WO2021057615A1

WO2021057615A1 - Tooling change-over apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2021057615A1
Application number: PCT/CN2020/116172
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shaoqiang SUN; Songjiang QUAN; Yue Qiu; Michael Mueller
Original assignee: Adient Engineering and IP GmbH
Priority date: 2019-09-24
Filing date: 2020-09-18
Publication date: 2021-04-01

Abstract

Tooling change-over apparatus, comprising: a change-over trolley (1) for carrying a jig, positioner (9) in a workstation, and a jig mounting base (6) provided on said change-over trolley (1) for carrying said jig.The tooling change-over apparatus further comprises two locking systems (45) symmetrically arranged in respect of the two sides of said change-over trolley (1), for locking said jig to said workstation and for providing electrical and gas connection therebetween. Each of the two locking systems (45) includes a tool locking mechanism (7), an electrical and gas interface (3) and a tool positioning mechanism (5) relative to the same side of said change-over trolley (1). The tool locking mechanism (7) locks the jig to the positioner (9) after a change-over. The electrical and gas interface provides quick electrical and gas connection between the workstation and the jig, and the positioning mechanism positions the jig during the change-over.

Description

TOOLING CHANGE-OVER APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical field of welding and, more specifically, to changing tooling over for different welding operations, for instance for use in a robot welding environment.

BACKGROUND ART

For welding, a welding head can either be moved to a weld point of the weld components, that is the point of the components being welded where the weld is to be formed, or else the weld point can be moved to the welding head, or a bit of both. Moving the weld point may make it more accessible or allow several weld points to be accessed with only simple movement of the welding head. For example for welding together pipe sections, it may be easier just to rotate the pipe sections, with the welding head remaining stationary and creating a continuous seam, rather than providing a robot mechanism to go all the way around the pipe.

For situations where the weld point is positioned for ease of welding, it is typical to use a welding positioner to achieve that positioning. The weld components are mounted in tooling, such as a jig, which holds them together in the desired relative position and orientation and the jig is mounted on a welding positioner. Most typical welding positioners then rotate the jig around a single axis (e.g. horizontal or vertical) to present a weld point at a desired position (in three dimensional space) or level, and angle for welding. For a continuous seam the positioner then rotates the jig slowly and continuously, without there needing to be a change in the position of the welding head. Or, for example, in the case of a diagonal weld, the welding head need only move in one direction, e.g. horizontally, whilst the positioner rotates the jig, e.g. about a horizontal axis. Alternatively, the positioner rotates the jig to bring different weld points, in sequence, to where the welding head is or to a same vertical level, so that the welding head need only move horizontally.

Positioners which rotate around a horizontal axis may be single ended, with the jig attached in a cantilevered fashion, or else double-ended, with the jig attached between and, in effect, connecting the two ends. Typically, one of the two ends is active, causing the rotation of the weld components and holding them at the correct rotation point, and the other is passive, providing weight support.

Recently, it has become quite normal to make various different welded products in small batches. After a batch is completed, the welding workstation is then reconfigured with different tooling to weld a different product from different weld components with different weld points. This requires reconfiguration of the welding positioner, which means fitting a different jig to it or perhaps a rearrangement of the same jig. It may even mean moving the two ends of a two-ended positioner closer together or further apart, depending on the size of the replacement tooling or jig. All this reconfiguration takes time and, with the change-over of tooling for such products needing to take place more and more frequently during production, change-over time has become a major limiting factor for flexible production. Currently, the conventional change-over time is about 30 minutes to 60 minutes, thus the usage efficiency of production equipment is substantially affected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a quick change-over apparatus, for shortening the change-over time of jigs, reducing the time it takes to produce various types of welded products and, thereby, improving production efficiency.

The present invention utilizes, inter alia, the following technical solutions.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tooling change-over apparatus comprising: a change-over trolley for carrying a jig, a positioner in a workstation, and a jig mounting base provided on said change-over trolley for carrying said jig. Two locking systems are arranged in respect of the two sides of said change-over trolley, for locking said jig to said workstation and for providing electrical and gas connection between said jig and said workstation. Each of said two locking systems comprises a tool locking mechanism, an electrical and gas interface and a tool positioning mechanism relative to the same side of said change-over trolley. Said tool locking mechanism locks said jig to said positioner after a change-over, said electrical and gas interface provides electrical and gas connection between said workstation and said jig, and said tool positioning mechanism positions said jig during said change-over.

The jig mounting base may be provided on top of the change-over trolley.

The two locking systems may be arranged symmetrically in respect of the two sides of said change-over trolley.

The change-over apparatus may further comprise two guiding systems provided in respect of two sides of said change-over trolley, preferably symmetrically, for guiding and positioning said change-over trolley.

Optionally, a positioner’s positioning mechanism is provided on one side of the positioner, preferably connected to a passive end of said positioner.

In the tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above, said change-over trolley may comprise a rectangular frame structure. A lower surface of said change-over trolley may be provided with a plurality of casters or other wheels.

In the tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above, each of said two guiding systems may comprise a horizontal plate and a lateral plate, with the lateral plate surrounding an outer periphery of said horizontal plate and fixed to said change-over trolley.

In the tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above, each of said electrical and gas interface may comprise: an electrical and gas mounting base, an electrical and gas fixing block, a positioner’s side gas pipe mounting plate, and an electrical and gas connecting plate. The electrical and gas connecting plate may be removably connected to said electrical and gas fixing block.

It is preferred that the electrical and gas mounting base is mounted on the positioner or otherwise within the workstation, with the positioner’s side gas pipe mounting plate provided on the electrical and gas mounting base, and the electrical and gas connecting plate provided on the electrical and gas mounting base. In this instance, the electrical and gas fixing block is provided on the jig mounting base.

In the tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above, said electrical and gas mounting base may be further provided with a guiding shaft of a conical shape. This may be used for positioning and guiding connection with the jig mounting base

In the tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above, each said electrical and gas interface may further comprise: a bracket, a rocking handle, an interface connecting rod, a pin, and a compression spring sleeved outside said pin.

The bracket may have a lower end arranged on said electrical and gas mounting base. The bracket may be L-shaped. The rocking handle may have one end rotatably connected to an upper end of the bracket. The rocking handle may be L-shaped. The interface connecting rod may have an upper end rotatably connected to a middle portion of the rocking handle. The interface connecting rod may be a U-shaped connecting rod. The pin may have an upper end rotatably connected to a lower end of the interface connecting rod.

In the tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above, each said tool positioning mechanism may be arranged under said electrical and gas interface. Each said locking mechanism may be arranged under said electrical and gas interface.

In the tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above, one end or side of the jig mounting base may be aligned with the front of the change-over trolley. The other end or side of jig mounting base may protrude from the change-over trolley.

In the tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above, the two tool positioning mechanisms may both be arranged under said jig mounting base.

The tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above may further comprise two handles symmetrically arranged on said two sides of said change-over trolley, said two handles both arranged at a rear portion of said change-over trolley.

In the tooling change-over apparatus as mentioned above, each of said two locking systems may comprise a movement-assisting mechanism for assisting translational motion of said jig on said positioner. That is, there may be bearings (whether spherical or cylindrical –such as rollers) on the positioner to help the jig mounting base slide on and off the positioner. The change-over trolley may also have bearings (whether spherical or cylindrical –such as rollers) to help the jig mounting base slide on and off the change-over trolley.

The movement-assisting mechanism may comprise rolling bearings on the positioner on which the jig mounting base slides during transfer of the jig mounting base onto the positioner from the change-over trolley and off the positioner onto the change-over trolley. Such rolling bearings may move between a first position when the jig mounting base is not in a locked state to the positioner and a second position when the jig mounting base is in a locked state to the positioner. The rolling bearings in the first position are arranged to support and allow easy sliding of the jig mounting base during said transfer, and the rolling bearings in the second position provide little or no rolling or sliding support to the jig mounting base.

Optionally, the change-over trolley may comprise rolling bearings on which the jig mounting base slides during transfer of the jig mounting base onto the change-over trolley from the positioner and off the change-over trolley onto the positioner.

The tooling change-over apparatus may further comprise a second jig mounting base. The second jig mounting base may have a different welding jig from the welding jig of the first jig mounting base. The second jig mounting base may have the same contact surfaces as the first jig mounting base for mounting on the change-over trolley in place of the first jig mounting base. The second jig mounting base may have the same contact surfaces and interfaces for positioning and locking on the positioner in place of the first jig mounting base. The second jig mounting base may have the same connexions as the first jig mounting base for connecting to the electrical and gas interface in place of the first jig mounting base.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of changing over a welding jig on a positioner. The method comprises unlocking a first jig mounting base, on which a first welding jig is mounted, from the positioner, transferring the first jig mounting base from the positioner onto a first trolley, moving the first trolley with the first jig mounting base from the positioner, bringing a second mounting base, on which a second welding jig is mounted, to the positioner, on said first trolley or on a second trolley, transferring the second jig mounting base onto said positioner, and positioning and locking the second mounting base on and to the positioner.

The first welding jig may have a different setup from the second welding jig.

The first jig mounting base may have the same size and shape as the second jig mounting base.

One or both of the first jig mounting base and the second jig mounting base may be rectangular in shape.

During transferring the first jig mounting base from the positioner onto the first trolley, the first jig mounting base slides from the positioner onto the first trolley. During transferring the second jig mounting base onto said positioner, the second jig mounting base slides from the trolley onto the positioner.

The positioner may have rolling bearings on which the first and second jig mounting bases slide during transfer. The rolling bearings may be movable between first and second positions, the rolling bearings in the first position being arranged to support and allow easy sliding of the jig mounting bases during transfer, and the rolling bearings in the second position providing little or no support to the jig mounting bases when the first jig mounting base or the second jig mounting base is locked to the positioner.

In any of the aspects, the positioner may be of the type to have two ends which are kept the same distance apart between transferring the first jig mounting base from the positioner onto a first trolley and transferring the second jig mounting base onto said positioner.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a change-over system for changing over a welding jig on a positioner. Such a change-over system comprises a first change-over trolley, a positioner, a first jig mounting base on which a first welding jig is mounted, a tool positioning mechanism for positioning the first jig mounting base on the positioner, a tool locking mechanism for locking the first jig mounting base on the positioner, and an electrical and/or gas interface to provide an electrical and/or a gas connection to said first welding jig, via said first jig mounting base.

The first change-over trolley may be arranged to carry the first jig mounting base to and from the positioner and to allow the first jig mounting base to slide onto the positioner and to receive the first jig mounting base from the positioner by sliding.

The positioner may be arranged to receive the first jig mounting base from the first change-over trolley by sliding and to allow the first jig mounting base to slide onto the first change-over trolley by sliding.

The change-over system may further comprise a second jig mounting base on which a second welding jig is mounted, the second welding jig being different from the first welding jig. The second welding jig is preferably interchangeable with the first welding jig for:

positioning on the positioner by the tool positioning mechanism;

locking on the positioner by the tool locking mechanism;

receiving the electrical and/or gas connection from the electrical and/or gas interface;

being carried by the first change-over trolley to and from the positioner;

sliding from the first change-over trolley onto the positioner and being received by the positioner from the first change-over trolley by sliding; and

sliding from the positioner onto the first change-over trolley and being received onto the first change-over trolley from the positioner by sliding.

The change-over system may further comprise a second change-over trolley, interchangeable with the first change-over trolley for carrying the first or second jig mounting base to and from the positioner. The second change-over trolley allows the first or second jig mounting base to slide onto the positioner and receiving the first or second jig mounting base from the positioner by sliding.

Compared with the prior art, the present invention achieves some advantageous effects by taking advantage of the features indicated above, for example reducing the time it takes to change jigs to 1 minute, substantially improve the usage efficiency of equipment, provide obvious economic benefit, and solve some key issues in flexible manufacturing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tooling change-over apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the tooling change-over apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the tooling change-over apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the tooling change-over apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the electrical and gas interface of the tooling change-over apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the electrical and gas interface of the tooling change-over apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a B-B cross-sectional view of the electrical and gas interface of the tooling change-over apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tool positioning mechanism of the tooling change-over apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the tool positioning mechanism of the tooling change-over apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the movement-assisting mechanism of the tooling change-over apparatus of FIG. 1.

In the drawings, the following reference numbers are used to denote the following features or their equivalents or other features performing similar or equivalent functions:

1 change-over trolley;

2 guides;

3 electrical and gas interface;

4 positioner’s positioning mechanism;

5 tool positioning mechanism;

6 jig mounting base;

7 tool locking mechanism;

8 trolley handles;

9 positioner;

10 casters;

21 horizontal plate;

22 lateral plate;

30 electrical and gas connecting plate;

31 electrical and gas mounting base;

32 electrical and gas fixing block;

33 side gas pipe mounting plate;

34 guiding shaft;

35 (L-shaped) bracket;

36 (L-shaped) rocking handle;

37 (U-shaped) interface connecting rod;

38 pin;

39 compression spring;

43 movement-assisting mechanism;

45 locking system;

47 positioning element;

48 positioner rail;

49 connecting bar;

50 tooling change-over apparatus;

51 actuating device;

53 transmission device;

55 locking mechanism connecting rod;

57 stop;

59 floating ball system connecting rod;

61 bottom plate;

62 recess;

62a upright surface;

62b inclined surface;

63 floating adjustment element of floating balls;

64 contact surface;

65 floating balls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings and specific exemplary embodiments, but the disclosure below should not be considered as limiting the present invention in any ways.

The figures illustrate various aspects of a tooling change-over system or apparatus 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This may be referred to as a quick change-over system or apparatus, as it is quicker than standard systems.

Figures 1 to 4 show a change-over trolley 1, a jig mounting base 6, and parts of two ends of a positioner 9. The change-over trolley may be referred to as a quick-change-over trolley, as its use speeds up the process relative to standard processes. The positioner is usually within a workstation containing a welding robot or the like. The change-over trolley 1 is used to ferry the jig mounting base 6 (to which a tooling fixture such as a jig –not shown –would be attached) between the positioner 9, where the jig is to be used, and some other location, such as a storage, for when the jig is not needed.

Once the jig mounting base 6 has been brought into position next to the positioner via the change-over trolley 1, the jig mounting base 6 is slid off the trolley onto positioner rails of or associated with the positioner. Once in position on the positioner rails, the jig mounting base 6 is connected up to the positioner. The change-over trolley 1 is removed (either before after the jig mounting base 6 is connected up to the positioner) . The jig on the jig mounting base 6 is now ready for use.

When a different jig is required, the same or a different change-over trolley 1 is brought back into position next to the positioner, the jig mounting base 6 is disconnected from the positioner (either before after the change-over trolley 1 is brought back into position) and slid onto trolley rails of the change-over trolley 1. The removed jig mounting base 6 is then taken away and a replacement jig mounting base 6 brought back in its place, on the same or a different change-over trolley 1 and the replacement jig mounting base 6 is itself slid off the trolley rails onto the positioner rails and connected up to the positioner and used. And so on.

Advantageously, in each case where possible, whatever the size and configuration of the welding jig, the jig mounting bases on which they are mounted have the same length and the same connections for connecting up with the positioner. In this way, the two ends of the positioner do not need moving further apart or closer together. Usefully, the jig mounting bases may all be of the same size and shape, for ease of sitting on the change-over trolley (s) and for sliding between the change-over trolley and the positioner rails.

Likewise, by using change-over trolleys which are the same height and length, they can all bring the jig mounting bases to the same position in three dimensional space next to the positioner rails, without any adjustment necessary.

Within the workstation and, preferably associated with or attached to the positioner, is a guiding system with two guides 2, provided for the two sides of the change-over trolley 1, preferably symmetrically, for guiding and positioning the change-over trolley 1 as it is wheeled into position next to the positioner. These guides 2 are provided relatively close to the floor and are attached in place within the workstation, and in a fixed position relative to the positioner, such that, in passing between them, the change-over trolley 1 is directed correctly to beside the positioner. In this application, references to the “sides” of the trolley could mean the longer sides or the shorter sides (i.e. ends) .

As embodied in this example, each of the guides 2 includes a horizontal plate 21 and a lateral plate 22, wherein the lateral plate 22 surrounds the outer periphery of the horizontal plate 21. The lateral plate 22 may be, for instance, fixed to a side wall of the workstation

A positioner’s positioning mechanism 4 is provided on one side of the positioner 9, in this exemplary embodiment by the passive end. The positioner’s positioning mechanism 4 is used to ensure the positioner is at the correct angular position for unmounting and mounting of a jig mounting base and is removably connected (for example, by using a movable pin) to the passive end or second end axle or other appropriate component of the positioner 9, such that rotation of the second end axle is prevented. Thereby, the positioner does not move during the unmounting operation or the mounting operation.

The jig mounting base 6 carrying the jig is typically provided on the top of the change-over trolley 1. However the jig mounting base 6 may, alternatively, be below the top surface, as long as it is still at the correct level for the positioner or, more specifically, the positioner rails, if and as appropriate. The trolley may be provided with a base locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the jig mounting base 6, so that it does not inadvertently slide off the trolley during transport. A brake or movement lock may also be present such that the presence of a jig mounting base 6 prevents movement of the trolley unless the jig mounting base 6 has been locked to the trolley using the base locking mechanism.

Between them, the jig mounting base and the positioner are provided with two locking systems 45, preferably symmetrically arranged, one at each end, corresponding to both sides/ends of the change-over trolley 1, the locking systems are for both locking the jig mounting base, and thereby the jig, to the positioner and, where needed, for providing electrical and gas connection between the jig and the workstation, via the jig mounting base, usefully a quick such connection.

As illustrated by Fig. 4, each of the locking systems 45 includes a tool locking mechanism 7, and at least one of the locking systems 45 includes a tool positioning device 5 and an electrical and gas interface 3, all of which are provided on the same side of the change-over trolley 1. The tool locking mechanism 7 locks the jig mounting base to the positioner after a change-over transfer (but during the change-over process) . The electrical and gas interface 3 provides quick electrical and gas connections between the workstation and the jig, via the jig mounting base, and the jig positioning mechanism 5 positions the jig mounting base during the change-over, ensuring the jig mounting base is in the correct position for the tool locking mechanism in at least one dimension, perhaps two dimensions and, optionally, three dimensions. A tool locking mechanism 7 is useful at each end to lock the two ends of jig mounting base to the two ends of the positioner. The invention encompasses having an electrical and gas interface 3 at just one end, as well as at both ends. Whilst it may be that only one electrical and gas interface 3 is actually used at a time, by having the fittings at both ends of the jig mounting base, there is less need to worry about which way round on the jig mounting base the jig is mounted or which way around it is brought to the positioner. There may also be occasions when the electrical and gas interface 3 at both ends are used simultaneously. As for the tool positioning device 5, it may be that one will suffice but one at each end is generally more useful.

In this exemplary embodiment, each of the tool positioning mechanisms 5 is arranged under the electrical and gas interface 3; and each of the tool locking mechanisms 7 is arranged under the electrical and gas interface 3.

Both the jig mounting base in this embodiment and the change-over trolley 1 in this exemplary embodiment has a generally rectangular frame structure, although other shapes are possible. The base of the change-over trolley 1 provided with a plurality of casters 11 or other wheels. The casters are used to facilitate the movement of the change-over trolley 1 and to accelerate the change-over. The change-over trolley 1 may be arranged such that it does not matter which way round it is as it is pushed to the positioner for the change-over operation.

One side of the jig mounting base 6 may be fixed to and align with the front of the change-over trolley 1, whilst the rear side of the jig mounting base 6 protrudes beyond the top surface of the change-over trolley 1 for facilitating tool change-over, since the rear side of the jig mounting base 6 may then pass onto the front of the positioner rails, whilst the jig mounting base 6 is still mounted on the change-over trolley 1.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, both of the two tool positioning mechanisms 5 are arranged under the jig mounting base 6 to facilitate the positioning of the jig mounting base 6 on the positioner 9.

The change-over trolley 1 may usefully include one or two trolley handles 8 arranged on the front side of the change-over trolley 1, to facilitate control and movement of the change-over trolley 1 by an operator, such that the change-over can be accelerated. Where there are two handles 8, they may be symmetrically arranged, one on each side of the change-over trolley 1. One or two handles may also be present on the rear side for a change-over trolley 1 which may be pushed up against the positioner in either direction.

Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an electrical and gas interface 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the electrical and gas interface 3 includes an electrical and gas connecting plate 30, an electrical and gas mounting base 31, an electrical and gas fixing block 32 and a positioner’s side gas pipe mounting plate 33.

One or more portions of the electrical and gas interface 3 are provided on the jig mounting base 6 and one or more portions on or associated with the positioner 9. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the electrical and gas mounting base 31 is provided on or is associated with the positioner, and the electrical and gas connecting plate 30, the electrical and gas fixing block 32 and the positioner’s side gas pipe mounting plate 33 are provided on different sides of the electrical and gas mounting base 31, respectively. The electrical and gas connecting plate 30 and the electrical and gas fixing block 32 are provided on the positioner and the jig mounting base 6, respectively, and are capable of being connected and disconnected quickly by a quick-release mechanism for ensuring electrical and gas connection between an electricity and gas supply in the workstation and the jig mounting base 6 and thereby to the jig mounted in the jig mounting base 6.

For this purpose, each electrical and gas interface 3 may further include: a bracket 35 (possibly L-shaped) having a lower end disposed on the electrical and gas mounting base 31, a rocking handle 36 (possibly L-shaped) having one end rotatably connected to the upper end of the bracket 35, a connecting rod 37 (possibly U-shaped) of the electrical and gas interface, the interface connecting rod 37 having an upper end rotatably connected to a middle portion of the rocking handle 36; a pin 38 having an upper end rotatably connected to an lower end of the interface connecting rod 37; and a compression spring 39 sleeved outside the pin 38. Locking is achieved through the bracket 35, the rocking handle 36, the interface connecting rod 37, the pin 38 and the compression spring 39, and the locking operation is effected by way of the rocking handle 36.

Specifically, when the rocking handle 36 rotates downwards (in the orientation shown in Fig. 7) , in the direction away from the jig mounting base, it drives the interface connecting rod 37 and the pin 38 to move upwardly, thereby the compression spring 39 is compressed and the pin 38 leaves the locked position. When the rocking handle 36 rotates upwards, in the direction towards the jig mounting base, it drives the interface connecting rod 37 and the pin 38 to move downwardly, thereby the compression spring 39 recovers from the compressed state and the pin 38 connects and locks the two detachable mechanisms of the electrical and gas interface 3, i.e., the electrical and gas connecting plate 30 and the electrical and gas fixing block 32. A person skilled in the art should understand that other locking mechanisms which are capable of positioning and locking also fall into the protection scope of the present invention.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the electrical and gas mounting base 31 is further provided with a guiding shaft 34 of a conical shape, playing the function of positioning and guiding the electrical and gas interface 3 of the jig mounting base. The guiding shaft 34 passes into recesses in the electrical and gas fixing block 32, ensuring correct positioning. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the excesses extend as holes all the way through the electrical and gas fixing block 32, the end of the guiding shaft 34 showing as having passed all the way through the relevant portion of the electrical and gas fixing block 32.

On the jig mounting base, the welding jig is connected up to the jig mounting base side electrical and gas interface 3, to direct flow of gas and/or electricity as needed within the welding jig, during welding. On the positioner side electrical and gas interface, the electrical and gas connecting plate 30 is connected up to electricity and gas supplies. Once the electrical and gas connecting plate 30 and the electrical and gas fixing block 32 are connected, the positioner and the tooling or jig are in electrical and gas connection. By providing all the connections to the electrical and gas interface 3 in advance, with the electrical and gas interface 3 connected quickly and simply to the respective portions of the workstation or positioner, minimal time is needed to effect the necessary connections during the change-over operation.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the tool positioning mechanism 5 at each end of the positioner achieves positioning by means of a mechanical structure. Fig. 8 illustrates a specific exemplary embodiment of the tool positioning mechanism 5. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Fig. 8, the tool positioning mechanism 5 includes a positioning element 47 on the positioner and a connecting bar 49, the connecting bar 49 being fixed to a corresponding side of the jig mounting base 6.

During mounting of the jig mounting base 6, the connecting bar 49 at each end of the jig mounting base 6 slides lengthwise onto a corresponding positioner rail 48 at each end of the positioner. The positioning element 47 has a hole for receiving the connecting bar 49, a first end of the connecting bar 49 sliding into the hole of the positioning element 47 during the mounting operation. With the engagement between the positioning element 47 and the connecting bar 49 (more specifically in this exemplary embodiment, a protrusion on the first end of the connecting bar 49 fitting into a slot in the positioning element 47) , the connecting bar 49 is positioned at a predetermined position. In this way, the correct positioning of the jig mounting base and thereby of the jig is achieved. This system replaces conventional bolt positioning for quick positioning. A person skilled in the art should understand that the tool positioning mechanism 5 does not have to be implemented by way of the positioning element 47 and the connecting bar 49; other mechanical structures capable of achieving positioning also fall into the protection of the present invention.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the tool locking mechanism 7 is an automatic system or a semi-automatic system to assist the locking of the jig mounting base and, thereby, of the jig, to the positioner. Fig. 9 illustrates a specific exemplary embodiment of the tool locking mechanism 7. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Fig. 9, the tool locking mechanism 7 includes an actuating device 51. This actuating device may, for example, be an air cylinder. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Fig. 9, the tool locking mechanism 7 further includes a transmission device 53, a connecting rod 55 of the locking mechanism and a stop 57, the transmission device 53 being connected to one end of the locking mechanism connecting rod 55 and the stop 57 being connected to the other end of the locking mechanism connecting rod 55.

During mounting of the jig mounting base 6, the connecting bar 49 slides along the positioner rail 48, underneath the stop 57, with the first end of the connecting bar 49 sliding into the hole of the positioning element 47 as mentioned above. With the connecting bar 49 and jig mounting base 6 generally in the correct position, the actuating device 51 is actuated. Lateral movement of the actuating device 51 is converted into vertical movement by the transmission device 53, driving the locking mechanism connecting rod 55 and the stop 57 to move upwardly and downwardly. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Fig. 9, the stop 57 is wedge-shaped, and, when the mechanism connecting rod 55 and the stop 57 are forced downward, an inclined side surface of the stop 57, adjacent to an inclined surface of the second end of the connecting bar 49, comes into engagement with that inclined surface of that second end of the connecting bar 49 adjacent to the stop 57, thereby pushing the connecting bar horizontally, harder against the positioning element 47 (in the rightward direction, looking at Fig. 9) and thereby (clamping and) locking the connecting bar 49 (and thus the jig mounting base and, in turn, thus the jig) in place at a predetermined position. The inclined surface of the second end of the connecting bar 49 is not necessarily at the very end of the connecting bar 49. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, it is provided within a hole within the connecting bar 49, the hole extending the entire height of the connecting bar 49, such that the bottom of the stop 57 may even extend out through the lower surface of the connecting bar 49. Alternatively, rather than a hole, it might be a groove or a recess, etc.

When the jig mounting base is to be removed and dismounted, the actuating device 51 is activated again to unlock the jig mounting base. The mechanism connecting rod 55 and the stop 57 are caused to be moved upwards, so that the base of the stop 57 is above the level of the upper surface of the connecting bar 49, allowing the connecting bar 49 to slide away and the jig mounting base to be dismounted and removed.

This automatic tool locking mechanism replaces conventional locking mechanisms such as a bolt-nut fastening system, and substantially accelerates the change-over of tools. A person skilled in the art should understand that other automatic or semi-automatic systems capable of achieving locking also fall into the protection scope of the present invention.

The references to rails in the above description (on the positioner and/or on the change-over trolley) are not limited to solid elongate rails. They may just be or may include rows or series of bearings (whether spherical or cylindrical –such as rollers) which support the jig mounting base from below, as it is pushed from the trolley to the positioner and from the positioner to the trolley. Given the weight of the jig mounting base (especially when combined with the jig) , some arrangement of movement-assisting mechanism 43 is preferred, usually involving rolling bearings, etc. These may be on the change-over trolley and on the positioner, as in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, they may be on the jig mounting base, typically its underside, with continuous rails on both the change-over trolley and the positioner.

Fig. 10 illustrates a preferred exemplary embodiment of the movement-assisting mechanism 43, wherein the movement-assisting mechanism 43 includes a floating ball movement-assisting system, which can be engaged and in an engaged state, in order to assist the transfer of the jig mounting base on and off the positioner, and disengaged and in a disengaged state, in order to provide no such assistance.

The floating ball movement-assisting system includes: an actuating device 51 in this exemplary embodiment being the same actuating device 51 as used in the tool locking mechanism 7, for driving the floating ball movement-assisting system; a connecting rod 59 of the floating ball system, which is driven by the actuating device 51 to provide lateral movement to a bottom plate 61, which is connected with one end of the floating ball system connecting rod 59; a plurality of floating ball floating adjustment elements 63 provided below the bottom plate 61 and a plurality of floating balls 65 provided on top of the bottom plate 61.

The connecting rod 59 of the floating ball system is pivoted part way along its length, between an upper end where it interacts with the actuating device 51 and a lower end where it interacts with the bottom plate 61. In this exemplary embodiment, the pivot is much closer to the lower end. Lateral movement of the actuating device 51 pivots the connecting rod 59 of the floating ball system, to cause lateral movement of the bottom plate 61.

The bottom plate 61 has a plurality of recesses 62 in its lower surface, each of which recesses is composed of an upright, stop surface 62a and an inclined surface 62b. Each floating ball floating adjustment element 63 located below the bottom plate 61 has a spherical contact surface 64, usually a rolling bearing. Each spherical contact surface 64 corresponds to, and in the disengaged state of the movement-assisting mechanism 43, protrudes into one of the recesses 62 and abuts one or both of the corresponding recess surfaces, as can be seen in the right hand portion of Figure 10.

Starting with the movement-assisting mechanism 43 in the disengaged state, if the actuating device 51 is activated to pull the top end of the connecting rod 59 of the floating ball system towards it, then the pivoting of the connecting rod 59 of the floating ball system causes the bottom plate 61 to move laterally, to the left in Figure 10. This causes the inclined surfaces 62b of the various recesses to be pulled laterally over the tops of the spherical contact surfaces 64, thereby causing upward movement of the bottom plate 61 to bring the movement-assisting mechanism 43 in the engaged state.

The floating balls are freely rotatable in housings mounted on top of the bottom plate 61 and the mountings and thereby the floating balls move with the bottom plate 61, both vertically and laterally. The top surface of each of the positioner rails 48, onto and off which the connecting bars of the jig mounting base slide, has holes spaced in the longitudinal direction. The various floating balls are mounted just within these holes. As the bottom plate 61 moves in the upward direction, into the engaged state of the movement-assisting mechanism, each floating ball 65 also moves in the upward direction accordingly, i.e., the floating ball 65 floats. The floating balls are positioned such that in their raised position, in the engaged state of the movement-assisting mechanism, their top surfaces at least, stand at least slightly proud of the top surface of each of the positioner rails 48. As the floating balls 65 rotate freely, this allows the connecting bars of the jig mounting base to slide easily over them, for mounting onto and dismounting from the positioner.

Starting with the movement-assisting mechanism 43 in the engaged state, if the actuating device 51 is activated to push the top end of the connecting rod 59 of the floating ball system away from it, then the pivoting of the connecting rod 59 of the floating ball system causes the bottom plate 61 to move laterally, to the right in Figure 10. This causes the inclined surfaces 62b of the various recesses to be pushed laterally over the tops of the spherical contact surfaces 64, thereby causing downward movement of the bottom plate 61 to bring the movement-assisting mechanism 43 in the disengaged state. As the bottom plate 61 moves in the downward direction, each floating ball 65 also moves in the downward direction accordingly, i.e., the floating ball 65 sinks. The floating balls are positioned such that in their lowered position, in the disengaged state of the movement-assisting mechanism, their top surfaces no longer protrude above the top surface of each of the positioner rails 48. As such they can be of no assistance in sliding the jig mounting base. As such, the floating ball movement-assisting system can float and sink based on actual needs, assisting the movement of the jig on the positioner.

The activation of the actuating device 51 which brings the movement-assisting mechanism into the disengaged state is the same activation that locks the tool locking mechanism 7, as discussed above in connection with Figure 9. The downward movement of the locking mechanism connecting rod 55 and the stop 57 is, in this exemplary embodiment, simultaneous with the lowering of the bottom plate 61 and the floating balls 65. This results in the underside of the connecting bar 49 resting on the upper surface of the positioner rail 48, which associated friction therebetween, to improve the locking effect.

On the other hand, the activation of the actuating device 51 which brings the movement-assisting mechanism into the engaged state is the same activation that unlocks the tool locking mechanism 7, allowing a mounted jig mounting base to be removed. The upward movement of the locking mechanism connecting rod 55 and the stop 57 is, in this exemplary embodiment, simultaneous with the raising of the bottom plate 61 and the floating balls 65. This results in the connecting bar 49 being lifted slightly off the upper surface of the positioner rail 48, allowing the jig mounting base to be slid off, and dismounted from the positioner.

The above disclosure is merely preferred embodiments or aspects of the present invention, and should not be considered as limiting possible embodiments and protection scope of the present invention. A person skilled in the art should understand that all technical solutions which are equivalent to or obvious modifications of the disclosure of the description and drawings of the present invention also fall into the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

A tooling change-over apparatus, comprising:

a change-over trolley for carrying a jig;

a positioner in a workstation; and

a jig mounting base provided on said change-over trolley for carrying said jig,

characterized in that said tooling change-over apparatus further comprises two locking systems symmetrically arranged in respect of the two sides of said change-over trolley, for locking said jig to said workstation and for providing electrical and gas connection therebetween,

wherein each of said two locking systems includes a tool locking mechanism, an electrical and gas interface and a tool positioning mechanism relative to the same side of said change-over trolley, and

wherein said tool locking mechanism locks said jig to said positioner after a change-over, said electrical and gas interface provides electrical and gas connection between said workstation and said jig, and said tool positioning mechanism positions said jig during said change-over.
The tooling change-over apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said electrical and gas interface comprises:

an electrical and gas mounting base provided in the workstation;

a side gas pipe mounting plate provided on said electrical and gas mounting base;

an electrical and gas connecting plate provided on said electrical and gas mounting base; and

an electrical and gas fixing block provided on the jig mounting base;

wherein said electrical and gas connecting plate is removably connected to said electrical and gas fixing block.
The tooling change-over apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said electrical and gas mounting base is further provided with a guiding shaft of a conical shape for positioning and guiding connection with the jig mounting base.
The tooling change-over apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said electrical and gas interface further comprises:

a bracket, having a lower end arranged on said electrical and gas mounting base;

a rocking handle, having one end rotatably connected to an upper end of said bracket;

a connecting rod, having an upper end rotatably connected to a middle portion of said rocking handle;

a pin having an upper end rotatably connected to an lower end of said connecting rod; and

a compression spring sleeved outside said pin,

wherein said pin connects and locks said electrical and gas connecting plate to said electrical and gas fixing block.
The tooling change-over apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking system comprises a movement-assisting mechanism for assisting translational motion of said jig on said positioner.
The tooling change-over apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the movement-assisting mechanism comprises rolling bearings on the positioner on which the jig mounting base slides during transfer of the jig mounting base onto the positioner from the change-over trolley and off the positioner onto the change-over trolley, the rolling bearings moving between a first position when the jig mounting base is not in a locked state to the positioner and a second position when the jig mounting base is in a locked state to the positioner, the rolling bearings in the first position being arranged to support and allow easy sliding of the jig mounting base during said transfer, and the rolling bearings in the second position providing little or no rolling support to the jig mounting base.
The tooling change-over apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the change-over trolley comprises rolling bearings on which the jig mounting base slides during transfer of the jig mounting base onto the change-over trolley from the positioner and off the change-over trolley onto the positioner.
The tooling change-over apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second jig mounting base, the second jig mounting base:

having a different welding jig from the welding jig of the first jig mounting base;

having the same contact surfaces as the first jig mounting base for mounting on the change-over trolley in place of the first jig mounting base;

having the same contact surfaces and interfaces for positioning and locking on the positioner in place of the first jig mounting base; and

having the same connections as the first jig mounting base for connecting to the electrical and gas interface in place of the first jig mounting base.
A method of changing over a welding jig on a positioner, the method comprising:

unlocking a first jig mounting base, on which a first welding jig is mounted, from the positioner;

transferring the first jig mounting base from the positioner onto a first trolley;

moving the first trolley with the first jig mounting base from the positioner;

bringing a second mounting base, on which a second welding jig is mounted, to the positioner, on said first trolley or on a second trolley;

transferring the second jig mounting base onto said positioner; and

positioning and locking the second mounting base on and to the positioner.
The method of claim 9, wherein the first welding jig has a different setup from the second welding jig, and/or wherein the first jig mounting base has the same size and shape as the second jig mounting base.
The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein both the first jig mounting base and the second jig mounting base are rectangular in shape.
The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein:

in transferring the first jig mounting base from the positioner onto the first trolley, the first jig mounting base slides from the positioner onto the first trolley; and

in transferring the second jig mounting base onto said positioner, the second jig mounting base slides from the trolley onto the positioner.
The method of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the positioner has rolling bearings on which the first and second jig mounting bases slide during transfer, the rolling bearings being movable between first and second positions, the rolling bearings in the first position being arranged to support and allow easy sliding of the jig mounting bases during transfer, and the rolling bearings in the second position providing little or no support to the jig mounting bases when the first jig mounting base or the second jig mounting base is locked to the positioner.
The method of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the positioner has two ends which are kept the same distance apart between transferring the first jig mounting base from the positioner onto a first trolley and transferring the second jig mounting base onto said positioner.