Apparatus and method for threading spokes into a double flange hub of a spoked wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for threading spokes (2) into a hub (3) of a spoke wheel (2) having two flanges (6, 7), each of the flanges (6, 7) being provided with a ring with holes (8) for receiving the spokes (2), the spokes (2) being threaded by means of two to four spoke (2) ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12), each of which ejects the spokes (2) successively into the holes (8) of the flanges (6, 7). The method according to the invention is distinguished in that the ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) remain stationary and the hub (3) is clamped, displaced and rotated about its axis (5) by means of a multi-joint system (14), which is controlled to successively position the holes (8) of the flanges (6, 7) in front of the corresponding ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) for ejecting and threading the spokes (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing spoked wheels intended to equip a mobile vehicle such as, for example, a bicycle or a motorcycle.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and automated method for threading spokes into a double flange hub of a spoked wheel. Existing technology

[0003] The hub of a spoked wheel generally comprises a cylindrical central part mounted so as to be able to rotate freely about an axis and adjoined at its ends by two vertical flanges, each of which comprises a ring with holes for receiving the ends of the spokes, thus connecting the hub to the rim. In the rings with holes, the free branches of the spokes are introduced alternately from the outer and inner surfaces of the flanges.

[0004] A method and a device for threading spokes into a double-flange hub of a spoke wheel are known from document WO 1982004421.

[0005] According to this document, the hub is arranged horizontally and its rotation is controlled by a drive member, making it possible to generate a braking torque greater than the driving torque generated by the weight of the spokes mounted on the hub; the hub is rotated to bring it to a predetermined position; the spokes are inserted into the corresponding holes, allowed to droop under their own weight, and the hub is rotated to bring it to the next position. The flange is changed depending on the desired insertion type; the spokes are inserted and the hub is rotated until all the spokes have been inserted, and the hub is then removed.

[0006] This solution is entirely satisfactory as far as the spokes are thus inserted, but could be improved in terms of speed of execution and therefore industrial production rate and versatility.

[0007] Other documents of the prior art describe this principle, such as documents WO2007040386 or EP0933234, but none of them are fully satisfactory in terms of speed and versatility. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for threading spokes into a double-flange hub of a spoked wheel which allow rapid execution and therefore increased productivity, as well as flexibility and versatility compared to those of the prior art.

[0009] For this purpose, a method has been developed for inserting spokes into a double-flange hub of a spoked wheel, the flanges each being provided with a ring with holes for receiving the spokes, the spokes being inserted by means of at least two to four spoke ejection devices that successively eject each of the spokes into the holes of the flanges. According to a specific, non-limiting embodiment, the spokes of the same flange are inserted alternately from the inner and outer surfaces of the flange.

[0010] According to the invention, the method is remarkable in that the ejection devices remain fixed and the hub is clamped, displaced and driven to rotate around its axis by a multi-joint system, which is controlled to continuously position the flange holes in front of the corresponding ejection devices for ejecting and threading the spokes.

[0011] According to the foregoing, and contrary to the prior art, the spoke ejecting devices are not displaced in the direction of the hub, but the hub itself is displaced continuously in front of each ejecting device.

[0012] Therefore, there is no need to wait for the ejection device to be moved back before replacing it with the next ejection device, because the ejection device is fixed. In particular, immediately after one ejection device has threaded the spoke into the hole, the hub can be moved to the second ejection device, and so on. As a result, the cycle time is significantly improved.

[0013] The method according to the present invention is also more flexible and versatile than those of the prior art, since it is easily adapted to any size of hub, and any number of spoke receiving holes, such as 12 to 48 spoke hubs, etc., without mechanically modifying the method and apparatus, but only by adjusting the programming of the travel path of the multi-joint system and the rotation of the hub about its axis.

[0014] Preferably, and still in order to improve the cycle time of the method, the multi-joint system is also controlled to grip an empty hub and bring it between the ejection devices and to remove the hub when it is filled with spokes.

[0015] Preferably, before ejecting the spokes, the method may comprise a step of analyzing the exact position of the holes in the two flanges.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the method comprises the consecutive steps consisting of:

[0017] a. rotating the hub about its axis to render the holes empty, or if all the holes have received spokes, removing the hub;

[0018] b. after or during the rotation of the hub, displacing the hub to position the inner or outer surface of the first flange in front of a first device for ejecting a spoke and aligning the first device with a hollow hole of the first flange, and actuating the first ejection device to pass the spoke from the inner or outer surface of the first flange into the hollow hole;

[0019] c. The hub is then rotated about its axis to reveal new empty holes, or if all the holes have received spokes, the hub is removed;

[0020] d. after or during said rotation of said hub, subsequently displacing said hub to position the inner or outer surface of another flange in front of another device for ejecting spokes and aligning said another device with the hole of said another flange, and actuating another ejection device to pass the spokes from said inner or outer surface of said another flange into said hole;

[0021] e. Repeat the method starting from step a.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a device for threading spokes into a double-flange hub of a spoked wheel. The flanges are each provided with a ring with holes for receiving the spokes. The device comprises two to four spoke ejection devices intended to eject each of the spokes into a hole in the flange.

[0023] According to the present invention, the device comprises:

[0024] - a multi-joint system equipped with means for clamping the hub, said clamping means including means for rotating the hub around its axis;

[0025] - a control unit programmed to control the displacement of the multi-joint system and the means for rotating the hub so as to continuously position the holes of the flanges in front of the corresponding ejection means, this being carried out by presenting the outer or inner surface of the flanges in front of the ejection means, optionally alternating for each flange.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment, the ejection means are positioned on a horizontal plane and on either side of the displacement space of the hub.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, the clamping member comprises two pairs of parallel jaws oriented in the same direction and spaced apart from each other to clamp the shaft of the hub by means of both ends of the jaws, preferably orthogonally.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the means for rotating the hub comprises a roller driven in rotation by a motor and positioned in contact with an edge of one of the flanges in order to rotate the hub. The correct position is ensured, for example, by an encoder.

[0029] Preferably, the device comprises means for verifying the position of the holes intended to receive the spokes. For example, these means may be in the form of an encoder (for example an optical encoder) measuring the angular position of one of the flanges, optionally associated with a photodetection unit for detecting the position of the holes, for example after rotation of the hub. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a spoke penetration device according to the present invention, the spoke penetration device including four ejection devices.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A detailed view showing the four spoke ejection devices and the multi-jointed system that handles the hub.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Detailed view of a hub oriented and positioned in front of one of the spoke ejection devices, the hub already having a spoke threaded into a hole in one of the hub flanges.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing in detail the clamping components of the multi-joint system and the components for rotating the wheel hub.

[0034] Figure 5 is with Figure 4 A similar view from another perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for threading spokes (2) into a double-flange hub (3) of a spoke wheel (2), which are fast and versatile.

[0036] In a known manner, the hub (3) of a spoked wheel (2) generally comprises a cylindrical central part (4) mounted so as to be able to rotate freely about an axis (5) and adjoining at its two ends a first flange (6) and a second flange (7), both perpendicular and comprising a ring with holes (8) for receiving the ends of the spokes (2), thereby connecting the hub (3) to the rim of the wheel.

[0037] In a known manner, the device (1) according to the invention comprises two to four ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) for spokes (2), each intended to eject a spoke (2) successively into a hole (8) in a flange (6, 7).

[0038] These ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) are well known in the prior art and will not be described in detail. The only difference compared to the ejection devices of the prior art is that the ejection devices of the present invention are fixedly mounted relative to the structure of the device (1). In other words, similar to a gun that continuously ejects the spokes (2), the ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) remain in a fixed position and are not displaced in the direction of the hub (3), but the hub (3) itself is displaced in the direction of the ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12), as will be described below.

[0039] According to another characteristic of the present invention, the two to four ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) are preferably positioned flat, that is, on the same horizontal plane, and are preferably positioned so that the first ejection device (9) and the second ejection device (10) are positioned on one side of the displacement space (13) of the hub (3), in particular on the side of the outer surface of the first flange (6), and the third ejection device (11) and the fourth ejection device (12) are positioned on the other side of the displacement space (13) of the hub (3), in particular on the side of the outer surface of the second flange (7).

[0040] In other words, viewed from above, two to four ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) are positioned on the same horizontal plane, one to two on the left side and one to two on the right side, facing each other, two by two, on either side of the displacement space (13) of the hub (3), said ejection devices being slightly offset so that a spoke (2) ejected by one of the ejection devices does not collide with the opposite ejection device. The first ejection device (9) and the second ejection device (10) are substantially opposite to the third ejection device (11) and the fourth ejection device (12).

[0041] The device (1) according to the invention is advantageous in that it makes it possible to implement a threading method in which, as indicated, the ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) remain stationary and the hub (3) is clamped, displaced and driven to rotate about its axis (5) by means of a multi-joint system (14), which is controlled to continuously position the holes (8) of the flange in front of the corresponding ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) for ejecting and threading the spokes (2), it being noted that, in a known manner, the spokes (2) of the same flange (6, 7) can be threaded alternately (but not necessarily) from the inner and outer surfaces of the flange (6, 7).

[0042] For this purpose, the device (1) comprises a multi-joint system (14), such as a six-axis robot, equipped with: a part (15) for clamping the hub (3), the clamping part including a part (16) for rotating the hub (3) around its axis (5); and a control unit (not shown) programmed to control the displacement of the multi-joint system (14) and the part (16) for rotating the hub (3) so as to continuously position the holes (8) of the flanges (6, 7) in front of the corresponding ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) by, for example, alternately presenting the outer surface and the inner surface of each flange in front of the ejection devices.

[0043] More specifically, the method implemented by the device (1) preferably operates according to a specific sequence.

[0044] For example, in the case of a device comprising two ejection means, according to a so-called initial step, the method consists in rotating the hub ( 3 ) around its axis so as to present the empty hole ( 8 ).

[0045] After or during the rotation of the hub, the multi-joint system (14) displaces the hub to position the inner or outer surface of the flange in front of the spoke ejection device and align the spoke ejection device with the empty hole of the flange. The ejection device is then actuated to pass the spoke from the inner or outer surface of the flange into the empty hole.

[0046] The rotating member (16) then rotates the hub (3) about its axis so as to present a new empty hole (8).

[0047] After or during the rotation of the hub (3), the multi-joint system (14) displaces the hub to position the inner or outer surface of the other flange in front of the other device for ejecting the spokes and align the other device with the hole of the other flange. The other ejection device is then actuated to pass the spokes from the inner or outer surface of the other flange into the hole.

[0048] The control unit then controls the rotating part (16) of the multi-joint system (14) to rotate the hub (3) around its axis (5) so as to present new empty holes (8). Obviously, if all holes (8) have received spokes (2), the hub (3) is removed from the device (1).

[0049] For example, in the case of an apparatus comprising four ejection devices, according to a so-called initial step, the method consists in rotating the hub (3) about its axis so as to present an empty hole (8) and in displacing the hub (3) by means of a multi-joint system (14) so ​​as to position the outer surface of the first flange (6) in front of the first ejection device (9) and align the first ejection device with the hole (8) of the first flange (6). When the hub (3) is in position, the first ejection device (9) is actuated to eject the spokes (2) and to pass the spokes from the outside (i.e. from the outer surface of the first flange (6)) into the hole (8) of the first flange (6). Obviously, the hub (3) is tilted in the horizontal and / or vertical plane to prevent the spokes (2) from colliding with the second flange (7).

[0050] Immediately after receiving the spoke (2), the multi-joint system (14) rotates the hub (3) and then displaces the hub to position the inner surface of the second flange (7) in front of the second ejection device (10) (in particular, on the same side of the displacement space (13) of the hub (3), that is, the ejection device on the side of the first flange (6)), and align the second ejection device with the hole (8) of the second flange (7). To this end, the multi-joint system (14) must orient and tilt the hub (3). When the hub (3) is in the appropriate position, the second ejection device (10) is actuated to eject the spoke (2) and pass the spoke from the outside of the second flange (7) (i.e., from the inner surface) into the hole (8).

[0051] The control unit then controls the rotating part (16) of the multi-joint system (14) to rotate the hub (3) around its axis (5) so as to present new empty holes (8). Obviously, if all holes (8) have received spokes (2), the hub (3) is removed from the device (1).

[0052] If the hub (3) has been rotated about its axis (5) to present two new empty holes (8), the method consists in subsequently displacing the hub (3) by means of a multi-joint system (14) so ​​that this time the inner surface of the first flange (6) is positioned in front of a third ejection device (11), said third ejection device being located in particular on the other side of the displacement space (13) of the hub (3) relative to the second ejection device (10), i.e. on the side of the second flange (7) and substantially opposite said second ejection device (10). The hub (3) is positioned so that the third ejection device (11) is aligned with the hole (8) of the first flange (6). When the hub (3) is in position, the third ejection device (11) is actuated to eject the spoke (2) and to pass said spoke from the inside of the first flange (6), i.e. from the inner surface, into the hole (8). To this end, the multi-joint system (14) must orient and tilt the hub (3) to avoid collisions.

[0053] Immediately after the spoke (2) has been received, the hub (3) is rotated and displaced by means of the multi-joint system (14) so ​​that the outer surface of the second flange (7) is positioned in front of the fourth ejection device (12), which is particularly located in the displacement space (13) of the hub (3) on the same side as the third ejection device (11) and substantially opposite to the first ejection device (9), i.e. on the side of the second flange (7). Taking into account the tilting constraint to avoid collisions, the hub (3) is positioned so that the fourth ejection device (12) is aligned with the hole (8) of the second flange (7). When the hub (3) is in the appropriate position, the fourth ejection device (12) is actuated to eject the spoke (2) and pass the spoke from the outside of the second flange (7), i.e. from its outer surface, into the hole (8).

[0054] If all the holes (8) have received spokes (2), the hub (3) is removed. Otherwise, the means (16) for rotating the hub (3) are actuated to rotate the hub (3) about its axis (5) so as to present new empty holes and the method is repeated starting from the so-called initial step to begin a new sequence.

[0055] The clamping member (15) of the hub (3) may be of any suitable type. For example, Figures 3 to 5 The clamping part (15) comprises two pairs of parallel jaws (17) oriented in the same direction and spaced apart from each other so as to clamp the axis (5) of the hub (3) with their ends, for example orthogonally. These jaws (17) are supported, for example, by a U-shaped support (18), from which the two arms of the U-shaped support extend the jaws (17). The base of the support (18) is articulatedly connected to the multi-joint system (14), in particular by means of a pivot joint (19), which makes it possible for the support (18) to rotate about an axis (5) parallel to the branches of the support (18) and orthogonal to the axis (5) of the hub (3).

[0056] The means (16) for rotating the hub (3) about its axis (5) comprise, for example, a motor (20) preferably fixed to a support (18) and driven in rotation by means of a conveyor belt (21); a roller (22) positioned in contact with the edge of one of the flanges (6, 7) in order to drive said flange in rotation and, therefore, the hub (3).

[0057] The rotation is then carried out step by step and makes it possible to successively present two new empty holes (8) for receiving the spokes (2).

[0058] The different positions of the hub (3) displaced by the multi-joint system (14) are preferably verified, for example by means of verifying the position of the holes (8) intended to receive the spokes (2). These means may be in the form of an encoder (for example an optical encoder) for measuring the angular position of one of the flanges (6, 7), optionally associated with a photoelectric detection unit for detecting the position of the holes (8), for example after rotation of the hub.

[0059] From the foregoing it can be seen that the method and the device according to the invention make it possible to thread the spokes into the flange of the hub of a spoked wheel in a very rapid and versatile manner.

Claims

1. A method for threading spokes (2) into a hub (3) having two flanges (6, 7) of a wheel with spokes (2), wherein each of the flanges (6, 7) is provided with a ring with a hole (8) for receiving the spokes (2), the spokes (2) being threaded by means of two to four spoke (2) ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12), each of which ejects the spokes (2) successively into the holes (8) of the flanges (6, 7), the method being characterized in that the ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) remain stationary and the hub (3) is clamped, displaced and driven to rotate about its axis (5) by a multi-joint system (14), the multi-joint system being controlled to successively position the holes (8) of the flanges (6, 7) in front of the corresponding ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) for ejecting and threading the spokes (2).

2. The method according to claim 1 is characterized in that the multi-joint system (14) is also controlled to clamp an empty hub (3) and bring the empty hub between the ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12), and remove the hub when the hub (3) is full of spokes.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, before said ejection of said spoke, it comprises a step of analyzing the exact position of said holes on said two flanges.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following consecutive steps: a. rotating the hub (3) about its axis (5) to render the holes empty, or removing the hub (3) if all the holes (8) have received spokes (2); b. after or during the rotation of the hub (3), displacing the hub (3) to position the inner surface or outer surface of the first flange (6) in front of a first ejection device and aligning the first ejection device with the hollow hole of the first flange (6), and actuating the first ejection device to pass the spoke (2) from the inner surface or the outer surface of the first flange (6) into the hollow hole; c. Then rotating the hub (3) about its axis (5) to present new empty holes, or then removing the hub (3) if all the holes (8) have received spokes (2); d. after or during said rotation of the hub (3), subsequently displacing the hub (3) to position the inner or outer surface of another flange (7) in front of another spoke ejection device and aligning said another spoke ejection device with the hole (8) of said another flange (7), and actuating another ejection device to pass the spoke (2) from said inner or outer surface of said another flange (7) into said hole; e. Repeat the method starting from step a.

5. A device (1) for threading spokes (2) into a hub (3) having two flanges (6, 7) of a wheel with spokes (2), wherein each of said flanges (6, 7) is provided with a ring with a hole (8) for receiving the spokes (2), said device (1) comprising two to four ejection devices (9, 10, 11, 12) for the spokes (2), each ejection device being intended to eject a spoke (2) successively into the hole (8) of the flanges (6, 7), said device (1) being characterized in that it comprises: - a multi-joint system (14) equipped with a clamping member (15) for clamping the hub (3), the clamping member (15) comprising a rotating member (16) for rotating the hub (3) around its axis (5); - a control unit programmed to control the displacement of the multi-joint system (14) and the rotating member (16) for rotating the hub (3) so as to successively position the holes (8) of the flanges (6, 7) in front of the corresponding ejection means (9, 10, 11, 12) so as to present the outer or inner surface of the flanges (6, 7) in front of the ejection means (9, 10, 11, 12).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the ejection means (9, 10, 11, 12) are positioned on a certain horizontal plane and on either side of the displacement space of the hub (3).

7. The device (1) according to claim 5 is characterized in that the clamping part (15) includes two pairs of parallel jaws (17), which are oriented in the same direction and spaced apart from each other to clamp the shaft (5) of the hub (3) through both ends of the jaws.

8. The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotating part (16) of the hub (3) includes a roller (22) which is driven in rotation by a motor (20) and is positioned in contact with the edge of one of the flanges (6, 7) so as to drive the hub (3) in rotation.

9. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that it comprises verification means for verifying the position of the holes (8) intended to receive the spokes (2).

10. Device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the verification means comprise an encoder for measuring the angular position of one of the flanges (6, 7).

11. The device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the encoder is an optical encoder.

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