the flanging device description the present invention, these embodiment can also be applied in the crimping equipment similarly,, are applied to such equipment that is, can form flanging by this equipment and connect, but this equipment can also only be used for coming at a predetermined angle the edge of crimping parts.During crimping or flanging, this edge can fully (that is, be parallel to relative component area) and be crimped or only local crimping.
Except this equipment itself, theme of the present invention also comprises a kind of method, and this method can use described crimping equipment to carry out particularly.This is a kind of such method, it is used for along curled edges parts roll extrusion crimping, side in curled edges, the zone that described parts form the viewing area or under any circumstance treat to handle gently, and at the opposite side of curled edges, described parts form an edge (being preferably rim strip), and this rim strip is crimped around curled edges.According to this method; described edge is crimped around curled edges by pressure roller and anti-roll; wherein pressure roller roll extrusion on this edge wherein is applied to bending force on the edge in order to bear by pressure roller, and anti-roll is not directly in roll extrusion on the parts but roll extrusion on the protection structure of guard block.In optional embodiment, anti-roll can be on parts directly roll extrusion, as applicable to another structure that is placed on the parts, but parts by side within it to and away from the protection structure support of anti-roll.Be arranged under the situation of curled edges interior zone in the protection structure; edge that can support unit on the described protection structural principle; although and need not bear the power that is used for crimping that applies by pressure roller like this, still come support edge with the rolling surface that acts on pressure roller.Perhaps use additional fastener or by additional rollers or both combinations, will protect structure optimization to be fastened on the parts or on the structure, the part of fixing of this structure is formed by parts as TVS.When using, pressure roller and anti-roll can form fastener with parts.The protection structure optimization is configured as at least and is facing the track of following curled edges on the edge of curled edges.But the protection structure can also different modes be shaped on the principle, but the bigger crimping head of these needs because the latter surround curled edges and pressure roller and with the anti-roll zone of its cooperation in the protection structure.Advantageously, the protection structure is at least roughly the same with anti-roll narrow, and this anti-roll is directly on the boundary belt or roll extrusion on by the rolling surface of its supporting.
Theme of the present invention also comprises a kind of method, wherein workpiece by first pair of roller that comprises pressure roller and anti-roll with the first angle crimping, and further by second pair of roller that comprises pressure roller and anti-roll with the second angle crimping, wherein the roller of first pair of rollers in the first crimping step forms the more layout of rigidity than second pair of rollers in the second crimping step.In the first crimping step, the roller of first pair of rollers is relative to each other braking preferably, thereby their rotating shaft can be considered relative to each other fixing axle.In the second crimping step, the roller of second pair of rollers preferably relative to each other elasticity install, thereby the rotating shaft of these rollers elastic movement relative to each other.When using, they also are mounted to and make them only relative to each other decay or make their relative to each other elastic extenuations.In the second crimping step, with the preferred crimping fully in described edge so that its be roughly parallel at least workpiece cross the relative zone of curled edges against, as for example usually in flanging connects.The crimping step that other can be between the first crimping step and the second crimping step preferably be provided by other one or more pairs of other rollers.One or more other crimping steps also can be placed on before the first crimping step.If first pair of rollers and second pair of rollers form polyphone, that is, if second pair of rollers is followed first pair of rollers, these two crimping steps also can be carried out in same operation (run) so.
In a preferred embodiment, boundary belt is shaped and is fastened on the workpiece or comprises on the structure of workpiece, so that there be not " air " to stay between the surface and boundary belt to be protected.This has prevented that workpiece breaks away from respect to the protection structure during the roll extrusion crimping.The protection structure can be along the length of curled edges and this surface against.Yet more preferably, it leans along the width of anti-roll or along the width front of the rolling surface that is formed by the protection structure (that is, the protection structure formation is for feasible and to be protected or to be supported regional consistent).
Favorable characteristics is also disclosed in dependent claims and combination thereof.Also supply each other by dependent claims and the disclosed feature of the foregoing description.Though the crimping equipment of claim 20 and 25 and use the performed method of these knowledge equipment preferably with the protection structure be used in combination, even they are favourable equally under the situation of not protecting structure.
The specific embodiment
Fig. 1 shows the boundary belt 1 in framework 2.As will recognizing, boundary belt 1 is followed the track of wheel part.Visible its inboard 1i shows the profile that duplicates for body outline required on the wheel arch opposite (negative) among the figure.This outline usually and rough, but in order to obtain specific aesthetic effect and/or, often to be provided with different facets and vertical stratification near the smooth transition of airframe components.This profile must not be destroyed.
Framework 2 comprises many markers that are alignment pin 4 forms, and the respective aperture in this alignment pin 4 and the body engages, thereby boundary belt 1 is fixed definitely with respect to body.Mechanical grip part 5 keeps framework 2, so boundary belt 1 is clamped on the body.
The outside of boundary belt 1 is smooth, and is formed for the rolling surface 1a (Fig. 3) of the anti-roll of crimping head.
Such crimping head 10 has been shown among Fig. 2.It comprises retainer 11, support 12, carriage 13 and three pressure roller 14a, 14b, 14c and three anti-roll 15a, 15b, 15c.Support 12 is held so that they can be with respect to retainer 11 motions in carriage guiding element 11a, and wherein damping unit 16 limits this motion and makes this motion decay simultaneously.Under any circumstance, can make the ability of support 12 motions mean that retainer 11 needn't move about its horizontal direction along rolling surface 1a exactly; On the contrary, cause automatic compensation perpendicular to body (that is, on the Y direction).
Relative with anti-roll 15a, 15b, 15c on the support 12 at pressure roller 14a, 14b on the carriage 13,14c, wherein every couple of a, b, c are around different angles.The a that utilization can be seen in the back is to being made as flanging 90 °, and the b that utilization can forwardly be seen is to obtaining 45 ° flanging angle, and utilize c that top in the drawings sees to the flanging sealing to form the flanging groove.In this, it should be noted an anti-roll can also only be set, but, circulator or other roller converter should be set on carriage 13 in order to distinguish compatible pressure roller and a described anti-roll is staggered relatively.But in order to finish crimping with less angle increment, it is right that other roller also can be set.
Actuating device 17 between carriage 13 and support 12 comprises pneumatic cylinder, can be filled with high pressure by this pneumatic cylinder, thereby carriage 13 is finally braked on support 12.If a and b pair of rollers work, select this setting so.
When finally utilizing the c pair of rollers to make flanging closed, on pneumatic cylinder, apply predetermined pressure, so that when closed flanging, apply concrete actuation force or closing force.
Continuous flanging step has been shown among Fig. 3 a, 3b and the 3c.Before the roll extrusion crimping, airframe components 20 has represented preformed hemmed edges.On a side of hemmed edges, airframe components 20 has formed viewing area 21, and forms rim strip 22 at opposite side, and this rim strip carries out crimping with the angle of for example 45 ° or 60 °.The edge of second housing parts 24 is inserted in the inner region of the curled edges that is limited by viewing area 21 and rim strip 22, and described second housing parts 24 are connected on the airframe components 20 securely by the roll extrusion crimping.Boundary belt 1 (particularly its rolling surface 1a) just in time with anti-roll 15a with wide.The inboard 1i of boundary belt 1 be right after hemmed edges near pro abut against viewing area 21.In three crimping step a, b and c, rim strip 22 is with the further continuous crimping of an angle, and this angle is limited in advance by the pressure roller 14a, the 14b that use respectively or the position, angle of 14c.In step a (Fig. 3 a) in, be provided with 90 ° flanging angle, and in step b, be provided with about 45 ° angle.In these steps, be provided with the fastening space of anti-roll and pressure roller and arrange.
In step c subsequently, make the edge closure, wherein the actuation force that is applied is determined by the pressure in the actuating device.This has clamped the edge of the airframe components 24 that is formed in the flanging groove.
Fig. 4 shows the boundary belt 1 of favourable simplification, has omitted the framework 2 that is used for this boundary belt 1.Suction apparatus 6 is made up of two suction lines that are arranged in 1 liang of end regions of boundary belt.Another suction line, perhaps a plurality of other suction lines of Shi Yonging can be arranged between these two suction lines, follow the track of rolling surface 1a.In addition, alignment pin 4 is provided with near rolling surface 1a, and is arranged on the end place in boundary belt 1 two ends equally.Stopping element 7 is arranged on the other end (form single-piece or preferably thereon fastening) of boundary belt 1 on boundary belt, and combines with alignment pin 4 and to guarantee that boundary belt 1 is positioned on the airframe components 20 with accurate cooperation.Stopping element 7 is as the profile supporter.Therefore, its zone in the face of boundary belt 1 can for example form the stopper region that is used for airframe components 20 lower limbs.At least a portion that forms the boundary belt 1 of rolling surface 1a forms single-piece by die casting, and can be made by grey cast-iron especially.Alignment pin 4 can with boundary belt 1 integrally moulded formation, perhaps also can only after molded, be fastened on the boundary belt 1 of die casting.Same method can be applied to stopping element 7, but this stopping element preferably is made of plastics and is fastened on the moulded parts.In order to locate, alignment pin 4 inserted to be arranged on the airframe components 20 or in the hole on body another part with fastening.Boundary belt 1 is rotated around the pivot that is formed by alignment pin 4, abut against up to stopping element 7 on the opposite profile of airframe components 20 or body another part.The inboard 1i of boundary belt 1 abuts against viewing area 21 and places (gently press or attracted by suction apparatus 6), then with respect to the curled edges location and be fastened on the parts 20.Suction apparatus 6 may be embodied as initiatively or is passive, and this also can be applied to the suction apparatus 6 of Fig. 1.In its embodiment initiatively, it can be filled with parital vacuum by conduit system.In its passive embodiment, it still for the de-preservation structure, can make this sucker ventilation only as resilient suction cups.Except suction apparatus 6, one or more mechanical grip parts can be installed on the protection structure 1.One or more mechanical grip parts also can be set replace suction apparatus 6.
Fig. 5 shows the crimping step in the crimping method, has wherein used internal protection structure 3.Protection structure 3 is inserted in the inner region of curled edges, and the viewing area 26 of supporting airframe components 25, this viewing area is then as rolling surface.Use crimping head 10.Directly 26 upper edge curled edges roll extrusion of anti-roll 15b in the viewing area.Viewing area 26 forms rolling surface like this.But this rolling surface is supported internally by protection structure 3, i.e. 26 the inboard supporting in the viewing area.Protection structure 3 is born the power that is applied by anti-roll 15b during the roll extrusion crimping, so that viewing area 26 can not be out of shape.Protection structure 3 comprises against the zone, should be against area surface facing to anti-roll 15b and be configured as inboard consistent with viewing area 26, thus make its front lean, promptly combine closely.In addition, the protection structure 3 formed be used for pressure roller 15b against the zone, wherein after and then with rim strip 27 crimpings, just supported.In this sense, rim strip 27 has also formed the rolling surface by 3 supportings of protection structure.
During roll extrusion crimping as shown in Figure 5, only with the peripheral bead of parts 25.Not producing flanging connects.Roller is carried out last crimping step to 14b and 15b, and wherein pressure roller 14b can flexibly be provided with respect to anti-roll 15b by actuating device 17.
In order during the roll extrusion crimping, to obtain closed power stream, except the pressure roller and anti-roll described, can also make at another anti-roll 18 as TVS during the roll extrusion crimping on crimping head 10, advantageously to pivot, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5.Protection structure 3 towards and be formed with the rolling surface 3f that is used for anti-roll 18 away from the side of pressure roller 14b and anti-roll 15b, described rolling surface 3f is with respect to roller 14b and 15b orientation, so that by three roller 14b, 15b and the 18 power F that apply
14, F
15And F
18Form the power of closed triangle, equally as shown in Figure 5.
When using inner guard band 3; if not only will be with rim strip 27 crimpings; be connected but also will produce with the flanging of inner airframe components; edge with inner airframe components is arranged between the inboard and boundary belt 3 of viewing area 26 so, so that two layers of material is between boundary belt 3 and anti-roll 15b.Connect for firm flanging, will rim strip 27 complete crimpings, soon it is placed on the inner airframe components.These two airframe components are for example by the spot welding or the preferably pre-connection before the roll extrusion crimping that bonds, and wherein the connection of the front in interior zone preferably only connects for point.
Fig. 6 shows the flanging step of improved Fig. 3 a.In described improvement, except pressure roller and anti-roll 14a-15c, sensing roller 19 pivots on crimping head 10.During flanging, sensing roller 19 roll extrusion on the path of navigation 1f of protection structure 1.The rotation that crimping head 10 is being followed sensing roller 19 moves along curled edges, therefore by 19 guiding of sensing roller.In having the roll extrusion crimping of inner guard band 3, anti-roll 18 can be used as the sensing roller of guide scroll head 10 similarly.Use sensing roller 19 or 18 to reduce and be used for the 10 necessary measurements of guide scroll head and adjust expenditure.Sensing roller 19 is arranged between roller 14b and the 15b, and centers in the angular range of curled edges at roller 14b and 15b, can be replaced by sliding part on these sensing roller 19 principles.
If crimping head 10 has such sensing roller 19 or 18, be exactly preferred if be pressed against on path of navigation 1f or the 3f by elastic force crimping head 10 so.This elastic force advantageously pneumatically produces.In one is further improved, crimping head 10 can so be provided with so that it can move back and forth by another linear guide spare, preferably move along Z axle (Fig. 2), for example by the retainer on the guide platform so that it moves upward at Z, perhaps realize by between the remainder of retainer 11 and crimping head 10, forming in addition such linear guide spare.Compare with damping unit 16, another damping unit will be set be used for this optionally other linear guide spare.Pivot attachment also can for example be set to replace linear guide spare.In order to push sensing roller 19 or 18, the ability that need move both vertically about drive cam 1f or 3f only.
For scanning path of navigation 1f or 3f under discontiguous situation, sensing roller 19 (and anti-roll 18 (Fig. 5), if the latter only is used as or also is used as the sensing roller) can replace by range sensor, sensing roller 19 and/or roller 18 are operated and can be arranged to replace to this range sensor under discontiguous situation.